Finding Joy in The Journey

Lace em up for Paris

2011-07-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Our friends Jeff and Dana Lacey have been hosting a 3 on 3 basketball tournament for the last 16 years. This year they decided to play for the Paris White Foundation!

What amazing people!!

It was a beautiful day, lots of fun and some really great basketball!!!

Huge Thanks!!

2011-07-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

As today marks 6 years since we lost our sweet baby girl, we rejoice as Skyler, our family and friends put in a life jacket loaner board at Issac Evans Park in Auburn. We have been able to donate hundreds of life jackets to facilities around Washington, who also place them on these life jacket loaner boards for people to borrow and return while at the the river or lakes. We are so excited we were able to put one in for Skyler's Eagle Project!!

We are so blessed to be surrounded by so many great people,who not only supported us at the eagle project but continue to show us so much love! We appreciate all the phone calls, text messages, flowers, chocolate, balloons and much felt prayers today as we continue our journey!

2011-06-07T23:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning, Tonya from King 5 news contacted us and wanted to do a story about the Paris White foundation. I wasn't prepared for her to say she wanted to do it "today" so I headed off to soccer to continue my normal Saturday activities knowing they would be there shortly after the game. I wasn't thinking we would have all of us there since Skyler was taking the SAT's. I just assumed this would be like the other interviews I've done. Boy was I wrong.... Sky made it home and our interview was quite long!! They included our whole family. We headlined the news and my 17 year old son did amazing!!

We appreciate all the love and support we get from not only our friends but our community!! AMAZING!!

If you haven't seen it check it out!

http://http//www.king5.com/home/Family-Gives-Away-Life-Jackets-123169358.html

What Happened to January, February, March AND April??

2011-03-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I can't keep up on this blog.... Here are some updates in no particular order!!

Paris' Last Easter

Paris' First Easter

Our Easters with Paris now

Easter Morning Oh my Girls Kill Me

What Happened to Lexis?

Church Easter Egg Hunt!!

They were a blast dying eggs this year!!

SAFECO BABY What a FUN event!! Stealing on a Major league field

Hunter Loves to sing.....His last Choir Concert

Dallis and I went to Fancy Nancy ballet....So Fun

I'm not sure it hasn't stopped snowing here in Seattle?? Is it Spring yet?

Lexis is such a character?

Cooper is the Sultan in Aladdin

Happy 4th Birthday Dallis

PROM!!

Meg and Sky

Charlie Brown's Christmas Take 2

2010-12-16T21:06:00.000-08:00

Cooper was Charlie Brown in the "Charlie Brown's Christmas" Story. He did an amazing job! A lot of lines to remember and even some singing and dancing!! Dallis was also part of this program since she goes to the same school. She is in the Play and Learn Class and they sang Away in a Manger and 10 little Angels. Here are a few Photo's from the night.

Violet, Charlie Brown and Sally

Dallis singing Away in a Manger

Violet & Chuck (Violet is Cooper's friend from church Jenna)

Happy Thanksgiving....Isn't it almost Christmas?

2010-12-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is such a great time of year! I love how everyone starts to meta morph into more grateful loving giving people!! We are so blessed as a family. We have so much to be grateful for!
Our Turkey bowl was BLISS it was snowy!! Nothing makes my heart smile like the snow!! It truly was so fun!!
Our dinner was incredible as always Grandma Banker went above and beyond. Who makes 11 pies?
And Mrs. Claus.....That old lady dropped our PJs off on the roof. She's so sneaky, the kids kept checking the front door and didn't expect to find them on the roof??

The Gang in the Big Game

Check out Coop's Face...does he want to get Aunt Dani or What??

I love that even My little Girlie Girl is ready for some Football

Mrs. Claus FINALLY came :)
She brought Charlie Brown's Christmas for the Book
(Good choice since Coop is Charlie Brown in his Charlie Brown Christmas play at school)

17....WHAT?

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

Crazy how time flies!! I can still remember the day I delivered my baby boy!! Yep, Skyler is 17 and I am one sad mommy! I love seeing my kids grow, but I hate knowing the older they get the closer they are to moving on......Sky is such a great kid! He has an amazing testimony and truly desires to be good! He works hard in all he does and is constantly trying to get better at the things he is most interested in!

I couldn't be more proud!! Speaking of being proud....This 17 year old made 1st Team All League Kick Returner and

1st Team All League Line Backer

Today we went to IHOP for breakfast, came back to our house for some cake, ice cream and presents. He then went and got pedicures with Megan and Tayla! What a guy! :)

Chicken Fried Steak...His Favorite (yes he ate it all and then some)

Fun-Fetti/Rainbow Chip Football Cake another Fav

New Jacket, 2nd Year in a Row asking for it....Finally
Pedi's

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2010-10-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

Little Paris

Since Halloween is on a Sunday we did our Church "trunk or treat" Saturday. We had a great time and our kids enjoyed all the candy they collected!! I love that my kids are such great sports about dressing up!! They actually enjoy it and never fuss about their costumes!! I love Halloween, I don't love Halloween and the rain and I thought for sure this year I would be doing Halloween in the rain since it poured all day!! But, we lucked out it was a great mild evening!!

AMHS Homecoming 2010

2010-10-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Homecoming Game
Homecoming this year for Skyler and his date Megan was a little different. They wanted to go to homecoming yet they didn't want to go to the dance. The dances have gotten so uncomfortable for the kids who are trying to maintain some sort of standards. The dancing is so icky!!! Soooo, we started the night off with pictures out at Lake Tapps on a friends dock it was a beautiful evening
! Cousins

Then we had some friends set up dinner on top of the roof of an apartment in downtown Seattle

they had a beautiful view of the city
Our friends did an amazing job making it look spectacular

After dinner they danced two dances Then they headed to the church where we had a bouncy house obstacle course and boxing ring set up. There was a candy "bar" and kettle corn to pacify their sweet tooth! Once they were all worn out they headed back to our house for some hot tubing and mud pie!
We adults had a blast :) We followed them around like paparazzi!!

2010-09-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

We had such a blast this summer!! I am always sad when school starts back up and I have to actually stick to a schedule. As much as I love having a schedule I don't like being bound by them. WOW, I have commitment issues.

We spent most of our time at the most beautiful place on earth... that's right Moses Lake baby. We were there almost every weekend and then spent 10 days there with a trip to Silverwood thrown in the mix.

It's never hot enough for Paul anywhere we go but Arizona but this summer on our side of the mountains we got really got ripped off with the amount of sun we had!! He has been ankle biting me to go to Arizona for over a month now!

Paul's Passion SURFING

Coop

Go Dallis on the Indo Board

Stephanie, Lucas, Dallis and Lexis

Hunter

Sky

2010-09-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

We Miss You Mara!!

Shout Out!!

2010-07-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who keeps supporting us and the Paris White Foundation! How blessed we feel that we are surrounded by people who continues to donate, listen, and love us!!

I often wonder if I will ever stop doing the balloon release.....
For me and my family probably not!

We really do appreciate all you all do openly and silently!!

So much Love!!

Happy Birthday Coop

2010-07-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

My Little Guy Coop is 9

He is so funny. He can't really decide what he wants to do. He wanted to first ride dirt bikes in Moses Lake, then he wanted to take his cousins golfing, then he wanted to have a water party here at the house, then he wanted to go to Moses Lake and go to dinner with our friends who share a birthday with him. SOOO, We ended up having a family water party, he went golfing with daddy and then we went to Moses Lake where he rode Jet Skies and jumped off the dock we finished up the night with ice cream at dairy queen. All the kid wants is to do extreme sports, he wants a dirt bike (motorcycle) really bad. I wont do it, a long board is as extreme as I will go :) I love coop and his love for activity. He has informed us he want to be a landscaper or drive tractor for the cemetery? He is such a hard worker who loves to play hard!! I can't believe 9 years ago I wasn't sure if I was going to bring Coop home from the midwives. He's been live'n on the edge ever since!!

Water Slide Baby

He Wont Look at Me With his Shirt Off

His Favorite

Ice Cream (It's Late)

2010-07-08T00:13:00.000-07:00

WE DID IT!!

Lexis is officially older than Paris was.

This is a bitter sweet moment. How grateful I am I have no more "make it too dates" yet how sad I am that most of my tangible items (her clothes) are no longer going to fit Lexis as she continues to grow!

This is one crazy emotional roller coaster ride!! WOW!

Lexis is 2

2010-07-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

Once again my baby turned 2. For some reason her turning 2 was harder than Dallis turning 2. I felt like I needed to have a Big Bash for her like I did for Paris. So, I put on my party hat, ordered some cup cakes, blew up the water slides and had a party. I realize it seems as if I am living in fear. I am not.... OK, OK I am!! I just don't want to miss out on anything! I am so grateful for the things I did with Paris in the short 2 years I had her and I would never take any of it back!! So, I find myself making sure I dot all my i's and cross most of my t's.
Lexis Hope is such a blast! She is darling, sweet, spunky, coy, spirited and hilarius all at the same time. She sings God Bless America better than any 2 year old I know plus she gives the best stink eye of any little girl I know! I love that she is 2 but most of all I love that she will be 2 and 11 day's soon. Then she will be 3 and soon enough we will be picking out her prom dress. I hope that she never changes. I hope that she knows how much her family adore's her and loves her. I hope she knows that she is surrounded by friends who love her!!

I miss you Paris! Thank You for making it possible for us to have our Lexis Hope!!

(and Dallis too)

Happy Birthday my Sweet Lu and many many more!!

Happy Birthday Hunter

2010-06-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hunter is 11

I can't believe it....I am so sad!! Time goes way too fast, I wish I had spent more time cherishing every little detail!! Hunter, is such an incredible little boy, everyday he amazes me. I am so grateful he chose me as his mom, how blessed I am to have his sweet spirit in my home!!

Hunter's party was a blast. He and all his friends played water kickball, hot tubed, ate pizza, cake and opened presents. All he wanted was money so he could buy an ipod touch.

1st Base

2nd Base
3rd Base
Sliding into home
He Did it!

It's june....

2010-06-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

Need I say more? This is one of my favorite times of the year because I get all my kids back, but it is also one of the most crazy times of the year for my family. I have 4 kids with birthdays all a week apart. Plus Paris' death date, my anniversary, my dads birthday, PJ's birthday.....oh and Father's day!! Happy June!!

Soccer Champs

2010-06-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hunter is the only soccer player we have in the family....ugh! I am so glad SOMEONE plays. This spring he played indoor for the first time and loved it!! He does such an amazing job reading the field and making a play. I am always so impressed with where he places the ball!! After a fun season, and only 1 loss he and his team won the Championship game!!

LOVE BEING A MOM

2010-05-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day.....What an amazing title!!

I feel so blessed to be a mom! I have such incredible children, each one of them with their own personalities and strength to endure!! I am amazed at what each of them teach me!! They continue to keep me on my toes and fill my spirit with so much joy!!

Happy Mother's Day is Right!! I am so Happy I am a Mommy!!

************************************

The only part of Mother's Day that Breaks my heart!!

Safeco, Spring Break, Sister's Weekend

2010-04-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Mt.View Baseball has an awesome opportunity to play at Safeco. Not only do they get to play on a major league field, but they get to be in the dugout, be announced, be on the "big" screen! The boys love it!! And so do our families, we kind of get to go and do around the stadium, unlike when you are there for a mariner's game you are bound by your assigned seats. Thanks to everyone who continues to buy tickets from us to make this possible for Skyler and the rest of the Mt.View Baseball players

Spring Break in Seattle is kind of a joke..... our weather is not really spring break weather. We as a family can't really go any where since Skyler has league games that week. We did a lot of activities in spite of the weather. We even went to the ocean!!

Sisters Weekend....I don't really even need to say much more! I am so lucky to have such an awesome family!! I am grateful to my sisters who love me unconditionally and who are such a blast to hang out with. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. The best part about my family is we are VERY easily entertained.... we don't ever have to have a schedule, and sitting and eating all weekend is completely ok!!

SO CRAZY

2010-04-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

This isn't the best picture of Lexis but I had forgotten about it until I was going through some of Paris' pictures. We received this painting of Paris at her luncheon after her funeral. I remember when I first saw it, I thought to myself "that's not Paris" the sweet lady who painted it then told me this isn't exactly what the only picture she had of Paris looked like but it was what was in her minds eye......
They don't look exactly alike but that is SO CRAZY!!

Mormon Prom!!

2010-03-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

Skyler and Megan went to Mormon Prom!!

They both said it was the prettiest decorations they have ever seen! Waaay better than any of the school dances!! Plus the music and dancing was actually appropriate.....it's hard to enjoy the school dances when the music and dancing make you feel so uncomfortable!! The food was yummy, the company was great and the after prom party was a blast!!

They make ice cream sculptures.....

I have A Graduate!

2010-03-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

Hunter has graduated....

FROM D.A.R.E!!

I love the Dare program. I know there are a lot of people in the world who aren't sure about the program and it gets some thumbs down....but I give it two thumbs up!! I love how much the kids learn and actually see the consequences of Drugs and Alcohol.

Hunter got to wear the "drunk" glasses he said it was so weird, and he never wants to actually feel that!!

No Fun To Blog When There Are So Many Struggling.....But here it goes

2010-03-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

What a FUN month February is, it makes me want to jump up and down and yell I love you, I love you!!(Dallis did it for me:) I know, I know most MEN don't....they thinks it's a girls month because of Valentines Day. Well, IT IS!!! I just think its real simple, its a day were, as a man if you aren't real lovey dovey then here's your chance to score some REAL points with your wife!! I find it interesting why anyone would hate a holiday where we get to show the people we love most just a little extra love'n!! My husband by the way is not one of those men who hates Valentines day. And, since he can't seem to EVER be done with me Valentines Day comes easy for him!! This year I did things a little different since Valentines Day was on Sunday, instead of doing all my fun stuff in the morning before they rush off to school I spread it out throughout the whole day. Way more fun this way!!

This is so Dallis right now she just loves Lexis so much she wants to just squeeze her

Skyler gave this to his girlfriend White Chocolate dipped oreos, they were yummy!!

Fun candy shakes I made for everyone

Do you think I have a problem.....

Dallis is 3

2010-02-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

So, it happened.... Dallis turned 3, I know, I know she will turn 4, 5, and even 16 eeek!! I can't really explain why her turning 3 is such a big deal, I mean the obvious (Paris never was 3) but I wish I could put it into real words!!
Despite my emotions we had a BLAST!! We really didn't do anything big, she went to school, we went to gym starz and then for dinner, we went to Old Mc Donald's. She was simply adorable and the things that came out of her yesterday were bossy and super funny! I can't believe I said that in the same sentence! She loves to sing, dance, boss everyone around and pray! Even this morning the day after she woke up, walked out and since the house was still decorated she goes
"ooooa, oooooa" shook her shoulders and asked "what's for breakfast"

Here are a few Pictures from her BIG day!!

French Fries and Ice Cream My kind of Girl!

Personal Narrative By: Skyler White

2010-01-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

This was Skyler's Final he did for a Class

“Everything Happens For A Reason”

“Skyler, Paris is floating in the Pool, is she supposed to be there?” This is how my morning began on July 14 2005, which changed my life forever.
As I laid on the couch watching ESPN, enjoying my time off from school, I never imagined how my summer would turn instantly into a nightmare. My brother Cooper walked leisurely into the house on the beautiful morning of July 14th and asked me “the” question that constantly rings in my ears.
As I go running out to my pool to see what was going on I see my mom already jumped in the pool and was pulling my sister out of the water. As she was pulling her out I ran inside to call 911.
“Hello this is 911 what is your emergency?”
“My sister, she drowned in the pool! Hurry please we need help!”
“Sir I am sending help, is she breathing?”
“NO! She is blue and there is no life in her, HURRY PLEASE!”
“Are you doing CPR? Do you know how to do CPR? Are there more people around you? Do you know how she got in your pool?”
“We are doing CPR and there is others here, I don’t know how she got in the pool.”
Then I gave the phone to my dad and I don’t know what was said after that. The fire dept. showed up and they life flighted her to Children’s hospital. My parents and I had to drive ourselves to the hospital, where we were met by a counselor, and I knew it was going to turn out bad. We spent the rest of our time singing, and talking to Paris, trying to get some sort of response out of her.
Unfortunately, my sister ended up dying that day at 3:20pm. When this all first happened I was in shock. Her dying did not really set in till her funeral. Once it set in, IT REALLY HURT. I did not want to do anything and I was mad at everything. It was not fair, why did my sister have to go? When I would see other families with little girls it would just remind me of my sister and it would make me miss her even more. I was mad at this whole situation until three years ago.
This is when my parents had another baby girl, Dallis. 14 months later my parents had another baby girl, Lexis. These girls are the biggest blessing not only in my life, but to my family’s life as well. See, after my Mom and Dad had Paris they were going to be done having kids, but with her death they ended up having two more! This was the turning point for me; it really made me realize that there is a purpose for everything that happens. We all were sent to this world to do something special. Paris’s special thing was to bless my family’s life for two years, then open the doors and bring two more girls into our family, which made us happy and brought us joy again. This is why we live; to find out our important role we have in life. Everything happens for a reason.

34?

2010-01-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow where did that come from? I can't believe I am 34!! I don't feel 34, but I do look 34....in fact I think by the wrinkles I am pushing 40! Thanks to Paris and lack of sunscreen I have so many wrinkles, I don't even think my iron would take on the job!!

My birthday was super fun!! My friends and family went above and beyond, as always!! I am surrounded by such great people!!

I was given a very priceless gift, I don't think those involved will ever know how much it meant to me!! Our Young Women and leaders did a "roast" if you will, it was so sweet!! I will cherish that moment and WOW all the time and effort put into everything!! It was amazing!! They even made me BROWNIES with GANACHE!!

My sweet mom even made me a yummy dinner and my favorite dessert (star trek trifle)

That Was Fast

2010-01-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

Can you believe they are over....the holiday's? I love all the hustle and bustle of it all! The Christmas music, the fun school art, the school holiday concerts, the traditions and even the the shopping (can you believe I said that)! I just can't believe I have to do it with out Paris. How I long to listen to her sing Christmas Carols as loud and as often as Dallis (who by the way is still singing them)

This Christmas was fast and furious and such a blast! I am so grateful for my children who Love all the "traditions" we do around Christmas time.

This year feeding the homeless hit to close to home.... we gave lunches to a few homeless teenagers.

Our Coats concert was amazing cause not only did the Alfrey's come along but we MET the Coats after the concert!

Snow Flake lane and the Make a Wish letters for Santa was such a blast! How can something that is virtually the same every year still be so magical!!

Ginger bread making with the Kriddles is always a blast! This year the kids went BIG a few 2nd floors went on these houses and of course Tay and Sky built the Temple.

BINGO.....always such a big hit and super fun!

The Nativity and Singing by the piano posed to be biggest challenge for me!!

I miss you Paris, EVERY part of you!!

The reunion has ended, my family -2 have all had the super flu, my house is finally cleaned and another Christmas is behind me, what to do but continue on this most amazing journey!!

Football, Turkey, Mrs. Claus and DENNIS!!!

2009-12-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING 2009

Our turkey bowl this year was a little wet, but such a blast!! We love Grandpa and his "rules" every year they get better and better!

The Dinner was AMAZING!! Grandma Banker always out does her self! I still can't figure out how SHE gets it all done and everything tastes incredible!!

Mrs. Claus tricked us this year... she came to the back door instead of the front door. We think she was trying to keep the Jammie's from getting wet!! What a thinker she is

Then, the greatest thing ever happened.... My brother Dennis surprised us!! I have never been surprised in my life, EVER!! It was so fun, I think Dani and I traumatized our kids with our over excitement!!

PURE JOY!!

How Thankful I am I Survived 16

2009-11-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

It's true.... Sky went a head and turned 16!! I wasn't sure I was going to survive it! I didn't realize how sad I truly was!! I'm not sure what I expected, but being so incredibly sad wasn't one of them. And why 16? Well, because he will have a little extra freedom (when he gets his licence he is trying to finish his Eagle for Scouts) I can't tell him he can't have a girlfriend (well I guess I could) He can date.....need I say more!! Sky is a great kid and I feel so blessed to have him as mine!! He is fun, polite, caring, athletic, a great listener, LOYAL, he has a testimony of Jesus Christ and he loves his family!!
His birthday was fun! We surprised him with a car and then on Friday we had a surprise party for him!

One of the other great benefits of a birthday is you get your favorite dinner made special by Grandma

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2009-10-31T22:56:00.001-07:00

Halloween this year was super fun!! It was a pretty laid back day and we enjoyed doing fun Halloween activities!! Poor Sky didn't have much excitement but my little kids had a blast!! Hunter is a Football Ref, Cooper is a Motor cross Rider, Dallis is Cinderella, and Lexis is the Ladybug. All 3 of my girls wore the ladybug costume, it was a bittersweet moment!! How I loved getting Lexis ready for the night, so many tender memories go along with that costume. It was sweet walk down memory lane! In fact, just the other day Dani asked me if I was ever going to take that costume off the back of the door of Paris' and Lexis' room......NOPE!! Not yet!

We went to a new pumpkin patch this year, we waited til the last day so I thought we were going to completely bomb out, actually, we scored!! They seemed to have lowered their prices on everything, so it was a pretty cheep night!! They rode the monster truck, the four wheelers(multiple times), fed the goats, did the vortex and we still bought pumpkins (we weren't going to buy pumpkins this year since we grew them in our garden) We also didn't carve them til today, it was a good way to keep the boys busy this morning!!
I tried something new this year! We've never done a haunted chocolate house and I bought one early this month thinking we would do it for family night, of course we ran out of time and so we did that this afternoon! I'm glad it never fit into our schedule until today!! Dallis had so much fun eating... I mean decorating the house, the boys were very patient and creative trying to work around Dallis! It makes me sad to think October is over! That means so many things, football is coming to an end, summer is completely gone, my kids have now been in school for 2 months which means they are getting older and smarter, I have to get serious about Christmas shopping but the saddest of all is, Skyler is 16 in 11 days......... Where is the time going? I hope I don't miss anything!!!

2009-10-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

HOMECOMING 2009

MIDNIGHT MANOR

SKYLER & MEGAN

THE GARAGE...... DINING ROOM
We fed them dinner in our garage. There were 7 couples
SKY & TAY
MOST OF THE CREW

(MISSING MAK & JAY IN THE TOP PIC AND MICHAEL & TAY IN THE 2ND PIC)

LOVE THIS.....WHAT A FRIEND

Obeying The Commandments?

2009-10-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Maybe there is a reason we should keep the Sabbath Day Holy? Cooper and his cousins were playing football on Sunday.....needless to say as Coop was pushed, he fell and hit his head on the bridge in our yard. He cut his head open pretty bad!! We should have taken him to the ER but we decided we could fix it ourselves!!SUPER GLUE!! Besides aunt Dani getting her finger stuck to Coops head and his hair being super glued together for weeks all turned out GREAT!!! I have to admit as much as I wanted to go to the ER (I was super scared) it really was a blessing that we did what we did!! Coop had way less pain and a way smaller scar!!

Coop's a pretty tough kid! Good thing he still scored :)

His hair that was stuck in the bridge

Battle Wound

Super Glue....

Brave Little Mara

2009-09-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

One year ago today, brave little Mara's spirit left the earth to go live with our Heavenly Father!! Her story is amazing! We love the Adams and are grateful for their example!

We miss sweet Mara!!

Mara and her Daddy at Paris' 2nd Birthday

www.maraadams.com

Roughly, 175 Days Til Summer

2009-09-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

I know, I know they just went back to school! But, I love my kids home!! I hate the fighting and I hate the messes but I like knowing they are "somewhat" safe from the "world!"

As much as I love schedules, love a cleaner house, love not having to make lunch for so many mouths, I love having my kids home MORE!! So, believe it or not I am already on the countdown!!

I love how they each have their own look!!

Hunter 5th Grade Cooper 2nd Grade

Skyler cracks me up, I remember the first day of school and not wanting to wear all my new clothes because everyone else would be wearing theirs so, I would wear boxers and a sweatshirt(what was my mom thinking) now that Sky does the same thing.....I think it's adorable

2nd day, game day

3rd day....... So which is it? What is Skyler's real look??

It's Football Season Baby!!

2009-09-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

PRE-GAME....

How can football season be any better than this? I love football, love, love, love football!! But, when your son is playing, it is so much more fun!!

He was so excited!!! So was I!!

It was a great game....

WE WON!!

Skyler played awesome and I couldn't be prouder!!

KICK OFF RETURN
YOU CAN'T SEE SKY...BECAUSE HE IS HITTING #15....WHICH CAUSED AN INTERCEPTION

GRANDPA GIVING HIM SOME "LOVE"

Exciting Day For Dallis

2009-09-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

Sad day for mommy!! Today Dallis went to pre-school......why in the world would I put her in school so early? Well, thanks to my friend I couldn't pass up the deal of the century!! She is enrolled in school for the whole year for $50.00 yep that's right $50.00!! (I don't even have to volunteer) So, she either goes to the gym and play in the kids club or go to "school" with all of her church friends and get some sort of structure, why would I ever pass this up? She might go to school the most out of any of my other kids but I'm sure I will never ever have an opportunity like this again!! So, besides beating myself up for even thinking about putting her in school and then having to get her potty trained, tears and all we made it through the first day!!! I didn't realize It would stir up so many emotions......

I am so sad that I never got to

A) potty train Paris

B) I never got to have a 1st day of school with Paris!

C) I never got to buy Paris a 1st day of school outfit, shoes, backpack, take pictures..... the list could go on and on!!

I know this will be great for Dallis and I am grateful she gets this opportunity.....I think :)

WOW!!

2009-08-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

Visit Paris' Website to see what my amazing sister Daya did for the Paris White Foundation!! What a huge sacrifice!!

Love ya girl!!

It's hard for me to comprehend the nice things people have done for me and my family!! I am not that nice....now my husband is, but not me!! So, when people (like Daya) Pull off these huge events for us I can't wrap my brain around it?

I am so grateful for all the sacrifices everyone has made on mine and my families behalf!!

Now that the foundation seems to be taking off it's nice to have something of Paris' that I actually get to watch grow!!

http://www.pariswhite.com/

2009-08-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

Paul and I went to Cancun with the Jessee's

Dreamy, Beautiful, Super Fun

Romantic, Dazzling

Amazing, Peaceful, Smoke'n Hot,

Our trip was incredible! It was everything we dreamed it would be and more!!

I would have never thought Paul and I could fall in love any more....I thought our love was at full capacity, I was wrong!! It was the most romantic vacation, It couldn't of been any better!!

We went on ziplines and dune buggy's, they were a blast. Our faces are covered in dirt!

Paul and Billy sailed everyday. I didn't know I would like sailing..... I loved it!!!

After the zipline and buggy's we swam in caves, look how clear the water is, AMAZING!!

Since this was the most incredible chocolate cake I have ever had I decided to make it my main diet, room service every night!!

While at the flea market this little boy followed us telling us the

bracelets were 50.00 pesos, too cute!!

Our night on the beach.......doesn't get better than that!!

The Life of A Teenager

2009-08-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

Skyler is your typical teenager....He doesn't keep his room clean enough, he doesn't take care of his clothes right away, he doesn't put his dishes in the dishwasher, he doesn't put his shoes by the door away, he sleeps too much.....But, the things he does do, out ways all those insignificant things!!He is such an amazing young man!!

If I would have taken pictures of what he really does in a day, it would have consisted of football every morning at 7:50am, food, sleeping, video game playing, babysitting his siblings, showering, going out with his friends oh did I mention FOOD!! Playing Game Cube and still holding a baby!

And just like that asleep

SUMMER BIRTHDAYS

2009-08-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

I promised myself I would post the birthdays. The hardest thing about this is I like to "move on" But, since this is the ONLY journaling I seem to be doing these days I better get on it!!

June 21st HUNTER EDWARD WHITE is 10

Since Hunter was a little boy he has LOVED horses! He has been asking for a horse since he was old enough to put that sentence together!! We of course haven't bought him one so every year he wants a horse birthday party. Well, I have been trying to put him off since I know how spendy it would be and actually hoping he would "get over it" He didn't :) So, this was the year Hunter got his horse party! We gathered 10 friends and drove about 2 hours to GoldBar to a wonderful Ranch that took us on a 2 hour ride for the price of 1! The country was beautiful, the horses were well mannered and the people who were running it were more than generous! I know it will be a party Hunter will never forget! In fact Cooper who doesn't want to do anything like Hunter wants to do it next year.

June 27th LEXIS HOPE WHITE is 1

Holy Cow my baby is 1.....I can't even believe it! I don't really want to accept it, and I have a hard time imagining my home without an infant in it!! I have really learned to cherish every moment and as the moments are flying by all I want to do is hold on to every minute!! She has been a complete Joy to have around the house!! I love birthdays and I always want to go over the top!! But, I decided since she is only 1 and wont "really" remember her first birthday I would just have a small BBQ for her. She was super cute when it came cake time, she wasn't sure about getting her hands all dirty.

July 4th PARIS LAVONE WHITE is 6

We have moved away from doing a BIG party for Paris and just keep it family! This year we were in Gig Harbor and ate lunch at a restaurant on the water. We then came home and had our "angel dinner" (great idea Heather) with angel hair pasta, angel bread and then created angel cookies. Of course since it's the 4th we couldn't go to bed without some amazing fireworks!! It was a beautiful day and I was surrounded by wonderful people! I know Paris was among us too. Her sweet spirit seemed to be everywhere!! We miss actually having her here to celebrate with us, but we know our reward is great!!

Gig Harbor
As Always Playing in the Water

Angel Dinner

Angel cookies

Firework Fun

COOPER MALCOLM WHITE is 8

My tiny little Cooper has been the bat boy for his Skyler's select baseball team the Mud dogs since the Mud dogs have been a team. He has listened to the coaches, player's, fans all give their advice as to what is supposed to happen on the Baseball field. He has absorbed most of it and then some and has decided much to grandpa's protest he wants to be a catcher and he believes he could actually throw someone out at second if he played on the Mud dogs. So, of course he wanted a baseball party and he wanted to play the Mud dogs..... they were such good sports and he did a really good job behind the plate!! He even hit the catcher's mask on his knee flipped it around and put it on his head, "you know to get the dirt out" His friends were also good sports! Some of them could actually hang, but other's could have cared less about baseball!!!

He tagged Hunter out at home

Balloon Release

2009-07-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

What a success our balloon release was! We had a great turn out with so much support and love, it was amazing!! We collected 27 life jacket...YEA!!! And are going to be able to purchase a bunch more!!

Even though I can't seem to get rid of the constant ache, I am grateful for the blessings I have in my life, and the opportunity to hopefully save another family for experiencing this much pain!! My family and friends are so amazing in my life and I can't believe how lucky I am to have each one of you at my side!! Please know that through the years I have felt your prayers and appreciate them more than I can ever express!! What strength you give me!!

I loved this picture of Dallis....

Birthdays, Birthdays, Baptisms, Balloon Release.... Oh did I mention Birthdays

2009-07-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

It's That time of year for the White family....CRAZY!! I have finally finished my last event before my heart wrenching Event of the year!! (See the above invite, You are all invited) I have Celebrated 4 out of my 6 kids birthdays in the last 4 weeks, had a baptism, gone to 3 baseball tournaments, went to Moses Lake for 5 days, drove to our Dr. in Hermiston OR 4 times (it's only 4 hours away) and tomorrow we celebrate my daddy's birthday, let alone all the friends that have had a birthdays!! But, today was the last Major event, Coop and his friend Lucy were baptized and it was so great!! He was lucky enough to be baptized twice!! I wouldn't expect anything different from him :) He thought is was so cool that he got to be dunked twice. What a fun, daring, spunky, athletic, special young man he is!! How blessed I am that he chose me as his mom!
I will post all the birthdays later....

Hazelwood has a New VicePresident

2009-06-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

So, Hunter came home from school last week and says "I am going to run for vice president!" At first, I didn't believe him so questioned him a little and realized he was serious. The next day he brought home the rules for his speech and was ready for me to write it. YA RIGHT!! I can't write to save my life! He decided to ask everyone to write down 5 words that describe him. He asked Grandpa, Grandma, Me, Daddy, he tried Cooper but he only said mean things so once Skyler got home he was on board. While we were eating dinner he was trying to put all the words into a little diddy with Skyler but it just wasn't happening. So, I finally said whats a song you love off TV, he thought for a minute and started in on "F-R-E-E that spells free credit report.com baby." I went and printed the lyrics, put the words that we all came up with and viola he had a speech!! He did such a great job presenting it. He said to me "mom I get the biggest smile on my face and I can't make it stop" I told him to just go with it!! He is so cute!!

Can you hear Dallis in the background

Dallis had to give it a shot

MVHS Makes it to State Semi-Finals

2009-05-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Since the Mt. View Baseball team made it too State semi-finals the boys decided it was time to do up the hair right!! Most of the boys bleached their hair and some even threw a mohawk in!! Skyler always has to go BIG!!

And boy did he ever!!

The barber did a great job!!

They didn't make it out of the first round but it was sure fun watching them get there!!!

GO CHELSEA!!

2009-05-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

So, our little Chelsea graduated from ASU 2 weeks ago!! It was great to be a part of this BIG day!! She is so fun and has an amazing personality!! I can't wait to see what the future holds for Chels! I know she can do anything she puts her heart and mind too!! We are so proud of her!

She had ACL surgery 1 week prior, the girl still never stopped

Yes, even the President was there!! Perfect timing!!

Where Is The Time Going?

2009-05-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

LITTLE LU

I know this wont be the LAST time I say this, but my baby is growing up! She turns 1 in a month and half and I am having a COW!!! I don't want her to walk, talk, dance, sing, swim Nothing!! I want her to stay a little, little baby! She is so stink'n adorable and so much fun! I know I say that about all my kiddo's! But, I am truly enjoying every minute of her! She is almost walking, which will add even more chaos to my life, is that possible? She is starting to get an attitude, I can't imagine where that came from? And she continues to look more and more like her darling big sister Paris! How lucky is she!! My little Lu has been such a sweet blessing in our lives and as sad as it is to watch her grow how fun it has been to watch her spirit grow right along the way!!

A CHANCE OF A LIFETIME

2009-04-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

How many teenagers can say they got to play a game on a major league ball field? Last Saturday Skyler got that chance!! His high school team played at Safeco field. It was so fun, not only for us as a family to get to be inside Safeco and enjoy the atmosphere but it was a dream for him! He couldn't stop smiling!! One of his teammates even hit a homerun!! His coach came to us and asked if we as a team would sell Mariner tickets. I thought this was just a regular old fund raiser and as always as much as I HATE fundraisers I thought I would try to do my part......Well this is more than just a fundraiser. Us selling tickets for the Mariners, gave all those boys the opportunity of a lifetime! Here are a few Pictures

Playing in Left field

On first ready to steal

Steals second

You cant really see him but his face is nothing but smiles!!

Oh by the way......If you still want Mariner tickets for June 5th 7:10 start they are still available :)

Hope.....

2009-04-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter......Easter is a tough holiday for me, not only is it one more without Paris but it's a holiday full of HOPE!! I never imagined a 4 letter word would mean so much to me! How grateful I am for our Savior, for the Hope he has given me, for the chance I am going to get to be with my little girl again!! WOW the pressure..... Easter is a sweet reminder! I usually love a good challenge, but as this one stares me in the eyes it seems bigger than me and yet so attainable, with LOTS of work it is!!

Hunter and His Buddy Dallin, I think they had more fun playing with their baskets than hunting

Cooper and Dallis, you can't see it very well but Cooper is holding the "golden" egg $$

I Wish I Could Take The Pain Away!!

2009-03-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARA!

As I have to watch Heather, Mara's mommy suffer, I ache inside!! I don't want anyone to go through that much pain!! As Mara's beautiful life is celebrated I can't help but remember how much I LOVED her hair! Heather would do it so cute and it always seemed so fancy, way beyond anything I could ever pull off with my girls! I loved watching them walk into church and file into their "row" (it was on the right side just in front of ours) I could hardly wait to see her hair and dresses!! As, Paris' hair grew I got excited to think I might get to do some of that "fancy" hair..... Little did we know our girls would be angels together!! Some how, some way I hope they are keeping up on their hair :)

I miss you little ladies!!

School Spirit Runs Deep!!

2009-03-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

So, Skyler goes to a fairly new High School, with very little school spirit!! I have been going crazy wanting to "spice" up the spirit. Yet, I am only a big talker!! I have never actually done anything about it!! (I am willing to paint faces and make orange and blue suits) Well, this basketball season the girls made it to the state payoffs, and my cute Skyler went all out!! For the first few games he was the only one with his face painted and the crazy hair and clothes. Eventually, he had some friends come around and join him in the fun! He and his friends had this picture in the Seattle Times!

GO LIONS!!

The Best of Both Worlds

2009-03-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

For mid winter break we went to Silver Mountain, in Kellogg Idaho. It is a ski resort/water park all in one!! Nothing better for our family!! We woke up every morning in a beautiful condo, ate breakfast and hit the slopes!! Boarding Baby that's what I love most!! I love the snow, I love the tree's and most of all I love watching all my boys board!! Then we would come back for a late lunch and hit the water park for some serious flow riding!! That is Coach's favorite....in fact that's how he got his nick name!! For some reason he thinks he can take over when he arrives at the flow rider, the funny thing about that is everyone lets him!! We would stay in the water park til they kicked us out, 7 is when they closed and then we would head back to our room where dinner was waiting thanks to Grandma Banker!! (She's bomb, she helped with the girls so we could play!!)

We truly had a wonderful time, probably next to Disney World this was our favorite vacation!!

We Made It??

2009-02-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

I would hate to set myself up but we did it..... I have officially made it past 2 years and 10 days!! YEA!! It has been pure hell to say the least, yet so blissful all in the same. I have already experienced things with Dallis that I never did with Paris, how mad I am but oh, how blessed I feel!! I have wonderful people in my life who made my day amazing!! I look forward to many years ahead of me with my two little princess.......that scares me :)

A friend of mine had us all over for lunch so the little girls and 1 little boy :)(lucky him) could play, but I couldn't capture them all together! We are missing 3 other little girls and Gage

Tu Tu's and Tiara's!! She's Two?

2009-02-02T21:44:00.000-08:00

Well, today was the "BIG" day! My sweet Dallis has turned two! What a bitter sweet moment this is for me! Oh, how I love how they grow into their sweet spirits and personality, yet how I hate, that this means she's only getting older.

As, we cringe our way through these next 10 days our hearts our more tender to the sweet moments of each passing day. I find my self living these last few weeks as if they were her last. (yes, I am crazy) Since only having Paris 2 years and 10 days we might be a little edgy until the 12th. I know it seems silly I would live this way, I know she isn't going anywhere!!

We had a blast today!! The Theme was, Tu Tu's and Tiara's. I had the little girls all wear their hair in a 1/2 pony and when they got there we gave them each their own tiara, my mom and I made tu tu's for them and so we had them put them on also upon arival. It was adorable to watch them in them, some of the girls are so girly!! (Dallis is still learning) They ate PB&J sandwiches that where shoes, dresses and tiara's, they decorated cookies and then, just played. Each girl was such a delight! I later told coach, our daughter has well behaved friends, we better keep her home!!

What an adorable group of girlys!!!

Finally a White Christmas

2009-01-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful day!! Christmas is always filled with love, laughter and chaos!! We had such an incredible day, Santa brought us all our fun treasures and white snow!! YEA!! I've been praying for a white Christmas for 14 years and finally I got one!! It was fun to visit Paris in the snow on Christmas!! Can you believe I said "it was fun to visit Paris" ????? Cooper of course wouldn't come with us but the rest of us enjoyed our visit with her in the beautiful snow!! As I have made it through "another" Christmas I am grateful for the patience my family has with me......I am getting better at handling the holidays. Life will never be the same, nor will I, but I do know that as I fight my way through this, it will get easier to deal with pain? I HOPE!

One Of My FAVORITE Traditions

2008-12-24T08:54:00.001-08:00

Every year for the last 10 years we have been making lunches and delivering them to the Homeless. The last 2 years it has been very difficult because they aren't there..... at least when we go to Seattle we have to "hunt" the whole city for them. In the past we have been able to pull up to one location and we are swarmed with them, we usually run out and are feeling really bad that we don't have more. My kids love this and look forward to it every year! This year Skyler decided to use it for a project he needed to do in leadership. He put together shopping list, organized the date and took care of almost all of it. He did an amazing job. But, when it came time for us to leave we weren't sure what to do.....It was STILL snowing in Seattle. Needless to say the city was still shutdown! I had talked to a friend who had just come from Seattle and she said that traffic was stopped and most all the hills were closed. So, Sky got on the Internet and started looking for homeless shelters a little closer to home. We had 20 lunches that needed to be delivered. We took the addresses to the shelters and headed out. As we pulled into both shelters there wasn't anyone there, we weren't sure what to do but thought we would try the food bank. As we pulled into the food bank we could tell they were closed too, but there was a sign on the door that said if it's 32 degrees or below the Grace Community Church turns into a shelter. As the snow was getting thicker and thicker I just prayed this too wouldn't be a bust, since we were out of options. After knocking on a bunch of doors we found someone who was grateful for our lunches and said they open the doors at 9 to the homeless and the people who come will appreciate them too!!

They Opened the Slopes

2008-12-19T23:53:00.000-08:00

Once again school was cancelled! What else could we do but hit the slopes!! It was a perfect day, the sun was shinning the snow was powder and the beauty of Washington was all around us!! My kids did amazing for our first day!! I am so proud of them and feel so blessed and lucky that they are mine! As much as I hate for them to miss school, since we have to make up the days at the end of the year I love getting to play with them!

My Family and My Beautiful State

Skyler Bo thinking he was going to do the Rail.....he missed it

Hunter tearing it up....Go H!!
Cooper is so fun to watch since he is so little

I Joined In The Fun!

2008-12-18T23:09:00.000-08:00

School was cancelled, Snow was on the ground

and I had no reason not to PLAY!! Man I love the snow!!

As I bundled my 2 boys up to go out and play I couldn't help but think about Paris and NOT getting to bundle her up today..... I then remembered I don't recall ever having her in the snow. I know I had a snow suit for her but she was never able to wear it, that year they didn't even open the ski lifts. I immediately went and dressed Dallis and thought NONE of my kids are going to miss out on the snow again. (Lexis is still a little young to Play in it, I did take her outside to feel it :) Our friends called and asked if they could come play on our hill, so when they arrived I took Dallis out back and her and Lucy were sledding buddies!! Thanks Lucy! My boys were sledding, snowboarding maniacs and I was enjoying taking pictures. At about 10 I decided I had better go and shower so I would be ready for the day.....as I was in the shower, I thought go out and play with your kids, you have no reason not too, so I quickly jumped out of the shower, dressed and ran to the back yard to PLAY!! I am so glad I did, not only was it fun, but Grandma Banker brought out Hot Chocolate and Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies.. yuuuummm!!! It was dreamy!! What a magical day, if only the snow would come for Christmas!!

Cooper Pulled out his Snow board and had to start with the Tricks

Skyler Decides He Wants to Do the Jump

Lucy & Dallis, Dallis couldn't get enough of sledding

Hunter a little Hesitant but decides he can do the jump too!

Thanks to Trever I went fast and far!!

It Snowed in Seattle!!

2008-12-14T22:40:00.000-08:00

I know it's December it's supposed to snow. Well, in Seattle it doesn't work that way!! Infact, when it does snow, 1 inch will shut the whole city down! We all go crazy and always have to play in the first trace. My boys and I had a snowball fight in our regular clothes when it started snowing because we were afraid it would be gone in the morning! We were soaked but man we had a blast!! I love the snow!! LOVE IT! I'm not sure if its because that means we will get to be snowboarding soon, or if it's because it is so beautiful or if its because it comes from Heaven? What ever it may be it's like sunshine, it makes me happy!!

Needless to say it wasn't gone so they got to wakeboard, I mean snowboard?

This is what I saw when I opened my front door this morning to leave for church, it reminded me of the day I took Skyler home from the hospital the day he was born in Denver. Snow on all the trees yet the sun was shining.

I thought this was classic! Surf board and Snow!! Coach is a major surfer (that's how he got his nickname coach) So, when I looked out my bedroom door this morning and saw all the snow, I started laughing because our bathroom/changing rooms are so summery looking. The snow looks out of place or maybe the surfboard is out of place?

Another Tradition

2008-12-14T22:18:00.000-08:00

The Coats.....We love this acapella group, they are so amazing!! For the last 7 years(I think) we have been going to the Coats Christmas show. We started taking our kids 3 years ago and love having them there. They all love the music, each kid has a different love about the show, which makes watching them throughout the show that much better. This year we took Dallis, she was so great for the first hour, she danced and sang (out loud) she even had them asking, what her name was. But, as it got later and later she was fading! As we were leaving I asked Coach if we would take her again and he looked at me like DUH, of course!! He loves watching his kids sing and dance! Even if it means he has to sit in the back with her.
If you have never heard them you need to go their website. www.thecoats.net their holiday CD is a lot of fun!

We finally started taking Grandma and Grandpa! Granny loves it all, Gramps wishes they would sing all their songs and not just the Christmas stuff...I have to remind him that it IS Christmas time!! :)

GingerBread Houses Part 1

2008-12-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

For the last 2 years our great friends the Criddles have invited us over to make ginger bread houses. They have always been so amazing, so many different kinds of candy, yummy frosting and lots of patience while our little kids make a complete mess of their house. My kids talk about it for weeks after the night is over. Well, this year we hadn't heard from them, they are so busy and with them all trying to work and go to school we assumed that we would have to take a rain check. So, while Paul was at Costco he found gingerbread houses for $10.00 they came complete with the gingerbread house, frosting, candy, even trees. He called me and told me all about these neat kits and wanted to know if he should buy them so our kids could still build ginger bread houses this year. Of course I jumped all over it and said we could do it Sunday night for family home evening. As we were at my mom's house just finishing dinner we got a phone call......"It's Kristel" She asks "Would your family and the Alfrey family like to come over again this year and make gingerbread houses?" "Of Course!!!!!" As I hang up the phone I looked at Coach and started laughing, we decided to still do them since we had them and yet as fun as this was we are still looking forward to gingerbread houses with the Criddles!!! If you've never done gingerbread houses they are so fun, a great tradition!!

There Is No Healing An Amputated Limp

2008-12-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, So whats with my title......Well, after I heard about the guy who was killed at Walmart, I was really struggling with wanting to blog my "joy" in this journey. All I could think of was what that family was going through now, without this man in their life that was probably a husband, a daddy and a son. Their whole life was just turned upside down and they have to "learn" how to get through this. There is no healing from a death.....you have to learn how to live with the person gone and all the hopes and dreams that went along with that person shattered. Just like a person who loses a limb, they will never be healed in this life, they simply have to learn to live with out that limb. You then have to decide what next, do I do nothing or do I FIND JOY IN THE JOURNEY. I am learning how to live with my "amputated limp" and I chose to FIND JOY IN THIS CRAZY JOURNEY!! That doesn't mean we wont have our ups and downs, we all do, sometimes I am caught off guard when the grief hits me right between the eyes, the holiday season is hard and yet so much fun! I just hate doing it without my sweet Paris. I know that I am blessed to have her walking right beside us, but sometimes it would be nice to just "have" her!!

Since I found out you could print your blog into a book, I thought this was an easy out for actually writing in a journal, this will be my family journal. I have really wanted to stay on top of our Journey and didn't think about the pitfalls along the way that would be so hard t blog!

So, here is our last week.....It has been so fun and there are so many treasured memories!!

TURKEY BOWL

Pre Game...... Some times I think getting ready for the game is as much fun as the actual game!

We had some friends come and play with us

The "little kids"
Meet the "Big Kids"

Team 1.... Ya baby we rocked!!

Team 2.... Hey good job!!

Coin Toss, Gramps is our ref...He has fun doing all the
pre game, flag throwing, whistle blowing stuff

Finally Game Time

Aunt Daya put on a Great Half time show with Dallis and Brooklyn?

Game over, time to get ready to eat

All Showered and ready for some Turkey

Can you see how happy Coop is to take his picture

After Dinner Cooper, Hunter and Abi sang sweet song from Polar Express

Then it was time for games.....Uncle Trever chose puzzles,

We White's aren't very good at games that aren't physical, so we got CREAMED

Yea Mrs. Claus Comes !

This year Mrs. Claus sent us a letter. She met up with Heather Adams while on their way to Hawaii and asked her to write in each of the kid's books. Fancy Nancy was the book this year, in Memory of Mara.

I think Mrs. Claus did a good job this year, she remember shirts for the "big" boys

The Boys Loved Matching their Cousins with their footy Jammie's

Saturday we Met up with the Big Man

SANTA

Skyler just wants the new Audi

Hunter wants a robot

Cooper wants an MP3 player

Lexis needs warm clothes :)

Dallis just wants off his lap.....she didn't cry but she WOULD NOT look at him

>
CRAZY COUSINS

Abi, Tayla, Skyler and Chad

they're so tough

OUR FIRST FAKE CHRISTMAS TREE

AHHHHHH......

(when I talk about the tree the boys assure me it's going to be fine, "it has 1500 lights mom")

Since Paris died our tree has been decorated with pink ornaments. We have sweet hand prints that we made the day she drowned in hospital. This year Hunter and Cooper got to put them on. I will post a picture of them later.

Dallis enjoyed just eating chips while the boys did all the decorating

Love my "Paris" mantel, I wish I could get a good "night" picture, it is so beautiful!

MAKE A WISH

"BELIEVE"

If you wrote a letter to Santa, and took it to Macy's they would donate a $1 to Make a Wish!

We have 2 friends who have benefited from Make a Wish, one is Mara who went to Hawaii and has since passed away and the other is Drew who is going to Disney World this Christmas! How grateful we are for all the generous things Make a Wish does for little people who are sick!

The Memories last a life time!

SNOWFLAKE LANE

Every year Bellevue puts on a cute little street show.

With drummers, characters and music

It even SNOWS.....ok so it's fake but it's still fun to see it snowing

Hunter's Rock'n Out with the drummers

She Did It Again!!

2008-11-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

I can't even get all the food in the picture...... My mom is so amazing! Our Thanksgiving dinner was so incredible!! You can see the mashed potatoes, WOW what at pile of spuds, I think there is 20lbs of potatoes!! The whole other side you can't see has salads not just one....MANY! And then the Pies oh my, I think there were 11, PLUS other deserts, I can't even remember what else there was!! You all wonder why I work out, cause I CAN'T STOP EATING her yummy food!! In fact, as I type I am still eating special K.......oops I forgot the "bar" Yep 1 more special K bar. I am so lucky to have such a great mom who does so much for our family!! She always goes overboard and we all appreciate it!! I hope she continues to do this for a LOOOOOONG time, cause I can't keep up!!

I have lots more to post about our intense Turkey Bowl, but it will have to wait for another day! This one's just for Mom!

Grateful

2008-11-27T00:22:00.000-08:00

Over the last few weeks as the holiday's have been heavy on my mind I have thought a lot of what I am grateful for! I am so blessed, so blessed!! I have a wonderful husband... coach, who takes care of me and my family, who loves me, who loves my children, who honors his priesthood and loves his Heavenly Father with every ounce of him, who is fun, who does way more in one day than I can even dream of doing, who is my very best friend, who allows me to be what I have become, since Paris died!! I have 5 amazing children living in my home who are so incredible! They each have their own personalities and spirits that are beyond anything I ever dreamed I would be blessed to have! I adore each one of them and although I don't want them to grow up they are each growing into treasured people! I have 1 angel who I miss with everything inside me! I loved every minute of the 2 years and 10 days that I got to physically have her. Her radiant smile and sweet bouncy curls were loved by everyone and made a lasting impression on anyone who met her! I am grateful she was brave enough to come and then go so her 2 beautiful sisters could come!! I am grateful I get to be with her again!! I have 4 wonderful step children (and 2 spouses) who I claim as my own! They have all grown up to be amazing responsible adults!! I love how they have all turned out!! I have to congratulate Steph on her marriage....I was waiting for pictures before I posted but I couldn't wait! Welcome Josh! I am so grateful for my extended family who have supported me in my journey thus far.... I know it's not over yet and I'm sure the mountains are just beginning. They have always been such a huge support and always there when I needed! I have parents who are the best and a mother in law who I hope to be like when I am her age! I am grateful I have such great friends, I appreciate all the love and support they give me! Lastly, I am grateful for the gospel that gives me so much hope.
As I come to the end of this post, I know I have forgotten to mention something. I know how blessed I am and never want to take it for granted!! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember all that you are grateful for!!

Big Dreamers!

2008-11-24T21:38:00.000-08:00

I thought this was so funny when I turned around and there was Hunter and Cooper going back and forth with Skyler's Helmet, trying to be so tough!!

They love Sky and look up to him! It's a good thing Sky is such a good kid!!

OVER ACHIEVER

2008-11-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Grandma B doesn't know how to NOT go over board on Food!! Since, Thanksgiving is right around the corner grandma thought that for the last few Sunday's we would just have real basic dinners. She thought this would be a good idea because EVERY Sunday we have a HUGE dinner (mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, roast, jello, salad.....I could go on and on) My kids and their cousins just go crazy every Sunday over all her amazing food!!

So, this last Sunday we had pizza's. She made homemade dough and we got to create our own pizza's. But that's not all, she had salad, vegetables, dip and every kind of topping, it was incredible!! When I walked in I thought "real basic" and had to run go get my camera!!

Although, these dinners have been fun and different we can't wait for

THANKSGIVING DINNER!!

I only wish I could be 1/2 the mom my mom is!! She's the Bomb!!

What Do You Do In Seattle When It Rains?

2008-11-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

PLAY IN IT, OF COURSE!!

Cooper, Berkley, Hunter and Talan Had a serious game of Football going!

No matter how hard it rained they were going to keep on playing!

You learn real quick in Seattle that life must go on rain or shine!!

That's what so great about being a kid, you just don't care about the "details"

It's all about the FUN!

Berkley Hiking Coop the Ball

Talan and Hunter ready to receive!
The boys are pretty lucky to have their cousins who live
right down the street over to play often!

Shout Out

2008-11-21T07:10:00.000-08:00

I posted this on Paris' site, but I just wanted to give a shout out to Brian and Delta Chi for a wonderful job they did on the philanthropy at WSU! For the last 3 years Brian has been able to do our foundation for their philanthropy. Each fraternity picks an organization to raise money for and the Paris White Foundation has been it! Last year, we were able to outfit 8 kiosk in Grant county with 10 life jackets each and 2 kiosks in King county. Thanks to Brian and his efforts we will continue the fight for kiosks and keep buying life jackets!!
We love you Brian and appreciate all you are doing to help keep your sister's memory alive!!

Working Hard in the Kitchen
Good Job on the Food Bobby
Thanks to the Pledges for all your help, setting tables, serving and cleaning up!

If you go to http://www.pariswhite.com/ and click on events, scroll to the picture of the police officer with the little kids, that was our grant county event.

Shadow Buddy Anyone?

2008-11-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

The other day while I was getting Dallis ready for bed, she kept waving to the wall and saying "bye" docky (doggy??) Then, she went on to say "see ya later" "Hi, docky" she kept on talking. I finally asked her who she was talking too, she just looked at me and then at the wall. I just figured it was just the mood she was in. Well, needless to say anytime I have changed her since she does this? I finally figured it out.....HER SHADOW!!

I guess We all need a buddy!

(The flash ruined the shadow)

What A Treat!!

2008-11-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

This is what I get to wake up too!! Every morning I can hear Lexis moving, so of course I look over and there waiting for me is the this.... the sweetest smile ever! She just lays there and smiles at me! She doesn't cry, she doesn't get mad, in fact she hardly even moves!

ALL SMILES!!

IF ONLY

2008-11-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

These are the moments in my life with my little girls, when I say...If only Paris where here!! These 3 little girls would have been a blast together!! So fun dressing them up, fixing their hair, buying them shoes.......I could go on and on!! I know they would have grown up and become teenagers and since I was a teenage girl I would hope they would be nothing like me, but for now, moments like this break my heart and yet melt every fiber within me!! How lucky am I!

These dresses are so dang cute! They are just 2 of the many I received for Lexis' baby shower!

Yes, it's the Sabbath

2008-11-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

I know, I know it's the sabbath and what the heck are an 7 and 9 year old doing on the roof. Putting up Grandma and Grandpa Banker's Christmas lights of course!! Yesterday, as coach and I were making lunch he looked out the window and motioned to me to come look, this is what we saw!! I think it's so great they want to help...... a little scary but great!! Cooper told coach a few weeks ago that his favorite thing to do is put up Christmas lights. So, on Sat Coach and the boys put the ones on our house up, Skyler and Hunter had laid out Grandma's but they didn't have time to staple them on, so Hunter and Cooper thought they should do it SUNDAY!! They actually finished it all by them selves, with just a little help from their cousins Elli and Talan.

You don't think the Bishop will mind do you?

(My dad is the Bishop)

I thought this was classic, Coach thought he better go make sure they had it started correctly.

Good to go!!

I Think It's Time

2008-11-15T21:14:00.000-08:00

Since Paris died I swore her room would never ever change!!! Although, anyone is welcome in we keep the door shut. You can play with her toys but, you can't move anything else. The boys and Dallis love having tea parties in there, in the morning. Everything is the same as it was the day of the accident, although, it has become a holding place for all the wonderful letters and stuffed animals since she died. The clothes are still on her dresser the way I left them when I ran to the pool.
Some don't understand why this is so hard, it's just a room! When you lose someone physically and all you have left are pictures, video's, clothes, bedrooms, toys it's hard to let those things go too. All you want to do is keep anything you have alive, hence not wanting anything in her room to change!! There is a smell in her room that is just hers and if we open the door it will be gone. If we open the door things will change and it will slowly not be just her room. Now that we have 2 little girls and 2 little girl rooms (Dallis' and Paris') it seems silly to not use Paris' room for Lexis. Because, it's just a room RIGHT? Well, after months (almost 5 to be exact) I have really been praying hard to find the strength to put one of the girls in Paris' room. My mom has been telling me for 2 years now it would be an honor! I have just been blowing her off, I am sooooo afraid of the pain that will follow!! Now, that I am at probably the last month of Lexis sleeping in her bed I feel a sense of urgency to make "a" move, yet I have so much inner turmoil!! I know Paris would love to "share" a room with one of her sisters and it would be an honor. I know in the scheme of things it doesn't really matter, but for me it does right now. I know I am brave enough to do it, I just have to find it in me to do it!! Plus, we have to get Skyler on board..... He does NOT want to do it!! He wants to put one of them in the craft room!! I have asked him to pray about it and let me know, I still haven't heard from him yet :)

Ya, I think she's done?

Paris' room is darling....It shouldn't be left vacant

The 14th AGAIN

2008-11-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

Here we are AGAIN on the 14th. I know, I know it's just another day of the month, kind of like Thursdays being just another day of the week. The 14th is the day Paris drowned and it was a Thursday! So, for months I have been battling that it is just a day, a number.... but for some reason I can't shake it!! The sting isn't as bad as it was, but it is still there, it is still heavy in my heart. I know as the months keep on going by I will forget less and less about the day and just continue to have my little princess deep in my heart!!

Last night as I was brushing my teeth I said to Coach, do you smell that? It smelled just like Paris, not Paris alive, not "viewing" Paris but Hospital Paris. It was crazy, I have never experienced that before! Oh, how I wish to hold her and smell her yummy little girl smell!! How I wish I could have all 3 of my little girls to hold, to fix their hair, to dress up!!

Paris Holding tight to Cooper

Every Family Has One......RIGHT?

2008-11-13T20:55:00.000-08:00

This is Cooper....You can usually find him this way most of the day!! He is constantly doing some sort of Gymnastics! He is our gymnast, well for now? He might change his mind tomorrow. He has been in gymnastics for 2 months. He can do a round off back handspring on a mat. He does a perfect cartwheel, and can do more pull ups than Sky. (Don't tell him I said that) He does this headstand onto the couch at least 20 times a day! Infact, every time he comes to a stop he does this. Sometimes he throws in a roundoff, and now he is pushing his way up into a handstand!! Coach (Paul) was a gymnast in his day and I well.....I tried!

Do you all remember The Great Flying

SKERN DA FERNA...... that was Coach!!

On the Couch

On the Floor

Up the Stairs

At Grandma's

Oh Yes, Even in the Car!!
One day I was buckling my seat belt and happened to look in my rear view mirror, all I saw was feet! Go Figure!

Can you believe it...... Skyler's 15!!

2008-11-11T21:52:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I am even posting this. Not, for any reason except......WHAT THE HECK?? My cute little Skyler is 1 year away from driving! I can remember the moment I went to the Hospital to have him. 11:42pm I was on my way to Denver University and by 6:02 my bundle of Joy was here!! I am so proud of you Skyler! Besides, keeping your room clean I can't really complain about the young man you have become! I am so blessed you are my baby boy! Your future is bright and the road ahead is going to be a blast!! Dig Deep Buddy......

HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY Skyler Bo!!

He goes up 14 for the last time

and, comes down 15
His favorite Breakfast....French Toast!
Ok, Ok he really loves Cinnamon Rolls but I wasn't getting up at 3am

His Buddy AJ picked him up at 8:15am and they played 9 holes of Golf, Go Sky sporting the clubs!! This is the sport his grandpa really wants him to play!!

After Golf Him and 3 buddies where off to Herfy Burger to grub!

Now, I know you aren't going to believe this but yes the biggest Jock you'll ever meet is getting a PEDICURE!!

He even talked his friends into to getting one with him!! :)

Nice toes fella's

When Sky got home he had a nice surprise in his room.....

Toilet Papered by his cousin and his "special" girl friend

Tayla his cousin is on the right and Jamie his special friend is on the left

I don't have a picture of him going to baseball but, that is what was on the agenda next

and then the whole family and Tayla and Jamie went to Olive Garden

To End the night he went to Scouts and came home to His cake made by Jamie and Tayla and an ice cream cake I bought him from Baskin Robbins and opened the last of his presents

another Hoody

OOH Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice cream Cake

I LOVE YOU SKYLER BO

Too Sad

2008-11-10T22:17:00.000-08:00

Most of you have heard about the Girl who lost control of her car and ended up in the Green River. She had 2 younger boys in the car a 2 year old and a 13 year old, who are STILL in the car in the river. Now, I don't know these people, I don't know their life story, I don't know their religion, I don't even know their names! What I do know is they are children of our Heavenly Father who loves them and loves their surviving family members. I do know how incredibly sad these families must be. I can't imagine what they must be feeling not having any closure. Not being able to see or hold their little babies. Knowing that their children are at the bottom of a river and they can't do anything about it. I remember when I had to leave the hospital the day Paris died. I distinctly remember how I felt. SICK!! All, I kept thinking was, "is she going to be warm enough, she doesn't have her blanket, she needs her snugly".....on and on the crazy thoughts! I just can't even wrap my brain around what those families are going through!! So, I am begging for you to find some time to pray for those families. Lets hope they will "get" to hold their babies one last time!! Let's hope that maybe even as I am typing they are able to get that car out before the weather turns bad again!!
Here is a link to the story if you are interested!!
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008368724_greenriver09m0.html

Visiting Grandma Tootsie!!

2008-11-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

We finally went to see Grandma Tootsie!! It was so great to see her! She is so amazing and as always makes us the most wonderful food and dessert! We had Taco's and she made a cake for Skyler's Birthday!! You could never guess her age, sound like someone else we all know..... PAUL!!
My kids absolutely love going to see her, I only wish I wasn't so crazy busy so we could go see her more!!

So this is Paul jr and Lexis, yep Paul's oldest and his youngest! How fun is that!!

Grandma with her youngest and last grandchild!! Now, she will just have to keep waiting for more

GREAT grandchildren

My sweet Hunter

2008-11-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

I just picked a random picture of Hunter, but I have to tell this sweet story about him.

Yesterday, I couldn't get Cooper to eat breakfast. He wanted me to make him a grilled cheese sandwich after I had already made french toast, and of course I wouldn't do it.....(I don't know why not it wouldn't of been that much more work) so he chose to go to school without breakfast. Now inside, I was freaking out!! I am a major breakfast girl, I couldn't believe I was going to send my little boy to school without food. But I had to stick to my guns......just as the boys were about to get on the bus Hunter came over to me and whispered in my ear, "mom, I got one of my dollars and I am going to buy Cooper breakfast and put it on his desk." This is just one of the many things my sweet Hunter does. He loves everyone and will do almost anything for anybody as long as he's not watching TV. I am so grateful to have such a giving little boy in my home. GO HUNTER

Before Halloween is forgotten

2008-11-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know we have all moved on to Thanksgiving....and yes I have even started playing Christmas music but, I had to finish posting about Halloween since we had such a great day!! My Wonderful web master posted the Halloween comparison pictures of Paris, Lexis and Dallis. Go check them out they are cute! Just click on her picture to the right.

Cooper trying to scare Hunter..... I think Hunter is doing a GREAT job "acting" scared!

This is how the boys went to school, our school doesn't allow you to wear your costumes so Hunter wore his jammie's and Cooper got to dress up a little, they were having a barn dance and so he got to dress up like a cowboy. Gotta love the hair!

We started the morning out with a wonderful breakfast.....

Monkey brains and eyeballs

(the other kids wouldn't let me take their picture)

Since the boys were gone I had time to play "dress up" with Dallis so I curled her hair.

Cooper Jam'n at the Barn Dance

We finally went trick or treating and then ended the night at grandma B's for the traditional doughnuts and cinnamon rolls.

Football Season Comes to an End....

2008-11-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Skyler and a few other team mates blocking a field goal! He's the laid out one

Skyer getting ready to run the ball after kick off

He threw a great pass to Anthony

We are so sad that football is ending!! I love football!! When I was growing up that is what I did with my dad, watch football. We didn't go to musicals or shows we watched good ole' football! So, to have a son that is passionate about the sport is so fun! He had a crazy season and did a good job stepping up to the plate. He suited up for Varsity with no expectations of ever playing, by the 2nd game he was getting to see the field defensively a lot more than he ever thought he would. He played monster. On the Freshman team he played QB, linebacker, and special teams (I think)...I just watch the game, I don't know it . He loves the game and just wants to play no matter where it is!! I am so proud of him and think he such an amazing football player and young man! I look forward to many years of football!!

Missing Paris

2008-11-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

I hate days like today....They are just part of my crazy rollercoaster I am on!! I miss Paris. I miss her, I miss her, I MISS HER!! I could probably post this everyday, but today is the first day I've deep cleaned my house since I've started my blog. (I was in AZ when I started this) For some reason I have too much time to think on house cleaning days (which is Monday) These are the day's I relive July 14th and think I can wake up anytime from this crazy nightmare.......gosh, You'd think I'd be so busy I wouldn't have time to think.

Ok, Ok, I'm done thanks for baring with me?

Love to you all who put up with how random I am!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2008-10-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

So, another Halloween has come and gone....it's crazy how fast it does that!! Even though it's almost been 41 months without Paris, this is only the beginning of the "hard" times ahead of us. Knowing we are a man short in the line up it makes the holiday's tough to get through! It was fun for all of us tonight to have Dallis in Paris' costume she wore for her last Halloween.

Our family, the Alfrey's and the Lewis' all got together for pizza at Grandma and Grandpa Banker's before we went out treasure hunting, candy begging, ok ok trick or treating!

Dallis was very bothered by Cooper's mask! She kept growling at him, and anytime he was around her she would watch him very carefully. Making picture taking very difficult!! Skyler-Himself *Hunter-Boba Fett*Cooper-Evil Doctor

Dallis-Ladybug*Lexis-Cheerleader

We had a fun and busy day, I will post more pictures of our day later and the comparison pictures on Paris' web- site hopefully Monday!

James Gang Halloween Skate Party

2008-10-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

Our BOMB dentist does a Halloween skate party every year. This was the first year we went. Only Hunter, Cooper and Dallis skated!! They all had such a GREAT time!!

THANKS JAMES GANG!

Lexis didn't even make it out of her car seat....eek

Skyler played video games instead.....

He had to meet us there he had football

Cooper tear'n it up

Hunter has serious skills

Daddy and Dallis
Dallis was determined to skate.... I videoed it on my camera and did it side ways(I don't know how to turn it now) sorry, but I thought it was so funny. This is about the same age we took Paris for the 1st and last time

Angels Among Us

2008-10-31T07:38:00.000-07:00

There are so many angels in the world! It is amazing how many are among us..... While in Arizona I was able to visit 2! They both lost their children this year, Kamber 2 1/2 and Daxton 1!
It was so great to hug them and sit and talk of our sweet angels!! I am so grateful to have women who are so brave and willing to share their lives with me!!
Love ya Jen and Britt!!

Parents Weekend at ASU

2008-10-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Parents weekend for ASU!! Chelsea is so fun to hang out with and we are so proud at how hard she is working!! And to top it off she is so dang cute!

The Brunch was wonderful the DG's did a great job!!

This is "one" of her awards for doing 16 credits and pulling a 3.0!!

Go Brandon......... I mean Chelsea

We love you Chels!!

Tailgate Party, need I say any more!

Having a blast at Dave & Busters, We played the pushing quarter games forever!

Pumpkin Patch 2008

2008-10-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

We went to Maris Farms this year for our annual visit to the Pumpkin Patch! We had a blast doing so many different things this year. We did a cow train, tractor races, pillow jump, tube slide, corn blast, monster truck, corn maze and of course pumpkin picking! Our day was complete with fun, lunch at the Lewis' and then to top the night off Skyler's football game.

Oh, life is good!

It was fun to meet up with the Lewis' we always have so much fun with them!

The boys got to ride on the monster truck, they had a blast! I don't think we will ever go to another pumpkin patch!

Hunter doing his best wrestling move on the Pillow Jump...(it's a HUGE trampoline)

This is Cooper on the Pillow Jump, they had a blast flying!

Tractor Races Go Team!!

Skyler is such a sweet Big Brother

Lexis' First Time At The Pumpkin Patch

Grandma B Has a Birthday

2008-10-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Grandma Banker had her Birthday the day after Paul. So it's birthday celebration week... Grandma is so sweet to have her party at Round Table so the kids fully enjoy themselves. We don't even fight her anymore to chose her favorite place, she just wants to go where the grandkids are going to eat the best and be able to have a good time!! What an awesome Grandma!! We love you Grandma B!!

Paul Turns 53..."Really"

2008-10-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

I know, I know I shouldn't start by disclosing my husbands age but isn't he amazing...how many 53 year olds do you know that is this hot and can play hoops, dance, wake board, snow board, and his new love FLOW RIDE!!

He is so fun to hang out with and a great daddy!! I'm sure I act more 53 than he does!! You'll all have to remind me at 53 what Paul was doing at 53!!

What am I thinking??

2008-10-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

So, I have been getting so much garbage about not having a blog....So here it goes?
Hopefully this wont be the only post!