Yes, we are alive!

So here we are alive and enjoying life! Here is a few pics of some of the things we have been

doing in our little family. And just to let you all know we are all moved in and have be having fun

being so close to Ryan's parents! We sure hope things keep going in the right direction for us! Thanks to everyone who has helped us out so much! We love all of our Family and friends so much!!!

Rylee trying to makeup on, oh soooo cute!

Our sweet Baby Ridge! (Almost 4 months)
Rylee and Crew on a really BIG back hoe.

Crew LOVES bats, I think he will love playing ball
like his Daddy!

Crew took a nice spill in the walker the other day.

Here he is after we got him out.

Poor little dude!

Our little Family in March.

Ridge's Blessing day.

Rylee in her dance costume.

It was her 1st year of dance and she

did awesome. We are so proud of her, she

is growing up way to fast!

MY POOR BABIES!

The joy of Motherhood! Well I don't know about the rest of you mothers out there but I'm ready for summer to be here. Having sick kids is NO fun, ALL THREE of my kids are sick. It started Monday when I took Baby Ridge to Banner Desert to have him checked out, the poor thing has RSV. Because he is only 6 weeks old they admitted him oh fun, NOT! They had the little guy on breathing treatments all night. They let us go home the next day where we have to continue them. When I got home my Rylee and Crew were both running fevers and coughing and didn't look good. So needless to say we have a fun time around our house. I hope they all will get feeling better really fast!

Me at the Hospital with Ridge.

The little guy sleeping so good!

Poor Baby Ridge, I'm so sorry!


Crew crashed on his floor.


And Rylee so sick.

RANDOM PICTURES!

(SORRY FOR THE PICTURE OVERLOAD!)

Oh so cute, Rylee holding Ridge as they both were

sound asleep!

Ridge in deep thought!
Rylee on Valentines Day with her
teacher Mrs. Rebeccah.


Our sweet baby boy will be FIVE weeks
in TWO days.

Ridge is just such a sweet baby, I LOVE

him so much!

Crew our BIG BOY trying to find his sister

who was out side. I have to say he is the

best little boy ever.

Our little family went on a hike last

week, it was a blast!

He is awake and we can see his eyes!!!
(He just melts my heart!)

This is Crew after every feeding, a HUGE mess!

If you don't know Crew he LOVES food and

will eat anything and everything!

Crew is now in a twin bed, what a BIG boy!

He is going to be 15 months in a couple of

days. I can't believe how fast time flies by.

It is SO CRAZY !!!

LOVING LIFE WITH THREE KIDS!!!

Being a mom of three sure has it's ups and downs but I wouldn't change it for anything. I love my kids so much and feel so blessed to have them part of my life! I am grateful for a good husband who helps out a ton which has made life so much easier. I'm am so thankful for there heath and that Ridge is home and doing really good. He sure puts a smile on my face every time I look at him, he is a sweet baby! We have a big helper in our family and that big helper is Rylee. She loves to help with both Crew and Ridge. Last night she even picked up Ridge because he was crying she said. SCARE ME TO DEATH! I told her she could never pick up a baby with out a mommy being around to help her. I love her so much and do appreciate her helping me by getting me diapers and wipes, she is a huge help! Thanks Rylee for being a great big sister!!! We took Crew to the Dr. yesterday and the poor guy has double ear infections again, I feel so bad for him. He is a little happier today thanks for meds. they do wonders. Well life at the Mortensen's is great. Thanks for everyones love and support!

Crew at the Doctors.

Our cute Ridge boy!

A picture with his eyes open.


Rylee, our big helper!

Sweet baby boy!!!

OUR LITTLE SUN BATHER!

I guess you can say we love the hospital, because we are back! We had to take Ridge to the Dr. yesterday for his check up and the Dr. thought he looked really JAUNDICE! We had to get his blood drawn to see what his levels were. When we left the hospital his level were 7.5 the next day they were 14.6 and last night when we got the hospital they were up to 17. So we get to watch our BUNDLE OF JOY cook under the lights! We hope we don't have to be here long so can enjoy him at home. We sure do LOVE this little boy!!!

Ridge get a sweet sun tan!

These are the lights doing the job!

Home Sweet Home!

We are finally home after living in the hospital for two weeks. I went in the hospital Jan. 6th because I was having strong contractions, not fun. Long story short they admitted me and put an Iv in and gave me magnesium sulfate to stop the labor and put me on bed rest. If you never been on mag. it is not fun at all and is HORRIBLE. Anyways they finally did they second Amino to check to see if his lungs were developed and they were. We are so blessed to bring a BEAUTIFUL BABY into this world. Ridge Tyler Mortensen was born Sat. Jan. 17th @ 11:02 am weighing 8 pounds 12 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long. He was born 4 weeks early and he got to come home with us healthy and strong. We love him so much and are so Thankful to our Heavenly Father for sending such a sweet spirit. I want to Thank my Family and Friends that helped us through this rough time, we couldn't have done it without you. I am so happy to be home and be with my kids, I have missed them so much. Life is great when you have been blessed with a Beautiful Family!

Grandma Merrill and RidgeAunt Brooke and Ridge
Ridge on his way home from the hospital.


He is loving his pacifier!



I am so glad it is over and he is here!

Uncle Michael loving his new nephew.

What a proud Daddy!

OUR FABULOUS DANCER!

Our Little Dancer Rylee had her Christmas Ballet Rehearsal today. She was so cute even though she and most of the girls wouldn't do all the dances. It was fun to see what they have been working on. I think she was a little nervous because she was biting on her fingernails, that's what she does when she is nervous. The real test is going to be in April...........when the Dance Recital is at Mountain View!!! It will be fun no matter how they do. We are so THANKFUL for her teachers MRS. Tamara & Ms. Nicole for putting up with all these girls and especially Rylee! I also want to thank Grandma Mortensen, Aunt Shirley & Aunt Brooke for coming and supporting Rylee today, We love all of you so much!!! RYLEE YOU DID A WONDERFUL JOB TODAY!!!!!

Rylee and her cheesy smile.

It is so fun because they all watch each other when they dance.

Rylee was watching her teacher so they knew what

to do next, it was kinda funny.



All the little dancer's got to have some treats after
and Rylee always LOVES treats!

FAMILY FUN TIME!

Here we are alive and doing well! Alot has gone on this last weekend in the Mortensen Family. On Sunday Travis & Brooke Blessed Baby Carson. We took some family snapshots and everyone was there except Cody and Bradley they are serving their Missions. We sure miss them alot! Monday night on my side of the family we went to Tempe Marketplace they have fake snow for all the kids to enjoy. They sure had alot of fun playing and dancing on a big stage. After playing in the snow we ate at this place called Slices they have HUGE pizza slices and it was really good! Rylee had been bugging us all night to go and look at Christmas lights so we decided to go check some out. It really doesn't matter how crappy you feel like when you are prego like me, when you see all the lights and all the fun family time you get to spend together you can't help but to be HAPPY! We LOVE this time of year, spending time with Family & Friends! We hope all are doing well and have a WONDERFUL Holiday Season!!!

Rylee had a fun time looking at Christmas lights last night for FHE.

(she loves santa!)

Rylee, Crew & Daddy!



At Tempe Marketplace they have snow every night at 7pm for the kids.
Rylee LOVED it!




Here is Crew wondering what is going on and Rylee enjoying
every minute of it!



Rylee was dancing on the stage having a blast!

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY RYLEE!!!

Happy Birthday to our Rylee girl! She turned 3 yesterday and it was a fun day for her. I started the day by heart attacking our house so when she woke up she could see all the hearts in the yard..... she loved it and was so excited! We just hung out most of the day until I went to the Doctor and we found out we are having another BOY! When the appointment was over we rushed home so we could get ready to go to dinner. We had all of our family and some friends come and celebrate Rylee's Birthday at Texas Road House. We all had fun and Rylee of course got to ride the saddle, she was kind of scared but she did it! After dinner we all went to my house and had cake and ice cream and opened presents! She definitely got a ton of gifts, THANKS to all that helped to spoil her on this special day! We love our family and friends so much!!!

Rylee on the saddle at TRH (look at her face!)

Her Tinkerbell cake! Everyone singing to Rylee! She was so EXCITED to open her gifts!Her new bike and her friend Josh next to her.
Daddy helping her ride her bike.Rylee and Cheyenne, oh how cute!
Daddy helping read this special Birthday card. It was from Uncle "CoCo"!
We love Uncle Cody and Uncle Bradley, they are both serving missions.
Rylee was sad they couldn't be here for her B-day. we sure do miss them!

School is finally here!

Well it been a long time since I've posted, alot has been going on in our family. I have been having a few problems with this pregnancy and has set me back a little, SORRY. So our Rylee girl started preschool on the Aug. 19th with Mrs. Rebeccah. Rylee absolutely loves her! She is the only girl in her class she is having the time of her life..... she is seriously growing up too fast!!! Her teacher Mrs. Rebeccah has her class wear the shirt color they are working on for that day. As you can see today was yellow day. There are not alot of choices for girls in the color yellow, we did our best! Thanks Mrs. Rebeccah for being an awesome teacher and friend!!!

Rylee half smiling, she doesn't do the best in the mornings.

I told her to smile this is what I got! Rylee had to have a backpack like her friend Josh. It is so funny because it is HUGE.

OUR NEW CAR!!!

So last Friday Ryan and I went on a date night, we went to dinner and were suppose to go to the movies. Well we had a little time in between dinner and the movie so we thought we go look at bigger cars. Ryan and I never made it to the movies that night, we end up getting our new car. We knew we were going to be getting a new around Oct. or Nov. before the new baby would be here. Our car we just got back in March wasn't going to cut it with three kiddos in car seats. So we got a smokin deal on our new car. we end up with a '04 Yukon Denali fully loaded( leather seats) with 27,000 miles and in perfect condition. We could not be any happier with our new car.

OUR NEW FAMILY RIDE

RYLEE FINALLY DID IT!!!

We have been working with Rylee for the past three weeks trying to have her become a BIG GIRL and she did it! She is now in BIG GIRL underwear!!! We are so proud of her. I am so, so, so excited I thought she would be in pull-ups FOREVER. Ryan & I were so happy because we only have to buy diapers for one now but not for long. I told Ryan we should but keep buying diapers for the new baby since we are already used to it. (LOL) Anyways we told Rylee she could get anything she wanted if she became a BIG GIRL, kind of crazy I know. Well she wanted a bear from Build -A -Bear. I thought we could do that not knowing how much they cost, but we didn't care. We were just so proud of her and she LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! The Bear is her new BFF. She is getting so big right in front of our eyes, it is kind of weird but fun. GOOD JOB RYLEE!!!!

Rylee & her new bear.

Rylee wanted to give her a big fat kiss.

Rylee saying she loves her.

They are both so dang cute!!!

Arizona Mine & Mineral Museum!

So this last weekend my brother asked Ryan if we wanted to go to this Museum because they had a BIG tire & a BIG shovel dipper that they use where Ryan works. We thought it would be fun to see that, so we went. I can't believe how BIG they really are. Inside the Museum was filled with tons & tons of different rocks from different Mines. It sure is a small Museum but it was fun to see some pictures of the Mine where Ryan works. The best part was it only costs $2 to get in but it cost you about $10 to get over there because it is in Phx., Oh Well!!!

THE BIG DIPPER!!!

&

THE BIG TIRE!!!

POOR RYLEE GIRL!!

So our little Rylee has been sick since Saturday so I finally decided we needed to take her into the Doctor. We took her in and she has NASTY STREP THROAT. I feel so bad for her all she does is sleep and fuss. I hate Strep it is not fun so I feel her pain. She will not eat ANYTHING at least she is drinking liquids. I hope she gets feeling better really soon. I love Rylee!!!

Our sick little Rylee girl.

Poor Rylee!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

HAPPY 4TH OF July!!!!

We were able to take a small trip up to Heber to enjoy the cooler weather on Sat. We asked my brother Michael and his wife Brooke if they wanted to go and they did. We all wanted to save on gas so we all went in our car, it was so funny. It went like this, I drove Brooke sat in middle next to me then Ryan in passanger seat and Michael in the back w/ both car seats. We seriously must have looked so HILARIOUS. Needless to say we made it up there safely!!! When we got there we watched the parade with Ryan's parents and the Germaine's. While we were watching they had fire trucks soaking everyone. But Ryan's mom Tammy, was smart and brought a HUGE umbrella so we hide uder it except Brooke she got drenched. After that we went to the park where they had yummy food, games and lots of stuff to buy. We went back to Germaine's cabin and Ryan, Michael, Brooke and the kids went on a Rhino ride, they had a ton of fun!! When they got back our poor Rylee was throwing up and running a fever, I felt so bad for her. That is how she has been now for 3 days.. I think it is a mixture of the heat, to much candy and not enough liquid. Anyways that Sat. night we watched a wonderful Fireworks show that was AWESOME!! WE had a great time overall...

Uncle Michael, Aunt Brooke, Crew & Rylee

Grandma & Papa Mortensen w/ Rylee And Crew

They sure do love their Grandparents!!!

Rylee is a FUNNY girl!!!

So this morning I decided I need to clean my room. Little miss Rylee thought she needed to help but instead of helping she was making a BIGGER MESS. I was getting so frustrated with her. So I put on a movie for her and when I went to check on her this is how I found her. She is seriously a funny, funny girl! She even put her boots on with her pj's, that cracks me up. What was shocking to me, she was actually sitting and watching the movie I put on for her. Maybe I can get more cleaning done alittle more often!!

Well it is Offical...

We just went into the doctor to make sure everything was were it should be and ok with this new baby.... and there the baby was, just chilling like a little peanut. Due date is January 30th....we are anxious and excited. We will keep you posted....

My Grandparents 65th!

On Saturday my grandparents had their 65th wedding Anniversary. It was so good to see them and to see how happy they both where. I can't believe they are still kicken it! My Grandparents have done so much for me. When I was younger I went on lots of trips with them and spent alot of time having fun with them. I love them both so much but there is something special about my grandpa. My Grandpa is the sweetest man I know, he is always happy and is so Christ like. I want him to know how much he means to me. When I was holding his hands on sat night and talking to him he said some precious things to me and I will forever cherish that moment. I'm not sure how much longer he will be in our presence, so every moment with him was so important to me. After we were done talking I had tears in my eyes and Rylee had asked me what was wrong. I told her that mommy had happy tears. We had a nice evening visiting with everyone. We where able to take some family snap shots, except one of my brothers wasn't able to be there. We love you David and we missed you!

My Grandparents( John & Eva Merrill)

Taking a picture with Gramps & Grams

OUR FAMILY PICTURE

My cousin Janee & I with Grandpa & Grandma

Crew with G & G

My parents with all their Grandkids!

My mom & I with my sis-in-laws

(Brooke, Felicia, Mom, Me & Rachele)

Ryan with my brothers except for david.

(Ryan, Steven, John, & Michael)

The three stud muffins!

I've been tagged!!!

How to play this game. Post these rules on your blog; List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names.

JOYS- 1. It's a joy being a mom and wife, it is so much fun! 2. It's a joy to go over to my parents & my in-laws house just to visit and hangout.3. It's a joy when I get to go on dates w/ my husband. I love when we can just laugh together over dumb stuff !

FEARS- 1. I have a huge fear that Rylee is going to get hit by a car one day. She loves to dart into the street.

2. I fear when Ryan is away at work for 7 days & I'm alone at night somebody is going to break in my house.

3. I have a fear of being pregnant, I don't have such good ones.

GOALS- 1. To become a better mom and to have more patience w/ my kids.

2. To get through this pregnancy with minimal problems.

3. To get up earlier in the mornings!

CURRENT OBSESSION/COLLECTIONS-1. I love to go shopping and find great deals!

2. I love to blog & read other blogs. I spend way to much time looking at blogs, but it's to much fun!!!

3. I love to decorate and help others w/ ideas.

RANDOM FACTS- 1. I have always wanted to go to school to become a Cosmotologist. One day I hope to fulfill this passion.

2. Before I die I want to run in a full marathon.

3. I have never been on a airplane.

TAG YOUR IT!- Kerrie G., Shanna, Julie G., Aileen, & Valerie

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Happy Father's Day to the BEST Daddy & Husband EVER! I just want my husband to know how much I love him. I appreciate every big & little thing he does for our family. He is the heart of it all, bringing out the best in all of us. He reminds me how fun family life can be. He is a very hard worker & always goes the extra mile, no matter what. I also want him to know I could never be the person or mom I am today w/ out him. Ryan, I love you so much and hope you have a wonderful Father's Day!

A DAY AT THE POOL!!!

Thanks Aunt Brooke & Uncle Michael for taking Rylee & Crew swimming. The first time Rylee got in the pool this summer she FREAKED OUT!! (LOL) Well she is warming up to the idea of going swimming. Crew on the other hand absolutely loves the water. I can't believe how fast time flies, Rylee is going to be three in sept. , Crew is almost seven months & we have one more on the way! CRAZZY!!! I love being a mom to my precious kids.

My big girl Rylee Paige.

Crew & Rylee laying out getting a tan.

Crew just chillin in the water.

Crew was so relaxed he fell asleep.

Happy Birthday To Our Dad & Papa!!!

My dad was telling Ryan & I a couple of days ago he really wanted a tree to plant in his front yard. Well since his Birthday was June 12th, we thought that would be a perfect B-Day gift. So as a Family we went & purchased the tree. The tree he wanted is a African Sumac. Ryan & Rylee had tons of fun digging the hole for it. It sure will be a great tree when it's all grown & it will give lots of shade. The things that make my Dad the Happiest are his Grandkids & things that grow. We love him so much and are so Greatful for all he does for his Family. WE LOVE YOU DAD!!!

My Dad, Rylee & Ryan w/ the new tree.

Rylee helping daddy dig the hole for the tree.
She LOVES to help her daddy!

Thanks Rylee for your help!
My sweet hubby, working so hard.
Rylee didn't want to get out of the hole, she loved playing in it.
Our little Family! My Dad getting ready to take Rylee & crew on a walk. He loves to do that too!!
My Dad loves his sunflowers & his Garden, he does an awesome job kepping it up.

PHOENIX ZOO ADVENTURE!!!

This morning a few of us went to the zoo. It was so much fun and tiring, but we made it! We arrived @ 8 am and by 11 am the kids were so, so, so tired!!! We left and went to Red Robin for lunch. The kids loved it! It was a morning we all enjoyed. Here are some pictures of our adventure.

Ryan, Crew & Rylee brushing the goat.

Maley & Rylee petting the goats.
Rylee, Maley & Neal checking out the fish.

Crew, Maley, Rylee, Neal & Sydney taking a picture w/ the giant frog.

Rylee on the bee.
Neal & Rylee on the tractor.
Eating lunch @ Red Robin.

SUMMER FUN AT THE PARK!

DESERT BREEZE PARK

So I woke up to a phone call from my sister-in-law Rachael this morning asking me if I wanted to take the kids to a fun park. I said sure, that would be fun. We went to Desert Breeze Park in Chandler, and it was tons of fun. The kids had tons of fun. Here are some pictures of our fun morning.

Ryan being a kid again.

Crew playing on the monkey bars.

Rylee & Neal being cheezy.

Rylee wanted to jump down but I said it was too high and she would get hurt.

Rylee playing in water.
Rylee riding the seal.
Rylee and her friend Neal playing together.
Daddy helping Rylee & Crew go down the slide.
The Morty Clan having fun together.

(not by the look on Rylee's face)

Memorial Day Fun!!!!!!

Last minute, the Morty family decided to take a trip up to the White Mountains to enjoy the cool weather and to watch a softball tournament. Ryan and I had a great time but our little Rylee had a BLAST!! We asked Ryan's Uncle Jerry if we could stay in their cabin for the weekend and he was very nice and let us. Thanks Uncle Jerry!!! It was nice to be amongst close friends, and to get away from the craziness that life brings. We were able to spend alot of time with Rylee and Crew. We went on a family drive on sunday to find Ryan's Grandma's old cabin. We were successful, and it brought back alot of memories to Ryan. Later that night we went to my friend Rachelle's brothers house, where we played games and even went off-roading in a jeep. Needless to say we all had a Blast. While we were at their house Rylee made some friends and had the time of her life. When it was time to leave, Rylee threw a fit. I told her we would see them tomorrow, and then she was ok. Monday came and we just watched ball games and let Rylee play. We ended up leaving around 4pm, and had no traffic problems. YEA!! It was a trip well needed.

Rylee's new little friends, Jay and Jack, eating a Hawaiian shaved ice.

Rylee wasn't going to be the first to be done

Crew & Rylee at the ball field

Rylee had to have her picture taken to show off her new sunglasses

Crew & Rylee bundled up, it was FREEZING!!!

This is my first post!

Sassy Rylee!
Crew with hair

Crew without hair

I am excited to get this blog up and running! So here is my first post, and I am looking forward to keeping this up. Just to bring you up to date, Ryan is currently working at the copper mine in Morenci, and I am a stay at home mom to my 2 babies. Life is a bit hectic right now, only because we are trying to find a new vehicle. I decided I didn't like mine anymore, and gave it a little makeover. But don't worry, we are all ok. But the poor car was totalled, and to make a long story short, we are in search of a new one. What else can I tell you? Oh yes- Crew was blessed at birth with a beautiful head full of dark hair. Well the last few weeks, he has been losing all of the hair on top of his little head. So, I decided that I would shave his head today. Surprise Ryan! Can't wait for you to get home and see it! He is so stinkin cute though!
Saturday, Rylee's little friend Maily had an easter party, and the easter bunny came to visit. As soon as Rylee discovered he was there, she completely freaked out, and wouldn't go hunt for eggs! I had to hold her hand. She had her eyes glued to him the whole time, and even when she would bend down to pick up an egg, she wouldn't look away from him, just to make sure he wasn't coming to get her! Overall, it was a great party.
We had a Happy Easter, even though Ryan wasn't able to be here. I am very grateful for him and all that he does for our family. He is a good husband and a good daddy, and we love him!