Heart Breaker

More of the photo shoot, as promised. Are they not SO good?! The locations were the most run down parts of Old Nampa but boy do they ever make good backdrops. I think it means more to me too, that the location is near our home.

What a weekend!

So first off, on Friday, a very talented friend of mine took some photos of Parker. He is 9 and I have been frustrated with getting a good picture to capture him at this stage in life. Mandy did a spectacular job! I love all of the pics and Parker had an okay time posing too. I will post more soon!

In other big news, we had Collin dedicated at church on Sunday. He is almost 2 but it's never too late, right? I wrote poem for each of my boys for their dedication, I thought I would share the one for Collin on the blog.



Baby, My Baby, and baby to me you will always be.
You are My Savior's love song, as He sings to me.


Jesus, He made you piece by piece.
He trusted you to me, for Catch and Release.


Your dad was my prince in our very first chapter.
You boys call me Queen and you have become my happily ever after.


Collin you are sweet and you make each day sweet.
You can be naughty too, but with your big grin, naughty is a treat.


You are still a mystery, who will you be?
Pregnant with you, I marveled at another chance to fall in love for me.


You were wanted and celebrated with such joy.
Another little man in our house full of boys.


Blood ,sweat, and tears are all a daily occurrence.
God knew this when he filled you with courage.


You've got fight and a passion for life.
I pray for a strong heart too, to slow down when you feel it's right.


You're like a tornado we don't want to stifle, just direct and let go.
We pray you'd use your energy to destroy the Status Quo.


This life takes determination, don't kill your desires, even when the hard road lies ahead.
Saying when you're wrong, making it right, and living so you're out of breath until bed.


We are your safe place to fall, God has designed this family.
To heal us, to teach us, and to know we are accepted completely.


You are our beloved son, in which we are well pleased.
We will trust you to God for all you will need.


Draw near to him, in our broken world, He is the only Healer.
He makes beauty from our ashes and is strong to deliver.


As your parents we will be loving but sure to disappoint too.
Our son you'll be forever, we want to be better for you!


That is the best thing about babies, they change and redeem.
Baby, My Baby, and baby to me you will always be.

My first attempt at a DVD

perfect playdates

A hint of Spring has been in the air these past few days. This just lends itself to getting together with some friends. And, I think everybody has a little cabin fever this time of year.

My friend Ruth brought over her 2 boys with Krispie Kreme doughnuts... instant party starter! Ruth and I met when I was is the 8th grade! Randomly this past fall her oldest son & mine were on the same football team. It is so cool when life draws you back to old friends.

I also got together with an old high school friend, Camala, & her 2 kiddos. We met at Smoky Mountain and then went to the park. I got lunch there for 15 bucks! I think that was cheaper than McDonald's & so much yummier! Her oldest is Ada, she & Aden got to know each other & he has not stopped talking about her since. hmm.....

facebook no more

So long facebook...

Well my obsessive personality has reared it's ugly head again. I let facebook take over my every moment, so I cut the cord. I will probably be blogging more now, let's just hope it does not take on an obsessive form too!

It's Your Birthday Daddy!

Collin put on his Birthday Suit for Daddio's big day. Happy Day Matt!

My Funny Valentine's

I guess boys will be boys, that is what mine do best. I am loving how surprising their sweetness is in the midst of all this rugged manliness. They will all be in a wrestling brawl and stop to give Mom a kiss or smile for a picture. Hugs and kisses from dirty, smelly boys who have hearts for only me, what more could a girl ask for?

Happy Birthday Parker!

Valentine's Day is coming. It is always a good time of year, Matt's birthday is the day after- my forever SWEETHEART! Plus tons of candy and everything is pink!

Speaking of birthdays...our firstborn just turned 9!
Crazy fun, we've had for almost a decade! I love you PJ!

Ringing in the New Year

Okay so I am ready to post again...I put a lot of effort into the Christmas blog so I having been coasting off that for too long.

Happy 2009! Matt & I are so ready for a new year. I don't usually get into it but his enthusiasm has been contagious. The boys are clueless about the whole thing, they have just been asking for more of those popper things!

Christmas was more of the "herding cats" exprience, that I am sure I will miss dearly in my old age, but not yet! I also heard of a new expression that sums it up, "like trying to nail Jello to the wall." Yep, that was Christmas at our house!

Wrapping it up

Merry Christmas! What a year! Recessions, bail-outs, earthquakes, oh my! I am left feeling so grateful for a partner in this life. The picture of us is a favorite of mine because I was so miffed at Matt that day. It is a great reminder of what marriage is all about, sticking together through the tough stuff! Wishing you a beautiful Holiday Season with those you love, The Archuletas