Where have I been???

OK, so I haven't been so great at posting the last couple of months. That's obvious. But there are a few things I HAVE done. I've spent A LOT of time holding my new, sweet, cuddly baby girl. I've done tons of puzzles, read books, and colored with Noah and Mia. I've played Avatar and Harry Potter. I've quizzed Noah on his first grade sight words. Jax, Dallin and I have watched numerous episodes of iCarly, SpongeBob and Phineus and Ferb together. AND, I have taken each of my kids on a date this summer. So, you see, I haven't just been a bump on a log. I just haven't worked (I took maternity leave) and I haven't "cleaned" my house. (Just lots of straightening...or sometimes none at all!) Two things that take up a lot of my time on a usual basis. :)

Now back to the grind. School started yesterday and I'm back to work, so getting on a schedule is priority. I'm going to have to actually schedule time to update the blog, as silly as that seems. I'm also scheduling in exercise, meal times for myself (I'm acutally FORGETTING to eat a lot. Great diet, huh?), and time to walk my dog. I hate schedules, but running a household with 7 people requires it. DARN. Stayed tuned for some fun pics. Fridays are posting day!

Lovin' Life!

Well, so-long, May! I know I didn't do so great posting last month, but it was a LITTLE crazy with year-end school activites (for myself, Kirt AND all the kids), baseball (Jaxon), Mia's birthday, being put on bed rest and having a new baby! WHEW. I'm glad May is behind us.:)

You will see posts of all those above mentioned activities in the coming days, but for today I've been bugged to DEATH about more pics of the newest princess in the house. Emmeline is such a little sweetie. I'm trying REALLY hard not to, but a lot of the time I want to just lock myself in my bedroom with her so I can keep her all to myself! (Yes, Kirt especially, fights me on that one.)

The kids have been SO awesome with her so far. I was feeling very run down one day and Kirt had somewhere to be, so I turned Emme over to Dallin for a while. Kirt prepared a bottle for her before he left and Dallin fed and burped her. When I woke up to her screaming after my nap, I flew out of my room, SURE she was being hurt or neglected. Oh no. Dallin was simply changing her diaper all on his own and she was hating it. :) (She always does!) I hadn't taught him how to change her, so I asked him how he knew how to do it. His reply? "It's not rocket science, Mom." Well, alrighty then. 'Nuf said.

OK, I know you're all really just waiting for pics, so enough blabbing...I mean blogging for now.

Isn't she lovely?

Meet the newest member of the Keeler family. Our little Emmeline was born Sunday, May 16th at 11:16 pm. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. She has stolen the hearts of EVERYONE in our entire family, but most especially her daddy, since he just KNEW she was a girl all along. (Sorry I called you a boy so many times, Emme!)

We love you, Emme!

Pretty Princess Party!

The day Mia has dreamed of for years and years finally came true on her 5th birthday! She has been begging for a princess party but I'm a mean mom and I don't let my kids have a "real" birthday party until they turn 5. They're stuck with a family party until then. (Hey! It gives them something to look forward to!) The girls made jewelry, decorated their own picture frames, and ate lots of cake and ice cream. Here are a few pics of the fun event:

My darling friend Shannon did SUCH a great job making this fabulous cake. Mia was elated. Thanks, Shan!

The princess and her cake.

The beautiful little princesses.

Noah decided he wanted to join the party too, but the girls all informed him he had to be dressed like a princess to come to the party. He decided it was worth getting into a dress for! Haha.

Mia was one spoiled little girl that day. A great big "thank-you" to my sister Jessica and her friend Whitney who actually did the party since I was on bedrest. Thanks for making our little princess feel so special on her super special day!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Happy birthday #5, Princess Mia! We love you so much and are so happy that you are a part of our forever family. Here are a few reasons we love you:

*you're always singing

*you have a beautiful smile
*you're a great friend
*you're a wonderful joke teller :)
*you're kind to others
*you help mommy A LOT
*you have a willing heart
*you feel bad when others are sad
*you put up with all your brothers
*you try to be a peacemaker

Stay tuned for a post about the best "Princess Party" ever!