Family Pics Through the Years....

So, I thought it would be fun to put up all the family pictures we've had yearly since 2005. As you can see we've all changed a lot!

Above: 2005-Not my favorite picture of us. I hate the outfits, the hair, and the fact that I'm the only one looking into the camera. What is everyone else looking at? I hate that the photographer didn't have the red background covering all the back area, I mean come on, I could have taken a better picture with my eyes closed.

Above: 2006-One of my favorites. I just love the hats, and everyone looks happy.

Above: 2007- I love the outfits here. Brian (dad) was really sick, so he didn't feel much like being here that day.

Above: 2008- I like this pic, but I look a little old fashioned with my hair. This was the year Nadia, Brian, Allie and myself got baptized. I didn't get the memo that cleavage was immodest.

Above: 2009-I love this picture. This was the year we were all sealed in the Temple. I love the fall colors, and all of us holding hands.

Above: 2010-This is one of my favorites ever. Of course I like it because I had lost weight and looked much better. Nadia had just gotten her braces off, so she was happy, and I love that everyone looks so pretty and happy.

Our Yearly Family Pictures

Oh the joys of taking the yearly family photo! I play fashion designer, make up artist, hair stylist and support person for most of the day making sure everyone looks their best, and we get to our apt. on time. Once there, I'm constantly checking to make sure hair is in the right spot, there are no glare from glasses, and everyone is giving their "real" smile and not some fake, lame, "I wish I weren't here right now." smile. Through the past 6 years, I can say it's gotten easier and better. Our first family photo in 2005 was not one I'm particularly fond of. Our clothing (yes, I picked it out), our hairstyles, the setting, and the fake smiles some of us were wearing help contribute to that, as well as the fact that we had barely become a family, only a few short months prior, and well, you can definitely tell. With all that said, it's a tradition we will continue until all the kids are gone, and then maybe even after that.

Yep, had to do the prego pic.

The kids are so big, it's hard to believe.

It looks like we all belong together, doesn't it?

Merry Christmas 2011!

Olivia's Newest Photo

Well, we've started calling her Olivia, so I guess that is her name! We are still feuding over the middle name. I originally wanted Anne, but Brian said no way. Now I'm leaning toward Nicole, and I think I may have him convinced. He won't admit that though. I think he is still pulling for Jordyn. (Not happening.)

Anyway, we had another ultrasound to check her heart and diaphragm, and everything looks great!  Her head is down and her feet are on the left side, where she kicks me routinely at 6 am. She is facing toward my back, and because the placenta is right on top, we were unable to get any cute 3D photos of her face. 

Only 15 more weeks and she'll be here. We are so excited!

Baby Shower in Vancouver

A couple of my best friends, Tori, and Brandy threw me a wonderful baby shower this past weekend, and I was able to see so many friends and family I hadn't seen in so long. It was so much fun!

Beautifully decorated with lots of pink, and lots of butterflies.

The candy bar memory game was fun

Tori and me (I've know Tori since high school)

Brandee and me (I've only known Brandee since 2006, but it seems like I've known her forever)

Windy and me (I've known Windy since elementary school)

Angie and me (I've known Angie since 1998)

Nadia, me, Jocelyn, Mykelyn, & Amanda. (I've known Amanda since 2000)

Denise, aka: Willy and me, aka: Rat (I've known Willy since 1996)

Brandy and me (I've known Brandy since I was 14)

My Grandma Darlene and me

Cousin Julie, Matt and me

4 generations: Donna, Linda, Nadia and Me (we all have the middle name of Marie too)

I was so blessed to be able to see all these wonderful people as I haven't seen most of them in so long. Being in Idaho now makes it hard to see them. I love them all dearly! There were so many more there, that I didn't get pictures of, so maybe next time!

Baby Girl Owings

Today was my ultrasound apt, and we pulled all the kids from school so they could be there to see the baby for the first time. They were all excited and waiting anxiously to see if it was a boy or girl. Here is her profile, beautiful already.

It's definitely a girl~

I had a dream last night that it was a girl and lately I've just had a feeling it was as well. Although I was really hoping for a boy, I'm very excited about having another girl. I know girls, I can do girls. This will be fun.

Homecoming Dance

The girls lined the walkway with this paper to begin the jungle theme.

Inside the main entrance it read: Welcome to the Jungle.

The main entrance into the dance. This picture did not do it justice. It was way cooler in person.

A couple of parents came up with an awesome design for a waterfall, and it turned out great.

Another talented parent designed and painted this.

Finally the night of the dance. Nadia and her friend Lexi got ready together.

Nadia's dress matched the jungle theme with her cheetah print.

She got her hair done for the special day.

She swears she didn't dance with any boys, and I'm ok with that since she is just a freshman. She still has 2 years until she can even date!

Caitlyn decided not to go to the dance and went to the Boise State Football game with dad instead. I really wished she could have gone too, and she ended up being the only cheerleader that didn't go. Oh well, maybe she'll decide to go to prom this year. I love getting the girls all fancied up for stuff like this. It brings back my high school memories.

Homecoming Game

Before the game, they had a parade around the school to kick off Homecoming. Here is the MHS varsity team!

Allie had the opportunity to participate in the parade with other kids from Meridian Middle School. She has the parade wave down already.

Then the cheerleaders.

Practicing stunts before the game. Nadia is in the back

Caitlyn catching her flyer. She is the base on the right.

Right before the boys come running onto the field.

Both varsity and jv cheered at the game. There were at total of 32 cheerleaders.

Having fun and full of spirit.

Normally the varsity is on the boxes, but apparently Nadia got picked up and put on the box by some of her team mates along with some other jv girls. She was scared she would fall off, but once she got up there, she liked it.

The boys won the game against Rocky Mt High School 51-41. It was an exciting game. At the end of the game they have the tradition of burning the "M."

Tomorrow they have the Homecoming dance which the cheerleaders are responsible for decorating and putting on. At the end of the game tonight, they have to finish the set up. Late night, here we come.

Caitlyn's First High School Game Cheering

So because of some missed practices over the summer, Caitlyn was benched for the first 3 games of the season, but finally she got to go out and cheer for Meridian JV vs Rocky Mt Jv.

She was pretty nervous, but did great!

She even cracked a smile occasionally.

Caitlyn is one of the side bases for the stunt group in the middle. (Nadia is flying on the left.)

I think she was glad to get this first game under her belt. Next game: Homecoming!

Here is one of my favorite cheers.

1st touchdown, 1st win of the season

Brian scored his first of 2 touchdowns for Meridian Middle making it the first T.D. of the season and the first win for Meridian. The final score against Heritage Middle School, 26-20. Brian played offense and defense today and proved that offense is where he shines.

Brian is #36 just like Jerome "The Bus" Bettis from the Pittsburg Steelers.

After game coaches talk.

Brian and his good buddy Will Black, after the game.

I think this is one of Brian's touch downs, but it's hard to see who's who.