The Heiner Family

2012-01-26T12:52:00.002-08:00

The Victory Is In the Doing

My beautiful sister Annie participated in Junior Miss (Distinguished Young Women) last week. For those of you who don't know this program, it is a scholarship pageant, and no, they do not wear swimsuits.

It was a hard decision for Annie whether or not to even do it. Not just because of the huge time commitment, but because ANYONE who has to answer a question on stage in heels, or interview in front of strangers and be judged on it, is stinking HARD!

For months Annie has had 5:30 am practices, mock interviews, talent practices, fitness practices, poise practices and many other rehearsals in preparation for this pageant. (I haven't even mentioned all the time it took my mom and Annie to find dresses, shoes, music ect.)

My sweet, shy, Annie was up for the challenge. I can't even tell you how proud I am of her for even doing it because it isn't for the faint of heart! I of course encouraged her knowing personally how much I grew in the process. Annie knows she couldn't have done it without the support of her family. My mom in particular was her greatest support and biggest fan. My mom taught Annie one of her favorite quotes by Ghandi that states, "The victory is in the doing." This became the Rigby family motto during the process. As we pummeled Annie with questions to help her practice for interview we joked that every question could be answered with, "The victory is in the doing." So TRUE!

Annie, thank you for inspiring me to become better even when it isn't easy. Thank you for showing my own little girls true inner beauty by just being you! Thank you for letting me be a part of this fun experience. I was beaming with absolute delight watching you on stage and seeing the beautiful woman you have become. You have taught us all that the victory is absolutely in the doing! Love you!

I know I look crazy in this picture but man were we glad it was over!

2012-01-03T19:04:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2011

We started like this....

We had fun watching this...

Quick flashback...

Dad brought something in from the garage which quickly escalated to this....

And this...

And yes, we ended up with this.....

Although everything about it screamed "bad idea", our new puppy Buddy is already a part of the family. We haven't forgot about Bella, but I think John is overjoyed about his new hunting "buddy". Ha.

2011-10-17T21:31:00.001-07:00

A Party to Remember

I think everyone has a child that can think of nothing but his or her birthday party ALL year long. For me that child is Kate. I love this about her.
The minute her fourth birthday party ended in Indiana she knew exactly what kind of a party she wanted for her fifth birthday....and we haven't stopped hearing about it since. So I guess I went all out this year and we invited Rapunzel as a special guest. It was a complete success! Ok, Rapunzel got interrupted by Kate at least eight times while she was trying to tell a story, but I really thought it was cute while at the same time laughing in embarrassment. You had to be there but some of the questions she asked completely interrupting her included, "Does your hair really glow when you brush it?", "Are you really married?", "Do you really live in a castle?", "Does Flynn Ryder live with you in the castle?" "Does Mother Gothel live with you?", "Do you have a little Pascal on you shoulder?"
Basically Kate is a hoot. After the party she looked me straight in the eye and said, "This was the best party I've ever had!" She gave me a big hug and a kiss too. I love you Kate. You're five years old!
Thank you Lisa for all of your hard work. I couldn't have done it without your help!

Staring in awe!!

2011-09-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Preschool for Kate

Another year of preschool for my Kate is here! Can't wait to see what this year has in store for you. Love you,

Mom

2011-09-07T21:40:00.001-07:00

Lilly Faith Turns Two!!

Lilly, I love you! I can't believe you are already two years old! I am still in awe at how much you talk. You can carry on a complete conversation with me. I love how much you smile. I have never met a happier baby! I love your dimples. I love your deep raspy voice. I love that you always take a long nap, and you never put up a fight when it's time to sleep, (in fact, you ask me to lay you down.) I love how much you love your sisters and want to play with them. I love that you want to snuggle with me. I love that your favorite toy is a baby. You constantly ask me to "wrap up" your baby with a blanket. I love how you say "thank you", "welcome" (you're welcome) every time I give you something. Although it hurts my ears because you can scream louder than any baby I have ever met, I love your determination and I'm sure that means you will have a beautiful, strong singing voice. I love you Lilly!!!

Stats at your two year appointment are:

Height: 36" 96%

Weight: 29 lbs 8 oz 85%

Head circumference: 20" 99%

2011-08-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

First Grade

Dear Hailey,

I love you. I loved you from the moment they laid you in my arms at the hospital. I love how kind and loving you are, and have always been. You are always thinking of others. I love your smile. I love how excited you get when I agree to a large snow cone. I love how you will always smile and pose for the camera. I love how you modeled your new school clothes for me like you were walking the catwalk in pure diva fashion. I love how happy you always are. Hailey I love you! I'm going to copy my friend Aibeleen (The Help) and give you these words of advice every day......You are kind, you are smart and you are important. I love you baby girl!

Love,

Mom

2011-05-29T12:08:00.002-07:00

Henefer Memorial Day Weekend 2011

Lilly Picking Up Sticks

Melanie just handed me the laptop. It seems as though I am responsible for finishing this post as she goes to choir practice. Friday night we decided to go to Henefer for the night. My family owns several acres up the canyon from Henefer to East Canyon. They have a campground where several family members park camp trailers for the summer. This time it was just our little family and uncle Ryan. We got there late and Lilly did not want to come inside the trailer for bed Friday night. She could have hauled sticks around the camp all night. She loved the swing, the "weeeee" as she called it. When we would force her into the trailer she would scream "a-side, a-side, a-side." We took her back out a couple more times then finally she wore herself out. With exception to some sickness at the end, the trip was a success!

"weeeee"

Lilly and Dad

Melanie and Ryan did not show restraint in purchasing properties they probably couldn't afford. While playing Monopoly, they demonstrated exactlywhat happened with the recent US financial crisis. Needless to say, I picked up almost all their properties under "house rules" foreclosure. Good for me, bad for them. We had some good laughs and I think their strategies have changed for round #2 in the coming days.

We ended the day on a little family hike. Hailey thought for sure she was hearing a turkey and wanted to find it. We did hear and followed something. I don't think it was a turkey. It sounded somewhat like a turkey but we never caught sight of it. We did catch a few ticks on our hike - 4 to be exact!

Lilly and Kate on the hunt

Rock Chuck Team #6

Henefer Sniper School 2011

Saturday was spent napping, playing games, and rock chuck hunting. Ryan and I sat out on lawn chairs most the day just waiting for those little guys to poke their heads up out of their holes. They have torn up the fields and campground. There are holes everywhere; therefore, their little colony needed some thinning. One of us would spot them with the binoculars while the other zeroed in on the target. Hailey was also quite the rock chuck spotter. She called it "Beaver Hunting."

We loved Henefer and are looking forward to many days spent up there this summer!

2011-05-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

Preschool Graduate

All I can say is.....too cute! She has another year of preschool after this, so I wasn't overly sentimental. Kate's singing part was the white song and I know it well so I might as well write it down for memory's sake...

W-H-I-T-E that spells white sing with me,

Milk is white and so is glue

Ghosts are white and they say blue

W-H-I-T-E that spells white sing with me

The clouds above and the snow below,

Santa's beard, ho, ho, ho.

Mrs. Gourley, her teacher, also wrote this on Kate's report card and I just have to share,

"Kate is doing really well in class. She loves to dance and sing. She has a great imagination. She always tries to make her art projects look the best and she does a great job. She has lots of friends in class. She loves fun music time because she can dance around and sing to her hearts content. She is a great entertainer."

Love you Kate!

2011-05-22T19:30:00.001-07:00

The Wheels are Off....

Well, the training wheels have been off for a while, the girls just wouldn't ride their bikes without them.

I kept wanting to put them back on (I tend to coddle), but my wise husband kept telling me they needed to learn.

Saturday was a big day for Hailey... and for Kate. My sweet, careful Hailey rode her bike without training wheels for the first time. With her fear now conquered she rides like a pro.

Kate was crying on the sidewalk upset that I wasn't helping her. So with Hailey riding on her own, I started helping Kate. Sure enough after a couple tries and with Kate's incessant "Mom, let go" she was instantly a skilled bike rider.

A neighbor saw the girls and told Kate she had some old knee and elbow pads she could have. She won't ride without them, especially since they are princess and say "Believe in Your Dreams" all over them.

We had a great day and many, many popsicles.

2011-05-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Nana's House

Can life get any better while visiting Nana and Grandpa's house over spring break???

Oh yes, three puppies better.

The girls were obsessed, I'm glad they are still alive, and even more glad we didn't leave with one.

Although they are VERY stinkin' cute.

And to amp up the fun factor Nana even filled nasal droppers with water so the girls could feed them with a "bottle".

Meet Felicia, Lyla and Miguel. (named by Hailey and Kate)

And thank you Nana and Grandpa for the best spring break ever, moose sightings and all!

Hailey's best buddy Ella.

2011-04-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

Big Project

See the desk on the left? It is a great piece of office furniture but why not paint it the color I want it if it is going in my craft room? It took me forever but I finally finished painting it and here it is in all it's glory....

I can honestly say it turned out really well. My husband was against it from the beginning but he now agrees that it looks great. Thanks to Kristy, Hailey and Becca for pitching in! I love that I took the extra time to router out the wood panels on the cupboard doors and have glass put in. It gives it that final touch! I am obviously horrible at taking a "before" picture. The first picture was taken in Indiana when we were trying to sell our home. When I start a project I get so excited I forget to take a picture and remember half way through what an idiot I am. Oh well, you get the idea.

Now to decorate the shelves and organize my craft stuff.

More updates to come on my craft room!

2011-04-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

It's Summer

Ok, it's Spring but my four-year old doesn't know the difference.

I love watching each of my kids. Each one so unique and different. Kate loves to cook and plant seeds, while Hailey loves to draw and create. Kate loves to pick out her own wardrobe while Hailey could care less what she wears (except for jeans, she thinks they are scratchy).

In true Kate fashion she stepped outside and noticed how warm it was and yelled, "It's summer, I need my summer dress and my summer hat!"

She ran upstairs and came down wearing a very summer-like dress. She then proceeded to run down to the basement and came up with my straw hat. I was amazed with her sense of style, let alone where she found that hat in our unfinished basement (it is a train wreck down there).

There are not words to describe how much I loved just watching her blow bubbles and get excited to plant flowers. This little girl really knows how to enjoy life to the fullest.

I love you Kate.

2011-03-29T21:26:00.001-07:00

Flashback

Among the many cute things my Lilly does lately it is when she climbs into the sippy cup drawer that makes me smile. I can't help but be reminded of this picture of me as a baby.

She has many other talents lately though, one of them being her skill of opening the fridge and helping herself to grapes and milk. She has become quite the talker lately too. Her favorite words being: mom, dad, NO, ba-ba (bottle), preee (pretty), hooo cow (holy cow), mow (more), I...U (I love you) and many others. My absolute favorite is when she says "Mom" over and over and over 15 times. For those of you who are familiar with Finding Nemo Lilly acts exactly like the pigeons that say, "Mine?" over and over and over.

I've decided it is her way of having a conversation with me. It goes much like this....

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes, Lilly."

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes, Lilly."

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes, Lilly."

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "What do you need honey?"

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes Lilly, I love you."

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes, Lilly."

Repeated at least five more times.

Love this girl.

Don't think she can't lift that gallon of milk three-fourths full....she can.

2011-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Sixth Birthday Hailey!

We had so much fun celebrating Hailey's birthday party with our family and some of our new neighbors. I thought it would be fun to have a pink party and Hailey liked the idea too. I can't take credit for the barbie cake (thank you Target), but I had fun finding pink candy and putting it in jars with little scoopers for treat bags. Thank you Becca for helping me put together all of the tissue paper flowers, thank you Arlene for the delicious cake poppers, and thank you Deb for the yummy chocolate covered strawberries! To top it off we all participated in Just Dance 2 on the Wii! It was a blast! I love you Hailey!

Happy 7th Anniversary John. I love you!

2010-11-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

Lilly Walking...Finally

At just about fourteen and a half months Lilly has now decided she wants to walk. She still prefers to crawl if she wants to get somewhere fast, but she has finally started to at least experiment with the whole walking idea.

The cutest thing is watching her sling her pink purse over her shoulder just like a big girl. I am amazed at the things kids pick up on.

2010-11-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

Late, late, Halloween Post

Even though we were all infected with strept,(minus Kate and Lilly) we still had a fun Halloween. It has been so fun living with John and Arlene. I couldn't ask for better in-laws. We close on our house on the 29th. We will be official American Fork, Utah residents!! Can I get a woot, woot!

While Hailey lay sick with strept, Kate wanted to make the first snowman of the season. This little girl loves being outside!

Of course I couldn't get her to come inside. She insisted on, "watching the snowman until it melts."

I had to laugh when through the entire program Kate kept yelling, "Mom, mom!!!....I want a witch dress like this!!" (as she pointed to the girl next to her)

Lilly eating Kate's Halloween cookie!

2010-10-31T22:15:00.005-07:00

Miss You

After four years in Indiana, I have to admit I already miss it. I never thought I would say that, but I do. I have realized it is because of the amazing people I was privileged to know and become friends with. They were my family when I had none. To each of you thank you. Thank you for the millions of times you watched my kids, or made me dinner, or went to a late night movie with me, or just talked on the phone. I will miss each of you more than you know.
Some of my friends from the good old Brownsburg ward had a fun last hurrah for me at Chili's before I left. (we missed those who couldn't be there...yes that means you Kasi, Aubrey, Tracey,Kim Flora, Roberta). Short and sweet, I miss you all. To all my Indiana peeps I love you!

2010-10-22T10:27:00.001-07:00

One Sweet Aunt

Aunt Deb asked Kate what she wanted for her birthday, and this was the conversation....

Deb: "What would you like for your birthday."
Kate: "Go to all the stores and get me some cinderella shoes, and if you can't find them go to Disneyland and get them at Disneyland....they have them there, I saw them."

I know that Deb already had a gift in mind if not already bought but sweet Aunt Deb went straight to the Disney store and bought Kate two pair of darling princess shoes! Deb told me she couldn't NOT go to the princess store after she talked to sweet Kate. You don't get any sweeter than that! Thank you Deb!

2010-10-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Kate's First Day of Preschool

(late post)

Kate loves preschool here in Utah! I love this little girl!

And the pouty face....

2010-10-05T16:43:00.005-07:00

Maui!!!!

From the waterfalls........

To the amazing pool.......

To the awesome hotel.....

To the mouthwatering food........

To the breathtaking ocean.....

To complete and utter relaxation....

To spending time with this stud muffin.... our trip to Maui could not have been better!!!

John has told me for years that because we only had two nights in Salt Lake for our honeymoon that we needed to take a trip somewhere for a "real" honeymoon. I thought our honeymoon was awesome, but John seemed to think that our location could have been better.

Anyhow, John called me randomly one day and told me we were going to Maui. I obviously didn't believe him, but he was serious. We were gone for 7 nights and thank heavens for my amazing mom and the Rigby family for so graciously watching all three girls for the entire trip!!!! To the Rigby family, I am forever in your debt. (thank you Annie, Emily and Lisa for the cute swimsuit cover ups!)

To my sweet husband, I appreciated this trip more six years later than I ever could have as a newlywed.

I love you babe. Thanks for the vacation of a lifetime.

2010-09-11T19:09:00.001-07:00

Off to Neverland!!

I cheated this year and celebrated Kate's birthday early. I figured since Indiana is the only home Kate has ever known that it was only fair to throw her a party with the friends that she has grown up with. We leave Indiana for good in five days!!!

When Kate said she wanted a Wendy and Peter Pan party I was probably more excited than she was (especially since she makes such a cute Wendy Darling).

John thought I was nuts at times because I had Peter Pan on the brain. I was constantly thinking of new things I could do to make it a fun party. I think I have had way to much time on my hands in this apartment. But I wanted to do it for Kate. She deserved every second of preparation I put into it... and it was fun because she helped me every step of the way!!! Having Kate help me and seeing the look of excitement on her face when we talked about her party was the best part of the whole process! I love you Katie!

Can I just thank Nana Rigby right now for the absolutely "Darling" Wendy dress! She made it herself along with the amazing Tiger Lily dress!! Wow mom, you need to go into business. You made my whole party perfect, and the girls couldn't be happier!

Anyway, onto the party...

We had a blast finding hidden treasure, passing the crocodile, and walking the plank. We even made time to sprinkle fairy dust on ourselves while thinking of happy thoughts and "flying" off the bed.

Overall it was a success.

I am just going to miss all of the people in these pictures. Love you all!

The Preparation....

Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and of course Wendy (who never looks at the camera)

The decorations....

The Cake...

The Games....

And overall the Friends...

And next year.......

You betcha............. Rapunzel party.

2010-09-05T06:45:00.001-07:00

Birthday Girl!

Happy First Birthday Lilly

Ok, so I cheated this year and celebrated Lilly's birthday early. While we were in Idaho Lisa and I decided it would be fun for Lilly and Ella to have a joint birthday party since they are only a month and a half apart. We made birthday outfits, thanks to Nana Rigby, played with fondant and made a cupcake cake...oh, and hit a cupcake pinata thanks to Lisa. All of which we could not have done without great babysitters (thanks Annie and Emily and Nana). It was a blast!!!!

It was a perfect 1st birthday for the girls, complete with loads of pictures.

LOVE YOU LILLY!!

2010-08-29T21:46:00.002-07:00

"The Hurried Child"

I have been thinking a lot about the blessing and responsibility I have as a mother. I have been watching The Sullengers blog (you can read their story here) ever since my trip to Idaho when I learned of the tragic accident that occurred to their 18 month old baby girl Preslee. Although I don't know them, I have been touched by the Sullenger's faith, strength and testimony of the gospel amidst such tribulation. I feel a closeness to them because I visit my parent's ward often and Ashley's father is their bishop.
When the accident happened, our family began praying for Preslee and the Sullenger family. When Hailey prayed, she never forgot to "bless little Preslee." Even though she had never met her, she loved her and even cried because she was worried about her. To this day she continues to ask Heavenly Father to bless Preslee. When I explain to Hailey that Preslee has gone back up to her Father in Heaven she just looks at me and says, "I know mom."
I can think of no greater pain than that of losing a child. In her post today Ashley talks about a book I will read now called "The Hurried Child." Dave Elklind, the author, explains that hurried children are stressed children. He also talks about how young children tend to perceive hurrying as rejection. All of this time rushing them in EVERYTHING (get those shoes on, get in the car, brush your teeth, and HURRY!!!!) has been adding extra stress in my kids lives.
My heart goes out to the Sullenger family. I continue to pray for them. I know that they share my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and also the knowledge that families can be together forever. I only hope that I can strive each day to be a better mother to my precious girls.
I need to slow down...be patient with them, hurry them a little less and love them a little more.

2010-08-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

The "belbeteen" (velveteen) Rabbit

Thanks to my phone camera I caught this moment today.

Kate has a new obsession...her "belbeteen" rabbit.

She asks me to read the library book several times a day.

She loves to tell me that her "belbeteen" rabbit is real.

I had so much fun with Kate today.

John worked from home and I was able to leave Lilly with him while she took her nap.

Kate and I ventured on her bike with her rabbit to the dollar store.

She picked a jump rope and a reese's peanut butter cup treat. (have I mentioned living right behind a grocery store is awesome?)

I love small mommy daughter dates.

Ahhhhh, the simple joys of life.

2010-08-16T08:21:00.001-07:00

A Big Day.....

Hailey's first day of kindergarten....sniff, sniff.

Hailey is going to kindergarten ALL day EVERYday and I already miss her.

I've always been a little overly sentimental about things like this so I wasn't surprised when I got a little weepy when I dropped her off. (don't mock me)

She was so excited about her outfit and new backpack.

I can't believe it, just yesterday she looked like this.....

and this...

and this....

and this...

and now she is off to her first day of kindergarten. Love you baby girl.