The Creswell Family

Minnesota Vacation 2011

2011-07-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Day 4
Today we reached the city of Cook, Minnesota. We were so happy!
We met grandma and grandpa Creswell at the Target in Virginia and gathered all our food for the cabin. Once we got our food and lunch, we headed for Elbow Lake where we would take a boat to the cabin. The last time we were here was 10 years ago and I still remember the mosquito that got trapped in my pants giving me 18 bites on my bum!
Once we got to the dock and loaded up the boat, we made our way across the lake to spend 4 days without cell phones, running water, electricity, and other modern conveniences.
It was so hot and humid that we broke a sweat just sitting in the shade. By evening we were all in the lake washing off the stink of the day and it sure felt good!
Adam loved fishing. Never ended up catching anything but got a couple of nibbles. Makinley enjoyed covering herself with mud from the lake and collecting slimy lily pads. Kennidy fell in love with the row boat and got really good at it by the end of the week. Ford and I got eatin alive from all the mosquitos. Thank goodness for grandma's Afterbite Itch Relief. Ford liked playing in the lake and giving grandma pinches.

Minnesota Vacation 2011

2011-07-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Day 3
We traveled across North Dakota to Moorehead, Minnesota.
We saw some really pretty land...green and simply beautiful but not without a price. We got out of the car for a bathroom break only to be smacked in the face with humidity! Blah! We were happy to get to Moorehead. The kids liked this pool the best. It had 2 big pool areas. A baby pool with a turtle and frog slide and a bigger pool with a ball hoop. We did laundry and had pizza for dinner. Very relaxing after a long day of travel.

Minnesota Vacation 2011

2011-07-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

Day 2
Today we drove to Billings, Montana. But before we stopped there we went through Yellostone National Park.
Yellowstine was amazing! We stopped on the side of the road to take pics of a bald eagle perched in a tree, caribou grazing in a field, buffalo on the side of the road, and Old Faithful Geyser. We were all excited to see these animals up close and I think I took tons of pictures of buffalo! They are huge creatures. After lunch and experiencing a little part of Yellostone...we headed to Billings.
We got to our hotel and out came the swimsuits and towels! I have to say that this was the perfect way to end each day of our trip. All the kids looked forward to this!

Minnesota Vacation 2011

2011-07-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Day 1
Started out bright and early Sunday morning. We traveled 10 hours to Rexburg, Idaho. Brandon drove us around BYU - Idaho campus and showed us where he used to live. It was called Ricks College back in the day and much, much smaller. The entire town has grown so much since the '90s. The kids thought it was neat too see where dad went to college for a short while before moving to BYU - Provo. We also saw the temple that sits on a hill over looking Rexburg. It was really pretty and surprisingly bigger than expected.
The kids were happy to be out of the car and into the pool. The Springhill Suites in Rexburg were a favorite. They were totally groovy with their Retro designs.

Just the Girls...

2011-07-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

I asked Lynda Thomassen, of Blue Lake Photos, if she would take me out for a photo lesson. She takes amazing photos and was so great to help me. I was just getting into photography when we moved from Utah, almost 4 years ago, and haven't done it since. Just my family...dinkin around. Lynda taught me some really interesting and useful tips!!! Thanks so much, Lynda!

Math Olympics 2011

2011-05-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

The end of the school years bring so many award ceremonies and events for the kids. Today...was Math Olympics! I was excited, once again, for Adam. The first year we were here he wasn't all that excited about Math Olympics. However, as the years have gone by his confidence in math has increased. He is really good at math! And Adam proved it today...getting 2nd place! His friends, Ben and Timothy, got 1st and 3rd respectively. Way to go, Adam. Dad and I are so proud of you!

Super Students 2011

2011-05-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Last night we attended the Super Student Awards at DES. Both Adam & Makinley were awarded Super Student of the Year...along with a bunch of other kids. We are so proud of our children. Every year they put all their efforts into making good choices and working hard. We couldn't have asked for better kids that these.

Mammoth Anniversary Weekend

2011-05-01T19:19:00.001-07:00

It's a good thing we had planned to go out of town for our anniversary because on our actual anniversary...we didn't even have time to go to dinner. We didn't have time the evening after either! But nothing was going to stand in our way this weekend.

We planned a Mammoth weekend with the Petersons and we were sooooooo excited! We left Friday morning after dropping kids off at the Workmans (our kids may have been more excited to stay with the Workmans than we were to go to Mammoth. They LOVE the Workmans and we are so glad they do because they are great friends).

So we left (discovered a few things on the ride...our husbands want to get lost in the mountains somewhere as long as they have their bag of Cheetos, Tyler talks a lot because of Bridget, our kids do hilarious things, learn about kissing in kindergarten) and got into Mammoth about 1:30.
We went to lunch. Then to see if our hotel was available for early check in. Our lucky day! After dropping our luggage off, we decided a tour was in order. We found some restaurants, over priced shops, and some outlet stores with some pretty good deals. So we took advantage. Brandon got a suit for $100. Todd got some socks for $1.80. I got my traditional magnet for $6.00 (not such a good deal). And Bridget got some cool hiking/water shoes for 60% off! I got locked out of the dressing room...with all my clothes on...and only the 4 of us know that story. Todd found Brandon a t-shirt that read: Ski Naked. It'll add color to your cheeks.
When we were finished laughing, trying on clothes, and laughing some more...we headed to do some snow shoeing. And laughed some more. Full moons that could have been prevented if there was sun involved. All that kind of good stuff.

Snow Shoeing was soooooo fun. We hiked straight up this steep hill that had a waterfall right in the middle of it. It was so pretty. The entire landscape was just so peaceful and gorgeous.
After our snow shoeing, Bridget was starving so we decided to go to Grumpy's Sports Bar. The food was soooo good. Bridget and I ordered the Cowgirl Steak. It was the best steak I've had in a loooooooong time. Medium rare and so tender. Bridget and I were in steak heaven. Don't even remember what the conversations were but I remember the steak!
We hurried back to the hotel because we wanted to get in the hot tubs! It was so cold by the time we got back and I really didn't want to get into a bathing suit but it was totally worth it. Almost too worth it. Our bodies became so hot that none of us really slept well. Now I'm not saying the hot tub was to blame...just maybe being in it too long was.
The next morning we got ready to brave the Mammoth Mountain! SOOOoooo exciting! And after purchasing our tickets and taking 30 mins to figure out our locker situation...we were finally on the slopes. It was beautiful weather. A bit windy in the morning but by 11 it was perfect. I think we all took at least one good spill each. I have a huge bruise on my knee cap to prove my wipeout. But it was either wipeout or die! Literally! On one side of me was a cliff and on the other was an ice wall. I chose to crash into the ice wall instead of going over the cliff! I watched Todd wipeout! It looked worse than he thought it was. I didn't see Bridget or Brandon. We had such a fun time and on the way home...we were quiet and sleeping.

Sunday morning I woke up with a sore neck. But other than that I felt great. Happy and content. I really needed this get away. Thanks, Petersons for going with us. We had a great time.

RuffledEdges Blog

2011-04-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

My Shop blog, RuffledEdges, is up and running. I am constantly adding new things. Check it out and let me know what your reaction is.
All orders are custom made. Color and size choices are available. Enjoy your visit!

Sweet Thank Yous

2011-04-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

We used some of our tax return to buy some bigger bikes for 3 of our kids. I love how they just seem to out grow everything at the same time.

We needed to find new homes for their old bikes so I called Katy Gardner and asked if she knew anyone who could use them. She said she did and so off they go to her garage. It felt good to make some room in ours.

A few days later she came over with her kids and a yummy plate of chocolate dipped strawberries, marshmallows, pineapples, and graham crackers. Travis, Trevor, and Kendra had drawn and written Thank You notes for the bikes! They are soo sweet! And so were those goodies!

Spring Soccer has begun!

2011-04-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

I am often amazed at all the things Moms have to keep straight. Take soccer for example. I have 4 kids in soccer. Two of them are on the same team. But I have to remember who practices on what night and at what time. I have to get them there and back by dinner or before dinner. Which means I have to plan my dinner times according to the days they have practice. Are you confused? I am.
I love soccer and I love being schedules! I love calendars and marking them up with all the different activities we have. It makes me feel like we're active and that we're accomplishing goals and not just sitting around being idol.
Kennidy & Adam - Scored a goal each!!!

Makinley-was a fabulous forward and dynamite defender!!!

Ford-did fabulous as a midfielder!!! Love the tongue.

Jimmer Fans

2011-03-12T14:37:00.001-08:00

Hard Work

2011-03-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

I am a firm believer in this one fact: If you work hard enough, you will be blessed.

I am also a firm believer in Science Fairs are to be done by the student, not the parent. And when I say everything, I mean everything.

This year Makinley and Adam did almost everything themselves. They found their projects. They did their experiments. They typed up their questions, hypothesis, procedures, results, and conclusions. And they put everything together on their boards. They worked hard.

Last night was the Science Fair. We went at 6pm because Dad and Kennidy had to set up for YM/YW at 6:30. We saw their projects and some others and left. The judging, we were told, wouldn't start until 7 and we just couldn't stay that long. We told Adam and Makinley how proud we were of them for all their work.

About 7:30pm I received a text from Paula. It said, 'Good job mak on sci fair! 2nd place!!!'

What? 2nd place? Makinley was so pleased with herself. And she should be. She worked hard. Both my kids did and I am so pleased with their hard work.

A work in progress

2011-03-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

I think I have said it before but I'll say it again...I love having creative friends.
I've been admiring Lisa and Mary's blogs for awhile now and am currently changing the look of my own. Slowly.
Mary passed along Lisa's tutorial via email. Thanks, Lisa and Mary!

Sick Sick Sick

2011-02-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

I hate being sick! I have 4 kids and don't have time to be sick. I felt a tingling in my throat Saturday morning. And by bedtime I was in a world of hurt. Headache, ear tingling, a serious cough coming on. I got a sub for Nursery, took some Ny-Quil and hit the sack! Moms don't get a sick day! Thank goodness it was the weekend...a 3 day weekend at that. But I have to be better by Monday because Brandon doesn't have the day off.

Sunday morning came with making breakfast for the kids, getting the kids ready for church, and a text from my hubby saying he was running late in meetings and could I drop the kids off. Oi!

I had a headache, fever, tingling in my right ear, my neck was achy, and I even hallucinated. I thought Brandon had come home and was trying to get the covers over my head and I tried to stop him but my eyes wouldn't open and my arms were too heavy to move to stop him. I heard the tv on in my room and I was roasting like a pig in a fire pit!

When my family came home for real...Adam made me lunch. That was so nice of him. Thanks, Adam. I watched 'The Other Side of Heaven' and tried to sleep some more.

I spent all day in bed. I worried about what to do with the kids on Monday because they don't want to be stuck home with a sick mom! Well, Monday is here and I am feeling a little better but not much. I scheduled a Dodge Ball game at the church intending to bring my kids and just sit in the foyer but Brandon announced that he wanted to stay home to help me! The Workmans were game and so Plan A was successful. Plan B was finding some movie at the $3.oo theater and sitting through it. Not a bad Plan B but glad I didn't have to use it. I'm not sure driving while dizzy is the best plan.

Now I am going back to bed to, hopefully, sleep this off. I have sneezed twice and that's always a good sign to getting better!

Science Fair Saturday

2011-02-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

Today Brandon helped Makinley and Adam complete their Science Fair Projects. He’s so patient! Thanks, honey! I love you.

Adam's project is to see how different liquids absorb in a sponge. He tested by weight.

Makinley's project tested density. Will an egg float or sink in salt water?

Snowshoeing Spooner Summit

2011-02-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

We met at Paula’s house for an exciting morning of snowshoeing! It snowed 3 days this week and we were pumped for some fluffy powder!

As soon as we got to the ‘parking lot’ we knew this was going to be an adventure. It had snowed so much in Tahoe that there was no visible trail. So we did the only thing we could. Blazed our own trail. And for any of you that have blazed your own trail in the snow know that it’s no easy task. Our hearts were pumping, beads of sweat were dripping, and lots of breaks! Trudging through waist high snow is a workout! Holy Cow!

Bridgette and I packed our snowboards on our backs and were really excited to board on this fluff. The only problem was too much snow. It was too deep that we couldn’t get a good start because we’d sink before we really got going. We tried several times and would get stuck and couldn’t get out without falling deeper. We were close on time so we decided this wasn’t the best idea and strapped on our snowshoes and made our way down the mountain on foot.

On our way down, Bridgette and I slipped plenty of times. In fact on time we slipped at the same time. It was hilarious. But the funniest part was when I couldn’t get back up because my board was stuck in the snow and prevented me from moving forward or backward. The only way I could go was straight up. And that’s kind of hard to do when you are on a horizontal plane. I was laughing so hard Bridgette had to help me up. We are definetly planning to bring our boards again...when there’s not so much snow. If nothing else, we had a good laugh!

Tiny Little Hat

2011-02-18T07:22:00.000-08:00

I bought this newborn Newsboy Cap from Polka Dot Posh over the weekend. It is super tiny I couldn't believe it! Lynda was kind enough to let me use her photos for my Etsy shop. This is Cole sporting my cap and cute loafers!

We have a TEENAGER!!!

2011-02-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

It's official...we have a teenage daughter! Today Kennidy turns 13! Saturday, Kennidy and I went shopping for presents. Brandon and I thought it would be a good idea to let Kennidy pick out her presents this year. She did good.

We went to Deseret Book where she got a new scripture bag. Very stylish.

We went to Rue 21 where she got a purple scarf, an Owl ring, and 3 shirts.

We went to Children's Place where she got a jean jacket.

We went to AT&T online where she got a purple cell phone.

And we went to A&W where she got a cheeseburger, fries, and rootbeer.

Tonight we open cards/presents from grandparents and great grandma gore.

Happy Birthday, Kennidy! We love you so much and have enjoyed watching you grow into the beautiful young woman you are today!

Hello Kitty and more...

2011-01-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

So I learned how to do a Hello Kitty hat! I’m selling it for $18.00. I made this one for Emma and I can’t wait to give it to her. Now she and Makinley can be twins!

I really like this Owl hat. The color possibilities are endless. I can go bright and fun or simple and conservative. I’m selling it for $18.00, as well.

This newborn hat was a baby shower gift for my friend, Brittany. She has 2 adorable little girls and is having her first boy! I chose not to use any colors because I loved the neutrality of this yarn. I love the way it turned out. This newborn monkey hat is $16.00.

This hat is for a sister I visit teach. She has 2 boys and is expecting her first girl. Her babies tend to come 5 weeks early and so this hat is so tiny! I love the colors. Especially the purple.

This little darling was not as tiny but oh so fun to make. I love this Pixie hat. I can’t get enough of those stripes! I can’t wait to make it in red and white...and I think I want the pom pom a little bigger. This Pixie hat is $16.00.

I made this Sock Monkey hat for a girl who lives in Toronto. It’s pretty cold up there right now and I love the hot pink! I made the spiral ties extra long so she could use them as a scarf. I absolutely love this hat! I’m selling Sock Monkey hats for $30.00.

I’m still selling these Ear Warmers. They are my best seller. They sell for $16.00 and come with the flower. I also sell the flowers separate for $4.50.

My friend, Jeannie, found some cute Koala hats and made one for her daughter, Jaidyn. I fell in love with it when she showed me. It’s made out of 100% Alpaca yarn and is the softest hat I have ever felt. She said her mom paid a TON of money for one skien. I didn’t get Alpaca yarn...I didn’t go to the right store...but walked away with some grey Homespun. I’m dying to try it out.

Check it out at RuffledEdges.etsy.com.

Anthropology Knock Offs

2011-01-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

I’m in the process of making large ribbon flowers with burned edges. They come in a variety of sizes but I think I like the bigger size best. I am attaching pins to the backs and pining them to necklaces. I bought 2 necklaces in Utah for $20 each and love them. Now I have to find some beads I like. I’m having a hard time finding regular marbles. That’s what I’d really like to use. They are the perfect weight and the perfect size. I am toying with the idea of using those colored pebbles that come in various shapes and sizes...I kind of like the oblong ones and can get them at the Dollar Tree. The price is definitely right! I think I will sell these necklaces for $18.00 and see how they go.

Ski Club

2011-01-21T09:40:00.000-08:00

I love starting the new year off right. For the next 6 Fridays Kennidy and I get to go snowboarding! We are so excited! We’re gonna shred up the mountain. This Friday Brandon came up with us. It was fun to have him on the slopes with us. I think he and I went down 5 or 6 times before Kennidy even started her lesson at 10am. It was great. And I didn’t fall all day. After lunch we took Emma, Kobey, and Lauren to the backside of the mountain and had a great time. Those kids can really ski. Much better than I ever did. Maybe that’s why I board now. We had such a good time.

Christmas Concert

2010-12-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Makinley was a soloist! She wanted it to be a surprise but I showed up to help in her class one Tuesday and they were on their way to rehearsals. I heard her name called for ‘A Candle For Peace’ and was caught off guard. ‘Makinley is singing a solo?’ Brandon and I listened to every word she sang. It was like an angel. She even let me curl her hair for the occasion!

This was Ford first Christmas Concert and he did such a great job. We've been practicing 'Jingle Bells' in the car for about 2 months now. He looked so handsome and sang out loud and clear for us to hear him. We love watching him sing.

I don't think there's a better way to be filled with the spirit of Christmas than to listen to little voices sing Christmas carols. What a blessing.

Happy Christmas!

2010-12-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

We are so excited for Christmas this year. We've really tried to center our thoughts and hearts on Jesus Christ this season.

Our testimony is that He lives. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. He came to earth to show us how we can return to live with our Heavenly Father again. He was the greatest example and the greatest gift our Father has ever given us.

A couple of years ago, we read an article in the New Era about a family who placed a special gift under their tree each year. It was the first gift under the tree and the last gift opened. The small gift box contained the most precious gift of all. It was from our Savior, Jesus Christ. And the gift he gave was....Eternal Life.

We have adopted this tradition in our own family. It is the first gift under the tree and the last one to be opened. I hope that we can all come to understand the great love He has for us this year.

Merry Christmas!

Sock Monkey Hat

2010-12-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this pattern!

Best Buds

2010-11-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

Ford and Connor are best buds. They both started Kindergarten this past fall and are in the same class. They play with each other almost every day after school. And what do they play you may ask?

They play ‘Super Hero Dress Up’, Batman and Captain Rex, Legos, Super Mario Bros., Star Wars Wii, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, Cars and Trucks, Knights protecting fair maidens, Good Guys and Bad Guys, Cops, Nerf Guns. They play with light sabers, guns, swords, legos, dinosaurs, dragons, cars, trucks, planes, trains, stuffed animals, action figures, boats, sleds, scooters, bikes, wagons, motorized jeeps, hangers, roller skates, skate boards, capes, super hero costumes, masks, hats, etc.

I am so glad that we live right across the street from Connor. What would we do without him!

SURPRIZE birthday say what!

2010-11-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

We really like Hannah Montana in our house.

My friends and I have a new tradition...well ever since last year. Whenever it's someone's birthday...we go to the Cracker Box in Carson City for breakfast. They're only open from 6am-2pm. And they have the best 'spuds' I have ever tasted. So when it was my birthday we all headed out to Cracker Box! I love this tradition. Me, Emily, Jenni, Paula, and Bridgette! Thanks girls! And thanks, Bridgette, for my breakfast present. It sure was tasty!

For my birthday this year, Brandon surprised me with a small party of friends! He came home about 3 o'clock with grocery bags of food. I asked him what was going on and he said...I told you I was throwing you a surprise birthday party! (He told me on Sunday. I told him we needed to go to the O'Barr's going away party and he said we couldn't. I asked why and he said because we're having a party for your birthday. I thought he was

kidding.)

We had a yummy BBQ, presents, and FABULOUS company. I had a great time. Thank you everyone for coming to my party. Thanks, Brandon for thinking of me and showing me how much you love me. Kisses and Hugs!

Best Friends Separated

2010-11-15T18:43:00.000-08:00

Emma and Kennidy have been best friends for almost 3 years. Since we moved to Dayton pretty much. And now Emma and her family are moving to Ohio. It is very sad for us. Emma is such a good example and her family is so wonderful. They have the kind of kids you hope your kids make friends with because they are good, know right from wrong, and are still normal kids.

I got to take pictures of Kennidy and Emma before they left town. Connie, Emma's mom, got the girl's 'BF' necklaces. One had a hole wear a star fits and the other has a raised star that fits in a hole. They are so cute. Thanks, Connie. You think of everything cute and fun!

I love these girls.

Kendra and Aubrey are super good friends, BFFs if you will. I got to take their pictures, too. They have the greatest personalities. They giggled the entire photo shoot! I wish I could have captured the sound of their giggles. It was very contagious.

We will miss the entire O'Barr family!

Happy Birthday, Adam!

2010-11-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

Adam had a great birthday. I think his favorite gift was tickets to 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1'. He was given 2 tickets. One for him and one for a friend.
He also got a Harry Potter Calendar, real football, scouting shirt, book, and neckerchief and 2 Lego Quiddich Sets. He also got a Target Gift card he is dying to use but can't decide what to buy. There are so many things he wants! Decisions, decisions.

Happy Birthday, Adam! We love you so much and are so grateful that you're part of our eternal family.

Etsy Store

2010-11-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

For the last month I have been learning how to crochet flowers, ear warmers, and spiral scarves. Now that I have a handle of them...I have joined Etsy! Etsy is an online store for everything homemade.
I currently have 2 items listed but have high hopes for other items if they do well. And will do a bit of advertisement here on my blog.

I absolutely love my ear warmers. There are so many options. The ear warmers come in a variety of colors and have a crochet flower attached to them unless you'd like them to be interchangeable. The flowers that come off the hat have a hair clip attached to them and the ones that stay with the hat are sewn on so they don't come off. The flowers can be the same color as the ear warmer or a different color. The ear warmers are also adjustable with 2 buttons in the back.

Measurements: 4" wide x 20" long

Custom: Yes.

Colors: Mustard Yellow, Pumpkin Orange, Purply Grape, Crisp White, Midnight Black, Chocaholic Brown, Seafoam Blue, Navy Blue, Avocado Green, Canary Yellow, Cherry Red, Red Brick, Hot Pink, Bright Lavendar, Green Apple, Bright Orange...and any other color that you might like.

Etsy Price: $15.00
Friends/Family Price: $10.00 (Call or email rufflededges@hotmail.com)

Visit my Etsy shop at RuffledEdges.etsy.com!

Fall in Tahoe

2010-11-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

The kids had a day off last week so I thought I'd take the opportunity to take their pictures in Tahoe. Little did I know that my loving husband had made his own plans to take Adam golfing. Hasn't he learned that after 14 years of marriage that he needs to clear it with me because I'm the one who actually stays home with the kids and plans to do things on their days off? Apparently not!

So I took Kennidy, Makinley, and Ford. I wish Adam had been there so I could have gotten some group photos. It was really pretty in Tahoe. We went to Taylor's Creek. There are lots of great places for pictures. The sun was a bit harsh and so I only got a few. I think I took too many of Makinley. Oh well.

Happy Haunting!

2010-11-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a long one for us Nevadans. Nevada Day falls on the last Saturday of every October. Which means NO SCHOOL the Friday before. So we took the opportunity to go to the Idaho Cabin.

We spent our time with lots of family. Grandma & Grandpa Creswell, Melissa, Asher, & Tatiana, Maren, Dallin, Noah, & James. For Halloween Tatiana & Asher were Nerd & Zombie Nerd. Noah & James were both Elmo. And Adam, Makinley, Ford, & Kennidy were Camp Half-Bloods from Percy Jackson and the Olympians!

For lunch on Saturday, Grandma Creswell had a special treat for the kids. But they had to eat their lunch blindfolded. Grandma had fun games,

Maren had fun crafts,

and we all pulled together for a Halloween dinner complete with cut off fingers wrapped in bandages (aka pigs in a blanket), albino witch's fingers (aka string cheese with green bell peppers), dragons blood (aka red juice), blended mummies brains (aka cranberry ambrosia), and tasty monster bites (aka sliced apples with almond slivers for teeth). Everything was so yummy.

We had planned to take the kids Trick or Treating in Boise but when we got there...no one was to be seen. There were no trick or treaters anywhere! So Plan B was put into effect. We took all the kids to Albertsons to buy their favorite candy! And 15 bags of candy later...we walked out of Albertsons and headed back to the cabin for some Trick or Treating Cabin style.

On our way back to the cabin we came to a stop for a deer that was sitting in the middle of the road. Why would a deer be sitting in the middle of the road? Well, a man got out of his car to get the deer out of the way and as soon as the deer got up our question was answered. The deer had been hit by a car and his hind leg was broke. He tried to stand up only to fall down again. Once he got his balance, a hunter got out of his car with his rifle and shot the deer on the side of the road. The kids were shocked and saddened by this but Brandon explained that this was a good thing several reasons. And he told all the kids why.

Finally after finding no trick or treaters and seeing a deer murdered on the side of the road, we got back to the cabin for some fun of our own. All the adult divided up the candy and sat behind a door and waited for our Trick or Treaters. Brandon decided to go into one of the sheds and be the 'SCARY house'. I was the 'SWEET OLD LADY house'. Dallin was the 'NICE OLD MAN house' and I don't know what the others were because I was in the other shed. The kids had so much fun and got TONS of candy. And all the good kinds. Chocolate! Yum. I made sure all the kids knew that if any of them didn't want the Almond Joys I would take them. And boy did they deliver. I was in Almond Joy heaven!

Sunday, we got dressed and headed down to the Idaho City Branch. We were saddened again by an empty parking lot. Apparently Idaho goes Trick or Treating on Sunday instead of attending church. We really can't live in this state.

Happiness

2010-10-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to find a place for our family photos this fall and today I found myself with some extra time. So I headed down to Genoa, Nevada. Genoa is a quiet little town set back against mountains in the Carson Valley. The homes are gorgeous, the golf courses are green, and there are tons of trees! In the heart of Genoa, there is Mormon Station and an old downtown area surrounded by old homes.

It is in this old town area that I found some places to bring my family. I miss taking pictures. This is happiness.

FHE

2010-10-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight for FHE we talked about testimonies. We talked about what a testimony is and how you share it. We got the ‘microphone’ (aka the tripod) out and the kids practiced bearing their testimonies. Some of them got up more than once and that’s okay because they wanted to testify of something else they had thought of.

This Sunday our children will have a unique opportunity to share their testimonies through song and spoken word in the Primary program. The focus in Primary this year has been ‘I Know My Savior Lives’. As parents this is easily one of our favorite sacrament meetings but the kids love it, too, for a couple of reasons.

They get to speak into the microphone.
They get to sing in front of their parents.
They get to invite their school teachers.

So tonight for our activity we made caramel apples and attached an invite for their teachers to join us on Sunday.

The kids are so excited. We hope their teachers will come and share in the spirit that will testify of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Super Soccer Saturday

2010-10-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

September brought lots of fun to our Saturdays including 3 games of soccer! Every Saturday we load up the kids and the van and spend our mornings at the fields! The last couple of Saturdays Adam's and Ford's game were scheduled for the same time. So we positioned ourselves in between the two fields and one minute we're cheering for the Tigers and the next, we flip around, we're cheering for the Raptors! We love it.

This Saturday was exciting! Adam has played sweeper and midfield positions for some time now. But today...he played FORWARD! RIGHT FORWARD! And you know what that means. Goals! Well, Adam scored in the first 7 min. of the game! When the teams reset themselves I asked him what his scoring goal was for the game. He said, 'One.' But by the end of the game, he had 4 goals! It was such an exciting game to see. I love watching my kids succeed! Way to go, Adam!

Ford plays all the positions except for goalie. He enjoys running after the ball and kicking in down the field. And he did great today! As a forward, he got the ball many times and passed it to his teammates. He also made fantastic kicks up the sideline! He's so cool. When the ball went out of bounds he would quickly look over at me and I would give him a 'thumbs-up'. He would do the same and smile then it was back to business. He's super cute.

Kennidy rocks as one of our All-Star Defenders! She has a powerhouse kick! Some kids don't get how important the defenders are in soccer. They think that defenders don't get any glory or see any 'action'. But you know what? They are protecting the most important thing on the field. The goal! We have a great set of defenders and every single one of them is awesome. Kennidy makes sure that they are all talking to each other and helping each other. I love that about her. She's a 'take charge' kind of gal.

Messy Bun Results

2010-10-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I didn't have much time to do Makinley's hair so I just put it in 'Messy Buns'. She slept in them and this was the lovely result of the 'Messy Buns'.

Chores

2010-09-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Okay. I totally know how my kids feel about chores. They hate them. They would rather be playing. I totally get it. I am home for almost 3 hours each morning by myself with lots of chores to do. Sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, dirty dishes, unfolded laundry, etc. and I don't want to do it. I want to do something fun! So this morning, as I looked at the 4 loads of laundry laying on my couch in my room, I smiled to myself and thought I want to do something else. So I created and cut vinyl for Ford's fish, Yoshi. I know the laundry will not fold itself and the dishes in the sink won't wash themselves...and the crumbs on the floor may be cleaned by ants...but is that really what I want? No. So right after I post this I promise to fold some laundry.

PS. I did clean my bathroom, bedroom, living room, kitchen, and dining room already this morning.

Zac Brown Band in Concert

2010-09-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Brandon got tickets to see The Zac Brown Band here in Reno the day after his birthday and we were really excited. We picked up Amber and Jake....(youth from our ward, Amber bought Jake tickets for his birthday that was on Monday) at 6 and headed out about 6:15. I thought we were going to be late. It takes an hour to get to Reno and Brandon and I didn’t want to miss anything. None of us knew who the opening act was and when we found out (Robert Randolf Family Band) we thought, ‘Who are they?’ So we decided to stop for In-n-Out Burger. It’s a good thing we did because Brandon said it was either that or hot dogs and a beer at the event center. And I really don’t like hot dogs. That hamburger and fries tasted so good (I was thinking of Kendra Johnson whilst eating cause they don’ t have In-n-Out Burger in Michigan). I hadn’t eaten anything all day...except a strawberry shake I made with Ford. And that was good!

Okay, so back to my story. So we get to the Lawler Event Center about...I don’t know 7:15ish. Maybe 7:30. Amber pointed out the landscape and was telling us her father, who passed away this spring, had created all of it. It was dusk and so I really didn’t get a chance to enjoy it but she said it was beautiful. We get to our seat...the wrong seats...and then the right seats...and sat. And sat and sat and sat and sat and sat. I don’t think the ‘Robert Randolf Family Band’ (opening act) started until 8 o’clock! (the concert was suppose to start at 7). We couldn’t understand a word they were singing and finally at almost 9 o’clock they were done. It took The Zac Brown Band another 15-20min to get on stage. We loved the songs they sang and were completely bored with all the instrumentals. And a song that another guy in the band sang. It was like Heavy Metal meets Country. Yuk!

I waited all night to hear ‘Chicken Fry’ and it was one of the last songs they sang. Brandon was waiting for a song I can’t remember the title to...but it was the very last song.

The concert finally finished at just about 11:00pm. We left immediately, enjoyed a ‘radio concert’ on the ride home, dropped off Amber and Jake, and were in bed by 12:03am. What a night.

I got some okay video of the concert...from the side we were on. And like I said before...we really enjoyed the songs they sang. We had hoped for all singing. We’ll know next time. ‘Don’t buy tickets to The Zac Brown Band’ unless you like guitar and violin solos. And really long ‘bridges’ in the middle of songs.

Happy Birthday, Brandon!

2010-09-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

Brandon turned 37 today! And he got everything he asked for. A new BBQ grill. He also got a BYU t-shirt, a Boise State t-shirt, the second season of ‘Chuck’ (the third one is on it’s way), and a cover for his fancy schmancy grill.

We were sad that his birthday fell on a Wednesday because we didn’t get to celebrate till 8:45 at night. We had high school soccer practice, Kennidy’s soccer practice, Ford’s soccer practice, and YM/YW in that order. I left the house at 2:50pm and didn’t get home till 7:30pm. Brandon and Kennidy didn’t get home till 8:45 from YM/YW.

When he finally did get home, Adam, Ford, Makinley, and I jumped out to surprise him with ‘Happy Birthday to You’. And after presents and a little catch up of the happenings of the day...we put the kids to bed and sat down to watch ‘Warehouse 13’ and ate Dutch Apple pie. I think I’ve mentioned a time or two that we don’t do cake...and Brandon wanted Marie Calendar’s Dutch Apple Pie. It was soooo yummy.

First Day of School Post...Take 5?

2010-08-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many 'first day of school' posts I've written but here's one for this year. These are my Elementary kids. I have yet to take one of Kennidy. The older I get the more disorganized I am. Adam and Makinley were excited for the first day of school. Ford and I had a Kindergarten Orientation. So Tuesday will be his first official day. He can't wait. We are looking forward to a great school year!

A New Coach

2010-08-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

A week before school started, Brandon and I were standing in the kitchen and he said, ‘Did Karl Watts talk to you today?’ (It was Sunday and he was meaning at church). I said no and asked what about. Brandon said Karl had asked him if he thought I’d be interested in helping to coach the boys soccer team at the high school here in Dayton. I kind of chuckled to myself. I’m not qualified for that.

Later that evening, I called and left a message for Karl. Brandon and I decided that if we could work out the timing...it would probably be a good learning experience for me. So I waited to hear what Karl wanted from me as far as responsibilities and then what steps I would have to take to make it official. That night before bed, I said a prayer and asked my Heavenly Father if this was something worth taking on.

Well, Karl called back the next day and come to find out I would have to take 3 online courses that would cost me $100 total. A First-Aid training, CPR certification, and a Coaching Course. He said anyone interested in volunteering at the high school had to take these courses and he was currently in the middle of one. He was a little surprised when I told him I was still interested. I felt like this would be a great learning opportunity for me but even more...it would be an opportunity to make a difference. I want to make a difference. I want to be able to see the potential that these boys have and help them to see it. Not for them to be proud and cocky...but to use that knowledge for good. Sometimes when we catch a glimpse of our potential...we feel empowered to do and be better. Karl then told me that I would have to go in for fingerprinting and have a background check run before I started. I was ready to go by the first week of school.

I took the first week to observe the dynamics of the team. And one things was very clear off the bat. They didn’t speak English. They know how but choose to speak Spanish. There are 4 boys on the team that don’t speak Spanish and Karl is bilingual. Lucky him. There is another assistant coach, Jose. He’s bilingual, too but speaks Spanish much better than English. I’m kind of intimidated.

So the week progresses as follows...2 practices, 2 games, and a practice. I saw them play their second game of the week and it was sad. They pooped out at min. 27 of the first half. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. They were so tired. They gave up goal after goal because they couldn’t keep up. I was sitting in the stands and the parents were commenting. ‘Their not attacking!’ and ‘Their not running after the ball!‘ If a player was substituted, he’d come off the field and ask, ‘What did I do?’ They totally thought that Karl was pulling them off the field because they did something wrong.

They are very defensive and take no responsibility for their own actions. They don’t play as a team...it’s all about the individual and how he can make himself a star. Their passes are sloppy but their ball handling skills are great. They can dribble around multiple players and work it up the field but they won’t look to pass. There’s no unity. And tired at min. 27 are you kidding me. These boys needed conditioning in a bad way.

I went home with a purpose. I went online and found many articles and drills for conditioning. I printed some out and was prepared to present them to Karl at the next practice. Then I said a prayer for help. A long prayer for help.

Well, Friday came and I waited for Karl or Jose to make my pitch. I wanted to be in charge of conditioning this team. I waited until 3:20...then 3:25...practice is suppose to start at 3:15 and we still didn’t have either one of our coaches. I decide this was the Lord’s way of helping me. I got the boys together and told them that I was starting practice. I needed them to run a lap and then we were going to do some conditioning drills. I needed them to see me as their coach. And with no other coaches to ‘over rule’ me...I was good to go.

We had a good practice. I asked them to do some hard things, but they were up to the challenge and did everything I asked. They were tired and hurting by the time Karl actually got to the field but they all realized that this is what they really needed.

I hope I follow the spirit with this particular experience because the youth of the world scare me a little. And I just want to make a difference. Good Luck to me!

Dust Devil Sprint Triathlon

2010-08-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

A few months ago when Bridget said we should all do a triathlon, after our Freel Peak hike, I really wasn't that excited. I mean, we just finished hiking to Freel Peak! Anyway...she found one in Fallon, Nevada and said we should do it in teams. So teams were formed, Bridget went out of town, and we were registered!

I do have to say that I had fun. And I would do it again...as a team. I like team sports. We entered 2 teams...Dust Devil Moms and I can't remember the other team name. Our team consisted of our swimmer, Jared Miklich (originally Laura Klein was our swimmer...then it fell to Ian...then fell to Jared, who was left with 2 weeks to practice, he did awesome), our biker, me, and our runner, Julie Logan.

Jared swam a 1/4 mile. I rode 14 miles. And Julie ran a 5K in the hot, hot sun. We were all really nervous. We kept telling ourselves that it was just for fun...it was just for fun. And I had to keep telling myself...'Be like the whale...and swallow Jonah'. Over and over and over.

We got 3rd place in the teams division. I don't know my exact time but we think it was around 50 min. And for my first race ever...I think that was pretty good. Our final time was 1:32. I can't remember the seconds.

Here are all the participants from the 2 wards in Dayton.

Jared and Nikki Miklich, Jenni Workman, Staci Creswell, Tim and Julie Logan, and Mark Gardner. Tim came in 1st in his division with Mark in 3rd. We were all winners! And not just participants. Thanks, Bridget for planting the seed!

A Day Trip to Folsom

2010-08-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

We went to Folsom, Ca with the Workmans to enjoy a bike ride and go to the famous (in our house) aquatic center. I forgot to take more pictures of our bike ride. We really had a good time. I love that trail along Lake Natoma...I think that's what it's called. Here is a run down of our adventures.
Kids sleeping on the way there.
Kirsten throwing up.
Seeing the temple from our bike trail.
Eating in the shade of a big tree.
Wishing that the rope swing on the tree wasn't broken.
Seeing kayaks and row boats on the lake.
Losing Jenni, Raquel, Kirsten, and eventually, Oakley.
Getting a GREAT workout...trying to find everyone.
Swimming.
Cherry Icees @ Chevron.
Dinner to go from Wendy's.
Kids sleeping on the way home.

And after all was said and done...we had a great time with our friends. I think my next trip to Folsom will be to go shopping at the outlet mall with Jenni. That's something to look forward to...when we find the time. Oi!

Tatiana comes to visit

2010-08-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

Tatiana got to spend a week with us. I was sorry it was right after Girls’ Camp because I was so tired and we stayed home most of the week. But the kids found things to do. They made a couple of videos, played dress up, rode bikes/scooters, listened to music, and Jeannie came over to show us how to make fabric flowers, thank you! The girls made soooo many! On Friday we went to Sand Harbor with friends. I love that place. The water was really nice and there weren't as many people as I thought would be there. Rachel, Melissa, and Asher came Friday night and stayed until Sunday. Just a quick trip to pick up Tatiana. Saturday, we took everyone to Spooner Lake. We enjoyed a nice 2 mile hike. It was so pretty and the weather was really nice. Not too hot and not too cold. Perfect. Saturday night we went to our favorite restaurant in Carson City...REDS 365! My new love is ordering those southwestern salads...you know the ones with black beans and corn...well Reds delivered. They call it the Explosion Salad. It was so tasty. I think everyone liked what they ordered, which is rare in our home. We love that place. We got to sit outside on the patio with the sun in our eyes. On our way out, we raided the mint bowl. I love those mints. They are sooo good.

Real Girls. Real Strong.

2010-08-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Girls’ Camp 2010 was amazing. These YW are real strong. They love each other. They love the Lord. And they love their standards and live them. And this makes them strong. I was privileged to spend a whole week with them and to feel of their strength. It was amazing to see them in action.

Paula and I were the 4th yr. leaders. We were in charge of the 4th year ‘Overnight Hike’. 5.3 miles. Singing part of the way. Sweating part of the way. Smiling all of the way. Some of these girls didn’t want to go but that didn’t mean they couldn’t do it. They were real strong.

Day 1 (Monday)

12:00 4th years and Leaders Check-in

Met all the 4th yr. girls by playing a get-to-know-you game. The first girl says her name and then something about herself. The second girl says her name and something about herself then repeats what the first girl said. The third girl says her name and something about herself then repeats what the second girl said followed by what the first girl said. And so on down until the last girl (28 total plus 5 leaders) repeats everything that was said.

Here was our list...

Katrina is OBESSED with chocolate

Sara loves video games

Miriam loves purple

L’Nique can’t remember names

Mandi likes Sushi

Hannah likes Drama

Hannah likes Chinese

Katrina

Katie

Cassie

Emily is blonde inside and out

Bailey likes to dance

Breanna likes to hang out with her friends

Markell is in love with Justin Bieber

Sam is OBESSED with Taylor Lautner

Kalee is a DIVA

Brook

Maddie dances?

Alana likes Twilight and the Jonas Brothers

Allanah sings

Anna

Tara plays the piano

Elena lived in Mexico for a year

Ali likes to read

Caitlin

Melanie (was late and didn’t get to play)

Cassara (was late and didn’t get to play)

Adam is a NERD

Bro. Cohen is a COUGAR (BYU)

Sheri is not as young as she use to be

Paula likes to play

Staci likes to Snowboard

This is all I could remember. After our game, choosing leaders for our group, and waiting for SLT to arrive...we were shuttled to the Mill Creek Trail.

2:30 Overnight Hike

We went 2.3 miles the first day. It was fairly easy. And I say fairly because we did have to carry backpacks so it wasn’t a leisure walk in the park. There was singing, chatting, laughing, picture taking, sweating, guzzling of water, snacking, and resting. We got to our campsite and the girls spread out their tarps and sleeping bags. We had some down time and some went exploring. Some took a nap. Some threw rocks in the lake.

We played 2 relay games. One with marshmallows and the other with mens underwear. So funny. We divided the girls into 2 teams. For marshmallow game each girl had to lick one side of a marshmallow and stick it to her forehead. Run down and around a marker and tag the next girl. The team who finishes first wins.

For the Ginormous Underwear game 2 girls had to get in the underwear and run down and around a marker, get out of the underwear, and pass them to the next pair. The team who finishes first wins.

We got Adam, a camp dad, to play the marshmallow game but Bro. Cohen didn’t want to play the underwear game. I don’t blame him. I had fun taking pics of the girls. They had a lot of fun.

That night the girls made their own dinners which consisted of soupy spaghetti, chili mac and beef, really yummy beef stroganoff, and Spaghetti O’s.

We had a fireside that night from Bro. Cohen about virtue and boys. Paula led us in a discussion about the stars and read from the scriptures. I loved hearing the testimonies from the girls about times in their lives that they have felt the love of their Savior.

That night was amazing sleeping under the stars. There were so many. We found many constellations. I remember sleeping good enough to dream. Then waking up and having to go to the bathroom really bad. It was about 3:00am and I didn’t really get back to sleep.

Day 2 (Tuesday)

The next morning we were up and out of camp at 8. We made really good time. Our hike got a bit harder with steeper hills and a few streams to cross.

The girls did amazing. They were hot and tired but I never heard anyone complain or whine. I only knew of girl who got blisters but I didn’t find out about it until camp was over. She was a trooper. We all got back to camp about 10:30.

11:00 Check-in and set up camp

They got signed in and took all their belongings to their respective camps. We would see them throughout the week but for the most part our leadership responsibilities were done. We had a great time with them and getting to know them better. One of our responsibilities was to give them all nicknames by the end of camp. So now we got to sit back and observe them till Friday.

After getting gear put away, Paula and I headed straight for the showers. Ahhh, to be clean for a few minutes. It felt so nice.

Kennidy arrived with Emily Larkin and the rest of our ward. She was placed in ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ camp. Kennidy was with her friends, Emma and Victoria.

I can’t remember too much of Tuesday but I know we did more than just shower.

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Opening Ceremony/Photos/Games

3:00 Certification

4:00 Free Time/Swim Test

5:30 Dinner

6:30 Campsite clean up

7:00 Solo Time

7:30 Get to know you games

8:00 Fireside & Flag Ceremony

Bridget Peterson was in charge of retiring old flags and burning them. I have never seen this done but I was so touched by the Spirit testifying to me that this was truly a promised land. That men and women give their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy everyday. How thankful I am to be an American. To be at Girls’ Camp of my own free will.

9:30 Canteen

11:00 Lights out

Paula and I were actually in bed by 10:30. We were so tired from our day that it was lights out way before lights out. The girls were all excited to finally be at camp that I don’t think they ended up going to bed until 1 or 2 am.

Day 3 (Wednesday)

5:40 Mountain Biking

Woke up way too early. I took a bike ride with Paula, Emily, and Bridget. It was mostly up hill and I didn’t get all the way to the top. I felt kind of stupid. Then Emily got a flat tire and she said she felt stupid but that was nothing compared to how stupid I felt. Anyway...we ran and biked back to camp. By the time we got back it was rise and shine.

7:30 Stake Camp Mtg.

8:00 Morningside

8:30 Breakfast

9:15 Capers (fancy term for chores)

10:00 Conservation Project/Certification for 4th years

Paula and I went over first aid with the 4 years. Then we sent them off to clean up the camp grounds. They were done in about 15 minutes with their project...which meant early free time until lunch.

12:00 Lunch

2:00 Solo Time

2:30 Free Time

Bridget, Paula, and I climbed the Rock Wall. It was fun. I haven’t been rock climbing since before I was married. I forgot how much fun it is. Kennidy climbed twice. The first time she only went up half way and after some gentle prodding she made it to the top on the harder side! I was so proud of her for giving it another go.

We also tried our hand at the Archery Range where I got a bullseye! Kennidy hit all over the page but I only made that one bullseye and never hit the paper. I did get a really pretty bruise on my elbow.

5:00 Meal Prep in camps

6:00 Cook in camps

We prepared foil dinners. I love foil dinners. And they were so yummy. Carrots, potatoes, meat, onions! Oooo, tasty. Then we had cherry cobbler. One made with chocolate cake and one with white. I liked the white cake better.

7:30 Campsite clean sweep

8:00 Fireside on Swim Beach

Our theme for the day was Faith and Hope. We heard from Bridget Peterson and Devree Hamblin. We were entertained by 2 musical duets. Both inspiring and beautiful. After the spiritual thoughts, we gathered in a circle and each camp sang a song. Then a closing prayer and the girls headed up to canteen. As stake leaders lined the stairs up to camp, we sang a song for the girls called ‘Be Strong’.

9:30 Canteen and last trash pull

10:30 Certification for 2nd and 4th years on Canoe Beach, Snipe Hunt

11:00 Lights out

I don’t think we went to be until 12:00. It was cold and sitting by the fire felt so good.

Day 4 (Thursday)

6:00 Early Morning Hike

7:30 Stake Camp Mtg.

8:00 Morningside

8:30 Breakfast

9:15 Capers (fancy term for chores)

10:00 Testimony Building Round Robin

Paula and I spent this time coming up with nicknames for the 4th yr. girls. Very successful and many thanks to YW leaders who were at camp, camp leaders, and brainstorming out loud.

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Solo Time

1:30 Certification/Service Project

Our service project was making Thank You cards for the Ronald McDonald House at St. Jude’s Hospital for Cancer patients. The girls made 400 cards total.

4:00 Free Time

6:00 Campsite clean sweep

7:20 YCL Evening Devotional

8:00 Testimony Fireside

9:30 Canteen and last trash pull

9:45 Testimony mtg. continues in campsites

I was able to attend Kennidy’s camp fireside where the girls shared their testimonies. Some weren’t members of the church but they had their own beliefs in God and it was touching to hear that they loved God and knew that God loves them.

11:00 Lights out

Day 5 (Friday)

6:00 Polar Bear Swim

Okay for the record...these girls and Sister Keele are AMAZING. And CRAZY! The Polar Bear Swim is when people jump in the lake in the early am and swim! Bro. Cohen made a small bonfire so when the girls got out of the water they would have some place to keep warm. Paula and I went to watch and cheer on those crazy girls.

7:00 Rise and Shine

7:30 Stake Mtg.

8:00 Morningside

We gave the 4th year girls their nicknames this morning. So fun. Here is the run down. Thanks to all the leaders and YCL’s that gave us much needed info for each girl. We couldn’t have come up with great names without your help.

Katrina is OBESSED with chocolate = Kachocolate

Sara loves video games, is always happy, and willing to help others = Jolly Rancher

Miriam loves purple,

L’Nique is so strong...a hidden strength that is refreshing to see = Snapple

Mandi (Amanda) every girl wants A.MAN.DA (a man to) = Kiss n’ Hug

Hannah likes Drama and wanted to kill a bear with one stab = Cuchillada Oso

Hannah stepped on some wood chips that turned out to be a deep hole in a stream = PFD (Personal Floatation Device)

Katrina loves to talk because she thinks silence is boring = Walkie Talkie

Katie is awesome and can do things like change a tire all by herself = Rock Star

Cassie and Maddie were inseparable, these girls were constantly making us laugh = Lucy and Ethel

Emily is blonde inside and out = Flibberty-jibbet

Bailey has the most calming voice and smile = Serene

Breanna enjoys taking pictures = Ansel (Adams)

Markell is in love with Justin Bieber, so after they’re married in the temple, she’ll be called = Sis. Bieber

Samantha is OBSSED with Taylor Lautner = Lava Girl

Kalee is a DIVA but you can’t name yourself, she also has a ‘I can do anything’ attitude = Uncle Rico

Brook is a leader and when she says something...people listen = Pit Bull

Alana doesn’t like to do hard things but when asked she will do them = Esther

Allanah sings like an angel delivering heavenly news = Gabriel

Anna is OBSSED with knives = The Butcher

Tara can weave music into her dreams = Dreamweaver

Elena found the Little Dipper for the first time on our overnight hike = Little Dipper

Ali was an Archery Champ = Bullseye

Caitlin loves animals and love to help others = Gizelle

Melanie and Cassara were our sidekick beauties, always together = Daisy (Duke) and Buttercup (The Princess Bride)

Adam is a = NERD

Bro. Cohen always hikes in = HIGH TOPS

Sheri is not as young as she use to be = Superannuated

Let’s Eat!

8:30 Breakfast

9:15 Capers

10:00 Certification

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Solo Time

1:30 Free Time

3:00 Lake Swim/Mountain Biking

We rode around the lake to cheer on Bridget and the other girls making the lake swim. Once there we found out that we were 1/2 hour early. So we rode on and then returned to camp to cheer them on the return stretch. Bridget did amazing. All the girls did.

4:00 Skit Rehearsal

5:15 Welcome Bishops & Ward Devotionals

6:00 Dinners with Wards

7:00 Skit Night

Our Stake Presidency is not afraid to go all out for Girls’ Camp. They dressed up like Justin Bieber and lipsinked one of his songs! So HILARIOUS! I am trying to get my hands on the video. I have never laughed so hard! All the skits were so fun and the girls really got the message...Real Girls. Real Strong!

8:30 Canteen/Bishop’s Time

Bishop Heusser gave a great lesson on focusing and perspective. Such a good lesson for all ages. The girls in our ward are so blessed to have a Bishop who cares about the choices that they are making. These girls are not alone in this great big scary world. They have leaders all around them that love and are waiting to help them on their journey through this life. They are so lucky.

11:00 Lights out

Day 6 (Saturday)

7:00 Rise and Shine

7:30 Breakfast to go and pack up

8:00 Morningside

9:00 Capers

10:00 Checkout

We were out of camp just before 10. I had such a wonderful week. I met some really strong girls. I saw some incredible service. I witnessed miracles. I had time to reflect on my life...I didn’t like what I saw all the time but I hope that since seeing it...I will be able to make it better. Stronger. I hope that I will have the strength to make the choices that will please my Father. Thus making me happy.

Bored?

2010-08-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Color your kids faces with washable markers! They'll love it!

Goodbye and Good Luck

2010-08-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

Miss Dakin, Kennidy and Adam's GT teacher, is moving to South Korea. She will be teaching on an Army base. Sad for us, lucky for them. They're really going to love her.

Sanchez Family Visit

2010-07-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Nevada, Sanchez Family. Well some of you anyway. My mom and dad came to visit us from Maryland. My sister, Abby, and her sons, Eli and Sam, and my brother, Carlos, and his wife, Sarah, and their son, Alec, came from Utah. They came for Makinley's baptism and then stayed for several days after.

I hope they had fun. Our air conditioner broke on Saturday. It was in the 90's and so hot. Monday we called for service that didn't come until 7pm. But we took advantage of Tahoe's beautiful weather.

Monday started early with a hike for me, Sarah, and Carlos. Carlos just tagged along to take pictures. But it's pretty ugly in Dayton. So I don't know what kind of pictures he got. We went up to Emerald Bay and out to lunch for the rest of the day. I love driving up to Tahoe. It's so pretty. There's nothing in the world like it.

Tuesday we spent the day at Sand Harbor. Oh, how I love this place. We went to Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' at 10am and it was really good. The kids loved it.

Then it was time to hit the beach. And I was ready for some warm sun. We were sitting in the shade and I was getting a little chilly. By the time we got to the beach, it was lunch time. The kids had so much fun in the lake and Sarah and Kennidy even persuaded Abby to jump off the rocks into the lake. It was soo cold. I was strong and didn't fall into peer pressure. I was glad when she finally jumped because the scenery was getting ugly. Some teenager with a speedo was standing on the top of the rock they were jumping from. Nasty. Coming home Tuesday was so nice. Air condition! It felt so good.

Wednesday we tried to go to the Train Museum but it was closed and we ended up at the '3 story park' in Carson City and then going to Reno. Mom treated us all to Fuddruckers! OH MY GOSH! So yummy! I loved every bite of my burger and a few of Kennidy's. So good. Then we hit the shops at Legends. We rode the ferris wheel in Scheels first.

Then, Mom treated us all to frozen yogurt and smoothies! That made the heat tolerable.

Mom, Abby, and I found some cute things at Gymboree. I found an amazing deal at Off Broadway...80% off. I paid $17 for 2 pair of shoes. Love it! And Kennidy found a cute shirt at Forever 21. I told her we'd come back and go school shopping here because they really had some good deals. We just needed more time. That night we had a birthday party for Alec. Sarah and Carlos made a Dragon Cake for him. It was really cute.

Thursday Abby, Sarah, and Carlos headed back to Utah. It was a lazy day. I needed a nap pretty bad. Then after hearing some stories about my dad's childhood, I took everyone to Smith's to play the Dinner Game. Everyone had pulled a slip of paper from my camera bag that had one of the following on it: Main, Side, Dessert, Drink. Grandma got Steak. Grandpa got Strawberry Shortcake. Kennidy got Root Beer and Diet Caffeine Free Coke. Adam got Garlic Bread. Makinley got Goldfish crackers. Ford got Watermelon. And I got Dutch Apple Pie. This was a fun game to play for dinner. We have to do it again.

Friday Grandma and Grandpa flew home. It was really quiet in the house. And we miss them. It was so nice for everyone to come and support Makinley. We hope you all had a good time in Nevada.

It's Great to be 8!

2010-07-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

Turning 8 is a big deal in our family. You see, we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And when a child reaches this age, he or she is now at the age of accountability. This means that they are old enough to know right from wrong. And they can choose whether or not they want to be baptized.

Makinley met with our Bishop a few days before and he asked her questions to see if she was ready and willing to be baptized. He asked her is she believed in Jesus Christ. He asked her if she believed in a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson. And if she wanted to be baptized. We believe that we all have free agency. Which means we have the right to choose. And we wanted Makinley to know that it was her choice to be baptized...not ours. Although it makes us super happy. I think this made her feel a little grown up. And she liked it. To make a choice for her and nobody else. That's pretty huge.

Makinley, we are so pleased that you have chosen to follow the example of your Savior and be baptized. We know that He lives and that He loves you. We know that by being baptized, you have entered the gate of the straight and narrow path. We know the Holy Ghost is a powerful member of the Godhead and will always be with you to testify of things that are true. We know that we aren't perfect. We know that it's really hard to be good all the time. But we know that we can repent of our sins and be clean again. Repentance is so important. If we sin and then repent, we will be able to live with our Father in Heaven again. He has given us repentance and we must use it or we can not live with Him. I am grateful for the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Makinley, I know that your Heavenly Father is pleased with your decision to be baptized. I know that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. He loves you. And wants you to be happy.

Makinley's 8th Birthday

2010-07-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

Makinley was so excited to turn 8. She has been planning for this day for a long time. Makinley got her ears pierced the day before her birthday. And she chose some gorgeous earrings. I just love them. She was so brave and told everyone, 'I didn't say ouch or cry.'

Both sets of grandparents were there for her birthday party! That was really fun. She got money, gift cards, lots of earrings, a cool purse from Tatiana, Asher, and Melissa, scriptures complete with tote and Children's Songbook. For dinner, Makinley wanted Chicken Pot Pie with Oreo Shakes for dessert. We had such a good time. We love you, Makinley!

Makinely has the best primary teacher. Sister Thomassen is not only a talented photographer, she is also a talented crafter. She made this blanket comforter for Makinley. With the blanket came a story about 'The Comforter' aka the Holy Ghost. I read it to Makinley and had to fight back the tears. Sister Thomassen had personalized the story just for Makinley. It was so cute and the best part was...I could feel how much love Sister Thomassen has for Makinley. And I know that Makinley love her! Thanks, Lynda. That was the perfect gift for our 8 year old.

Sand Harbor

2010-07-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

I don't think I could say it enough...WE LOVE SAND HARBOR!

Pickled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

2010-07-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

So we tried something new at our house. It was crunchy and believe it or not you can't taste the pickle. I mean you know it's there but the peanut butter and jelly mask the tangy taste of the pickle. This is us trying new things.

Angora Lakes

2010-07-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

For my birthday last year, Paula gave me a book of Easy Hikes in Tahoe. Brandon and I picked an easy, easy one to do as a family. Angora Lakes is south of Lake Tahoe. We passed Fallen Leaf Lake and up to Angora Lakes. Ford and I hiked here in the fall when the cabins are all closed up. But being summer and the 4th of July weekend, there were people everywhere. A small beach and cliff diving are some of the attractions to this small lake. It was a nice hike and now we get to cross it off our list of hikes. One down...24 to go.

When I Am Baptized

2010-07-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

Idaho Cabin

2010-06-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

2 weeks after school let our we headed up to the Idaho Cabin with the Dustins. Brandon and Kevin left on Sunday night to start their 3 day Golf Trip! What fun. I don't have any pictures documenting the fun they had but maybe I could ask Brandon to email me some of the pictures he took with his phone.

We all got to the cabin Tuesday night. It's always fun going to the cabin with friends. I learned how to play Horse Shoes. I have never had the desire to play. But I relented if it meant spending time with Brandon. There's not much I wouldn't do for him. Moving on.

We had yummy food, I gained 5 lbs. by the end of the week. The weather was a bit cold...in fact Wednesday morning I had to go into town and get a fleece. I only paid $5 for it so I was happy. Then we made our way to Wal-Mart to get things for Father's Day. The girls wanted a date night with dad so we got candy and movie tickets. The boys wanted to golf with dad. So we got a Callaway cap, view finder that tells you the distance to the flag, tees, and golf balls.

The kids only really swam one day. It was really kind of chilly up there. We went to the head of the ditch, tradition. The kids found a few 4 leaf clovers. I tried to capture them but all I got were blurry pictures. Blast. Brandon and Kevin played Sequence, tradition. The kids did sit-ups on Brandon, tradition. I made Makinley's baptism dress. We did lots of reading and naps, tradition. And we tried to stay up late and watch movies, tradition that is slowly dying out as we get older. Friday, we headed into Boise to watch 'Toy Story 3'. It was really funny.

We had a good week. It was nice to see friends and wish we lived closer.

How Much Can You Squeeze In?

2010-06-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

We stayed in Utah for a day and a half. What did we do?
Shopped at DI, TJMax, and Target for camp shorts.
Stopped at Costco for last minute snacks on the way to Idaho.
Grabbed lunch at Subway and Nielsen's Frozen Custard.
Rode scooters outside Grandma Creswell's house.
Went to Gateway and played in the fountains.
Shopped at DownEast.
Spent hours playing with Fun Fusion.
Went shopping for Fun Fusion.
Played Pirate's Chess with Aunt Melissa.
Visited with Aunt Abby, cousins Eli and Sam.
A short visit but worth it.

Sacramento

2010-06-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Throughout this post there are numbers in (). This means there is a whole story that goes with it. The stories will appear at the end of the post in chronological order.

Early Thursday morning I started getting ready for Sacramento, California. We were really excited. I had loaded all the kids bikes on the back of the van (1) the night before and just needed to pack food and life jackets. Wake the kids up, make sure they got dressed, feed them breakfast, and brush their teeth and hair.

I got everyone up and dressed when Makinley comes to me in the kitchen and says that Ford is throwing up in the toilet. 'Oh no', I thought. He had a low fever the night before but I chalked it up to not enough water on Tuesday. When I came in my room he was laying on the floor and looking very pale. I asked him how he felt and he shrugged his shoulders. I called Paula and asked, 'Am I a bad mom if I make him come?' She said, 'No.' I decided to see how he felt as the morning went on. I loaded all the kids in the car and by this time he was feeling much better. And he continued feeling better and the morning went on and he drank some water and ate a little bit.

With fevers and throwing up behind us, the Heussers and Creswells headed for Sacramento. Paula told me it took 2 hours to get to the temple and so we left at 7am to get there by 9am. Little did we know about the 50 Horse Wagon Train (2). And some construction. We reached the Sacramento Temple at about 10am. Paula and I spent 1/2 hour in the temple, took pictures of the kids outside the temple,

changed our clothes, and headed off for our bike ride. I forgot my helmet and my shoes. Luckily, I travel with friends who are always prepared. Paula had an extra pair of shoes I was able to borrow. Thanks!

The bike trail we went on was a total of 32 miles, no we did not ride the entire distance... though if we had time I think we may have tried. It was a nice ride. There were little inclines or hills, as Ford calls them. Jaynie and Ford did awesome! I was so proud of these little kids. Everytime Ford saw a hill...I would say, 'Pedal! Pedal! Pedal!' (3).

After our bike ride and lunch...we headed for the Folsom Aquatic Center. WOW is all I can say. Here is a picture of the lap pool.

Ginormous Wipe Out Courses and a Rock Wall.

Here is the 3 Story Slide.

And here is the Kiddie Pool.

Paula said that leaving Dayton can be dangerous to the point that you may never come back. And she isn't kidding. The kids had so much fun playing in the cold water. Poor Jaynie! Everytime she came out the of the water, her teeth would chatter and she'd run back in to keep warm. The kids finally found a bigger pool that was warmer...probably from pee. That's what I always think.

We spent a good 2 hours there and it wasn't long enough. But we had to get back for Makinley's baseball end of season party. And whenever dinner is prepared by someone else I don't say no. We went to the Pizza Factory. The kids had fun, ate pizza, and Makinley got a trophy and a picture with her coaches, Zach and Josh. She just loves them.

1. Let me just say that if you are looking to purchase a bike rack...make sure the rack is kid and woman bike friendly. I don't even know if these kinds of racks are made. I had a terribly frustrating time getting all our bikes loaded up. The 2 little ones fit in the truck. Then I had to figure out how I was going to get Kennidy's and Adam's bikes on the rack. After scratching paint of each bike, including mine, I was able to get them all on. Then I had to figure out how to attach the safety strap so no one could steal our bike rack. I watched an installation video online and still couldn't figure it out. I texted Brandon, he was in Colorado, to see if he could give me any tips but he couldn't. So I called Paula. She came over with the Bishop, her husband, and it took us watching the video again and another 20 min. before we figured it out. HOLY COW! It was suppose to be so easy! I'll know better next time.

2. So we come to a stop in the middle of no where. And we notice a bunch of wagons, buggies, cowboys and cowgirls on horseback. Then this man starts handing out magazines to all the drives in each car. And that explains it. The 50 Horse Wagon Train from Zephr Cove to Placerville, California. The participants were all decked out in pioneer and indian clothing. It was pretty cool. We had to drive behind them for a time but were able to pass and see those beautiful animals.

3. We were on our way back to our cars. The trail was a little windy and downhill at times. I told Ford not to be afraid to brake when going downhill. So we're approaching a downhill slope that made a sharp turn left. He was flying! I could see his tire on the edge of the trail where it meets the gravel and told him to 'BRAKE!' He kept going! At full speed...around the corner...down the hill...around another corner...AAUUUHHH! 'BRAKE! BRAKE!' But he didn't. And he didn't fall! I saw his life flash before my eyes but he didn't fall! I was so scared and breathing so hard as I tried to stay close behind him. When we leveled out I asked him why he didn't brake. He said, 'You told me not to.'

Summer = Lake Tahoe

2010-06-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

This was our first Lake Tahoe trip of the summer.

Summer Chores

2010-06-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

This past school year was a joke when it came to chores. So now that summers here...I have to get organized. I presented the kids with a new Summer Chore Chart. They are super excited for Cooking, Craft, and Activity Day. And we can't forget earning money. My kids don't get a regular allowance and so when ever they are in the mood to do extra chores for money...they love it.

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednes.	Thurs.	Friday	saturday
Kennidy BH&T= Brush Hair & Teeth	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Piano (15 min) Laundry Plan for Craft Day Story Time	AM Get Dressed BH&T Pack Food for Tahoe (Lunch, Snacks, Drink)	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Yard Work $ Cooking Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Piano (15 min) Laundry Craft Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Yard Work $ Activity Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Kids Bathroom
Kennidy BH&T= Brush Hair & Teeth	PM Load Dishwasher	PM	PM Load Dishwasher	PM	PM	PM
Adam BH&T= Brush Hair & Teeth VUDRT= Vacuum Under Dining Room Table	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Wash Dining Table VUDRT Plan for Cooking Day Story Time	AM Get Dressed BH&T Pack Van for Tahoe (Life Jackets, Blanket, Beach Umbrella, Beach Toys, Towels)	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room VUDRT Yard Work $ Cooking Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Wash Dining Table VUDRT Craft Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T VUDRT Yard Work $ Activity Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room 1/2 Bathroom
	PM Fold Kids Laundry $	PM Load Dishwasher	PM	PM Fold Kids Laundry $	PM Load Dishwasher	PM
Makinley BH&T= Brush Hair & Teeth VH&L= Vacuum Hallway & Living Room	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Unload Dishwasher VH&L Piano (15 min) Story Time	AM Get Dressed BH&T Unload Dishwasher	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Unload Dishwasher Yard Work $ Cooking Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Piano (15 min) Unload Dishwasher Craft Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Unload Dishwasher VH&L Yard Work $ Activity Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Kids Bathroom
	PM Set Table	PM Make Juice	PM Set Table	PM Make Juice	PM Set Table	PM
Ford BH&T= Brush Hair & Teeth	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Unload Dishwasher Sort Laundry Story Time	AM Get Dressed BH&T Unload Dishwasher	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Unload Dishwasher Yard Work $ Cooking Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Unload Dishwasher Clean Mom’s Toilet Craft Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Unload Dishwasher Yard Work $ Activity Day	AM Get Dressed BH&T Clean Room Empty Trash Cans Unload Dishwasher
Ford BH&T= Brush Hair & Teeth	PM Make Juice	PM Set Table	PM Make Juice	PM Set Table	PM Make Juice	PM

Chores to Earn $

Vacuum Van $3.50 (this includes cleaning out all the trash first, remove floor mats, then vacuuming)

Washing Outside of Van $3.50 (this includes using soap and water and washing the entire van)

Washing Inside Windows of Van $2.00 (this means using Windex on all the windows to remove all fingerprints and smudges)

House Windows $1.00 (All windows excepts Living Room windows are $1.00. Living Room windows are $1.00 for top and bottom)

Windowsills $0.25 each (wipe dust and dirt off with wet rag)

Sweep Backyard Patio $2.00 (remove balls, shovels, hoes, and any other item that doesn’t belong there)

Sweep Driveway $2.00 (this includes front door area of any and all dirt, rocks, or dead plants)

Baseboards $0.25 for each wall (front door wall and corners are included with the wall next to it)

Dusting Couches $0.50

Dusting TV Hutch $0.50 (this is for both the top and the shelf the TV sits on)

Summer Achievement Rewards

Kennidy -

Adam - Earn a round of golf for each Webelos Pin you complete this summer.

Makinley - Read 10 books this summer and get a FREE book at Borders.

Ford -

Village Frock

2010-05-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

Makinley and I have been looking for a baptism dress and have not been successful. We don't want fruffy, frilly, I'm-going-to-the-prom-even-though-I'm-only-8 kind of dress. So when I found Sugar City's blog I got really excited.

I saw their Village Frock on a site months ago but didn't think my girls would like the pattern. Much to my surprise, Makinley loved it! So I went to purchase the pattern and they were Sold Out! Okay, don't panic. I emailed the company and they said the creator moved to England and thought it would be to hard to reprint and send abroad. I was so sad.

Well, I didn't let it stop me. I went to work to create my own Village Frock. I pride myself on being a copycat. And I must say...I did well for myself this time.

Sugar City's Village Frock Pattern.

And here is mine.

I really can't get enough of this dress/shirt. I made a mock shirt first...learned some things... then I made this dress. Learned some more things. I think I am ready for the baptism dress. I really wanted to make it out of linen, like the pattern calls for, but she won't wear it till July and I am afraid she'll be too hot. So we'll stick to cotton for now.

Art Pin

2010-05-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Adam has been working on his Art Pin in Webelos. As one of his projects, he had to create something out of clay. He chose to mold a Centaur. He's been reading the Percy Jackson series. This is the final product.

I think he did a great job!

Teacher Appreciation

2010-04-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

This year's Teacher Appreciation was so fun! My kids have great teachers. And our Primary does such a good job in pulling this special night together to recognize these important people in our kids lives.

Adam invited Miss Dakin (Gifted and Talented teacher) and Mrs. Kranjcec (Cran-check, 4th grade teacher).

Makinley invited Mrs. Bailey (2nd grade teacher), Sister Moore (Piano teacher), and Sister Thomassen (Primary teacher). Sadly, only Mrs. Bailey was able to come.

Ford invited his soccer coach, Sister Peterson. He just loves her.

Thanks to all our teachers. Brandon and I so appreciate EVERYTHING you do to give our children the education that will help them become a force for good in this world.

A Mock United Nations

2010-04-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

Adam's 4th grade GT class held a Mock United Nations at FES. It was so cool. All the kids had to pick a country to do a report on. Adam chose Peru. He thought Brandon and I had been there in our travels, but sadly we have not.

The night before his presentation, Adam came home from school with an empty board! Brandon and I were suppose to go out for our anniversary and lucky for Adam we didn't have pressing plans, we did our big activity the night before. Adam, Brandon, and I were up really late printing out pictures, pasting on facts and letters, and typing up famous people and events reports.

Adam's board finally came together the next morning but it was a battle to the end. He did a really good job presenting and I am so glad it's over. The kids did a parade march with their flags and then divided up into continents to give their countries report. Adam and Chase were in the same group. Chase reported on Ecuador. He did a really good job, too.

All the parents were asked to make a dish from their child's country for a tasters table. I made Peruvian Caramel Cookies. They were kind of yummy. Probably won't ever make them again cause it was an all day task. I really liked the Baklava.

14th Anniversary

2010-04-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

14 years ago, I married my best friend. And why did I choose Brandon? Well let me tell you.

When I turned 20, I knew I’d have to start making grown up decisions. And in order for me to do this I was going to have to know what I wanted. In the marriage category...this is what I wanted and wouldn’t settle for anything less:

WANTED: A tall, handsome, good humored young man who loves God, family, and me. Must have a strong testimony and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a desire to do good. Must be willing to forgive my faults and help me be a better person. Must want a family and be willing to help around the house. Must be willing to do most of the cooking. Culinary talents are a plus. Need to be patient, loving, and kind. Hard working is a must. Much sacrifice will be required as you choose a career that allows me to stay home with our children. Must finish college. Must take me to the temple to be sealed for time and all eternity (and all that entails).

Brandon fit the bill. But he also came with many other desiring traits.

Knowledge - from books, college, employment

Helps around the house - Brandon does dishes, laundry, toilets, baseboards, paints, cooks, vacuums, bathes and grooms our kids, takes out the trash, washes windows, mows lawn, waters grass, goes grocery shopping...just to name a few of the things he does around the house.

Gives Service - to anyone he is aware of. Magnifies his YM’s calling and all other callings he’s had.

Temple - he takes me to the temple once a month. Especially when we’re in a different state.

Sarcasm - this was not in my ‘Wanted’ ad but he has it and sometimes it makes me laugh.

Love of Sports - basketball, baseball, tennis, racquetball, football, golf, skiing

Willing to try new things - mountain biking, experiencing Spain with me, relocating for job, new and sometimes experimental dinners

Enthusiasm and Excitement - loves to get gifts for his family.

Loyalty, Charity, Honor, Honesty, Compassion, Responsibility - these are just some of Brandon’s attributes. Through his words and deeds, I am privy to these attributes on a daily basis. Through working to support his family and so that I can stay home with our children...he shows Responsibility. By giving blessings to our family and others, passing the sacrament, attending the temple...he shows Honor for the priesthood, God, and Jesus Christ. And by showing this honor...he is showing Loyalty, Charity, Honesty. Brandon loves his calling with the YM in our ward. And has a desire to serve them to the best of his ability. He loves them unconditionally which shows his Charity for them. He has Compassion for those he has a stewardship over. Whether they be members of our family or not. Brandon has shown compassion for family members on various occasions and has taught me that this compassion enables us to have Charity for others...the pure love of Christ.

Unconditional Love and Devotion - I think this man has more love for me than I know or realize. He shows this by simple acts of kindness like:

chic-flick movies

new york cheesecake ice cream

kisses every morning

wanting to watch ‘Chuck’ with me

asking about the daily schedule before scheduling something fun for him

gifts for the kids

rough housing with the kids

smiling at me just because

reading scriptures in bed before going to bed (not together but side by side)

monthly temple trips

family home evenings spur of the moment

eating dinner together as a family (most nights)

driving to church together

sitting in church together

watching a movie whilst folding clothes together

taking family pictures with a good attitude

slowing the car down so I could take pictures out the window

going to crowded places like Disneyland/Legoland with us (he hates crowds)

making sure we have everything we NEED (new sports bras) and many of our WANTS (too many to list)

juggling work so that he can help me juggle kids and their sports

not ever forgetting our anniversary, mother’s day, birthday

asking if I’m happy

vacationing with me

having a desire to do activities with me (tennis, mountain biking, racquetball)

encouraging me to try new things (mountain biking, vinyl lettering, photography) so that I can learn and grow

getting me gifts even when I tell him not to (He says this is his ‘thing’. He like to do it)

taking an interest in our kids (school, sports, church, friends, interest)

taking Adam golfing

being involved with kid’s sports (keeping time, coaching)

father’s blessings (new school year, illnesses, blessings of comfort for me, too, baby blessings)

baptizing 2 of our children, so far (2 more to go)

doing the dishes

getting the kids to do their chores

helping kids patiently with homework

taking my van through the carwash

going to Costco with me

flowers

calling me on the phone in the middle of his day (for a reason or not)

holding my hand in public (even if it means people will think we’re together)

supporting me in my callings at church

helping to make our marriage work...one day, one month, one year at a time.

Happy 14th Anniversary, Brandon. You make me happy every day of my life. I am so thankful for you.

Babe Ruth?

2010-04-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Makinley chose baseball again this season over soccer. She moved up to machine pitch and is doing really well. She has a great swing! Makinley plays all over...2nd base, left field, and pitcher.

Go Yankees!

Bend It Like Beckham

2010-04-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Tigers

(Ford's Team)

Got Oranges?

Road Runners

(Adam's Team)

Hawks
(Kennidy's Team)

I love our banner! I got the hawk image from online and cut it out in felt. Sewed it to the banner Laura made and then used my silhouette to cut out the words 'Hawks' and ironed it on! We had all the kids sign it and they really thought it was cool! I love it.

Spring Piano Recital

2010-04-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Kennidy and Makinley started taking piano lessons with Leah Moore this year and love it. Sis. Moore is super talented and I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher. I’m even going to start taking from her. The girls did really well for their recital and I can’t wait to see their progress next year.