"what was your favorite part of the trip?"

Kindergarten

2011-08-30T18:36:00.000-07:00

"Mom, this was possibly the BEST day of my life!"

She Smiles!

2011-08-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

2011-06-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

There was a beautiful clear blue SKY when this little sweetheart entered our family . . .
Skye Gillespie
6.23.2011
10:14 am
7 lbs. 6 oz.
19.5 in

The perfect addition to our family!

Toothless

2011-06-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Teeter Totters = Toothless Grin

After a serious blood fest, hysterical tears, sucking on a wash cloth for an hour, some Motrin and a Popsicle, she is excited for the tooth fairy to bring her some quarters and a treat!
And then we wait 3 years for her permanent tooth to come in. Awesome!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be Easter without a little church going

a little egg dying

a little worm finding

& a little Weenie roasting

Cheers to a wonderful weekend!

It was a PINKALICIOUS day!

2011-04-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to Stella! We celebrated the big day with a PINKALICIOUS party.

BIRTHDAY GIRL in her fancy outfit
& the picture Bart drew for "pin the cupcake on pinkalicious"

PINK TREATS

rice krispie pops

cotton candy

rock candy suckers

strawberry milk

pinkalicious cupcakes

The Friends

"Paint me Pink" Station

Grandma Suzanne painting the kids PINK

The morning after her party Stella ran into the kitchen and yelled "I'm Free" (three)!
She is so excited to be a "big girl"!

Baby G

2011-02-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

WE ARE HAVING ANOTHER GIRL!

So far everything looks good for a healthy baby!
Due at the end of June.
This is it, she will complete our FAMILY!

Holiday Card

2010-12-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

This is my Stelly-Monster

2010-10-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

This is her world -
Milky, ruff ruff jza-jza (her dog lovey), nienie (binkie), baby,
the love of layering her clothing and of course the sacred sparkly shoes!

FIRSTS

2010-09-09T13:28:00.001-07:00

Stella's 1st day of school . CCNS . Miss Terry's class
She didn't want me to leave, so I handed her off and she cried for a total of 20 seconds and then was fine for the rest of the day.
When we picked her up the first thing she said was "ME HAVE SNACK, BOOTIE!"

Eva started Pre-K at Crestview Elementary. Miss Lori & Miss Jen
She was so excited to go to the BIG school.

We got pedicures the day before school started

The Girls started dance today at The School of Dance. Miss Jolene
Stella has been ready to dance for a year so she was excited. She was a bit nervous for me to leave but Eva took control and said "come on Stella I'll show you where to sit", and then she was fine!

Mikelle, Morgan, Eva & Stella

i have a 5 year old!

2010-09-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Eva's birthday last Sunday by having a Grandparents party! She chose steak, mashed potatoes, green beans for dinner & banana splits for dessert!

Since it was her GOLDEN birthday (5 years on the 5th) we made her a golden crown

The real party begins tomorrow . . .
Eva, Grandma Suzanne and I are off to DISNEYLAND for the weekend!

My GIRLS

2010-08-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Bikes

2010-05-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

A new season begins . . . Bike season that is!

I officially started my training today. Did a 60 mile road ride with a group of girls in preparation for the Little Red century.
This summer I am going to focus on some low key weekly mountain bike races, and a 50 mile MTB race in Montana in late July. And hopefully I can throw in a Triathlon at some point.
But first I must recover from the ride I just did . . . So blown!!! :)

RAINBOWS

2010-04-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

Red . Yellow. Pink . Green . Purple . Orange . Blue

Today is Stellas Birthday, she is 2!

We celebrated Stellas birthday on Sunday with a Rainbow party at the park.I decided on a smaller party this year due to us being so busy with our house,

but I couldn't forget about all the fun details of having a theme!

Rainbow cupcakes w/ cloud icing.
Cute, but time consuming recipe

Taste the Rainbow - Skittles

Which color do I choose?

Gift Bags

Rainbow Swag

Rainbow fruit w/ marshmallow clouds

Birthday Girl

The Grandpas helping with the pinata.

Stella & her number "twoooooo "

How old are you Stella? "TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

Sweet sisters! They are finally starting to play together and it is wonderful!!!

Thanks for helping us celebrate!
Richard, Ezra, Stella, Mikelle, Eva & Morgan
Happy Birthday to a special girl who brings us lots of giggles, precious little kisses, sweet dance moves & lots of love!!!

Easter

2010-04-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

Ask Eva what the true meaning of Easter is she will first say "Spring" and then I say, What else? "Easter Bunny" and then I say does it have anything to do with Jesus? "Oh, ya Richard says it has to do with Jesus dying & then being resemected"!

Easter Morning

After searching everywhere they found their well hidden baskets in Grandpas den under his desk!

For the last 2 months Eva has been begging for the unicorn Pillow Pet "as seen on TV". She was sooo excited, but wondered how the Easter bunny knew she had wanted it. My response "He's a magic little bunny"!

Stella got the ducky and just insisted on taking a nap with it!

Happy Girls!

Bunny pancakes.
Not the best looking, but it was my first attempt.

Stella would pickup an egg and say "more, more, more" till she found another one. Then when they were all found she sat down & starting shoving into her little mouth!
Happy Easter!!

Weenie Roast

You know that when you go home smelling like smashed hard boiled eggs & camp fire & you have dirt smeared all over your face & have a bag full of goodies; you have been to the annual Gillespie weenie roast.
One of my favorite traditions!

Pictures are totally out of order :)

Love the 80's

2010-02-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

CCNS Valentines Dance

My friend Tehra & I were in charge of putting on a family Valentines dance for Eva's pre-school. And of course we couldn't do it without a RAD theme . . . 1980's!!!

We went all out with a DJ, a professional prom style photo-op, a Balloon Drop, Cookies & Tang, and tons of crepe paper!!!

I even brought my caboodle with my makeup & accessories to get ready with Tehra.
Good times!!!

This is the best 80's list ever. Check it out here

Now for some Prom Style Photos:

Eva & Stella in Vintage 1987
(Julia & Jasmines old church dresses)

Handmade corsages/Boutonnieres to-die-for

Christmas

2009-12-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

Meet Happy. He is our house elf.

He made all the magic happen this year.

Stella & her new "Emo" panties
A coloring thing that makes music
The baby that never stops giggling LIP GLOSS in a PURSE = Every 4 year old girls DREAM

Her letter to Santa had a picture of a teddy bear and lip gloss
The excitement before heading downstairs

This photo says it all . . ."Lame Mom, I got a slinky & they got their own video games"

At the end of the day the girls were beyond tired, but they were happy.

We had a good day with family and are grateful for every second of it!

CHANGE

2009-12-14T18:48:00.000-08:00

Stella got GLASSES!

And she acutally is pretty good about wearing them. When she takes them off I say "Stella, I can't see you, put your glasses on" And then she giggles and we put them back on.

We sold our HOME and let me just tell you that PACKING blows!!

It was a bitter-sweet GOODBYE, but we are excited for a NEW adventure!

We will miss our MOUNTAIN home, the beautiful trails, the good friends & the moose tracks. But we decided that we wanted to teach our children that we do not need to rely on CARS! Less driving . . . more biking & walking! For now, we are staying with my parents, until our next home is bought & fixed up!

The girls are excited about the snow! Stella met her first snowman and she sqealed with DELIGHT!

2009-11-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Trunk R Treat
Night before Halloween
Aurora, Witch & Cat

Stella wasn't into the cat ears . . . big surprise . . . her whiskers are cute though!

CycloCross Race on Halloween Day
Rosie "Road Kill" Gillespie

I moved up a category & am loving it!!!!! So FUN!!!

Janie made a cute picnic for the race
PB&J spider crackers

Bone, Finger & Snake bread sticks

Spooky Mouth Apple Wedges

Ghost PB&J's with Finger String Cheese

Eva The Pirate Gillespie

Swamp Thing hiding in the bushes waiting to jump out and scare the racers!
Scared the crap out of me a couple of times :)

Eva & Richard

Bart The Baby Gillespie
My mom got those pajamas for Christmas when she was in 8th grade!

Stella watching Daddy race

3rd Annual Neighborhood Hayride

The Wingers & Eva on the Hayride
Eva decided to grow up overnight . . . "Mom, I don't need to sit by you on the hayride anymore, I'm sitting by my friends"

"Mom, just stay at the bottom of the driveway,
I can go by myself, don't worry I will say Thank You"

Aurora, Kitty Cat, Witch, Monkey

I'm a Mean old witch with my CAT.
Please notice the full piece velor suit that Bart is wearing. My mom got that in the early 90's at Contempo and used to wear it with a belt!

Stella - The Monkey
Stella finally decided that she could tolerate this costume. I told her it was her Monkey lovey coat, so that she would be excited to wear it

Stella is done . . . Time for BED
Notice the candy she thinks she is taking to bed with her

HAPPY HALLOWEEN -
Now it is time to RELAX till the next thing!

More October

2009-10-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Our SPOOKY Tree

The perfect cup of Hot Chocolate

"Mom, that's gross, I don't want to clean out my pumpkin"

"But don't worry, I'll color a great face"

"And take a cute picture with my little pumpkin"

And then. . . Stella . . . she is not really into Halloween this year, but she is into other things . .
Loving Eva's retro white tap shoes

Microwaved S'Mores

She thinks she is ready to potty train, so that means hanging in the buff

Sweet Potato Minestrone - Bart's new Fav

BFF BFBD Party. This is the only picture we got :)

October

2009-10-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

One of my Favorite Months!!
The Fun Begins . . .
Costumes @ Gardner Village

Richard, Eva, Hallie & Owen

Princess Aurora

No costume for Stella . . . to put it mildly, she wasn't interested in hers.
But she sure loves pumpkins

Check it out

2009-10-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Bart's Mom has a little business re-doing furniture. Check out her blog.
http://www.wedore-dos.blogspot.com/
They are having a huge "yard sale" starting tomorrow going through the weekend.
80% of our house is furnished with her furniture.
Our planet LOVES when we recycle!

CycloCross

2009-10-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

After 8 years of spending my Fall Saturdays supporting Bart at the Utah CycloCross series, I decided I might as well get some exercise too! The race was AWESOME! I loved every second of it. It is totally family friendly, there are tons of kids running around. My girls loved watching me race. So for anybody looking for a FOCUS to stay in shape you should come out and try it! The best part about it is that the Women's race is only 40 minutes !

See I'm even smiling :)

Bart

Here is Stella showing me what she just did, waiting for me to say "NO, NO"!

Eva loves the "funny faces" right now!

The picnic in the back of the mini

2009-10-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

We went to visit T for lunch & to see the Witches at Gardner Village. Notice there are no photos with the witches . . . Eva was a bit weary of those witches!

Pony Ride

Eva, Teneil, Hallie & BayLee

SOCCER - Black Attack -
This was Eva's 2nd game. She LOVES it!
Indy

GO BLACK ATTACK!!

Coach says, "WHICH WAY DO WE GO?"
Team replys "THAT WAY!!!!"

Eva & Indy's special matching soccer kicks!

VeeCation

2009-09-28T13:14:00.001-07:00

Las Vegas - Bike Show

Car ride = Worst 6 hours EVER - Note to self . . . Do not go on a road trip with Stella for a LONG time!

Vegas - Stayed at Treasure Island - Hung by the Pool . Circus Circus - Watched a mini show with a trapeze artist & played games . M&M Factory - Eva & Stella were in heaven - Picked out their own bags of M&M's . Excaliber aka "Princess Castle" - played games - Eva was disapointed that there were no princeses to meet . H&M - Eva got some awesome pink skinny jeans . Cross Vegas - Awesome crowds 15,000 spectators - start time 9pm - I had to take the girls back for bed before the race started :( . Cesars Palace - "Mom, are we inside or outside" - Fish Tank - Cheesecake Factory

Circus Circus

Stroller in Vegas = A million Elevator Rides!! Playground @ the bike race

M&M Factory

"Mom, look at all the beautiful colors" Fish tank @ Cesars

Check the SHOES

2009-09-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Anybody who knows Stella, knows she LOVES shoes! Didn't think a 18 month old could be so obsessed! Meet her new Favorites . . .

You should have seen her at the Puddle Jumper Warehouse Sale!

1st Day of School

2009-09-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

Ya, School is finally here. Eva has been asking all summer long when she gets to go back to Miss Terry's class. Today was the big day!

As soon as we walked through the gate she ran down the hill yelling
"Watch out school, here I come"!!

It looks like it is going to be a fun year with new friends!
CCNS 3B Class

HULA on over . . .

2009-09-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Eva Babe!
4 Years Old!

Celebrating Heroes

2009-07-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July . . . We have been participating in the Evergreen parade for the past few years. In years past we have always just decorated wagons, but we have always dreamed having having a float. Our husbands never wanted to build one . . . so this year I found one on ksl.com for $25 - good find, considering it would have cost over $100 to build one + our husbands really didn't want to do it.
This years parade theme was "Celebrating Heroes". We took a spin off of that and did a Little Red Riding Hood float -- The woodsman was our hero!

Good Ole' green truck taking the float up to the start

Old school . . . Riding in the back

Bailey (Little Red's mom) Eva (Little Red Riding Hood) Porter (The Woodsman) Griffin (The Wolf)

Thank you Robert :) You did such a good job holding back the float

Grandfather Stan & the girls

The Boyce Family

We missed having the brothers this year & of course we missed Bart. He was racing in B.C.

Bear Lake

2009-07-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

We spent a few days at the lake with Heidi & her boys. The kids had a blast on the beach. We kept saying how lucky we were to be able to take off during the week and sit on the beach with our kids.

Stella bee-lined straight to the water when we got out of the car. And loved every second.

Not posed . . . This is how Eva & Richard ate their lunch .

Stella and her beloved shoes. She refused to take them off.

We have been taking these pix of Eva & Richard since they were 1 yrs old.

Meet Zeke . . .

2009-06-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the newest member of our family.

Eva has been in swimming lessons for the last two weeks. The first day she held on tight to the teacher and wouldn't let go. So we made a deal . . . If she was brave & tried new things for the rest of her lessons we could go to the toy store at the end of the two weeks. Well she was brave & she learned a lot.

So on the way home from swimming today she says "Mom, instead of going to the toy store, I would like to go to the pet shop and get a fish, because I learned how to swim like a fish".

The guy a the pet shop said that Beta fish are really easy to take care of . . . so I am going to say a prayer tonight that little Zeke will still be alive in the morning.

PROUD PAPA

2009-06-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

From Balance bike to Pedal bike . . . NO training wheels NO problem!!

We are now firm believers in the balance bikes. Eva rocked her balance bike for about 6 months. In that time she got confident in balancing on the bike. So when we introduced her to the "Butterfly Summer" pedal bike she already knew how to balance on the bike so it only took about 5 minutes of Bart holding onto the back of the seat and then she was on her own - Pedaling like a TRUE Gillespie!
I was excited to see her jump over this learning curve, but Bart was soooo excited!
He had THE BIGGEST SMILE on his face

Thanks to Grandma Janie for finding the perfect bike at good old D.I! It even has a baby seat on the back so that Eva can take her dolls for rides!

Crazy Hair

2009-06-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

Stella Jane - All Smiles!

2009-06-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

I finally took Stella's 1 year pictures! Only two months late . . . not too bad!

I couldn't do Stella's pictures without including sweet Eva!

My two beautiful Girls!

April Showers

2009-05-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

Eva had her big dance recital last night at Judge High School. She did awesome! Her dance was "April Showers" so they did a tap dance to a mix of rainy day songs. She did most of the moves, and she sang the entire time. It was so fun to watch my girl up on stage with all the lights and music!

Eva & Olivia before the recital. They were so excited!
Eva loving her flowers from Mom & Dad

Eva & her adoring fan!
Richard brought her 3 pink flowers, because "she is three and her favorite color is pink"

Don't you just think they have to get married!!??

Proud Papa with his girls!

I love there little belly's hanging out over their tights.

And of course we ended the night with Gelato!

That may have been their favorite part :)

Been Busy . . .

2009-05-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

Started on Season 1 a month ago . . . now half way through season 3 . . . average 1.87 episodes a day! SOOOOO GOOD!

Bike Racing

Check out Stella's Du - Rag
Soaking the legs after the race

I can't believe how big my Eva girl is!

My long awaited hamock.

Bart bought me this the day after Stella was born . . . it took a year and a month to get it set up!

SUMMER = FRECKLES . . . I LOVE THEM!

SWIM . BIKE . RUN .

2009-04-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

Go team Monavie!!!

Congrats to the girls for completing the RAGE Tri at Lake Mead.

We had some ups & downs, but overall it was a blast!

Happy Birthday Stella Belle

2009-04-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

1 years old

WE CELEBRATED STELLAS BIG DAY WITH A tiny PARTY!
tiny fruit kabobs

tiny bowties

tiny soda bottles

tiny cupcakes

tiny icecream cones

tiny cups, plates, silverware & napkins

tiny favors

cupcake cake

We love you BIG GIRL!

Sunny AZ

2009-03-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to spend the weekend visiting Sarah in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ!
Friday: Gilmore Girls on the airplane, Lunch, Laying by the pool, Movie (Gran Torino - with popcorn & chocolate for dinner)
Saturday: Sleeping in, Running with dogs, Laying by the pool, Shopping, Dinner, Movie @ the Ghetto Dollars with small cup holders, but totally worth seeing & falling in love with Edward for the 2nd time; 3rd time for Sarah)
Sunday: Sleeping in, Hiking with dogs, laying by the pool, Shopping, Gilmore Girls on the airplane
Home to kids/husband that still love me . . . totally refreshed & ready to be a mom again!

THANK YOU SARAH & TO REG FOR LETTING ME STEAL SARAH FOR THE WEEKEND!!

THANK YOU BART & JANIE FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN!

Working Out

2009-03-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

This was all her idea . . .

3 year old FUN

2009-03-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

We had a filled weekend of 3-year-old b-day parties. Jack had a Ice Skating party at Steiner, which was totally fun. I have not been ice skating since 6th grade. Eva actually kind of got the hang of it.

Then our neighbor Marley had a "dress-up" party.
Eva went as "Belle" & she decided that Belle loved to "rock out"!

I could not pull her away from drum set.

MidWeek Date @ the Gateway

2009-03-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

We have had some friends in town for the last couple of days. Eva & Carlin are having a blast. They just ignore the grown ups and play!
Last night we went Discovery Gateway (which was way cool because it wasn't crowded like it is in the AM), then had dinner at Thaifoon & then played in the fountains and let the kids run around. The weather was amazing!

Barts 1st time @ the museum. Eva was so excited to show him around!

Eva on the climbing wall

Eva & Carlin "sharing" the horse

Bart & Norm found the nursing area & did want to leave . . .

"Daddy, lets do teamwork"

Whoaaaa, hold your excitement!

What's new on the News? "A butterfly ate a car & there were tons of jelly beans!"

Stella has decided that she is a big girl . . . She now stands alone!!!

Bart the architect

Eva the demolisher!

Braving the fountains!

The Family

Carlin & Eva in their new matching outfits!

When the boys are away . . .

2009-02-21T18:55:00.000-08:00

The Girls like to Play!
Bart & Adam are away on a boys ski trip this weekend so Heidi, Richard & Ezra came to have a weekend sleepover. Last night after the kiddos were asleep Heidi & I got to sneak away to see Confessions of a Shopoholic, which was way cute but totally different than the book.

Today we spent the day at Liberty Park riding bikes, taking turns running around the loop & playing at the playground. It was absolutly beautiful!

I loved this brick backdrop. I am going to take the kids back & do a real photo shoot.

Tonight we just finished up watching some Gilmore Girls. I am excited to start watching the series from the 1st episode on dvd:) Just another vice . . .

Happy Valentines Day #2

2009-02-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day #1

2009-02-13T15:59:00.001-08:00

Eva has declared today as Valentines Day #1. Tomorrow is Valentines day #2.

She was so excited to pass out her valentines at school today. And after school she could hardly wait to open the valentines she got from her friends at school.

After she opened each one, she would yell out "Thank you Olivia" or whoever the card was from.
I could not get cute faces on both of them at the same time!!!

Stella has learned to clap her hands . . . she claps when she is excited, when she is proud of herself & apparently for pictures too!
I love it when sisters play nice together :)

So Stella has decided that she is a big girl & will not let me feed her from a spoon . . .

Messy . . . but it gets the job done!

Cool Training Program

2009-02-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

I found a great training program . . .
http://www.ontri.com/
It is quick and easy to sign up and best of all its FREE. You tell it what event you are doing (triathlon, marathon, century etc.), the date of the event and your fitness level. Then it comes up with a day to day program. My favorite part of it is that there is place to log your workouts and take notes on workout specifics.
Check it out!

Classic!

2009-02-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

Eva gets my Complete Guide To Breastfeeding book out of my nightstand and says, "Mom, I have to read my scriptures". She takes the book over to the couch lays it out, puts her finger on the page and says "Jesus is going to watch American Idol". Then her finger continues to follow along the words as she rambles a few other random things.

Stop blogging & Start Training!!

2009-02-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

Tri Schedule 2009
I signed up for the first of the 3 Triathlons I will be doing this year. RAGE Tri
at Lake Mead on April 18. I am just doing the sprint distance for this one, but I do plan to buck up & at least do one Olympic distance by the end of the season.

Hopeful Schedule
- RAGE Tri April 1
8Little Red bike event June 6
-Wasatch Back June 19-20
-Echo Tri July 11
-Jordanelle Tri August 22

Wish me luck for an injury free season!

Anybody that wants a good goal and to just do something fun for YOURSELF . . . you should sign up. It is always more fun with friends!hint . . . hint! Last year I did my first one with only 3 months of training (only 4 months after I had Stella). So really anybody can do it! It is just so great to have something to FOCUS on other than kids & housework!

I better get off the computer and get moving!!!

Girls Night!

2009-02-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks Lindsay for having us up at your amazing house in Deer Valley. It is always so wonderful to have a Girls Night!

Delicious Dinner, photo shoots, pirated movies, a way cozy bed, a kick your butt run in the am & a delicous breakfast! Who can beat that??!!I can't get the pix any bigger . . . but you get the idea!

While on our sugar high from all the treats we decided to put together a relay team for the Wasatch Back Running Event.
Logan to Park City. 178 miles . 12 team members

I have always wanted to participate in this
race, so I am super excited! Our team consists of all mom's.
Team Name = "Mom . . . ARE WE THERE YET??"
We are going to put together a blog to track our training. I will have a link soon!

Kangaroo Zoo

2009-01-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to a birthday party at Kangaroo Zoo in Pleasant Grove. It was a blast! It is just like Bouncin off the Walls but is about 3 times as big. It is definitely a must and worth the travel South. Check it out
http://www.kangaroozoo.net/

Rainy days in St. George

2009-01-26T13:11:00.000-08:00

We spent the weekend in St. George for Bart do the Camp Linda training. It pretty much rained all weekend with a dry spell on Saturday afternoon. It was fun for all the cousins to play together. They had tons of fun in the indoor swimming pool at the hotel. The only trick was trying to find things to do in the rain!

So where did we end up? The play place at Old McDonalds of course!
Stella, Paige, Eva, Heather & Megan

St. George has a great paved trail system.

Stella, Tanner, Megan, Heather, Eva & Paige

Stella thinks she is a big girl with her gram cracker!

Eva cruising along!

Thanks goodness for Grandmas!

All in all the weekend was good. I was even able to get some "ME" time in. With a swim (in a 15 meter, 3' pool--which I do not recommend), a bike ride with Bart, a run (with my new shoes & new tunes) and a pedicure.

We even finished off the trip with some delicious eats!

you can't beat NEW running shoes

2009-01-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

Eva is REALLY into running. She sets up running "races" all over the house. We went for a walk on Sunday morning & she ended up running for about 1/2 mile . . . in her snow boots. So I decided it was time to get her some real running shoes. We headed up to the outlets this morning & found these cute little numbers at the Adidas outlet. She absolutly LOVES them! I also scored some new shoes a couple of weeks ago & they are fabulous (ugly but awesome)!

So before dinner we headed out on our 1st run. She said "mommy I am going to run as fast as you or maybe even faster"! And she was right, she is pretty fast, she is even getting the arm movement down. During the middle of the run she stopped and said I have to make a quick phone call and then reached into the back pretend pocket of her jacket & pulled out her pretend phone and proceeded to call and check up on piggy pompado who was napping at home. I love that she picks up on EVERYTHING I do! Pretty soon she is going to be my racing partner.
She also loves to wear my hats & gloves!

Thursdays at the GATEWAY

2009-01-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

I thought that kids didn't start going through the dreaded "awkward" stage until like 6th grade, but apparently our little cuties started last Thursday.
click on pic to get full effect.

Yes, those are "kids size" chocolate milks. Lets just say they had to pee a lot after lunch.
We love going to The Counter for lunch and always trying something new. . . the Taco Turkey Burger was delightful!

The kids loved putting money in his guitar "holder" & dancing the afternoon away!
We love sunny winter days!

Baby Tanner

2009-01-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Another baby boy is added to the mix . . .
Tanner Bryan Gillespie
12.30.08

Lets wish him luck . . . he has three older sisters!

2009-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Last night was the cyclocross awards banquet.
See if you can guess the THEME:

Thats right! Nascar -- Trailer Trash!! No better place to have the party than the Rocky Mountain Raceway. We had way to much fun putting our outfits together. There is nothing like using a bottle of hairspray to get the perfect "poof" bangs & using an entire stick of black eye liner! I can't forget to mention that Bart grew his beard out for a LONG time just so he could have the perfect mustache to go with his mullet! Good times.

A good Year

2008-12-28T15:19:00.000-08:00

Bart & I rang in the New Year last night with some good sushi at Matsu.

Dinner at 6 o'clock & in bed by 10pm.(we only had a babysitter from 5 to 8pm)

good bye & thank you 2008 -

you have been good to us!

A few highlights . . .

. potty training .

. welcoming Stella Jane into our family .

training for . . .

competing in . . .

& finishing my 1st triathlon!

. traveling .

. Eva starting pre-school .

Hello 2009 -

Please be good to us

People always say that New Years Resolutions are meant to be broken, so why make them? I say that it is always good to have goals.

Here they are . . .

be PATIENT
pack lunches to avoid eating out
use positive affirmations "I will" "I can" "I am"
SWIM, SWIM, SWIM
live simply

pretty simple . . . lets see if I can stick to it

. HAPPY NEW YEAR .

2008-12-28T15:17:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve - Gillespie Family Party

Janie & Eva

Stella

Christmas Morning

Me & My Girls

Santa brought Stella the book "Stellaluna".

Eva scored a push bike.

She has been zooming around the house . . . can't wait for good weather so we can zoom outside!

OFF TO GRANDMA SUZANNES TO PLAY WITH the COUSINS . . .

Elle & Eva loving life

Stella, loving Nathan

OFF to GRANDMA JANIES TO PLAY WITH MORE COUSINS . . .

After GIFTS it was time for Grandpa Rog to get the 4-wheeler & pull the girls around the farm. Doesn't look that safe . . . but the girls loved it!

Stella has decided that her first word is "Dada". Now Bart is conviced that she is a Daddys Girl!

BACK HOME TO SPEND SOME TIME with GRANDPA MARC . . .

1st more "training" around the house

Eva, Grandpa & Stella

Now that everything is said & done . . . Stella thinks she is a big girl & is ready to start making some messes!!

Now it is time to make New Years plans & resolutions . . .

Tis the SEASON

2008-12-28T14:18:00.000-08:00

ZOO LIGHTS

EVA & HER HOT CHOCOLATE

BART & EVA on the "REALLY EXCITING" RIDE

Seeing all the lights was really fun . . . but we missed all of the animals!

"I don't want Santa to come in my house tonight"

2008-12-25T14:41:00.000-08:00

On our way home from the Gillespie family party last night Eva was being extra quiet. All of a sudden we heard her whimpering. . .

Eva: "I don't want Santa to come in my house tonight"
And then the bawling began . . .
Rosie: "No problem, Santa does not have to come to our house tonight"
Still Bawling . . .
Eva: "But what about the presents??"

My heart was just breaking, I could tell she was so torn between being scared to death & wanting presents. I am thinking to myself, why don't I just tell her that Santa is just a story. But she would not believe me . . . because she saw Santa and even sat on his lap.
Daddy saves the day . . .
Bart: "Why don't I meet Santa someplace and get the presents and bring them back to the house"
The bawling stops
Eva: "Thanks Daddy, thats a great plan" "Can you take him the cookies too?"

I ask myself this question, Why do we start our children's lives out with a bunch of lies? Santa, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny! People say that it is worth the magic & imagination that it brings . . . but all that it has brought to us is fear . . . hmmmmmmm?

Christmas morning was a hit, Bart was able to meet Santa and fill the stockings. Eva & Stella had a magical morning with no tears & lots of love. And we did it without Santa coming to the house. Who would have thought!

Christmas photos to come . . .

Overcoming FEARS

2008-12-23T13:38:00.001-08:00

For the last 6 months Evas has been talking about not wanting Christmas to come because she didn't want Santa to say HO, HO, HO. She has always had a hard time with Santa ever since the first time she sat on his lap when she was 3 months old. So everytime she would bring up Santa, I would try to explain that Santa is about giving and that Christmas is really about Jesus and Family; ya know all of the important things.

In the last couple of weeks she had kind of warmed up to the idea of Santa coming to our house (as long as she was asleep when he came). She even wrote a letter to him, but she did not want to have to see him.

So when Santa showed up at our family Christmas party on Sunday, Eva was really nervous. But after watching Stella sit on his lap and seeing how happy she was, Eva took the plunge and climped up on his lap. She even talked to him!! After she was so excited and NOT scared anymore. I was almost in tears, because this has seriously been SUCH a big deal for a long time!

GG Mary trying to talk Eva into it . . .

Stella - smiley as ever

Eva overcoming her FEARS

SOOOOOOOO HAPPY that she got a candy cane!

Stella wishing Santa had given her a candy cane!

Now she can't wait to make cookies for Santa! Having a 3 year old is so magical . . . I love it!

Sun Valley

2008-12-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful weekend in Sun Valley . . . Skiing, Eating & sitting in the Hot tub! The snow wasn't so hot, but the company was great! Thanks Millers for the invite!

Getting all set up . . .

The "Magic Carpet"

The 1st step

Graduating to the "big lift" - "Daddy, we're flying high as a bird"

Now she's cruising . . .

Eva & Richard hitting the slopes

Our little ski bunnies!

Me & my big girl skier

Richard & Eva enjoying their hot chocolate.

Everytime Eva got done with 1 run she would say "I'm ready for my hot chocolate"!

Hanging in the lodge

Thanks for a fun weekend Heckmanns!

Stella is ready to hit the slopes

Stella just can't keep her hands off . . . And at the end of the day we enjoy a nice soak in the tub!

We even got a photo of Santa . . . wait a minute that is Bart with a frozen beard :)

Off to Sun Valley we go

2008-12-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

Eva is ready to hit the slopes with her new ski set up. She is soooo excited. Hopefully we will have some good snow . . .

The Gillespie name Lives ON

2008-12-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

Dash Morgan Gillespie
Dec 11 @ 4:58 p.m.

Congratulations Kyle & Brit! Can't wait to meet the little guy!

BFF XMAS GNO

2008-12-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks for a fabulous evening ladies . . . it is always a good time :)

Can't forget to thank Marty & Chris for the gourmet dinner!

Field Trip

2008-12-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Looking for something fun to during these cold winter months?
Today we spent the day on the Front Runner train traveling to Ogden to visit The Tree House childrens museum. The kids loved the train & the museum was way cool.

Chugga-Chugga-Choo-Choo!!

"I live in Salt Lake City, Utah"

Mrs. President

GRRRR, ROARRRRRRRR, GRRRRRRRRR

2008-12-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

After Eva's nap today we snuggled in bed and played "tent" under the blanket. We roasted marshmallows, cooked pizza and apple cream pie. Then it was time to tell scary stories. Eva snuggled in next to me, got really serious and said "I will tell you a really scary story, it goes like this, GRRRRRRRRRR, GRRRRRRRRRRRRR, ROARRRRRRR, GRRRRRRRRRRRRR, ROARRRRRRRRRRR!" As she is yelling these terrifying sounds, I can't stop laughing. So she stops and says "Mom, that was scary not funny!!"

My sleeping beauty . . . don't ya love how kids sleep with their eyes half open.

Good Job Bart!!

2008-12-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

The local bike season has come to an end! Bart took home the local cyclocross series title. Good job Babe! Usually cyclocross season is really snowy and wet, but this year we lucked out with beautiful weather. Especially yesterday . . .

How cute are we with our matching hats!

Happy Cheerleaders!

Nap time for Cheerleaders

Stella is all smiles!

Now we just have the cross nationals next weekend in Kansas & then bike season will really be over . . . my goodness, how are we going to spend our Saturdays????

And the stockings are hung . . .

2008-12-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

Who needs Crate & Barrel . . .

When you have a really crafty Mother-in-law!

Thank you Janie, for saving me a lot of money and for making them so cute!
Thank you Crate and Barrel for the good idea :)

"I am thankful for CANDY and FLOWERS"

2008-11-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ask Eva what she is thankful for this year and she will tell you "candy & flowers"!

Eva kicked off the holiday with a Thanksgiving Feast at school. Miss Terry asked each child what they wanted to bring for the feast. Most kids opted to bring turkey, peas, corn, normal Thanksgiving food. But our little dairy queen wanted to bring yogurt! So we did and she said it was her favorite part of the whole meal.

We spend Thanksgiving day down in Provo. Heidi and I started the day by doing the "Earn Your Turkey" 4 mile run. I surprised myself with a pretty good time. Hooray! Thanks Heidi for letting me drag you into it, you did such a great job!

Thanks Janie for a wonderful dinner & thanks to the rest of the family for a relaxing afternoon.

I love this time of year . . . it is so nice to think about & remember everything we are thankful for and to spend time with family!

my HEART belongs to bart

2008-11-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

but my NECK belongs to Edward!

The movie was fabulous! I loved it. Edward is seriously hot. I can't wait for New Moon and all of the rest!
We enjoyed lunch at the Dodo before the movie. Thanks for a fun day ladies!

Pumpkin Pie

2008-11-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

Eva got to make a just-her-size pumpkin pie at pre-school today. She said her favorite part was "doing the mixer". We love her school so much! If you are looking for a good pre-school check it out www.ccnsslc.com

She was so excited to just dig right in . . . to bad she wouldn't share!

I was never a believer in . . .

2008-11-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

ARRANGED MARRIAGES until Eva met Richard and Stella met Ezra. They were just meant to be!
Eva & Richard have been "dating" since Eva was around 6 months old. This is one of my favorites!

Stella & Ezra are off to a good start in their matching fuzzy outfits!

It seems like only yesterday . . .

2008-11-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

that Eva was just learning how to sit up and was wearing that cute little dress. Now Stella is already there. Crazy!!!

Eva ~ 6 months

Stella ~ 6 months

Stockings

2008-11-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

I am in the market for some cute personalized stockings this year. I keep going back to the Pottery Barn website, but I am not 100% sold.
Has anyone seen any cute stockings anywhere????????
Any ideas would be much appreciated :)

My little Dancer

2008-11-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

Eva has been taking a dance class this fall and she is in LOVE with it. This week was "parent viewing" week, so Stella and I got to go see her in action.

Am I really ready for this . . .

2008-11-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

Every year I dread winter. I just do not like the cold & snow. But lets face it, I live in Utah and we have no plans to move anywhere tropical. Therefore, I have made the decision to not be such a baby. Whether it be snowshoe racing, skate skiing, snowboarding, ice skating - whatever it takes - MY GOAL IS TO ENJOY THE SNOW!!!

Looks like Eva has a head start!!

Better Skunk or Princess . . . You decide

2008-11-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

When I asked Eva what she wanted to be for Halloween, she was so sure she wanted to be a skunk. Luckily, my mom had some old costumes from when my little sisters were 2 and 3. And they fit the girls perfect! So we started of the season as skunks!

Gardener Village visting the Witches!

Tom & Crickets Pumpkin Party - Our pumpkin won the grand prize!

After wearing the skunk costume 3 times (Gardner Village, Pumpkin Party & My Moms Halloween dinner), Eva said, Mom I am tired of being a skunk, I want to be Princess Cinderella! And Lucky again we already had the whole princess get-up in our dress up collection. Stella continued to be a skunk :)

Trunk r' Treat

Neighborhood Halloween Hayride - Or as I like to say "lazy trick or treating"!

"Organizing" the Goods

Cookies, Cookies & More Cookies

2008-10-29T14:14:00.001-07:00

Just finished up our Halloween Cookie Decorating Party! The kids had fun decorating cookies, playing, and more playing! It is so nice that Eva & her friends will actually go into the playroom and play in the playroom. It gave us Moms an oportunity for some much needed girl talk!
Thanks friends, for coming over!

Much needed break

2008-10-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you Bart, Janie, Roger and Briton for a much need to break this weekend. While Grandma & Grandpa played with the girls at the race on Saturday I was able to enjoy some alone time! I got to go running (its amazing how much faster I am without the stroller :) And then enjoyed lunch and a pedicure with my mom.

Then on Sunday Bart and I got away to ride the Crest Trail, while Briton took care of the girls :)

It was such a beautiful day and the trail was in great condition! I need to get out on the trails more often!!!

Bart & I chillin on the La-Z-Boy rocks!

Alex & Sammy

Amazing View on Top

Lovin' the smooth ride

JAIL BIRDS

2008-10-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

when bart saw the girls in their outfits he said, "they look like little criminals!"

Bart has some slick moves

2008-10-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Bart dominated in the cross race yesterday!

Go Daddy Go!!

Mandatory BFF Costume Party

2008-10-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you Stace & Scott for hosting our 1st annual mandatory BFF costume party.
We had delicious soup, to-die-for pumpkin squares and we can't forget the "better-than-sex" cake!

Yes, Bart is wearing a shade shirt
Kels & Nick

Jill & Phil
Stace & Scott
So Silly Stella!

Nick got a little mixed up with his costume, but he did win best costume in all of the catergories!

Thank you Nick for an evening of non-stop entertainment and your fabulous dance moves!!!

I know the husbands can't wait till next year . . .

I'm a mean old witch with a hat . . .

2008-10-18T13:30:00.001-07:00

I ride on my broom with my cat, My shoes are pointy and my hat is too, You better watch out because I might scare you, BOO!!

This has been Eva's favorite song this Halloween season. You all know that Eva can sing a sweet tune over and over and over again :)

Yesterday, Uncle Bill took us out to his pumpkin patch to let Eva & Stella pick out their pumpkins!

Eva picked the "baby" pumpkin!

Stella liked the mama pumpkin, so she could have something to hold onto!

Uncle Bill & the girls!

HERE WE GO . . .

2008-10-18T13:19:00.001-07:00

Hello blogging world! I can't believe I finally gave in and started this darn thing. I guess I just realized that I have some cute kids and we do alot of really fun things and that I take ALOT of pictures that I should be sharing. The reason I am so late for jumping on the wagon is because I was, and still am afraid that I would spend to much time "blogging" . So we will see if my house stays clean :)