Update...

I just went HERE and was overwhelmed at all the people contributing to this wonderful cause. There is everything you can think of being auctioned off, jewelery, photo sessions, blog designs, aprons, pictures, etc. Check out the list and see if there is anything you are interested in, it is for a great cause. Happy bidding!

Nie Nie Day!

It is very likely that you have already heard about the plane crash Stephanie (Nie) and her husband Christian were in leaving them with burns on 80% and 30% of their bodies. If you haven't, you can read what happened to the them on her sister's site: http://cjanerun.com and get an update on their current status. Make sure you grab a box of tissues first. Nie is amazing. I have been captivated by her blog the last week reading her posts with pure enjoyment. She has an amazing outlook on life and seems to have a perfect balance between motherhood, being a wife, being a homemaker, and finding time to simply enjoy life. Read her blog HERE.

Her family is amazing as well. The 4 children are being cared for by loving family members at this trying time. They have such a wonderful perspective on this trial and are strengthened by their testimonies of the Gospel.

Both Nie and Christian are currently being kept in a coma while they have surgery after surgery. Their medical bills are anticipated to be in the millions. Tomorrow, while they are sleeping and their bodies slowly recover, people all over the world are joining hands and are trying to raise money to help pay for the medical bills as well as their household management.

Thursday August 28 has been declared Nie Nie day by Design Mom. People all over the world will be hosting silent auctions on their blogs and will donate 100% of the money to the Nielsen Family Fund. You can read all about it HERE.

If you are interested in donating money I have put a link on the side of my blog. At first I felt overwhelmed thinking that I should not even bother donating because the money I have to give could not even make a dent in their bills. Then I thought if everyone who heard their story donated $25.00, or some small amount, it would really add up. I hope this story touches you the way it has touched me and you will want to donate to their cause.

Fun Visitors!!!

Ryan's parents came and stayed with us on their way to Arizona for Baylee's birthday party! It was so fun to spend some time with them. Brady and Easton did not take long to warm up and loved having them here. When I was taking this picture they were laughing so hard, they think the flash is funny. They were even giving them kisses while they were here. Easton would say "some" and then pucker his lips! It was so cute! Thanks Gary and Sue for coming to visit! We are excited to see you in Utah soon!

Funny Kids!

Last night we had our friends and Geoff and Aria over for dinner. We love hanging out with Scott and Shea (I especially love holding their brand new baby Hadlee) and Geoff and Aria are always fun to have around! After dinner and playing we turned on Barney and all the kids gathered around to watch. Luckily I have enough random chairs that they each had one to sit in. My kids love their Uncle Geoff! They all wanted to sit on his lap and have him read to them. What a good sport!My kids have been so funny lately. They are naughty and whiny all day long and then around 8:00 at night (when they usually go to bed) they become perfect angels and are so fun to be with. This happened again tonight. They were making me laugh so hard putting these on their heads and laughing at themselves. They would put them on over their eyes and yell, "MOM!" I love watching these 2 play together and have so much fun!

Guess Who...

This should be interesting. I will be watching as always, pathetic I know!

My New Love...

Dear Swiffer SweeperVac:

Thank you for coming into my life and making it so much easier to clean my tile floors! I love that you pick up every bit of dust, hair, and smashed cheerio on my floor. You were worth every cent I spent on you!

Love, Sarah

Poor Kid

Today Brady was playing with the door and somehow bonked his head really good. He only cried for a minute and then I said "shake it off" and he wiped his hands together like he does and ran off and played. I went to check on him a minute later and he had this huge goose egg. The pictures do not do it justice. Of course since Brady was on the chair Easton wanted to get up too. They were being so funny and would look at eachother and laugh every time the flash went off on the camera. I love these boys!

They say it's your birthday...

There are a lot of people I love that celebrate their birthday in August so I thought I would just do all my birthday wishes in 1 post. Here it goes...1. My brother Jake's birthday was July 31 but I was gone so I added him to this list. Happy belated birthday to a wonderful father and brother. We love you and are so glad you live closer so we can see you more!
2. My sister-n-law Lindsay also had a birthday at the beginning of August. Lindsay is one of my favorite people. She is so fun to be around and can always make me laugh. She gives me hope that I can have a girl even with these McGiven genes!!
3. Kylee Holland turned 6 today! She is about the cutest and sweetest girl around! She is a wonderful big sister and cousin and is a great helper. She made my birthday when she called me over and over until she got a hold of me to wish me happy birthday and sing to me!
4. Happy Birthday to me! I needed another picture so I added myself :)
5. Laila is almost 1! She is a darling girl and we love living by her and spending time with her. I love when she pats my back and gives me kisses! She is so fun!
6. Baylee is almost 1 too! She is so cute! I have not been able to be around her very much because she lives in Arizona but I love being able to watch her grow through pictures! She is an adorable little girl! We love her!
7. Stephanie is one of my best friends in the whole world! She has always been a great friend and can always make me laugh! We always have fun when we are together and I have so many great memories with her!
8. My brother-n-law Tyler is also a great guy! He has a funny sense of humor and makes me laugh :) He is a wonderful father and a great priesthood holder.
9. My grandpa's birthday is at the end of the month. He is one of the most incredible men in the world! I have always had a very special relationship with him and miss seeing him as often as I used to. He is a twin and he loves being around my kids because of it! He and my grandma are very supportive of all their grandkids! I hope you have a great birthday grandpa...we love you!

Happy birthday to all these special people in my life!!! I hope I didn't miss anyone??

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone for making my birthday a special day! I received lots of phone calls, text messages and sweet notes. Thanks to Renee (see the post below) even more people figured out that I turned 25 on Sunday! Thank you especially to Geoff and Aleena for watching my kids so Ryan and I could go out last night! It is so great to have such wonderful family and friends!

Happy Birthday SARAH!!!

Okay, so I am offically hacking into Sarah's blog to post her a day late Birthday wish...did you all know that yesterday was her Birthday!???! Happy Birthday to the BEST sister in the whole world! I am sure ALL of her blogging friends will agree that Sarah has to be one of the most wonderful people around. A great friend, a great mom, and a great wife! Thanks for your example!

SYTYCD and 2008 OLYMPICS!!

As we finished watching SYTYCD tonight I felt so sad thinking I have to wait another year to watch it again. I love this show! It was so fun to watch all the best performances through the season tonight. They did a lot of my favorites and it got me so excited for the tour! Congratulations to Joshua! I think he is great!On another note I am so excited for the Olympics I can hardly contain myself! I have set up my tivo and will be watching faithfully for the next 2 weeks! I love the Olypmics and everything about it. I feel so proud to be an American and watch the US compete and be so amazing! I am looking forward to all of it but mostly swimming, track, and GYMNASTICS! GO USA!!!!!!!

How Could I Forget?!?

I forgot to mention in my previous post the man who made my whole trip possible. Thank you to my sweet hubby who knew I needed a break and willingly took my kids so I could enjoy the weekend with my friends! I was shocked when I called him Friday morning and they had just left the Shark Reef. He packed up the boys and took them to the strip by himself to see the fishies! I took the camera with me so he took pictures on his phone and sent them to me. He said they loved it! On Saturday he took them to feed the ducks with Geoff and Aria. What a great dad! Thanks Ryan for letting me go to St. George and for being such a great dad! Thanks to my anonymous commentor for reminding me how awesome my husband is!

Girls Trip!

Last weekend I drove up and met 5 of my girlfriends in St. George for a relaxing getaway! We did all the things girls love to do. Here are a "few of my favorite things..."

1. Sound of Music at Tuachan. We were burning up but it was still great fun!2. The spa -- we had pedicures, facials, and other treatments!3. We layed out by the pool.4. I got to hang out with the new babies...Eliza and Christian! They are so cute and were both so good! Eliza gave us a little scare but she pulled through okay!5. Yummy food and treats.
6. Mama Mia...what's a girls trip without a chick flick?
7. SHOPPING!

I am so lucky to have such great friends! I love spending time with them and no matter how long it has been since I have seen some of them we seem to pick up right where we left off. It was a much needed break and I loved every minute of it!
Yes I went dark again! I know I am crazy...I just can't stay the same color for too long. Here is a closer picture of it that Steph took...I am still getting used to it but I like it! Sorry Mom :)