Krey Krew

Park City

2012-02-06T14:31:00.001-08:00

During our trip to Utah, we spent a day at Park City. Park City is such a beautiful place - we fell in love! We rode the Alpine Slide - I had always heard of this, but had never been nor tried. It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day - perfect for being outside. The fall colors were just beginning to turn the leaves of the trees!

Getting directions from the lift operator.

Mason and Zach on the lift.

These are the carts that we ride down the track. You control how fast or slow the carts go. Aaron and Zach, of course, tried to get "air" on the way down. Mason and Arie and I were more content to take our time and take in the scenery.

Arie and mom at the end of the ride.

Mason coming down.

Zach trying hard to stop in time - he really likes to push the limit :)

Aaron finishing up his ride.

Next we visited the Olympic Park where they held the ski jump and downhill. We were lucky to watch some Olympians in training as they did their ariel jumps into a huge pool!

Team Krey - bobsled for the USA!

Later we ventured downtown and walked the streets until we found this amazing restaurant - Red Rocks Pub & Brewery. Some of the yummiest food we've had!

Park City was so much fun! When I lived in Utah, I never really ventured to Park City. Now that we've been, we look forward to going back!

BYU FAN-ATICS

2012-01-31T16:20:00.001-08:00

I am an BYU alumn and Aaron is an Aggie (USU) alumn. So, last year, when the two teams met in Provo, we decided to take the kids to the game. Along for the ride were good friends the Johnson and Gonzalez families. We had to stop at the famed salt flats for a photo op! Not to mention our family has a tradition of carving our names in the salt! Here's the whole kidd-o gang:

Brooke Johnson & Mason

And then, onto the game!! Oh how I love a good BYU football game! Anyone who knows me, knows that not only do I LOVE football, but pair that with BYU and I'm in heaven! I have successfully won my children over, who also cheered for the Cougs. Poor Aaron was the lone Aggie fan. And - so sorry Aaron - the COUGS WON! :)

Two of my bestest friends: Cindy Johnson & Paula Gonzalez

Celia Gonzalez and Madi & Kylie Johnson

Olivia and Arie
We went to visit my nephew, Paul Krey, who is a freshman at BYU - yep! He is a super smart dude!

BYU WINS! Aaron was not super happy (and clearly neither was Arie) but the rest of us were all smiles! GO COUGS!

My Legacy

2012-01-16T14:14:00.001-08:00

Every once in a while, probably far less than I should, I sit back and look around and marvel at how blessed I am. Yesterday I was doing this while looking at my three, beautiful children. When Aaron and I began on this journey to parenthood, we had a rocky go at the beginning. After almost three long years, when we found out we were pregnant with Mason we were thrilled. On that day, I remember kneeling down to thank my Father in Heaven for blessing us, and promised that I would thank Him everyday for the opportunity to be a mom. I have never broken that promise! All of my children are so unique and different, and each bring such a fullness of joy into my life! I really cannot imagine my life with them not in it. I can't truthfully say that I've loved being a mom everyday. But I can say that when I take stock of my life, all of my blessings and gratitude boil down to one essential element - family! My children will be the biggest and hopefully best job I do in this life. They quite literally define who I am and my journey in this life. And I am grateful, profoundly, to be their mom!

Soccer!

2012-01-16T14:03:00.001-08:00

For those of you who may not know - Zach is our sports buff! He loves playing all things sport! He currently plays baseball, but we've never really signed him up for any other sport. He's been begging to play soccer for quite sometime. He's also been begging to play football. Most people who know me know that I LIVE for football - but there is something about having to sit back and watch your son play that makes me a bit hesitant. As for soccer - I'm NOT European, and the sport truly bores me. However, Zach has been working super hard in school, so I've relented and he's now playing indoor soccer for the Killer Bees! He had his first game on Saturday night. Here he is in his uniform.

And that little yellow speck? Yep - that's Zach playing goalie. He was stoked because that's the position he says he's best at. He played the first quarter as goalie. He stopped 5 attempts, but let 2 past. Not too bad for his first game! He was quite pooped at the end, but smiling and happy. And what was the first question out of his mouth on the ride home? Can I sign up for football too? Ahhh, no rest for the weary!

GO BEES!

Ice Skating

2012-01-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

Last week our Young Men & Young Women from our church took a trip to Brentwood to do some ice skating. Most of the time the girls and boys do separate activities, but on occasion, they combine for activities. This was one such occasion. So, I got to spend the evening with Mason. How grateful I am that he has yet to be embarrassed to be seen with his Mom! We had so much fun together! I do love this boy!

Mason invited his best buddy, Evan to skate with us. Evan doesn't belong to our faith, but he sure had fun zooming around the rink with Mason and some of Mason's friends. Evan is a good kid, and as a mom, I am grateful for good friends who come from good families with values similar to ours.

Mason was nervous about ice skating. As a family, we went ice skating in Tahoe during the Thanksgiving break. Needless to say, he didn't have much fun. However, because his buddy came, he put on a brave face. He mostly clung to the wall the first few times around, but by evenings end, he was skating free of the wall, and playing with all the boys! It was such a great night!

A sweet ride

2012-01-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

I knew at some point in life, I would lose my status in my husbands eyes - I always thought it would be a daughter who would trump me. And while it's true that Arie has turned Aaron's world upside down, SHE was not the reason I have lost my "Queen" status. It's all because of Bonne....

For the last few years, Aaron's had his eye on getting a Bonneville (Bonne) Triumph. So, for Christmas, he found one! We traveled down to Pacifica on New Years Eve where he purchased the love of his life...a new bike which he lovingly named "Selene" - yep, I've been trumped! In fact, that's where he is right now - out riding his beloved bike! I like to give him a hard time, but it really is a pretty sweet ride! Plus, if I do say so myself, he looks pretty hot riding around :)

Sunny California

2012-01-07T13:31:00.001-08:00

I love California! Today was about 72 - not a bad number for January! Of course, we need the rain and some snow in the mountains would be nice so we could do some snowboarding - but since that's not happening, we'll take the warm weather. With the boys back in school, we took advantage of the day by taking Arie to the park.

Aaron introduced her to the rock wall - and once she started she didn't want to stop! Even in her "pretty shoes" and a skirt! She scaled the wall at least four times!

What a fun day! I don't get to do the park very often, so it was fun to take a day and just relax and enjoy with two of my favorite people!

Drive-in

2011-05-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

Arie with her cousins: Olivia, Jacob and Celia

Celia and Arie enjoy a yummy snack in the back of the truck before the movie begins.

Olivia and Celia having fun - peace out man!

Chillin in the back of the van! Mason and Zach made sure that they had their goodies evenly placed between pillows and sleeping bags - priorities!

Do you remember going to the drive-in? I have some great memories of going to the drive-in with both my parents and my friends! A local drive-in was recently renovated, and it is so much cheaper to do a drive-in that the regular theater. It was a warm night and we decided to go with our cousins to the drive-in! We loaded the car up with sleeping bags and pillows and blankets and, of course, lots of JUNK FOOD! Hey - what's a movie without loads of junk? We had a fun night! We are now looking forward to the summer when we can go to the drive-in again!

LIttle Mama

2011-01-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

This week Arie got a new cast - her arm is healing well - it's actually miraculous to watch those bones grow back, and in the correct "straight" place! But, the original cast was a little too large - in fact they didn't even need to cut it off. Instead, the tech just pulled it right off her little arm! They put a new cast on until February 3rd, and then I think she will be done with the cast. We had to do a different color, so this time we went with purple! This week she also got the last of her Christmas presents: a Hello Kitty purse with some necklaces from her cousin (who's engaged to be married!!) Kaite. Oh how she loves that purse! When we are leaving to go anywhere, she runs to find her purse before jumping in the car. Last night, as I was making dinner, she walks into the kitchen and she has on her hat and purse (we are all about the accessories over here), her stroller and baby doll. She's walking around and singing to her doll. It put a big smile on my face (which is extremely hard for me to do while I'm cooking), so I thought I'd share it! Hopefully it'll put a smile on your face too!

New Years Day

2011-01-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

So what do you do on New Year's Day? Most people who know me, know that you can find me camped out on my sofa, watching as many hours as I possibly can of college football! I live for college football, and be-moan January since the impending end to the season is fast approaching. I try and soak as much in as I possibly can. My children, however, don't enjoy football quite as much as me - so while I mindlessly watch hours upon hours of football, they have to find other ways with which to occupy their time. This is how my children spent their New Year's Day!

My little reader girl! I have a comfy chair in the corner with a lamp - my child opts for a laundry basket that is just the right size. She piles tons of books in the basket with her and she is good for quite a while!

Believe it or not, this is her "pretty" face! May look more scary than pretty, but you gotta admit - she is dang cute!
Mason's favorite place almost any time is in front of the games! This year, he invited his friend, Evan to celebrate with us! These two boys are peas-in-a-pod: they both speak a special Star Wars language that only they seem to understand! Evan is a great kid, and we love having him hang with us!

Zach - well, he was on a mission. He got some pretty heavy-duty Legos for Christmas, and he wanted nothing better than several hours to just build, build, build. And so he did . . .

And here is the finished product! Quite possibly, he was the only Krey who actually accomplished something! In my defense, however, my New Year's resolution was to watch as much football as I possibly could this year! And I am proud to say that I am doing very well with that resolution! Happy New Year!

OUCHIE!

2010-12-28T23:05:00.001-08:00

Sorry about the nudey shot - the only pic we have of the splinted cast

A "blinging" kind of surgery

This would be her "pretty" pose - you could tell, right?

Riding her new quad (from Grama Krey) with cousin, Celia

I'm pretty sure I get the mother-of-the-year award for this one! Here goes... Last Saturday night I got Arie up from her nap and changed her diaper on the changing table. In the 2 seconds it took me to throw the diaper away, she had somehow fallen off the table. I picked her up and rocked her and gave her loves, but she just didn't seem quite right to me. Luckily, Aaron was working in the ER that night, so I decided to take her in. All of Aaron's nurse and doc friends assured me that she had just popped her elbow out and once they "popped" it back in, she'd be just fine. However, as Aaron exited the x-ray with Arie he looked at me and said, "Don't be mad but...she broke her arm." I thought I was going to be sick. Sure enough, x-ray's don't lie! On her left hand, the outer bone just above the wrist, it was completely broken. Doctors were talking about overnight stays and surgery. Luckily, the peds specialist on duty that night said that casting it would be just fine. The doc who came in to splint-cast the arm says to me, "WOW! You seem really calm. This must not be your first." to which I replied, "No. I have a 12 and 8 year old boys, which have never broken a bone. And yet, somehow, I manage to break my baby girl." Needless to say, he replied with a nervous giggle and then made a rather hasty exit! 3 days later we were back at the hospital for x-rays. The bone looked good, so they gave her a permanent cast - neon pink! However, signing names on casts is so passe - so we decided to bedazzle the cast! My sister-in-law, Paula, along with her girls came over today to help fancy up Arie's cast - it is, afterall, all about the bling! So, now she is all blinged out! She is moving her arm and using her fingers just fine. We go back in a couple of days for another x-ray, but I am pretty confident that all will be well. And in 6 weeks time, she will be back to as good as new!

PIGGIES!

2010-12-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

Arie's hair is growing at a maddening rate! I was sure that when we found out we were having a girl, that she would be blessed with Aaron's hair! Alas, she was born with mine. Poor girl! So far, she just has a girlie mullet - almost non-existent in the front and longer in the back. But thanks to my sister-in-law, I was encouraged to put the hair into piggies. I've been getting more and more brave - doing mini-messy buns, and lately, braids! She looks so cute and grown up in her little piggies and braids. I just had to chronicle it by taking pics. And now I am sharing them with you! Doing piggies and braids on a 16 month old is no small feat, mind you. Especially for someone who can't even braid her own hair! It takes awhile, and I have to give lots of distractions, but in the end, it's all worth it!

Temple Lights

2010-12-28T21:56:00.000-08:00

Again with the sideways shot - sorry!

Every year, we like to go as a family to see the lights at the temple. Last year, Arie was little and it was raining and cold, so we opted not to go. It just never felt like Christmas. So this year, Zach was adamant that we go early, to ensure that we see the lights! It was a chilly night, but seeing all the lights, the people and the live nativity is such a wonderful experience. This year, we ventured into the Visitor Center and watched a movie about Christ. It was really quite powerful. I promptly came home and bought the movie! I feel so blessed that we live so close to the temple! It truly is a bit of heaven on earth. Even my children can feel the spirit that resides on the grounds. During this time of year, I am taken back to my travels to the Holy Land, to the birthplace of our Savior. It seems like yesterday that I was out on Shepherds Field, looking at Bethlehem off in the distance, and wondering what it must have been like to have been a shepherd visited by an angel to herald in the birth of the Savior?! I feel blessed that I live in a day in age when the truth of the Gospel has been restored. That I know that my Savior lived and died for me, and that because of his life, I can once again return to live with Him and my Father in Heaven. Christmas is such a magical time! It is a time when the world, collectively, whether religious or not, recognizes and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-28T21:38:00.000-08:00

Santa brought an XBox 360! Mason is sooo surprised!

Arie got a pillowpet

The boys each got some gaming chairs

Stairs shot with Dad

Stairs shot with Mom

Christmas came in two parts for our family this year. We recently moved, and things have been quite hectic ever since. We decided that we all needed a little break. So we spent Christmas at the cabin this year. We learned, however, that it is a much smoother trip minus all the presents. So, we decided to open all our presents on the morning of the 22nd, then leave for the cabin. Santa could then bring the one present he brings for our kids, plus stocking stuffers. The boys thought this was a brilliant idea (and who wouldn't? Open presents twice!!) Growing up, my parents would make us wait to see our presents all that the same time. While we waited for the room to be "readied" we would all wait on the stairs. Thus, the famous stair shot began. Up to this year, we've never had stairs, but we would take a family photo in the hall, which would sub for the stairs. Needless to say, the boys were quite excited that this year, we would FINALLY be able to take a real stairs shot! We opened presents then headed for the cabin! We enjoyed beautiful weather while we were there! Didn't get the "fresh" white Christmas until later that evening when it began to snow. But there was plenty of snow on the ground. Aaron and the boys got a fun day of snowboarding in. Arie and I enjoyed a fun day indoors doing girlie things like baking cookies and painting finger and toenails! Santa actually did make it to the cabin, much to the delight of Zachary, in particular! Amazing that the big guy can find you even when you aren't sleeping in your own bed! We had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed the quiet and solitude that can only be found at the cabin! And we really enjoyed the time we got to spend with each other! Seems that life is just zooming by, and in the day-to-day hustle and bustle, I don't really take the time with my kids to just enjoy them. I look forward to these times when I can really enjoy being with them when the stresses of life aren't dictating what should and needs to be done! We wish all of you a very Happy Holidays!

Christmas Time!

2010-12-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

The advent of Christmas is always marked, in our home, with bringing home the Christmas tree. Growing up, my family always went and cut down the tree. Hours, literally, were spent scoping out the farm and searching for the "perfect"tree. When Aaron and I were first married, we continued this tradition until Mason's second Christmas. By then, Christmas tree farms were far away and the thought of traveling 2 plus hours to cut down a tree just didn't appeal to me. Now, we hunt for a lot that carries Douglas Fir (my fav) and call it a done deal. This year, it happened to be raining as we left for the lot. However, upon arrival, the rain let up. And I'm pretty sure I got mother-of-the-year award (from my children at least) for the time it took me to locate and select the "perfect" tree for our home. Drum roll please . . . 10 minutes! Actually it was more like 7 1/2, but we'll call it 10 with having to tie it down to the car! We got home and decorated the tree to our favorite tradition - Alabama Christmas (don't even ask how that got started!) Then Aaron cooked the traditional dinner of sauerkraut and sausage! Again, this tradition began our first year of marriage and we've carried it out. I think we do it cuz of Aaron's German ancestry - but honestly, I'm lost as to why. We just have always done it and now continue because the boys won't let us quit! This year's tree is especially beautiful because only the top 2/3rds of the tree are decorated, to discourage little hands from taking ornaments off and hiding them in unknown regions! It was a great night, and now we are ready for the Holiday season to begin!

Giving Thanks

2010-12-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

The yummy pancakes Zach made for Thanksgiving breakfast! YUM!

Arie riding the quad with Auntie Paula

Zach riding the motorcycle like a big kid - without training wheels!!

Mason and Aaron before the big golf game. Have no idea why or how this came out sideways and not smart enough to turn it right side up! So - you'll have to do the sideways look! p.s. - Aaron likes to wear goofy shirts - don't know why, but he does.

Thanks to my bro-in-law, Cameron! He's the last straw in a long line of butt-kicking to get me blogging again. Sorry it's taken me so long, Cam, but this one (and subsequent ones) are for you man!

This year's Thanksgiving, Mason flew to Utah to be with my parents for Thanksgiving. It was a little weird to not have him here for the big day. But, he didn't miss us at all! He was having a blast going to the BYU football game, seeing Harry Potter in IMAX and enjoying a snowy holiday! Back in Cali, Zach and I enjoyed making a yummy breakfast of buttermilk apple cinnamon pancakes while watching the parade. We had our feast at the Krey Kompound (Aaron's parents). Before the big feast, we always have fun riding motorcycles, hitting golf balls and just running with cousins. Arie got to enjoy her first moto ride with Auntie Paula. Needless to say, she was hooked. She basically walked around looking up at people saying "Pees" (please) until someone caved and took her for a spin! Zach is loving being able to ride the motorcycles without training wheels now. He even pulled off a couple of jumps! Then Friday is shopping with the girls while the boys stay home and enjoy watching the kids (pretty much my favorite part!) Mason flew back into Oakland late Friday night. Then he and Aaron woke up Saturday morning to go golfing with the boys while the girls stay home and watch the kids! They always award each other at the end of play with an "appropriate" candy bar. Mason won the "dump" award and won a Baby Ruth (you can use your imagination on that one!) but he also got 2nd place. He was pretty much a trooper since it completely downpoured for their entire first 9 holes! It was a great weekend - one of my most favorite holidays! I am grateful this year for my family. I really have so much to be grateful for, but when it comes right down to it - my family brings me so much joy and happiness!

BYU

2010-07-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that I was a starting freshman at BYU 20 years ago! And while the body is quick to remind me that I am no longer an 18 year old, the brain still thinks I am. I can recall those first few days, right after my parents left me at the dorms. I was scared and excited, all at once! I knew I was on the threshold of a whole new and exciting world - a story that I could write in any way I wanted! I loved being a student at BYU! I will always look back on my college years as some of the best years of my life. So, when I returned with children in tow, the feelings were quite different for me! So much has changed - I hardly recognized the landscape leading up to campus, much less the campus itself! As we took the boys past various places that I lived as a single student, and then the two places Aaron & I lived, so many memories came flooding back - great memories that I wish I had taken the time to write down when I was living that life! While so much has changed, it was great to walk the grounds of the school again! I bought all the kids their BYU gear (trying to impress upon them the importance of attending school there!!) and we took lots of pics! Life is a funny thing - I am not one who believes in living in the past. I am always looking to the future, anxiously awaiting what life will throw at me. However, I did love living for the moment in the past - re-living those great memories of my days there as a student and a brand-new married girl! Such great memories - good times!

Trip to Utah

2010-07-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

Right after Zach was baptized, Mason flew back to Utah with Nana & Papa. Two days later, Aaron and I packed up the car with Zach & Arie, and we too traveled to Utah to help Mom & Dad get unpacked and squared away in their new home. Brooke & Chad's family was coming from Indiana to spend the 4th of July in Utah, so we decided to make it a trip! It's always great to spend time with family and cousins who LOVE spending time and playing together! I was a bit nervous with Arie and how she'd do. But, she did way better than I could've ever anticipated! And Zach loved seeing how the scenery in the country changed! We even played the license plate game - which was way fun for Zach. We made a goal of half the states before we got to Utah. We just barely made with 27 states! When we got to the salt flats, Zach just had to get out to get a "feel" for those flats! He cracked us up when he first stepped down on it, felt that it was a bit "squishy" then proceeded to try to do a cannonball! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera handy then! Needless to say, he announced that he didn't think the flats were for doing cannonballs in!

Great to be Eight

2010-07-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Cake that Auntie Paula (aka Sugar Mama) made for Zach

Zach & Sugar Mama

Unblemished coin that Zach received from Nana & Papa to remind

him of the day he was absolutely perfect

Yep, that's what Zach says! On Sunday, June 27th, Zach was baptized as a member of the church! Already we were riding on a spiritual high due to Mason's ordination. This was just a sweet cherry on top of an already sweet day! Zach turned 8 back on June 4th, but he decided to wait to be baptized so that Nana & Papa could watch both his baptism and Mason's ordination! It was such a great night! So many family and friends came to watch and support Zach! And Zach really did plan the whole thing! I told him ahead of time that I wanted him to be the one to choose who spoke, sang, lead songs, prayed etc! When it came down to making decisions, he knew exactly what he wanted, and he even called everyone to ask them to participate himself! I was so happy to watch how excited he was. Aunt Misty gave a great talk on baptism and becoming "clean". "Aunt" Cindy gave a fabulous talk on the Holy Ghost. Auntie Emma lead the music while Auntie Jen played the piano. Mason gave the opening prayer and I gave the closing prayer. He had Papa and Popi be the witnesses while he was baptized. Then all his cousins and friends sang a song after he was dressed and returned. Afterward, Zach said that during that song, he started to feel little tears in his eyes because he was feeling so happy! It was awesome to watch as Uncles and Grandpas and friends, formed a huge circle around Zach to give him the Holy Ghost. I was overjoyed and really quite humbled at the spirit that was in attendance at that time! And then our amazing Bishop, Bishop Johns got up to speak. He asked Zach to come to front with him, and then he preceded to ask him all sorts of questions about the Gospel, to which Zach proudly answered each and every one of them! Then the Bishop asked Zach if he's ever born his testimony. Zach answered no, but the Bishop asked if he would, with his help. Then the two of them, working in tandem, proceeded to give a powerful yet simple testimony! I couldn't believe that was my little Zachy up there, standing so tall and straight - looking out at the crowd of family and friends and proudly telling us those simple things he knew to be true! I am so grateful for this Gospel - which leads us and guides us with our Father in Heaven securely by our side! How grateful I am to know that despite the fact that my children will grow up and away from me someday, our family unit can remain intact! That we can live forever, together, someday! I am proud of you Zach, for taking this very important, first step in that direction! Thank you all for helping to make this a wonderful day!

Twelve is Swell

2010-07-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 27th, was an amazing day for our family! First, Mason received the Aaronic priesthood at Church. Nana & Papa, Grama & Popi, and Aunt Misty got to be there. Aaron, the Bishop, Uncle Juan, "Uncle" Ken, Popi, and Papa all helped to ordain him to the office of a Deacon. The spirit was so strong! Then the Bishop asked Mason if he would bear his testimony. It was short and simple, but WOW! Was it ever strong! I don't really know how it is that I was picked to be his mom?! He is such a strong spirit! Whenever people ask me how it is that I've raised such a great young man, my response is ALWAYS the same: he just came that way! There is a definite reason he was the one chosen to lead the way for the children in our family! It's hard to imagine that I have a son in Young Men's now,but I do! He is so excited to be entering this new chapter of his life, and it makes me so proud to call myself his Mom! And I am continually reminded and grateful for the wonderful supporting family I am surrounded with! Thank you Nana and Papa for coming back from Utah to be there with us! Thank you Grama & Popi for taking time out of your busy Sunday to support us! And thank you Aunt Misty for taking the time to spend the entire day in a much warmer-than-you-are-used to, Antioch! But mostly, thank you Mason for being worthy to receive such an honor!

Scout Campers

2010-07-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

The sign Zach made for our returning scouters

Patiently awaiting the return . . .

Mason and his HEAVY pack - but he did it! He carried that thing for

two days! Way to go Mason!

Two good looking boys! Well, they may be good looking -but the smell left A LOT

to be desired!

This summer has been crazy! And it started off with a bang. Mason turned 12, then two days later, he and Aaron were headed to Camp Oljato (Scout camp). We decided to let Mason go up for the first few days alone, so he could bond with the other boys. I really didn't think it would be a big deal for me, but as it turned out, that first night I was sick to my stomach and couldn't sleep! I've read a ton of books on how to raise your children and help them to learn and grow. But no one has ever written the book on how to begin to let your children go! It was a lot harder for me than I thought it would be! However, Mason did AWESOME! He earned 6 merit badges total - which is a ton! He set a goal for six, and totally rocked it! He came home with Dad talking non-stop about all the fun adventures they had! It was a great intro into the scouting program for Mason! And now he's set some new goals for himself: he really wants to get his Eagle by 16! Mason is an amazing young boy, and I know that if he sets his mind to it, he can totally accomplish anything he wants! I have to add that while it was great to physically watch him mature and grow, I was a bit weepy. I have so much more compassion now for my parents. It's really hard to watch your children grow up and in some ways, grow away from you. It's a totally good thing, and needs to happen. But, in all truth, it's just going way too fast for me! As the boys grow, the clock doesn't slow down any - in fact, it just speeds up! BUT, I am so grateful that I've been given the opportunity to be here on this earth with these kids, and be given the chance to be their mom! What a great life it is!

Ears

2010-07-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

Olivia and Arie before they got their ears done

Olivia, just after she got done with her pretty, colorful flower earrings

Preparing for the shot - doesn't Arie look excited?!

Both pierced, and both happy!

So, Olivia went first, then it was Arie's turn. I held her head to make sure she didn't move. There were a few tears, but it didn't last long. And now she is so cute with her little diamond earrings in! I know that this may kill my poor mom, but I'm having fun with my daughter. And if, as I'm sure she'll say, I will pay in the eternities for this, at least I had fun for what I will pay for!

My Mom's Gonna Kill Me...

2010-07-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

When I was ten years old, I wanted nothing more than to have my ears pierced! I begged and begged my mom , but to no avail. She staunchly said, "NO WAY! If the Lord had intended for you to have holes in your ears, you would have been born with them!" And she still is, to this day, the only woman I know (in the world!) to not have pierced ears. However, after two years of wearing her down, she gave in when I was twelve. That set the stage for my sisters, and in turn, when they turned twelve they too pierced their ears. Now I am a mom, and I get to make those life-altering, crucial decisions. Only I took the path less traveled (at least by my mom!) I love you mom, BUT, little girls with pierced ears are just too cute. So, to celebrate the appending one year mark, Arie and her cousin, Olivia, went together to get their ears pierced. Olivia is six, and was quite nervous. But she went first to assure Arie that all would be okay!

Girl after my own heart

2010-06-18T15:21:00.001-07:00

I believe in starting readers out young! So it was so fun one morning, as I was getting ready for school, to come around the corner and see my daughter sitting among several books, carefully looking through the books and "reading"! Actually, she had emptied the shelf of its books (which is actually a talent of hers), and then promptly sat down and began reading! Anyone that knows me knows that I've always loved reading! It took me a while to convince Mason to be a reader, but it looks like I've hooked Arie while she's still young!

The many faces of Arie

2010-06-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

Arie is now 10 1/2 months old! And she still continues to be our daily delight. She is learning something new everyday-and it's incredible to watch her little brain grow and develop and take in everything around her! She is still quite the showstopper - strangers ask me on an almost daily basis if they can take her picture! Just recently, we think she has figured out that she has muscles in her face, and she loves to squish up her face. Consequently, everyday she's making a new and quite funny face. Thought I'd share just a few of the Arie faces!

BFF's

2010-06-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

When I was twelve years old, I went to Girls Camp for the first time. There I met Lara Fulkerson. She was in a different ward, but she had several brothers, so she was quite the popular girl. We became fast friends. Then, at school, I met Emily Allen. She wasn't a member of the church, but after a few of years and visits from the missionaries, Emily joined the church. Since we were in high school, Emily, Lara and I have been best friends. Time, distance, marriage and families have taken us to various places in our personal lives and in proximity, but one thing has remained - our friendship! It's one of those once-in-a-lifetime friendships - no matter where we are or how much time has passed, we just fall into step, one with another! Those two girls got me through my high school years. They helped me to keep my standards high, and were the rock of love and support every high school teenager girl needs. I feel so blessed to have these two amazing women still in my life. They are such an inspiration to me - each in her own, personal way. Lara is now a single mom, with 3 children. She currently lives here, in Antioch, but will soon be off to nursing school, possibly in Utah. She is such a great mom, and no matter how busy and hectic her life as a single parent gets, she always makes time for her children, while supporting a 4.0 GPA! Emily is now a mother of 4children. She lives in Utah and is just beginning a small business of baby blankets and products, for which she makes. Her line is adorable and named after her daughter, Chloe Jane. I'd tell you her website, but I don't know it. You can look up her work on etsy.com, and look under chloejanehomemade. I found and old high school swim pic with the three of us in it. And while time has changed the physical appearances, the emotional attachment remains as strong as ever! Recently Emily came to San Fransisco for a conference, and Lara and I were able to join her in the city for an evening of eating and talking. Just like old times!

Cousin love

2010-06-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Back in May, my sister Lindsay and her son Colby, came for a visit to California. Colby is a month and a half younger than Arie. They don't really interact quite yet; mostly they just tolerate each other and have occasional stare downs! I really wish Lindsay lived closer because I just know that Colby and Arie would be the best of friends! One night while she was here we took the kids for a walk. They are both so photogenic that I couldn't help snapping some pics of the two of them, along with Zach!

Swim, man, Swim!

2010-06-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Zach loves baseball, but Mason loves swimming! And he is a good swimmer - must run in the family genes!! Mason swims in the summer for the Antioch Delta Skimmers - the same swim team I swam for when I was a kid! This is year #5 for Mason, and he's now swimming with the big boys. This is the year when bodies start changing, and kids are no longer stepping up to the blocks looking like little children! And Mason noticed this change at the first meet! No longer is Mason coming in first place - he's finding himself around the fourth and fifth place finisher. Which is good, but not good in Mason's eyes. I always knew that competitive edge would kick in at some point, I just didn't know when. I just wanted Mason to enjoy doing something he enjoyed and that kept him active and healthy. But, this year, Mason has decided to step it up a notch to stay competitive. We went out and bought his first set of fins so he could increase his leg strength (his words) and I can find him at night in his room with hand weights, so he can increase his upper body strength (again, his words). It's weird to watch this transformation take place - but it's kinda cool too. I was way too competitive growing up, and while I'm glad Mason's not there, it's fun to see him grow and change! At the last meet he announced that he wanted to buy a swim cap to help him improve his time! I LOVE going to meets and watching Mason compete. It makes me miss competing myself. I wish we lived closer to where the Masters swim team practice and compete! But for now, I'll just have to live vicariously through my son!

"GIANT" playmaker!

2010-06-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Each of the boys have their "strengths" when it comes to sports - and Zach's is clearly baseball! He's loved it from the moment he first picked up a ball and glove! A couple years ago we signed up and put him on a T-ball team. In case you've never witnessed a T-ball game, firsthand, might I suggest it! Talk about early morning Saturday comedy! Nothing beats a T-ball game for fun! But when Zach played, he just didn't have much patience for it. He'd hit the ball way out into the outfield and just couldn't understand why he was forced to stop at first base when clearly he could run the bases! So, the next year, when it was coach-pitch, he found his stride. He was on the A's (which our family loved) and his coach was Coach Ken. He did so good his first year that his Coach asked him to come back and play for him this year. So, this year he was on the Giants, still coach-pitch, but it was his second year, and he was clearly one of the best on the team. He wanted all season to get that homerun. He would work in the backyard with Dad on hitting the ball with this device that he and Dad rigged up. He even put himself on a special diet, which-as he put it- was because he was "in training"! Of course that diet lasted until the evening when he realized his immediate desire for ice cream overcame his long-range desire for a homerun! But, he's pretty serious about playing ball. On the second to last game, Zach fulfilled his life-long (at least season-long) dream - he got his home-run! He brought in two other runners as well! It's been a great season - and he's done so well that Coach Ken has already asked him to come back for next season and play for him! If Zach has his wish, he'd like to be pitcher - and Coach wants to work with him in the off-season in the pitcher position! Next year the kids pitch to each other, so it's taken up a notch! I have to say, I LOVE watching Zach play - he's really in his element! How grateful I am to have healthy, happy children who love to play sports! I look forward to what next season holds in store . . .

Happy Birthday, Mason!

2010-06-18T10:08:00.001-07:00

Quick on the heels of Zach's birthday, is Mason's big day! And this year is a big deal - he turned 12 on June 16th! I can still remember turning 12 and feeling like I had just crossed over onto the verge of being an adult! It's a weird thing to have a tween - I know I don't feel old enough to have a teenager - but unfortunately, Father Time hasn't asked me if I'm ready or not. So, here we go! Breakfast-in-bed with. . .DONUTS! Mason chose his two best friends, Hudson Preece and Evan Howe to go with him out to Aaron's parents and have an air-soft gun war and then do some swimming. The Krey kompound offers lots of fun places to run, hide and shoot at the enemy - (aka, friends with air softs too!) The boys had a blast! That night, Mason wanted to eat at his favorite restaurant - Elephant Bar. Nana and Papa joined us one last time - as they left for Utah the next day. Happy Birthday, Scooby! Thanks for being the leader in our family and teaching your brother and sister the right path to follow in! You are an example to even your father and I. We truly are the lucky ones who were given the opportunity to be your parents! We love you!

Happy Birthday Zach!

2010-06-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Last week a friend called me to make sure I was okay! She was concerned that something had happened cuz I hadn't posted anything since April! So, with a few extra minutes this morning, I thought I'd reassure my audience that the Krey Krew is alive and well. Busy, but alive and well! June has been a busy month! The end of the school year brought some birthdays hot on its heels! Zach celebrated birthday #8 on June 4th! I can't believe he's 8 and going to be baptized! The day began with the traditional breakfast-in-bed: that mornings fare - what else? Donuts! That evening we celebrated by going to the A's game! Nana and Papa were able to go with us, along with our good friends, the Johnsons! Unfortunately, the A's lost - but we got to enjoy the fireworks show afterwards! I tried to tell Zach that we had arranged the firework show especially for him on his birthday - but he didn't really go for that! We didn't get to go to any games last year - so it was fun to finally get back! We had a great night! We now look forward to Sunday, June 27th - when Zach will be baptized a member of the church! We are so happy for you, Zach, and are so grateful you were sent to be in our family! We love you, Z!

MONSTER BUS

2010-04-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

We were driving along in Brentwood when we saw a sign that said "Monster Bus Rides" - Zach saw that sign and we had to check it out. It really was a "Monster Bus" - a monster truck with a bus for people to sit in. And they would take you for a ride (for a small fee, of course) - actually it was more like a small ride, filled with donuts - the kind you turn on the street! Mason, Zach and I rode the bus, while Dad and Arie looked on. Okay, seeing a monster truck up close is pretty impressive - but taking a ride in one was AMAZING! We were bouncing all over the place and once the donuts started - well, lets just say the tea cups at Disneyland are tame in comparison! It was a blast - oh, yeah - and the boys had loads of fun too!

8 months!

2010-04-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Arie turned 8 months on April 1st! WOW! Time sure does fly! It seems like only yesterday she was curled up in my lap, content to just lay there and stare at me! Not so much anymore! These days she crawls all over the house (I've realized quite quickly that I need to re-baby-proof my house!), she has two lower teeth, she eats a lot of "big kid" type foods, she can crawl and then sit, and she is beginning to pull herself to standing! It's been so much fun to watch her rate of learning and growth. It seems like everyday, she picks up on something new! She is so happy and so very content to be crawling around, following in mom's wake! She's quick with a smile, and we just love when something tickles her and she starts to laugh. Pretty soon we are all laughing - it's infectious! I still love the mornings - when the boys have left for school, and she and I have time to read and play. That's what we did this morning. So I snapped a few pics. As you can see, she's starting to get a bit more hair, so I took full advantage of this by putting in a clip! Dressing a girl is just so much more fun than it was with the boys. Sorry, but that's the truth!

Easter

2010-04-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

So, I've received no less than 6 phone calls about the fact that my blog is way past due! The good news is - someone out there is actually following along! So, I'll try to play catch-up best I can. About a month ago I found the cutest dress at Gymboree for Arie and thought it would be the best dress for Easter. It was purple with a bit of green. When I brought the dress home, Zach was adamant that he match Arie! Mason quickly agreed, although he wasn't too sure he'd be able to wear an all-purple tie. So, I found ties with both purple and green in them. Then Aaron announced that of course, he had to match Arie (by the way, he has matched his tie with Arie's outfits on Sunday since the first day we went to church with her!). Then the Zach told me that unless I was wearing purple, it wouldn't look like I belonged in the family. So, yes! We were all quite matchy-matchy on Easter! We've actually always more-or-less matched on Easter. But I think that since we now have a girl, it's a bit more obvious! It did my heart good to know that the boys wanted to match with Arie - so, yep! She is definitely made a permanent mark on our hearts and home! (ps - the grainy pics were taken by the boys - I'm not a good photog, but I can at least tell when they need to be re-done!)

Friday Night = Pizza Night

2010-03-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

For several years now, Friday nights equate to pizza and movie night. When the boys were younger and I had been working and was tired, we'd order a pizza and rent a movie. But as the boys have gotten older, they've really enjoyed making their own pizzas, with the toppings they like the most. This year, we've branched out and made pizza boats (made out of french bread), which Aaron made quite a bit while on his mission to Spain. A few weeks ago, I pulled out pizza's I remember having as a kid: English muffin sliders (as Aaron calls them). These have become quite the hit - and Mason and Zach love to have contests to see who can eat the most sliders! The boys even get into it seeing how creative they can get with how their sliders look! Once we all create a slider, we sit down to watch the movie. Tonights selection: Oliver! Gotta love a classic!

Pretty Poser

2010-03-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

Arie is now 7 months old! She can now clap her hands, she is scooting forward (versus backward), she can sit up, and she's starting to eat some solid-type foods. But this is the latest and greates "can-do". She loves to lay on her side with her arm resting on her hip, and pose for us! It just cracks us up! Whatever did we do for fun before having kids? I'm not thinking she's going to grace the covers of Cosmo, but if there were a BabyVogue - she'd be March's cover model!

YUCKY!

2010-03-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, we started Arie on veggies! It's kinda the next step in her progression, and I gotta say, I was a bit excited! The first time I fed Mason food, I got the full, 3 course meal (in Gerber jars): chicken, green beans, sweet potatoes & applesauce! He yummed it all up and I felt confident that I was the worlds best mother! Then I spoke with his pediatrician, and he just about flipped! He informed me that I was to start with only one food at a time, and that foods like chicken should be very last. So, Zach came along. I learned from Mason, and chose only sweet potatoes for his first big meal! I was so proud, and he yummed it all up! Again, I visited with his pediatrician and informed him of my reformed ways. However, instead of praise, I was chastised! It's better to start babies on veggies - like green beans, instead of something sweet. Okay, so, third times a charm, right? WRONG! I did buy green beans, and only one jar at that! I also bought one jar of carrots. However, as you can tell, it didn't go over quite so well. One bite of the green beans and Arie was gagging and doing the shimy-shake! You mom's know that move, right? So, green beans were out! Next the carrots (to heck with what doctors say!). That's a big NOPE on the carrots. Same gagging and shaking. However, that night we happened to be having steamed carrots for our dinner. Aaron promptly squished some of his up and fed Arie, to which she gulped down and wanted more! WHAAAT! Needless to say, she doesn't like canned food, only freshly steamed. So, I've struck out three times - (and I won't be getting any more at-bats!) But, it's kinda fun to make her food for her, and it's a lot healthier, so it's a good thing!

Fun Day

2010-03-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

To celebrate President's Day - we decided to do some bowling and eat out - isn't that what President George Washington would do, afterall? It's been a super long time since any of us bowled - and it showed. We mostly just laughed at ourselves and had a good time. Thanks to bumpers, Zach was the big winner with a two-game score of 153! He's was pretty proud of himself and felt sure that if there was an Olympic sport for bowling, he'd be the proud bearer of a gold medal! When I informed him that if it were an Olympic sport, bumpers would not be allowed, he suggested that he just stick with baseball! Great idea! Afterwards, we let the boys choose the place to eat dinner - it was a unanimous decision: Red Robin (yum!) And just so you are aware - we do not eat from the kids menus anymore! Oh no! Instead, both boys eat from the adult menu - and lick the platter clean. Wanna guess why we don't eat out much? It was a great day! I love spending time with my boys (oh, and my girl too!)

Camp-in, sleep-out

2010-03-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

We just came off a week break at school, for the boys. These week breaks after 10 weeks in school are genius! It's a good break, but not too long, and the boys are usually ready to go back and get back to work! The Friday night of the break, the boys decided they wanted to do a camp-out in the front room, watch movies, eat popcorn, and stay up late! It always does my heart good when the boys want to do things together. So it was done. Zach set-up his shark tent, Mason opted for the couch, Indiana Jones was the chosen movie, and the popcorn had extra butter! The boys rolled their eyes when I whipped out the camera, but I can't help it! I know that these are the times I will want to look back on and remember! And even though they don't believe me now - they will look back fondly on these memories as well!

Happy Day!

2010-03-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

We like cooking shows at our house (I think it's my boys way of trying to get me to be a better cook!) Mason got us all hooked on Man v. Food (it's an homage to gluttony - and it's a bit like a car crash - you just can't help but look!) But the greatest fascination is a little show called Cake Boss. We watch it on Monday nights, usually with some kind of pastry, since the show has a tendancy to make you VERY hungry! Because of the show, my boys have been introduced to such foreign pastries as cannoli's and lobster tails! The show takes place in Hoboken, New Jersey, so it's a forgone conclusion that we would never partake in one of Buddy's goodies (he's the actual "Boss")! However, my Dad often travels to New Jersey on business. And he took a day to go to Carlo's Bakery and buy an array of pastry delights. He then surprised my boys with a box of goodies for each of them for Valentines Day. He also bought each of the boys an apron - which has already been put to good use quite a bit! It was a great surprise! And, let me just add, that if you are EVER in Hoboken and craving a good cannoli - you won't do any better than Carlo's - they were the BEST I've ever had! Thanks Papa! We love you!

Worth the Wait

2010-02-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

Arie turned 6 months this month! Wow - time sure does seem to fly! I remember finding out that I was pregnant with Arie. We had tried for several years to get pregnant after Zach was born, but with no success. The doctors told us point blank that it would more than likely never happen again. I really had to wrap my brain around that, put the want and desire behind me, and be happy with the two, wonderful boys I had been given, and move on. And that's what I did. It took some time, but I did move on. And then, out of nowhere - I am pregnant. I remember sitting on the couch with Aaron and just sobbing - for so many different reasons. But I just couldn't understand why we had to wait for so long. But now I know why! My life is now so full, and really complete. Arie has brought a renewed love and joy and happiness into our home! It was a happy home before, but now it is just a "complete" happy - more like a fullness of joy! She is such a wonder and so much fun! I still don't know why we had to wait for her for so long, but I must say. . .she was worth the wait!

Valentine Baker

2010-02-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

This year, Zach has a great teacher: and it shows! Not only is he doing great in school, but he wants to please Ms. McLean to no end. For Valentines Day, he decided he wanted to learn how to make sugar cookies, and then give some to his teacher. Zach loves to cook, and spends almost every night in the kitchen with me cooking some portion of the dinner! So, we pulled out the recipe and set to work! He had so much fun, and the cookies were delicious! Add cooking to Zach's many talents! Happy Valentines Day!

Priesthood Preview

2010-02-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

Today was a bittersweet day. Tonight we went back to church for Mason's Priesthood Preview. He will receive the Aaronic priesthood this year, and this was a special night that explains what that responsibility will entail. I didn't really know whether to laugh or cry tonight. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Now, he's almost old enough to be 12 and passing the sacrament. I looked over at those boys on Sunday, and they just look so young! I am so excited for Mason and what these next few years hold for him! BUT, at the verys same time, I am a little sad. My little boy is not so little anymore, and he's slowly growing away from me. While I know this is a good thing, and I should embrace it, I just don't think I am quite ready to do so. They don't write the book "What to expect when your teenager starts growing away from you", and now I know why. No one would really want to read that book anyway. Today, I was constantly reminded of how much I love my children, how much I love being their mom, and how grateful I am to be given this opportunity! This much is sure: it makes the saying "Families Are Forever" such much more poignant! I can't imagine spending eternity without any part of my family! I love you Mason!

Fast Sunday

2010-02-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Every Fast Sunday, for a few years now, our friends the Johnsons, and cousins the Gonzalez families get together to break our fast with Burracos (meatless burritos). We each bring a portion for the meal, and Paula makes chili verde and the spanish rice. I don't know what it is about this particular meal, but on a fast Sunday, it just hits the spot! Yesterday, Mason downed 3 burracos and a quesadilla and some rice! That's a lot of grub, but then again, he is 11! Yesterday was no exception, and we watched the Super Bowl while feasting on the burracos. I personally was rooting for the Colts, since my boy, Austin Collie (a BYU alum) plays for the Colts. BUT, since the Saints have never been to the big game, I was okay with a win in their column!

AAAHHH!

2010-02-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

Arie is now 6 months old! She can say "Dada", roll both ways, starting to wave bye-bye, get up on all fours, and hold her own bottle. She began eating rice cereal twice a day this month. When we first began feeding her with a spoon she would barely open her mouth wide enough to get the spoon in. Aaron and I would demonstrate opening our mouths up wide (much to the absolute joy of the boys), but she just wasn't getting it! Then, one day she did! And now, she opens up so wide you can almost see tonsils! It is hilarious. And we thought we'd share the love and let you view her new eating habits!

Open Up & Say AAAHHH

2010-02-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

Mason Snowboards

2010-02-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Here's some pics of Mason snowboarding!

Snowboard Dudes

2010-02-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

The last full day at the cabin, Aaron decided to take the boys snowboarding. We had received so much snow, and it was such a beautiful day, he couldn't resist. Now, last year, both boys got on a board for the first time. Mason took a full-day lesson, and Zach hung out with Dad, since he was too young for the lesson. I was preggers, so I just watched from afar. Zach took to it like a fish to water! He just loved it! Going boarding is all he's talked about this trip. Mason, on the other hand, has less than a stellar experience. His instructor was Italian, and his English left a lot to be desired! He would yell instructions at the kids in Italian, to which Mason liked none too well. He, to this day, talks about his lunch experience as a prison sentence. And towards the end of the day, Aaron found Mason sitting off to the side of a run, by himself because the instructor left. NICE! Needless to say, Mason wasn't too thrilled about giving it a go again. But, Aaron assured him that HE would be his instructor, and they WOULD have fun! Fast forward to the mountain. Upon getting there, Aaron quickly realized that there was only one of him and two boys needing help. Zach to the rescue! He reassured Aaron that he'd be fine by himself. To which Aaron replied okay, and Zach was off. Next thing Aaron knew, Zach was yelling "HI" from the ski lift! He was off on his own! Aaron explained Zach's strategy to in Zach's words: "When I get off the lift I just fall down, cuz then the guy just stops the lift until I get out of the way. Then I strap on my boot, and go straight down the hill! When I get to the bottom, I just fall so I can stop. Then I get on the lift and do it all over and over! It's awesome!" Well, we all have to have a strategy in life! Aaron eventually taught him how to get off the lift without falling and how to stop at the bottom without falling. Mason took a little more time and patience. But, by the third run, he knew how to control his board and crisscross the run to board more in control! Both boys were pretty whooped by the end of the day (if you don't board, it is a tiring sport!), but both boys said they loved it and couldn't wait to go again!

Snow Day

2010-01-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

Goofy Mason

Jacob in the snow tunnel

Yummy snow!

Peek-a-boo Celia!

Just some more random shots of the kids playing in the snow with their cousins.

Arie's Snow Day

2010-01-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

Until today, I've been reluctant to take Arie out in the snow. It's been windy and snowy and cold. But this morning the sun came out, and while it's still snowing, it really wasn't too bad. We don't really have any "snow" gear for Arie, but the boys were insistent that I take her out at least once so she could "experience" the snow (as Mason put it). Until the snow got down into the snowsuit, she was quite content. However, once the white stuff hit skin - Arie's snow day came to a screeching (no pun intended) halt! It was fun while it lasted!

Snow Day

2010-01-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

The kids are loving being at the cabin! They can't wait to go out to play in the snow, and then we have to literally pull them back in when it gets dark! It's really not too cold, and the snow is so fluffy and soft: it's a lot of fun! They have built a snow cave, a snow tunnel, a toboggan run, plus numerous snow angels and snowballs!

Cabin Fever

2010-01-22T16:45:00.001-08:00

If we let them, the kids would be outside all day, playing in the snow! But, first thing in the morning, it really (quite honestly) the last place I want to be. So we have to find a few other activities with which to occupy ourselves. The kids like to play on the computer or play the Wii and xbox that we brought up. We brought up a few jigsaw puzzles that the kids loved doing. As for the adults - we mostly like to read and take naps (Paula's preferred napping position is cuddled up to Arie!)

Let It Snow

2010-01-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Here in California, we've been experiencing some crazy weather, just like the rest of the U.S. It has been raining in the valley, and in the mountains: SNOW! So, we decided to take advantage of the time we had and headed for the cabin in Truckee! Since we arrived 3 days ago, it has snowed non-stop - dumping lots and lots of the white stuff. And it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! The top pic is of the cabin and the secon pic is of our view in the kitchen!

QUEEN?

2010-01-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

I know - you are asking yourself: Where's the Queen? Okay - so I'm new to this! I finished typing the title, hit enter, and that's all she wrote! (Literally) So here it goes again! Aaron's favorite thing to do with each of the kdis was to hold them by their feet, when their legs got strong enough. I'm pretty sure most Dad's love to torture the Mom's with that one. (It beats watching your brand new baby (Mason) get tossed back-and-forth across the room by your husband and brother!) Arie's had strong legs since birth, but I've begged Aaron to hold off on the foot thing until at least 6 months. Last night I round the corner and walk into the room to see my 5 month old suspended several feet off the floor and giggling. Aaron fessed up to "practicing" for several weeks now!

I'm Queen of the WORLD

2010-01-14T12:27:00.001-08:00

Grammy really is GREAT!

2010-01-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

Great Grammy celebrated her 97th birthday yesterday, January 13th! Misty, Mom, Arie and I along with some of Grammy's friends took her out to lunch the day before to celebrate! Grammy is still so full of spunk and life- it's fun to see! We went to her fav restaurant called Tao-Sin-Jin - a chinese restaurant! We got way too much food, and had some laughs. At the end of the meal, they brought Grammy a little cup of ice cream, and we sang "Happy Birthday" to her! She was also given a fortune cookie which said something to the effect of: "You will soon discover a hidden talent!" To which Grammy quickly replied, "Well, they better hurried it up, then!" Too funny! We love you Great-Grammy!

OH NO!

2010-01-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

Since Arie was born, I have been secretly whispering in her ear to wait to walk and crawl until she is 1! I never got to have this time with my boys, and since she is my last, I really want to soak it all up and enjoy every moment. But I don't want her to grow up too fast. So, I've been trying to persuade her to slow down with subliminal messages. Apparently they aren't getting through (either that, or she's a normal child with selective hearing!). Last night, as I was watching the Georgia Tech game, I noticed Arie reaching for an out-of-the-way toy. She was really stretching, when suddenly she pulls her toes up under her buns, pushes up on her arms and now she's on all fours!! Then she starts rocking back and forth - it almost killed me! Clearly, those subliminal messages need to be taken to the next level! Luckily, I had my camera close by and snapped her in the beginning stages!

I'm a BIG GIRL now!

2010-01-06T16:29:00.000-08:00

Everyday our little Arie does something new and exciting. She is now a whopping 5 months old! My how time does fly! We decided it was time to feed her some rice cereal. She is sleeping great through the night - still 8:30 pm to 9:00 (or so) am! I can't complain. But, she seems to be more hungry lately. After with consulting books and friends, I decided it was cereal time! So, we got a high chair from Paula and cleaned it up and fed her, her first bowl of rice cereal! YEP! She was ready! She yummed it all up! Of course, it gets all over her face, and she looks teeny-tiny her big high chair, but she loves it!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

For the past few years, the Krey family tradition has been to fondue on New Years Eve, watch the ball drop, then run outside to scream and yell and ring in the new year! This began because more often than not, Aaron is having to work on New Years Eve! This year, we decided to expand our fondue-ing circle to include the Gonzalez family and the Johnsons! We had quite the fondue with the traditional cheese and bread, but we also did chicken, steak, shrimp and fried cheese. Then we dipped strawberries, kiwis, cake and cheesecake in chocolate fondue! YUM! Of the 9 kids we had, 8 were wide awake to watch the ball drop (alas, Arie didn't make it!). We toasted with sparkling cider then went outside to do our poppers and noisemakers. Aaron made it home just a few minutes before midnight, and he helped to ring in the new year with an M-80 that he's been saving for a special occassion (SINCE HIGH SCHOOL!). I guess he figured a new decade was good enough cause to celebrate! It was a fun night - I am so grateful for good friends with whom to share our lives! Happy New Year!

Monterey Bay

2010-01-06T16:09:00.001-08:00

This year, for Christmas, Lindsay and her husband, Cameron, and their son, Colby came from Virginia! Arie is only a little over a month older than Colby. Cameron has only been to California a handful of times, so we decided to take him to Monterey to the Aquarium. It was a beautiful day (for December in Monterey) - we ate lunch at the Dennis the Menace park, then spent the rest of the day at the aquarium! I always love going to the aquarium - and so do the boys. My kids are starting to appreciate museums and the like since this trip was a bit different than times past. Usually, Zach flies through the aquarium, looking (quickly!) at everything, then he's ready to move on. This time, however, he wanted me to read every poster and explanation there was! We had a great time! And we loved having the Sanders to visit! Thanks for coming! We sure do love you!

Christmas Best

2010-01-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

Since the boys were little, I've loved buying them somewhat matching clothes to wear on Christmas. Luckily, they are both still pretty good about letting me continue doing so! This year, of course, they were more on board since they also matched Arie! My mom found the cutest velvet jacket to go with her Christmas dress - Thanks Nana! Even Aaron and I got in on the fun this year, and we all matched each other!

It's Christmas...all-ooover!

2010-01-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

I just love Christmastime! I love all the traditions and just being with family! I love getting a live tree, and then pulling out all the decorations full of memories from my childhood and the memories from the boys! When I was a little girl, my mom started the tradition of getting an ornament for each of the kids to represent that year. When I was pregnant with Mason, I decided to continue that tradition for my children. Our family ornament consists of places we visited and vacations that we took that year. This year Mason's ornament was a guitar (since he is beginning guitar lessons) and Zach's was a baseball with his picture in it (he was on the A's team this last year). Our tree is certainly eclectic, but it holds so many memories - I just love looking at it!

Jingle Bell Rock

2009-12-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

Zach solo

Mason solo

Mason & Zach performed in their Winter C0ncert for the Joyful Noise - the children's chorus they belong to. Their absolute favorite song to perform was Jingle Bell Rock, cuz they get to rock out! But each of the boys had a small solo in one of the songs they sang. They both did a great job - Aaron and I were so proud of them. Both grandparents and some aunties and uncles got to be there to see them perform as well. I also have two little neices - Isabell and Celia - who are in the choir as well. Mason and Zach love to sing and love music in general. It has been fun to watch them learn and grow in their abilities with singing through this choir. The director is a friend on ours - Wendi Olsen - and she does a great job and loves what she does. That really shows in what she can get these kids to do. Mason and Zach: YOU ROCK! We love you!

Ice Skating

2009-12-18T09:46:00.001-08:00

Zach & his buddy Matthew

Zach took a field trip this week to Brentwood where they have an outdoor ice skating rink, and I got to go with him! Zach has only been ice skating a few times, so he was a bit nervous. First, he just clung to the walls. But as he got braver, he ventured to the center of the rink where there was a Christmas tree. He took quite a few spills along the way, but always came up with a super huge smile on his face! It turned out to be a beautiful day too! After several days of rain and drizzle, the sun came out and was even warm! It was a fun day with Zachy!

Let's Go To The Movies...

2009-12-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

Arie went to see her first movie...NEW MOON! My mom and her friend Debi wanted to see the pic so Arie and I accompanied them. Besides, Arie wanted to see what all this fuss was about over Jacob's abs! Her final analysis was that she has much cuter abs than Jacob's! I think she may have been Team Jacob had not the morphing of Paul to werewolf been loud and scary for her! Anyway, she did really well and sat quietly through almost all of it! We had so much fun having a girls day-out!

GOOD MORNING!

2009-12-09T12:33:00.001-08:00

Arie is now 4 months old! She has been sleeping through the night, continually, for a little over a month! By sleeping through the night I mean going down around 8:30 p.m. and waking up around 9:00 a.m. I KNOW! I am really lucky - but I figure I am due. Since I am still trying to get Zach to sleep through the night (and he's 7!) I should have one that can do it all on her own! I just love going in each morning and uncovering Arie and watching her flip over and then offer up the most huge smile when she see's me! I just makes my heart melt. Looking at that face each morning, it's hard not to fall in love with her all over again! It's those little, precious moments that make me realize how blessed I am to be a mom. I have to believe that this little one was meant to come to our home, and that I was meant to be her mom! Believe me, it is a blessing for which I don't take lightly!

Let It Snow

2009-12-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

So we woke up Monday morning to a chilly start. It had started raining Sunday night when we went to bed, but we were unprepared for what awaited us Monday morning! IT SNOWED! Now for those of you back East, this may not be a big deal. But here in sunny Cali - it was a HUGE deal - they almost closed school! No, not really. But when Aaron took the kids to school, he drove up to Black Diamond Mines where the kids got out and threw snowballs and played in the snow. They were late for school, but so excited to have played in the snow so close to home!I took some pics of Mount Diablo and the closer hills to our home. Also is a pic of the home across the street with snow and frost on their lawn! It sure didn't last long down where we live - but it's been fun to continue to see snow on Mt. Diablo!

My Favorite Time

2009-12-02T13:52:00.001-08:00

Arie is the first baby that I've been able to be home with for this long; my Mom took care of my boys as I had to return to teaching! But I am loving my time with Arie. She is so much fun to play with and talk to, but mostly to cuddle with! My favorite time of day is nap time - because I get to sit in the rocking chair, and put her to sleep to her favorite lullaby music! I cherish this time! At times, being a mom is so draining - but when I slow down and savour the little moments, I realize that being a mom is what I've always, really, wanted to be! Arie is our last, so I am really cherishing all the "baby" moments I get to have with her! Life goes so fast - sometimes I wish it would just slow down enough so that I could really take it all in.

ARIE ROLLS OVER!

2009-12-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

This morning, December 2nd, Arie and I were playing on the floor, having "tummy time" as my brother-in-law likes to call it! As we were playing, Arie rolls from her tummy to her back! Thinking it must be a fluke, I rolled her onto her tummy and a few minutes later she rolls onto her back! I was thrilled! I had to get some photos of her "rolling" - too fun! Our little girl turned 4 months yesterday -and is such a happy little girl! We love our Arie! (ps - these pics are in the wrong order because I forgot that they download in a different order than you put them in...sorry!)

A Hole in the Head

2009-12-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

So my neice, Chloe, is 16 years old and she has never had her ears pierced. She's wanted to, but been too nervous to do so. So, we all talked her into doing it on our shopping day after Thanksgiving! She was nervous and had to hold Amie's hand, but SHE DID IT! And she looks sooo cute, too!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

This year Thanksgiving was a small affair, since it was the off-year for the Krey's and my parents played up in Park City! So, we went to Gramma's and Popi's and had turkey and all the goodies! YUM! But the real fun came on Friday, when, as per tradition, all the Krey girls go hit the stores for some Christmas shopping. We started at 8:00 a.m. and I got home around 12:15 a.m.! But it is so much fun! Aaron took the boys to his parents house and the men watch all the kids! I've decided that I just don't want to know what goes on there when I'm gone - then I can enjoy myself. This year Arie joined me, and we had fun! She mostly hung out with cousin Kaite-her favorite place to sleep! Although I didn't get any pics of the craziness of Black Friday, I did take pics at lunch that day. So here is the entire Krey family, out shopping for the day!

Joyful Noise

2009-12-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

Zach and Mason have joined a local children's chorus. The director is a good friend, Wendi Olsen. The boys were reluctant at first, since there weren't many boys. But it has been so fun and such a good experience for them! They have given two performances, and have had many requests to perform over the holidays!

BUBBLES

2009-11-09T13:29:00.001-08:00

Arie's newest talent is to blow bubbles. She's begun this in the last few weeks. She really gets going, and the boys just crack up at how big the bubbles get, and how wet and drooly her chin can get.

Arie is 3 months!

2009-11-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

So, our little girl is growing up so fast! She is now 3 months old, and we are having so much fun with her! Of course, now I know why I didn't have a girl earlier on...we would've gone bankrupt! It's just too fun to go shopping for a girl! And, she is now my living Barbie doll - I love to play dress up with her! Besides dress-up, she's a great sleeper. She now goes to bed at 8:30 p.m. and sleeps until 8:30 or so in the morning! She's awesome! Plus, as you can see in the pictures, she is the worlds strongest 3 month old! She can stand (supported) on her own, and she's been holding her own head up since they laid her on my tummy right after birth! (I told those docs she was ready to come out!) She smiles and "talks" all the time - we love our little Arie!

Halloween

2009-11-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

For Halloween - I promise we are all dressed up - I would never wear orange and red together (no matter what anyone says) and Aaron swears he's never, EVER worn an orange ascot in his life! So, we were the Scooby-Doo gang: Aaron=Fred, Layne=Velma, Arie=Daphne, Mason=Shaggy (Scooby not pictured: he gets too excited with all the kids around!) Oh, yeah! And Zach was Blade. NICE! It was fun. The Scooby gang was Mason's idea - he figured now that we have two girls in the family, we could actually pull it off! For those of you who don't know, Mason's nickname since he was a baby has been Scooby. So, this fit perfectly! I even made a fun ghost cake - complete with glowing eyes!

COUSINS

2009-11-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

Our entire reason for going back to D.C. was see the newest cousin be blessed: Colby Sanders. Colby is one and half months younger than Arie. Our last day we spent with Colby, so we took some pics of the two newest cousins together!

Washington D.C.

2009-11-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

So, after a few requests, I am posting more of our trip to D.C. - Air & Space Museum, Spy Museum, Museum of Natural History, all the memorials and monuments; we even found a covered bridge used in the Civil War in Gettysburg! Again, a big THANK YOU to Linz and Cam for letting us use "The Beast"! And, we couldn't have gotten anywhere without the ever-popular Tom-Tom, who spoke to us in the voice of Austin Powers the whole time - Groovy, Yeah!

Washington D.C.

2009-11-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Washington D.C.

2009-11-05T19:19:00.001-08:00

After playing with cousins in Indiana, it was onto Washington D.C. to see all the sights and participate in the blessing of Colby Sanders! We had a blast going to the museums and visiting all the amazing sights of D.C.: we even extended our trip 4 days just to see more! Thanks to Linz and Cameron for putting up with us and lending us "The Beast" and Tom-Tom to get us all around the area! Here are some pics of the highlights!

cousins

2009-10-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Indiana to spend a week with the Monroes. We took a walk along the Ohio river, just at sunset. It was beautiful! All the leaves of the trees are beginning to turn colors. The boys just love being silly, so we had to get in a silly shot!

Another shot, with the addition of Arie and Austin, who got to ride on this walk!

Arie photo shoot

2009-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

Our family took a trip to Indiana to see my sister, her husband and their 5 boys. She is an excellent photographer, so I had her take some pictures of Arie. After 701 pictures, we found a few that we really liked!

This is a grouping of pictures that my sister took and put together for me.