Sam and Robin Packard's Place

On A Beautiful Spring Day

2011-05-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2011-05-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

Baseball season has come and gone again. Grant did so well, and had a BLAST!:)

Happy Easter!

2011-05-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter, lots of family, food, and fun:)

My Little Helpers

2011-05-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Helping our mom is fun to do...fun to do, to do, to do

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-05-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

Love you!

The Sleeping Champ

2011-05-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Evan has been saying....and doing the funniest things lately, so I wasn't really surprised when I checked on him one night and found him dressed ready to hit the boxing ring. Evan, at times, I am so very grateful for the comical relief that you bring to life:)

Spring Break Houston

2011-05-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

And we think our current living arrangements might be getting a little cramped, it could always be worse, guys:)

Yes, he's been working out.

Aleesia was brave enough to try the bungee jump at the galleria. She had so much fun while Mom, Dad, Grant, Evan, Brett and Pa Pa cheered her on from the sidelines.

Then was Grant's turn, the picture is a bit out of focus...in my defense, Grant was doing backflips from the moment they strapped him in, literally:) He even drew a small crowd of people from all levels of the Galleria; people amazed at the bravery...and the comical repetition of this grinning 6 year old little boy doing backflips:)

I was shocked to find out that Samuel, despite the smile in the picture, after 10 years of marriage, has never enjoyed going into the ground hog tunnel. The kids, on the other hand, never tire of it:)

Riding the Rhino at the Zoo

And the cookie NAPPER strikes again! Was he framed, or did he really crawl out of his crib, nab a few 'nilla wafers and crawl back in to enjoy the rest of his night?! We may never know. Sadly, we had to confiscate them... but not without getting a good laugh and photo first:)

Guess Who!

So close to home, but so fun! We had a blast:)

Merry Christmas 2010!!

2011-01-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

The Packard Family: Samuel, Robin, Aleesia (7), Grant (6), Evan (4), and Brett (18 months)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year:)

2011-01-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

Happy 6th Birthday, Grant!

2010-12-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

We Love you and are so proud of you, happy, happy birthday Grant!

Name that Look

2010-12-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

This is Brett's "I learned to growl way too early, and now I'm good at it....reallllly good at it" look:)

San Antonio

2010-12-01T08:17:00.001-08:00

We ran, cheered, went to the zoo, ate out, partied in the hotel room, went to church, then crashed on the way home. What a great weekend!:)

He did it!!

2010-12-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

He went, He ran, He CONQUERED the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 marathon in a little under 2 hrs., with little training before-hand, which is AMAZING!! We were so proud of him. He even smiled for the camera, and did a little victory dance afterwords:)

Grant's First Big Race

2010-12-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Way to Go Grant!! He was so excited about the 1/2 mile race, which is pretty substantial for someone under 4 feet:)

Happy Halloween!!

2010-10-31T16:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Samuel!!!!

2010-10-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

Lookin' Good at 29!!!!

(once again)

Happy Birthday to ME:)

2010-10-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my sweet and ambitious husband, I had one of my favorite Birthday Cakes. This was his first cake to make all by himself:) Looks pretty good, and tasted even better:) When I blew out the candles, the kids reminded me to make a wish. Aleesia was sure that my wish involved a new kitten, and Grant was convinced it was for a new set of Legos. Woohoo!! And no Robin birthday would be complete without the games....so fun, thanks to my sweet, sweet family.

Brett.

2010-10-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

My First Attempts to capture his cuteness with the camera..."Say CHEESE, Brett!! Brett, Say CHEESE PLEASE!!:)"

My Second Attempt: Give him a truck

My Third Attempt: Feed him then try try again:)

What a sweet little guy!

Happy 7th Birthday Aleesia!!

2010-09-27T09:43:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet daughter!

We are forever grateful for you and for who you are!

Love, Love Love you Lots!

p.s. don't grow too quickly (sniff sniff)

The First Day of School

2010-09-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

Aleesia and Grant

Grant came running to me when he saw me, what a sweet boy:)

Aleesia was excited to go to 1st Grade this Year.

Evan looks so much like the Packard side in this picture in his new "glow in da dark" t-shirt that he picked out to wear on his first day:)

Aleesia went to 1st Grade this year, Grant to Kindergarten, and Evan to Preschool.

Gum Gum Gum Gum....Gum Gum Gum Gum Guuuuuuum

2010-09-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

Aleesia's True Fish Story

2010-09-27T09:15:00.001-07:00

Way to Go, Aleesia!! Thanks, Pa Pa and Daddy, for helping her bait her hook:)

California...Here we Coooome!:)

2010-09-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

aaand they're off...

The Trip There

Remember the Alamo

Aleesia did. She had learned about the events surrounding the Alamo in school and was so excited to go see the actual place. Who can go to San Antonio and not see it, at least once. I love this city!!

The kids loved the different types of cacti:)

It was so fun to see the differing landscape between Texas and California. The kids were most excited about the deserts, believe it or not!:)

More of the Alamo

More Cactus

More Desert

....And He's Out

32 Hours Later...

This was all of our first trip to the beautiful state of California. Don and Elizabeth, Samuel's sister and husband and children live just outside of San Diego where there are beaches and mountains and really, really good weather. I finally understand why there are so many songs written about California.:) Besides the beauty and natural diversions, we really enjoyed spending the week with Don and Elizabeth and the Packard clan, who gathered there for a family reunion of sorts. I also experienced a reaffirmation about what a fun, talented, and unique family that I married into:). And one of the highlights of the trip...bum bu du dum...the 10K mud run race that Samuel and I ran with the Packard clan. Okay, so, we walked a lot of the time, and it doesn't deserve credit for being THE highlight of the trip....but we had a great experience bonding through winded conversations and running through mud...lots of mud. All that being said: really fun, and repeatable experience:)

The Way Back Home

Our Stop in Utah

The Tractor Ride at This is the Place

Mom, Aleesia and Brett at This is the Place

Rachelle and Conner were kind to take us to the Natural Science Museum in Provo.The kids were so excited to see the animals so close! We enjoyed our time there and with Trey, Rachelle, and Conner.

Evan and Olive...so sweet:)

Aleesia and Evan chillin' at This is the Place

Evan and the Tiger

Our Wind-Blown and cold Family at the Salt Lake City LDS Temple

Tommy and Grant at the Duck Pond at This is the Place...The ducks, we jokingly blame for the "Duck Flu" that we experienced on the second part of the trip.

And the host and hostess with the mostest award goes to: (drum roll).....Thomas and Melissa, who, hosted us for a long, messy, and excruciating night of waking with sick kids every hour and washing sheets, towels and blankets. One of the children being ours, and the other hers...curiously enough, the two who were allegedly seen with duck waste on their hands and/or in their mouths.:) We used our bucket for Evan and Brett every hour in the car on the way home, then, when he was done, it was Grant's turn. Those darn ducks!:)

Despite the flu, the memories made and lessons learned were irreplaceable, wonderful, and oh so sweet!

Will You Be My V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E?

2010-09-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Aleesia performed in her school talent show for her Kindergarten year. She sang so bravely and beautifully. We were so proud of our beautiful, talented daughter.

Happy Birthday Evan, Brett, and Aiden!!

2010-09-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Birthday Boys: Evan (4), Brett (1), Aiden (5)

Evan with his Goodies:)

Thanks, mom for this super cute Birthday Cake!

Brett's Taste of his First Birthday Cake.

Blowing out the Candles!

More Cake:)

Fun in the Pool

Amber and Avery by the pool

Evan, Aleesia, and Grant

His Very Own Cell Phone, already:)

June 11th is a big day in our family! Happy Birthday to my two sweet, sweet "Birthday Boys": Evan and Brett, I love you!! Thanks Me Me, Pa Pa, Amber, Aiden, and Avery for celebrating with us!

Go Cubs!

2010-09-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

Grant: Our Sweet Little Baseball Player:)

Easter Pictures 2010

2010-05-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks, mom, for the Easter outfits; they turned out adorable!! it was time well spent:)

Our Most Recent Photo Shoot at Home

2010-04-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

Brett: Our Sweet Baby Boy

Number 4 was another boy for us, a little over 10 months ago. We are gaga over this one's happy, happy countenance and sweet baby face, hands, legs, and cheeks.

Evan: My Funny, Funny Boy

Evan has got such a good sense of humor, and he's filled with empathy. What a sweet boy to raise, and to learn from!:)

Grant: My Sweet Heart

Sometimes I can't stop staring at this one. He's growing up, and still is the spitting image of his daddy, and has a heart as big as his daddy's already:)

Aleesia: My Ray of Sunshine

Aleesia loooves posing for the camera. She also loves helping me keep the boys in order. I'm so blessed to have her in my life and on my team:)

Happy Easter, Happy Birthday Me Me, Happy Conference Weekend

2010-04-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

We had a blast, celebrated, and were edified.

When all was said and done, some of us were...a bit tuckered out:)

Look Alikes:)

2010-04-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

To all who claim our fourth looks like the rest: a Packard mini-me of Samuel, I beg to differ....for now at least:) And here's the proof:)

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

First Stop: Old McDonald's Farm

Old McDonald had a farm...

E I E I O

And on that farm he had some....

Cows, ponies, rabbits, goats, cows, llamas, chickens, ducks, playgrounds, train, and an enormous sand hill....

EIEIOOOOO

The Pony

The highlight of the trip to Old McDonald's Farm was the pony rides. Aleesia has been begging us to get her a "pony" ever since. She's even prepared to write Santa. I explained to her that it's too expensive and too space consuming (not to mention time consuming:) and furthermore, I tried to explain that Santa probably doesn't bring live ponies, just like he doesn't bring real dogs unless the mommy and daddy of the home say it's okay. She explained to me that she knew I had let Santa in on the fact that mom and dad were not quite ready for a real dog last Christmas, and she couldn't bear the thought of me telling Santa this year that a pony wouldn't be a very good idea. As far as the other issues that I had with a real pony, she quickly assured me that the pony could just sleep in her room, and as far as the financing of the pony, she'd be more than happy to buy him herself with the coins she's been saving:) So sweet, but, so sorry, Aleesia, if you want to ride a pony, for $8.00, Old McDonald would be happy to share his:) We spent all day here, had a blast, and would definitely go again:)!!

Speaking of an enormous hill...

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!!

Aleesia came out the victor, with only two casualties:)

This hill is in the museum district of Houston. It is so big and perfect for running down, even I had to try it....watch out belooooooow:)

Last Stop: The Houston Science Museum

Our trip to Houston wouldn't be complete without scary dinosaurs, friendly butterflies, Norman the Science Guy, and some oversized funny looking glasses.

Our Happy Campers:) Here's to a great Spring Break 2010!

Valentine's Day at the Packard's

2010-03-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

Daddy

2010-03-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our Christmas Present to Daddy. We had seen this done at a friend's house. I framed the pictures in a multi-window frame. He has hung it at his office at work. The kids had fun making this one - they are great at posing for the camera:)

Family Christmas in Texas

2010-03-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Taking a ride on Pa Pa's tractor

Orsaks vs. Outlaws

Rachelle and the cousins watching the men's football game.

All in good fun, can you guess who won?

All Muddy after riding Pa Pa's go cart

Olive and Penelope (Thomas and Melissa's little ones) in the Orsak Family Talent Show. So, so sweet!

Evan, Grant, Aleesia, and Brett in their Christmas Pajamas

This is the first year that I made Aleesia's Christmas Pajamas, and they actually turned out so well. She looked beautiful, and the boys were excited about their printed p.j.s:)

Evan and Conner (Trey and Rachelle's baby) all dressed up for the Orsak recreation of the

Nativity Story

Our Star, Penelope, and Angel, Avery (with mom - Amber):)

Santa visited us Christmas morning

Can't forget the snap shot of Grandpa sporting the latest in nose ring fashion:)

Cousins

They are going to love looking and laughing at this picture when they're all grown up:) So sweet, look how tough they all look. They had a blast wrestling each other the whole Christmas break. Little boys relationships with each other are a mystery to me. Grant explained to me that these guys are his best friends right after telling me a story in which he wrestled his best friends to the ground and then vice versa until one of them began to cry. They would then call a truce and start all over after five minutes:) And they had a blast!

We had such a good time with everyone in Texas! We're looking forward to a repeat really soon! Thanks to everyone who helped make Christmas 2009 such a memorable event spent with the people closest to my heart.

Happy Birthday Grant!

2010-03-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Grant turned 5 on December 19th, 2009!

Happy Birthday to our sweet, sweet 5 year old super hero:)

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

2009-12-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas Holiday!!

October 2009 General Conference Packet Links

2009-09-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

I did the research for October's General Conference packets that we use each general conference and found the following links. These have been really helpful for my kids as we try to get them to listen to at least part of the two day conference. Most of the links came from sugardoodle.net, which is a great site. Also on sugardoodle.net are other ideas to get your kiddos to watch conference, and let's be honest, us too:) I usually print out the best pages out of a few of the different packets depending upon what fits my children's ages. Hope this helps out!

http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/UltimateGeneralConferencePacketJen.pdf

http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/conference%20booklet.pdf

http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/confpacket.pdf

http://www.ldsresources.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/2009-october-general-conference-primary-activity-packet.pdf

http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5105

http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/ConfRecord.pdf

Oh what do we do in "Quiet Time"?

2009-09-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

Evan: Anything but sleep:)

Happy Birthday to our Little Lady:)!!!

2009-09-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Our Beautiful Smiling Lady:)

The Cake

The Spread:)

Blow out the Candles!

The Entertainment and the Company:)

Brett dancing for the party!

MeMe's "How to Be a Lady" Presentation

Aleesia and cousin Ella looking glam after

the makeovers:)

Me Me and Pa Pa

Aleesia's Celebration at Home

We opened family presents then celebrated at

Casa Ole'. It's another Casa Ole' Day Hey!:)

Love the Baby Soooooo Much!:)

2009-09-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

Yaaaaard Saaale!

2009-09-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

The kids had their first yard sale complete with lemonade and random toys and all of the junk food I could find in the house:) What do you do with your excess junk food? Sell it to the neighbors. haha

They made $5.25 total, which they split between the three of them. They would've made more except I noticed Aleesia "giving back change". Fortunately for the buyer, they would often find more money in their hand after the change was dealt than what they initially paid for the items. Aleesia is still in the process of learning to count money:) Sweetly, she does have, naturally the kindess that goes with charitable giving.

Grant's First Day of Pre K

2009-09-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

Grant was soooo excited to go to school. He went equipped with his Spiderman back pack and lunch kit and didn't even look back when I dropped him off! He will be going twice a week in Beaumont. He is really growing up to be a sweet, sweet boy!!

Aleesia's First Day of Kindergarten!

2009-09-12T19:42:00.001-07:00

Isn't she gorgeous... such a sweet little kindergartener. Luckily, Aleesia's personality is totally made for the education system!! At the Kindergarten orientation, she asked me politely to leave so she could go to school.:) Her biggest concern: the principle ( I think she has watched Matilda a few too many times) My biggest concern: dropping her off all alone and exposed....ooh, I'm slipping into that feeling you feel right before the tears come with that last comment.:) Seriously, she's doing GREAT and I do love that she was totally ready for this, it made it quite a bit easier on me:) I've enjoyed waiting for her to come home every day, excited to hear about her day...who's chasing who on the playground, if she got the chocolate milk or the strawberry milk at snack time, what she learned that day, who she sat by on the bus, what boy is trying to kiss what girl and vice versa:) I'm even finding myself a little dissappointed when she doesn't have homework every night:) (I'm sure this will change):) haha

Brett's Blessing Day

2009-08-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

Our sweet baby boy was blessed on Sunday, July 19th. He was good enough to pose for the camera, and even flash his new baby smile. His blessing, given by daddy was so sweet. The blessing outfit was made by his me me, my mother, and was worn by our two other boys on their special day. After the blessing, a dinner with grandparents made it a wonderful blessing day. Thanks to all who participated.

4th of July Extravaganza!

2009-07-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Pa Pa and the Catches of the day

Me Me and Brett

Sparklers!

Pa Pa's Awesome Firework Show

The Happy Kiddos

Happy Father's Day!!

2009-07-06T06:23:00.001-07:00

To the King of our Home

What a dad!!!:)

Welcome Home Brett E Packard!

2009-07-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

We were blessed with a new baby boy born on June 11th, 2009.

Height: 19 1/2

Weight: 7 lbs. 11 oz.

We are loving our new addition, soft skin, sweet baby eyes, baby cries and all:)

Happy 3rd Birthday Evan!!!

2009-07-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Aleesia's First Dance Recital

2009-07-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Aleesia did well at her first dance recital. She looked so sweet in her costume, and loooooved being on stage performing....I wonder what side she got that from:) Way to go Aleesia!!!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

Food, Family, Fun and an Easter egg hunt

Thanks Mom and Bernie and Nancy and Packard Family for spending time with us this Easter

Family Vacation 2009

2009-04-13T07:53:00.001-07:00

The Children's Museum

in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Brush those germs away:)

I don't know who the extra is, he looked so ready to have a picture taken of him, I didn't have the heart to ask him to step down:) Isn't this fun setup!

Aleesia with one of the parakeets they let you hold.

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Lake Charles, Louisiana

This was seriously so relaxing and fun. They had cabins with a kitchen and couches and real beds, which is the only way to go camping when your 7 months pregnant:) Camping is always my idea of a vacation, there's just something about the smell of a campfire in the morning, smores and long bicycle rides:) We were able to see lots of deer and racoon, ducks, rabbits and a baby alligator. Who knew the swamps could be so beautiful!!:)

The Baton Rouge Zoo

Our Eventful Weekend

2009-03-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

For Christmas 2008, I bought Samuel tickets to Les Miserables in Houston. He was raised hearing the music and knows most of the words to the songs. He has, however, never seen Les Miserables, the production. We were moved by the message, the music, and the very talented actors.

We were able to join up with Samuel's sister and her husband, Theresa and Derek and hang out with them. And thanks to them, we had a toddler-free experience.:) Afterwards, we took the kids to my grandparent's house in Palacios, Texas: the City by the Bay. We were able to visit and make a trip to the beach. Fun weekend!!

Towels

2009-03-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

When trying to think of ways to organize my life and make life a little simpler, I decided to cut down on laundry by assigning towels to everyone in our family. I also discovered the many different words we can spell with our names:)

I would totally recommend this project, it really did cut down on my laundry load and was so easy. Just a fun project!

Our Baby Boy Evan is growing up:)

2009-03-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Many Faces of Grant

2009-03-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Starring: Aleesia

2009-03-26T18:32:00.001-07:00

At Me Me and Pa Pa's House

2009-03-26T18:07:00.001-07:00

Out at the Pier

Fishin' at the Pond

Makin' Pancakes

So Sweet:)

2009-03-26T17:44:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas 2008!!

2008-12-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

The kids in their new p.j.'s on Christmas Eve

At Grandpa Bernie and Na Na's house

We had a great time thanks to Bernie and Nancy and all of the great company!

Look at that crowd:)

At Me Me and Pa Pa's House

Happy Birthday Grant!

2008-12-22T17:57:00.000-08:00

Grant's birthday comes right before Christmas....that is how late I am on updating my blog:( He turned 4 years old on December 19th 2008. He is my tender-hearted, spirited, sweet little boy. Such a fun little boy to raise, our little super hero:) He asked for a "transformer eats the eye" birthday party! woohoo! Happy Birthday Grant!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

Aleesia: Our Good Witch

Grant: In character as Obi Juan Kenobi

Evan: Our own R-2-d-2

The Group Shots:)

Carving our Pumpkin:)

2008-11-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

Gotta love the messy, fun, traditional pumpkin carving!:)

Samuel's One Year Older...................................... and Wiser Too!

2008-11-03T16:28:00.001-08:00

He's 29....(again:)

The love quotes

We each gave him a coupon or two for his birthday. Aleesia and Grant decided that their coupon would read: "Good For 5 pieces of candy (of your choice) from Aleesia and Grant's Halloween Candy bag:)"

Happy 5th Birthday Aleesia!!

2008-09-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

Aleesia's favorite colors: pink and purple

The way she wishes we ate every day: Chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and green beans:)

Aleesia and her requested unicorn cake. She was so excited when daddy let her cut her own piece. It was the biggest "piece" of cake I had ever seen. The only thing left on the cake plate when she was done carving out her piece was the unicorn's mane and nose:) And to top it off: pink strawberry ice cream of course, by her request:)

Me Me and Pa Pa were the guests of honor.

Aleesia in her new gown and necklace...

Happy Birthday Aleesia!!

My Motorcycle Men:)

2008-09-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

An excursion with the boys at one of the local gas stations. We had ice cream and a motorcycle ride while waiting on Aleesia to be done at one of her friend's birthday party. Something so simple was enough to really make their day:) We had a blast sitting on the bench, eating our ice cream and killing time.

Aleesia's First Day of Preschool

2008-09-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

WoW!! ShE's GrOwInG uP!

Heads: Carolina Tails: California

2008-09-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston, Texas early Saturday, September 13th. The size of the storm was shocking, and evacuation orders were given from the Galveston Coast all the way up to around the Louisiana border, which included us. We stopped first at my parent's home and spent some time there. One day and two nights after the power went out, we decided the heat and lack of water wasn't for us. We hit the road with a full tank of gas, a full van, no knowledge as to where we would go, and a very badly torn map of the United States. We decided our general direction should be west, California, perhaps, to spend time with Samuel's

sister, so westward ho, we went, stopping at a park every 2 hours or so to let the kids get out and play. It turned out to be a very successful family vacation, complete with junk food, hotel stays, parks, zoos, and lots and lots of time. When we reached Abileen, Texas, we got a phone call informing us that lights were back on at Samuel's office and at each of our parents' homes, so we turned around and headed home We knew our hurrication was a success when we overheard Aleesia, our 5 year old say to Grant, our 3 year old: "Grant, do you like to go on long road trips?" Grant: "Yep". And that was that. We were blessed to not have much damage, but my heart goes out to the many who lost homes, jobs, and even loved ones because of the storm.

A Trip to Utah

2008-09-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sabrina's Wedding

Samuel's youngest sister, Sabrina married Dustin in July of this year in the Salt Lake Temple

I was excited to have the opportunity to use my new camera to snap a few shots at her wedding. She was a beautiful bride and they were a very happy couple:) Samuel and I spent a few extra days in Utah with my family and his, and had a blast....Thanks Amber and Mark, Thomas and Melissa, Trey and Rachelle for taking time out of your lives to party with us; we had a blast! And, thanks mom and others who watched the kiddos for us while we were away...I know they had a vacation away from mom and dad and were very excited about that:)

The Texas Gathering

2008-06-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

My brother Thomas and his wife Melissa and their brood, and my sister, Amber and her little man, made a trip to Texas to visit for about a week. I was excited for weeks for their trip back home. Mom and dad hosted, we stayed in a lake house, and G-pa and G-ma Orsak came down as well. We had a great time fishing, swimming, boating, go-cart riding, kite flying, game playing, and just hanging out. It seemed to end too soon and now we're waiting for the next "Orsak" reunion. Our family tree is beginning to branch out enough to call our immediate family get togethers "reunions".

Happy Birthday Evan

2008-06-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Way to go Aleesia! The snake that spooked mom:) Evan's Alligator Cake

Happy Birthday Evan

Evan and Olivia looking for Gators:) My three boys:) A Present from Me Me and Pa Pa

Watch out kids!! j/k, but it sure looks real:)

Uncle Thomas and cousin Tommy Evan holding Pa Pa's hand

Aleesia and Grant working up the nerve Big Al up close and personal

For Evan's 2nd birthday, his cousins, Tommy and Olivia and family, and Me Me and Pa Pa joined us at Gator Country in Beaumont. It was a perfect birthday for a little boy: lots of scary alligators, big snakes, presents, and cake:) It really was amazing to see these creatures up so close!

Curls and baby blues

2008-06-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

*after playing in the mud:)

Sweet Aleesia

2008-06-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Aleesia always has flowers for mom

And mom is always grateful

For the constant bouquet of flowers on our kitchen table

For the sweet reminders of the beautiful things in life.

Baldies:)

2008-06-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures taken recently of Grant and Evan in their hairless state:). The last picture reminds me so much of a picture of Samuel and his younger brother, Michael when they were little bald boys 20+ years ago:) The story is, according to Samuel, every summer, their dad would sit them down and shave them both bald. I suppose that's just what you do when you have little time, 13 children, and live in the heat of Southeast Texas. So cute!

2008-05-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

I've learned a few things over my few years as a mother...one that pertains to food is this: it never hurts to try. I have, more than once, fed the kiddos something I really REALLY don't anticipate them eating. But I have been surprised more than disappointed at their reactions to something new.....like green peanut butter sandwiches...that's what the Incredible Hulk eats, right:) or a whole cucumber....I wish I could say he finished the whole thing off...it was just a little too big for him. Way to go Grant!! And he, as is his custom, finished what he could eat, patted his tummy and said "wook, wook at my tummy", then showed his muscles and said, "I'm stwong like daddy see, wook, wook." And he is strong and full of life and love....just like daddy:)

Lessons Learned

2008-05-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

Another thing I've learned while raising my children this week: Keep them, more specifically, Evan, away from popcorn seeds. Evan LOVES popcorn...and the seeds of the popcorn. He has developed a certain obsession with stuffing small objects, mainly, popcorn seeds into his nose. Samuel did a fine job at dislodging two popcorn seeds from one of his nostrils last week. Well, this last time he succeeded at stuffing a popcorn seed so far into his nose that no sneezing, coughing, or crying would budge the popcorn seed. My attempts lasted a whole hour and a half. He was falling asleep in between sneezes:) I took him into the doctor2 hours later, he sneezed twice and the popcorn seed dislodged enough for the doctor to easily wedge it out:). What a day! What a week:)

Where has all the blonde hair gone?

2008-04-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Grant learned to use daddy's razor this weekend....

on his hair...

and Evan's too.

Nooooooooo!!!!!

The tears (mostly mine) and hair left on the floor

My happy bald boys...
Oh well, it'll grow back:)

Happy Anniversary

2008-04-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

For our 7th year anniversary, Samuel and I decided that whoever won our game of putt putt that night would pick the place that we eat. Samuel came out the victor with 3 holes in one! I'll think next year before we pick a sport that one of us clearly has the most interest and biggest advantage:) It was a good deal for Samuel and he decided that we eat at Outback...yummm, grilled shrimp and steamed broccolli and a humongo chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert. More wonderful than the food was the opportunity that we had to be together without our little ones in tow (thank you Patrice and Lauren:). We took the opportunity to reflect back on our years together and wonder a few things: 1. Where did all the time go? It seems like time moves so fast. Just yesterday we were walking out of the temple as a new couple and it seems just a few days later Aleesia was born, then Grant and Evan. 2. What have we learned from our 7 years together? Samuel's response: ummmm....., my response......hmmm... we've decided that we've learned a few things about each other and life, but probably most of all we've learned that we have a lot to learn, including: what do you do about your toothpaste usage and storage differences...and who keeps losing that cap? Just kidding, I've fessed up on that one....but it's been a great 7 years and we're excited about the years to come. Love you Samuel:)

Purse Tag

2008-04-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

So, I've completed the purse tag by showing the world the contents of my scary purse:) Complete with Desitin, last week's shopping list, hair band, makeup bag, one missing sock, diapers, receipts for recently purchased items, and a mixture of crayons and candles, and trash that I've omitted from the tag (on purpose)....but thanks for the tag, this has been a good opportunity to rid my purse of all the junk...it really needed it:) Except for the crayon candle mixture...you never know when you're gonna need that haha...And the conclusion is: What a mommy purse:)

Babysitting

2008-04-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

Aleesia had her first experience babysitting today. Because she woke her brother, Evan, from his nap very early, I bestowed all baby tending to her. She was pleased, in fact, excited to take on this new roll. And, at four years old, she did quite well, in fact, very well. She managed to keep him busy for an hour until quiet time was over. She entertained him in the bath, dried him, got his clothes out, dressed him (with some assistance), diapered him, talked to him (in a very motherly tone), reassured him, and provided a coloring activity for him. I knew she was doing marvelous, and Evan was thoroughly enjoying his babysitting experience, but I couldn't help but stay close by mainly for the purpose of enjoying the scene. And I was happy to have some time to myself (to piddle on our blog:) I'm very proud of my little four year old babysitter:)

Me and My Boots

2008-04-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

My deal of the year: two pairs of rubber boots from the second hand store:)

It's amazing what you can do in rubber boots...

Love those dirty, messy, sandy, muddy, wet, go anywhere boots...and the feet that fill 'em:)

Note to self (and others) at 12:32 in the morning on the thing called "Blog"

2008-04-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, you know you're officially addicted to your blog (and viewing other people's blogs - I think that's referred to as "blogging"...correct me if I'm wrong) if you find yourself "blogging" in the wee hours of the morning when you know your child / children will awaken you in 5 hours or less. By the way, if you are able to correct me because I'm wrong, you too might suffer from the above mentioned addiction:) On that note, check this out, it might give you another reason to blog:)

http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook

thanks, Amber, for the site....and for starting my "blogging" experience:)

It's Blackberry Season!!!

2008-04-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

THE HUNT

AHA!!

GATHERING

EATING

THE LEFTOVER FRUITS OF OUR LABORS

Happy Birthday Mom aka Me Me

2008-04-07T13:22:00.001-07:00

Birthday cake, presents, Me Me and Pa Pa's house. . . Life can't get much better according to the kiddos:)

Fun in LA - Louisiana that is

2008-04-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Samuel had a CLE (Continuing Legal Education Class) in Lafayette, Louisiana last weekend. He invited us to come along. We decided to go, so I packed up all the kids and we headed to
Louisiana. We went to the children's museum in Lake Charles (great place to visit), visited lots of parks, watched a lot of cartoons and ate lots of pizza!:) It was a lot of work for me and Samuel, mostly me, as he was in class a lot of the time:), but, the kids had fun and we decided, it's worth it if the kids come away with a memory. I'm putting my faith in the fact that they will remember the happy segments of the trip and call the whole thing good:) But seriously, how can you put a price on a happy memory?

O H B A B Y

2008-03-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Our "Baby" Evan
He's still our baby:)

2008-03-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

E
A
S
T
E
R

Recipe for Packard's Fun Family Easter Weekend:

1 trip to Na Na and Grandpa Bernie's house
1 trip to Me Me and Pa Pa's house
Handful of kids
A couple of card games
A few cookies
3 Rides in the Paddle Boat
3 New Easter Outfits (courtesy of Me Me & Pa PaOrsak)
1 Easter Egg Hunt
Lots of Pictures
Lots of Family
and one BIG SMOOCH

a GREEN experience

2008-03-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

For St. Patrick's Day, we found this big patch of clovers in our backyard. Too soft to just look at, Aleesia's first impulse was to lie in the clovers and roll around. I remember doing the same thing as a child and I was
surprised
at how fun it still looked
20+ years later:).
Grant's turn came
next,then Evan.

The boys weren't as

keen on the idea:)

Packard Family Visits Houston, Texas

2008-03-08T23:11:00.000-08:00

A big trip to be noted in the Packard Family Life and Times was our trip to the Houston zoo. This may not seem like a big trip, but with three little ones in tow, as I'm sure many of you know, it was quite a trip. The more notable reason we had gone the distance to Houston was to see our niece, Jenelle (Packard) Williamson get sealed in the temple to her husband and baby. Thanks to mom and dad O., Samuel and I were able to witness the sweet event and remember our sealing 7 years ago. So, beforehand, we took the kids to see the lions (Grant's personal recommendation for all of you planning a trip to the Z-O-O), and elephants (Aleesia's favorite animal, patterned after her own shaggy elephant she uses to suck her thumb with at night), the man-eating sharks (according to both Aleesia and Grant), and the goats (which I tend to think were Evan's favorites - he actually got to pet and brush them...his favorite spot to brush: the tops and bottoms of their tails:)

Sugar and Spice

2008-03-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time lived a little girl, whom, her mother said, was more beautiful than the flowers, and shone more brightly than the sunshine.

"Please, it's 9:00, get dressed" said her mother one day...
So, she happily fluttered away...
and came back dressed for all to admire, in her fairy/ballerina attire

A baby pink tu tu , her white magic wand,
a set of pink pearls, and a white head band
But no set would quite be complete
without her two new ballerina dancing shoes
placed on her sweet fairy ballerina feet.:)

2008-03-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

In search for a healthy change in our diets, I bought a healthy eating book...a very insightful book on eating by the way....So, to put the healthy ideas into practice, I excitedly rushed to the grocery store to buy things like "Kale", and "Collard Greens", "Wheat Germ", and "Flax Seed", lentils, nuts, and tons and tons of Romaine lettuce. The results: Samuel lost 4 lbs...woohoo...and the kids, well, let's just say they had a hard time eating the split GREEN pea soup I made last night:) I must admit, it didn't look too appetizing...I'll take green eggs and ham over green mush any day:) To illustrate even further for lunch today, the following conversation occurred... Me: Grant, you need to sit there in your chair until you finish your salad. Grant: uhhhhh..........Thirty minutes later, this is what I found....a full plate and a sleeping boy....sweet Grant, he finished it forty-five minutes later when he awoke:)

Puppy Love

2008-02-20T09:25:00.002-08:00

So, Samuel finally broke down and said we could own a dog. Samuel brought a little 6 month old puppy home for Valentine's Day. The kids were ecstatic! When I asked what we should name her, Aleesia's choice was "Christmas Day" and Grant kept insisting that we name her "Grant", after you know who:) Well, we settled on "Crissy" short for Christmas Day and Grant:) haha. So, my days have been spent monitoring the care that our kids give our new pet. A pet is a good way to teach your kids empathy...or is it a good way to teach you patience? They are sweet kids and are learning the many lessons that I was hoping they learn, well, most of them. But, I can tell, it's going to be a long process...Sweet, sweet puppy love:)

A White Christmas

2008-01-29T19:35:00.001-08:00

Christmas was wonderful and white, merry and bright:) My sister, Amber, graciously agreed to have all of our family at her house this Christmas in Lehi, Utah for 15 plus days. 18 adults and 6 children under the age of 4 in one house for that long..."eiy yie yie", "sheese", "holy house full of people", you might say. I'm happy to say there were no real tiffs or arguments (at least between the adults); just a house full of happy, stuffed, excited, exhausted people. And when it was time to go, we were still stuffed and exhausted, but not so excited. Though we were happy to get home, it was hard to leave such good company. Isn't that what Christmas is all about: crowding together (in a manner that is probably totally against the fire code), talking, laughing, helping, singing, eating, giving...

My Sis., the Photographer

2008-01-29T19:22:00.001-08:00

So, during the Christmas holidays, Amber, my sister, volunteered her talents in photography to photograph my children and me. I had seen some of her work, one of which she sold recently, wow! She has amazing creativity and style - I'm a big fan A!

Ho Ho Ho

2008-01-29T19:19:00.001-08:00

So, with three babies under the age of 4 in the house, I have found myself singing that age old tune "Santa's Commin' To Town" to remind the children that they "better not shout", "better not cry", "better not pout"......after singing it a million times, Aleesia, our oldest finally said, "Why mommy? Why can't we pout?"