Living the Good Liffe

2012-02-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

9 Years!

2012-02-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

It's been 9 years since I married my best friend. We've done a lot in those years - 4 children, 6 moves, 5 different jobs, 5 different cars, countless different callings, so many late nights spent talking about "life", struggling to learn how to parent 4 very different children, laughing together, crying together (ok maybe that was just me) ... but one thing remains unchanged. He's still my best friend!

This little lady

2012-02-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

Can you see her? She is adorable huh! We love her bunches and bunches. Lately she has been showing quite the stubborn streak. Ok, so it's only been the last 4 days. But holy cow is she ever fiesty and grumpy!!!! It all started on Sunday. I had to take her out during Sacrament meeting. No big deal right. I tell you this is a 1st for her. She has been such a good baby. On Monday she would scream anytime her brothers came near her. She refused to nap, refused to eat her baby food and wanted to be nursed almost every 2 hours. This has continued on thoughout the nights and through the morning today. Cross your fingers because she is taking her 2nd nap today as I type. We have wondered if it is teeth (can't feel or see anything), an ear infection (no fever, no pulling at her ears), we tried supplementing with a bottle (which she refuses to drink). Personally, I think this little lady is just showing us who is the boss around our house.
Is it weird to anyone else that her favorite place to play is under our bed. Apparently she has no problem with tight dark places. Holy Claustraphobia Baby!

A camping we will go

2012-01-17T21:25:00.000-08:00

Wyatt got a tent for Christmas. All 3 boys were so excited and made plans for their first campout. They had it all set to pitch the tent on our front grass area (a spot barely big enough for the tent) and to sleep outside on the night of Dec. 25th. They talked about it all day and told everyone that they could. They could not wait. We thought that surely they would realize that it was in the single digits outside at night. We do live in Cache Valley after all and it is winter time (even if we lack some snow). No, they didn't care that it was cold, they would just use lots of blankets. Needless to say, mom destroyed their plans about 7:00 that night. They were not going to sleep outside and that was final. The tent was pitched in the living room with the temp set at 67 cozy degrees. They all snuggled in and were soon fast asleep.

This is the picture Colby took about 2:00 in the morning. Yeah, I think there would have been some cold kiddos if mom wouldn't have ruined all the fun!

Times a flyin'

2012-01-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

Hannah is 6 months old already! I think it's been the fastest 6 months of my life.

We are so grateful to have our little princess. She is one very loved little girl!

Here are some of the things we love about her...

she has the cutest smile that will melt your heart
her baby blue eyes are always taking everything in
she has become quite the roley poley bug
she can sit up on her own
she sleeps through the night (most of the time)
she loves her baby food (especially her greens - gag)
she is not a fan of rice cereal or oatmeal
she already knows how to tattle on her brothers
she growls like a bear (her dad taught her how)
she shakes her head "no" (also taught by dad)
she loves to bath
she hates getting dressed
her nicknames are "sis", hannie-nannie, and princess
it's a workout to get her to laugh
her brothers fight over her every chance they get

Sometimes I wish that I had a remote control on life so that I could put our days in slow motion. I guess that is why she can get me to hold her during her entire afternoon nap. Before I know it she won't want me to cuddle and rock her anymore :(

Sacrament meeting in a nutshell

2012-01-01T13:05:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days where your children do exactly the opposite of what you tell them to. That was the Goodliffe family during Sacrament meeting. Boys that are told to be quiet repeat things even louder the next time. Then, a little boy who smiles and laughs as he is running back and forth from sitting on the stand with his dad and sitting on the bench with the rest of us. Entertaining/funny... I don't think so. Somehow, I think that we need a few more lessons on appropriate church behavior.

My thoughts exactly...

2011-12-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

Today has been a great day. Why you may ask has it been a great day? Well let me tell you...
#1 Hannah slept until 7:00
#2 Hayden, Austin, and Wyatt played all morning without fighting!!!!! (huge success)
#3 We made it to church with 10 minutes to spare.
#4 I had 2 wonderful helpers sitting behind me that gave Hannah some lovin' and gave 2 of the boys some much needed distraction!
#5 I got to sit by Colby in RS for a short time!
#6 I got to listen to Colby give the lesson in RS. I am so thankful for a husband that motivates me to be better.
#7 We came home and the boys worked together to change their clothes...again with no fighting!
#8 Our house is quiet right now while 4 kiddos are taking Sunday naps. Who cares if it is almost 5:00!!!
#9 Colby will be home from church soon!
#10 We get to listen to President Monson during the Christmas devotional tonight.
I hope that you are all having a great day too!

Christmas Time.

2011-12-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year, but as I get older, I feel like I am beginning to just go through the motions of the Christmas season. I love the snow and the purity that it adds to the world around us, but I really don't enjoy playing in it anymore. I love Christmas music playing in our home, but I really don't need more noise to compete with the noise level that already exists in our home. I love giving gifts to others, but it can be really expensive. I love having the Christmas tree up and all of our decorations, but our house is pretty crowded already. So, I say to myself... bah humbug!
To help me get in the true spirit of the Christmas season, we have started a new family tradition this year. Each day in the month of December, we look for a way to serve someone outside of our home. It has been such a great experience thus far. It doesn't even have to be anything big. Yesterday, it consisted of one of the boys holding a door open for another shopper while entering the store. But, it is helping us see how truly blessed we are and looking for ways to help others around us. For what better gift can we give to others!

2011-12-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

Thank you Nicole Nelson for sharing your awesome talent with our family!

My greatest blessings!

2011-11-10T20:29:00.001-08:00

I am very thankful to have 4 beautiful healthy children and a very loving, supportive husband!

Super Wy to the rescue!

2011-10-18T20:54:00.001-07:00

Hannah has her own super hero in the form of a big brother.

He protects her from the scary monsters (the pillow is his gate) that may just sneak into the closet.

And reads her stories...even if they are upside down. She sure loves her big brother.
And mommy sure appreciates her big helper while she showers and gets ready for the day!

Taylor or Goodliffe Genes???

2011-10-04T20:05:00.001-07:00

Conference morning at the Goodliffe house.

Austi's 5th B-day!

2011-09-28T20:58:00.001-07:00

5 years ago, a little boy joined our family.

He surprised us by coming 2 weeks early.

He had so much hair, and had his first hair cut at 6 weeks old.

His big brother Hayden was so excited to have a baby brother.

We love you Austi-hooter!

Happy 5th birthday!!!!

Happy #3 Wyatt

2011-09-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

Enjoying some cupcake and ice cream!

My boys love pinatas.

Blowing out the candles.

Family tradition of blowing out a candle at breakfast.

- Our Wyatt is such a character. He keeps us laughing...especially when he is in trouble. The other day Wyatt was sitting by me while I put on my makeup. He was asking about what this makeup was or what that makeup did. After I had all my makeup on, he turned to me and said, "Mom you look like a boy now!"

Wyatt loves his baby sister. He is so gentle with her (huge surprise). The other day while sitting on the bed next to her, he leaned over to kiss her and said "Oh princess, you stink!" He can talk your ear off and keep up with every conversation going on around him. We love you Wyatt and we are so grateful for the past 3 years we have had you in our lives!

Hannah Goodliffe

2011-09-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

3 Big Brothers meeting their baby sister.

Look at all that blonde hair.

Welcome to the world little one!

Proud parents for the 4th time.

Getting some "rock-a-bye" time in with her dad.

- Hannah joined our family on July 7th. She is such an amazing baby. We love her so much and are enjoying getting to know her. She has been deemed "little princess" by Wyatt. From the abundance of kisses to the constant hoovering, she is one spoiled little sister!

A change

2011-09-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

So, it's been almost 1 year since my last post. I decided that I needed to preserve our family memories, and this is how I plan to do it. It probably won't happen every day, but we will shoot for weekly posts right now. The title of our blog is "Living the Good Liffe", and I plan on telling why and how we live a good life every day in our home. Here's to the first step in reaching my goal.

On the road again

2010-10-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

I decided to put on my running shoes again and get this body back in shape. It feels so great to make it work hard again, especially pushing 2 boys in the stroller.

Side note

2010-10-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

We are getting new family pictures taken in a few weeks. I am so excited. Therefore, you have to live with the ones we currently have (that are so outdated) and the new one of our family that I just changed.

Adjusting

2010-10-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

We are slowly adjusting to our new way of life. Colby and I both recieved new callings in July. Our life has definitely changed. We no longer have all the time we want to run together as a family ( we did run our 5k this year though!), we no longer have Sunday afternoon to just be lazy together while the boys nap, we no longer always get to go together as a family to visit grandparents on Sunday, basically we no longer have as much freedom as we once had. Life is good though. We are happy, and we are adjusting. We now cherish the time that we have to spend together (not that we didn't before, it's just different now).
We have had our challenges, and we have learned and are learning a great deal. We are grateful for the opportuinty to serve. We have grown so much together as a couple.
I feel like sometimes, Heavenly Father is really testing me. He knows how I lack patience with about everything in life. He loves me, so He is helping me to grow. I know that! Now, I just need to put my faith in Him and make it through.

2! 4! 6!

2010-10-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind once again with my blog... go figure.

Anyway, we had a great summer. It was very busy and we spent as much time together as a family that we possibly could. Our boys each took turns with birthdays. We are now 2-4-6 years old. Colby also celebrated another birthday too, but we will obmit his age. I only took pictures of Wyatt at his party, sorry Hayden and Austin. They each had such fun birthdays this year. I can't believe that they are growing up so fast.

Austin 1st day of Joy School

Hayden 1st day of 1st grade

If found, please return to...

2010-07-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

ME! I seem to have lost my brain. I really have. I cannot think straight, make any sense at all in conversations, or remember the simplest things. Take a conversation I had today with a friend. Me - "How was that book about 'Harlem' that you read?" Her- giving me a funny look and responding to my question. The book was about a "Harem" not "Harlem". I can read I promise.
I feel like I sit in a daze not really knowing how to make sense of everything going on around me. I have been telling people that I have been giving Austin his Zyprexa for the last 2 weeks (who is the nurse -hello it's Zyrtec).I blow little things into huge situations. It could be my boys and the crazy way they are. It could be my lack of sleep. It could be that I really did deliver 1/2 of my brain with my placenta like Colby is always telling me(that means that I am actually negative 1/2 a brain). Anyway, if you happen to find my lost brain anywhere, please let me know. I once thought that I was actually a somewhat intellegent person. Who am I kidding now.

Who'd have thunk it...

2010-07-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who inspired me to try something new. Running. I have never been a runner. In junior high we were required to run a mile. I never could run that mile - ever. I decided to make a goal a few months ago. I was going to run a 5K this year. I know that for some, this is no big challenge. For me, it's huge! I started running at the gym on the treadmill. I ran a mile. Wow! I actually ran a mile for the first time ever in my life. I called my sister and asked her if she wanted to join me. She agreed and we have been "training" since then. We only run together on Saturdays. The rest of the week it is up to us individually to increase our distance. The farthest that I have gone is 5.75 miles. (If only I had known at the time I was that close to 6 miles). Colby and I train together during the week with our boys. They are our cheering section. They sit in the stroller and yell at us or each other while Colby and I do all the work. They are the best cheering section ever.
My sister is running her first 5K tomorrow. I wish her the best of luck. I so want to join her, but it's not going to happen. She will do awesome. My first 5K is to take place on the 24th. It is my goal and I will do it! We may not be fast, but I'm all about endurance. I never thought that I could get addicted to something so challenging, but I am. We love to run!

Family Vacation 2010

2010-07-02T13:31:00.001-07:00

We took a family vacation to St.George the first of June. It was so much fun. The temperature ranged from 111 degrees to about 80 degrees on the day we left. We were able to visit Zion's, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and just about everywhere in between. We drove over 1300 miles. The boys did such a great job. We took our lap top just in case we needed to turn it on, but we never did. We can't wait to do this again next summer.

Wyatt- our almost 2 year old

The boys!

Grandpa Casper and Haydo

Austin

Gracie and Austin at Circus Circus

Just a little behind

2010-07-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

So - we're just a little behind. We have had a crazy busy fun summer. The other day I got a phone call from Hayden's school informing us that school starts on August 18th. I wanted to cry. That only gives me 45 more days to spend this summer with my kiddos before life gets back to normal. Sometimes I'm asked if we are surviving this summer with nothing for the kids to do. I just laugh. We always have plenty to do, just not enough time to do it all. We went on a family vacation, been to science camp, had picnics in the park, played soccer, rode our bikes, played at play group, been golfing, been hiking, had a fun sleepover with friends, stayed up way too late, and had lots of ice cream. We still need to have swimming lessons, go swimming at the Aquatic Center, have more fun sleepovers, go camping, go fishing, a visit to AWHC, more bike rides, more hiking, more playing with friends and cousins, more picnics in the park, more staying up way to late, and definitely more ice cream.

Here's just a peek at some of the fun times that we have had.

Spring Break

2010-04-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Our Spring break plans started out being a trip to Moab. Then they changed to a trip to SLC that included staying in a motel and visiting as many places as we could. It ended up being a trip to Baby Animal Days one day and then a trip to Salt Lake via Frontrunner one day. Let's just say that our kids have 2 (yes I do mean 2) very frugal/tight-wads for parents. We did have a lot of fun though. I don't think our boys really cared either.

Here are the 3 cowboys posing while minature golfing at Toads.

Wy loved being able to hit the ball all by himself. He would usually hit it once, go pick it up and carry it to the hole and drop it in. He is my kind of golfer.

Austi getting ready to putt.

Here's Haydo ready to putt off too.

Our crazy boys enjoying their lunch on the Frontrunner. While in SLC we also visited Clarke Planatarium and enjoyed a yummy lunch and ice cream in the Gateway.
All in all it was an awesome Spring Break that 2 days worth of fun totaled less than one nights stay in a hotel.

Spring has sprung

2010-04-20T20:43:00.001-07:00

We attended our 2nd annual trip to Baby Animal Days this Spring.
The boys love it and so do their parents.

Wyatt actually rode a horse this year. He refused to hold on though!

Austi was so proud to do it all by himself.

Haydo is way too big for help too.

Our little family posing for a shot after taking a horse drawn wagon ride.

The bunnies we so cute. I could have taken one home.

Even the chicks got some squeezes from these sweet boys.

We can hardly wait until AWHC starts their daily adventures.

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-01T20:53:00.001-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Scooter had the annual Easter Egg Hunt a week early this year.
Little did we know that it would be the best weekend as far as the weather goes. It was a beautiful day!

Austi searched behind rocks, bushes, and even had to reach up high to fill his basket.

Haydo and cousin Macie deciding who gets what.

Austi and cousin Averie.

Wyatt picked up one egg and then headed for the sandbox. Somehow Grandpa Scooter was able to coax him out and find more eggs.

$5 Ski Night

2010-02-27T19:50:00.001-08:00

On Friday night Beaver Mtn. had a $5 ski night if you brought cans of food to donate. We decided that we would take advantage of the good deal, and take our boys skiing since they had been begging us for months.

Luckily Grandpa Scooter came with us. Here he is teaching Haydo to ski.

Colby and Austi coming down the hill.

Grandpa Scooter and Austi.

Colby even took Wyatt down the hill holding him in his arms. Wy loved it. He kept saying zooooom! Grandma Scooter was so nice to keep an eye on him in the lodge. He wanted to be out on the hill though. Maybe next year Wy.

I think we might have an upcoming Olympian living in our home. This little 3 year old thinks he can fly. He goes as fast as he can and has no fear. I think we should have rented the helmets. Luckily his dad and grandpa are great skiers and they can catch up to him before he hits anything. Today he was begging to go again.

Haydo did great too. He is quite the trooper. He is a bit impatient and wants to be able to do it perfect the first time. That's what he did riding his bike, unfortunately, skiing didn't happen that quickly.

I'm just glad that Colby has future buddies to keep him company. I managed to make it down the hill a total of 3 times and only fell once. I don't know that I'll ever become a avid skier. Sorry Colb.

Aren't they just the cutest little boys ever!

It was a great night. No trips to the emergency room and only a few tears were shed on the hill.

Happy Anniversary

2010-02-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

It's been 7 years!

We will miss our Grandma June!

2010-02-25T17:42:00.000-08:00

You gave me a kiss, you gave me a hug, you smiled when you saw me too.

I wish every child in the whole wide world had a grandmother just like you.

You read me a book, you sang me a song, you whispered "I love you too!"

I wish every child in the whole wide world had a grandmother just like you.

I tried to be good, I did as I should, I whispered "I love you too!"

I wish every child in the whole wide world had a grandmother just like you.

Snowshoeing Trip #2

2010-02-25T17:13:00.001-08:00

In January we went snowshoeing with Ryan and Heather and their family.

Here's a shot of all of the kiddos.

Hayden and Draker trudging up the hill with Austin following behind.

Colby and I pulling sleds filled with kids and snowshoes.

Wyatt taking a break to eat some snow.

Our family!

Our exhausted little Austi.

Here's Draker, Haydo, and Austi.

And we're off again.

Wyzie

Snow fun!

2010-01-24T13:05:00.001-08:00

We spent 2 days playing in the snow with family over New Year's weekend.

Here's Wy riding with Grandpa Scooter. He loves the 4-wheeler.

How many kids can you fit in a big tub sled? At least 6!

Here's Jake pulling the kids on the asphalt. (notice it's Ryan's sled and not his)

Can you find Hayden and Austin?

Wyatt once again on the 4-wheeler with me this time. Hang on kids!

This is in Dayton in the church parking lot next to my parent's house.

A little blurry- but here's Austin loving the ride.

Here's Haydo and Austi waiting for their ride to leave.

Mommy and Wyatt even got a chance to go for a ride.

Here's Hayden and Owen and Austin and Harely.

We had a lot of fun and sure wish that we would have gotten as much snow as Grandma and Grandpa Casper got this week. (about 2 feet) We love the snow, but not when it's hard and dirty :(

Each life that touches ours for good...

2010-01-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to attend the funeral of a lady that I will always consider a great friend and example to me. She was an amazing person who really had a gift working with the youth. She was one of my best friend's mom, she was my YW president, camp director, stake YW president, and the list goes on. She knew how to make you always feel included and made sure that you knew who you were and how special that is. I am so grateful to her for helping me to become who I am today. Thank you Linda for all of the time you sacrificed away from your family while serving and loving others!

Christmas in rewind

2010-01-09T16:10:00.001-08:00

Wyatt cruisin' on his new 4-wheeler.

Hayden and Austin - our new handy-men.

Wyatt chiling at home on Christmas morning. This is his new chair that Santa brought.

Here's Haydo and cousing "O" anxiously waiting to open presents.

Wyatt got a new train with blocks. He loves to play with it. Suprising enough, Santa brought him one too. I say great minds think alike.

Austin opening a Lightning McQueen puzzle book.

We are so blessed to live close to both of our families. We spent Christmas Eve with the Taylors. We played a "gag" gift game where you couldn't spend anymore than $3.50 on a gift. We laughed so hard that we were all crying. A great new family tradition.

On Christmas Day we went to the Goodliffes. We had a lot of fun playing with cousins and eating until we were ready to pop. We really had a great Christmas this year.

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-09T16:01:00.001-08:00

We have great friends that introduced us to the fun of snowshoeing.
We had such a great time. It is the best way to get up into the mountains and really appreciate nature. We only went a short ways. Pulling 60 pounds of boys behind you gets pretty tiring.

Wyatt had a hard time staying in the sled, especially with the help of Hayden.

Hayden and Austin decided to go the back way down to our car. Austin got stuck and Colby came to his rescue.

Hayden loved every minute of it though.

We really can't wait to go again!

Family Pictures ... well kind of

2009-12-31T08:46:00.000-08:00

We decided that we wanted to take some family pictures in the snow. This is how they turned out.

It might have helped if Austin wasn't sick and the wind wasn't blowing such a bitter cold breeze. Oh well, we'll try again later.

Christmas Fun

2009-12-31T08:29:00.001-08:00

We had a great Christmas this year. We did so many things before Christmas that we were really in the Christmas mood when it finally did come.

We had a surprise visit from Santa during a Christmas party at Grandma and Grandpa Scooter's house.

Wyatt was even brave enough to sit on his lap. Although, he wasn't quite sure what to think of him.

Hayden sat on Santa's lap for the 1st time in 5 years.

As for Austin - he would have nothing to do with Santa this year.

Before the party we all went for a ride on a wagon pulled by this big work horse named "Dolly".

We were even able to make it to Temple Square.

It is too bad that Christmas comes and goes so fast. We love this time of year and the opportunity we have to spend it with our family.

Accomplishments

2009-12-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

We have accomplished 2 big things so far this month. The first is Austin is now a "big boy" and not a "little boy" anymore. He was potty-trained in about 2 days. I gave him a little "incentive" as my friend calls them. Santa is going to bring him his own special "big boy" present. It worked what can I say. Now I wonder what kind of "incentive" I can use to help him stop whining?
Accomplishment #2 is that Hayden is reading. He has read 5 whole books by himself in the last week. I love watching him do it. He gets so excited when he sounds out the word and then all of the sudden something clicks and he figures out what it says. His face lights up and it is amazing to see. He is growing up so fast and I'm already missing my little Haydo Potato.
Sorry, there are no big accomplishments for Wyatt this week. He still keeps me running and on my toes. At least he didn't try to throw any socks in the toilet this week. Instead, he's determined to knock every last pine needle off of our tree. I love you Wy-zie!

I love to see the Temple at Christmas time

2009-12-08T12:45:00.001-08:00

We do have 2 other children. They just refused to cooperate taking any more pictures. These are the only ones we got on our camera. I need to get the others from my sister-in-law.

Oh Yummo!

2009-12-08T12:38:00.001-08:00

Our little Wyatt is so independent.

He refuses to let us feed him, no matter how messy!

He will find some way to get every last drop!

Even if it means drinking it!

The rest of the story...

2009-12-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

So, if any of you have me on your facebook, you already heard part of this story. It started last night whenColby and the boys got the Christmas tree ready to bring into the house. I was shopping at Michael's (by myself) and loving every minute of it. When I got home, Hayden reported that they had found 2 dead mice in the garage. I began to question Colby about it. He then went on to tell me that they had actually found 3. I was so grateful that they were caught in our garage and not in our house. Well, later that night I reported that we had had problems with mice in our garage, but not in our house. I knew right then that I had just stuck my foot in my mouth. I always curse myself. So, this morning when I went downstairs to fix breakfast for Colby and I, I made sure to turn on the lights before I stepped on the floor. (I just had this feeling) Anyway, I saw nothing. As I was cooking at the stove I kept hearing this scratching noise behind it. I kept telling myself that it was just Colby upstairs that I could hear. Colby left for work and I thought nothing of it again. 2 hours later while I was getting ready to start doing the dishes while the boys ate their breakfast, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a furry thing run out from under the door of the pantry. I looked again and there it was - a mouse. I started screaming and jumped up on the cupboard and pulled my legs up under me. It ran into the living room and I thought - "what do I do"?!? I grabbed the phone and called Colby (it just happened to be within arms reach). I knew he would save me. As I was talking on the phone, it ran back into the pantry. I was screaming on the phone, and Colby was laughing at me and telling me to give the boys some hammers and let them get rid of it. I told him that he had to come and take care of it or I would be there in the same spot when he came home for lunch. The whole time the mouse is running around the kitchen because I keep screaming. Finally it ran behind the stove and did not come out. Colby made it home in record time (about 12 minutes). Although he has yet to catch our furry friend, he saved my day. We found a small space behind our stove that goes out into the garage. Colby set 3 different traps and put a dryer sheet up against the crack. We have not seen the mouse since. He had better stay out if he knows what is best for him. I am so grateful for my Knight-in-shining-armor. He knows his wife too well to not come to her rescue when she is a damsel in distress.

A great gift

2009-12-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

I just watched a you tube video on one of my friends blogs. (Sorry I don't know how to put it on my own blog). It reminded me of one of the greatest gifts that my Heavenly Father has given me -the gift to create. Without this wonderful gift, I would not have my 3 little boys to fill my day with laughter, frustration, tears, joy, happiness, sympathy, love, and humilty. I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father has trusted me enough to allow me to have these 3 beautiful gifts.

One foot out the door

2009-11-24T18:14:00.000-08:00

Well, after 11 days, I think our visitor has at least one foot out the door. It only took 3 doctor visits and 3 prescriptions of antibiotic to get him out of here. Hooray for good health and energy to do something besides lay around the house!

Halloween at last

2009-11-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween this year. We spent the morning at cousin Danica's baptism and luncheon. Then, we went trick-or-treating to Grandma and Grandpa Scooter's on the way home.

Here's out little stinker with Grandma Casper.

It was hard to get all 3 boys to pose together for a good shot.

Hayden was an army guy or the"army" as he put it.

Austin was a fireman and proud of it.

We just had to get a rear shot of our little skunk.

Unwelcome Visitor

2009-11-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

An unwelcome visitor came our way on Friday afternoon. He brought some unfavorable gifts with him - fevers, body aches, runny noses, headaches, yucky tummies, a cough and congestion. The last of the 5 finally met her fate yesterday afternoon. So, we are now on quarentine until our sympotms subside and our unwelcome visitor decides it's time to go.

Some of my genes

2009-11-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that Austin just may have recieved some of my genes too. He was so excited to see it snowing. Although he thinks when there is snow, it has to be Christmas too. This morning he was jumping up and down and chanting..."It's snowing! It's snowing!" I love the snow. I love to walk in it, go for drives in it (as long as Colby's the one driving), throw it, roll in it, go snowmobiling in it, and I especially love to just watch it snow. Who could not love the way that it makes everything look so clean and crisp!

To big to need his mom.

2009-11-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hayden's school was giving the H1N1 flu shot today at school to all the students. I told him that I would come and be there with him. He told me that he could do it by himself. I asked him if he was sure, and he was nice enough to say that if I really wanted to come, I could come, but he could do it by himself. Next he'll start telling me that he can do his own laundry and make his own meals. Maybe that's not such a bad thing!

Trying to improve...

2009-11-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

On my attempts to blog more often. So, here goes... Austi and Haydo went to the doctor yesterday for their yearly check-ups. Haydo is in the 50% - yeah Haydo! Austi is in the 5% -yeah Austi you're on the charts! They were both so brave and Hayden even gave Dr. M a picture he colored just for him. We're glad are boys are healthy and growing up way too fast.

October Fun!

2009-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

So my pictures are a little messed up in order. Oh well! We had so much fun this last month.
It snowed on our Jack-O-Lanterns and Wyatt got to play in the snow for the 1st time.

Our fun Jack-O-Lanterns. The boys loved it. Wyatt even ate it! Yuck, raw pumpkin.

Here we are getting ready to carve. Don't I look so thrilled. Here's Colby thinking he is a kid again. Wyatt doesn't care who's pulling him around- as long as he gets to ride.

We went to the AWHC trick or treating and Austin got some scarey teeth. Here's Hayden trying out his roping skills.

Wyatt and Colby going down the super slide. Austin posing for a shot while painting his pumpkin.

Stay tuned for pictures of Halloween. Eventually I'll get them on my computer.

Onion Harvest 2009

2009-10-14T20:29:00.001-07:00

6 years and 3 newborn babies later- It's onion harvest time for 2009.
The boys taking a break with cousin Draker. They are throwing dirt clods in the field. If you look closely you can see the dump truck and onion loader in the background.

Wyatt even learned how to throw dirt with his dad.

How many grandkids can you fit in a truck? I think there were 4 at this time riding with Grandma and Grandpa Scooter at this time. It's too bad there aren't any bench seats.

The future onion workers in training.

Grandma Junie and her future onion harvest crew. She's never missed fixing a lunch for the crew yet. We love you Grandma June.

Hayden drinking a root beer at lunch break.

Wyatt throwing rocks.

Austin enjoying his yummy lunch that Grandma June made him.

Come party with me 'cause I'm turning three!

2009-10-14T20:23:00.001-07:00

Austin went to Joy School on his birthday
and this is the cool crown that his teacher made him.

His boating birthday cake. Oh the adventures of our Austi boy.
You have to know Austin very well to get how fitting his cake is.

Say cheese birthday boy! He loved his crown so much that he wore it all day.

Our big 3 year old. Happy Birthday Austi Hooter!

Our boys and their toys

2009-10-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

They get so frustrated that this little battery powered 4 wheeler doesn't have the power to haul all 3 of them around. There is no way that they will get their Dad to buy them a real one though. Any guesses on Wyatt has a helmet on? He has a tendency to forget to hang on.

Future repair man?

2009-10-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Last month as I took out a load of laundry and put it on my bed, I left the dryer door open. When I went back to shut it --- this is what I found. Wyatt had climbed inside with his hammer. Apparently he is sick of the clanking noise it makes when running, and decided to take the repairs into his own hands.

One more Bear Lake trip

2009-09-10T13:05:00.001-07:00

To end our summer of fun, we spent one last weekend
at Bear Lake. We rode these fun bikes and the boys loved
it ( of course they didn't have to peddle them).

Austin drove Grandpa's boat.

Hayden rode on the tube. (sorry this was the best shot that I got. He even fell off, but then got back on and rode the tube back to shore. This was a big thing for Haydo since he loves the water as much as his mom does.

Wyatt got to be the flagger and even fell asleep on the job.

We have had the best summer and hate to see it end. We

have a fun fall planned though with Hayden in KG and

Austin and Mommy doing Joy School. I wonder what Wyatt's

going to do?

Hayden starts Kindergarten

2009-09-10T12:56:00.001-07:00

Our little boy started Kindergarten on August 31st.

He loves going everyday.

His teacher is Ms. May and Hayden really likes her.

He told me the other day that he wishes that he could

go to school all day instead of just for the afternoon.

When I asked him what he did on the 2nd day of school,

he told me that he learned to read. He is such a fast learner

but I don't think he's quite that fast.

Evening Fishing with the Boys

2009-09-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

We spent an evening fishing at 2nd Dam up Logan Canyon. The boys had so much fun and thank heavens they didn't catch anything. I hate fish and I don't know what we would do if they actually did catch one. It was so pretty up there and you could even see the fish swimming right below us in the water.

Happy 5th Birthday Hayden!

2009-09-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

So I'm a little behind on our summer happenings. On August 17th Hayden turned 5. We had a great day playing and spending the day together as a family. Hayden loved being able to have all of his cousins come over and help celebrate the day with him.

Bear Lake Beach Fun

2009-08-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

Wyatt and Harley have their own minature Bear Lake.

Harley

Halle

Owen and Hayden playing lake football.

Gid

S'More Time

2009-08-04T06:41:00.001-07:00

While we were camping, we got to do one of my favorite things - sitting around the camp fire. The boys got to cook marshmellows for yummy s'mores. They all enjoyed every last bite - especially Wyatt. Austin refused to hold his because it made his hands stickey.

Taylor Family Camping Trip

2009-08-04T06:15:00.001-07:00

Over the 24th of July holiday, my family spent the weekend camping at Emigration Campground. The boys loved every minute of it. They played hard with cousins all day.
They even got really dirty - imagine that!

Austin borrowed Gid's bike and loved riding a "big boy" bike. Poor Gid had to ask to borrow it when he wanted a turn.

We took a fun Razer ride on Bri and Wen's kid friendly Razer.

Wyatt was always dirty and climbing on everything.

So lucky for him, he got to have a bath in the biggest bowl we had.

Happy Birthday Wyatt!!

2009-08-04T05:55:00.001-07:00

Our tiny bundle of joy that was born on July 23, 2008 turned 1 year old. What happened to our 7 lb. 6 oz. cuddley little boy?

He now weighs 19 lbs. 15 1/2 oz. Yes that's right - 1/2 oz. short of 20 lbs. In rare moments -like when he's spleeping, you can still get him to cuddle. Other than that folks, he's on the go. (If you can't tell, he has a super fat lip from falling in the tub earlier that day.)

We celebrated his birthday a day early due to the fact that we were going camping on his birthday.

He was so into his cake. He couldn't believe that he could just play in it and eat as much as he wanted to.

And eat it he did!

We love you Wyze! Thanks everyone for helping make this day so special.

Getting ready to go home

2009-07-29T13:50:00.001-07:00

Colby and the boys deflating the air mattress. We hate to see the end of a fun vacation. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Scooter for a fun filled weekend at Bear Lake.

Boating

2009-07-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Colby had fun with his neices Elle and Averie, on "Super Mable". I honestly don't see how anyone dares to ride with him. He was constantly trying to dump them off.

Here is Wyatt taking his first nap of the whole vacation. He slept as long as the boat was moving, anytime it stopped he woke up.
Draker and Hayden watching Colby and the girls out on the tube.
Austin in his "girley" pink life jacket. You go Austi!

The boys got their love of the water from their mother. The best place to be on the lake is in the boat with a life jacket fastened securely around you in case you fall out. Hopefully one day they will love the water as much as their dad.

Bear Lake Fun!

2009-07-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

I think if Hayden, Austin, and Wyatt had a choice in a place to live - this would be it. Bear Lake is a Sand Box Lover's heaven. They spent the day digging, eating (Wyatt-sand and Hayden and Austin-snacks), digging, eating, digging and eating. They couldn't get enough of it.

Colby and I couldn't get enough watching them have so much fun either. They only down side was having to change Wyatt's diapers the next few days (yuck!).

1st Camping Trip of the Year

2009-07-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

And we're off! We spent the weekend in Bear Lake with the Goodliffe Family the 2nd weekend in July. I told Colby that it's a good thing that we only have 3 kids (we were packed tight). I think maybe we need to invest in a Thule.

The boys were so excited to go. They were prepared with goggles and all.

Taylor Cousin Swim Day

2009-07-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago all of the Taylor cousins met at Grandma's house and had a swim day. They all had so much fun and left exhausted.

Here's Wyatt playing it safe away from the water.

Hayden was constantly squirting his cousins with his squirt gun.

Austin also had fun with the squirt gun.

Thanks Grandma Casper for such a fun day!

4th of July fireworks

2009-07-13T14:18:00.001-07:00

As you can tell our boys love the fireworks. Not! Well that is they hate the sound of fireworks. I think next year we need to remember our earplugs. Then, maybe they will relax a little bit. Wyatt didn't seem to mind though. He slept through the whole thing. It was so chilly that we all had jackets on and huddled under blankets.

We were thankful to return home safely around 2 am. Thanks Jeff and Erin for making it such a fun-unforgetable day.

4th of July dinner

2009-07-13T14:05:00.001-07:00

We were lucky to be able to go swimming, because as soon as we got to Jeff and Erin's house, it started raining again. Only this time it was much worse. The hail was unreal. I don't think these pictures do it justice.

This is a picture of Jeff and Brian trying to grill outside under the umbrella. It didn't work.

Therefore, they moved the grill to the garage.

Here are the boys enjoying yummy ice cream sundaes in the nice dry house.

Then it was pinata time. This also had to be moved to the garage. Go Gracie!!!

Owen has quite the swing. We were all laughing so hard because he would hit the thing so hard that it would fly and then come back and hit him.

This will be a 4th of July that we will definitely not forget.

July 4th Swimming

2009-07-13T13:55:00.001-07:00

Jeff and Erin invited us up for their annual 4th of July celebration. This year we deicided that we would go swimming at Ross Park. It's too bad that the weather didn't hear of our plans. It started to down pour as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. We were determined that we were going swimming though and waited 1 and 1/2 hours for the lightning alarm to clear. Then, it was pool time. We had a ton of fun!

Hayden and Owen

Austin being a big boy in the lazy river. "I do it myself" - and so he did. Maybe we should invest in swimming lessons for him?!?

Austin and Colby

Wyatt decided that he didn't want to swim. He kept crawling out of the pool and over to the food. He ate the whole time we were there. I wonder why he's almost bigger than his brothers?

We can't wait to go again.

July 3rd

2009-07-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

We actually get to celebrate the 4th of July for 2 days each year. It is so much fun. Someone (not me of course) forgot to take any picture of our celebration on the 3rd though. We had so much fun, too bad none of it was caught by a camera. Grandma and Grandpa Scooter came over early in the afternoon. They watched the boys for us while we went to the temple. Once we got back, Josee, Jeff, Macie and Emry came over to play too. We grilled burgers and had rootbeer floats. Ryan, Heather, Elle, Draker and Nashden came just before we left to go see the fireworks. We decided to walk this year. Last year it took us an hour to drive the 8 blocks home to our house. Everyone was a trooper and made it the 2 miles up. It was a great show and the weather was perfect. The kids had a ton of fun and Austin even fell asleep on the stroller ride home. Thanks everyone for making the evening so fun. Next year we hope that Jake, Tracie, Averie, Easton and new baby will be able to come.

I love to see the temple

2009-07-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

After going to This Is The Place, we went to the open house of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. Hayden was so excited to see inside of a temple. He had lots of questions about why a temple was more special than a church house. Austin loved the baptismal font. I think he wanted to jump in that "big bathtub". And Wyatt just wanted to get down and crawl (he was sick of being held).

"We can be together forever someday." Our forever family!

The entire Goodliffe Family.

Grandpa and Grandma Goodliffe with all 10 grandkids.

We are so thankful for the temple and all of the blessings it gives to our family. We pray that Hayden, Austin, and Wyatt "will go inside someday".

This Is The Place

2009-07-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we took the boys to This Is The Place Heritage Park. We were able to spend 2 hours there (which was not anywhere close to be long enough). We had a great time though. The boys especially loved the train.

Here's Colby riding with the boys.

I took a turn too. (I think Colby and I liked it just as much as the boys)

There was such a beautiful view from up there, even with the smog.

Hayden even had time to ride a horse. He loved every minute of it.

We can't wait to go back again!

Wheeeeeee!

2009-06-25T21:37:00.001-07:00

Wyatt has learned how to work his brothers' battery powered 4-wheeler. He loves it as you can see from the big smile he has on his face. He's growing up so fast that we can hardly keep up with him. Every time the door is opened, he crawls as fast as he can to try and get outside before it is closed. We love you Wy. Thanks for being the Super Wy that you are!

Our New Family Addiction

2009-06-25T21:33:00.001-07:00

This is how you can find us most evenings now. We love to go bike riding and since Colby and I are doing all the work, we get great exercise too. The boys are such great sports and will ride in their seats for hours. We have only gone about 5-6 miles at a time, but we're slowly increasing. I'm hoping to have calves of steel by the end of the summer, and Colby is just wishing for something besides "chicken legs".

Father's Day

2009-06-25T21:22:00.001-07:00

Here are my handsome boys on Father's Day with their wonderful Daddy. We had such a great day. Hayden sang "Daddy's Homecoming"(we really are so glad when Daddy comes home) to his Dad in Sacrament meeting and the boys each made him their own original card. Thanks honey for being such a great father to our boys.

Austin

2009-06-25T21:19:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we wonder why Austin "wakes up on the wrong side of the bed". Then, all we have to do is see how he sleeps!

When the men go golfing...

2009-06-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

the women play too. Grandma Karen, Aunt Josee, and I took the kids to McDonald's, the new Walmart, and Willow Park. I think the kids even had fun too.

At the zoo we saw

and

This little duck was a little too friendly. He tried to take Emry and Austin's finger with the duck food.

And then the mighty golfers returned.

Thanks

for coming to play!

Big Boy Beds

2009-06-25T21:05:00.001-07:00

Hayden and Austin got "new to them" bunk beds. They love them. Austin is so thankful to have a big boy bed. His toddler bed was getting a little small. After searching KSL for a couple of weeks, we found this steal of a deal.

One Last Ride

2009-06-25T20:58:00.001-07:00

With Grandpa retiring at the end of the month, the boys had to go for one last forklift and golf cart ride with him. Thanks Grandpa for all the fun rides we have had.

My Dad

2009-06-10T12:40:00.001-07:00

So today is my Dad's birthday. Happy Birthday to you Dad! June is quite the month of celebrations for him this year. First he has his birthday, then Father's Day, and he is retiring at the end of the month. Yeah! I am so proud of him. He has always been such an example to me of how to be a hard worker. He has so many talents and can do just about anything. We keep asking him what he's going to do with all of his time come the first of July.

The Water Lab had an open house for him the other day. They made him the nicest plaque with pictures of him on and a poem about all the things he did for everyone that he worked with. He even went down as being famous for buying over 10,000 donuts in the 11 years he workded at the water lab. I don't think any of his kids even got one of those 10,000. My Dad worked for USU for over 34 years commuting just over 70 miles each day. We're so excited for you to begin this new phase in your life Dad!

Riding his bike

2009-06-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hayden is growing up so fast. About a month ago he begged Colby to take off his training wheels. The first time he rode his bike without his training wheels, he took off down the road without even crashing. Well, at least until he had to stop and then he forgot how to use his brakes. He has learned how to master the art of bike riding. His legs and elbows are testament of all the crashes he has had to get to this point though. We found out what a blessing it is to insist that he always wear his helmet. Last Wednesday he crashed out in back of our house. When he fell, he hit his head on the curb. Because of his helmet though he got up without any injury.

Way to go Haydo Potato!

Who does he get his stubborn side from?

2009-06-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

Austin learned how to peddle the tractor today. He even got so he could peddle pretty fast. When we told him it was time to park the tractor and get in the van so that we could go to the grocery store, he informed us that he was going to ride his tractor to the store. Colby told him
that we were going and he needed to get in the van or else we were going to leave him. He was still adamant about riding his tractor. He even headed down our road. So, we got in the van and proceeded to follow him. He is such a determined little boy. Needless to say he rode his tractor about 100 yards and I got out and told him that he had to get in the van. I ended up blackmailing him by telling him that the cops were going to come and get him because his tractor was so much slower than the other cars. Just then, 2 cops went racing down the road and he bee-lined it back to our garage. What a kiddo!

Next time I think we better add a few more supplies if he is going to take such a long road trip on his tractor!

Willow Park

2009-06-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

We spent a day at Willow Park last week playing with cousins and tormenting the zoo animals. The biggest hits were Mr. Tortoise and feeding the ducks. Hayden asked Aunt Tricia if she had $10 for duck food. She gave him 10 cents and he ran to Owen saying "Look I have $10". I was so proud of him for reading the 10 on the duck food, now I guess we should help him with his cents vs $. Thanks Aunt Shari for planning such a fun day.

Say Cheese

2009-06-06T21:29:00.001-07:00

The boys had their first swim day last week. Here they are getting ready to go over to their cousin Macie's house to play in her new pool.

Here fishey, fishey -er seagull

2009-05-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

Our boys love fishing at First Dam. The other day Hayden was successful in snagging his hook on a rock. He lost his hook and his bubble. Some nice canoers rescued his bubble for us though. Austin started yelling at us when his fishing line started to pull. We looked out and a seagull was trying to steal his bubble. Heaven knows what we'll do if they actually catch a fish one of these days.

Ready-Set-Blow!

2009-05-28T14:52:00.001-07:00

So we took new family pictures this last weekend. We gave each of the boys a dandelion and told them to blow it. 2 of the 3 figured it out. The other one ate it. Yum Yum!

My 3 Boys!

2009-05-28T14:45:00.001-07:00

I love my little boys. They are wild and crazy and full of life. Here they are posing in the "Thomas" jammies. They love to "match".

We're Blogging!

2009-05-14T12:54:00.001-07:00

Holy cow, I can't believe that I actually have started a blog. We'll see how it goes.