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happy easter!

Hi there...so it's been a while. It feels like I've been on a roller coaster for the past few months. Some breathtaking loops, thrilling turns, memorable moments mixed with moments when all I can do it hang on, scream and hope I don't throw up. But would I trade this ride for anything? Not a thing. I heard Seinfeld say that he loved parenthood--all of it, even when it is terrible I love it, he said. I would have to agree. Even when the kids are freaking out and a mutiny threatens Tyler and I look at each other and just have to smile (or laugh, or cry--depends on the day). These are the moments that I try to soak in and remember for the days when our kids are grown and the house is clean and quiet. When I think about it I start to miss these days already. I love, love, love my life and feel so grateful for it.

So, I think I'll start with the present and work backwards and try to catch up.

Today at lunch Garrett was trying to count to a google (he made it all the way to 100 and then skipped straight to a google!) It is his favorite number and he is aiming to live to be that old--good luck Garrett! Anyway right in the middle of the counting Grant pointed at me and in a loud voice said "Give me back my fillet-o-fish!!" So I've been laughing all day hearing his little voice singing th McDonald's commercial. He quotes movies non-stop. His current favorites are from American Idol, singing "pants on the ground," and from Night at the museum, "Oh, he's so cute. Just like a little piece of cous-cous." (said with a lisp).

Miya on Easter Sunday, wearing her heirloom dress made by Nana

Grateful for Garrett

The morning my Mom left to go back home, I was on the verge of tears, really missing her and feeling overwhelmed with everything. I was trying to get the kids' lunches made, sign school papers, then get Shayla dressed with snowpants, boots, hat, gloves, etc. and out the door to catch the bus, and Miya was crying. Garrett was very distressed that Miya was crying and was hovering over her trying to get her to stop. I asked him if he could help me by holding her, and he quickly agreed. I finally got Ty and Shayla out the door in time to catch the bus, turned around and this video is what I saw.

What a sweet Garrett I have. Suddenly I knew we were going to be okay because everyone would step up and help out and somehow we would make it. Tender mercies and answers to prayers.

Merry Christmas!

Can you guess who this is?

Santa, that's who!





We inherited this Santa suit from my sil Emily H. and have had so much fun with it!! It is magical--thank you Emily!





Tyler got to deliver Christmas gifts to a few families in our ward in it, and then he made a special appearance (after falling off the roof) Christmas Eve as we gathered with some friends to reinact the nativity. I wish I had pictures of the kids' faces as they spotted Santa out the window, and then when he came in and gave them all candy canes and told them a Christmas secret. They were enthralled and I loved the magic of it all.


But the best moment was when Grant and my niece Felicity sneaked out of bed and were caught by Santa. Felicity froze, and slowly walked backwards into her room without saying a word. Grant just froze, deer in headlights style. Santa asked Grant if he wanted to sit on his lap and tell him what he wanted for Christmas. Grant thought about it for a minute, and then got a huge smile on his face and danced his way over to Santa's lap. Grant has been talking about "Sampa" ever since. "Sampa said "ho, ho, ho."

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Happy Anniversary!

5 kids

4 cars

4 states

2 countries

1 dog

2 fish

2 houses

5 apartments

trials - enough

countless blessings

10 wonderful years

I love you more each day and

can't wait to see what our next 10 years will bring.

Happy Anniversary, love!

Miya's blessing day

Miya's blessing day

We blessed Miya at home on Sunday, Dec. 6th.

It was special to have just a few good friends and my Mom there.

Kevin, Tyler and Jesse performed the ordinance

Admiring their new sister

Miya was done with pictures by this point

My Mom and Grandma J. made this blessing dress when my sister was born.

All of the granddaughters on my side have been blessed in this dress.

I couldn't resist taking some naked baby pictures.

Miya's favorite pasttime.




Doing what she does best :)
Miya (pronounced Mee-ya) is a Japanese name meaning "temple" or "increasingly beautiful."

We had such a hard time naming her, but felt like Miya just fit her perfectly.

More on Miya...

Finally more pictures. Life has been pretty crazy with 5 kids, but we are alive and here are the photos to prove it :)

A little Daddy-daughter time


The kiddos with Grandma

The whole family--I can't believe there are 7 of us!

Grant held Miya for a millisecond and luckily I got a photo of it

My Mom and Miya. It was SO wonderful to have my mom with us for 2 weeks. I wanted to cry when she had to leave. Come back soon and visit, Mom!

Garrett LOVES his little Miya

Sisters! Shayla couldn't be more pleased

(well, she did say she wished Miya were 6 years old like her so they could play :)

Big brother Ty--such a good oldest son

Taking Miya home

Garrett loves to lay on the floor next to Miya and snuggle


We got home from the hospital on Wednesday, and got a phone call an hour later from the school nurse. Shayla broke her arm when she fell off of the zip line at recess.

When it rains, it pours :)

Introducing...

Miya Leilani Hacking!

She was born at 1:53pm on Monday November 30th, 2009

and weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. and was 19 1/2" long.

We are loving our little Miya and are so thankful she is healthy and strong and here!

I'll try and post more pictures and details tomorrow.