Girl Trapped

2010-08-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

Paige's 11th Birthday and Camping at Buro Mountain

2010-08-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

London and Preesley had a ball together, they kept things interesting. They wanted a new capri sun every 10 minutes, they wanted to play in the mud, we couldn't keep them out of the ice chest. They wanted to play in the back of Pop's truck, they were so cute. Dirty...but cute. Preesley really loved to swing on the cabin swing and on the one we made at camp. I kept worrying she wouldn't hold on, but she always did and once her turn was over she would stand in line and wait till it was her turn again. Most of the time, she didn't wait patiently, she pretty much cried until it was her turn again. Stinker!

The week before school started we went camping. It is so much work to go, but once you are out there it is all worth it! We went camping with Pops and Linda and Amy's kids. Which made it all the more fun!! Todd and Misty let us borrow their 5th wheel. We totally appreciated that, I don't think I ever want to camp without one. Thank you!!! We had great weather, it only rained one night and part of one day. So we couldn't have asked for better. The kids were so good, they fished, shot guns, hiked, played cards, watched movies, played on these corrals that were next to where camp was and just enjoyed making and playing in the fire. Fires really are entertaining! It is amazing to me how much fun they can come up with out in the woods.

First Day of School and Other Fun Stuff....This ones for you Angela:)

2010-08-13T13:32:00.001-07:00

Who needs boys? Ally shooting the bebe gun while were camping the week before school started and Marley really have a good time on the cabin swing. They liked playing on this swing so much, we made one at your camp for them use. It was a popular attraction!

First Day of School. Paige is in 6th Grade and in the Junior High. So far she likes it, she says moving classes makes her day go by faster. That's what is important righ? Marley is i the 2nd Grade, which she has informed is "AWESOME" every single day at last 4 times. On the second day of school she said that the "past two days of school have been better than her whole school experience" And she has had some awesome teachers. Maybe I should go someday and check out the "awesomeness" Ally is in Kindergarten with lots of friends. The worst part for her is waiting until 12:30 to go. Bring back all day Kindergarten...please!

Easter at the Cabin

2010-04-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

We spent another Easter at The Cabin. I swear every year it gets colder and colder and every year there is more of that white stuff hanging around! Cold or not it is still so good to see all my cousins, aunts, uncles and family. I guess what I love the best is how much fun my kids have. I hardly see them for 3 days. They just run around with their cousins like they see them everyday, and actually some of them only see each other once year at the cabin. They don't miss a beat. I really love my extended family, we are so blessed to have The Cabin to keep us all connected. And to be place where we can gather to catch up, laugh, and make new memories. I want to thank my dad and my aunt, and my uncles for sharing it with us.

Easter at The Cabin

2010-04-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, this pictures was not taken at Easter, but who cares! Don't you just want to squeeze her??? I thought she looked especially cute on this day...and I think she thought she was pretty cute herself.(thanks Angela:)

TODAY is more than St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

It is my sister's 40th Birthday!! Happy Birthday Traci! Honestly, you don't look a day over 25!!! I have always thought you get prettier and prettier every year! Look out 50!!! Thanks for being the best sister in the world. I"m really the only one who can say that and it be right, other people just say that because they have too! You have always been so nice to your little bratty sister. Remember when I wore your new purple Arizona National jacket at breakfast. I wanted to wear it over my clothes I wouldn't get any food on them. OH, you were mad, then I said something, I don't know what. But I got in trouble and dad actually grounded me! Grounded me, that was the first and last time I was ever grounded. It really made an impression on me. And do you remember me eating a package of sweettarts that you bought. You were so made at me for that too! I was always in your hair!! And then do you remember me "dusting" our dresser with hairspray??? That was a classic move on my part! Anyway, thanks for putting up with me as a little sister. I have always looked up to you, always. You were who I wanted to be, thanks for being such a great example to me. You are an awesome mother, wife, and sister.

I wish I could hop in the car and be with you on your birthday. In fact I have contemplated it several times. I just can't get the logistics of it down, it's hard for mom's to run off and do anything on the spur of the moment. We have to much to plan and organize! But just know my heart is there and I"ll be thinking of you all day long!!! Happy Birthday!!!! Trachel

Apollo Ohno

2010-02-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

While watching the Olympics today they were showing different pictures of the athletes. I've noticed Marley really liked watch Apollo, but never really said anything. Then today Paige says "there's Marley's husband" to which Marley says "pretty much". Then she says, "I'd be extremely happy to just touch him!" Just thought it was cute.

First Pigtails!

2010-02-26T14:58:00.001-08:00

Anyone who knows Preesley knows that her hair is kinda crazy and straight most of the time. Honestly I have gone down hill in the doing of little girls hair. WE will not be comparing Paige's hairdo's as a baby to Preesley's. It is just sad. For one her hair is way different than Paige's was as baby, and, we never go anywhere so most days I let her run free. I never thought I would be like that, I guess that is what happens when you are the 4th girl! Terrible, but true. But anyway, today I got excited about doing her hair again and decided to try pigtails. And it worked! She was really good while I did it, and I could tell she felt pretty special having those things poking out from her head.

Cooped!

2010-01-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

I wish I could have locked the door! They are sort of getting on each others nerves, being in this house for 5 days!!

Christmas Morning

2009-12-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

Ally and Marley have been wanting a pretend iron and ironing board for a few years not, but I just kinda blew them off. Then they mentioned it again this year, so started looking. They range in price from $15-to over $100! Dumb, I thought for some plastic or wood! Well then I got on my friend ebay! I found this childs vintage iron and ironing board. Once I saw it I fell in love, then I really fell in love when it said that the iron heated up to luke warm!! IT HAD TO BE MINE, i thought to myself! So I bid on it, and watched and waited, I won't tell you what I put as my max bid, but I didn't even come close to it, (thank goodness) Only $17! Anyway it was hit!! So cute!
Paige was really excited about this one from Santa!
Preesley finishing up Santa's Cookies.
Waiting to go downstairs.
Preesley on Christmas Eve.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T13:14:00.000-08:00

I started a tradition last year of giving my kids something homemade for Christmas. Last year I sewed them aprons. This year I made them puzzles of themselves. Each puzzle has 6 different pictures of them. They got to open these Christmas Eve.

I think this may have been one of my favorite Christmas'. The kids were so good, and so grateful, they literally thanked us all day long. I think it was the last thing Paige said to me before she went to sleep on Christmas night too! It was full of surprises and things they didn't expect. I even got surprised too! Mr. Wonderful as I like to refer to him, had a kitchen table and chairs made for me!! I had no idea, and I am the accountant around here, and he did it without me knowing! (good thing too, because if I would have know I would have said no way!) Pretty sneekie, I love it. I told him it was pretty risky to pick something like that out for me, I am real particular when it comes to buying furniture. I really think things out, but he had heard me talk about it so much, he really knew exactly what I wanted. Oh, what did Buck get? HMMM, lots of hunting!!! He actually left Christmas night to go back out on his hunt. I did not want him to leave, but since it was his only Christmas present, I let him leave. I mean who am I to ruin Christmas for Mr. Wonderful? He is still out hunting.

Quick Pics December Re-cap!

2009-12-20T09:52:00.001-08:00

Marley opening a Birthday present early. Art kit! She was so excited.
Ally after her Christmas Performance.
Ally singing at her Christmas Performance.
Preesley looking so cute in Marley's winter hat.

Ally reading books to Preesley, I could hear her doing it so I snuck a picture. So cute.

Marley is SeVeN!

2009-12-20T09:44:00.001-08:00

I swore I wouldn't have a kid in December since my Birthday is in December and I really did not like it growing up, but what do you know but my little Marley was born December 11, 2002. I was just grateful she came a week early! Anyway, she had a fun day with her friends. They decoated cupcakes, made christmas ornaments, and played games. Girls really are a lot of fun. She has a really great group of friends, she loves them all! Marley got spoiled with lots of fun gifts, crafts, jewelry, polly pockets, a candy bouquet, and clothes!
Marley is one great little girl, very obedient, sweet to her sisters, very helpful, a talented artist (i should post some of the things she has done, maybe next year!) and just so full of life! There is always fun to be had when Marley is around! We love you!

2009-11-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

Family Pictures 2009

2009-11-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

Yeap, it is that time of year again. Family pictures! I worry, I stress, I want them to be perfect....are they ever? No, but we did get a few good ones. Preesley didn't want to have any part of it, so it was real tricking to get one with her even looking at the camera, much less with a smile on her face. So here is how things shaped up!

Let's Get tHiS PARTY started!

2009-11-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

EVERYONE, qUiCk HIDE...

2009-11-09T13:28:00.001-08:00

SURPRISE!!!

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

We had a suprise Pajama party for Ally's 5th Birthday. All of her friends showed up around 7:00 on Friday night to get ready. Ally was next door at her grandma's and had no idea what was going on! All her friends and I were so excited, it kinda felt like Christmas morning. They were all so cute in their pj's! Paige and Marley were posite upstairs to drop balloons on her when she came in the door.

OH, NOW I GET IT!!!

She was really surprised! A huge thanks to all her friends who came and for all the fun and thoughtful gifts.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T12:00:00.001-07:00

Miss Preesley, the Octo-baby. I really love how it turned out. You should see her walking in this, it so cute the way her little legs flop around. Love it! The little bow on her head is an octopus too!

Paige the perfect scarecrow! I killed me to put make-up on her face and cover her cute freckles! But she insisted!

Ally my little cowgirl! We are really getting our money out of this costume. She is the 3rd little Binnie girl to wear it. Cute everytime!!

Marley my little witchy-poo! You can bet her favorite part of the outfit is her earrings! Had to have those little numbers!

Paige's First Buck!

2009-10-28T11:35:00.001-07:00

Paige had her first deer hunt in New Mexico. She has been looking forward to this for a long long time. She just has this natural desire to hunt. I know people think we try and make our girls hunt since Buck is such a big hunter and because we have all girls. This is not the case. Paige genuinely loves it, and I don't get it!! She evidently has more of Buck running through her veins than of me. I mean I don't have anything against other people hunting, I just don't like it I just don't like getting up at way before sun light, I don't like to be cold, I don't like hiking, not a real fun of being dirty/dusty, and I have a hard enough time looking cute in normal clothes, much less trying to "work it" it camo! But every part of me is so happy that Paige and her dad love it and they can do it together.
Her hunt was practically in Mark and Traci's back yard. So Paige had lots of help from her Dad and her Uncle Mark, and cousins Drew and Shea. It really made it special that they were all with her while she hunted. Especially on the day they found her deer. She shot it on Monday night, but it got dark and they couldn't find it. So the next morning they went our early to find it. Mark spotted it laying in the river. Everyone was so happy. Paige said that her and Drew and Shea, were screaming and hugging and giving high fives. I can only imagine! It was really neat. I HUGE THANKS to Mark and Traci for all they did for us over the weekend. Mark taking off work, getting the hook-ups on some private land, and just being an all around great brother in-law and uncle. Traci cooking meals, making lunches, helping pack up etc. You guys are awesome!!!

Paige also went on a Javelina hunt 2 weeks ago. She didn't shoot one, but had a really good time with her dad. They saw over 200 deer, a ringtale cat, coyotes, and javelina. They were in hunters heaven. One day while they were out hunting Paige fell asleep on this rock. Buck really thought it was funny. Kids are cool.

Why you should check on your kids when it is quiet.

2009-09-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Paige and Marley move Pam(the hampster) into the bathroom at night beacuse she keeps them up spinning on her wheel. No problem, great idea. Until they forget to put her back on their dresser. Then this is what happens. Great start to a Monday I say!

This picture was taken after we found the Pam under Ally's bed!

How could she resist?

2009-09-25T09:33:00.001-07:00

Marley got ANOTHER tooth pulled yesterday. At this rate we won't be needing a dentist for her anymore! The dentist was trying to talk in secret code with me about having to pull it, because he didn't want Marley to worry or freak out. So after the code talking was done, I break it to Marley. "Hey Marley, your tooth needs to be pulled" Do want to just do it today and get it over with?" Without hesitation she says "Yeah!" Then I look down at her and she is rubbing her thumbs back and forth across her other fingers. "money, money, money" she is thinking in her head. It was so funny. So later that night, she composed this little note for the Tooth Fairy. Sometimes in life we get what we want, and she did.

**I think that next to heart she was going to put her name, but got side tracked and wrote five dollars again instead.**

Going on a cat hunt...

2009-09-08T11:29:00.001-07:00

Our niece Madison turned 5 on Saturday. We have been trying to let her parents have a kitten for about a year now. She LOVES them. But since Rob isn't that into pet/animals in general it just hadn't happened. So when I was trying to come up with a fun b-day gift for Madi, I thought, rollerskates?? Barbie??? PollyPocket???, but none of those sounded like what I wanted to give her. Then Buck spotted a fake stuffed kitten in Wal-mart. And instantly our wheels started turning!! So our mind was made up we were gonna find Madison a kitten. And we knew her parents really wouldn't have a choice because after all it would be gift! So early Saturday we started out on your hunt....

HERE ARE GIRLS READY TO FIND MADISON A KITTEN!

We started with Kmart parking lot, nothing, then Safeway, nothing, then continued up the mountain. We went everywhere we could think of, we even asked perfect strangers if they "happened" to have any spare kittens laying around! Everyone just told us to check the Humane Society. Which we finally did. Now if you know me, then you know that I have never lived animals, and the fact that we have a dog and cat is pretty amazing. However, overtime I have grown soft, okay maybe just softer to animals. *We are a stictly outside pet family* Anyway we make our way through the smelly dog kennels and past the even worse smelling puppy kennels and finally make it into the kitten room. (did not smell at all, I don't know how, but it didn't) Anyway my girls were instantly oooing and aahing over the little kittens. One may or may not have caught my eye as well. Paige instantly fell in love with this adorable, oh wait I mean kinda cute looking Calico cat. Then the begging to adopt it started, "Mom, I will use my own money, "I love this cat" "I want this cat, can I please adopt this cat?" Which I wasn't about to let her do, even though quite honestly I wanted it to!! Anyway, we get they guy to come and let us hold the kittens, as he is opening up the cages he says, you know the kittens are 2 for 1! Paige's eyes lit up, now her Calico was half price! As soon as he said that I knew we were going home with a kitten for Madison and one for us! So we filled out all the paperwork, and off we went. I have never been more excited and more nervous to give a birthday gift in all my life. I mean I knew Madison would love it, but I also knew that I would have to talk her parents into letting her keep it!!
I am mad I don't have any pictures of how it all went down, but Buck brings the kitten in a wrapped box in the midst of Madison opening all her presents. She can't beleive it, Rob and Melissa give me looks of "are you serious, and Melissa says "Is this a joke?" It all happened so fast!! They were good sports about it, and Madison called Buck yesterday to let him know how much she loves her kitten, and tell him they were going to the pet store to get some more "stuff" for it. Anyway, it was fun. Rob says to me "Paybacks are a *****! We won't be inviting them to any upcoming birthday parties!
Other pictures from Labor Day Weekend. We took the kids on a little train ride. This guy has made this train all through his property, it is really cool. The kids had fun. If you want to go, it is right before you get to the stop light by Taco Bell in Show Low. Their are signs out, it is on Saturday-Sunday. It's free he takes Donations only to cover his expenses. (thanks for letting us know about Angela)

Loving this day because...

2009-09-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

It's me and the Bucksters 11th Anniversary
Canned 20lbs of chicken, bagged and froze another 20lbs
Haven't done anyones hair yet, and it is 2:06pm
I asked my girls to clean their rooms and to my surprise I only had to ask once.
I went upstairs and these two little sights made me happy

Paige has joined the band, so today she is teaching Marley and Ally how to play instruments, complete with handwritten sheet music.
The weather is beautiful!

Just the other day...

2009-08-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

Just the other day, these girls were as little as my Preesley. And now look a them. Each one unique, and beautiful. And each trying to figure out who they are and what they want to be. And trying to be a good friend, student, daughter, athlete, reader, and roller-skater. Since my girls have been at school all day I have had time to organize and clear my head. So when they come home, my mind is clear and I feel like I have been able to "see" them better. I enjoy watching them, and teaching them and listening to their sweet voices, and ideas and dreams. And to be honest I don't even feel like, "oh, why didn't I do that with them during the summer" or "oh, why didn't spend more time with them while they were home all day." Because I know that really it wasn't possible (okay possible, but not as easy as it is now for me) Okay, I guess what I am saying is that I love to have my kids in school, because it is exciting for them to learn, and grow and experience new things. It makes our lives interesting, and crazy, and mellow, all at the same time. It gives me chance to keep 4 rooms of the house clean at the same time for at least 6 hours, which makes me happy. It gives me chance to spend extra time with Preesley, who sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. It gives me time to do nothing if I don't want too, and guess what, Buck doesn't care if I do nothing...in fact somedays he encourages it. Hey, and did I mention that Preesley takes naps, and makes for some very productive hours in my day!! 3 cheers for school, hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray!! ***Preesley is in love with this cat. She pulls, squeezes, hugs, pinches, drops and drags this kitty around everyday. And this cat could get away if it wanted to, but instead it just keeps coming back for more. If this cat could be cloned every house in American should have one for a first pet!!****

Petrified Forest

2009-08-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon we loaded up the kids and headed to the Petrified Forest. I mean we live like 35 minutes away and have never been. But I had heard that yesterday was a free admission day to National Parks. I was thinking wow what a bargain, but then we get there and the admission everyday is only $10! Either way it got is there. The first thing we did was stop at the information center. We could have turned around and gone home after that. The girls were in heaven running around and touching the petrified wood, and fossils and seeing dinosaur eggs and all kids of pre-historic animals frozen in time. I was so happy we had made the effort to come. After everyone had touched and see all the gift shop and information center could offer, we hopped back in the car and headed into the park itself. The first stop was to see the biggest piece of Petrified wood on record. We followed the little trail through a sea of petrified wood, it really was pretty amazing. After that we hit just about every little site along the way. The kids would hop out of the car and run to see what was next. The drive through the park is about 28 miles and you get to go through the painted dessert as well. We actually watched the sunset at the painted dessert. We also stopped at a little monument for the Historic Route 66 that runs through the park as well. It turned out to be a realy fun day.

Same School

2009-08-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Since they changed the school system up a little, Paige and Marley get to be at the same school for one year. As it was before they would have never ended up at the same school. Not like it is a big deal or anything, but I just think it will be cool...and easier. Same school, same drop-off, same pick-up, you get the picture. They both were really excited, Marley mabye a little more so than Paige, but that is just a difference in personlities. Marley is excited for homework, Paige is excited for her teacher's candy box. They are very different. I love them on a schedule, and I love my down time...I think I just might be nicer mom with them back in school! Here they are....

Ally's First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ally started Kindergarten. She was all smiles and excitement. The big debate has been whether she would stay all day or half a day. So when I dropped her off I told her I would be back at lunch to see if she wanted to stay or come home with me. So I went at lunch time and peeked into the classroom. What I saw could not have been more cute, her and her friend Jade were sitting by each other with some friends. They were giggling and smiling and chewing on their lunches. One of the spotted me and said "Ally, your mom is at the door" Ally and Jade both looked over at me, then Jades stands up and says "We are eating lunch", in her cutest little what are you doing here we are busy little look. So Ally just looks at me, doesn't get up, doesn't say anything, so I say "Ally come here" and she does and immediately I can tell she isn't coming home with me! Which was fine, but it did hurt a little. Anyway, she had a great day and was happy to go again this morning. She is surrounded by GREAT teachers and friends so I knew she is happy.

Paige is 10

2009-08-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Paige's birthday was on August 5th. She invited 2 of her friends to go camping at Fools Hollow for a night. We picked them up around 10:30am and the plan was for Buck to take them fishing, but what happened was they just jumped in the lake. Which I was surprised!!! Yuck, I think lakes are gross, but since it was one of the hottest days we have had in awhile, I guess they didn't care. So Buck just threw them a rope and pulled them around the Lake. In the meantime the little girls and I were setting up camp. Buck and Paige had set up our tents at about 6:00am to save our spot we had picked out the night before. While I was setting up stuff I could hear all this laughing and screaming down on the water. And I thought wow, that group is having fun. Well upon futher investigation I realized it was the birthday crew. Who knew hanging onto a rope and being pulled through the water would be so much fun!

After swimming and crawdad hunting we roasted hot dogs for lunch. After lunch the girls gathered whatever they could find to construct a miniature log cabin. They each had their own hot glue gun to assemble them. And needless to say, the each had several burns on their fingers by the end of it. Karli had one of the worst ones. After that they were hot and ready to get back in the water, so Buck took them out again. Meanwhile I went home to assemble the foil dinners, which turned out so yummy, the girls were so hungry I should have made them each 2! My mom and dad came out and ate with us. It was a really fun evening, and I know Paige won't forget it. She loves doing things like this. She must have thanked us a hundred times. She got some really nice gifts and had one colorful cake.

Amy Lee (Buck's sister) came and decorated Paige's cake, Paige picked out the colors. I had pictures of each one of her birthdays from 1-10 years old printed and stuck in her cake. To represent each year of life so far. It was so fun to look back and remember each one of birthdays and see how much she has changed. We are so proud of the good little girl she has become! Love you Paige.

Mini-Binnie reunion in Tucson.

2009-07-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Kisses for Ally.

Monkey being Monkey!

A few of my Favorite PICTURES...lately.

2009-07-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

I love this baby. Angela thanks for the cute swimsuit!

Preesley loves this cat, and she makes the sound you make when you hock a loogie everytime she sees it.

I love my yard. Thank you Buck!

The arbor is in Linda's yard. So pretty, I have to give her alot of the credit too!

Tour De Show Low

2009-06-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Paige was in her first bike race this weekend. She wasn't nervous at all, just excited. (I was really nervous for her) She was determined to win. It was so exciting!! We could only see in the distance her racing, but each lap it looked like she was in 2nd place. So we just kept watching for her to come up the hill to the finish line. When we finally saw her, we saw her pretty much neck and neck with the same rider she had been with the whole race. So we just start cheering and yelling and she just kicks it in to high gear and WINS!!!! I cried! And anyone who knows Buck, knows that he did too! It was so cool, it was really good for her self-esteem! I would have been proud even if she hadn't won, because I kept thinking she would want to back out and not do it at all, but she was determined and excited. It was one fun morning. Both of her grandparents were there to see her, it was really special. She won a medal and a new odometer timer thing for her bike. GOOD JOB PAIGE!!!! Oh look for her in next weeks paper.

Enjoy the pics...

SCHOOOLLLSS out for SUMMMER!!!

2009-05-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

It is official! Schools out!!! I love having my kids home during the summer. We are on no one's time, but our own! It is great!! Here are the girls on the last day of school. Do they look smarter???
Okay, so maybe this normal, but Marley had an absolutely perfect report card. PERFECT! And in her testing packet, she missed ZERO! (I realize this IS Kindergarten, I am not taking her down to the community college to have to her tested in!) Way to go Marley, she also has re-discovered riding her bike without training wheels. She learned how about 9 months ago, but then got scared and we put them back on. Then Paige said come on Marley I will help re-teach you, and in only a few minutes she had it down again. Now she runs in and out of the house riding that bike.

We have been preparing for our yard sale this weekend. The kids love to have a bake sale during it, so we are busy making cookies and banana bread muffins. They usually rake in the dough, people basically buy stuff cause they're cute. Paige takes this very seriously, she makes the signs, gets the cash box ready and sets up the goods. She even uses wax paper to handle the cookies when she sales them. Should be fun!! If it doesn't rain.

50's Kindergarten Graduation

2009-05-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

Marley graduated from Kindergarten yesterday. It was so fun. They had a 50's themed celebration. The kids learned the songs, "Lollipop", "Don't step on my blue sued shoes" "Sandman" "Shake Rattle and Roll" and another school song as well. They performed them so well. Marley really did a great job this year. Things just come naturally for her, art, penmanship, you name it, she's got it down. We love her! I have been noticing how tall she has gotten, I wish I would have measured her before she started school this year. But by the looks of her high water pants she has grown an inch or two!

Happy Birthday Buck

2009-05-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

(Here is the cake I would have made if I made cakes like this, but then again I don't know, because Buck would say something like, "why did they make that deer look like that", "those antlers would never be on that type of buck" Or he would say, "that type of camo is not right for the area we live in, it is too dark" But really he would say, "thanks babe, you did awesome!")

Today is my Buck's birthday. If you don't know to much about him I thought I would share some my favorite things about him.
#1 He is clean, squeaky clean. Not that you would want to...under the most desperate circumstances to eat out of someone's ear, but if you had to you could eat out of his!! He have stock in Q-tips.
#2 He is extremely thoughtful.
#3 He works hard.
#4 He keeps are yard and Pops and Linda's yard looking PERFECT!!!
#5 He is funny, not funnier than me, but funny.
#6 He does things with the girls that make them feel special and teaches them things.
#7 He has nice thick hair, but he shaves it. I love how he looks with a fresh shaved head, and face for that matter. He is fanatical about keeping himself groomed up!
#8 He treats me good, spoils me in fact.
#9 Have I ever mentioned that he brings me flowers?
#10 I am convinced that there isn't ANYTHING he couldn't do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUCK!!! I, WE, LOVE YOU!!

Old Business

2009-04-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

Preesley has had a busy month, she learned to crawl, learned to clap, wave bye-bye and say "papa". I know I enjoyed all my girls at this age, but I think maybe now I appreciate it more. Especially since she is probably our last baby. She is still the most popular gal at our house.

Paige has been dying to go fishing lately, she went last Saturday with Pops and Linda, and is begging every chance she gets to get of school and go. Pops taught her how to tie her own flies so she has really gotten into it. She has also been busy taking the hunter safety course. She will be 10 this year, so she can start putting in for the draw. I have never seen a girl more excited to hunt. She takes the test tonight and if she passes..watch out wild animals! She loves it all, (the boy we never had). She actually loves to do just about anything. In the evenings I have been teaching her how to pass a volleyball. She is getting pretty good, each time we are done practicing says "thanks mom". I think that is so sweet. All kids really want is our time.

Miss Marley has just been buzzing around dabbling into everything. You never saw a kid more happy to be home from school. She comes in drops the backpack, goes up stairs and puts on comfy clothes, comes downstairs flops on the couch and watches tv. Then she starts asking to eat just about anything I will let her, then she sits and snacks, then she is ready to got outside, she loves to play badmitten, then she rides her bike, then she is on the swingset and into the sand box. She does not stop till bedtime. She is just so fun to watch, she really enjoys life. Oh and usually squeezes in some painting and drawing. She wants to be an artist. I have been asking her if the want to be soccer, or dance, and she says nope I want to be in art class! So Pops is going to start doing some things with her when Paige and Ally start soccer.

As for Ally, her days consist of helping me with Preesley, watching cartoons, playing outside on the swingset and going to Preschool. She also seems to squeeze in a weekly play date with one of her friends. She loves to hang out with Brooklyn, Jade and Lydia. Ally is always so willing to help around the house, very rarely does she argue about doing her chores.

It's a GIRL!

2009-04-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yeap we've done it again. He have added another girl to our family. This girl comes via you local pet store. Somehow, and I do mean somehow!!! The girls talked us into getting a hamster. It all started with Paige earning money and wanting to spend it on a pet, you know a fish or turtle or something. Well, no turtles at the pet store, and I mean why would you want a fish after you see bunnies, puppies, hamsters and macaws!! Paige was not going to buy a fish! Anyway, we ended up with a hamster. And I told Paige I wasn't contributing one red cent to this little endevour!! Ally and Marley kept saying that they would "mix" their money in with Paige's to get everything. (Ally had $1 and Marley had $2) Well they were about $1-$2 short of having all the cash they needed for a cage, food, bedding, and the hamster. So I gathered up some change (literally) from the cup holder in the car, and gave it to them. I couldn't believe they had talked me into this. What happens is that they get Buck on board with stuff first, so if he agrees and I don't, well...then...I just look like a hag! So there you have it, we have a hamster. It's name is Pam, created from an initial of each of the girls names.

Pinch'm..They're Cute

2009-03-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dear TRACI....

2009-03-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to YOU!! If you haven't met my sister Traci, you should. I have looked up to her my whole life, in fact I am still doing it! So I have posted the top 10 reasons why you would want to meet my big sister Traci....here it goes.

#1 She loves my kids just as much or at least dang close to as much as she does her own.
#2 She always had the coolest clothes and hair....still does. She gets prettier every year!
#3 She can cook/bake anything.
#4 She is the best hostest ever.
#5 She is always up for getting a treat..DQ,Sonic, whatever.
#6 She always remembers my birthday.
#7 She always decorates her homes so cute, just the right amount of new, antique,and nostalgic. You instantly feel right at home when you visit.
#8 She likes to shop.
#9 She makes my girls homemade play-dough, they are convinced she has the only recipe in the world. (I'm going to keep it that way)
#10, number 10 already...I"m just getting started.
#11 She loves and appreciates old things.
#12 She is laid back and wants to make others happy, I think Traci of all of us siblings got the perfect mix of mom and dad's characteristics.
#13 She has let me be in charge of canned corn at Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember!
#14 She just plain has it together!
#15 She lets her kids do stuff, pet rats, horses, chickens, cows, cats, dogs, baseball, football, basketball, igloo forts made out of snow, sledding behind a four wheeler on a deer skin, leather crafts and long bows. She allows them to explore their interests even if it isn't hers.
#16 Which brings me to the obvious she and Mark made some awesome kids.
#17 She taught me and Connie how to head bang when were about 8 years old! In case you don't know how to head bang...her instructions were these....pretend you have a pony tail on top of you head, and then pretend you are pulling that pony tail forward with your fist. Got it?
#18 She will stay up late and just visit.
#19 She made me a washer and dryer out of card board boxes so I could play house with them when I was little. I have never forgotten that, I thought that was the coolest thing.
#20 She is the best sister and friend I could ever ask for.

Happy Birthday! Love ya, Tra

Together Again...Forever..........

2009-03-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Look at these two sweethearts. My grandma writes "I was in the eighth grade and Marcel was a Sophmore. He started writing comical little notes just for a joke and putting them in my desk, also all of his scrap paper was stuffed down the ink well in my desk. I would pull it all out of my desk and stuff it in his. We exchanged scrap paper all that school year."..."We started sitting by each other in the shows. I remember he ask me if he could sit by me and I told him he could. However he did not come and sit down until the show was almost half over. He was so bashful. There I had saved a seat for him all that time."
My grandma passed away yesterday, just one week after her sweetheart. To them it must have seemed like an eternity before they could see each other again. This time it was my grandpa saving a seat for her.
I love them and will miss them, but they have left me and family a righteous legacy, and an example for us to pattern our lives.

Dating

Married December 9, 1943 (grandpa's 20th birthday)

(taking their own picture, notice that he is holding the button to the camera in his hand, you can see the cord)

Grandpa

2009-03-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

My grandpa passed away last night. Words, especially my words, cannot fully explain the love and respect I have for him. In my eyes he was perfect, everything you would want a grandpa to be. He was a tease, he would always let you sit on his lap, and before he would let you go you had to give him a kiss on the cheek. (that is what I loved about him the most) he loved to slap your hand every time you walked by his chair, he loved to "milk your mouse", he loved to twist your fingers and toes. He was righteous and loving and charitable. He made you feel special, he loved his family. He worked hard, he loved his cabin, and shared it unselfishly with us. Ultimately I think he built if for us, he once asked Marley, he said "Marley, do you know who's cabin this is? She said "yours?", and he said "nope, its everybody's." That cabin has provided his entire family with some of our best memories. I will miss him, but I happy to know where he is.

A good visit...

2009-02-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

Buck and I took the kids out of school and headed to Animas to visit my grandpa and grandma. And I was so glad I did, I love them so much. It was so good to see them and be in there home. Each time I walk through their front door and see them in their chairs or on the couch, I instantly feel at home. We had a good time visiting with my cousins, (Stacie, Clint, Trina) and their families. As well as Rosanne, David, Clinton and Martha, and Uncle Jeff. Here are a few pictures....

Paige playing with bubbles outside...no need for blowing with that Animas wind!

Cute little Paige.

Grandpa teasing Ally, she was complaining that she wanted the red bubbles, not the yellow ones, so grandpa said he would play with the yellow ones. I love this picture.

Visiting when we first got there.

Preesley went to Grandma instantly, and she just sat there and laid on her lap. It was the cutest thing. Grandma kept saying how sweet she was. I hope I never forget how cute they looked together.

The newness has not worn off...

2009-02-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

It has been exactly 7 months now since Miss Preesley Jade came into our lives and the girls are still as excited about her as the day we brought her home. (I know that was a run-on sentence) They are constantly, and I do mean constantly, asking me "can I hold Preesley when".....your done feeding her, when your done changing her diaper, when she wakes and is happy, when we get home from church, when we get to church, when she gets out of the tub, when she is in the tub..on and on and on!

The funniest was when we were pulling out of the driveway on our way to Gilbert. I mean we hadn't made it 5ft, and Ally says "can I hold Preesley when we get to Rob and Melissa's house?" It is out of control!! I guess I just didn't expect them to be so in to her still. It just proves to me that girls have a natural instinct to "mother". Preesley just lights up when she sees them. I mean she's got it made, she has 5 people who love her, make her laugh, give her kisses and think she is the cutest thing ever! The "baby" of the family has it made. (I should know, I'm one myself)

Can you blame them? Look at her!

This little girl wants to say....

2009-02-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU Angela!!! The bundles you left will keep me cute and warm for a long time! I love you! -Preesley Jade-

Buck's done it again...

2009-02-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

(Do you like how I strategically place the Book of Mormon in this picture?) Righteous I know!

All of Buck's favorite girls received flowers this Valentines Day. (except for the littlest one, she doesn't appreciate them quite yet) Their was a knock at the door this morning, and when it was answered the man said, "is there a Marley Binnie here, a Paige Binnie here, and an Ally Binnie here?" Then I see them come around the corner into the kitchen with bright, happy little faces and their roses. The little notes Buck put on them were just too, cute and so personalized to each one of them. Then my "Valentine" brings me mine. They are just perfect for me, he shopped for the container to put them in, took it to the flourist and explained to her exactly what he wanted. He knows me soooo good, because I love love love them!! I don't want them to die!!! Anyway, he is so sweet and thoughtful, on Valentines Day and every day! He is really setting the bar for some young men out there someday, the ones who get past the shot-gun! Kidding. Anyway, Thanks Bucky, I love you!!

The Run Down...

2009-02-13T13:47:00.000-08:00

1. Cute baby, always a constant at our house.
2. Parent teacher conference, Marley said "mom,you will only see one thing wrong with my report card and it is 'my' (meaning that she missed the word 'my' when testing on her site words. And she was right! But I bet she won't miss it again! We love that Marley, she has been the easiest kid her entire life.
3. Trying to drum up work...anyone need something built? Birdhouses to hospitals we can do it. Oh, and need I say, licensed, bonded and insured???
4. Ready for spring anyone? Seems like maybe if it was warmer we would be outside more and listening to the news less!
5. Working on my food storage... one can of beans at a time! Since I have been couponing I have been able to stock up on alot of stuff...most of it has been free or nearly free! Who knew??? Coupons, really? I always thought that coupons were a scam to try and get you to buy stuff you didn't need!!! I really should have been more informed!
6. "Come what may and love it" Elder Joseph B. Worthlin

Back in Business!

2009-01-27T08:11:00.000-08:00

Hey look at me, surfing the web like nobody's biz!! Computer is fixed!!! Works like a charm, and I learned some valuable stuff along the way.

**First of all always do the update things your anit-virus provides. But here is the clincher, only do the updates that you initate. If something pops up telling you to to update....DON'T DO IT!! Make sure you go into your anti-virus and tell it what to do.

***Secondly, do the updates EVERYDAY!!! They (smart people) are constantly update the anti-virus software to combat the never ending supply of viruses out there. So updating their stuff everyday to keep your computer protected. Updating is different than scanning for viruses, updating is preventative.

***And Last, I learned that I spent to much time on the computer. I kinda enjoyed not having it to be perfectly honest, except that now I do have quite a bit of work to do!! But I did get my girls photo albums all caught up, yeah!!!

Oh and while we were "out with a virus" something sweet happend.
Preesley turned 6 months old! Here's how she looked on her 1/2 year Birthday.

Call Ripley's...

2009-01-21T11:41:00.001-08:00

Marley got a trampoline for Christmas. Smart one on the part of Santa because now she has a new way of ridding herself and energy! Anyway, for Family Home Evening we had a competition to see who could jump on one foot the most times. Marley's first record was 397 jumps, then last Monday she crushed that record with 813 jumps on one foot. We were so happy for her! She is fun to watch. Good job Marley. For the record none of us came even close to her...try it!

The long and short of it.

2008-12-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

Okay so the highlights were these, Paige a ripstick, Marley an indoor trampoline and roller skates, Ally, a Pee baby, and roller skates, and Preesley, the most adorable little elephant you ever saw. The ripstick and roller skates kept these girls entertained just about every second of the day. At first I was wondering if the skates were a good idea, I mean the were falling (hard) and crying and crying. But they just woundn't quick trying, and now after about 6 days of practice in the house, they are doing really good. Paige is awesome on her ripstick too! I'm just not sure how much more of the noise I can take, I mean they haven't quite mastered the gliding on their skates, instead it is the the thunk..thunk...slam into my cabinets sound! They are only young once..right? Anyway, and the second highlight was their baby dolls and the beds that grandpa Binnie and their dad made. Linda and I made the bedding for them. So cute! Picture tour below...

What the...have you ever seen a cuter baby? Okay, maybe your own, but other than that?

Is it really over?

2008-12-31T11:39:00.000-08:00

How our Tree looked on Christmas Eve.

How the baby looked on Christmas Eve.

How the girls looked in the aprons I made them.

How the girls looked making cookies for Santa.

How the girls looked waiting on the stairs before they got to see what Santa brought. (can you almost feel their excitement?)

Stocking Tradition

2008-12-22T16:39:00.000-08:00

Here you go Trina, thanks for posting about how our homemade stockings got started. I didn't know that, it makes me love our stockings even more. Thanks Rosanne!

Hope everyone has a great Christmas!!! We love you all so very much! I will have to post pictures of what I made for the girls after Christmas, I hope they enjoy them. Love to all!

The REPLACEMENTS.

2008-12-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

I had to post this picture of Preesley. While we were at the Brookbanks on Marley's birthday, we toured all of their lights outside. When we came to their Nativity, they told us that someone had stolen their baby Jesus. So we decided to put Preesley in it as a temporary replacement. Doesn't she look sweet? Don't worry she did fine overnight, we bundled her up good. Kidding.

Marley said..."The Best Day Ever!"

2008-12-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

Today was Marley's 6th Birthday. It consisted of tons of fun! To start out with she opened presents in the morning, while we read her "fan mail." I did a spin off of the Disney show i Carly, and did an i Marley Birthday for her. I made these little computers that had emails on them from her fans, (grandparents, sisters, mom and dad) telling her why the loved her. Almost all of her "fans" said something about her being so sweet! And it is true, she is our sweety bug. Then she was off to school, where I later came to help out her class with centers and to bring a treat for her class. After centers, I took Marley to Sonic for lunch, corn dog, fries, and a grape slush! After that we headed home. She kinda patiently waited until 5:00 when her grandparents came for dinner and presents! She had a ball opening her presents, (what person doesn't?) Some highlights included, new clothes, money, a diary, lip gloss, and a pretend toaster. After presents we bundled up and head to the Brookbanks. They invited our family over to check out their Christmas lights, and Brother Brookbanks train. We all loved it, they have quite the train set up. The kids had a ball looking at the little village set up and watching the train. Not to mention how cute and cozy their entire home was decorated for the holidays. And the best part was that they planned without us knowing for a visit from Santa!! They were shocked, Marley was so happy, Ally was freaked out, and Paige was giggly and a little bashful. It was just the coolest thing! We really were touched by the fun evening they planned for us. Thank you Jim and Jo!!!
So needless to say Marley had one memorable 6th birthday, and we had a blast too! So check out the picture tour below! (Ally not pictured with Santa, he rates right up there with Chucky Cheese! Intimidated by both)

No More Nose Cast!

2008-12-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

Paige went to the Dr. today and she got her nose cast off! She was so excited, she just kept giggling and looking at herself in the mirror when we got in the car after her appointment. I forgot how cute her nose was! She couldn't keep a smile off her face! We had a snow day today too, not sure why, but we did. (not much snow) So the girls had fun playing in the snow and watching Christmas movies. Buck will be home tomorrow from a Texas Whitetail hunt, he has been gone since last Thursday night. It has been like a really long week without him! Mrs. Nice Wife has had it with hunting for awhile, a long while!!! I would have said that I have had it for the year, but that would only give me a few weeks, and if Buck reads this I wouldn't want to give him any ideas!!! The girls have gotten into a bad habit of sleeping in my bed at nights since he has been gone, that should be a fun one to break once he gets back home! I like their company, Paige especially, she is fun to talk to and watch tv with. She is basically like an adult, I mean she thinks like one, so it is fun. Paige is one great bud. Marley is just a cuddler and is so sweet. And Ally, well, she falls asleep fast, which is nice. But then you have to put with her crying or whinning in her sleep all night. She does it EVERY night! I don't know what her deal is. She does this thing where she argues or whines to someone in her sleep! Maybe it has something to do with being a middle child, (getting her frustrations out or something!) Then there is Preesley my little leech! She feels right at home proped up on my arm and snuggled in. I just try to enjoy it she won't be small enough to do that for long. By the way have you seen the cute thing lately? If not, look below! (Thanks Kodi for making her cute pj's)

Oh and look down here to see what happens while I am on the computer. Nice! I found Marley and Ally creating these little numbers one day. In case you can't tell, that would be an apple with toothpicks in it, then tootsie rolls shoved onto the toothpicks, along with cuties. I wanted to be mad, but I couldn't. I just said "I hope you are hungry, because you are eating every bit of that." Well, not the toothpicks, thats just cruel!

Missing in Action

2008-12-03T19:39:00.001-08:00

Buck had to act like he was looking at a text message to snatch this picture of Paige, she DID NOT want her picture taken.

I am just posting to let everyone know I didn't fall off the face of the earth. Been so busy around here, Paige had her surgery, it went well, she is a trooper, they stuck her 3 times trying to get her IV, and still couldn't get it! She was tough up to that point, she cried a little, then got tough again. Everyone kept commenting on how calm and collected she was. That's my girl! You should have seen the look she gave me when the nurse asked if she was ready to get poked by a needle, (I hadn't warned her about that part of surgery...oops!) Anyway she was kinda ticked, but put her brave face on. So anyway they squeezed her nose bones back together, she has to wear this nose cast thing for a week, then another week just at nights. Paige just kept saying the funniest things the whole time, she cracks us up. I told her she was funny like me...of course. For example, Paige mentioned that she wanted a Popsicle, and the nurse quickly said "I have Popsicles!" Then Paige said "oh, I meant at home", but the nurse insisted on getting her one. And Paige was happy about that. So we said ask for something else and you will probably get it, and Buck said, ask for a Rip Stick (the only thing she wants for Christmas) then she says, "yeah this is Santa's workshop, its just disguised as a hospital. I know it probably doesn't sound funny now, but it was. Mostly it was her delivery. (Did I ever mention that this blog is mostly a journal for our little family? Cause at this point I am thinking everyone is bored, but oh well, writing this all down will make me laugh and remember this sweet day with my Paige) Oh and did I mention that she loved the red non-slip slipper socks they gave her, she was so excited she could keep them. She also came home with other goodies too, 2 teddy bears, 4 boxes of crayons, stickers, and her oxygen mask and tube! How is that for get your money's worth!!
Okay so back to "its been busy around here" my excuse for not posting. Also, I have been doing work stuff, trying to make 3 hand made gifts for my girls, one done, two to go, actually 4 to go because I thought of something else I wanted to sew. Then I have 2 other projects to complete before Christmas. So you might not want to check back on my blog till 2009, otherwise you may see the same thing over and over!! Take care!

My Poor Paigey!

2008-11-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

Today Paige fell off of some playground equipment and broke her nose. Doesn't she look cute, her grandpa told her she looked like a Koala bear. I just feel so sorry for her, this kid never gets sick, much less hurt, so this is kinda a sad thing for her. She doesn't want anyone to know she is crying about it so she says "I'm not crying, it just that my tear ducts are stretched out and the tears are just running out!" Isn't that the cutest thing. We love her and are glad she is okay. She has to go to the doctor tomorrow to make sure everything is okay.

Merry Maids!

2008-11-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for a house full of girls. This morning I told the girls we had some chores to do. Bathrooms and Bedrooms were what I wanted done this morning. No one complained, they just hopped to it. Sinks, Mirrors, toilets, every surface was sparkling clean, and I didn't have to do any of it! They are good obedient little girls and I am thankful to them for all their help. Oh and did I mention they gathered all the trash up and took it out too! I've noticed something, if I can get Paige on board with a project, then the other two happily follow along. I hope she uses that power wisely. I am so blessed!

Are You My Mother?

2008-11-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

If your name is Trent, Traci, Troy or Trachel, then Yes, This is your mother! Mom is at it again, this time it was for a Young Women in Excellence Program. Don't worry her head was covered most of the time! Gotta love her!

So I guess today I am thankful for a mom who taught me through EXAMPLE to laugh at myself and to not take things to seriously! I am so thankful for a mom who gives 100% to all of her callings, great or small, and who is never to proud to dress up in anything for just about anything!!!

I SURVIVED!

2008-11-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

I survived my Saturday, and have had a great Sunday. Thank you to all you sweet sweet girls who left me a comment. It helps to know that others feel the same way at times. I had a great nights sleep thanks to Linda for taking the baby, although it did feel like I was sleeping on boulders come morning. (you know the "undrained breast" how weird that I just shared that, but I know some of you can relate!) I was so happy to see Preesley this morning, and you better believe she was happy to see me. Linda said she only got up once to eat. Then after church today, Buck took the baby so I could get a Sunday nap! Once I awoke from my slumber I went downstairs to find a husband who was doing the dishes and starting dinner. Honestly, he is wonderful. So we cooked dinner together, chicken tacos, a family favorite, then made 2 batches of cookies, chocolate chip, and oatmeal. What a difference a day makes. Today I am so very thankful for the happy life I live, healthy kids, a roof over my head, food to eat, and the peacefull circumstances in which we live in this country. *Side note to Kodi, please let me know how the pig pen sleepover goes, it doesn't get much more creative than that, Super Nanny, would be proud!*

Help

2008-11-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for help. I was feeling really overwhelmed today, laundry that needs to be folded and put away, vaccuuming, preparing clothes for Sunday, cleaning up from Ally's party (at this very moment there are still 4's and elephants hanging from my ceiling), grocery shopping for Buck's hunt, (actually he doesn't have a tag, but 4 of his buddies do, and he is going along to help) making green chili burritos for his hunt, oh and did I mention having to stop and breastfeed, and did I mention picking up clothes, Marley has gone from her Saturday play clothes, to a princess outfit for a birthday party, back to play clothes, then because it was 54 degrees outside she decided it was nice day to put on a swim suit and go lay out in the sun! So that of course meant that Ally had to also! All this time feeling overwhelmed because Buck is leaving at 6:00am tomorrow morning, which means I have to teach our primary class alone, get the girls ready alone,etc. Anyway it was just all getting to me (is someone playing the worlds smallest violin for me?) Well Buck could see my frustration and so could Linda. Soooooo, Linda offered to take the baby for me tonight so I could get a good nights sleep before Buck left, and Buck being the little peach that he is, told me that he could leave on Monday morning instead of Sunday morning because one of his buddies isn't going till then. And that he will help me do anything I need before he goes. WHEW! did you get all that? Anyway, as soon as he said that I instantly felt better and just wanted to cry truthfully. So the list of things for me to do hasn't change, but my attitude has knowing that I have HELP.

Ally is FOUR!

2008-11-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for Ally! She is a big, bad, 4 year old today. I alternate years that my kids can have a "friend party" and a "family party" and this year is the year of the Family. Which is kinda hard for Ally since she has been able to go to so many of her friends parties this year. So I decided to make her Family party extra special. So this morning I told Paige and Marley they could ditch school to spend the day with Ally. They were all "seriously?" It has been fun, and has made Ally's day! They also have a Sisters Sleepover planned, which consists of games and staying up as late as they want!!! I don't know where Ally came up with the idea of an Elephant cake, but that is what she wanted. In fact my mom asked me today "is Ally into elephants?" No, but she is today. So I did my best to make her an elephant cake. Not to shabby if you ask me!! And I did it all by myself!! So now enjoy a picture tour of her day so far. There are more fun things to come including going to see Madagascar 2, presents, cake, and grandparents coming over! I think after this day, she just might look forward to "family" birthdays every year! That is if Paige and Marley can get used to these phrases "I'm the Birthday girl" "It's MYYYYYY Birthday" One thing is for sure we know exactly who's birthday it is!

Ally's Breakfast-MONSTER PANCAKES-with loads of sprinkles provided by Paige.

Ally's Elephant Decorations

The DITCHERS and Ally's new Scooter

Preesley loved starring up at the elephants and 4's!

Elephant Cake

I've gone Gourmet

2008-11-05T16:23:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for thankful kids! Tonight I just threw dinner together early because I had mutual. It consisted of macaroni and cheese spirals, fried ham, and green beans. That's it! So simple, boil water, open a can, slap a few ham steaks in a skillet, and WA-LAH! Anyway, my kids devoured it and Paige kept saying "mom this is so good, thank you" Then I would spoon on some more mac and cheese and she would say "thanks mom this is so good". And wouldn't you know it, it is her requested meal to take to school tomorrow!

ThankFULL

2008-11-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

In college I watched an Oprah Winfrey on writing in a thank you journal. Everyday you were supposed to right at least one thing you were thankful for. I did this. And it helped we through a pretty crappy time I was having (don't worry I'm fine now!) Anyway I thought I would start that up again, since we are in the month of November and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I decided that each day I would post at lease one thing I am thankful for.

Today I am thankful for eternal perspective. Without it I don't know what people think about this world we live in or how they survive. I am so thankful to know that Heavenly Father loves us and is continually mindful of us. And that ultimately our faith in him, and obedience to him is all that matters. Easier said than done though, especially when we deal with "the now" which is the economy, our potential President, etc. But it is my knowledge and faith in the eternities that keeps a smile on my face and hope in my heart, and for that I am THANKFUL!

Under the Big Tent.

2008-10-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

Pacco-The Clown (anytime Paige dresses up in anything we call her Pacco)

Super Girl-Marley

Cougar Cheerleader-Ally

I didn't snap a photo of Preesley yet, I was rushing out the door to get the kids to school and didn't have time to get hers taken, now she is asleep and my camera battery it dying, so Miss Preesley will be posted later. Have a great Halloween!!!

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I don't LOVE carving pumpkins, but we got it done last night. The kids love it, and Buck gets into it to. He did a really good carving on his mom's pumpkin. Always the perfectionist! We let the girls do whatever they wanted on theirs, Paige's has poka dots, Marley's a face, Ally's...a face, the letter "B", and some other type of hole in it. My favorite part of the night was driving by this Halloween House. It had all sorts of decorations and lights. Picture a house decorated for Christmas, only picture it done in Halloween garb. I am going to take them there to get their pictures taken on Halloween. It is not to far from our house. Super Cute. I always want to thank people for decorating their houses for Christmas, Halloween, etc. It just makes the holiday so much more fun. Maybe I will do that today, actually tomorrow. For mutual tomorrow we are doing service Trick or Treating in the neighborhood. So we will have to take them a plate of cookies or something. Gotta Run.

This ones for you Traci!

2008-10-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

Traci I have another one for you! Mom brought me this one with the others, but I couldn't get it to post earlier. Then when you said in your comment that you couldn't find any pictures of you (tug at my heart will ya), I immediately stopped what I was doing to try and post this one of you as a witch.

I have one question for Mom. What size is the tiger/cat costume? We have seen it on infants to adolescents! That is one magic "one size fits all!"

More old School Halloween.

2008-10-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Mom broght me some more pictures she found of us kids at Halloween. I would be the little tike freaking out over the wig! Traci the skeleton, Troy the cat, and Trent is the werewolf.

Then we have Traci the nurse, Troy Chewbaca, and me the ghost!

2008-10-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

Just a few More!

2008-10-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

More Family Pics (not that I think you all care, but these kids do have granparents that might!)

2008-10-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

2008-10-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Family Pictures

2008-10-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder why we think that we can get 6 people (one of which is 3 months old and doesn't have clue she needs to focus!!)to smile at the same time, keeping eyes open, skirts down, and still love each other afterwards? It's a mystery to me. How is it possible to take hundreds of pictures and honestly maybe find one precious gem? All I can say is it is done! So if you want to check out some Binnie family pics that aren't sitting in the recycle bin of my computer look below.

Are You Ready for This?

2008-10-17T11:47:00.001-07:00

Here you go Mom, I found the picture I was talking about. I totally remember this day, I remember standing on those chairs to take the picture, I remember the balloons stuck all over the primary room. Oh and the costume, I remember this costume, we really out did ourselves on this one. The belt really pulls the whole clown look together! And you were right, Troy is a hunter! On the back of the picture if says "Primary Halloween 10-84" So that would have made me 7 years old. Thanks for the fun memory Mom. Love ya.

I also found this one taken Halloween 1980. That makes me 3 years old in this one.

Then I found this little number taken on Halloween when I was in the 4th grade. I was a cave woman. Mom had these costumes left over from girls camp one year. SoI believe we used hot chocolate mix to make my face, feet, legs and arms look dirty. I remember wanting to wash my face off so bad because it was so sticky!! Fun. I really love that I posed by the trash can. And come to think of it, I remember thinking it was weird to pose there when I took the picture. I was right!

If you have a baby....you NEED a BUMBO!!!!

2008-10-16T13:31:00.001-07:00

Okay I love, love, love this thing! Preesley will sit in this thing all the time. She just sits and spits and spits and smiles. It is my favorite piece of baby gear, They go in this order #1 diapers, #2 BUMBO! She feels so grown up in it, she can watch tv, watch me do everyone's hair, watch me work on the computer. But most of all she likes to sit and spit!! The cutest is when I catch her sleeping in it. I"ll post one of those soon.

I"m no Celebrity but......

2008-10-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

Paige thinks so!! Last night Paige said "mom tomorrow is celebrity day and I need to dress up" so I said "okay, who do you want to be?" and she says "you" and I said "I'm not a celebrity", and she said "well you are to me!" How is that for melt your heart feel good? So sweet. So today we straightened her hair and she wore my clothes, not the pants, I WISH!!!! So today I will be running around with Hannah Montana, Lindsay Lohan, The Cheetah girls, and I'm sure there will be someone from the Jonas Brothers!!! Thanks Paige, you made your ole mom feel good!

The Student has become the Teacher....Fun with Wigs....."Mom I do not know what happened to my pants"

2008-10-10T19:16:00.001-07:00

Today was cool. First thing this morning Marley comes down in a pair of pants that had to have been tucked in the back of her closet and says "mom, I do not know what happened to my pants!"

Just as serious as can be and she is laughing, and then I start to laugh and say "I know what happened, you GREW!!!" It was so cute, she loves tight things, shirts, pants whatever she likes them tight!! So she left them on all day. Oh and I have to point out her favorite shirt too, its the little blue number she has on, absolutely loves it, wheres it anytime I will let her, she says mom are we going anywhere today, and if not she asks me if she can wear her "blue shirt." It drives me crazy, but I may be sad when she finally totally outgrows it.
Moving on, the next thing I loved about today was that Paige wanted to make cookies. She has a recipe box that she got from ACHEIVEMENT DAYS, and she has a snickerdoodle recipe that she wanted to try out on her own. So I let her, and of course Ally wanted in on the action. It was so cool to listen to Paige talk to Ally, she would say "okay Ally I'll let you put in the sugar, or Ally you can put in the next thing. Just like how Buck talks to them when he bakes with them. I loved it, The Student has become the Teacher!

Okay the last on my list to post today is the cutest! We found our Halloween stuff today and couldn't resist trying the Dorothy wig on Preesley. She was a sport, even though she hasn't been feeling to hot. She has her first cold :( We love this little thing!

Okay I had to post this one, something about her eyes being closed just kills me!

Getting the Conference WIGGLES out!

2008-10-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

We did it, we watched conference, notice I said "watched" not to much hearing going on! But honestly we tried and the kids tried too, but, well, anyone with kids knows how it goes!! I printed off the little conference packet for my kids, which is a great thought, but then they keep asking you how to do each page, therefore, they can be distracting. Good thing we can read the Ensign in a few months. After the morning session on Sunday, the kids (and Buck) went nuts. Wrestling, screaming etc. sometimes it actually feels like a house full of little boys. I'm just glad Buck likes to rough house with them, I just sit and stare at them and wait for it to be over, I don't get into all that stuff.(party pooper) I just wait around until someone gets hurt and I have to smooth things over. It starts out fun and happy, but never ends that way!! SEE THE STUFFED BEAR IN THE BACKGROUND OF THE PICTURE, YEAH, THAT LITTLE GUY CAUSED ALL SORTS OF PROBLEMS, LOOKS INNOCENT I KNOW, DON'T BE FOOLED!! (" I want to lay on it" "you are taking up my space on the bear" "you have more bear than I do" "Mom,_____ isn't sharing the bear" Ask me where the bear is today!!

The baby was good.

Marley Bakes, Paige and Ally CHEER

2008-10-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that journal keeping could be so much fun!! That is what I consider keeping up my blog to be! Way more fun than putting a pen to paper!! Anyway, we had a fun week. Paige and Marley were in "Little Line" this week. They practiced each day in preparation for the Friday night game half time show! They both did it last year as well. Marley wanted nothing to do with it, she said it was to embarrassing. But if you know Marley at all it will shock you that she didn't want to cheer!! Anyway, we didn't make her. Instead this week she had been wanting to bake with me. So while Paige and Ally were getting ready for the football game, Marley and I were in the kitchen making banana bread. She, of course, wanted to do everything herself. So I let her, except for a few messy exceptions. As you can see from the pictures she is very proud of herself. Something cute Marley always says when she wants to bake is, "mom, I want to make my own "dish" I just think its cute she calls it a "dish" like she is a chef or something. Paige and Ally had a great time cheering, Paige really got the moves down this year and did great. Ally really smiled great, and looked around at the other kids awesomely!! (she had fun though)

Name and a Blessing

2008-09-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Preesley Jade Binnies Blessing. It was the cherry on top to a great weekend. (well actually I hate the cherry's they put on ice cream sundaes, so really it was like brownie batter, I love that!) She looked absolutely adorable and was just so happy the whole day. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, to all our of wonderful family who made the effort to be there. You all traveled so far to be there and we really appreciated it!!! The luncheon was so fun, all the cousins just ran and played, it was truly one special day. I didn't want it to end. The weather was perfect, the company was fantastic, and the baby was beautiful!!

Families are just the best, and Buck and I have both been blessed with great ones!

Camping

2008-09-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Last Monday I thought to myself, we should take the kids camping. But I didn't want it to be too fussy and stressful, so we live right next to Fools Hollow Campground, so we decided to go there for Friday night. We didn't tell the kids, Buck and I just secretly got things ready during the week. The girls were already excited because they had cousins coming this weekend (The Lees, and Genets, The Mortensens, and The Bentleys) So on Friday they really weren't wanting to go to school, so we said well maybe we will pull you of school early so you will have more time to play with your cousins. That made them happy and got them out the door to school. After we dropped them off, we went to Fools Hollow and picked out our campsite and set up our tents. Then Buck went to pick them up early from school and tell them about going camping. I wasn't there when he picked them up, but he said that they were like "seriously?" Way happy! When they came to pick up the rest of us, Paige and Marley both ran and gave me a big hug and said "thanks mom". I couldn't believe how happy and appreciative they were. They kept thanking me all night. So all you parents out there, cancel your trip to Disneyland, and just take your kids camping!!
We made foil dinners, roasted marshmallows, played Ghost in the Graveyard, the kids danced, they fished, they just had a ball. Oh, and Rob and Melissa told us they are pregnant with TWINS!!!! It was one memorable night!

Preesley Gets in on the action!

My Hunter Gatherer!

Couldn't keep these Girls out of the tent!

View of the Lake from our Tent.

Savannah and Preesley.

Everyone Lookin Grubby and Havn' a Great Time!

Marley had to borrow my sunglasses while she roasted her Marshmallow!!

Paigee-Poo

Baby Yoga!

2008-09-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Last night Buck was getting Preesley ready for bed, and he kept pulling her up by her arms to her feet. Getting her stretching in for the day I guess. It was so cute and she couldn't quit smiling about it. She is so much fun. I love it when Buck plays with the kids, he thinks of doing things with them that I never would. (example. He holds them up-side-down, even Preesley for few seconds, every so often, he thinks it gets the blood flowing to their brains and makes them smarter!) Maybe someone should have told my dad to do this!!

Yellow Shirts, Denim Skirts, Black boots and Press On Nails!

2008-09-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Marley was begging me to go to Wal-mart and buy her some fake nails. (we do this every once in awhile) Anyway, I told her I would take her, but she needed to use her own money, so I helped her count out how much she would need and she put it into a ziploc and off we all went to the store. (taking all 4 of them to the store deserves its own posting) Well at the store there was of course to many choices! I had to steer her away from the long black ones, as well as other outrageous ones. But she did find some she was excited about and that I okayed. When we got back home she was ready of course to put them on. Ally always want to put some on when I do Marley's but there is never enough small ones left over to do hers, but for some reason in the packet we bought, there was plenty to do hers as well. When I told her that, she just about fell off her chair! So excited! The nails come with this adhesive stuff, that doesn't really stick good at all, so we peel it off and we super-glue them on! Safe I know. Anyway, as I was putting Ally's on, she was just beaming, and with each one I added she would yell and say "Marley look" Marley was so happy for her, they had already decided that morning to dress the same, yellow shirts, denium skirts and black boots!! So now that they had matching nails, it was just to much, they were so happy! That night we went to the football game, and as we were pulling up to the game Ally said, "what if one of my nails falls off at the game?" To which Marley says, "don't worry I packed the super-glue in my purse!" That Marley is always prepared for a fashion emergency!!

Spit Up!

2008-09-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

So Preesley spits up, ALOT!! Notice the picture, this is already her second outfit of the day, notice the pool of spit up to the right of her coller, then the spit up running out of her mouth, with a slight grin I might add. (Not photographed is the stream of spit up running around the base of her neck and down her back!) I'm on my second shirt of the day as well. It's funny beacuse when I was pregnant with Preesley I kept bragging about how none of my babies were spitter uppers, dun dun dun DUN!! Okay as I"m typing and she is on my lap she has produced another need to change her clothes!!! See picture below!!! I also seemed to be getting alot of bibs as gifts and I thought oh I won't be needing these until she starts eating foods,dun, dun, dun, DUN, I use about 3-4 a day!

While I am on the subject of spit up and sour milk, I remembered something funny Buck said one morning. We were just starting to stir in the morning, and he leaned over to give me kiss and a hug, and I said "don't, I smell like a milk cow", to which he said "no, you smell like a farmers' daughter!" Leave it to Buck to spice it up a little bit!

Spit up number 3! This time on my duvet cover, sometimes I feel like Charlie's mom in Charlie and Chocolate factory!! Laundry! (truly though, it is small price to pay for having such a sweet, healthy baby) I love my life.

Inspired

2008-09-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

I HAVE BEEN READING AND KEEPING UP TO DATE ON THE BLOG FOR STEPHANIE AND CHRISTIAN NIELSON. THE LINKS TO THEIR BLOG IS TO THE RIGHT OF THIS POSTING. ANYWAY, THEIR STORY IS ROMANTIC, INSPIRING AND TRAGIC. I FOUND A QUOTE IN ONE OF HER POSTINGS THAT REALLY HIT ME, AND IF YOU LOOK AT HER BLOG, YOU WILL SEE THAT SHE FOLLOWS THIS QUOTE TO THE "T"! BECAUSE OF HER, NIE NIE (THAT IS WHAT SHE GOES BY ON HER BLOG) I WANT TO BE A BETTER MOTHER, AND WIFE, SHE LIVES LIFE TO THE FULLEST!
THE QUOTE WAS THIS:
"The biggest mistake I made (as a parent) is the one that most of us make....I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone,captured only in photographs. There is one picture of (my three children) sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing; dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less" (Loud and Clear 2004 10-11)

I AM GOING TO DO THIS!!! AND NOW I HAVE IT IN WRITING, OR AT LEAST IN CYBER-SPACE, AS A REMINDER.

Ally Can Swing HERSELF!!!!

2008-09-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

Okay so this is really a cool day for me, Ally can swing herself on the swing. Not just pump her legs, but she can get herself going from a complete stop!! I love this. I do not like to push my kids on a swing, don't know why, but I have never liked it. Sounds terrible I know, but that is just the way I am. On the rare occasion I do take my kids to the park, I try to go to ones that don't have swings. Wow I am sounding like a jerk, anyway. Today Ally came running in the house and said "Mom, I want to show you something down by the swingset" So we went down there and she hops on the swing and starts doing it! So I told Paige to run inside and get the camera. She was so proud of herself!! She is really good at it. Doesn't she look so proud in the pictures? (just a side note, alot of what I post is mundane and borning to most people I know, but the reason I blog is to keep a history for my family, each month I print my blog out and put it in a binder for a family journal.)

Full of Smiles

2008-09-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

I don't have any pictures of me with Preesley except for the ones in the hospital. Gag!! (not Preesley, me!) Anyway, so I had Buck take one of us together yesterday after church. And what do you know, she smiled!! (Traci, she has on the dress you bought her, so cute, she wore it to church yesterday.)

Buck hates it when I take these snapshots of him, but I think everyone looked so cute I just had to post it.

10 YEARS AGO, TODAY.

2008-09-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

Today is mine and Buck's 10th Anniversary. I just thougth I would write 10 things I love about him. There are more than ten, but I had to cut it off somewhere!

#1 He mops my floors without me asking. If I go on trip or just leave for a few hours in the evening he will surprise me with mopped floors, or some other area of the house is sparkling clean!

#2 He buys me diamonds! Seriously I never even cared, expected, or even thought about getting diamonds from my husband. (except for my wedding ring of course) But other than that I just didn't care. Then for our first Christmas he bought me a channel set diamond ring, I loved it! Then one Valentines day he got me circle diamond necklace, that I wear everyday, probably my favorite piece of jewelery. I didn't know I would love it so much, but I do. Then while we were on a cruise he bought me a diamond tennis bracelet and a ring. Then for our anniversary 2 years ago he designed me a new wedding ring. I never really liked my first one, and he knew it so he surprised me with a new one that I just love!! (I didn't ask, I promise.) Then last year for our anniversary he got me another diamond bracelet and earrings. I don't wear any jewelry except what he has given me. I'm not a real accessorizor, I'm pretty "Plain Jane" but thanks to my sweet husband I do have a little sparkle about me!

#3 These aren't in any particular order, just writing them as they come! He makes me feel better about myself than I should!! I tells me I look good just after I have had a baby! And we all know what that looks like!!! He is just so supportive and boost my self esteem.

#4 He is passionate! About everything, cleaning his truck, mowing and growing the prettiest lawn, hunting, me, his girls, baking a great chocolate chip cookie.

#5 I love how I instantly get happier when he walks in a room. Everything feels right when he is around. I have always felt that way about him.

#6 He is a awesome dad! I know everyone says that, and I know everyone means it, and I'm so glad that it can be true for alot of us. He is the perfect dad for my kids. He plays with them, he jumps on the trampoline with them, he plays guitar hero with them, he goes on bike rides with them, he takes them hunting and fishing and he doesn't care that they aren't boys. He paints the girls toenails and finger nails anytime they ask.

#7 He is funny! When we were just friends before we dated I would just crack up at him, I mean he isn't the boisterous kind of funny or the loud kind of funny. He is the...well, I guess he's my kind of funny! He just knows what to say. I love that about him.

#8 He doesn't watch baseball on tv. I don't know why I thought of that one, but I was just thinking about how he isn't a big sport watching fan. I mean he loves sports, but doesn't really get all hard core into watching it. Which I love becaues I can't stand to watch sports on tv, especially baseball!

#9 He loves my family. I love that he loves my famiy, mom, dad, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, it doesn't matter he loves to be around any of them, and gets along great with them. And he doesn't care where we hang out for holidays, his family, my family, it doesn't matter. And I am the same way. No in-laws are the out-laws around here.

#10 He brings me flowers! He is so sweet in everything he does, so thoughtful and kind. Always does sweet things to make me happy, washes my car, fills it with gas, brings me flowers for no reason at all, irons our clothes on Sunday, just whatever. If it helps me out he willingly does it!

#11 Okay so I thought of another one! He's my best friend! There is nothing I want to do without him. I'd rather be with him than with anyone else!

Ally's First Day of Preschool

2008-09-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Today Ally started pre-school. She was just giggling with excitement. And now that she is back from pre-school I am finding that 2 hours just isn't enough!! She keeps complaining about how Paige and Marley aren't home from school yet and how she is bored! (they won't be home for 3 more hours) Heaven help me!

Button Button Who's got the Button?

2008-09-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

BUCK DOES!!! This weekend we went to my Grandpa's Cabin in Alpine, AZ. On Sunday afternoon after church Buck was changing Preesley out of her dress. From the kitchen I heard Buck yell "Trachel", we he didn't say anything else so I just kept doing what I was doing. Then I finally went in to see what he wanted. I get in there and Buck says "I pulled it off" He had just pulled Preesley's umbilical cord off!! She is almost 6 weeks old and it still hadn't fallen off, and apparently Buck was really sick of it. So he just pulled it off! I was all "you can't do that" and he says, she was smiling at me the whole time. He said he just tugged on it a little and she didn't care so he tugged a little more and then just finally got it off. When I got in there he was dabbing it with a kleenex because it was bleeding. I told him her insides were gonna start coming out. I have a cousins who is a labor and delivery nurse so I called her in to see what Buck had done, she assured me that it was fine. And it is! She took her first real bath last night, and hated it, screamed the whole time just about. Anyway, its gone and she has a cute little belly button in its place, so I guess I should thank Buck.

Preesley SMILES :)

2008-08-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

I finally captured Preesley's smile on camera! She has been doing it for a few days now, but I never have gotten it on camera. But today was my lucky day!!! She is a sweety, she mostly smiles at me in the early a.m. hours, I guess it is my little reward for getting up to feed her.

In other News....

2008-08-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

Buck had an antelope hunt in New Mexico this weekend. So he and Paige and Pops left on Wednesday to go scouting and then to hunt opening day. Paige has been really excited about this hunt, and she even got her first set of camo for the hunt. We call her Poco when she wears it. Anyway, Buck got permission from her teacher to pull her out for a few days and they left. They scouted Thursday and Friday, and saw tons of antelope, like 50-60 bucks. They were all excited for opening morning. On Saturday morning they got up at 3:30am and went to find the buck they had seen the night before. Well at about 7:30am Buck calls me and asks me "how do like your antelope steaks cooked." That was just his way of telling me he had killed one, because he knows there is no way I'm eating that stuff. So here are the pics! I'll have to get back to everyone on the details, but I do know it made the Boone and Crocket record book. Buck is so happy, my husband, not the dead antelope!!! SORRY TO ANYONE WHO DOESN'T UNDERSTAND HUNTING AND THINKS IT IS SAD, ( I actually do too, but I've come to terms with it) ha.

The BIGGEST, Prettiest Flower I ever grew!

2008-08-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

Buck got me some Dahlia bulbs to plant this year, and now they are starting to bloom. I just had to post a picture of this one, so far, none have been bigger than this one. I just love it! Its hard to tell from the picture but it is about as big in diameter as a volleyball.(Impressive, right?) Thanks Bucky!!!

First Day of School

2008-08-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here is everyone on the first day of school. Ally didn't start of course, but she really wanted her picture taken. Everyone loves their teachers, and Marley wants homework everyday! (notice the scissors in her little pocket on her shirt)

Paige's Surprise Party

2008-08-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we had a surprise party for Paige. It was sort of last minute, her birthday is on August 5th which is the day before school starts, so I thougth it would be funner if we did it ahead of time. She didn't have a clue. We had it outside, and invited her cousins that were in town. I wish the whole family could have been there, the weather was perfect! We had hamburgers and hot dogs. Then Paige decided this year she wanted donuts instead of cake. So we made donuts and let everyone decorate them themselves. It was a hit! Paige got an Ipod shuffle for her birthday and it hasn't quit playing. Sounds like a teenager is in the house! Marley loves jammin out to it too! I am surprised at how well they know some of the songs! A little scary. Anyway it was a fun night. HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY PAIGE! We love you.

Gotta Do It!

2008-07-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

I won't keep this up I promise, but I just wanted to post a few more pictures of Preesley. We are loving her so much, sleeps good at night, only cries when she is cold (from a sponge bath) By the way I can't wait till her cord falls off, don't you just hate those things?
Marley was holding Preesley on my bed and just enjoying her so much. Then she holds Preesley close to her chest and says "I feel like a real mom." It was so funny and cute. The girls can't keep there hands off her, always holding her or tucking in her blanket around her, or brushing her hair, mostly they just love watching her. Me too!

Preesley Jade Binnie

2008-07-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

HERE SHE IS! We are in LOVE! Preesley was born at 1:00am on Wednesday the 23rd of July. It was the coolest thing ever, I finally got an epidural that worked!! I slept and literally was drooling into my oxygen mask! From the time I got my epidural till the time she was born was about 2 hours. I was completely oblivous to the contractions, I told Buck I could have 6 more if they were all that easy, obviously I was under the influence!! I was in the mist of my sleepiness when I woke up thinking my heart was going to pound out of my chest, I was worried so I called the nurse in and she assured me that I was fine, but she said maybe I should check you and see where we are at. Well by the look on her face it was go time! She said I was complete and told the other nurse to call the doctor. I still had no pain at this point so I just sat back and relaxed while the got ready for baby. I kept watching the clock thinking when is my doctor going to be here, and so was the nurse, the were preparing to deliver her when in walked doctor, and about 2 minutes later she was her! (The doctor got pulled over for speeding on the way, no ticket though) It was like I was watching myself deliver and not like I was actually doing it!! Unbelievable! Felt like a dream! She is doing great! We came home on Friday afternoon, the girls love her. It makes me so happy to see them so happy and excited about her, no lack for baby holders around here! She weighs 7 pounds 3 ounces, and is 19 1/2 inches long.

Game Plan

2008-07-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

So I had a Dr.'s appointment this morning. He scheduled me for induction on Thursday morning at 8:00am. I'll bet I go before then, but what the heck do I know! I feel great, no problems, just anxious for everything to start, and especially to get our baby here!

Goin' Nuts!

2008-07-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have never gone a day past my due ever........until now! Paige and Ally came on their due dates and Marley came a week early, so what the heck is going on? Yesterday I was in major meltdown mode! I know people go over all the time, but since I"m not used to it I'm just going a little nuts. I appreciate all the phone calls and everyone checking up on me. If something doesn't happen today I don't know if I can bring myself to go to church tomorrow. I can already hear the comments and the questions, I don't know if I can take it. I mentioned to Buck that I was thinking about staying home and he thought it was a dumb excuse! So we shall see! If I don't go, then it will be rough on him because he will get all the questions and comments, because people will think I've had it, so that could turn out to be fun!!!

False Alarm!

2008-07-15T11:43:00.001-07:00

Last night I started having contractions, about 10 minutes apart. I have been so paranoid about not getting an epideral that I told myself I wasn't going to fiddle around with laboring at home, because I do that then I get the hospital in pain, and things just go down hill from there. So I told Buck, get ready we are going now! So we throw a few last minute things in my bag, call Linda to come and watch the girls and we are off. We start driving and Buck keeps asking me "are you having another one?" and of course I'm not, and am getting kinda mad about it, you know how you get all shaking inside and the adrenaline start pumping? Well that is about all that was going on!! No more contractions, so instead of turing around we go to Wal-Mart to walk around to see if that will get things goin'. Well that didn't do NUTHIN'!!! So we just headed for home, crawled in bed and slept till 8:30am. I really thought it was go time, because I never have contractions unless its TIME! So today I'm just killing time, clothes have been washed, beds made, bags packed, baseboards painted, cabinets organized, floors cleaned, I have run out of nesting possibilites. The other day I was so excited that we had ran out grape jelly, it gave me an excuse to go to the store!

Who is Coues Ridge Homes?

2008-04-04T15:30:00.001-07:00

We are! For those of you who don't know Coues Ridge is the name of our company. Why? Because a coues deer is one of Buck's favorite deer, and because he has to work everyday under the name of something, he thought it better be something he loved! No, I'm not offended, I don't know that Trachel Ridge has a nice ring to it! Now you know the story behind the name of our company.

We have loved building homes for people in the White Mountains. We have built homes in Show Low, Pinetop, Lakeside, Alpine, White Mountain Lakes and in Show Low Bluff. For those of you who don't know about Show Low Bluff, check out their blog. Also take a tour of our model home, you can from the seat of your pants on the computer or you can go tour it at Show Low Bluff in person. The virtual tour is a 360 degree photo tour. Pretty neat. There is a link to it under our favorite blogs listing.