We just love our Sweet Angel....

Matt and I just feel so blessed to have such a wonderful sweet daughter... She is something special... She has such a sweet spirit about her and has very sensitive feelings (wonder where she got that from...). She does have a mischievous side to her, for example the other morning I had already left for work and Matt was still trying to get last minutes sleep in before starting the day. Brooklyn was already up and she managed to get into Matt's nightstand drawer and grab the KY Jelly. She went into the bathroom and shut the door without Matt knowing. Next thing you know she is crying and yelling Daddy! I am stuck! Matt got out of bed and opened the bathroom door and noticed she had KY jelly all over her hands and couldn't turn the knob because her hands were too slippery. Matt couldn't stop laughing and just thought it was the funniest thing. We sure love her stinkin guts that I just had to post some pictures of her we have taken lately.

She looks like she is posing for Vogue or something!

Sweet and innocent smile....

The other day Brooklyn was playing with my small picture kaleidoscope thing I got when I was about 7 or 8. It has a small picture in it of me with my deaf friends at Raging Waters. You have to look through one end to see the picture. Anyways years ago, our family dog chewed on the opposite end of where the picture was and I have just kept it since I could see the picture if I use a microscope! (hahahaha). Well Brooklyn lately has been telling me we need to fix things and that we can fix all things with a battery. She said we needed to fix my picture and put a battery in it... Lo and behold (look below) this is how it was to be fixed! Wouldn't life be grand if all things could be fixed with a simple battery?

She also said we could fix a blue crayon she broke by putting a blue battery in it... bless her heart...

Brooklyn loves loves loves to read books... She has to sleep with at least one in her bed... the other night I had just stacked all her books back on the shelf after a tornado blew right through it and put her to bed. Next thing I know, I go check on her around 12:30 am to see if she is breathing and still there (something I am paranoid about). Oh she was there and the tornado came back and blew all the books all over her bed! (darn it I didn't take a picture cause I just wasn't thinking). But she looked so cute! The book in the picture is one of her two favorite books, The World's Greatest Mom (me of course!) We always sit in our big family chair and read that or Five Little Monkeys before she goes to bed. Its been a fun routine for us.  

Just a cute picture of Brooklyn right after a quick bath. I wrapped a towel around her head and twisted it like some people in Africa do and her head just fell back since it was so heavy! I just laughed so hard and helped her get to her room to stand in front of the door and lay her head against it to take a picture. 

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Our life has been everything but relaxing... We have been so busy busy busy! It all started when I went to Seattle to play basketball in a tournament at the beginning of the month (which we won! whoo whoo!). I was gone from Thursday night until Sunday. Then that Wednesday morning, Matt flew to Seattle for a swim meet. He did well and had a personal best in the 50 free! He was gone until Monday morning. THEN that Wednesday morning, I flew out on a business trip to Chicago, Denver, and Kansas City, MO. I came home yesterday morning. That's not all, I am off to McAllen and Dallas, TX again this Wednesday to Friday (for work). The week after, I may be going to AZ (again for work) then two weeks later off to Anaheim, CA for another basketball tournament.... Our lives just get busier and busier and Matt and I never see each other! So in all of the busyness, Brooklyn had fun being with her cousins who were in town from St. George all week last week. She also got to go fishing with her friend Hailey (isn't daddy so sweet).  They didn't catch fish but sure caught some crabs and sent them back in the water. Matt and Brooklyn went to our friend, Brent's, birthday party and played some pool! Brooklyn was quite the player! 

In all of the commotion and fun the last few weeks, we celebrated Matt's birthday (his gift was the trip to Seattle). We invited my parents and brother Adam over for swiss chicken and rice along with strawberry shortcake. Matt was actually in Seattle on the day of his birthday and his wonderful Aunt and Uncle celebrated a nice birthday for him and Matt Aprecio, Matt's cousin Holly, her husband (named Matt...so many Matts!) Below are pictures of the last few weeks!

The crab Matt caught! He said it was actually holding onto the food that was on the hook and hadn't even bit into the hook... I am sure its mouth wouldn't fit over the hook but it must have been cute that it was just holding on!

Brooklyn and Hailey fishing! Relaxing and waiting for a tug!

Matt was soooo excited about his new body suit for his swim meet in Seattle.  Doesn't he look HOT! These suits are what the swimmers in the olympics wore... I won't say how much these suits cost... Your jaw will drop to the floor... Close your mouth Michael. We are not cod fish!

Matt's cake... no frosting cause it was for strawberry shortcake... Can ya tell I love ya Matt? The candles were melting like crazy....

My sweetheart... 

Wanna play pool?

Brent, Brooklyn and Matt at Brent's birthday party. 2 men and a little lady!

Matt taught Brooklyn how to fly a kite in our backyard. She has her favorite lady bug rain boots on!

Matt and Matt celebrating their birthday. They are impersonating their action figures that were on their Power Rangers cake. 

Matt's uncle Arney (far left) plays in a band and he had him up on stage with to play the tambourine during "Its Your Birthday" by the Beatles. Uncle Arney plays great music and it was a blast for Matt to be there. Thanks Bailey and Aprecios for all the fun Matt had!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

In my family we have a special birthday song that has been in the family for years. I love how it makes the person feel special... Matt's birthday is today, March 12th! This ones for you sweetheart! Happy Big 28!

"As years go by they seem to do the nicest things for you and every time you have one more you're 12 months dearer than before! A very Happy Birthday, a very Happy Birthday, a very Happy Birthday especially for you! Somebody has a birthday, its dear Matt here. Our Father in Heaven bless him throughout the coming years. Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Matt! Happy Birthday to you!"

Happy Birthday Matt! I wanted to share with you all something that I love about Matt. Now there isn't just one thing but many things but I am going to focus on this picture above and the story behind it. 

I love the goofy look of Matt in this picture.... His eye brows turned up makes me melt... so cute! I remember this day, Matt decided he had too many shirts in his drawer and we were doing some late spring cleaning and while I was cleaning and he was TRYING to clean he said, "I have a confession to make and  I've realized that there is something that you are way better than me at. And I hate to admit it but there is nothing I can do about it." I said, "What is it?" He said, "Now there are a lot of things that I am ultimately better than you at like rummikub (yeah right), no matter how hard you try you'll never be better than me. But I have to admit, that I can never keep up with you when we're cleaning. I've tried, but when you go on your cleaning rampage, I get left in the dust! You can clean like 7 rooms before I can clean one. Its because I get distracted by other things like cleaning out my drawers or whatever." I laughed knowing full well that was true (excluding the part where he says he is better than me in rummikub... I beg to differ and say we both have won our fair share of games).  While Matt was attempting to work he did get distracted and started cleaning his drawers out. He was having a hard time getting rid of shirts. I told him if you haven't worn it for weeks then chuck it. I was giving him reasons why he didn't need some things. There were some shirts he just could not quite depart with and was still emotionally attached. When he wanted to keep a shirt he said, "I'm keepin this one, not you or nobody else is telling me otherwise." Hahaha LOL! He told me how each shirt has a story to it and he has memories attached to it and getting rid of a shirt is like getting rid of a part of yourself even if you don't wear it anymore! We made it through and we were able to get some a few bags of clothes to send to the DI. 

The point of this story is... Matt has such a funny sense of humor and knows how to make me laugh! I love spending time like this and although cleaning is not his best trait, he still helps me no matter what! I love you Matt and I hope you have such a wonderful time in Seattle! For those who don't know, Matt is competing at sectionals right now hoping to get a qualifying time for Nationals. He loves to swim and tries to see how far he can go! He looks so hot in in full body black swim suit! Good Luck Babe! 

St. George and other tid bits

Matt, Brooklyn and I were able to take a quick weekend trip to St. George for a swim meet Matt was in last week. We stayed with my sister, Amie and her family, and had a great time! I guess you  could say we needed a vacation from vacation, earlier in the week we had just gotten back from San Francisco and felt like we needed more vacations! More vacations I say!  

The fun bunch! Eric was home watching Natalie (who was sick, poor thing and baby Olivia) so Amie brought Spencer (in her lap) and Jake. Thanks for letting us crash at your place Sis! Brooklyn is off in her own la la la land making some funny faces.  (bad picture I know.... its the darn camera...). Anyway, Matt has been swimming to qualify for sectionals in Seattle in March. He just loves to swim and wants to improve on his time. At sectionals (which is a championship meet for the northwest part of the country) he will swim the 50 and 100 free as well as some relays. He hopes to get a qualifying time for Nationals! He is part of a club team that competes locally and nationwide. He has a love for swimming and even teaching it that even though he is done with college he still likes to compete. Way to go Matt!

Spencer and Brooklyn enjoying the nice weather in Snow Canyon. Its such a beautiful place and Matt would love to move down here... I on the other hand say I would love to move there but then other times I love Salt Lake... So we will have to see...

Brooklyn and Jaxson goofing around.

They had a great time playing together and mimicking each other! (This is in San Francisco while visiting Loni and Danny).

The other day it had been a long day and I picked Brooklyn up from my neighbor who had been watching her. She fell asleep on the short ride home and I brought her into the house and she woke up. But when I sat her down to make some dinner for her she fell right back to sleep in this position.... it was sooo cute.... She must have had a fun day at my friend's home, she has 3 boys... yeah go figure thats why she was so tired! :)

Matt and Brooklyn just playing on the floor in the living room.... I just had to post these pictures... I love them both so much!

I love how they are both holding each other's face with their hands.... so precious....

I was cleaning the bathrooms one day and Brooklyn happened to have her princess dress on and wanted to help wash the toilet... She looks like Cinderella! We had so much fun cleaning the rest of the house together. I feel it's so important for her to learn and start young to keep a house clean. She does well with helping me put her toys away, keeping her room clean and often times washes down the cabinets, chairs and floors. My parents always had a chore chart and we were always expected to do our part. It was one of the best things my parents taught me because it taught me about the value of work and responsibility.  I want to pass this on to my children so they can learn respect, service and all the things that come with it. Kids can never be too young to start learning!

This is such a sweet view I often get each morning before I go to work.... If you can't tell, Brooklyn is signing I love you... I love my sweet angel...

Isn't this just beautiful.... So awe-inspiring.....

Random acts of fun!

Hey there!  I have gone out of the blogging world and trying to get back in but I keep getting sucked out by other things but alas I found some time to blog!  I have a lot to catch up on and well.... be prepared for lots of pictures.

These pictures date back to Dec. 2008 so they are in no particular order... Enjoy! 

The Gang at mom and dad's house for Christmas Eve... Yummy food, full tummies, presents and fun! What more can we ask for then to be with family!

Grandma and Grandpa Groen came and ate Christmas Eve dinner with us. Its always a pleasure to have them with us. We sure love them!

Christmas Eve at my parents home was lots of fun! Some (but not all, we have several missing!) of the nieces and nephews are showing off their new pajamas! We missed having both Kelsch's and the Jackson's there.

Santa decided Brooklyn was a very good girl! She loves her card table and her grocery cart she received from her good friend Hailey! 

Brooklyn loves this trampoline Santa brought her for Christmas. She jumps whenever she can! What a lucky girl!

Brooklyn loves puzzles!

Brooklyn received a huge jewelry box that came with 3 princess dresses, wands, tiaras, slippers, necklaces, rings, earrings, you name it and she fell in love with it as you can see..... What a sweet angel and princess she is....

Daddy and Brooklyn being pulled on a sled by Uncle Cameron in his truck! We sure had a blast on Christmas day! I was sitting in the back of the truck and Matt was trying to grab snow and throw snowballs at me and Brooklyn just freaked out crying, Daddy! Don't throw snowballs! She has a really sensitive spirit and we have to always becareful in what we say and how we do things... It can be as simple as asking Brooklyn not to raise her voice or to not do something and she will look so hurt and offended.... i'ts pretty funny sometimes. She does have a sweet spirit.

Cousin Trey and Brooklyn having the ride of their lives!

Adam dressed in one of many crazy outfits! What an outfit for Christmas morning! 

Enjoying outdoors on Christmas Day! Thanks Cam for pulling us behind your truck!

Christmas night we hung out at Matt's parents home and played some guitar and drums! Check out the new band, The Theurer's! Check out Danny's tongue!

Danny and Loni had Matt and I and we had them (for Christmas) so we decided to go out to Cheesecake factory for our gifts to each other. The kids had a grand time playing Little Red Riding Hood. 

Cute lips Brooklyn!

My mom watches Brooklyn on Tuesdays and often times Brooklyn loves to get out her wash clothes and line them all along the floor with her tiny little rabbit being wrapped in the clothes.

Matt and I enjoyed a fun time watching the UTAH bowl game. It was so funny to watch Matt and Danny get all riled up and jump up and down like kids! They sure are a funny bunch when they are together!

Matt and Brooklyn working on the truck... its finally fixed and we can drive it now! Thanks everyone for all of your help with letting us borrow your cars for work and all! It was such a blessing and we are thankful to Heavenly Father we have the 2nd car fixed so Matt and I can get to work! Brooklyn was a big help! She loves to be with and help Daddy!

Matt and I got to take Brooklyn up in the sky! Our friend Drew took us across the valley and even got so low that we were racing some snowmobilers out near Strawberry Reservoir.  Matt was able to fly alot of the time, he would love to get his pilot license someday.

Brooklyn looking down at the valley from way up high!

We had some friends stay at our home for a few days from Montana. Their cute boys, Jake and Sam were having a tea party with Brooklyn. They had fun running all around and making noises! We took the kids to a place called "Jump On It" in PG and it was a blast. Its basically a big warehouse full of trampolines all together and you can jump all over the place. They even have the tramps set diagonally on the wall so you jump off the wall. It was so much fun and we are excited to go back again soon! For more jump on it pics click here.

(Make sure you scroll down a little ways to see more pictures on the site)

Amie jumping over me! We had so much fun doing this!

Matt and Matt bouncing off everywhere! See the tramps on the sides! Way fun!

Hello from San Francisco!

We are out in San Francisco for the holiday weekend and it has been a blast! We are here visiting Loni and Danny and just hanging out. One of the highlights of the trip so far was seeing Lance Armstrong in the tour of California. He went right past where we are staying but it was hard to pick out anyone in particular since they were going so fast. It has been raining pretty much the whole time we are here but we are making the most of it. It's always nice to get away!