Once Upon A Family

St. George...oh how we love thee :)

2011-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

St George, UT has always been a place of fond memories for me. We started going on vacations there to visit my grandparents when I was just a girl. Now we are able to take our kids there. They love exploring the red rocks, swimming and golfing. This year we decided to explore some new things. On the trip down we stopped in Fillmore and went through the territorial state house (the original capitol bldg). And, on the drive home we stopped at Cove Fort. The spirit was so strong in both of those places...I couldn't help thinking about the amazing legacy we have and the history of our wonderful state we live in.

We also took a day and went into Snow Canyon. Wow, it is such a beautiful place. The boys marveled at the wild life we saw. I admired the amazing mountains and thought about the volcanoes that left their mark on the area. And Ty loved seeing how many ants he could squish along the hike. :)

Of course we enjoyed some shopping, golfing, a movie, and even went to Tuacon to see "Little Mermaid". It's mind blowing what they do with those productions. We were able to go swimming every day (except sunday). We came up with a new water game each day we swam. We had such a fun time.
I loved on the drive home talking about what our favorite part of the week was. Matt said golfing (so did daddy), Tyler said swimming, I said snow canyon and Tuacon. When asked what Zach's favorite part was he said, "just being with my family". I think he summed it up well!

"March Madness" is right!

2011-03-31T12:14:00.000-07:00

We have had quite the month. It started out with a b-day celebration for Ty. He turned 5. He got to invite 2 friends to Boondocks. He also celebrated with family the sunday before. He said it was the "best birthday ever". I'm glad he enjoyed it...love that kid!

Luke turned 1 on the 22nd. We celebrated with the Kennedy's the sunday before and then the following week went to Price to celebrate with Suz and her family. Her baby Austin was born the same day (one hour apart) as Luke. They loved their Monkey cake! What sweet boys.

We were also able to spend time with all of John's brothers and their families. John's grandfather passed away and everyone was able to come for the funeral. It was a hard few days but we really enjoyed the time with family...especially playing b-ball and when the boys (john and his bros) played "just dance". SO FUNNY!

It has been quite the month. Can't wait to see what April brings.

Santa, Sledding and Sunday Best

2011-01-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. I love the shopping, the parties, the time with family, the anticipation and excitement...I love it all. We had a great time on Christmas eve singing our favorite carols and even had a visit from Santa. The boys got new sleds and had a blast trying them out. And boy did they look handsome the Sunday after in their new clothes. I think Tyler summed it up best when he said "this was my favorite Christmas ever". It really was a great one. Here's to a wonderful new year as well.

Stars Were Gleaming, Silent Night, and Away in a Manger

2010-12-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

I am so excited this year to start a new family tradition. On Christmas Eve, after dinner, we are going to open all of our presents from each other and then have a family sing-a-long. ( I am determined to pass my love of music on to my children. ) There are some beautiful songs in the childrens songbook so we will sing a few of those along with Silent Night (a family favorite) as we read part of the Christmas story in the scriptures. I am really excited about sharing this with my boys. I hope it will touch their hearts as it has mine while I have been preparing it.

We also want to pass along our love to all of you. I had the best intentions to send out Christmas cards this year but just never got them done. So this Christmas blog will have to do. I hope you are all well. We feel so blessed to have such a wonderful, supportive family and great friends. May the spirit of Christmas be with you now and all year through.

With much love,

the Kennedy's

So Much to Be Thankful For...

2010-10-19T21:32:00.001-07:00

Ever since General Conference a couple of weeks ago, I have really been thinking about all of the many things I have been blessed with in my life. I have amazing parents who have always loved and supported me, I have the gift of the gospel and all that goes along with it, I am surrounded by good friends and neighbors, I have a husband who loves me and four beautiful boys who I adore... all of this and so much more. I just wanted to take a minute and recognize all that I have to be thankful for. Maybe this will inspire you to do the same. :)

"...if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given."
-Pres. Thomas S. Monson

Month Of Firsts

2010-09-28T16:36:00.001-07:00

September was a month of firsts. First day of fourth grade, first day of second grade, first day of four year old preschool, first time eating baby food and first time crawling. All of these firsts have kept us busy :)

Yellowstone

2010-08-09T09:17:00.001-07:00

We had an amazing time on our trip to yellowstone. We rafted down the river, roasted marshmallows, rode 4-wheeler, shopped, saw old faithful and a few animals, and just plain enjoyed each others company. Lots of great memories made!!

Time with Family

2010-08-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Steve and Melanie were here for a few days and we got to spend some time with them. We had a water party, a bbq and even went to the Dinosaur park. The boys all played really well together. It was fun to see them again!

The Summer Fun Continues

2010-07-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

...got a new trampoline...birthday party for g-ma k...b-ball 2 on 2 and 24th festivities...still more summer fun ahead

Summer Fun has just begun

2010-06-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Already this summer we have had two parties (including Luke's blessing), a trip to boondocks and a short get-away to Wolf Creek. Can't wait to see what the rest of summer has in store.

A Few Fun Pics

2010-05-24T12:46:00.001-07:00

Luke is definitely loved by his three big brothers.
Already knows how to prepare to pray :)
Me and Luke. Suz and Austin. Babies both born on the same day.
Grandma with all but one of her grandkids. As you can see they make her very happy.

My Little "Pick-me-up"

2010-04-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

I was having a hard couple of days and was expressing my frustration when Luke looked up at me and smiled as if to say "it's ok mom...everything will be all right". It was just what I needed at the time. Thanks Luke for being my little pick-me-up.

Luke Doyle Kennedy

2010-03-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Luke joined our family on March 22, 2010 at 2:50 pm. He was 7 lb 8 oz and 20 in long. He is very good natured and has added so much to our home already. We are so happy he is finally here. Welcome home Luke!!!
He is joining one crazy family...hope he doesn't mind :)
Grandma and Grandpa (Doyle) Egan...Luke is lucky to carry his great-grandpa's name.

His brothers just adore him.

Fun With Family

2010-03-14T08:08:00.001-07:00

It was so great to spend time with Suz and her family this weekend. We just adore them and the kids had so much fun together. It seems that our visits are few and far between sometimes but we try and make the most of the ones we get.

Date Night With Ty and Fun with Fam

2010-03-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

For Tyler's B-day he got a ticket to Disney on Ice. So he and I went as a date along with the Howards and G&G Egan. We all had a wonderful time. It was so much fun being with my little munchkin and spending time with my sis and her family.

The Last Two Months

2010-02-21T12:12:00.001-08:00

I thought that because life has been so busy lately (and continues to get busier) I would document the last two months with pictures. It has been a fun few weeks and we look forward to the adventures that life has ahead for us.

Christmas Morning

Zach's Ninth Birthday Party

New Years in St. George

Me With three of my Valentines

Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2009-12-14T10:33:00.001-08:00

I am normally pretty good about sending out Christmas cards every year. I enjoy making them and writing a short note in each one letting everyone know how we are doing and that we are thinking of them. This year however, there will be no cards sent. In their place we are doing an email/blog entry Christmas letter. Please know that we are still thinking of you all and wanting to wish you the happiest of Christmases.
This year has come and gone so fast. Zach turned 8 in Jan. and was baptized by his dad. It was a beautiful day to celebrate him and the good choices he has made. He has loved scouts this year as well. He continues to excel in school, sports and anything he puts his mind to. He is a thoughtful young man and is a great example for his younger brothers.
Matthew turned 6 this year and is loving the first grade. He has picked up on addition and subtraction so well (I wonder sometimes whose kid he is :) He played soccer for the second season and also tried b-ball this year. He loves both and is learning so much. He is growing to be a little gentleman, trying to remember to open the door when he walks ahead of me. He also is a great helper around the house.
Tyler is my little spit-fire :) He is full of life and energy. Sometimes I wonder if he will ever slow down. He is such a friendly kid, always introducing himself and sharing bits and pieces about him to anyone who will listen. He is loving pre-school and wishes he could go every day "like his brothers" He still loves giving hugs and kisses and I still LOVE getting them.
The newest member of our family is scheduled to join us the end of March. We anticipate with excitement his arrival.
John continues to work for IHC as a self-proclaimed computer nerd. He is amazing at what he does and I am so thankful that he has a job he enjoys. John has kept busy coaching the boys in both soccer and b-ball this year. He does a great job and the boys think it's "awesome" that dad is their coach. He has also kept busy this year with the "around the house" things, such as putting in a yard. The "honey-do's" never end :)
As for me, I quit my job at the pre-school due to the pregnancy. I loved my job but being home has been the best thing for both me and my family. I do get to watch my nine month old niece twice a week (which is fun having a little girl around). I am also enjoying working with the 8 yr. old girls in activity days. My boys keep me happily busy and I find so much joy in them.
As you can see our lives are full and blessed. We thank our Heavenly Father for the bounty he bestows on us. We pray for all of you and hope you know you are in our hearts.
Have a very Merry Christmas and may you find much joy in the New Year!
love,
John, Amanda, Zachary, Matthew, Tyler (and baby on the way)

IT"S A BOY!!!

2009-11-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

Now that we know we are having another boy we are trying to figure out what to name him. We are somewhat at a loss. A couple of the names that are being tossed around are: Joshua, Blake, Lance, and Max. None of these have been agreed upon by all parties involved :) So please, let us know what you think. Or if you have a better name, let us know that too. We are not going to announce the middle name yet but it starts with D. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

PUMPKIN PATCH

2009-10-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

We have a tradition of going to the pumpkin patch every year and letting the kids pick their own pumpkins. Then come home and decorate them. The boys LOVE it and look forward to it every year. These are some pics from this years adventure.

So Thankful

2009-09-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

I gave a lesson several years ago on dealing with our trials. While researching for the lesson I found a quote by Pres. Hinckley that said he always thanked Heavenly Father for his trials. When I first read that I thought "really...isn't that kind of like asking for patience " :) But it wasn't necessarily the trial we are thankful for it is what we can get out of it or learn from it.
Yesterday I was having a hard day. By about 8:oo last night I was ready to give up...I felt like I couldn't take much more. So I asked John if he would give me a blessing. It was a beautiful blessing that brought me so much peace.
I am so thankful for the preisthood. I'm thankful to have a worthy husband who honors his preisthood and is always willing to use it to bless his family. I am thankful for the support of good friends and family. I truly do have much to be thankful for...even through the trials.

And The Winner Is...

2009-09-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

So when John read my last post he said he didnt think anyone would get it. Well, little does he know I have some very intelligent friends.

YES WE ARE EXPECTING!! To answer all of your questions... I have been sick with this one (less sick than with Zach but more than with Ty). My scheduled "due date" is March 29th which puts me at almost 11 weeks. The boys insist this one will be a girl but John is positive it is a boy. While eating breakfast the other day the boys had a very funny conversation. It went something like this...
Ty: I think the baby is a girl
Zach: If it is what would you name it?
Ty: Grandma
Matt: We already have lots of grandmas
Ty: But not a baby one

So for being so smart and figuring out the word problem you are all the winners. And your prize is...

A Word Problem For You

2009-09-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

I enjoy writing a blog...it is a fun way of journal keeping. But, I'm not really sure anyone reads it. So I have devised a way to see how many really do read it. Here is a word problem for you. Post your answer on my blog and if you get it right you could win a prize.

A + J had a son. They added two more sons. Then another baby. How many people were in their family?

kids say the darndest things...

2009-08-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

Zach walking in the door after the first day of school, "I never knew the first day of school could be so much fun. I think I'm ready to go back".

Me: "Tyler, how did you get so cute?"
Tyler: "Grandma made me that way."
Me: "How did she do it?"
Tyler: "She is a wizard and she used a spell on me and said 'Tyler be cute', and i was".

Me to Matt after his second day of school "Matt how was school today?"
Matt: "It was so long... it felt like 10 hours. But it was only seven!"

A Week Full of ADVENTURE

2009-07-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

This week was so much fun...and somewhat exhausting. My niece was here for a week and we packed that week full of fun adventures. The boys loved being with their cousin and I have to admit, having a girl around was lots of fun. She is a sweetheart and it was amazing to be with her.

Here are some pics of our adventures...

above: Lagoon (after riding the rapids)
below: Treehouse museum with Pres. Obama

running through the sprinklers at grandmas
(before we had grass)

traditional graham cracker flag decorating

10 YEARS and Counting

2009-05-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

John and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary this month. We were planning on going somewhere exotic but decided to be practical and put the money into our yard. So we took 5 days and went down to St. George instead. We golfed, shopped (sort of), went to a movie, drove around in a convertible (top down), ate out, swam, and just enjoyed each others company. It was a great vacation. And we didn't even have to leave the great state of Utah :)

Here's to 10 years and many more. I love you dear :)

Soccer Season

2009-05-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

The boys have loved playing soccer this year. They have really improved and have learned a lot. Their coach was a big part of making it fun for them (thanks john :)

Mothers Day

2009-05-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

We had My grandma P and my aunt Jane, Mom and Dad and G & G Egan over for Mothers Day dinner. Everyone helped with the meal and afterward we opened gifts and played games. It was a great evening.
John surprised me with ballroom dance classes. So sweet!

School Programs

2009-05-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Zach and Matthew had their school programs. Both of them did a great job. Thanks to the teachers who put in so much time and love to pull these off.

He Is Risen

2009-04-13T19:26:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite paintings of all times. I love the peaceful feeling I get as I study the Savior and this scene overlooking Jerusalem. This painting hangs in our front room and is a reminder to me and hopefully to my boys of the life and love of our Savior.

This weekend was full of family, candy, egg hunts and best of all, reminders of our Savior. It is tradition in our family that we do all of our secular celebrations on friday and saturday. So we had our annual egg decorating and hunt at g-ma Kennedy's on friday night. It was fun to see the kids excitement as they found each egg and discovered the treasures inside. Thank you g-ma for all of the work that goes into these fun traditions.
Saturday the easter bunny came and hid baskets for the boys. Zach was up before any of us and had found all of the baskets. We also enjoyed Easter dinner at Great-G-pa Kennedy's. We had an egg hunt there as well. We enjoyed dinner and visiting with extended family.

Sunday was our celebration of the Savior and His life and sacrifice for us. I had the privilege of doing sharing time in Primary. The theme was "the importance of having a testimony of Jesus Christ". My sister had done a FHE lesson where she put items in plastic eggs that represented the last few days of Christs life (ie nail, thorns, stone, white cloth etc.). I used her idea and tweeked it a little to fit what I needed. At the end of my lesson I opened it up to the kids to bear testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in complete awe and so touched at the response. (We could have spent all 30 minutes for testimony). What a sweet and re-affirming experience.
We had dinner with my parents and then held our yearly Easter FHE. At the end of our lesson I asked if anyone had something they would like to share. Zach asked if he could bear his testimony. It was simple and sweet and full of faith. Then Matt asked if he could share his testimony. He too bore a simple and heart-felt testimony of the Savior and His gospel.
I am so thankful for the knowledge I have that our Savior lives. He died for us and He is Risen. He knows and loves each of us. I am thankful that my boys are nourishing their testimony's and that they too feel the love of the Savior. HE IS RISEN!

Happy St. Patti's Day!

2009-03-17T12:49:00.001-07:00

We woke up this morning to a huge mess. Those silly leprechauns went on a rampage through our home. Chairs were tipped, cupboards open, cereal out, pillows and blankets on the floor...among the mess we did find several clues which we followed and eventually found their hidden treasure (consisting of green taffy and green M&M's). The boys were ecstatic. Then they found the Lucky Charms on the counter and when we went to get the milk out it was green as well.
Matthew searched the house hoping to find one of the leprechauns hiding...he had no such luck. One of these years we will catch them.
The boys were wondering this morning why the leprechauns don't go to everyone's house...I told them it was because they like to visit people of Irish blood. That gave us a chance to talk a little about our Irish heritage. Today we were all proud to be a little Irish. It was a great morning!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Happy Birthday Baby

2009-03-05T13:44:00.001-08:00

Yesterday my baby turned three years old. It was a bitter-sweet day for me. I am enjoying his fun personality and his quick wit but I am mourning the fact that he is growing up so fast. When he woke up I sang "happy birthday baby" to him and he yelled "I AM NOT YOUR BABY!" I guess that is true. But in my heart they will always be my babies. :)
It was a good (simple) day. We celebrated by having his favorite dinner (sgetti) and having cake and ice cream with grandparents. He opened presents and could have cared less about what was under the paper...he just enjoyed ripping into them.
A word about my "baby"...he is full of personality. He speaks to me like he is an adult in a little boys body. He loves anything orange and his favorite new hobby is playhousedisney.com. He wants to do and be whatever his big brothers are. He gives the best hugs and still loves kissing his mommy. He tells me he loves me at least 20 times a day and I am savoring each time (I know it wont be long before i have to pull those words out of him). He has a room full of stuffed animals and believes they are real and they have feelings just like the rest of the family. He has a stubborn streak and can get super mad, but for the most part he is my sweetheart. Happy Birthday Ty. Mommy loves you!

Blue and Gold

2009-02-24T13:09:00.000-08:00

On Jan. 24th Zach turned 8 years old. Not only did this mean he was baptized but it also meant he became a scout. He got his shirt and book for his b-day and he was off. In one day he passed off all of the requirements for his bobcat. Needless to say, he was very excited to be a part of the scouting program. Then last week we (Zach and I) got to experience our first blue and gold banquet. The theme was America ABC's. He was assigned a letter in the alphabet (X) and had to make a poster and a cake about a city or state that began with that letter. Thankfully we thought of Xenia (a town close to Beavercreek, OH where we used to live). The cake was the Ohio state flag. It turned out pretty good for our first themed cake.
Zach had a great time making his poster. I also enjoyed talking to him about our adventures in Ohio while we put the poster together.
I was a proud mama as he received his bobcat and he got to "pin me" (don't worry...there was no blood:)
I hope he continues to carry the enthusiasm throughout his time in the scouting program! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK ZACH!!

I've Been Tagged

2009-02-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

Ok Aunt Marilyn...this ones for you...
This is a pic of Zachary and Matthew about 4 years ago. I was doing aerobics on my mat and the boys came down, grabbed their mats (aka blankets) and started right along with me. I thought it was the funniest thing I just had to snap a photo.

So...now I tag Mona, Diana, Melanie, Alisa W., Annalynn, and Kim...go to your 6th folder and pick the 6th picture and explain...its kinda fun :)

The newest member of the church

2009-02-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

Zachary was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints yesterday. It was a beautiful day all around. The sun was shining as we drove to the church. We were met by close friends and family. Zach looked so handsome in his new suit. The program was put on by our family and it was perfect. The spirit was very strong and I could not help getting emotional as he entered the waters of baptism. As he arose there was a definite glow about him. He later told me he was so happy because he could really feel the spirit.
One of my favorite parts of the day was when the primary children sang "I am a Child of God." I got chills as they sang the words"lead me, guide me, walk beside me..." As I looked around the room, I wasn't the only one with wet eyes. What a wonderful thing it is to see and hear the testimony of children even through song.
I am so proud of Zach and the wonderful young man he is becoming. His testimony is so simple yet so pure. He loves the scriptures and learning about the prophets. He is a great example to me. I know that he does and will continue to touch many lives through his spirit and example.

EIGHT really is GREAT!!

2009-02-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

Zachary turned eight years old on the 24th. He chose to spend the day with family instead of having a friends party. So we took the grandparents bowling. Zach beat the pants off of everyone. Maybe he should join a league. Happy B-day Zachary.

My TWO year old makes me laugh

2009-01-30T15:20:00.000-08:00

Daddy: "Tyler, it's time for bed. Come get into your bed."
Tyler: "I dont like that bed. That bed is too small for me. I a big boy."
Daddy: "I will make you a deal...If you go pee pee in the potty daddy will by you a big bed."
Tyler: "I cant go pee pee in the potty. I too little."

(go figure)

Tylers turn to say family prayer, "Thank you for this nice day. Thank you for this family. Help us to be nice. With Liberty and Justice for all."

2009-01-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

We have had some requests for pics of our new house. Here are just a few. We still feel very blessed to be in this beautiful home. We are hoping to have a house warming once we get a little more settled. When (and if) that happens, you are all invited. :)

Home Sweet Home

2008-12-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

I wake up every morning and have to pinch myself. I can hardly believe we finally have our own home. It only took us ten years to get here...(maybe that is why I appreciate it that much more). Every time I pull my car into the garage, or someone rings the doorbell, or John and I get ready in the bathroom without bumping elbows, or I make dinner and have plenty of counter space, I think of how blessed I am to have this beautiful home.

The BEST Birthday EVER!

2008-11-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

The day started in our beautiful new home in my bed with all five members of our family. The boys sang happy birthday to me and then gave me breakfast in bed (which consisted of a sweet roll and a glass of milk...simple and yummy). Then they brought me my presents which I also got to open in bed. Then John says the best gift is that I get the day off. So he bathed the boys and got them ready for the day.
We got to have lunch at grandma-greats. Its tradition that we always have turkey soup the Saturday after thanksgiving. The kids all played and enjoyed cousin time. After lunch John and I and Suzette and Aaron went shopping (thank you G&G for watching the kids). We came home and had a pizza party and watched a movie. Suzette made me a b-day cake. It was a wonderful day.
I am so thankful to be blessed with a wonderful family. They are amazing. Of all the things I have to be thankful for (and there are A LOT!) it is my family that brings me the greatest JOY!
Thank you family for the best birthday ever! :)

FYI

2008-11-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Many friends and family have been asking about our new home. We have our final walk through on Nov 17th. Our close date is the 21st and we will be moving in on the 22nd. CAN'T WAIT!!! I will post some pics in the next few days (hopefully).

Trick Or Treat

2008-11-06T16:33:00.000-08:00

It was a week of activities ending with the annual soup and rolls dinner and trick or treating. At the boys school they had to dress as their favorite characters from a book. So we decided to make it a family theme. Thing One, Thing Two and The Cat In the Hat had a great time. I was very pleased with how the costumes turned out. They seemed to love them too.

October Fun

2008-11-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

"Pesdent Momsin...he's our pophet"

2008-10-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

We had a FHE lesson this week about the importance of following the prophet. We talked about the prophets past and the lessons they taught. We also talked about Pres. Monson and how he is our living prophet today. I testified to the boys of the importance of listening to the prophet and how we are so lucky to get to hear him speak this weekend. By the end of the lesson I wondered if they had even heard anything I had (tried) to teach them. Then yesterday my 2 year old comes up to me, wraps his arms around me and says, "Pesdent Momsin...he's our pophet". I was filled with the spirit as I realized the seeds of a testimony were already growing inside of him. I am so thankful for this beautiful gospel and for our wonderful Prophet, Pres. Monson.

Toothpaste

2008-08-28T08:22:00.001-07:00

I was reading the blog of a friend last night which was very enlightening to me. I believe it was titled "Crooked towels and sticky handprints". In her blog she talked about how she has a hard time getting housework done with 4 kids under foot. She was lucky to get one or two things done in a day (i can relate) and her hand towels are always crooked. She thought about teaching her kids to straighten the towels but thought it was lucky they were even washing their hands...and what would be the point...and then, it hit her...there will be a time (somewhere in the future) that she will look at her perfectly straight towels and miss the time that her children were there messing things up.
So as i got ready for bed last night i was brushing my teeth. I looked down and saw gobs and smears of toothpaste all over the sink and counter. At first i was annoyed at the fact that i had to clean up the toothpaste (AGAIN). But my thoughts quickly turned to the crooked towels. I thought about how fast time seems to be passing. My boys are growing and changing and someday I may miss looking down at the sink and seeing toothpaste and especially miss the time when my kids were young. So I am vowing to try and just enjoy these moments... Toothpaste and all!

Building a Home

2008-08-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

The new house is coming along nicely. It is so fun to walk through it and see defined rooms. The boys are excited each time we go to the house and see the progress. We cant wait for this new chapter.

Under Contract

2008-08-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

The couple that came in last Friday made an offer on the condo. It was a little low but we (john) seriously considered taking it. We (I) decided to counter just a little higher to see what would happen. They accepted the counter and we are now under contract. I am sighing a sigh of relief although its not over "til the fat lady sings"....or until you sign your life away :)
I have started packing up a few things here and there. Thought I would get a head start on it. We are suppose to close the middle of September. Now the challenge is to find a place to live for three months until our house is finished. If you know of anyone willing to rent to us for a short time, let us know.
Our house has walls...which is nice to see something more than just a pile of dirt. Although my 2 year old keeps asking where our dirt is. (before they started building we would drive by the lot and say "theres our dirt"...I guess he thought we were going to live on the dirt). It is fun to see the progress.

Getting my hopes up

2008-08-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing couple come look at our condo yesterday. They seemed very interested and our agent said they were going to talk to their lender right after they met with her. We are trying not to get our hopes up but I really feel like this might be the answer to our prayers. We shall see.
We are headed off to a Kennedy family reunion this afternoon. Games, food, and a lot of people we dont know....should be a great time.

Summer Fun

2008-08-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

I cant believe a whole month has gone by...time flies! Matthew turned 5 last month and he had his first friends party. He got to invite 5 friends and we had a water party at my parents house. I bought a cheap little pool and water guns, water balloons, beach balls, etc. We played a few games, opened presents, had cake and ice cream and let the kids play in the water. It was a good time for all.
Last week I took the three boys to Lagoon. It is a yearly tradition (thanks to my uncle). We spend about half a day there. It was the perfect day to go....i think the only ride we waited in line for was the river rapids. Its fun to go now that my oldest will actually ride some of the "big kids" rides. My 5 year old would have spent the whole day on the cars and nothing else. And the baby wanted to ride EVERYTHING! :) We had a great time.
This weekend we spent three days in Midway. John and my dad golfed in a fund-raising tournament and the rest of us tagged along for the ride. We swam and shopped and John and I enjoyed an amazing dinner friday night. Over the last 6 years they have raised apx 5 million dollars for Primary Childrens. It was amazing the be a part of it all. Not only that, but it is a beautiful part of the state. It was a wonderful little get-away.

Still no luck with the sell of our condo but we havnt lost hope yet. Our home is actually looking like something...not just a pile of dirt. Its fun to take the boys over each week to see the progress. We are looking forward to a new chapter.

Family Ties

2008-06-28T15:02:00.001-07:00

We just got back from visiting my sister in Price. It was fun to see her beautiful new home. Aaron has done an awesome job. It made me very excited for our home to be done. I was surprised at how similar our tastes are (mine and Suz's). She had the same tile in her bathrooms that we picked for our entry, her carpet is almost identical to what we chose, and the paint color she has is close to the one I want. Great minds think alike. :)
The kids had such a great time playing. Its always fun to play with cousins. Baby Dallin really took to Zach. He is very selective about who he likes too. Every time Zach would come into his sight he got the biggest grin. I almost think Zach had more fun playing with Dallin than with the other kids. I'm glad we were able to spend the time together.

Still on the Market

2008-06-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

We have now had 3 offers on the condo and all 3 have fallen through. It is a little frustrating, but we are still optimistic and hopeful. The hole for our house hasn't been dug yet so we still have time. We are hoping to have it sold in the next few weeks.

DISNEYLAND

2008-06-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a week in California. It was so much fun. We stayed in these amazing condos where we spent 3 days just playing in the water and floating the lazy river. The guys golfed and the girls shopped. Then we spent 2 days in Disneyland. The kids loved it! Zach liked the river rapids the best (CA adventure), Matthew liked the Buzz lightyear ride, Tyler LOVED the disney playhouse show (he was spellbound), Daddy liked the rollercoaster, and I loved seeing my boys have so much fun. It was such a great vacation. We all enjoyed being with G-ma and G-pa, and the Howards. We hope to do it again in a few years.

Ever changing

2008-05-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

I spent a good hour yesterday looking at pictures of my boys from the past year. They are growing and changing so much. I guess you dont realize it when you see them daily. Zach has a week left of 1st grade, Matthew graduated pre-school, and Tyler...well, he will always be MY baby but he is not much of a baby any more. I sometimes wish I could freeze time. They will be grown before i know it...it's happening before my eyes.
Life is changing along with my boys. We thought we had the condo sold and then the news came on Thurs. that it fell through. So, back on the market it goes. I'm not worried about it selling. I just wish we could have closed before Disneyland. Oh well...go with the flow :)

WII

2008-05-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

John and I celebrate our 9 year anniversary tomorrow. He has been wanting a wii for months now and so I gave in and bought him one. I have never laughed so hard. The boys beat him at golf, I came very close to beating him at bowling and he is trying hard to beat the game in boxing. It is hilarious! It really is a good little workout...(and a good laugh). Needless to say it will be family fun for a long time to come. :)

An Offer

2008-05-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

We put our townhouse up for sale on Wednesday and got an offer on Friday. We are excited to say the least. It is all happening so fast I need to catch my breath. Now we just need to find a place to live until our house is done. :)

Selling a Condo

2008-05-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

We are selling our condo (3 bd 2 1/2 bth, 1700 sq ft, new carpet and paint, amazing neighborhood). If you know anyone who may be interested, send them our way :) Our goal is to have it sold before we leave for Disneyland....the end of the month. Maybe we are being unrealistic but it cant hurt to think positive right!? :)

My three sons

2008-05-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

There is never a dull moment in the Kennedy home. We are looking forward to summer and all the adventures it holds. We are preparing to go to Disneyland the end of the month. It will be the first time our boys have been. Needless to say, they are excited. We are also trying to sell are home and getting ready to build. It should make for a busy summer in and of itself.