Mairs "Life as we make it"

Mexico Vacation take 2!

2010-04-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

So Rob and I went on our 4th trip to Mexico (15 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen) this last week and our 2nd trip with Rob's sister Elisa and her hubby Brian and our great friends Audra & Jeff. We were gone 8 full days & left the kiddos home which I started to miss immediately as I watched all the families play at the beach and swim at the pool. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the break I had, but I caught myself saying, "oh the kids would love this" quite often. We all decided that the next trip we would venture out and take the kids. They are getting to the age where I am totally loving living through their eyes in their learning and exploring!

We had an amazing time, despite the blasted rain that visited us everyday, mid afternoon. We truly made the best of it and scheduled a lot of things around it. As you will notice, we all got a little sun. We did apply sunscreen but underestimated the power of the sun that close to the equator.

Its always nice to get away from the realities of life, but I have to say by day 7 I was ready to get back to it! I missed the kids a lot and couldn't wait to see them. Life is back to normal and my mind is starting to prepare for our 6 day trip to Connecticut for Sam's graduation in a few weeks.

Our Resort

This chubby Iquana was perched at our resort
enjoying the hot sun! These things are everywhere.
They don't bother you...that is of course unless you
bother them!

A little beach time before the rain

Entrance to Tulum (an ancient Mayan Ruin).
This place is truly an oasis.

Part of the resort property. It was very beautiful.

The boys our last night together!

Here is the beach at Tulum. This is where Rob
and I were on our honeymoon. We took a picture from
this exact location almost 9 years ago. It looked exactly
the same.

Standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

A night at the resort eating yummy Mexican food

Elisa and I sporting our new shade of red. Yikes, what were we
thinking! This was only an hour and a half of sunshine, with sunscreen.
The rest of the time was underneath literal black clouds that day!
Thank goodness we had appointments at the spa. I think my massage &
first mud wrap provided some major TLC for my
skin. When I realized I had burned I simply stated that
it would not effect my health in any way shape or form now
or ever! I hope those intentions worked!

The indoor pool

The gang!

Audra, Elisa and I cheesin it up!

2010-04-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago Nana & Papa treated everyone to a
night of Bull Riding! The kids absolutely loved it! Well
they didn't actually ride any bulls,
they just watched. It was quite fun :)

My New Addiction

2010-02-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

Bikram (Hot) Yoga! My brother in law Doug called me and told me about this study that a girl from BSU was conducting for her Masters thesis in Kinesiology. The study is 8 weeks long and requires participants to attend at least 3 Bikram Yoga classes a week and encourages at least 5 or more per week. I mentioned I had heard of it, but never tried yet. I called the student and said count me in! She measured our flexibility, weight, balance, cardiovascular and emotional state of mind prior to beginning. I am now starting my 4th week of what I call my new addiction. Bikram or Hot Yoga, entails 1.5 hours of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises always done in the same order each class. It is said that you burn up to 895 calories per 90 minutes! The room is heated to 105 degrees and at least 40% humidity. I have been in there when it is 69% humidity. I managed to rope 4 other friends into this as well and we are all loving it! You leave the room drenched as if you just stepped out of the shower. The only way I can describe the class is that it is an ultimate invigorating challenge. In just 3 weeks, I haven't lost weight but the inches are melting off! I am toning very quickly and my flexibility and strength have improved significantly. I have managed to master a few poses, which trust me, is a true accomplishment in overcoming the mind and its abiltiy to talk you out of anything. I have had mini silent parties in my head knowing I just bypassed my ability from the day before. I compare this class to golf or a video game. It is so addicting you want to go back daily because of the need to conquer the next level. If you are ready to challenge your body, mind and spirit I highly recommend this as an avenue for improvement. It will shock all elements of your being yet it will enlighten or awaken the best that is within you. Check out this link to get an idea of what Bikram is!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGk7qkvgcvI#watch-main-area

Christmas and such

2010-02-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

The newest addition to the Mairs family, baby Emi!
We had the great privileged of having our niece here in Boise
for 2 months! She is a precious gem and the happiest girl
ever. :)

Luckily we had the opportunity to actually
make a snow man without it melting in the same day!

All bundled up!

Cousins Taylor, Bella & Emi were here for a few
weeks from Missouri and the kids had the best time
together.

Brooklan & Bella on Christmas

Christmasat Nana & Papa's

Koen being a scary alien like his new jams!
Seems to be the tradition among many families,
PJ's for Christmas! We stayed at nana & papas
house Christmas Eve and the kids
were so excited!

Last year Koen was not into Christmas
but this year proved different. He finally got it!
Brooklan always follows suit and she was just
as rambunctious as they come!

Just look at that face!

My handsome young man :)

2009-09-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Friday night we went to Art in the park.
We had the privileged of watching our nephew Nolan
and it was so much fun. He is so mellow and good.
One man looked at us all and said "wow, congratulations...
you have your hands full." I just smiled and said
"yep." We went with Uncle Ken and Aunt Amber
and got dinner while we walked around.

Isn't Nolan sweet? He just chilled in his stroller and
enjoyed the evening.

My Grandma Jane bought this outfit for Brooklan.
She is all about the sparkles and glitter and
thought it would look good on the only
girl in the family! I think she was right.
We got more compliments on this little lady
that day than ever! She wasn't too happy about
pictures that night so as I was taking pics
she cried and stomped. Oh no I say...here comes
the attitude. She was way cute anyway!

Here she is stompin around...

Just Playin around

2009-09-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

So today Brooklan found the camera so I thought
I would take advantage of taking a few pics.
She actually let me do her hair today without the
miss "sass a frass" attitude she has developed lately.
It must be a girl thing or something, but man she is
a cantankerous one when she wants to be!

Rob got home and I asked him where he thought
she got her blue eyes from...he said him. I said "ya right."
Then he asked "well where does she get her attitude from?" I
said him naturally. Then he asked "where does she get her good looks
from?" and of course I said "me!" She gets all of her good
qualities from me and the ones in question Rob can take
ownership of! ;)

I know I am biased but I think she is
adorable!

When she doesn't have her sass a frass
present she is a sweet, happy, angel!
We just love her!

Pre-school is here!

2009-09-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

So here is my sweet boy the night before school started.
He had to color a picture for his teacher miss Nicole
and carried that thing around all day. As you can see
he fell asleep with it in hand on the floor.
He was so excited to start his big day!

Koen is getting so big, I can hardly stand nor believe it!
He did pretty well. We got to sit with the kiddos during
opening circle. Once that was done Miss Laura said
"ok kids, say goodbye to your parents and school can begin."
There was silence, no cries or nothing. Most of the kids
were extremely shy, burying their faces in hopes that no one
would notice them. Despite the shyness the transition went great!

Here we headed out the door!

Koen walked into his classroom and found his name badge.
He knows how to spell his name so he found it right away!

We had said our goodbye's and in goes the thumb.
Well that's better than the melt down all of us
mommy's were expecting! Brooklan and I went for
an hour and a half walk on the Green Belt while he was
in school. It was a perfect day!

SOLD and looking for more!

2009-09-07T20:41:00.001-07:00

Master Bath, walk in shower!

Here are a few pics of the house we just sold.
The condition of this house when we bought
it was pretty bad. But with a little
hard work and patience Rob turned
unlivable into a beautiful work of art!

Kitchen

I just love these hardwood floors!

Its amazing what a little paint will do!

Random Summer pics!

2009-07-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

Rob threw me a fantastic birthday party! 33 Yikes!
We had a great time with wonderful friends and family.

Kenya, Kristi, Denise and I. I couldn't
ask for better friends!

Sisters! I loved her lashes!
Are these pics dark or is it just me?

Rob and the kiddos @ nana and papa's

Jack and Koen playin a little ball

Zoo adventure with nana and the clan

Charlie taking a break with his feet up!

Me with my niece, sweet baby Layla. Its nice
to have girl so close by now for Brooklan

Summer Days

2009-07-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

So this summer has gone by in a blur! Auntie Ericka and the kiddos came for a week in June and the kids had so much fun! A week later I went to Salem, Oregon for my RET certification and it was an amazing, spiritual and educational experience. I can now practice as a technician and new doors are opening for me! In early July, we took the kids to the Oregon coast for a their first camping experience. It was also for Rob's family reunion in Silver Falls State Park which is luscious and green and COLD!!! I did not pack for cold weather at least for myself, thankfully I had enough sense to pack well for the kids. I will download the pics soon so I can post them. We had a great time and look forward to our next camping adventure in 2 weeks. We are headed to Riggins for white sandy beaches right on the river. We have a family raft trip planned and it should be fun!! Rob finished our flip about a month ago. We have had 2 offers but they were not ideal so we are patiently waiting more offers. In the meantime, Rob has been busy with referral work and we are so thankful for anything that comes our way. Koen and Isaiah have enjoyed swim lessons this summer! Isaiah is a pro swimmer now and Koen...well just likes to splash around. He will get the hang of it eventually, I hope. He is quite the little negotiator with his teachers. I wonder what that means for his future. :) Anyway, we are enjoying our summer and trying to get all the fun in that we can!

Progress

2009-05-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

Prepare yourself, this gets deep!

Well it has been a few weeks since any posts. I have been busy holding down the fort while Rob works literally from 7 am until 9pm-midnight everyday, trying to get our flip done. I can't wait to post pictures of the final product. It is literally a brand new house! Picking paint colors took me about a week but after many him-ha's and I don't knows, I finally got the interior squared away and the exterior picked! Now I can relax. Except that I have done this enough times that driving up to a house that I picked paint colors for, is now done with my eyes closed. It is like the big reveal of: did I choose palatable, eye pleasing colors or is it hideousness beyond repair. I think I did alright this time...I hope. I will post pics as soon as it is finished.

I am also 3 weeks away from my RET certification. It is strange how life aligns itself in the proper timing because as I have been learning about the gift of healing, and the power we have as individuals to make our lives what we "think," I have been actually experiencing the words as I read them and attach their meanings to my life. There have been those "ah ha" moments where I just stop and think "WOW" and it just all makes sense. Then...in the process of learning and curiosity, I progress with new questions and start searching for more explanations to this blessing of life we have been given.

For instance, here are a few general paragraphs that could apply to everyone, that jumped off the page at me:

"Energy can change form but never be destroyed. Every relationship and experience in this world is divinely orchestrated with our spirits approval for our Earth School. Our job is to notice, learn and quickly move to a new perspective changing our perception about an event." Now, I don't know if this is as profound to you as it was to me, but it simply places the responsibility in every individual's hand. We choose to be where we are with the people and experiences that we have, in order to learn what we need to in order to be ready for the next lesson that awaits us. And...if we don't get the lesson that is meant for us to progress, then the same experience will continue to happen or repeat somewhere else until we finally understand the lesson that is meant for us to know. Pretty interesting eh???

This is what followed the paragraph I just listed... "Embrace the silence, listen to your higher self. Totally give up your past or personal history. By bonding to your past, you prevent your healing." This made me think a bit.

Another neat thought to ponder...
" We are always experiencing abundance. To have abundance in our lives requires a willingness to recognize that it is always available and we need only open ourselves to receive it. Regardless of our underlying beliefs, we are experiencing those beliefs abundantly in the manifestation of them." It went on to talk about that we always have abundance, even if it is a lack of. Meaning we have an abundance of the lack of abundance, if that is what we are thinking. "Abundance is merely the universe's response to our thoughts and emotions."

And one more that stood out...
"So long as we seek anything outside ourselves, we will never have complete peace. Life is constantly presenting to you a mirror of what you are feeling and
experiencing within yourself. All your answers, therefore, must come from within yourself." This makes so much sense. There are so many vices out there that people use to avoid or feel something other than what they are feeling that they forget to look within for the answer. Until we look within, complete peace will not be found.

Wow...that got deep. But I felt the need to share. This was just a spec of what I am learning and I absolutely love it!!!!! Know that there are no coincidences and that life is what we make it! :)

Random Pics

2009-05-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago today my brother in law Ryan
and his fiance Krista had their sweet baby
girl Layla.

She was 7 lbs, 1 oz and a little peanut.
She was so tiny, that I forgot how small
these little creatures are when they are first born.

Brooklan absolutely loves Layla and is always
trying to give her sweet little kisses.
Koen is such a sweet boy with her too.
They live just down the street so we
get to see her at a moments notice!

We took advantage of one of the rain free days
a few weeks ago. The kiddos love being
outside.

Gabie, Brookie and Koen on the tramp

Koen would just bounce them as they tried
to get up. Brooklan loved it and
wanted more, but Gabie
wanted down! As my dad says,
Brooklan will be our outdoorsy
partner for Rob to take hunting
among other manly things.
He thinks she will jump out from a tree
and slash the neck of an elk or something.
Come on dad, she is the only girl of 4 boy
cousins and 1 brother
but I will never allow that to happen!
She is pretty tough though, I must admit.

Although this picture doesn't speak tough.
Couldn't resist posting this one.
She is my sweet little angel!

This is the best Easter pic we could get.
If she wasn't moving he was and
well...I tried!

Our latest project

2009-05-08T21:16:00.001-07:00

So this is our new house! Isn't it a beauty?
Well ok, not our new house, but our latest
project.
Rob is turning trash into treasure.
In just 5 days it looks completely transformed from
these photos.

I can't wait to see the end result.
We have gutted the entire thing.
New cabinets, new hardwood, carpet
paint, granite, and a little of my style :)
I love seeing things transform from
ugly to beautiful.

Stay tuned for updates.

Where does the time go?

2009-04-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

So our camera is still on the fritz. We have a really old one that we are using and it actually works fine other than the fact that it takes 5 seconds to take a photo.

Life has been busy around here. I just got back from a women's retreat in Deer Lake Washington. WOW! That was quite the experience. It certainly took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to be aware of the things that I need to change about myself yet enhance the things that I like. One of the things that we participated in was a sweat lodge. 17 of us squished into a tent covered in blankets the size of a 3-4 man tent. Can you say sardine?! It was pitch black until the glow of red hot lava rocks were placed inside a hole that was inside the tent, Through out the process water was placed upon the rocks in order to create steam. It was exactly like a sauna only smaller, darker and incredibly spiritual. We all prayed for people in our lives and just let the moment be experienced. This experience lasted 4 whole, hot and challenging hours! We took 3 breaks of a few minutes each which was quite welcomed. The fresh air was a gift. We were soaking wet as if we had just stepped out of a pool. I could feel the toxins release and it felt great. Except for the fact the I neglected to drink water the entire 4 hours, resulting in serious dizziness and low blood sugar. Duh right? What was I thinking? Getting out actually felt like I just got out of the ocean from all of the salt left behind on my skin. The hardest thing about it was the constant feeling like I could not get any air. I could breath fine but because it was so hot in there it felt as though I was suffocating. It was a great test of patience of which I have little, and perserverance which I am proud to say I do have. I was proud of myself that I didn't freak out and actually remained calm the entire time. It was a great mental test! When we finished I downed about a gallon of water and quickly ate to feel normal again. I think I lost a couple of pounds that night...wooohoo :), and gained an experinence I shall never forget.

Thankfully, Rob has been busy with work and we are very thankful and grateful! We also bought a house that was bank owned and are flipping it if they ever let us close the darn thing. They keep pushing it out and we are so ready to remodel and sell it! There are so many deals out there right now that it is hard to pass them up as a great opportunity.

I am looking at preschools for my little Koen. I can't believe that he is already close to being in school! I have actually tried not to think about it but know that if I wait any longer he will not get a spot in the fall. They fill up fast around here! Seriously, where does the time go?

2009-04-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

On April fools day we had to decide to put our
dog Nutka to sleep. His life was long and definitely
full of life!

We took him to our favorite park (Camel's Back)
and went on a hike. I felt so bad because other than
the tumor in his mouth he was perfectly fine.

He had arthritis and that was it. On our hike
he was pulling me! It was a hard decision to make
to let him go. But after looking at all of the options
sending him on was the best choice.

The stories we have about Nutka will last a lifetime
The thousands of dollars in fines and fix ups,
the sleepless nights I would have after he ran
away for days on end, the daily jaunts through our
neighborhood because we just couldn't keep him
in and the list goes on.

Everywhere we took Nutka there was always a
interested on looker. Kids would call out
snowdog! And we were always asked
if he was nice.

For almost 8 years Nutka lived with Rob & I
and it seems it went by in a blink.

His life was good and he added value to ours.

We buried him on my in laws farm, next to their
dog Star.

Roam the valleys of heaven and enjoy your new
found freedom!
Nutka you will be missed!

March Madness!

2009-03-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

March was a mad dash to the end with family birthdays and dinners and just hanging out!

Here is miss Bella rooski (my nick name for her)

New Endeavors

2009-03-02T09:52:00.001-08:00

Today I am watching my 2 nieces, Bella and Taylor and my nephew Gabe plus my two kidlets. I have to say it has been quite uneventful except that it is a constant state of wild energy! It is fun and I appreciate my time with them while they are little because I know they grow too fast. I just wish my camera worked so I can capture some seriously cute moments!

I have decided to involve myself in new endeavors this year. I am training to become certified in RET (Rapid Eye Technology) which is a tool or medium to help heal the mind, body and spirit of emotional trauma on all levels. It is an interesting and engaging form of education and I love it! I have had the privileged of having some RET sessions myself and it has blessed my life in immeasurable ways. I feel the need to give back somehow and if I can help others the way it has helped me then my mission will be accomplished! Go to www.rapideyetechnology.com to learn more about it.

I am also seriously considering going back to school in nursing. Or at least attempt to :). It will be a sacrifice but one well worth it! I have 4 classes I need to take before applying but after that the program is 5 semesters and I could be done! I love staying at home with my kids and am grateful we have made that a priority, however, I also feel that one cannot be too prepared, especially now. Rob's business is picking up again as well so are extremely grateful for that! With all of that said my chef skills are needed I have 5 starving kids at my feet!

Lipstick Disaster or Picasso on the rise!

2009-02-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

So I must apologize for the blurriness! Something is wrong with our camera, AGAIN...this is our 3rd one of the same kind so needless to say we will not be purchasing another like it despite how much we love it.

Miss Brooklan, my sweet baby girl, is also the most mischievous mess maker in this family! I think it is my mother's revenge...no laughing mom. I was busy paying bills and could not hear a peep out of Brooklan anywhere. That means BIG trouble. So I went searching and when I got to our bedroom and saw the bathroom door opened I thought "OH NO" and "OH NO" was and understated phrase. Little missy had got into my makeup and conveniently found my only red lipstick and went to town. My counters, makeup bag, eye shadows, Brooklan's face, hands, hair and Ralph Lauren sweater mind you were all covered in the red stuff. You can see for your self the joys I had cleaning this baby attractive activity up! I had to scrub and scrub to get this mess off of her. She is still stained red and later that day I found a big smudge in her ear! What next?

She just laughed the entire time!

At least she enjoyed herself!

New Experience

2009-02-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

In April I am going to a women's retreat with some wonderful friends that recommended this new experience to me. They have described it as life changing and immediately I was attracted. I am so excited to bond with other women, learn a little more about myself and step outside of my comfort zone. One of my new year's resolutions is to make a consistent effort to step out of my box and challenge myself because each time I have done this I grow just a little bit more. Life's perspective is always changing and I want to be prepared for its teachings! Staying in my comfort zone, I have learned, does not prepare me for anything except that of the same. It was fun for a while but now its time for a change!!! If anyone is interested in going please register and let me know...I would love to experience this with you!

http://summitquestblog.blogspot.com/

Kidlet's

2009-02-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

So today we decided that Rob was going to get the clippers
out and "trim" up Koen's hair. Well trim was the wrong
word to use. He ended up cutting it so close to the scalp that
I said "wait, I thought we were just trimming it?" His hair was so long
I was sad to see it go...
Well next thing I knew I said I don't know how to cut hair
and you don't know how to cut hair so off to
the barber's we went! This is the end result trying to blend
the "trim" we attempted earlier. Off to the marines looks like, but I
think it's adorable. We put gel in it, spiked it up and he loves it!

Brooklan has a way of taking the hair do's I give her
and just destroying them in seconds. She never keeps
anything in her hair. I think I have her trained though.
On Friday, I kept putting her hair back in pig tails all day
and I think she is getting that it is ok to have things in
her hair. Although, here she has lopsided the piggies...I give up!

I couldn't resist posting this one! This explains her
spunky cute personality in one simple photo!

This is Koen and his friend Sam. They play all of
the time together and are best buds! My future Yaly
is networking already...

This is Koen's favorite face lately when taking pictures.
I usually discourage it but what the heck... he is only 3 and
kids should be able to make faces as long as they can!

Valentine's Day Treats!

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

So on Friday while my little Brook Trout was sleeping, Koen and I made Heart Sugar Cookies. I think he will be a chef of some kind some day because he loves, loves, loves to help me in the kitchen as you can see. He tells me we need 5 cups of sugar, and 5 cups of flour and 5 eggs. Somewhere he picked up that 5 is the magic number. It is way too cute!

After rolling the dough he cut out all of the cookies himself. Ok I helped speed it a long a little bit but he did most of the work!

He is so proud of his work!

Playing around while waiting for them to bake.

The finished product. Things like this are way too dangerous as they are devoured in my house. Now Brooklan goes to the fridge (all of the goodies are hidden on top of the fridge) and raises her arms and says this weird "eeeeeeehhhh" "eeeeehhhh" noise meaning give me some sugar now. Anyway, it is cute and we have fun with things to do in the kitchen. I didn't have any food coloring and I didn't want just white frosting so I added like a teaspoon of Mona Vie to the frosting and it turned it pinkish purple and added the greatest berry flavor! Everyone loved them. Gotta love holidays...

Rats!

2009-02-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

So Super Bowl was at auntie Amber & Uncle Kenny's (sorry Ken, you are deemed to be called that for a life time despite your opposition:)) Aspen has a rat and of course Koen and Brooklan had to see it. At first, I was grossed out
but remembered Ratatouille and thought twice about feeling such emotions. I do love that movie and thought it was pretty cute. Actually, Molly is a very sweet rat and loved climbing all over Rob and the kids. As you can see they were definitely intrigued!

Koen wasn't quite sure about having Molly on his back. He took it for a few seconds and couldn't handle the claws any longer on his bare skin! Eeeeuuuuuu! Rob put Molly on my neck without me seeing and it was more than an unsuspecting girl could take! I squinted tight and shut my eyes while squealing and the whole room was entertained. NOT FUNNY!

So I only got half his face but it says it all doesn't it? He is quite happy to be snuggling with a rodent! I had to make sure Koen didn't squish her to death from excitement!
Who won the game again? ;0)

Girls Night!

2009-02-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

Ladies night at my house this weekend. Kristi is my
workout partner, partner in crime ;) and friend for life!

This is my dear friend
Laura & I taking pics between laughs playing Apples to
Apples with 10 other girlfriends! Another friend for life!
I love good friends!
Her little boy Sam and Koen are quite the duo as well!

Back in the game!

2009-02-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

No need to say anything...I know 3 months again! How does this happen? Time flies when life throws you curve balls! Between the holidays, the paradigm shift in this country, personal growth and new goals set I have neglected the fun blogging has to offer. I am back in the game though and look forward to posting once again!

2008-11-15T13:40:00.001-08:00

So Rob has been gone working out of town in McCall for 8 days now. I just found out it will be another 3 days. Not easy on mama, nor daddy working so hard. Rob is fighting the flu. He is pretending like he doesn't feel sick to get through this long stretch. Normally work out of town would not be a likely choice. However, we, at this time will take what we can get. We have seen challenges among our peers, friends, family and ourselves that leave us wondering if we have seen the worst of it. The economy is what it is and we choose to look at the bright side of possible things to come. We ask for what we want and know that we will get it! I confirm to myself that good things will come to pass and we will be blessed. I find myself being ever grateful for what it is that we have accomplished and have yet to see. Fear has been left at the door, as faith will enter in its place. Cheers to the future and what it holds! I am confident in what is to come.

2008-11-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Koen is a silly boy. No kid can go without the olive fingers! He thought he was pretty scary! He kept growling... alas, however, he finally ate the olives.
Then helped me make delicious pizza. Thank you to Krystal by the way for the white sauce recipe! That was fantastic! Both kids devoured...

Halloween

2008-11-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

So, I must say I feel guilty not posting for so long. I have done most of it on facebook. My new addiction. However, I will try to keep up with this too! Halloween was fun. Koen finally got it...I think. Brooklan was just along for the ride. We went tricker treating by my parents neighborhood and loved hearing Koen sing "tricker treat, smell my feet, give me somethingggggg to eat" too funny.

2008-07-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

"THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE, I WALKED ON FIRE, I CAN DO ANYTHING I CHOOSE!" 7/21/08
So Rob and I just got back from Salt Lake City. We went down there to take a fire walking class. You say what?? Why would you want to walk on fire? I knew going into it that it would be a challenge that I was not sure how I was going to conquer, but I did and so did Rob. The class was 3 hours of mental preparation for this life changing event that I have found myself pondering since we did this. It taught me that fear, although it exists to protect us, can also control our potential in life and keep us from experiencing things we never knew were possible. Fear is to be acknowledged but not given in to. There were about 35 people in the class, 4 of which had walked before. We all walked on burning coals of 1200-1400 degrees. Not one person was injured or burned. 10 of us went (Eileen, Sarah, Doug, Ryan, Daniel, Tyson, Traci, Krista, Rob and myself). WE ALL DID IT! I am so proud of everyone. To describe the physical feeling, it was like walking on packing peanuts that crunched under your feet. There was no heat that I felt and I just imagined it to be as cold as snow. (Thanks Krista!) I found myself starring at the coals wondering "how am I going to do this?" I never thought that I couldn't, I just didn't know how I was going to get across. My heart was POUNDING in my throat and breathing was a challenge. I felt my heart skip a few beats. Rob came up to me after walking and said "you can do this, just imagine your children on the other side and you have to walk through it to get to them." That was it! I started to walk, and it was like I was floating or not even aware of what I was actually doing. I put myself in a different place mentally and found myself on the other side having conquered this beast! It was exhilarating, exciting, unbelievable, and life altering. Once you do something like this you look at yourself in a different light. The possibilities are limitless and boundless. One woman there told her friend who was terrified of walking to replace the fear she had in her heart with love. That was it for her and she did it! It is a great metaphor for life in general! My mother in law, Eileen, is going to host a fire walk soon and I highly recommend taking the class, it will change your perspective!

You can go to www.firewalkutah.com and click on photos to see proof! Cedar wood burned for 2 hours to create the coals we walked on. They don't look hot for some reason in the photos, but trust me they were red and hot!

"FIREWALKING REVEALS THAT BEING A MERE HUMAN IS NOTHING MERE"
Tolly Burkan

Just Being Kids

2008-06-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Brooklan in the tub! She is such a happy girl!

Koen & Brooklan playing in the tub.
They LOVE bath time!

Silly girl

Koen put these on her and she kept them on!
Had to take the pic to capture this one.

Mr. Koen helping mommy make waffles.
Of course he always has to have a taste.
"I want a taste mommy!"

Vacation in Phoenix

2008-05-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

My little musician! He does love any instruments. We took the kids to a kids museum and they played for hours!

Brooklan discovers her reflection for the first time.
She didn't stop looking at herself for quite a while!

Gabe is posing at playtime with cousin Brooklan

Mommy and Brook at the local splash pad in Phoenix.
The boys loved playing in the water. Wish we had one here.

Here are Jack and Koen enjoying the water!

Trip to Phoenix! Were We Crazy??

2008-05-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Heather and I took a jaunt to Phoenix to visit Auntie Ericka, cousin Jack and Uncle Matt.
Here we are on the plane with 2 babies (Gabie and Brooklan), 2 year old Koen, and 5 year old Isaiah. The plane ride wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. Still, I was stressed and exhausted by the time we got there!

This isn't my best picture, but it proves I did it!

Heather and Gabie, all the kids were great!

Trip to the store! We had 2 shopping carts full of kids! The peaceful babies, never heard a peep.

Then there were 3. "I want that!" Do you think they lasted in the cart? No way Jose!

5 days in Phoenix and we needed a vacation! The kids kept us going 24/7. These are the days we will cherish and look back on and laugh. Thanks for all of the fun auntie. We loved every excursion.

Cabo San Lucas Vacation!!

2008-05-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, here is our trip to Cabo San Lucas! We had so much fun the six of us. Brian & Elisa, Audra & Jeff
and Rob & I. I think the pictures explain themselves. We had some of the best Mexican food we have ever had there and look forward to going again soon! Thanks to all of our sitters who dared to watch our children for a whole week! Nana and Papa to the rescue! Aunti Ericka and cousin Jack pitched in too. Isaiah kept the boys busy and the 2 babes got to know each other very well.

2008-03-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ok I know, I know, I am terrible. I haven't posted since January! It is almost April!!!
Where on earth does the time go? Brooklan is almost 6 months now and Koen is speaking in actual sentances. He counts to 20 and knows his ABC's. Pretty good for a 28 month old little boy! He starting to sing songs and he makes us laugh all of the time. I am so proud of him! Rob and I are getting ready to go to Mexico April 12-18th and are so excited. I am sure my family is not, as they are watching our little bundles. Nana, Papa, Auntie Ericka, Auntie Heather and all of the kidlets are going to have a blast playing and watching our kiddos. I love them for giving Rob and I the opportunity to have a VACATION! We haven't done that for 4 years. Our camera broke at Christmas and I am sad to say have taken no new pictures. We are taking care of that though as I realize that kids grow so fast and we are missing precious months!
Rob has been sooooo busy with work. It is a true blessing because the building industry is so slow right now. We are counting our blessings! I have been busier than ever with Mona Vie and have seen it do so many wonderful things for people physically and financially. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT and this business!

I hope all is well with everyone! I promise to be more diligent with the blog.
Happy Easter to all!

2008-01-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

What sweet babies! Brooklan and Gabie baby were blessed on December 29th, 2007 by Robert Mairs (papa) to Brooklan and it went so well. Not a sound from either one. It was very peaceful.

Ginger once again came through with theses awesome pictures! Thanks Ginger.

Aren't they a little too young to be getting married? Ha! They are so cute

What an angel!

And here she is for her closeup!

Gabe is just chillin here. He is waiting for his dinner in his three piece suit.

Handsome man

2008-01-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2007 family pics.

2007-12-30T21:33:00.001-08:00

It has been so long since I have posted anything. The holidays take it out of you I must say. Well here are a few family pictures we had done. Trying to get a 2 year old to cooperate is a challenge. Rob's cousin Ginger took these, she is awesome. We love her and her creativity. I would post some pictures from Christmas but our camera decided to not cooperate. I will make it happen soon though. Hope you all have a wonderful new year and may all of your goals be reached!

Family Pictures are always fun!
Rob and his little princess
Wait! Come back little man
How can this not make you laugh, ha!

Oooo cold! Where are your coats?

2007-11-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

Koen is opening his presents at his 2nd birthday party. I think he was more interested in his sucker! He had so much fun with his cousins Isaiah & Jackson. Brooklan & Gabriel took notes on all the fun they will be having in the years to come. The rest of us took notes on how exhausting 5 kids can be to take care of.

Koen & Jackson are trying to escape nana & papa'a house with only suckers to sustain them!
Silly boys.

"Show your muscles" is our new game. Look at that intensity and concentration.

Brooklan is our sweet girl. She is smiling ever so much these days. What a beauty!

Our friends Tony and Kristi just had a son, Lennox Cole on Nov. 5th. He is quite handsome!

Koen and Brooklan

2007-11-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

Koen being his silly self. Isaiah was telling Koen about his stinky feet, so Koen had to take his sock off to let us all smell! What an adorable smile.

Cousins, Brooklan and Gabriel just chillin! They both fit in the boppy.