Welcome Hattie

We have a niece!!

Manhattan Grace Pack was born Wednesday morning at 1:30 am weighing in at 6 lbs 10 oz and 20 in long! She was almost born right on her due date except her Pack gene came through and made her "technically" a day late :)
Shane and I are so excited to be an Aunt and Uncle. It's awesome. I got to just show up at the hospital, do nothing and hold a sweet little baby girl. Yea it's great :) Kennady couldn't stop pointing at Hattie and Kaylee sounds so cute saying her name and worrying about her when she cries. We are so excited for the Three Pack-a-teers :) These little girls should just be so fun together!
Congrats! She is a little darling. We are so happy for Sean and Alexa. Enjoy the wonderful and always adventurous journey called parenthood!

11 months!

Only one more month until our little Angel is 1!! It is unreal to me. Here are a few things we just can't get enough of when it comes to little Kennie Lynn.

She loves playing peek-a-boo

She dances (da) and loves to point and say what's that (as sa)
She crawls at a million miles per hour
She is getting more hair :) (look very closely)
She gives the best hugs and kisses
She is getting a little sassy, just like her sister :)
She loves to crawl up Gma & Gmpa Pack's stairs as fast as she can
She is standing on her own and has taken quite a few steps
She is starting to talk and tries to copy the words/sounds we make
She has 4 cute little teeth. We just love her little gap-y front ones :)
SHE IS ALMOST ONE! What the heck. Where has the year gone!

Gratitude

We had a lovely Thanksgiving in Novato with some of my mom's family. It was the first time in forever we didn't go around the table telling what we were thankful for. Although we did share later I wanted to again share all that I am thankful for in light of the holiday season, especially the one we just enjoyed.
1. My Savior.
The older I get the more I come to understand what is really important in life and what is not. This also applies to my faith. It was something I must admit I took for granted as a teenager, but as I progress through life it is something that I continue to depend on more and more. I do not know what I would do without the stability and assurance the gospel of Jesus Christ gives me. I thank the Lord daily for his sweet blessings and all he does for me and my family. Without his mercy and love I know I would be lost in this crazy world.
2. Shane.
Although there are sometimes I forget this one I am very thankful for my husband. It probably isn't said enough, but I love him. He is a wonderful father and a wonderful man. I don't know what I would do without him.
3. My Angel babies
Kaylee and Kennady are such joys in our lives. They definitely give us a run for our money more often than not, but we have NO idea what we would do without them. I thank the Lord every night for sending them to me. Kaylee keeps us on our toes, but I just know it's teaching us what we need to work on :)
4. Family
This is a huge one for us. Not only our own little family, but our siblings and extended family as well. We cherish family so dear to our hearts. We are so lucky to have family that is encouraging, loving, fun and dear friends. Of course no one is perfect, but we are so thankful for the strength family gives us daily.
5. Friends
I can say with confidence that we have been fortunate enough to have some of the most wonderful friends. I can see the Lords hand in our lives as he has placed these wonderful people into our paths, some for longer times than others, to bless and enrich our lives. For all of you wonderful friends we love you and are thankful for you!
6. Health
I am SO thankful for legs that walk, ears that hear, eyes that see and a body that is healthy. Of course occasional things happen, but how lucky are we to be healthy and to have two beautiful healthy daughters!

I know there are probably so many more things I can list and if I really tried I could type for days, but there is also something in simpleness. There is so much gratitude in my heart and I am so excited for the holiday season to be able to share my love for those around me.

CA-RA-ZAY

We have been going a little crazy here in the Pack household.

We are MOVING...just down the street, but due to vacations and other things we were out Friday and can't move in until January. It's actually a good thing for us- same awesome ward, bigger place, more for our money..but we just have to be semi-homeless for a while :)
SO the girls and I headed to Cali to try to maintain some normalcy while all of our stuff is spread out between some friends and family. We surprised the socks off my mom when we showed up at pizza unannounced. It was great. Shane is in Utah because of school and work and we miss him. Although we miss Dad, I don't miss not having a place to call my own and at least here I have a few hands willing to help with the little ones. Thanks so much to all who have helped us and who have so generously stored our random stuff for us :) We love Y'all.
AND for all of you in the Sac-town area we will be here for a while and would love to see ya!!

10 months!

Kennady is 10 months old!

She's got 2 teeth coming in FINALLY

(top and bottom Right-it looks pretty funny)

She's a little feisty lately and it's hilarious.
She loves to give kisses and dance.

She talks up a storm and even holds her own next to Kay!She makes the sweetest faces and loves to spit!
She crawls like a champ and pulls up on everything!

Still bald as can be and cuddlier than ever!

We Love you Kennie Lynn!

Halloweenie

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween! We sure did!

And so it goes

I was looking through some more stuff and found a few more notes with little sayings for Miss Kay. Some are old and some are new. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did when I found, and experienced, them!

When asked to get her pillow off of Annie's bed...

*Too High. Its too high. I can't reach it. got this. (handed me a toy)

*When I tried on my wedding dress a few months ago I went to show Kaylee. She beamed and said, "Oh your pretty like me. Dad, mom's cute!"

*Cinderelli night and day. Cinderelli night and day..... (on and on)

*I'll be back at midnight...or Saturday.

Knowing she gets jelly beans every time she goes potty in her toilet she ran over to her toilet, sat for a minute then told me, "I farted. I get jelly beans now." We ended that right there!

When you use to ask Kaylee WHY she cried she would very dramatically tell you WHAT she cried. She also likes to reenact conversations. She even makes her voice different to be the other person too.

K: Suprise

Me: Surprise

K: Not aprise me, you.

*Shane: Is your name Kaylee Pee ball?

K: No. Its Kaylee kiss-tine Pack. Do you know that dad?

K: Mom can I have some chocolate milk?

Me: No Kay

K: Don't answer me that way mom!

*Don't talk to me like that mom! (which is anytime I tell her to do something she doesn't want to do like wash your hands or take a nap...I am SO mean)

K: Mom, can you hold my baby. I got her at Wal Mart.

M: Sure. Didn't you get her at the hospital. That's where babies come from.

K: (thinking a second) No. I didn't get her at the hops-ital, I got her at Wal Mart.

*She is our little tattle tale. So I gave Kennie a piece of paper not thinking about it because it was thick and glossy. Well of course Kennie ate a bunch of it and threw up. So later people were over and she laughs and says, "Mom gave Kennie paper and she barfed." Thanks Kay! Then she was telling us about how when she was with Uncle Sean before Halie's wedding that, "Sean was talking mad." She then changed her voice all low, "Don't come in here Prada." hahah! Be careful Kay will tell us :)

(On her pretend phone)

K: We can't come to church today. Dane it. Sorry. We're just at our home.

Me: Who was that?

K: My friend.

Me: Why can't we go to church?

K: Its too boring.

AND

Hello dad. What up dude.

*(Seeing Shane and I hugging in the kitchen) Stop giving eachothers a hug!

*(With her little toy camera) Hey Smile kids. Smile at me.

*I'm trying to find my freaking shoe again. Have you seen it? Where is my freaking shoe? Can't find my freaking shoe again. Must find it somewhere. (I must say that word way too much)

*A great example of my wonderful parenting. Kay was SO excited to find one of her books.

K: Oh my hell

Me: What?!?

K: Oh my gosh

*I'm sick. I need Ty-nol.

*Sometimes.

*I shut her in the pantry and when I opened it a second later she was frowning. I leaned down and hugged her and said, "I was just being silly Kay." She look right at me and said, "Mom. Don't be silly again."

*That make sense?

*I don't think so.

*Am I funny? I'm so funny.

*I'm funny huh mama.

*After I got mad at her for spitting out her food at dinner Shane asked her why mom was mad. She just looked at him and said, "It was hilarious." We tried hard not to laugh.

*So....So....

*Sure

*Can we go see Halie or something?

*I like boobies when me little.

*We don't say boobie. Its a bad word.

*Lately Kaylee told us that Johnny was her "favrite." Well Uncle Sean did not like this. So the other day Kaylee says, "Johhny is my favrite. Uncle Sean says NO your my favrite." Nice Sean!

*(Looking at her little animal book upstairs) Stupid ducks

*When Aunt Hayley asked Kaylee to sing Old McDonald had a booger, a song sadly she was singing because of me, she said, "No. Thats a bad word. Boogers a bad word."

Of course Hayley asked her again a while later and this time she said, "Thats a bad word Hayley Shepherd." hahaha

(Looking up at breakfast to a picture of Christ we have on the wall)

K:That's Jesus mama?

Me: yes

K: Jesus loves me very much. Jesus loves Kennady. Jesus loves mama. Jesus loves daddy.

Me: He does Kay

K: (Looking a little confused) What's on his head? A towel?

Me: (Not sure how to explain it) Its kind of like a robe

K: A rowbe! Like mine.

*Talking to my mom one day Kaylee asked, "Who likes you Grandma? Grandpa John? Grandpa John loves you." She then went on to tell us who everyone loved ex. Sean loves Alexa and Katie loves Mikey. She then got to Johnny who is not yet married. We asked, "Who does Johnny love?" She looked puzzled so we said no one right now huh. She looked sad still and said, "Its ok Johnny. You find a friend. Its ok."

*I'm sad. Let's watch Little Einsteins it feel me better. (Italicized word can be replaced with ice cream or a movie...anything!)

Again that's all I have for now, but thank you for letting me share. It's fun and lets me remember!

All you need is LOVE!

The first of many WONDERFUL pictures taken by Leah and Mikey! Thanks guys. We love you!

Kaylee says What?!?

I have decided to post some of the cute, funny and crazy things little Miss Kaylee comes up with. Sometimes I think God gives us children to show us the things we need to work on or in my case not say since my daughter hears EVERYTHING! So this mostly for us to keep track, but also to entertain and amuse our beloved blog readers :)

* Today is such a won-a-full day

* I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Is a ax-a-nent

* Come open the door I can go marry a boy

*(Kay's version of the deal Ursala gives Mermaid )
Give me my voice, I'll get you some legs

* You come to here
*(I was trying to get a hold of my mom on the phone and was having no luck. Apparently Kaylee picked up on my frustration and decided to try to help)
Freaking Grandma, listen to my mama
*That make you happy
*(setting aside a water bottle for her little friend AJ)
I'll put it here just in case you want it
*(After going to the Temple she explained to me how her wedding day would work)
I'll go in and change in pretty dress and come out and look like a princess someday
*We don't say:
Butt, we say bum bum
(Which she turned into a song that she sang to everyone in the BYU creamery!)
Diaper, we say panties (?!?hahah)
What the freak, we say what the heck

*Look at those horsies. They're pooping in their pants. They should poop in the toilet.

* Oh shoot

*Oh my

*Actually...

*I'm going to "detect" it

*You're a guppy mama

*That is di-custing

*I love my daddy. He's my favorite daddy!

*Grandma, I listen to my Princess tape all da time

* Kay has a hard time with her s words, like sm or sp. it makes for some pretty cute sentences though!
I love your parkly ring
Mom I want to wear my parkaly kirt
That pells good
Katie I want a partie (smartie candy)

*We apparently are brainwashing our kid...

I'm going to Wal-Mart mom. See ya later.

I got it at Target. I love Target.

*My mom was explaining to Kaylee how Halloween and trick-or-treating worked. All I heard from Kay was a loud squeal and, "chick er cheat, come in my basket." She then later asked me, "How we going to make me into Little Mermaid?"

Me: Kaylee you need to go to sleep
K: (as I am walking out of her room) Mom's mean
Me: What did you say?
K: (short pause) Dad's mean

Me: Kaylee come and talk to Johnny
K: No. I'm being a jerk

K: Let's watch little Einsteins
Me: (not wanting to be a terrible mom and let her watch tv all day) No, I don't want to
K: You just want to talk to me?
Me: Yea
K: (Without missing a beat) Nursery was good but I fell down on my trip but I trip on my shoe but I got an owie but I'm ok

Me: Kay can you make me something to eat?
K: I don't have the in-ge-diants

K: Daddy want to marry me in the temple?
Shane: Yes Kay
K: Are you nervous?

Me: What are you going to be for Halloween Kay?

K: Mermaid an daddy's going to be chit-tin (Triton) an mommy's going to be urs-ala an Kennies going to be founder cause he's chubby like founder.

How does she come up with 90% of this! We love it! That's all I have for now. There is so much more this little chatterbox says or amazes us with each day. We just need to be better about recording it! Hope you enjoy!

Massive Update!

1. My Parents and Hayley came into town
My Dad had a golf tournament, aka an excuse to come see the girls) so we got to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa...and Hayley :)

2. I was called as Primary President

Which means I am over the children 18 mo to 11 years at church. I am so excited and nervous!

3. We had some Libby Time!

4. We went to the Provo Temple for Family Home Evening.

Kaylee LOVES the temples so we went with Katie & Mikey and Talli & Shandon. We took pictures, ate ice cream sandwiches and had a blast!

5. Johnny and Annie came to visit

6. Abby and Kaylee reunited :)

It's been too long since we've seen the Butlers so the girls had a fun little play day together

I know its a lazy way to blog, but I have fallen behind and needed to catch up. That was pretty much our September though!

9 Months

I am 9 months old!

I am 18 lbs 11 1/2 oz 27 in

I am crawling in my own little cute way...and cleaning our floor

I am waving like crazy and saying Bah (bye) and haa (hi)

I love to wrestle with my big sister Kaylee

I love to match with my sister and give kisses to my family

I am starting to point at what I want and make the cutest noises

I am very calm and one of the happiest babies ever!

I still have no teeth and very little hair but am the cutest around!!!

We love you so much Kennie! You are our little angel baby!

"Mom, don't be so Damatic!"

Yes that is what Kaylee told me this morning as I was cleaning her up after she had a little potty accident. Apparently I was being grumpy and too dramatic for her taste. Hahaha. WOW, I love this girl!

Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE SEAN

We love you!

8 Months old

I'm Kennady Lynn

I am 8 months old.

I love to play with my tongue and make clicking noises.

I love to roll, scoot and wiggle everywhere.

I love to bend completely over to get on my knees from sitting.

I love to try to stand, even in the tub which is crazy!

I love to take steps towards my mom or dad (with help or course)

I love to suck in my bottom lip and smile like an old lady!

I love my Big sister Kaylee. She always makes me laugh and smile.

I love making noise and am even starting to say mama :)

I love pinching my mama when I am nursing

(and YES my nails are like little razors)

I am starting to try to wave to my family.

I'm chubby and always happy

(and sadly always a little stuffy)

Queen of Potty Time

Oh the joys of potty training. All I have to say is they do it on their time! Kaylee has done well here and there, but it hasn't been until very recently that she is consistently going potty only in the toilet. YEAH!! She's been waking up dry, telling us when she has to go and even sometimes just goes into the bathroom herself and does her business. Her chair even plays music when she goes...something we just learned after my mom found the "on" switch. (We still aren't sure if we are glad about this new discovery or not).
Regardless the annoying music we are so proud of her. She even got to pick out a prize yesterday!!! Good job Kaylee. We love you!

4 Weddings and a Funeral...literally.

To say we have been overwhelmed is an understatement. It has been quite crazy around here. We recently celebrated the marriage of Halie Pack, the last of the Packs to get hitched. It has been the 4th marriage in the last 9 months, three of which have been Packs! We started with Sean (Dec) then Kylie (May), Katie (June) and finally Halie. Papa Pack you married off the last three kids in the last 9 months...you can breathe now :) It was a beautiful day with a beautiful bride (and Handsome groom) and a beautiful reception! Congrats Halie & Ryan. We love you!

Besides weddings Shane has started school at Utah Valley University. He is going back to finish his degree in International Business and Accounting. We are hoping to be finished with school nonsense in a year and a half, but we shall see.

Our girls are keeping us ever entertained. Kaylee constantly is saying things that make me either:

A. Laugh

B. Cry

C. Feel embarrassed and like a bad Mother!

All those insane and adorable, although at times ridiculous, sayings will be posted at a later time.

Kennady is still as sweet as can be. Her grin if you can believe is getting bigger by the day. She is rolling everywhere and as started to scoot backwards and side army scoot to where she needs to go. We love these little angels more than anything.

Although life has definitely thrown us a curve ball with my Aunt we have looked at our life and recognized all the things the Lord has blessed us with. Although times are always crazy, whether it be kids or schedules or stupid money, we feel the Lords hand in our lives. We have two beautiful little girls, have seen 3 of our siblings sealed for time and all eternity to their sweethearts and have the faith that together with the Lord we can get through anything. What more can you ask for.

5 Years baby!

Shane and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary today. What a great 5 years. Two beautiful babies and we still love each other...most of the time :) Hope the next 5 years are just as great. Love you tons Shane!
*Shane also adds he loves me SOOOOOO much and that I am the nicest, hottest wife ever ;)

7 Months

I am 7 months old.

I weigh 16 lbs 13 oz and am 26 1/3 in long
I can sit up and "talk" a lot
I say da da, but I don't know what it means :)
I love baby food especially fruit
I love giving my mama and daddy kisses
I sleep through the night and wake up smiling
I only cry when I am hungry or tired (and even then its minimal)
I am the happiest, sweetest baby ever!

Linda Lee Miller Timmons
August 10, 1965-July 28, 2009

I originally contemplated whether or not I should post about my Aunt's death, but I decided I had to. Most of this is for me to express my feelings and for myself and my family to remember. I mean no disrespect of any kind to anyone. I am grieving in my own way.

When you get that call, the one that makes your heart stop a little, it changes things. Whether in a small or big way it changes things. My mom called me Tuesday night to tell me the news. My brother and Shane sat on the couch anxious to hear the news that made my voice so shrill. The next few days seem like a blur- crying, staying up way too late and trying to make any sense of the situation. It was comforting to be with my family, but even that was hard as emotions were raw and overwhelming. I felt physically and emotionally drained. It broke my heart to see my grandparents bury their daughter, for my mother and her siblings to say their last goodbyes, for Kaylee to tell me that Jesus loved Linda, but mostly my heart ached to see my cousins weep as they saw their mother in her coffin.

It sucks and I have no tears. Mostly I feel like I am just ignoring the subtle tears that are right on the edge of coming because I don't and can't deal with this. That is my way of dealing with anything too hard. I ignore it. Something like this though you can't ignore forever.

I have never understood depression, thankfully, because I have never felt its bitter sting. I know Linda lived in it every day. At times I know I got impatient and harsh because I so desperately wanted her to be happy and to feel the love we all had for her. I know it was deeper than any of us ever knew. I am not sure if there is anything we could have done and its hard when something like this happens because you question everything just trying to make sense of it.It's hard to hear, "We are sorry for your loss." We didn't lose her, we just couldn't keep her here anymore. All I do know is that she is gone. Regardless of words unsaid or deeds undone she is gone from this earthly life. You can never go back, only forward. Now I put my faith in Christ. He, with his perfect love and judgment, can heal our hearts. I am having a hard time dealing with this all and I can only imagine my family's heartache. In my grief I have experienced anger and bitterness, remorse and pain. I pray now that I can feel peace and gain what I can from this experience. If nothing else this has taught me what is truly important in life and that I will never regret being loving and kind to anyone regardless the situation.

We will learn from this. We will grow from this. And if nothing else it will whip us into shape spiritually. Goodbye Linda Lee. I am sorry we could not fix your broken heart. Although I do not know all the answers I am comforted by the knowledge I have of our merciful Savior. God be with you till we meet again!

Her Obituary

Linda passed away unexpectedly July 28, 2009 in her home. Linda was the daughter of Thomas and Sharon Miller, the 3rd of 7 children. She was a devoted mother to Brandon (23), Brianne (20), Ashton (16), Hagan (15), and Ali (14). She was a beloved sister of Sherry, Thomas, Victoria, David, Jana and Joseph and their spouses. She was a favorite aunt to 39 nieces and nephews.

Linda was born in Salt Lake City August 10, 1965. She spent her youth in Oakley, Idaho where she attended school and graduated from Oakley High School. She attended Utah Valley University in Provo, Utah. After her marriage she lived in Durham, NC, Boston, MA, London England, Laguna Niguel, CA and Mapleton, Utah.

Linda was a dedicated, outstanding mother and homemaker. She was always outgoing, loving and had many friends. She was multitalented and graciously shared them with others. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Happy Birthday Wifey!!!

Today was Shara's 25th Birthday, soooooo- Happy Bird-day to Shara!! I can't believe how fast you are growing up. I have watched you become such a wonderful young woman, and now you are a quarter century old!!! (Shara has let me know that my tone is not appreciated, and I quote, "Blogging is not a Game.")

So our day....It kinda sucked a little because it was on Sunday, and there is only so much Sabbath Breaking allowed in our house, but was still a nice day. We had a bunch of family over- all but my dad because he had to work with the youngins over at BYU. (Shara is reading this as I type it up, and she wants you all to know that she has nothing to do with what I am writing, and most of my comments are not sanctioned by the Pack Family Blogging Committee.) I made fajitas and my mom brought cupcakes and it was a jolly old time at the Pack house. Here is some picture documentation.

Katie likes chasing cars.

The Fam

Ben "Thrilled to be Here" Rucker

Kaylee helping Momma. Kay may be the only girl alive that has a birthday every single day.

The candle equation is as follows. Take the top cupcake tier total number (2) as the first number in Shara's age, then add the second tier total (3) to the first tier total (2) and use that sum (5) as the second part of Shara's age, and BAM! 25.

In all seriousness though, we do love you Sher. You are a fantastic mom to your kiddies, and a great wife. I hope your day was a good one. I love you.