Aliza, future mommy....

Aliza is at such a fun age and always has us laughing. My sister, Melissa, took this picture of her when she was watching the kids. Melissa sent me this picture of Aliza and included this in the email: Yesterday I was doing dishes and Aliza really wanted to help. She scrubbed while I rinsed. It was so cute. While we were doing dishes Aliza said, "When I a mommy one day I going to have 2 babies...I am going to name the first one Kate and the second one Sparkles. I don't want a daddy though.". When I asked her why she didn't want a daddy she said because then I will
have to kiss him. Too FUNNY!

Ashley, our cupcake maker

JUNE 4, 2009

Ashley loves to bake & has mastered the art of cooking cakes and cupcakes. One of the things she'd like to be when she's older is a chef.

Abbey, our tree climber

MAY 30, 2009

Abbey loves to climb this tree in our front yard. She's always been a climber & a little monkey.

Blocked Tear Duct Surgery for Ava

MAY 28, 2009

Ever since Ava was born, she constantly had a blocked tear duct. Our pediatrician always told me at her checkups to massage the tear duct with my finger. I'd constantly do this, but it remained clogged. When she had a cold, her eyes were always goopy. At her 18-month check up he referred us to Dr. Hoffman, an opthamologist at Primary Children's Hospital. After seeing Dr. Hoffman, he definately recommended the blocked tear duct surgery. So on May 28, 2009, Ava had this procedure done at Primary Children's Hospital. I was a little nervous since it was the first time any of our children had been put under or had surgery. After the surgery, Dr. Hoffman told me her eyes were definately blocked and he even had to use a balloon procedure to open the ducts up more.

When the anethesiologist slowly woke her up, she was fighting & screaming for me. I still nursed her at the time, so it was good to be able to comfort her with the "na-na's" as she calls them! So grateful everything went smoothly!

Ava right before her surgery (not quite sure what she was in for!)

Lagoon Field Trip with Ashley

MAY 22, 2009

(Hallie, Camri, Ashley, Jessica & Hannah-pictured left to right)

I went with Ashley on her field trip to Lagoon. We explored around pioneer village and searched the various houses and stores to find certain things. We had a great time. Probably one of the better field trips I've been on.

Clock shop at Pioneer Village, (Hannah, Jessica, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Brynna & Summer, pictured left to right)

Jessica, Ashley & Hannah at one of the pioneer homes

Hannah, Jessica & Ashley in the pioneer jail

Camri, Hannah, Jessica, Ashley & Hallie riding the Rattlesnake Rapids

Ashley's friend, Jessica's dad works at Lagoon and he let them ride the rattlesnake rapids. They were so excited.

Ashley's Utah History 4th Grade Program

MAY 21, 2009


All of the 4th grade classes at Ashley's elementary school performed a program about Utah's history. Ashley dressed as a native american, played an instrument and had a speaking part. She's in the picture above sitting on the floor in a yellow shirt.

A day full of poop!

First of all, this isn't a picture of Ava, but pretty much what she looked like at 2 am this morning. Jason just left to go elk hunting with his brother, Steve. Ava and Aliza were having a hard time going to bed and so hyper, so I laid them done with me and put on a Dora movie. I fell asleep at 12:30. I wake up to Ava saying, Look, Mom. Look! She took off her diaper full of poop and wiped it all over herself, our sheets and bedspread. Oh the joys of being a mom!

Early that same day I spotted a neighbor kid in our backyard. I watched him for a few minutes and then saw him put his hands in his pants and then wipe it on our patio furniture. It took me off guard and then realized it was POOP he just wiped on our table! He was so surprised to see me open the door and nicely tell him he should go home and have his mom clean him up. It's one thing to clean up your own child's poop but another kid's makes me want to dry heave!

On a better note, I'm planning on blogging more frequently. I've got some serious catch up to do!

Our niece, Emily, is here! (Born 9/12/09)

When my brother, Joe, called on Saturday night to tell me his daughter, Emily, was born at their house, I really thought he was joking. What a crazy way to be born into this world! Michelle's due date was September 27th. She went to lunch with her mom & sisters and wasn't feeling too great. They told her it was Braxton Hicks. Then she drove home to Tooele and went to a Scentsy candle party still not feeling too great with lots of back pain. When she came home at 7:00 pm, she told Joe she was in a lot of pain. They timed the contractions and they were only 2-5 minutes apart. They called LDS Hospital who told them to come in. Poor Michelle was in so much pain that she begged Joe for a blessing. Joe blessed her that her pain would be alleviated and as soon as the blessing was over, her water broke and the baby was crowning. Joe called 911 and was instructed on how to deliver the baby. Before the ambulance came, Emily literally fell onto the bathroom floor and wasn't breathing. The 911 dispatcher instructed Joe on how to clear the liquids and help her take her first breaths. Luckily, a police man showed up and Joe was covered in blood. They had several neighbors walk to their house wondering what had happened. Joe said, "I'm covered in blood because my wife just had her baby. I promise I didn't murder her!" I'm sure it was quite a sight. Then the ambulance took Michelle & baby to the nearest hospital (in Tooele).

Emily was transported to Primary Children's hospital because she was having difficulty breathing at about 4:00 am on Sunday, 9/13/09. They still have to confirm it by blood tests but she most likely has Down's Syndrome. Joe & Michelle just found out that her heart valves aren't connected so she'll also need heart surgery when she's about 6 months old.

The sweetest thing is hearing about Aaron, their 3 yr old son, talk about his sister. He's been telling them the past few months that when Emily is born he is going to protect her. I really feel he has known that Emily is a choice, special spirit. I am so grateful for the knowledge that we have that these special, choice spirits just needed to come to earth to receive a body. I'm sure our entire family will be blessed by knowing Emily.

Joe & Michelle have had an emotional rollercoaster this pregnancy. From the 1st ultrasound, they noticed some heart defects. They were sent to a heart specialist at Primary Children's. Ashley & Abbey prayed & prayed that Emily wouldn't die and her heart would be healed. It's truly amazing how many prayers were offered in Emily's behalf.

Me with my sweet niece, Emily

Me with my sweet niece, Emily

Brother, Joe, with his new baby daughter, Emily

Proud parents, Joe & Michelle with baby Emily

Emily under the heat lamp at the NICU at Primary Children's Hospital

Hogle Zoo Field Trip with Abbey

MAY 21, 2009

I went with Abbey's 2nd grade class on a field trip to Hogle Zoo. Each parent volunteer had a small group of five kids they were in charge of and we were free to roam and explore the zoo. We brought sack lunches that we ate there. Abbey's class made tie-dyed orange shirts, which they wore on this field trip. It helped keep track of them since we had a few little wanderers in our group.

Abbey with friend, McKinley. See if you can spot the tiger in the background.

The group I was in charge of..McKinley, Abbey, Kendall, Ben & Conner.

One of the classic Hogle Zoo photo shots...the kids in the egg at the playground.

Our group at the Asian Highlands. Personally, my favorite place at Hogle Zoo.

Abbey enjoyed taking pictures of the giraffe.

I miss you, Grandpa Max!

MAX JOHN ESCHLER
August 27, 1918 - June 5, 2009

It was one phone call that I didn't want to hear. One simple phone call can change our lives so much. A phone call telling me that Grandpa passed away Thursday night in his sleep. As I reflected on the life of my grandpa, there are so many things that I will miss. I was so grateful that I had spoken to him several times on the phone on his last week here on earth. Also, I was so grateful that the last words I spoke to him on Wednesday were, "I love you, Grandpa."

As I drove out to his house to see his body before the mortuary came, I teared up thinking of the reunion on the other side. To think of Grandpa reuniting with his sweet wife, my grandma, Katherine, brings me joy. They had such a sweet, tender relationship and truly were best friends. Oh how, he missed my grandma. I also thought of the reunion between Grandpa and my dad, Douglas J. Eschler, who passed away when I was 11 years old. My Grandma & Grandpa always told me, "There's no pain worse than burying your child. A parent never expects to outlive their own child." To think of this reunion brings me peace. I honestly am so grateful for the knowledge we have that we will see our loved ones again, that families are eternal and we will be together forever.

When I saw my Grandpa's body lying in his bed that he peacefully died in, it was so apparent to me that his spirit was not there. It was Grandpa's spirit that I knew and loved so much, which also helped me and testified to me that death is only a separation of his body and spirit. One of Grandpa's favorite books about death was a book he received by Missy's Dad, Spencer Kinnard, titled "The Gateway We Call Death," by Russell M. Nelson. One quote in the book has really helped me to this week, "Our ultimate and highest destiny is to return to our heavenly home. When that times comes, it can be as momentous as the time of birth. Birth is the gateway to mortal life; death is the gateway to immortality and eternal life."

Taken at Grandpa's 90th Birthday Party last August

Grandpa was so proud of his posterity. He often said he knew where every one of his posterity was on any given Sunday. To know that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were active in the Church brought him much joy. One of the greatest lessons he taught me was the importance of raising our children to love the Lord. He often said, "When you're my age, the only thing that matters is how your children turned out."

Grandpa was a great example of service & missionary work. He faithfully served three missions with Grandma. They were so proud of each of us when we went on missions.

Grandpa was a loyal, patriotic soldier who fought for the freedoms we all enjoy today. He was a tank commander in World War II and has been featured in the KUED, "World War II Stories" that they often air on TV. We loved to hear his war stories.

Grandpa was a father figure to me & all of my brothers & sisters. Since we lost my dad at such an early age, we moved in with my Grandpa & Grandma until my mom bought a house for us in Bountiful. He came to all of my "daddy-daughter" church parties and every other event we invited him too.

One of my favorite memories is when him & Grandma came to visit me at the Comfort Inn in Logan. They loved to stay there and I would bring over whoever I was dating at the time. It was a always a great test to see how they interacted with my grandparents.

Another favorite memory is when he was a witness to mine & Jason's temple marriage at the Salt Lake Temple. He whispered when he saw me, "You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen. Don't tell Grandma." I'm sure he told Melissa & Carrie this also on their wedding day. He was so proud of his grandchildren. I hope he knew how proud we were to have him in our lives. I truly feel blessed and the feel the love of the Lord that he sent Grandpa Max to us.

We love spending time with Grandpa Max. Michelle, Ava, Aliza, Grandpa, Melissa & Kate

I love this picture of Grandpa waving as he's driving off in his LTD.

Until we meet again, Grandpa! God be with you til we meet again.

Love, "Sophie Coolbear" (Grandpa's nickname for me).

Ava, makeup artist in training

Don't ask me where Ava found this purple lipstick (it's not in my stash of makeup), but she managed to get this lipstick everyone on her face, except her lips!

This really isn't a picture of my kids, but I had to laugh at this picture I just received in an email. I use black sharpies all the time and we've had a few of these incidents with drawing on their bodies, clothing and walls.

Aliza's Preschool Graduation

MAY 19, 2009

We enjoyed watching Aliza's preschool graduation. Her teachers put together a scrapbook for each child. It's been so interesting to see what they've learned & how they grew this past year. Her two teachers, Miss Chris and Miss Ann, have been incredible and we are so grateful that she'll be going there again next year. Ethan & Emma (also pictured above) live in our neighborhood and we've carpooled with them this year.

Aliza & her preschool class

National Dance Competition

Saturday, May 16, we spent all day at Skyline High School for Ashley & Abbey's dance competition. Both of their teams did extremely well. Abbey's group placed 1st in their category and then also received this high point trophy for receiving the highest # of points in their age category (out of approximately 50 teams).

Abbey with her dance group.

Ashley's dance team took 3rd place for their novelty dance & 3rd place for their jazz dance. By the end of the day we were all worn out (we had to be there at 9:00 am and it didn't end until after 9:00 pm).

Jason completes Wood Badge Scout Training

MAY 7-9, 14-16, 2009

I'll ask Jason to write about his wood badge training.....To be continued

Ranch Chicken by Ashley

For activity days, Ashley learned two new recipes which she made for our family. This one is Ranch Chicken, which was delicious. Thanks, Ashley, we loved it! Feel free to cook for us anytime!

3/4 cup crushed cornflakes or ritz crackers
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 package ranch salad dressing mix
8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 eggs beaten

Combine cornflakes or crackers, parmesan cheese and ranch dressing. Dip chicken breasts in eggs then roll into mixture to coat. Place chicken breasts in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. Makes 8 servings.

Green Lemon Roasted Potatoes by Ashley

For activity days, Ashley learned two new recipes which she made for our family. This one is Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes, which was delicious. Thanks, Ashley, we loved it! Feel free to cook for us anytime!

4 medium baking potatoes, peeled & quartered
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
1/2 Tbsp salt
1/8 tsp ground pepper
1/2 cup water.

Heat oven to 500 degrees. Place potatoes in dish. Add all above ingredients. Toss potatoes. Bake 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. We doubled the recipe and cook for 1 hour.

Chicken Puffs

2 Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, shredded & cut in small pieces or 2 cans chicken
3 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup milk
Butter

Cook chicken & shred & cut into small pieces (or lately I've been using canned chicken and it still turns out great.) Stir in milk and cream cheese and mix until mixture is smooth. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Unroll croissants and divide into half to make 12 rectangles. Put one tbsp chicken mixture on each rectangle and fold into balls.

Place the balls on a large baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes till golden brown. One of the kid's favorites.

Ashley & Abbey with side swept bangs

MAY 9, 2009

Ashley & Abbey have wanted bangs for a LONG time, but I'll admit I've been putting it off, because I know bangs require more work and I'm into low maintenance hair. I finally caved in and took them for haircuts, which I ended up being really happy with how they turned out. Here's just a few pictures I took in our backyard.

New record...4 teeth in one day from Alex's mouth

MAY 3, 2009

I talked Alex into letting me pull some of his teeth that really needed to come out. He already had braces in 4th grade (phase I) to straighten his upper & lower 4 teeth. The orthodontist told us he'll probably be ready for a second round of braces this summer, but said before he can we need to get some of the baby teeth out. I've been continually reminding Alex to wiggle his teeth and finally decided to take matters in my own hand. As you may recall from previous posts, I really do love to pull my kid's teeth out. It's the same satisfaction I get with picking scabs & popping zits. Gross, I know, but quite satisfying.

So it was a day of great success. I pulled out 4 teeth, my new personal record. Have any kid's with teeth that need to be pulled? Bring them on over! Jake & Josh, you're next. Aunt Michelle is ready for you!

Relaxing Trip to St. George

APRIL 19-22, 2009

After finishing the tax season, Jason & I decided to take the kids out of school and enjoy a quick trip to St. George for a few days to relax. We stayed at the WorldMark timeshare and really had a great time. We swam every day at the swimming pools and ate at our favorite St. George restaurants (The Pizza Factory, Pancho & Lefty's and Inn-N-Out Burgers) and watched movies.

One of talks that really stood out to me from General Conference was "Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples" by Gary E. Stevenson of the Seventy. Click here to read talk. Our stake has also challenged the youth to visit the temple 9 times in 2009. With all of this in my mind, I thought I need to make more of an effort to visit various temple grounds. So on this trip, we stopped at the St. George temple and visited the visitor's center.

I had the kids walk up the stairs of the temple and touch the temple doors. In the talk by Elder Stevenson he said, "Even our young children have been encouraged to visit the temple grounds and touch the temple." President Thomas S. Monson once counseled, “As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us.”

That same day, we also decided to visit and take a tour of Brigham Young's Winter Home, which was interesting. Here's a picture the senior missionary that gave us the tour took of our family on the front porch.

Ashley, first to ride Jumping Dragon at Lagoon

APRIL 29, 2009

One of Ashley's friends, Jessica, invited Ashley to be one of the first kids to ride the Jumping Dragon Ride at Lagoon. Since Jessica's dad is in management at Lagoon, he and a few other key employees were able to invite their children and a few friends to ride the new ride. The Jumping Dragon is the newest ride at Lagoon in Farmington. Each time Lagoon buys a new ride for the amusement park, they hold a media day and invite all of the local news stations and newspapers to take pictures and feature the ride on the local news. Ashley & Jessica were interviewed by local news reporters and Lagoon gave each one of the kids a free lunch. Ashley was thrilled to miss a few hours of school and had a blast. (Photo published in Deseret News)

The $2.3 million ride features a 40-foot Chinese pagoda and can carry 36 riders at a time. Ashley & Jessica are on the second row in this picture. (Photo was published in Deseret News)

Ashley's friend birthday party

APRIL 18, 2009

To celebrate Ashley's 10th birthday, we invited her closest friends over for a party. The invitations read:

"It's time to get spoiled and pampered away.....

With manicures and hair up-do's to celebrate Ashley's birthday!"

We met at our house to open presents & have cupcakes and then drove the girl's to a hair school to have their hair, makeup & nails done. I called around and found Sherman-Kendall's Academy in Salt Lake, which did hair parties for only $7.50 per girl. I was thrilled for this price because the other hair schools wanted either $12 or $18 and could only accommodate 10 girls maximum. Sherman Kendall's had a maximum of 15 girls, which Ashley had a hard time narrowing her list down to. Ashley has been so lucky to live in a neighborhood that has so many girls her age. While the kid's were pampered with their hair up-do's, makeup & nails, I treated myself to an eyebrow wax for a mere $4.50. I'm liking the price of the hair schools. I'll take it!

The hair students at Sherman Kendall's did a great job with each girl. Here's their "after" shot.

I LOVED how Ashley's hair turned out. Ashley has very thick, naturally curly hair and the girl straightened and then did large curls which she pinned several of them up.

Here's a back shot of Ashley's hair.

And a side view shot of Ashley's hair

And then I took an individual picture of each girl. Yes, I took many pictures!

Sierra

Kalyssa

Hallie

Katelyn

Lexi

Brynna

Aliza

Hannah

Sarah

Summer

Jessica

Abbey

All in all, it was a great birthday party. I think it's one we'll definitely do for Abbey, Aliza and Ava.