My first baby

Koda, Bo (my mom's dog), Rizz, and Bruno (my sis's dog)

Koda is so wonderful with my children, they adore him..........as do I.

My First Baby

If you are not a dog person, you might not get the following:

A person is either a dog person, a cat person, or neither. I am a dog person, always have been. Since I was a little girl, my best buddies have been my dogs. First, there was Dandy who would walk me to the bus stop and be waiting there when I got home from school to walk me home. We did everything together. Then there was Rallie, my dog through high school. She became my parents dog when I moved out, but I loved her fiesty old self just the same. And then there was my first baby, Dakota..........more lovingly called Koda, Kode, or Bubba. Koda and I found each other 5 years ago, pre-married life. He was my family. I thought he would make a great protector, but I usually end up protecting him. He is a lover, not a fighter. Kode was a rescue dog and came to me quite beaten down and afraid of most things, including men. I loved him for all of his little crazy antics, (well maybe not the whining). It was Koda that first made me take good notice of Rizz. The first time Koda met Rizz, he licked his face off.

Now why do I go into all of this....especially before I move.......I wanted to make sure that in my journaling, I documented how much I love my Koda Bear. He has been by my side, literally for the past 5 years. Whenever I am in a room, he comes into the room, (yes, bathroom too). He knows when I am sad and comes and licks my cheek, he LOVES to play outside and especially to hike. Koda and I have had many quiet moments sitting atop a mountain. I LOVE that he loves (well tolerates my children). His only defense is to lick them to death. Koda's only goal in life is to please those that he loves...........what a gaping hole this will leave; you see Koda has been diagnosed with lymphoma. I am not sure how much longer he has to live, but each day I get so sad at the thought of not having him by my side, not being able to look in the rear view mirror and see his goofy head, not being able to cuddle him or to telling him to stop whining, not being able to go running or hiking again.....I will miss watching him be with my kids. Abbi told her dad the other day that "mommy is sad because Bubba is sick". How will I explain to her when Bubba doesn't come back. How will I not cry when she asks me where he is? This is the first time I have had time to prepare for the death of someone I love......it is a strange existence. Denial helps. For now, he is well, getting spoiled, and loving us as always.......as we will continue to love him.

Princess' for Christmas!

This year we celebrated Christmas at my sister's house with all of the family. For Abigail, just going down to "Chloee's" house is Christmas. She LOVES being with her cousins and plays from the time she gets up, until we force her to go to bed. We had a princess party in the girls room.

Our sweet little (innocent looking) princess

Kenny loved the boxes for Christmas.

Grandma Lynn always buys the grandkids matching pj's for Christmas. So cute!!!

We had a little Christmas on Christmas Eve morning with just our girls. Abbi really was into the unwrapping this year. Kenny was more into Abbi

Christmas Eve morning. Abbi can't decide if she was ready for the day or not.

We had the Mason clan over to our place for a pre-Christmas dinner. Above is cousin Connor and Kenny playing with Kenny's new present.

Uncle John was determined to get Kenny to like him. She is a stinker, but look at those cute pigtails. No wonder she is spoiled, she is too adorable.

Random pics that I wanted to get in. Kenny's new favorite place is under the table. She can boot scoot so fast as she tries to escape under the table.

Abbi got a scratch on the side of her eye at nursery the other day. We had just opened up a bag of wipes earlier that day. I was sitting on the couch when she came over to show me her "bandaid". That kid, she keeps us in stitches. Her imagination is so much fun to watch!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

And the winner is?????

Our Christmas Picture for the Year
(thanks Daddy for the silly faces that made us laugh)

Attempt 1: This pose did not work because Kennedy is just too big for her big sis

You usually can get one, but not the other

"We are sooooooo done!!"

Close runner up.

Merry Christmas all!! Can't wait for the big day!

Other super news: we close on our new house on the 28th!!!

Tis' the Season

Yay, for Christmas!! Kenny sportin' the Santa Hat.

We are getting in the Christmas spirit around the Mason home and loving it. Abigail is loving every gingerbread house, decorating tree, and getting presents moment.

Preview to Christmas pics. I figured the girls might as well where their dresses more than just once on Christmas. Kenny was so mad at me putting this bow in her hair she wouldn't let me hold her for 15 min.

Honestly, it doesn't get much cuter than this!

Abigail LOVES to kiss on Kenny, much to Kenny's dismay.

Abbi loves to sing the Barney song, (although she has only seen Barney 3 times and I never taught her the song), and do the actions. I don't love Barney, but I do love the great big hug and the kiss from me to you that I get from Abigail when she sings the song.

Oh, Abigail, Oh Abigail, how I love your sweet stinkerness!! You are so bright and loveable, you make me laugh and are so hugable, Oh Abigail, Oh Abigail, How I love your craziness.

Abigail is in LOVE with Christmas!! She loves the lights everywhere we go. The Christmas displays in the store are reasons to jump for joy. We set up our Christmas tree this weekend and I'll post some quotes from Abigail:
(opening up the Christmas tree bag) : "This is awesome Momma"
(Once the tree was up) : "Wow, the Christmas tree is huge!"
" I love Christmas Momma"

Daddy hanging out with his girls. Daddy is the best sport. Kenny LOVES her daddy and Abbi loves to play with her daddy. We have the best daddy ever!

Quotes of the week from Abigail:

Reading her Cinderella book: "Cinderella didn't go to the ball, she went to church"

Talking to her Christ pictured pass along card: "Okay, Jesus, hold still" (she was trying to put a barette in his hair)

See a bunch of dryer vents blowing in the wind out of a window: "Grandma, can we go over there and see those elephants"

Watching the Night at the Museum movie, I asked Abigail what the creature made of bones was, expecting her to say a dinosaur: "That's a T-Rex Momma". (wholly cow, yes it is dear)

My dad was scratching his chest: "Papa are you itchy, do you need some pink lotion?"

So fun.................so fun.

Joy to the Mason's!!!!!

Who's house is this??????????????


Why..........it's the Mason's House!!!!

What did you do last weekend?...........Well, instead of shopping the stores on black Friday, we had to act on this killer deal that we found. We didn't think that there was a shot, but lo and behold, three days later..........we got it! Shocked?, so are we!! Wasn't in the plans, but feel like we have been blessed above and beyond.

We are so excited!!!!!!!!! We have been soooooo blessed! We found out last Monday that our "short sale" triplex sale did not go through and that the property was going into foreclosure. As a result, we were out 5 months of waiting and soon to be homeless. Imagine the heartbreak. It is so true, that only Heavenly Father can know your true plan of happiness, because not more than a week later, we stumbled upon this house, loved it, and had our offer on this wonderful house was accepted!!!!! (Amongst 3 other offers mind you). We are more than thrilled. I keep thinking I am going to wake up. We have been so richly blessed!!!! Those are the only words that I can say, besides that I am so excited. It is in South Birchwood and on 1.29 acres of land. Rizz loves that part too. The plan is to be here for awhile, so yeah again!!! We close Dec. 30th! Yeah! I am too excited to type more........How grateful we are to know we are watched, cared for, and most importantly loved by a Heavenly Father who listens to our prayers.

Fun with a towel!!!

I couldn't resist getting the camera out and taking all of these pics of Kenny. She was so entertained by this dish towel and kept trying to put it "on". You'll see

Should I wear it as a hat?

Hmmm, maybe I could use it as tent.

No, a mask for sure

It does make a cute bonnet

Stylin'!

Maybe a scarf?!

I give up........what is this crazy thing anyway mom?

Of course, big sis had to get in on the action too.

Ta--------Da!!

My Abigail is getting sooooooooooo big. She is so fun and loves being a big sis!

Abigail continues to be such a good helper. I am now braving mornings on my own, and so Abbi throws thing in the trash, turns on the light, puts bottles in the sink, and does her version of cleaning. Mom and Pa still come and rescue me around 10:30, but things are definitely improving. Kennedy moves around our house in her stroller. She acts like she is a queen in her chariot and waves to her loyal subjects (Koda and Abbi). The leg is slowly getting better. I got a little over anxious and set me back a week on therapy. Patience Bobbi, Patience!!

We hope that everyone has a wonderful Turkey Day! Rizz has Wed, Thurs, and Fri, off.....so excited. If anyone wants a game night, let us know. =)

My Kenny is 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to out beautiful Kennedy Autumn! October 30, 2009


Poor Kennedy didn't get much of a celebration on her birthday. Abigail had the flu and was puking every 15 min, I couldn't get off the couch to help her dad, and well.......she is still loved. =) She did get to wear a birthday shirt all day. We finally got to celebrate her birthday 2 days later.She didn't dive in, didn't think she would, be at least she tasted it. Daddy was so sweet. He decorated her cake and did a great job!
"Mom.......I think I only like the frosting."

Oh, our sweet, special, kind Kenny! You are such a little angel. You have turned into the nicest little girl. You are always smiling, talking, and boot scooting around. You put up with your big sister always being in your face. You love to torture the dog. You say: Ma-ma, mommy, daddy, abbi, Kod, dog, baby, quack-quack, splash-splash, bock-bock, and a ton of words that we are yet to understand. You are such a good baby and just love to play. Thank you for adding such love in our home!
A little assistance from mom.

Our birthday girl with her "Pa-pa"
Opening presents. Abigail picked out one for Kennedy all by herself and did a fairly good job of letting her actually have the present.
No, I am not putting weight on my bad leg here. Just had to get a pick of Abbi with her birthday hat on too.
Abbi...............she is so funny!!!! This kid corrects us all the time and the sad thing is, she is usually right. She as such a great imagnination and continues to astound us with the things she comes up with. She has been such a good nurse to me. She gets the door for me when I have to go to the bathroom, turns on the light, and asks...."are you okay sweetie? Can I help you hon? Are you okay honey?' Oh how we love our bright little Abigail.
Little Miss Personality

On a personal note: healing is going relatively well. The first two weeks have definitely been hard! From being in a drugged induced state, throwing up meds, sweating on the couch, getting the flu and being carried to the toilet, and not being able to sleep because of pain..............the past two days have felt like I could run a marathon ( which is a blessing and a curse because I would love to be off the couch and actually run a marathon instead). The Lord has been teaching me lessons of gratitude of service, patience (I always need that one), faith, and a love of the scriptures. One thing about being stuck on your bum, you have time to sit and read the good book. I have loved reading the Book of Mormon in more detail. The stories seem to be more alive this time as I have been reading (have to have the book done by December). I marvel at the strength of the prophets of old. Whenever a problem arises the question never is.....what should I do....it is what would the Lord have me do. What inspiring men they are! I am so grateful for the phone calls, meals, emails, babysitting (both of my children and myself), and prayers that I have received. Most grateful to My mom, dad, and Grandma Lynn. They have been taking their shifts in coming in early in the morning to be with me and pick up my babies for me. ( i have another 4-5 weeks before I can pick them up). My poor mother has been stuck with me for most every day almost all day for the past two weeks and even I would get sick of myself at some point. I am so grateful for her/their service and don't know what I would do without them. Thank you, you three! Thank you Melinda for taking Abbi and getting her out of the house (she is stir crazy), and thank you Chablis for rescuing me in time of need and providing so many bare necessities. Thank you Cathy for food and happy thoughts. Thanks to Amy for keeping me sane and checking on me and keeping me update on life outside and for food. Thank you Marsha for food and good thoughts. Thanks sis for listening to me and checkin' in on me. Phone calls are wonderful!!! Thank you most of all to my wonderful Husband who never gets a break all day, puts up with my constant requests, demands that I take it easy, and still loves me like I was the princess of his dreams. Thanks to all that I missed..........still getting my brain back.

Can't update from iPod. Will have hubby post soon.

Blogging..............what?

I know that I have not blogged in ages, but I have waiting to get pictures to post and well, still don't have any. I thought I would update you on our lives just a bit before craziness sets in.

In the last month we have been blessed with a new niece, Maycee Faith. She is doing great and at home now. Yay!

Ummmmm, we are STILL waiting on the tri-plex. We are hoping this week is the week to find out if our offer is accepted. Fingers and toes crossed!!! If the is not accepted this month, than we are going to start looking for other properties. (again, fingers and toes crossed!!)

I had my first "sleep-over" in years and had a blast thanks to my friend Susan turning 40! Who knew us old ladies could have such a good time. Thank you to my wonderful husband for watching the girls.

Abbi continues to be a sponge and soak up everything around her. Her latest toy is a kitchen which she adores. She makes great food and always gives us a bite. (all imaginary). She loves to sing!!! She knows all of I am a Child of God, Teach me to walk in the light, Families can be together forever, itsy bisty, (the list is too long). Today at church, the achievement day girls were singing "Choose the Right". Abbi said to me....."I want to go sing Choose the Right too!". Soon enough. She is still struggling with potty training, but we are waiting for the day when she just says enough is enough.

Kennedy is going to be one is two weeks. I can't believe it. My little chunk is SO much fun and has SO much personality. She says......Ma-ma, Da-da, Dog, Abbi, clap - clap, and quack quack. She definitely is her own little person and provides lots of humor in our home.

Rizz is doing great and bringing home the bacon. He continues to spoil me and treat me wonderfully. We I came home from Soldotna and couple of weeks ago he had DETAILED (and I mean detailed my car). I almost didn't allow my children back in. Even better, he got my car moved into the garage.

Me.....I am preparing for ACL surgery.........I am dreading ACL surgery. This is an old injury that I did to my knee while prego with Kennedy and it is finally painful enough that I need to get it fixed. It is going to lay me out for a while, so I will either post alot because I can get off of my bum or I will be too out of it to do anything and you won't hear from us for awhile. Thankfully, my mom and pa, and husband are going take wonderful care of me. I go in Wednesday. Wish me luck.

I hope all is well with you. (whomever reads this boring blog of mine). Thanks for sharing in our lives. =)

Maycee Faith Swanson

This is my adorable new niece, Maycee Faith Swanson. You can check my sister's blog to find out all of the information by clicking on the link from my page: Sis and the family. I wanted to post these pics as well just to make sure as many people who want to know about Maycee and want to add their prayers can.

We Love You Maycee and can't wait to hold you!!

Fall Happenings

Fall is here and it is so beautiful outside. We went to the fall festival yesterday and Abbi had a wonderful time...........Kenny is still deciding.
Abbi was playing in the leaves station when she heard the band start playing. She immediately stopped and told Rizz "I have to go see the dancing". She tore up the dance floor and even got a shout out from the singer.
Kenny being her sweet ol' cute self. She was patiently watching her sister play in the leaves.

Daddy have fun with the leaves and Kenny tolerating it.

Abbi getting ready to toss them in the air. She loved it!

More leaves.

Abbi's two loves: Ryder and Peyton Harr. They are the best of buds. Ryder and Peyton are identical twins, double the love for Abbi.

Abbi acting like a big girl while she got a butterfly on her cheek.

Fair hair picture leftovers. Just had to re-live some of the cute moments.

The post fair, pre-bath misery. It is so hard having so much fun!