Braces...

What a happy birthday for Kilee, after letting her sleep in for a little bit we headed to the orthodontist to finally get her braces off. I say finally because Dr. Gold (our favorite orthodontist) told her she would be getting them off before school started. When we went to that appointment, Kilee was very dissappointed when Dr. Gold told her that her teeth had shifted back during the month and He wasn't ready to take them off. Kilee had told all of her friends she was getting them off and then went to school with BRACES! How horrible for a 13 year old. Well the time came 2 weeks ago when she went to bands just at night and her jaw didn't move. So we scheduled the appointment which just happen to fall on her birthday. What a great way to remember your 14th birthday! I was amazed when I got her pictures of before and after. She looks like a little girl going in and an 18 yr. old coming out. :( After 2 years one month and a couple of weeks she is free of metal in her mouth....well almost except the retainer.

No more plastic expanders to keep the mouth open forever! No more wax, bands or pokey wires, no more broken brackets :( No more moldings taken while trying not to gag. No more bands that I find on everywhere, no more pink or green or purple on your teeth. No more tightening or sore teeth every month...Just one beautiful smile. Thank you Dr. Gold and staff we love you!

Dr. Gold and his staff are the best in town. We feel like they are part of our family. After being with them for the past two years it will be hard to say good-bye and not see them every month. Good thing Laura and Dr. Gold are seen at Centennial sporting events!


In with braces...out with one beautiful smile! Congratulations Kilee J., You are one beautiful young lady!

Happy Birthday Kilee J.

Wow I can't believe that my baby is turning 14! Kilee has always been one of a kind. She definitely has a mind of her own. I have so many wonderful memories of things we have done together, funny things she has said over the years and just watching her grow into the amazing young woman she is.
This is Kilee with my Grandma. The last 7 years of my grandma's life was spent in dialysis 3 times a week. While my parents were in Germany on their mission, I took my mom's place and took Grandma on Wednesdays. Kilee hated going with me and would often say "it's o.k. mom I will be fine, just lock the door." She was 3 at the time! After taking her for 18 months Grandma was wrapped around Kilee's little finger. My Grandma was a widow at a young age and worked full time the whole time I was growing up. She never attended any of my activities or programs. When Kilee had her first Christmas program in Kindergarten she called Grandma and asked her to come. I was very surprised when Grandma couldn't resist the invitation. Grandma once told me "I have a very soft spot in my heart for that little girl." Grandma has since past away, this is one of my favorite pictures of her and Kilee.
This picture was taken at a primary activity. Kilee decided it would be fun to go apple bobbing...the only problem was that no one was watching her or the apples. By the time we realized what she was doing she had taken bites out of several of the apples and then dropped them back into the water.
On the 100th day of first grade the kids did lots of 100's activities. One of the activities that they did was to draw a picture of what they would look like in 100 years. Most of the children drew very old looking people with wrinkles, but not Kilee. Kilee drew a casket with rows and rows of chairs. When asked about it she replied "Mom, hello of course in 100 years I will be dead and you will be at my funeral."
This is Kilee and her best friend Jessie...I am so glad Kilee has a best friend to go through middle school with. They get along so well, Jessie is like one of the family. I remember Junior High and all the changes and emotions I went through. I'm not sure how I made it through. I'm sure it had a lot to do with my best friend!

Kilee, Happy 14th birthday!! May all your hopes and dreams come true! I love you!!

Sisters and Friends

I have been thinking lately about how blessed I am that my girls are the best of friends! I was born the fifth of five children and the only girl. At the age of 11my mom got remarried and I was blessed with three step sisters. I love my sisters and wish I could of been closer to them growing up. I love that my girls walk by each other and ask for hugs, I love when they take thousands of pictures together just because, I love when they have sleep overs even though they all have their own rooms, I love that they miss each other when one is gone, I love that they are supportive of each other and stick up for each other. But mostly I love that they LOVE each other so much! My wish for them is that they will continue their friendship as they grow and leave home and they will lean on each other if only to make life easier.