December chaos

The only way I can explain the 12 foot charlie brown tree is... Fresh :)

I know, there is no excuse for a month of no posts. I have to be honest, I feel a little like I am drowning this holiday season. But I think I will be done this week and be able to breath again and relax in time to enjoy the holidays. So, here are a few pix from the last few weeks. I promise to get a 'real' post out soon. I am also glad that I posted now in time to realize I haven't pulled out my camera enough either.

If you have a Gratitude Attitude...

I am jumping on my sister and friends, bandwagon a little late. I won't get an entire week of daily thanks in, and don't want to even promise another, but I am so grateful for all that I have in life. I am grateful for those days of insight into what is really important. Tonight the kids were running around the house like crazy people with underwear on their heads and everything. My initial thought was, what are they doing in the back room, I just folded all that laundry and put it away, and, I can only imagine what sort of a mess awaits me. Then I watched them interact and laugh with each other, and was instantly grateful for their friendship with each other, and the blessing of having them so close to one another. I realized whatever mess awaited me was worth it. Little Cache thought they were the best parade ever. I am also realizing recently how rapidly time is passing, and it horrifies me. As much work as life is right now, I would happily do it the rest of my life if I could keep my children small and all to myself. Although I know each stage is fun, I love the little world we live in right now. Most days anyway. :) I know I can always do better, and I am grateful for tomorrow, for the chance to wake up and do better than I did today.

In love with the Cullens

Tasha, Steph, Crystal, Ronda and Me :)



It is true, we hit opening night of Twilight, along with lots of young teenagers, a few couples and lots of woman. We waited in line for just under 2 hours. We were so proud of ourselves when we first arrived and thought we were only a few groups back in line. Little did we know that the line extended down the hallway and back to the theater. But don't you worry, Ronda and I worked a little scheme and ended up being within the first ten into the theater and flung our purses out to save a couple seats. Ughhh, the things we do for Edward. However, lets be honest, I wasn't thrilled with the cast that was chosen for the movie, until I saw it. Wow, I was pleased with the way they depicted everyone, especially Emmitt, Carlise, EDWARD, and even James and Jasper in their own way. I really liked the show, and enjoyed being sucked back into the lives of the Cullens, and Bella. The only thing that made me mad, was knowing that I have to wait for the next movie to come out. We had a great night; Dinner, and a movie with wonderful girlfriends is sure to refresh anyone... especially when it involves a little eye candy.

A few pict ures from Hawaii

We had a great time soaking up some sun and hangin' loose with no schedule at all.

View PhotatoBug Slideshow

Halloween!

Here are a few pictures. I am working on finding a minute to post. Stay tuned.

Grow old with me

I can't believe in the midst of the yard, I forgot to post for Trent's birthday.  He had a great day  laying sod, with me, all day.  Luckily my mom and dad came up and took us out for dinner, and gave him a fab suitcase that will be  used for our upcoming trip, mahalo mom and dad.  

Also, Thursday his mom rescued the kids while we got the first half of the yard done.  It was nice to be able to work in the yard and not have to worry about lunch, potty, etc.  Thanks mom.  But his birthday wasn't ALL work, he also  got an early birthday present from M&D.  He and Blake went to a Denver Broncos game.  They flew out, went directly to the game, went to dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange, a  old bar/steakhouse with a house specialty of Rocky Mountain Oysters, which they of course had to order, yuck. They hung out, relaxed and  flew home the next day.  Quick,  rejuvenating and a lot of fun!  All combined to make a memorable birthday.   

When we finished in the yard for the day, we closed out the night with some  wrestling on the fresh sod, and the candy bar game.

Trent, I am so grateful for you, and for the wonderful husband and father you are.  I am so  blessed to be able to walk through this life with you.  You are everything I need in a mate and I love you for all that you are.  I love you forever!  

Yes, all the kids are in their underwear.  We were on the way to the shower when dad came  into the house and insisted on a wrestling match. 

Dad takes no prisoners.  

Cache is getting his first feel of the backyard grass too.

The candy bar game was a hit.  The kids were actually really good about giving and taking candy, of course in the end we all  shared and the sugar high extended the nights festivities.  

Yard in use...

We finally 'finished' our yard.  Those of you who are already done with your yards are thinking, now the real work begins, right.  I know, I know, but we are just happy to take a deep breath and enjoy it for a minute before all the mowing, weeding and trimming begins.

I keep meaning to take pictures, but it is usually at night when I think to do it and they just wouldn't turn out all that great, so I will post what I have and take some more...  when I think about it in the day, hopefully soon:)!  p.s.  Kaels big day tomorrow, I can't believe he is 4.  

Viva Las Vegas

We spent 4 days in Vegas a few weeks ago and had a great time.  Everyone was able to be there, even Walkers were able to fly in.  This was not just your average vacation/gathering, my dad was installed as the National Independent Insurance Agents  Chairman.  We are so proud of him, he will do an amazing job.  He is...  Well I could go on and on about everything amazing that my dad is, and I am glad others recognize his innumerable strengths and look to  him as their leader!  We are so proud of you dad!  You are the best!!!!   

It was so much fun to get together with all my siblings too.  Its like a big party, we all get along so well, and truly are best friends!

The kids riding on the bus back to the hotel, after we  walked almost the entire length of the strip.  Note to selves...  the strip is much longer than it appears!

Uncle Doc Paul and baby cache

All the grandkids, a handsome bunch, if I do say so myself!

Mingle, Mingle, Mingle.

The beginning of the best  year IIABA has seen!  We love you Dad!

Checking out the amazingly huge and quite disgusting Coy fish at the flamingo hotel.

Reese and E man exchanging hugs, kisses and secrets.

The ever popular stop along the  strip.

We loved the shark reef at Mandalay Bay.  It was amazing.  The kids loved being able to touch the rays, and of course my kids just love sea  animals in general.  We could have spent and entire day here.

The tired bunch  heads back to the hotel by tram and then Bus.  We got SMART!!  Little Reese was out cold the minute Uncle Randall  picked her up!  

It was so great to all be together and celebrate our dad!!! 

Workin' hard... In the yard.

The last few weeks/ends, we have been working on the yard.   Leveling dirt, hauling off rocks ( I think we built on a gravel pit), finishing sprinklers, laying flagstone etc...  But this weekend we actually progressed to planting yeah!!!  A few pix with a little color, rather than just a lot of dirt and rocks!  However this first picture is the beginning of yet another project, a water feature,  water fall, stream thing.  It sits behind the fire pit, so it will be fun to have the  sound of a stream behind us,  as we warm up by the fire.  A few more steps and then...  (drum  roll), SOD!!!!!   Hallelujah.

Bird sitting, sleeping baby, and Young Men

Our neighbors went out of town, so we were able to babysit their Conure, Buddy.  The kids loved having him around, and what better pet than a visiting one?

Who can resist snapping a shot of a sleeping baby?  I was just getting the kids out of the shower, pj's on, etc...  look over and little mister is sleeping the  night away.  

Trent is the YM Pres. right now, and along with that calling has come some devotion of space in our house to the cause...  homeless camping gear from 'adventures', flags, and most recently, over 100  cardboard boxes, taking up Trents 2 car garage.  The youth have a competition each year, they build boats out of duct tape, and cardboard, and see who's goes the fastest, lasts the longest, etc.  So they  built  their boats this past Tuesday and will be floating them next week.  I will follow up with the Priest standing in the competition.  To be continued...  and lets hope the boxes are gone by next tuesday as well.  

Pickelville Playhouse

We ventured up to Bear Lake last weekend and went to the Pickelville Playhouse to their fabulous Melodrama.  The kids enjoyed it, as much as we did.  It really was very funny, and interactive with the audience.  If you haven't been in a while, it is worth  droppin' in on if you are in town.

School is in

Well, all the anxiety and sadness has been lessened as time has continued to pass.  I think  part of that anxiety comes from being back on a schedule, where we have always been footloose and fancy free and we are always  doing something last minute.  However the schedule is beginning to rule again, and spontaneity has to take a step back, but we are surviving.  Porter really likes his teacher, and he is enjoying the whole concept of recess.  I really like the schools reading concepts, they are based on what they call the  spalding method.  I think it will be a fun year.  A few pix of Porter on his first day of school.

Sprinklers and Fire

We spent some time with Grandma on Saturday.  She made us dinner, popsicles, twinkies, ding dongs, cookies, starburst, bubble gum, pretty much anything the kids wanted.  Then we hit the yard for some hammock, playhouse, swingset, airplane, SPRINKLER fun.

Reese Dancin' the night away.

Super boy!

Havin' a great time.

Another super boy.

Grandma  throwing the frisbee in the wind.  

When we got home from Grandmas house daddy was just pulling in from a long 4-wheeler  ride.  He was hungry and craving hotdogs and smores.  So he went outback, started up a fire, and cooked away.  Yep the kids are still in their skibby's from playing at grandmas, and it is 11:30 p.m.  I guess that is what a summer night is for, right?

soakin' up the summer

Nothing  beats a warm summer rain.  It MUST be played in.