The Skousen's

Brinlee Kay Skousen

2010-04-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

So finally posting about the baby. She was born March 24th, 8pounds 3ounces, 19.5 in. long. We love her so much. The recovery was rough this time, probably just because she was my fifth and all. I am on the up and up now, so glad! She is such a good baby, sleeps well at night. The kids love, love, love her. Jett is still feeling out his place in this family but is getting better.

All in all it was a good experience and alllllllllll worth it to get her here. Feels so good to have my family complete. Moving on from here.

Oh Happy Day!!! The 5th and Final is on it's WAY!!!!

2009-10-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

These are the words I sing to myself at least once a day. Being pregnant with our 5th baby has been quite an adventure and I am only at week 15. This pregnancy has been so wild and different from all the rest right from the get go.

I was happily moving forward in my life with my four Crazy and Fabulous children, when out of no where I had THE experience. You know, the one where that little person still up THERE whispers loudly in your ear, "Please don't leave me up here, you promised"!!!!!!!! I was Shocked to say the least and felt unprepared. It was one of those things that I will never fully be able to explain, how powerful and intense it was. My first thought was, I am NOT telling my mom, she would kill me!!!

So that was that and we were pregnant within in the next few months. You can imagine my surprise when I started miscarrying the baby. I went to the doctor and they were pretty positive the baby wasn't going to make it based on what they saw in the ultrasound. The baby had a heart beat but it was weak and irregular. I couldn't believe it! I knew I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. I knew that I was supposed to be pregnant with this baby. I was so confused.

A few days later I went in for another ultrasound. The baby's situation had slightly improved and that's when they saw IT! The second sac. I had been pregnant with twins AGAIN but the second one didn't make it. So Crazy! That would have been my second set of twins, and twins to make a total of 6 kids! Wow!

So here I am now at 15 weeks and everything is going great. The baby looks good and the other sac is slowly deteriorating. It has been such a crazy experience. My testimony has grown. I have had to focus on what my Heavenly Father was telling me despite what the doctors were telling me. Such a humbling experience. Heavenly Father gave me exactly what I needed when I needed it. I am so grateful that he knows me so well and I am so grateful to be having our 5th and final.

I feel like I am entering another stage in life. There is no more guess work on whether or not to have more children. After this baby is born we can sell off all the baby clothes and accessories and never look back. It feels good, and Right! I feel like I am in a really good place in life right now.

Tween and Teen Craft Class

2009-07-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

This month we are doing something a little different. We are hosting a craft class for all you teens and in betweens. We are excited to help your girls make some awesome decor for their rooms. Remember that all saying can be customized and all rhinestones and ribbon ARE included this go around.

Hope to see your girls there.

2009-06-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was an adventure. We went camping with a few friends. It was really fun for us and the kids. We went up to Bear Flats up on the rim. It was beautiful. I have never seen it that green up there before. We got up there a little later then we wanted on Friday night so we just set up camp and decided to play some games. It was interesting because we could not have a camp fire because of the restrictions. It was all good though. That night Matt and I decided to let the kids sleep in the tent and we would just be outside on our cots under the stars. Little did we know a storm was coming in and it started to rain on us. So we ran and got a canape put over us. Then it blew off and that was it for me. I went and slept in the suburban the rest of the night if you can call it sleep. The next day was great. Matt decided to take the kids fishing on the Tonto Creek. It was good times. It was amazing. After we went fishing we went up to the fish hatchery and watched them feed over 36,000 fish. It looked like the water was boiling.

Seriously. . . Go Charis!!!

2009-03-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Charis,

You are seriously amazing. What an incredible accomplishment. Fourth Place in your Figure Competition! We are all so proud of you. You look so amazing. All of your hard work and dedication completely paid off. You are in inspiration to us all.

I just want to say that you are one of the most kind, beautiful, and funny people that I know. No one makes me laugh like you do. I love being around you as do so many other people. I am so glad Heavenly Father made us sisters. He knew I would need you. I love you so much! You R-O-C-K, and so do your buns! Yes!

Love,

Candee

Welcome Nick Sherman Johnson

2009-02-15T17:42:00.001-08:00

Finally a REAL post and not some Lame-Brain advertisement! HA

So Mark called us at about 5:00am this morning and said, "Can Kaden come over"? We were so excited!!! They left our house around 5:10am. Nick came into this world at 5:29am. Mind you the hospital is about a twenty minute drive from our house. I believe Mark made it in about 8 minutes. We don't ask questions, all we say is HECK YEAH MARK, YOU ROCK!!! By the time they arrived at the hospital Nick was already well on his way. Five short mintues, and four pushes later, he was here.

Nick came weighing in at 7 pounds 15 ounces, and 20in. long. He is so adorable and we love him so much already. Shalice looked great and that of a queen, the only thing she was missing was her Hot Red Lipstick!!!

We are so excited to have Nick as the newest addition to the family.

2009-01-28T08:28:00.001-08:00

and yet another CRAFT NIGHT!!

2008-11-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

So thanks to allllllllllll the women who made our last Craft Night so successful! I had a blast and definitely enjoyed the time away eating and crafting. We are working on making more space for everyone. It will be good. Anyway here are the next months products. Let me know if you are interested.

My Mom "The Photographer"!!!

2008-11-10T17:39:00.001-08:00

I finally figured out the small picture issue (Thanks again Mom). I added a few of the girls!

I am totally laughing right now because these pictures are so small. I know there is a way to fix that but like I know what that is. HA! Anyways, here is Jett at 8 months old. My mom did such a good job. She pretty much has her own studio in her house. It's Great! THANKS MOM!!!! Your the Best!
Jett is so special to all of us. The girls can't keep their hands off of him, Brik always says, "Mom, I can't believe how cute he is", and Matt's heart melts every time he looks at him. My feelings are, well, everything combine plus so much, much more.
He is always, always smiling. Even if he gets hurt, he cries for a second and then smiles. It's so awesome. He is our ray of Sunshine! How can you be upset or grumpy when you have this little baby always smiling at you.

In Loving Memory of Shane Figueroa

2008-10-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

Our hearts are breaking today. On Oct. 25th Matt's cousin, Shane was killed in a car accident while on duty as a Phoenix Police Officer. He was 25 years old and leaves behind a beautiful wife and 3 month old daughter. What a sad, sad day for us all. We find comfort in the gospel. I am so grateful that Aunt Jeanine and Uncle Lavar are home from their mission to provide support for Cory, Jerilyn, Austin, Bronson, and Cassidy. We visited with them all on Sunday night and felt their sorrow and strength. There was ache in their eyes as their heads hung. Uncle Lavar's home was peaceful, there was a source of strength there. Jerilyn's family was able to go there and be fed spiritually and physically. What a blessing!

Shane was loved by so, so many. I think about all the stories that I hear about him and I know there are no regrets. He always did what was right. Such an example to those around him. As Popsie said, "He has moved Upward and Onward".

I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and the "Tender Mercies" He bestows upon us here. In times like these I believe He surrounds us with more angels to provide strength to handle those things that He knows are going to be hard for us. He doesn't abandon us He carries us and tries to prepare us. His heart aches with ours. We are so blest to know what we know. The power of the Priesthood surrounds us.

I pray that all the Figueroa's will be blest with an added measure of strength this Friday and Saturday. They will need it. They will be surrounded with love.

I am grateful that Shane's legacy lives on through Kenzlie!

crAAAAAAfty!!!

2008-10-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

So here it is. One of the many reasons blogging has so been on the back burner. Anyone who wants to come and enjoy is more than welcome!!! No pressure!!! I am doing a Craft Night on Oct. 21st featuring the items above. Check out the kick bum prices. YEAH!!! We love cheap especially right before Christmas. Let me know if you see something you like. Thanks Y'all!!!

Things To Remember...

2008-08-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

I love it when my kids say off the wall things. I suppose that when they say something incorrectly a good mom would correct them and teach them to say it right, BUT NOT ME! I figure they are only little for such a short time and I would rather enjoy those moments rather than spend time trying to correct them. So here are a few of my favorites.

Sadee - "Who's that?" (Pointing to a picture of their Great Grandpa Robinson)
Savannah - "Ummmm, Meet The Robinson's"
Sadee - "Ooooooh!"

Savannah and Sadee - "We love Terra"biffia" - meaning Terabithia

Savannah - "Daddy is coming back from Cha Laa."
Mom - "Oh really, what's Cha Laa?"
Savannah - "Where daddy works!"

Mom - "Brik you should try not to wake up at 5:30am."
Brik - "Why?"
Mom - "Because that is too early in the morning."
Brik - "But mom, that's just the way I roll."

Savannah - "Mom, Jordan Riber"
Mom - "What?"
Savannah - "You know, Jordan Riber"
Mom - "Oh, you mean Jordan River where Jesus was baptized?"
Savannah - "YYYYYYes!"

Savannah - "Mom, what's the Holy Ghost?"
Mom - "It's something that you feel in your heart that helps you know what's good and bad."
Savannah - Gasp "THERE'S A GHOST IN MY HEART?"

Savannah - "Mom, I want to go to Magic-Stakes." (Gymnastics)

Sadee and Savannah - "Mom look, Light-Ling" - (Lightning)

Mom - "This is a yummy lunch!"
Sadee - "Bomb-Diggity!"

There is not so many from Brik I guess because of his age. He spends most of his time being so bugged that the girls don't say things the right way. That's funny to me too.

2008-08-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been slacking. It has been one crazy month. First with family reuninons and then me starting my business back up. It really makes life crazy for us around here.

I have re-started my business.

Family tuge of war. Grandchildren, under the age of 10 vs. kids over 10. The younger kids won.

Typical Sadee. I do not even know what she was mad about. I think it was because her cousin would not let her ride his bike???

Brik and his 2 best friends, Sammy and Kalab.
Savannah just loving her french toast.

WELCOME ADDILIN JOE CORTEZ

2008-07-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

She is just so Beautiful, I can't stand it!!!

Sometimes in our lives we are blessed with moments to be in the presence of babies who were so valiant and faithful in the pre-existence they didn't need to come to this earth to be tested. Addilin "Addi" Joe Cortez was born on July 15th, 2008 weighing 6pds 13oz, 19in. long. She is so beautiful and strong. She has already had to overcome trying challenges and obstacles but is doing so good. I just want Kami and Steve to know that we love them and we have learned so much from their strength and courage through this whole process. Addi couldn't have been blessed with better parents. Kami is such a good mom. Always paying attention to details and making sure that everyone is getting what they need. Steve brings such a strength to the family. I can't forget to mention that he already has plans to take Addi snowboarding when she gets older. So Fun! You guys are Amazing!

Lines Reunion 2008

2008-06-23T22:39:00.001-07:00

Savannah saw me with the camera and decided to throw a few dance moves for me.
One thing you have to know about Makenzie is that she has the biggest and best cheeks. When she smilies you almost can't see her eyes because her cheeks cover them. hahaha. It is so dang cute!

These are the boys playing the slap game instigated by Matt, of course!

Shila and Makenzie!
Shila, my step-dad Steve and Makenzie.

Jason makes the BEST Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler. SOOOOO Good!

Jason's war wound. I would have gotten a piture of mine but it was on my booty. HA
Matt's war wound!
Shannel and Heath!

We played a whole lot of paint ball. It was so much fun and such an adreneline rush! It was hard for me to even get up the mountain and by the time I found a spot to hide I couldn't breath! I was dying! It was crazy. These are the boys coming back from a game. We saw them all walking back looking war-stricken so we had to get pictures.

We were all excited to go campimg on Mt. Graham for our Lines reunion this year. This picture is us traveling to Safford. Side Note- Sadee wanted to wear Savannahs shoes that light up to go camping, and of course Savannah didn't want her to. So after 15 mintues of crying I told Savannah that I would get her a fun sucker if she let Sadee wear her shoes. So, of course she chucks her shoes off and says "SURE"! Then as I was getting some last minute things from Wal-mart I saw that huge sucker. I couldn't resist! I was laughing in the store when I picked it up. I wish I would have gotten a picture of her face when I gave it to her. Needless to say she was so glad she went without her shoes.

The Bonzai SideWinder

2008-06-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

Sam couldn't just slide down either. hahaha

This is Savannah and Brittany(one of Charis's twins). I love Brittany because she reminds me so much of Charis when she was little.

This is our fun in the sun for the kids. We figured something had to take the place of our non-existent pool. Obviously, Brik can't just slide down it. He has to flip!!!

Swimming Lessons for the 1st time ever!!!

2008-06-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

This is Brik's instructor. He preferred to call him his coach. He was so funny because as soon as we would get to the pool he would go searching out his instructor. Then when he would find him he would say, "HEY" (real loud) then, "What's up" (a lot quieter). It was so funny to watch. Brik probably thinks that I am a strange mom, because I love to just sit and watch him. Then I am usually smiling when I am staring at him. He is just such a cool kid to me. His loves people and is such a good friend. I often see him giving up what he wants to make sure his friends are happy, not so much with his sisters but at least we got the friend thing down.

Tomorrow is free day so the kids can play on whatever!!! They are going to love it. Brik can't wait to flip off the diving board. Yes, he is crazy!
The girls are doing pretty well with their lessons. They were really timid at first but now they are doing better. They really enjoy being there.

More Quad Trips. . . . .YOU KNOW!!!

2008-06-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

I believe that is Phil with his booty in the air and his head in the water. hahaha
This was our destination. . . the Coke Ovens! I won't tell you what one of the boys thought they looked like.
I had to put an example of what all of our faces looked like. You kind of get used to the fact that everyone has a dirt go-tee. GO SHALICE!!! YOU ROCK!!!

Shalice, Mark, Phil, Brian, Gary, Matt, and I went ridding at Box Canyon the other day. It was lots of F-U-N!!! We came to the Gila River that was too high to ride across, but don't think that would stop the boys. They carried every bike and quad across!!! It was kind of a crazy trip. The quad that Gary was riding lost a tire, yes a tire, while he was riding. This meant that Shalice got to ride with me. hahaha It was fun to have someone to whoop and holla with while going over bumps and through the thicket that tore up our arms. I do want to document, as much as it hurts my pride, that I had my first minor accident. I kind of drove/slipped into a huge rut that threw Shalice and I off the quad. It made for some good laughs.

Random Things

2008-05-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

She finally notices us laughing histerically behind her and then finds it. hahaha You are such a good sport Sarah!

ok, so ignore the blurred portion of Sam'a face and notice the gigantic marshmellow stuck to Sarah's booty. She has NO IDEA!!!

This is Shalice tearing it up on the dance pad.
This is Sam. He was hilarious trying to get in front of the camera as much as possible.
Last night for FHE Sarah and her family came over and we all went quading until it got dark and then we ended the night with a little bit of Dance Revolution while the boys played Rock Band at Shalice's house. It ws so much fun! Jett was obviously loving it too.hahaha

My neices Karissa and Sheldon.
This is my Grandma Lines and Michael's mom!!!

Grandpa Lines!!!
This is Shila holding Makenzie. She is so dang cute, the baby that is, well Shila is too. hahaha

We went to Safford this weekend for Makenzie's blessing and it was so much fun. My mom was nice enough to watch all four of my kids while Matt, Shila, Jason, Dain, and I went on a quad ride up the mountian a little ways in Pima. It has been a while for me so I was loving every minute of it.

And Another Fun Thing

2008-05-05T18:34:00.001-07:00

I don't know why all the kids stand over the water to where it hits them in their bums. hahaha Almost all of the kids do it. It's so funny!

My kids love to go to the Santan Village Waterpad. They play and play and then freak out because they are freezing.

Fun...Fun...Fun...Fun...Fun...

2008-04-30T22:46:00.000-07:00

These are the greatest friends ever, Anna Varney and Kami Cortez (who is having a baby in June) Anna is holding Jett.

So this is our new favorite place to be on Friday mornings!!! Arizona Olympians!!! My good friend Anna told me about this place that allows kids to come and romp around every Friday. They have everything from the foam pit, uneven bars, to balance beams. I was trying to relive my gymnastics days the last time we went and I did a front flip into the foam pit. Can I just say it was NOT FUN. I must have forgotten that I had just had a baby and still have absolutely NO ab muscles. Add that to a big ol booty and you can imagine how hard it was for me to get my body around. hahaha Not Good!

Shout Out To Shalice Johnson!!!

2008-04-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

This is a Happy Be-Lated Birthday to Shalice Johnson. So Happy Birthday to the girl who is definately an eight cow woman. Happy Birthday to the girl who treats herself to a whole stick of gum on her Birthday instead of the usual half piece. Happy Birthday to the girl who can't keep herself from dancing when she hears Black Eyed Peas playing. Happy Birthday to the girl who always stops and enjoys a perfect weather day. Happy Birthday to the girl who gets excited about finding chicken on sale (preferably at sprouts). Happy Birthday to the girl who loves fresh flowers. Happy Birthday to the girl who always has a clean, organized house. Happy Birthday to the girl who doesn't need very much to be happy. Happy Birthday to the girl who is always positive. Happy Birthday to the girl who hates gossiping. Happy Birthday to the girl who rides a quad like a man. hahaha Happy Birthday to the girl who loves leftovers. Happy Birthday to the girl who still has guys asking for her number when she goes to Home Depot!!!!!! Happy Birthday to the girl who loves to let the sunlight in first thing in the morning. Happy Birthday to the girl who loves, loves, loves her family. Happy Birthday to the girl who knows the importance of seeking out and following the prophets council. Happy Birthday to the girl who loves to serve others. Happy Birthday to the girl who is devoted to the gospel. And Most Of All Happy Birthday to the girl who we all love and are so grateful to be able to be around everyday!!!
WE LOVE YOU SHALICE!!!

2008-04-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

Jett with his favorite aunt in the whole wide world. Believe it, Shalice. He just told me. hahaha

2008-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

So the other day I was in my room folding laundry and Brik came and asked me if they could have a pickle. I said sure fully confident that he would be able to get one out for him and his sisters. When I came into the kitchen this is what I found. They had a medicine syringe and were using it to drink the pickle juice. I starting laughing so hard. Does anyone else's kids out there love pickle juice?

Wow, How Time Flies!!!

2008-04-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that he is now 12.5 pounds. hahaha I love it!

Wow! It's been a while. For some reason even though I hardly ever leave the house, I can never find time to blog anymore. It's weird! I think it has something to do with feeling guilty doing it if my house isn't completely clean. I'm going to have to get over that one. There's just something about a mound of laundry that haunts me. Anyway, I had to get some updated pictures of Jett on here. He is growing so fast it almost makes me sad. He is now smiling to where we know it's for real and not just gas. hahaha He also coos a lot and I don't dare fail to mention SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Could life be any better! One morning when he was seven weeks old I woke up feeling so refreshed only to realize it was because I slept through the night. It was awesome.

Crazy Girls!!!

2008-03-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

Then of course the girls couldn't be left out. Sadee was trying to copy Brik while Savannah was trying to hug her. It was cute!

Big Pimpin

2008-03-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Check out Savannah is the corner. hahaha

I told Brik that I wanted to take a picture of him in his suit and this is what he gave me. hahaha

"Missionary in Heavenly Father's Army"

2008-03-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

Sunday was fast Sunday and Brik really wanted to bear his testimony. So I talked to him about what he would say when he got up there. He was really excited as always. So at the pulpit when he was bearing it the last thing he said was "I am thankful to be a missionary in Heavenly Father's army." Matt and I were floored. We decided that he got that from a particular song on our church cd that talks about Heavenly Father's army, and one day Matt told him that song was about him. I guess he really was listening.

Double Spoonage

2008-02-29T17:30:00.001-08:00

So the other day the girls and I were having some yummy BBQ Beef for lunch and I look over and Savannah was eating with two spoons. I totally started laughing, one because it looked hilarious and two because that is so typical of her. She is always the "One of these kids is doing their own thing" kind of a girl. I often find her in the furthest corner of our back yard digging in the dirt and playing by herself, or having a full on conversation with her reflection in the mirror, and of course Always, Always singing and dancing. Makes for some good times. hahaha

Catchin Air

2008-02-29T15:22:00.001-08:00

Matt built a ramp the other day for Brik to jump. It was awesome! Brik loved it!

Back in Buisness

2008-02-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here are some updated pics of Jett. It was pretty interesting to come home from the hospital and to find what Matt had posted on our blog. So Funny! Jett is such a good baby! I forgot what it was like to have a newborn. They bring such a special spirit into the home. I love all the sounds he makes, the way he smells, and the way he stops and listens every time I talk. There's nothing like it. I am so grateful for our little surprise from Heavenly Father.

2008-02-14T08:28:00.000-08:00

This is so Dang Funny! You have to check it out.
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2008/01/hawaii_chair.php

2008-01-31T11:51:00.000-08:00

Alright, the wife got her way. His real name is

Jett Robbie Skousen

FINALLY!!

2008-01-29T17:16:00.000-08:00

The day has come...... Jan 28, 2008. What a marvelous and joyfull day. His name that he will be known as here on Earth and on the records of the Chuch is......

HOSSHoss at 30 seconds old

Hoss at 45 seconds old

Hoss showing at 8lbs 1.4o

Best friends already! Hoss and Brik.

2008-01-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

I know that it is a little late. I have been trying to get everything ready for this new baby. Any how, It was a great holiday filled with alot of fun. Spending time with Matt's family is a true blessing I love them all. I hope you enjoy the pic. Yes that is my little Brik on a 30 foot zip line. I was so scared for him.

2007-12-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

The joy's of getting out.... or Matt just trying to make me have this BABY......

2007-12-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1166160505

So click on this link and ENJOY!!! If this doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit I don't know what will. hahaha MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2007-12-03T15:57:00.000-08:00

She was the smartest one of them all. With her fat little coat on. Yet she is the only one that came back with a runny nose.... go figure.

2007-12-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

Sadee almost had mud in her eye. She was riding with Matt's dad and was loving it. Now every time he comes over she always asks to go riding.

2007-12-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

Good times...... This is after the big storm this weekend 12/1/2007. Dad came out just to ride. He is CRAZY.

2007-11-30T06:22:00.000-08:00

Brik Matthew
Savannah Ann
Sadee Viviann

This is the latest pic that we have as a fam.... It is one year old. We need to get a new one but we are going to wait until the new baby gets here first. This picture is perfect expresion of everyone. Savannah is our little inocent sweet heart. Sadee is a little mischevious but once you get to know her she is like a teddy bear. Brik is our brick, he will do anything. Matt (Big Pimpin). Myself, princess......j/k

2007-11-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

Here are THE BOYS!!!
Did you even know that there were bugs on this earth that looked just like a stick? Weird!

2007-11-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

Sadee, Savannah, and their cousin Emma Jean!!! So Cute!

2007-11-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

OK, I seriously think I have the GREATEST in-laws on the planet. Popsie (Matt's Dad) loves to take drives into the hills to build a fire and be in the outdoors. It's Awesome! Makes for good family memories. One of the Skousen traditions is to drive to Young the day after Thanksgiving and cut down Christmas trees. I have been able to participate for three years now and I love, love, love it. It's a good opportunity for Brik and his cousins to learn how to work in the outdoors. They were in charge of gathering the firewood. It was so fun to see these little bodies carrying huge branches. The harder they worked the more praise they got. It's a great experience for him. It took Matt and I forever to pick the tree we wanted. We finally saw one that had some potential and it ended up being perfect in our home. Yeah!

2007-11-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite family activities is to take the quads and our dog Bingo out in the fields next to our house. This happens at least a couple times a week. Especially now that the weather is sooooooo nice!!! Brik rides like his Dad. He has no fear which scares me to death. YES, that is my little three year old riding the quad by herself.