Family Photos

We had our family pictures taken this year by our friend, Lyndsey. Here are some of my favorites of the kiddos. Couldn't you just eat them up?!

It MUST run in the Family...

Honestly, we've always sort of wondered where Hayden came from. He just doesn't look like us. Neither Tory or myself have ever had blonde hair. Tory's eyes are brown-green, mine are green. He doesn't have either of our face shapes. Or noses, or even body types. We think he just received a compilation of all of our recessive genes and is one of a kind. I mean, for two people as dark as we are to have a child as fair as Hayden, it's got to be a fluke, right?

Well, at least that's what we used to think. Before Gavin came along. It seems these genes aren't so recessive afterall. Our blonde, blue-eyed boys could be twins. Two boys that look just like each other and very little like us...We're left to deduce that it MUST run in the family!

Birthday Girl...belated!

This blog is long overdue! Miss Bella turned three July 16th! How I love this spunky, silly, sweet, full-of-life little girl. She has a passion for princesses, Strawberry Shortcake, batman legos, and blocks. She loves to dance and sing...and can't wait till she can play soccer and baseball. She adds some much needed femininity to our family but can hold her own with the boys. Her zest for life is contagious and we are so blessed to have her! We Love you, Baby Girl!

Confessions of a Bad Mom

I've never felt so guilty in all my life.

Well, except for the time I was cooking while holding Benson, leaned in too close to the stove and accidentally burned his leg on the pan.

Or the time Isabella got a hold of my rolling quilt cutter and I pulled it out of her hand to stop her from cutting herself and, well, cut her finger.

Or every time I look at Hayden and hope with all my heart that, as my first child, I haven't ruined the poor kid for life.

Or how I misjudged the width of our door frame several weeks ago and nailed Gavin's head, creating a welt and bruises.

Or when we were in Downtown Portland Maine, on the cobblestone street and I tipped the stroller on it's back wheels to push my 6 week old daughter up the steep hill and her blanket fell out the back of the stroller, but upon closer inspection, it wasn't her blanket, it was actually Isabella. I had forgotten to buckle her in her carseat after dinner. She had a goose egg the size of Rhode Island from that one.

Wait...that wasn't me. (Sorry Babe, but misery loves company and I didn't want to walk down this path of shame without you by my side.)

But with this one I really do feel horribly guilty. We were at the park for the ward fourth of July party and it was a cloudy day, but the sun broke through for five minutes. And it was in those five minutes that a friend grabbed Tory and I on our way to the shade to chat and I left my little baby exposed to the high noon sun. He was fried. I seriously nearly cried every time I looked at his sweet little smiling, chubby face for the next day. After 24 hours the burn was pretty much gone, but the guilt and the fear of skin cancer are imprinted on my mind forever.

They're Back!

I'm not sure what great evil Eagle Mountain has commited, but we have called down upon us the Wrath, like unto Egypt. Our plague is in the form of the Black Widow.

Last summer they crawled down the middle of the streets in broad daylight, they made their webs in our door frames, window wells, and porch chairs. I lived in mortal fear of my children walking outside without shoes on. I made the rounds each day, killing all in sight before allowing my children outside.

And now...two months ahead of last year, my eight-legged enemies have returned. I found this one next to the garage. Tory has found two more. And thus it continues. The curse of Eagle Mountain. *Shiver*

Pillow Talking Skulls

My boys love anything dark, scary, bloody and morbid. We truly have tried to curb their fascination but to no avail. They play "Mummy" in the dark basement, ask which would be the most painful way to die and tell the scariest stories they can think of. Nothing scares them. Frankly, it's a little unnerving.

This last time my mom was in town, she let the kids pick out fabric to make pillow cases with. Isabella picked out a cute little purple monkey print. The boys...well...see for yourself.

I know, I know. It's hard to know what to say at a time like this.

All I know is it's a little disconcerting to tuck them in at night.

Blessing Day

This Past Sunday Gavin was given a Name and a Blessing. I loved hearing all the wonderful things we have to look foward to with this little guy and being reminded of his potential.

He wore the same outfit worn by Hayden and Benson.

Tory's parents came from Colorado for the Blessing.


Trying to get four kids to behave for a picture is next to impossible!


I love these family pictures. A true depiction of our family!

Uncle Craig, Daddy, and Papa Jay.

There's Something About Benson

What is it about Benson? What is it about this little guy that seems to captivate everyone? He's had this power since he was a baby. Any of you who have spent time with Benson know what I'm talking about.

We butt heads today. He is four after all, and these head butting days are happening with more regularity. He's in his room for time-out. But frankly, he never stays in trouble for long...I just can't discipline him. I try, but it's just so hard.

Maybe it's those puppy dog eyes. Maybe it's his little half smile, but this "something" has me craving to rescue him from time out and smother him with loves. If anybody knows what it is about Benson that is so darn endearing, clue me in so I can get out from under his spell and get the upper hand in this relationship.

But for now, I must succumb and go kiss him. I mean, look at that face, after all! Who can resist?

Benson Turns 4!!

Another Birthday post! Benson turns 4 today! I'm sure crazy about this quiet, mischevious, impish little boy! we love you Benson! Happy Birthday!

My Sweetheart turns 32!

I'm so glad Tory was born 32 years ago today! Here are 32 things I adore about my husband...

1. He has never raised his voice to me in 8 1/2 years of marriage.

2. He still kisses our boys and tells them he loves them all the time.

3. Isabella has him wrapped around her finger.

4. He is very introspective and is always striving to be better.

5. He is never critical of me. He thinks I'm perfect :)!

6. He is always clean shaven for Sunday and wears a suit to church every week.

7. He's tall dark and handsome!

8. The worst word he says is "Crud!"

9. He sweeps, scrubs and vacuums our floors every week...and I've never asked him to.

10.He keeps our cars clean.

11.He cooks a great meal once a month.

12.He actually encourages me to go out and buy myself things.

13.He's handy when it comes to home improvements and yard work.

14.He loves and respects his parents.

15.He's never talked ill of my family...ever.

16.He has a funny, quirky side, that he reserves just for me.

17.He works incredibly hard to support us.

18.He's very athletic...There is no physical activity he doesn't excel at.

19.He eats everything I make...and lots of it!

20.He genuinely doesn't seem to notice how homely I get when I'm pregnant.

21.He's very smart.

22.I've never had to ask him if he was going to church.

23.He loves the outdoors as much as I do.

24.He always smells good. mmm.

25.He has a crazy metabolism and hasn't gained a pound since we were married (or maybe I hate this about him!)

26.He takes one child out a week for one on one time.

27.He looks good in everything he wears. mmm.

28.He asks me out on a date every week.

29.He really plays with the kids (not just pretends, like me) and can do it for hours.

30.He brings out the best in me.

31.He has a pure and kind heart.

32.Everyone who knows him, loves him.

Happy Birthday, Babe! There truly isn't a better husband or father, and I'm totally crazy about you! I love you!

The First Three Weeks...

Yesterday was Gavin's three week Birthday. Looking back, these three weeks have differed greatly from Hayden's first three weeks. I spent hours rocking Hayden; I interacted, entertained and doted on him. I took long naps with him and just stared at him for long periods of time. I made great meals for Tory and was still determined to breast feed Hayden. I guess that's what happens when you are the first. Poor Gavin, in comparison, is getting the shaft. In his first three weeks, we have been to the Instacare twice (once for Hayden, once for Benson...well, technically three times for Benson, if you count the stitches check and again to have them removed). One black eye (Isabella), Hammers, concrete saws and people climbing in and out of my basement windows as they finish our basement (which produces an amazing amount of dust and noise). One unidentified object in the road resulting in one flat tire. Three speech classes (Benson), six tutoring classes (Hayden), One dentist appt. (Tory), Cleaning throw up...and poop off the floor (Isabella), potty training Isabella...and then giving up on potty training Isabella. I gave up Breast feeding on day three and gave up pumping after one week. I have taken a total of two naps since coming home from the hospital, and I have shaved my legs once (I know, too much information). I have done 863 loads of laundry and actually fixed Spaghettios for dinner one night. As a result, Little Gavin, spends an unfair amount of time in his swing, bouncy chair, carseat etc. I can't run every time he fusses (which is rarely) and he is a formula fed baby! Yes, I do feel guilty about all of this, but I guess that's what happens when you're number four! My sweet little boy takes this all in stride and seems to actually enjoy the chaos that surrounds him. I am completely smitten by Gavin and wish I could just love on him 24 hours a day, but since that's impossible, I'll take whatever time I can get! Here's to Gavin's delightful, crazy-busy, and full of love, first three weeks, and hope he's no worse for the wear!

Welcome to the World Little One. It's been Waiting for You.

Gavin McColley Flinders made his debut on February 19th, 3:33 am. He was born one month early but is healthy and was able to come home the next day. He looks almost exactly like Hayden did as a baby...literally the blondest hair you have ever seen on a newborn! He is such a good baby, and we are enjoying every minute with him!

(forgive the amount of pictures! I couldn't narrow it down!)

Happy Birthday, Sweet Greyson!

January 6th, 2002...our little Greyson was born 1lb. 10oz., 12 inches long

Thank you for inspiring me to be a better mother, a better wife, a better disciple. We love you and miss you everyday. Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!

Hayden Grey turns 6!!

On January 7th, My baby turned 6! It's hard for me to believe. It doesn't seem that long ago that the nurses were handing me a 6 lb. 5 oz. bundle of perfection. And even though I miss my baby, this big boy replacing him is pretty hard to resist! Hayden is our spiritual child. He's always had deep, profound thoughts that amaze Tory and I. He's often made comments about "feeling" Greyson when he lays in bed at night, or how he hears Heavenly Father "not with words, but in [his] heart", when he prays. He's imaginative, creative and extremely active. One of the things I love about Hayden is his courage. He has OCD and anxiety, especially when it comes to new things and having any sort of attention on him (which, when your as good looking as he is, there is usually attention on him!) but I've watched him try things in spite of his fears. He played soccer, read a book in front of his class, and went up for the Primary program for the first time this year. The literal look of pain on his face breaks my heart, but the look of triumph, as he conquers his anxiety is even more powerful. Hayden is a sweet, tender-hearted boy. He brings so much joy to our family. We are so blessed that he was born to us 6 years ago. Happy Birthday, Hayden! We love you!

Happy Birthday Rachel!

How blessed I am to have such an amazing sister/best friend. She is genuinely the most self-sacrificing, gentle, refined, and thoughtful person I know. The Plan (or Plan B, I guess), was for me to be up in Boise for her Birthday, but for the third time on this date, I find myself on bedrest. I wish we could have been up there with you! Enjoy your day. I love you, Rach!

Christmas Morning

We had a wonderful, quiet Christmas. We had planned on driving up to Boise for Christmas Day, but the storm made it impossible. Instead, we stayed home and enjoyed our first Christmas in our new home.