Perkins Family ....Year in a nutshell

Well, another year has flown by. I decided to write down everything that has happened this year, so when I'm really old, maybe I'll remember.

Carleigh had a big birthday this year, she turned 5!! I can't believe how fast that 5 years went by. She had had a lot of exciting things happen this year. She learned how to swim, she danced in her first dance recital, she lost a baby tooth, she started preschool, and she learned how to write her name(and everything else!). She is such a blessing in our lives. She says the funniest things, and makes us laugh all of the time. She has a great imagination, she loves to pretend. She likes to play school, and makes Tyse be her student! She is such a great big sister, and is like a little mommy, even though she can be bossy sometimes! I can't imagine my life without her! She told me recently that when she grows up she wants to be a cash register lady, a mom, a preschool teacher, a dance teacher, and a singer like Taylor Swift! She is such a sweet little girl!

Tyse is 2 1/2 and he is all boy. He loves to get into all sorts of mischief, throw things down the stairs, make messes, and everything else little boys love doing. He has been having a speech therapist come since June, and he is making a lot of progress. His favorite words lately are want some, Santa, tree, pretty, and What's up? He is such a funny little boy, he makes us laugh. He likes to dance and sing, and follow Carleigh around! He likes to give hugs and kisses, and likes to be cuddled at nighttime. He makes my life a lot of fun, and he is such a joy! I am sad because he is looking less and less like a baby, and more and more like a little boy. I love my little Tyse, and his big smile, it makes my day every day.

Tom is still working at Local Results doing internet marketing. We are so grateful that he has a job in these difficult times. He is a great husband and father, and I am so thankful that he works so hard to support our family. I am also grateful that he honors his priesthood, and can bless our family when we need it. I love him so much! We celebrated our 10 year anniversary this year, it was so great!

As for me, I am the mom. That pretty much sums it up! I clean the house, take Carleigh to school and dance, go shopping, make food, do laundry, pretty much all of the things that it takes to take care of my family. I am so grateful that I get to stay home and take care of my kids. I love it! Tom and I have had some very difficult things to overcome this year, but we have learned a lot from the trials that we have gone through. We know that there is a Heavenly Father that loves us, and that He wants the best for us. We are thankful for this time of year to remember the birth of our Savior and the life that he lived. We are thankful for our family and friends, and for everything that you all do for us. We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!

Carleigh's 5!!!!!

On this day 5 years ago, the most beautiful baby girl was born at 12:25 pm, weighing 8lbs 2oz, and 21 inches long! That was one of the happiest days of my life! I love my little Carleigh so much, she is so smart, and she makes me and Tom proud. She is a good sister, and a good helper!I can't believe that my baby is 5 today! We celebrated her birthday on Sunday, and tonight we are going bowling and out to dinner. I will have to post pictures of everything in the next couple of days. I just wanted to share some of Carleigh's favorites:
Favorite color: yellow and pink
Favorite food: spaghetti and pizza
Favorite toy: her cash register, she loves to pretend that she is a waitress, and ring us up at the register, and serve our food
Favorite song: If Taylor Swift is singing, its her favorite!
Favorite thing to do: going to school, going to dance, playing with Tyse, drawing, pretending that she is a teacher
What she wants to be when she grows up: a mom and a singer
Happy Birthday Carleigh!!!

Lost tooth!!!

Carleigh lost her 1st tooth on Tuesday!! Well, if you want to be technical, it's really her 3rd missing tooth, but this time it happened on its own! For those of you who don't know, when Carleigh was 2, she fell down the stairs at my parents house, and landed face first on the tile floor! She broke her two front teeth, it was really awful! She only had to have one pulled, and the other one had a crown on it. Then, about 6 months ago, she had to have the other front tooth pulled because she was born with 2 baby teeth on that tooth, and the extra tooth was pushing it outwards. So, she has had 2 missing front teeth for a while! Anyways, I noticed that her bottom tooth was loose about 2 weeks ago. She was scared at first (who can blame her) with the previous experience she has had, until I explained that it would fall out on its own. It just so happened that we went to the dentist on Tuesday, and she was so worried that he would pull it out. He was really cute with her, and told her that this time she could do it on her own at home! That made her really happy! Later that night, she was sitting on the couch with us, and she said, mommy, what is this? I turned to see what she was holding, and then she said, is it my tooth? Then she started to cry! Poor kid, it scared her! It was so funny, she said, How will I ever eat again? After a couple of minutes, she calmed down, and then she got really excited. She went and got the tooth box the dentist gave her, and then put it under her pillow. She said, I better go to bed right now so the tooth fairy can come! It was really cute. The next morning, she jumped up on my bed, and said, MOMMY!!! Look what the tooth fairy left me!! We gave her 12 quarters because she loves to count money! I can't believe my little girl is old enough to start losing teeth! What a cute smile! My dad asked her if all she wanted for Christmas was her two front teeth, and she said, no, I want presents! So funny!!

What a cheeseball!! I sure do love my little Carleigh!!

Halloween!!!

We had such a great Halloween! This is Carleigh scooping seeds out of the pumpkin. She loved it! We cooked the seeds and the kids loved them! Carleigh is such a girl, I was surprised that she would stick her hands in there!

Tyse is showing off his muscles! What a little stud! He's gonna be a heartbreaker someday!

Our lovely pumpkin!

This one was my creation! The kids wanted a scary one!

Cute kids!!!

My cute little princess, and my handsome cowboy!

Poor Tyse! He hated wearing the cowboy hat! We had to bribe him with a sucker to keep it on!

Going trick or treating with Grandma LuAnn, Bryce, Tyler, Jamie Jef, and Payten. Good times!

OK, Tom is going to KILL ME!!! He threatened me with my life if I posted this on here, but its too good not to! He had to dress up for work, and he looked hilarious! You can't see too well, but he had curlers in his hair, and then a hairnet over the top, it was pink and lacey! Then, he had on my robe, fake boobies made out of socks, and baggy nylons! I was laughing so hard I was crying! Looking good babe!!

Carleigh's dance recital!

Carleigh was soooo excited about her dance recital! It was a Halloween recital, and a food drive for the food bank too. She looked so cute! Her team danced to Cruella De Vil. I was so proud of Carleigh, she was on the end of the line, so there were a few times she made her move first, and she did it right every time, she was so cute!

She loved the attention! I didn't get a picture, but Grandma LuAnn and Tyler and Bryce came to watch, and also Grandma Roz, Jamie, Jef and Payten!!

This was Carleigh the next night at the Rec Center in Bountiful. She is the first one on the left. As you can tell, I need a better camera!

10 years!!!!

September 24th 1999 I married my best friend in the St.George temple . I can't believe its been that long ago. We've been through so much in that time, and looking back, I wouldn't trade any experience that we've had. I was only 19 when we got married, but I don't regret it for one minute. We've done some pretty amazing things together, been to some pretty amazing places, and we have the most beautiful kids in the world. I don't know what I would do without Tom in my life. I know that this past couple of years has been pretty rough, we've been in some situations that have not been ideal, but we've managed to make it through. I know that things will continue to get better as the years go on. I can't beleive I'm lucky enough to be married to such an incredible man. Tom is a great dad, and a great husband. He's held my hand through many many many trials over the last 10 years, and I love him so much. Can't wait for the next 10! I thought I loved you then.......

First Day of school!!

So, finally, the day she waited months for finally arrived!!! PRESCHOOL!!!! Carleigh started last Wednesday, and she absolutely LOVES it!! I've never seen a kid more excited to go to school, but I'm sure that'll eventually wear off, maybe by the time she gets to Jr High! I won't lie, I got a little teary eyed dropping her off on her first day, I just can't believe that she is growing up so fast! Me and Tyse are really enjoying spending one on one time together, but Tyse really misses her! This is where Carleigh goes to preschool in the picture below: Carleigh hanging up her backpack! She got a new princess backpack that she LOVES!

Carleigh meeting new friends, and playing with toys, waiting for school to start!

SO EXCITED!!! Finally able to go to school!

This is Carleigh on her first day! I just love this picture!

This picture was taken last week, the day before school started. My kids love to listen to the radio and dance around the kitchen and sing!

Singing and dancing to Big Green Tractor!

Carleigh really got into it when Taylor Swift came on! Cute!!

Camping at Crystal Hot Springs

So, I am really bad at updating things on here, but I finally got around to doing it! These are some pictures of our camping trip to Crystal Hot Springs in August. It was a lot of fun. The whole family went, and I don't remember the last time that we all went on a trip together. It was only for 2 nights, but it was a lot of fun. It was the first time me and Tom have taken the kids camping(bad, I know!) and they had so much fun! Carleigh woke up in the morning, and said "I sleeped in a tent!" My mom's sister Kathie and her family were there too, it was some good times! This is my brother Tyler above.

Kalen and Jef playing with fire!

Havin' lots of fun, sitting around the fire, everyone looks tired!

Tyse and his buddy Bryce. What a good uncle!

Getting ready to eat some dutch oven dinner. Chicken, potatos, carrots, onions, mmmmmm, makes me hungry! Me and Jamie were way excited, we both hadn't had it in long time!

Tom doesn't need caffeine to wake him up, just give him a 7-up!

Our tent, me and Tom and the kids slept in the tent with Jamie, Jef and Payten. Good times!

Ok, this is not such a great picture, they're all looking down, but how cute are they?

Seriously, what else could go wrong???

Have you ever had a week where you wonder, what else could possibly go wrong? Well, we're having one of those weeks around here. Lets see, on Monday, Carleigh was running and she tripped over her own feet, and crashed into the wall. She has a HUGE bruise on her forehead thats now a lovely green color. Then, we tried to take the kids to the movies for FHE, and even though we were 20 minutes early, the movie was sold out, Carleigh cried until we took her to the park, and then that made her happy. Then, that night, Tom was asleep, and I was reading a book in bed, and I heard a horrible creaking sound and then a pop pop pop and our bed came crashing down on my side of the bed! We both screamed, it was around 2 in the morning, it scared the crap out of us! Our bed had a small crack in the side when we moved, and it finally gave way. It was so scary. Then, the next morning, Tom went to leave for work, and his car wouldn't start! We're hoping its just a dead battery, but it might be the alternator which is around $100 to fix. Then, when he was trying to fix the bed tonight, he hit his head on a piece of wood, and has a big gash above his eye! So, I'm hoping that the rest of the week goes a lot better! We have also had a lot of good and exciting things going on too. On Monday, Tom got a $5 per hour raise, which is completely awesome! It will help out so much! We are so grateful that he has a good job! We were able to go to the movie on Tuesday, we saw UP, it is a great movie, and has a great moral to it. And, next week my baby starts preschool! I can't believe how fast Carleigh is growing up! She is so smart and such a beautiful little girl. She is also on a dance team this year, which is a performing team, so that should be fun. And Tyse is learning more and more every day. Life is good, even if we've had a bad week!!

Summer fun!

So, I finally decided to post some pictures of all of the family fun we've been having this summer. Its kind of out of order, but this is just a small portion of pictures! Brace yourself! Hanging out in the pool! Its so nice to have it right in our backyard!

Tyse looking cool in dad's shades! At the Bountiful parade, waiting for Carleigh on the float she was riding for dance. Tom forgot to take her picture on the float - whoops!

It took a month, but she is finally brave enough to swim across the pool! Its a big accomplishment for her!

Tyse is fearless in the water. Its fun to watch him dive in! He is a good little swimmer.

Ready, set, JUMP!!!

Swimming buddies! Obviously, we have done a lot of swimming lately!

Carleigh looking cute for the Bountiful parade. She was so excited to ride in the parade for dance.

My cute little buddy!

Getting ready to go for a swim!

He was sooo excited to see the fire trucks and police cars. 4th of July parade in Kaysville.

Carleigh at the Taylor Swift concert. This is her tour bus, too bad she wasn't inside!

Happy 4th of July!

Another picture at the Taylor Swift concert! Carleigh was in heaven!!

Count your many blessings

I can't believe how quickly life can take a dramatic turn in just one day. Last week Tom and I were struggling to count our blessings, wondering what our future had in store for us. One night, as we checked our e-mail, out lives were turned around once again, but finally in a good way. His former employer contacted him, and begged him to come back and work for them. He was let go about 3 months ago, and since then they have restructured their company, and as they were talking about going forward, Tom's name was brought up. The new owner of the company started looking over Tom's file, and realized that he is still the top salesman in their company, and was really anxious to have him come back to work there. He starts tomorrow, and we are so excited. Its the first time in a long time that something has gone well for us. I know that Heavenly Father listens and answers our prayers, and I know that we have to trust his time table, and not our own.

Warning: Depressing thoughts ahead

So, 3 years ago yesterday, I started my In-Vitro to have Tyse. As I was thinking about that, and how fast those 3 years have gone by I started thinking about my life, and how I got to be where I am today. The last 2 years have been really difficult for me and Tom, and a lot of what has happened is too personal to share on this blog, but it has been one of the hardest times in our lives. Its funny how things can change so quickly. 2 years ago we owned a home, Tom had a job that he enjoyed, and we had awesome insurance that covered in-vitro. We thought we had everything. A few bad decisions later, here we sit renting my uncles house, Tom hating his job, and looking for a new one constantly, and no insurance. Sometimes it can be very overwhelming, and I wonder why all of this bad stuff had to happen. Through it all, I have been aware of Heavenly Father's presence, and his guidance in my life. I know that I have a lot to be thankful for, and I do realize that he has blessed me so much. But tonight I sit here crying as I write this, wondering what His plan is for me, why He won't let me have another baby, why life has to be so hard all the time. And wondering where the next 3 years will take me.

What a difference a year makes!!

I was looking through pictures, and I can't believe how much things can change in just a year! This is Tyse on his 1st birthday! He has changed so much in the past year! He is getting so big, and is so independent. He has to do everything himself - he won't let anyone help him. I can't believe he is already 2!! He is definately a handful, he's the complete opposite of Carleigh. He is always on the go, and keeps me busy! I am a little sad that he is growing up so quickly, sometimes I want my baby back! I think it is harder knowing that I probably won't have any more children, but I sure do love the ones I've got!!

Tyse at 1 year

Tyse at age 2
Now, Carleigh on the other hand is getting bigger everyday, and learning more and more! But along with that, it is also making her more defiant and I hear the word no and I don't want to a lot more than I used to! She is a very bossy little thing, but she is also a big helper, and I don't know what I would do without her. She definately tests my patience on a daily basis, but I love my little girl.

Carleigh at age 3

Carleigh at age 4

Just a little update: We recently went to the Taylor Swift concert and had an AMAZING time! It was so awesome to see Carleigh having a blast and taking pictures. My camera is being retarded, so I haven't been able to download any pictures, but hopefullyI will be able to very soon. We had such a great time, and I am so glad that we were able to go. We also went to Lagoon, and both of tht kids had a great time. It is so fun now that they can both go on more rides. Hopefully we can get the pictures on here soon!!

Tyse's birthday!!!

So, I guess I am a bad mom for not getting these on here sooner, but here they are finally! Tyse turned 2 last Sunday, May 17th! I can't believe my baby is already 2. The past 2 years have really gone by quickly! I am so grateful for my little boy. He is so loveable and such a good boy. He is very mellow and such a good little helper. He always wants to be in the middle of everything. He loves everything that moves; cars, balls, anything that goes. He loves chasing Carleigh around, and playing with her. She went to Idaho yesterday with Grandma Perkins, and poor Tyse was lost without her! I am so glad that he is part of our family, it wouldn't be the same without him. I wasn't sure if we would would ever be able to have kids, and I am so thankful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with 2 of his most precious children to take care of. Tyse had such a fun birthday, and lots of people to celebrate with. I have posted lots of pictures below of his party. Happy Birthday Buddy!

Chocolate cake sure tastes good! He was such a mess when he was done, we had to give him a bath before he opened his presents!

He didn't quite get the concept of blowing out the candles! He tried to grab it instead, so Carleigh helped!

This is a picture of outside our house. Carleigh loved helping me put up the balloons.

What a fun party! We had lots of people. Grandma LuAnn and Grandpa Lynn, Grandma Roz, Tyler, Braden and Aubrey, Jef and Jamie and Payten, Kalen ,Bryce, Tom's brother Jeff and his girlfriend Chelsee, Alisha and Wain, and her friend from her mission Paula. And of course, mom, dad, and Carleigh. What a party for a 2 year old!! Also, Roger, Carson, and Walker showed up at the end of the party.

Another shot of all the party people!




This was Tyse opening his present from mom and dad. A lawnmower that blows bubbles! How fun!! Carleigh loves it as much as he does!

He also got a fun car that plays music, and goes forward and backwards from grandma and grandpa Holgreen. They also gave him a cute basketball outfit!

He really had fun opening his presents. Happy Birthday Tyse!! My big 2 year old!!