Couple Fun Give Aways!!! Enter and Win!

Just wanted to make you aware of a couple fun "give away's" going on.

1. http://babesinhairland.blogspot.com/ A fun 7 days of giving hair accessories give away (and GREAT hair do's)
2. http://bartonvinyldecor.blogspot.com/ She's not quite sure what she's giving away but does promise it will be something fun, worth signing up for!

Just go to these sites, and leave a comment! Share a Christmas story, or a family tradition.

Good Luck!

Feliz Navi Dad

Well, you should all be familiar with the Christmas Song, "Feliz Navi Dad." Are you all singing it in your head now as you read on ? So, the other day, Justin came home with a school project. He had been given a white piece of paper, with a snowman outline on it, and told to create a snowman. He could color it, cut it, add buttons, cottonballs, bells, or what ever he wished to do to it, and then turn it in. After careful consideration, he had decided what he wanted to do to make this snowman unique, and got to work.
When he completed his masterpiece, he informed me he now had to write something about his snowman. After telling me several times what he was going to name the snowman, I understood the snowman's name would be "Feliz Navi Dad." So, we started writing. The top of the paper said "My Snowman ....." I told him we'd then write "is named ...." It took a couple of times of explaining to him why we weren't just writing the snowman's name, that we needed to make a sentance --- "My Snowman is named ....." When I started tell him to write the name, spelling it out F E L, he interrupted me and was quite upset, telling me it started with a "P" and not an "F." I was confused. I told him I thought we were spelling "Feliz." He said "yes, mom we are. P, P, P Police Mommy Dot!"
I looked at him with a shocked look on my face, and said "Police Mommy Dot?" He said, "yes, you know, like that Christmas Song .... 'Police Mommy Dot ....... Police Mommy Dot." (Singing in the tune of "Feliz Navi Dad.")
I laughed so hard, and couldn't believe my ears! He is sure, even to this day, that he is singing it right, and doesn't want to be told any different!
--I love you Justin!

Christmas Decor UP!

Okay Emma, look! Here are some of the pictures of the Christmas decorations I've got up. I forgot to take pictures of all the snowmen above my cabinets, the snowmen in my bathroom, and the snowmen out on the porch. Maybe I'll get those pictures taken soon. Here are my favorite rooms decorated Christmassy though :).

Samantha's 10th Birthday!

For Sami's b-day this year, we decided to SURPRISE her! She's asked me before when I'd ever do a "surprise" birthday for her and I tell her "it won't be a surprise if you know." So, in planning her big "double digits" party, that she just HAD to have, we told her it would be a week later than we were planning. We let her invite who she wanted, and she told us what she wanted, and we planned around that.

I created these darling b-day invitations, and because she kept changing her mind on who should come and what she wanted to do, it was too late to send them out. I had to make phone calls last minute! But it all worked out.

We planned a surprise birthday party for her (and she was surprised)! She wanted her 3 Lane aunts, and her friend MaKayla and cousin Brielle at her party. Everyone was able to come. We all sat down and ate a Spaghetti Dinner (her favorite), on the china, and then the girls had pedicures and manicures (given by Sami's Aunts)!!! Everyone seemed to have a GREAT time, and Sami got more than she bargained for! Thanks everyone for helping us pull it off!

Happy Holiday's

Can you believe it's time for Christmas? Man time goes by so fast! Yesterday was such a great day. We spent the morning hanging out and watching the Thanksgiving Parade, and then after noon, took off to the Barton's to have Thanksgiving dinner. It was so yummy, and so fun to be with the entire family. The kids are always so excited to be with their cousins! After a few hours there we took off and went over to mom and dad Lane's. Grandpa Joe was there, and we had a great time visiting, and eating more PIE! YUM! I love Thanksgiving. Just a great time to be with family and reflect on everything we're thankful for.
Today I spent the entire day cleaning house and decorating for CHRISTMAS! Yes! Decorating the house. I got the tree up, all of the snowmen out, and put the lighted snowflakes in the windows. Yay! I love this time of year! Happy Holidays! May your Holiday's be Merry and Bright!

My Baby Girls almost 10 --- and life is too busy!

10 years ago, I was about to deliver a beautiful baby girl. I can't believe that was 10 years ago. My how time flys. Today, I am planning a "surprise" birthday party for Sami. She wanted a birthday party with 2 of her friends and 3 of her aunts. She wanted to play misc. games at the house, and then go to Rubio's for dinner, and go get nails done. She has it all planned out in her head, and knows exactly how she wants it done. A couple weeks ago, she asked me if I was ever going to give her a "surprise" party. I told her it wouldn't ever be a surprise if I told her about it! So, that got me thinking, and I decided that's exactly what I'd do. So, I got a hold of her friends and her aunts, and planned this. We aren't exactly going to go to Rubio's or go get our nails done, but close! I've decorated the basement (cause our renters moved out) and we're going to have a spaghetti dinner on the china, and then we'll play Bingo, and some games, and then the aunts and I are going to give manicures/pedicures, do make up, and just have fun! She has no idea that it's coming, which will make it more fun! Mark and the boys are going to "serve" the girls dinner, and hang out with us. I really think it's going to be fun.

Tonight she is having Brielle sleep over, and they went and got her hair done. She wanted it highlighted and cut short again. It's soooooo cute! She's blonde, and it's short/spiky again (not that it had really gotten long). Tisa actually talked her into having bangs again. No more long bangs! She really looks cute -- different.. It'll take me a couple days to get used to a blond daughter!

Thanksgiving is next week, and I'm excited. I love Thanksgiving dinner! I love this time of year for the fact that I can sit back and look at all the things I am thankful for. Other than preparing Sharing Times this month, I haven't taken the time to sit and think of the things in my life that I'm thankful for, so I'm going to take this opportunity to do it.

Family. This is the first thing that always comes to my mind when thinking of things I'm thankful for. I love my family. I have a wonderful husband who loves and supports me, and our family. He works hard every day to give us the things we want and need. My kids are so wonderful, Heavenly Father truly blessed me with the GREATEST. My extended family is too good for words. Some people would not thing it's lucky to have all their family close at hand, but we are that lucky. All of our extended family lives right here in the same state as us. Right here in the same valley for the most part. Our furthes relative being about an hour away.

The Gospel. Where would I be today with out the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in my life? I am so blessed to have a Heavenly Father who loves me. I'm grateful for prayer, for the opportunity to talk to a loving Father who cares and watches over me. I'm grateful for my ward family. For the friendships I have made in this area we live in. What would I ever do with out the support of the gospel and our ward members and their love and support towards me and my family.

Friends. I love friends! Mark sometimes thinks that's all I thrive on. I am so lucky to have as many good friends as I have. A large variety of friends, I LOVE them all! I am all about having a good time though, and my friends are always right there beside me egging me on to plan another "fun time."

My mom said the other day I write like I talk -- like a whirlwind. This I know. I told her she wasn't the first person that had told me that either, and I'm sure she won't be the last.

I am aware that all of this is mumble jumbled, but .... if I don't write what I'm thinking, when I'm thinking, it won't get written. So .... thanks for bearing with me.

I haven't had a lot of time lately to sit and read through all of your blogs, but I took the time tonight to go through some of your blogs, and in reading them, thought "man, I have got to get better at journaling." So .... here I begin.

Life is too short to not live it up, and live it up is what we do! We're always sooo busy. So busy at times I don't take the time to be thankful for what I have. I just live each moment to each moment. I hope I can get better to sit and slow down a little, and be truly thankful for everything that is a part of my life.

As for now, it's late, and I have to get up early, and have a BUSY day ahead of me. So, another day, I'll share my thoughts again :)

Make Enough of Me

I've meant to post this for quite some time now, but ..... haven't had time! It's great. I bought this Julie de Azevedo CD a couple weeks ago, and fell in love with this song. After listening to it over and over and over again, my kids and I have memorized it! Sami says this song had to be written about me cause it's just like me! I'm sure a lot of you will feel it fits you perfectly. If you have a chance to buy it, or listen to it, it's beautiful. The entire CD is awesome. The CD is titled HOME.

Make Enough of Me

Overwhelmed and underpaid
Morning comes too soon
Running late, and on my plate
A million things to do
Got a baby cryin'
Another trying to find the other shoe
When I open my eyes
The Dam will break
Their need will flood my room

You made wine from water
And raised up Jarius' daughter
From her bed, From her bed
Filled the empty fishing nets
And with some loaves and fishes fed
A hungry crowd, A hungry crowd
Make enough of me to go around

My mother's sick
And I'm late
To pick up kids at school
I need to clean
Can't fit in my jeans
The fridge gives no comfort food

You made wine from water
Raised up Jarius' daugher
From her bed, From the dead
Filled the empty fishing nets
And with some loaves and fishes
Fed a hungry crowd, I hunger now
Make enough of me to go around

Multiply and magnify
This tiny little life of mine
enlarge me and expand this heart
And fill it with divine.
My heart is cold
Nothing grows, but thistles and some thorns
They choke the light
and shrink the vine
I need to be reborn.

You made wine from water
And told a scarlet daughter
Sin no more, Sin no more
Surrenderede to the garden
Through thorns and nails you pardoned
The angry crowd, The angry crowd
Make enough of me to go around
Make enough of me to go around.

Hope all of you have a FABULOUS day today! Love you all.

My Time Flys When You're Having Fun!

I can't believe it's almost been a month since I've last blogged. I haven't even been on to follow anyone else's blog. Aaahhhhhhh! (that's a scream). I've thought about it a hundred times, just been so busy haven't been able to do it.


Last month was quite a busy one. Jaren turned 8 years old on Oct. 30th, and was baptized 2 days later. It was such a special day. I feel like, looking back, I spent the entire month getting ready. I made soups and froze them, made cookies, and froze them, and also the salsa I made, we froze. It all worked out perfect though!

Jaren wanted a "suit" for his baptism, one like daddy's. I looked everywhere. He's so tiny, it was hard to find one that fit. They're some what seasonal for younger boys too, so ..... that was an adventure. But we finally found one, and boy does he look sharp in it. He is so handsome.

Aren't these cute pictures! We added his blessing picture, a 4 year old picture, and then him, the cute young man that he is!

On his birthday, Justin and I went and bought McDonalds and took it to the school and sat and ate lunch with him. He was excited that we showed up and all of his friends were jealous he got to eat McDonalds Nuggets.

Grandma came out just before school ended and brought 26 knitted hats for his classmates. Then she sat and read the class a story she had written about Wisteria! It was GREAT! All of the kids loved the hats. Doesn't she look FABULOUS! Thanks Grandma!

Later than night Jaren got to go to dinner with Mom and Dad, and then headed to the Stake Center for his baptisimal clothing. Boy that got him excited!

The next day was HALLOWEEN! Talk about busy! The school parade started at 9:30 am, then Justin and I helped in Sami's class party, and then I helped in Justin's class for his party!

This year Sami was a Corpse Bride, Jaren was a Bionicle, and Justin was a Clone! So much fun!

We did the yearly trip to Grandma Lane's office and scored big time on the candy! It's always so much fun to go there! After all of that, we came home and still had to do the Trunk or Treat! I love this tradition we do with our ward and hope it continues for ever!

The next day Jaren got baptized! I can't believe it. We sure had a nice day. It started at 12:00 at the Stake Center. He and Kiki got baptized together. Grandma Connie gave the talk on Baptism, and Aunt Carolyn gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. It was so personal and nice having just the family and friends there of Kiki and Jaren.

Aren't they cute! They're quite the little buddies (most of the time) and think it's pretty special to be cousins sharing birthdays so close together, and being able to share this special day together.

After the baptism family and friends gathered at our house for a luncheon. Was such a nice day.

We had a party for Jaren on November 4th. I tried to talk him out of having a party this year but it didn't work! We had Sami, Justin, Kiki, Joshua Wright, Samuel, Braeden, Mason and Jaren all at the party. (Dylan and Hadley didn't show). We ate pizza and opened presents at the house, and then took off to Jumpin Jacks. It's a new bouncin' place out here by us and it was fun! They spent 2 full hours bouncing and still hadn't had enough when it was time to go.

Happy Birthday Buddy! I love you!

Now, life is still just as busy as it was then, I'm still going in a thousand directions. I held a Girls Time Out Craft night last Friday night, and we really had a GREAT time. We all got together, worked on vinyl projects (and scrapbooks), ate tons of junk food, laughed, and had FUN. It was a nice "time out" for me.

Now, this next weekend and the next, I'm going to do boutiques! Sounds fun? I think so, but man, I don't know how people do it regularly. It is a lot of time and preparation to get ready for one of these! We'll see how it goes. The address is on my Vinyl blog, so go check it out and come on over if you'd like. The proceeds go towards the UDA dance competition girls.

Well, it's late and I'm tired. I have wanted to update and journal for a while now, I'm sure I've forgotten tons of important things since it's been a month. That makes me sad. But .... I've got some of the more important things. I'll try to be better. :)

I was tagged!

Okay, so I was tagged. Now I need to come up with 7 interesting facts about me. Hmmmmm

1. I love to be at home, in my jammies, just chillin' out! Especially on cold, winter, snowy days! (then I usually have the Christmas music on).
2. Call me Crazy, but Crafts are In! I am usually in the mood to create! I love seeing someone else's creativity, and turn it into a "work of art" of my own! I need a Girls Time Out! Anyone in?
3. Family, family, family! I love my family! I love spending time with them, and doing fun family activities.
4. I don't like to cook. Yep, that's right! My poor family suffers big time. I have 3 brothers, and all of them love to cook, and are GREAT at it. What happened to me ? :) I will "bake" however, but absolutely have to be in the mood!
5. I play the piano, and the flute, however, I have let my talents go by the wayside. I should practice harder!
6. I am very grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love serving in the Primary and learning from the little children.
7. I have three children, a cat, a dog, and a Wonderful Husband!

There, that wasn't too bad! Now I am tagging: Becky, Stephanie, and Tia, and anyone else who reads this and wants to do the same! It's kind of fun!

Sweet and Innocent!

Okay, some of you may not find this too funny! And a mother shouldn't be laughing that her kid would actually say this, but ..... I have to confess, it's my "one word" I say and he probably got it from me. (oops, did I just confess that. Oh my ****)

Okay, so out of the blue, Justin asks me "why do we flush fishy's down the toilets?" "hmmmm, well ...." I said, "that's how they get to Fishy Heaven."

He looked at me strangley and said "would be more like Fishy Hell."

I thought I was going to die laughing. I repeated what he had said, and he (knew he wasn't supposed to say that word), and quickly said, "No, that's not what I said. Gosh Mom. You ruin everything." So, I don't know for sure if that's what he said, although it was pretty clear, but me laughing at him (which is a big NO NO) upset him enough he wouldn't tell me what he really said.

Hmmmmm. I guess I shouldn't say that word any more! Kids teach us so much don't they?

Our Basement Apartment for Rent

Hey any of you know anyone looking for a basement apartment? We're, of course, looking for a nice young couple that could contribute nicely to our neighborhood.

It's a one bedroom apartment, with a large laundry room (great for extra storage), one bathroom, large Family Room, and Kitchen. The apartment has its own entrance, and a fireplace.

We're asking $825.00, all utilities are included, except phone/internet/cable. We'll offer internet/cable at an extra $25.00 per month.

We're looking for GREAT tenants, so anyone that you know would be interested, please have them contact me. We'll work something out :) Just please spread the word.

Have them call me, Jodi, 801-282-1825

or

Click Here!

Making Salsa -- YUM!

Boy did we have fun this afternoon! Grandma came over with TONS of tomatoes, green peppers, red peppers, and everything else we needed to make homemade, fresh salsa. Ooh la la! It turned out so YUMMY! Thanks everyone, Carolyn, Mom, and kids! All of the hard work paid off!

What's been going on in my life!

So I'm hearing from a lot of you that I haven't posed in a while. And ..... you're right! Things have been going on, too! I think about it, but then I forget to take pictures, or the time has come and gone, or, well, I don't just think about writing to write, so I decided ..... I'd just write!
Last weekend was Conference. Wasn't it great! I loved listening to the Prophet speak. He brings a sense of peace to me. I miss President Hinckley, but there's something about President Monson that warms my heart. :) I can't wait for the talks to come out in the Ensign so I can read and study them.
I was going to post "before and after" pictures of my side yard, but I forgot to take the before, and still haven't taken the after! A dear sister in my ward "owed me some service," and last Thursday she "paid it off." She is sooooo wonderful! It was so great to chat with her, and actually spend time out in my yard (as most of you know is well needed). Thank you for your SERVICE! It was well done.
Another funny thing I thought about posting was Sami and her "pet day" at school. She cracks me up. Her class earned the right to bring in pets and show them off. She of course couldn't decide what to take in; her birds, cat or dog. She finally decided we'd take Valentine the cat. When it was her turn to get up in front of the class, she was not SHY at all. She started out by telling the class that it was her cat. She had earned the cat by doing chores and stuff, and got her "mom when did we get her?" I then spoke up and told the class that we had had her for 4 years now. Then Sami proceeded to tell the class that Valentine had had two liters of kittens. The first ones she had in the laundry room, and the second she delivered out in the garage. Yep, out in the dirty garage, ALL OVER. She scattered the kittens, delivering them in different places. Sami told her class that "it was hard to find all of them, we probably didn't find all of them, and there were probably dead kittens still in the garage." HOW MORBID is that! We've told her there are NOT dead kittens in the garage, that we found all of them, and besides, that was 2 years ago! Then she said that "we had given all of the kittens away and they were probably all dead now!" This girl of mine! Yes, a few of them we know of did get run over by their new owners, but still .... The last thing that she sooo embarrassed me over was the fact that there was one kitten that came to stay with us one weekend while his owner went out of town. That kitten ended up living with us cause it's owner never came back for him. We named him Cameron, and he was now "Jaren's" cat. Well, this cat never stayed home long enough to ever "take care of him." Sami told the class this, that he would always leave for weeks at a time, and then come back for a day or two. She told them he was "out looking for girl cats."
Okay, no more telling the kids the truth! I was so embarrassed. My face very rarely goes red, but I felt it 10 shades of HOT!
Soccer is almost over for the Fall season. Today was supposed to be the last day, however, the weathermen told us that it was going to snow today (which it did for a min. or two) so they cancelled all of the games. It is bitter cold out there, but we could have played! I haven't taken pictures of Jaren, this whole season. I took some of Justin, and will post those next week when the last game is over!
Well, that's about it. We've got Halloween costumes all finished up, but I'll post more on those later!

A Day at Gardner Village

Our days are counting down til we're back in school so we're doing all we can before then! Today we took a trip to Gardner Village. We went to see the witches, but .... the pictures don't show it. Mom didn't get any pictures of the witches there, just these cuties! We sure had fun though. Thanks for a fun filled day Heidi, Brielle, Brooke, Brayden, Brynn, Heather, Jeffrey, Kristen and Sophie! We had a great time!

What a bunch of cute kids if I do say so myself!

bartonvinyldecor.blogspot.com

Well, as most of you know, I have a vinyl cutting machine. I bought it for my own enjoyment, but it has served many purposes, helping out many, (of you), with your vinyl needs! I love creating and cutting vinyl, and LOVE seeing the end result.

So, I am trying something new. I started a blog a couple months ago, but it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I actually posted on it and have decided to get it going. (bartonvinyldecor.blogspot.com)

Because I love Fall! I am doing a drawing, and have offered a 15% off coupon. So, go check out the site and post a comment or send me an e-mail!

Good Luck!

Card Swap!

Alrighty! How much fun can we actually have ? LOTS OF FUN! There's always a "reason" to get out and go to lunch, get together with friends, and just have fun, right? YES! Today was our Card Swap / Lunch / Get together with the Gals day! So much fun! We have been doing this for a couple of years now. Some of us have been in the WHOLE time, some of us are new! We're always looking for new comers, AND we always welcome all who just want to come hang out and eat with us too! So, if this looks like FUN to you, let me know and we'll add you to our e-mail. We're looking at the middle of November for our next swap, so get your cards going! Thanks ladies for a great afternoon out, and a bunch of FUN new cards!

State Fair

The kids had been off track for a week and the fair was almost over. I told myself I'd take them this year and in a blink of an eye, it was over. However, thanks to some GREAT friends, we were able to walk in the gates and enjoy the farm fresh air smell and amuzement rides galore!
The kids were amazed at all they could see, and I don't feel we even dented the place, but we sure had fun, and had a GREAT time together as a family.

This is the Giant Slide. We had to walk a "mile" up to the top, carrying a carpet, then slid "all" the way down. Mommy and Justin rode together, and Sami and Jaren did. Justin said it "tickeled his tummy."

This was a little kids farmers market. They had fun. They got to milk cows, pick up eggs, plant seeds, pick the harvest, and then trade it for "play" money. At the end they could buy cereal or an apple. The kids thought it was great!

Rides, Rides and more rides. The kids would have been here all night long had we had enough $$ to get them on every ride! We bought a certain amount of tickets for them and told them to pick and choose. Sami chose this hanglider ride for her first one (top middle) and said it was "awesome." Jaren and Justin went on a ride (bottom two pictures) with McKayla and Hailey. I got a couple pictures of the girls, but either someone walked in front of me, or the ride got going too fast for me to get a picture of them. Funny though, Justin kept sliding down into the bottom of the cart. Look at their faces though (bottom right), they both LOVED the ride!

This is Sami Bungee Jumping. She was so excited for this. They harness them in and then hoyst them up. They start jumping, and they can bounce as high as they want. Sami got so good, she was able to do back flips up in the air! Way to go Sami.

Okay, we were all hungry, (cause kids wanted to ride rides instead of eat), dad was tired, had been at work all day, and half of us wanted to go, while the other half wanted to stay. We decided we had a few minutes to go see some of the animals. Of course I ran out of disk space (cause I hadn't downloaded the last set of pictures on there), and we didn't see all of the animals, but here's the good old fat pigs we saw (nice butt shot)!

Just for this day

This was an e-mail I received, that made me stop and think twice about all the stuff that didn't need to be done right away, and about all the important things I should be doing with my children. Hopefully we can all take a little extra time out of our busy schedules to spend a little extra time with the ones we love, giving them the love and attention they need!

Just for this morning, I am going to smile whenever I see your face

and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you wake up softly,

all rumpled in your flannel and I will hold you until you are ready.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear,

and smile and say you're beautiful.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry,

and pick youup and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I am going to eat a huge breakfast ,

with bacon eggs, toast and waffles, and you don't have to eat any.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink,

and let you teach me how to put that 100 piece puzzle together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off,

and sit with you in the garden blowing bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble

when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck,

and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be

when you grow up or who you might have been before your diagnosis.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies,

and I won't stand over you trying to 'fix' things.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you put all kinds of barettes in my hair,

and put lipstick on my face, and I will tell you how pretty you have made me look.

Just for this afternoon I will take you to McDonalds

and buy us both a Happy meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story

about how you were born, and how much we love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the bathtub

and not get angry when you throw water over your sister's head.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit

on the porch swing and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will bring you glasses of water,

and snuggle beside you for three hours and miss my favorite show on t.v.

Just for this evening, When I kneel down to pray,

I will simply begrateful for all that I have

and not ask for anything, except just one more day.

Sally Meyer C. 1999.
No portion of this poem may be reproduced, copied, or forwarded, without express written permission by the author.

A Day at Hogle Zoo

Today we took a trip up to the Hogle Zoo! It was so much fun. Aunt Heidi invited us to go with them and we had a great time. The kids fit right in with all the animals! Just take a look at their silly pictures and you'll see what I mean. We sure had a group of CUTE kids.

It was great to see you, Kristen and Sophie, and Heather and Jeffrey! We also ran into our great friends the Garretts!

Thanks Aunt Heidi for a fun filled day!

13th Anniversary

Boy I can't believe we just celebrated our 13th Year Anniversary. Time goes by so fast when you're having fun! We had a great time. We spent the first part of our day up in the mountains with our kids, hiking around and taking pictures (see below, we were in need of some new family pictures). After that, we took the kids to Grandma and Grandpa Lanes house, and took off for Ogden. We made a stop in Roy to visit Great Grandpa Lane, and had a great time visiting with him and listening to him tell stories of his past. Then, we went up Ogden Canyon to the Alaskan Inn. We had a great time. We stayed in the "Bears Den," and was able to sit back and relax, watch TV, sit in the Hot Tub, and really enjoy ourselves. In the morning, they brought us a fabulous breakfast, belgian waffles (I had them with Strawberries, Mark with Syrup), and then bacon, hashbrowns, toast, and milk and juices. We took pictures of the room, the land that the Alaskan Inn sits on, and the beautiful mountains, however, I accidentally erased all the pictures before downloading them to my computer. So .... unless Mark is able to recover them, this is all I've got (downloaded from the internet). :( (Thank goodnes we don't HAVE to have the pictures to remember our memories of this Anniversary).

Thanks for 13 Wonderful years Mark. Looking forward to another 13 and MORE! I love you!

Family Pictures

Well, we were way overdue for Family Pictures, so I decided that for my Anniversary, I wanted new ones. So .... we got up, went in to the mountains, had a great time hiking all over and .... yep, posing for pictures. It was so much fun! The kids are totally used to being somewhere, and having to stop and "strike a pose," so that they, were GREAT sports. Here's just a few of the FUN pictures that we got. Lilly (our dog) wasn't as cooperative, but she sure had a fun time climbing and running free up in the mountains!

In fact, we had so much fun, the kids asked if we could "do it again, soon, some time." Funny! Thanks family for cooperating! Mom is pleased to have such cute pictures to post all over the house!

Grandma and Grandpa got KITTENS!

Can you believe it? They got all of us kids out of the house, all of the animals were gone, and they go and get two kittens. I can't believe it. They said they were planning on picking out one, but ..... had to get two. The Shelter happend to be having a 2 for 1 special! They're sure cute though! Their names are Amber and Ashley. Can you guess who's who? The kids LOVED being there with them. They didn't want to come home (of course, what else is new)? We'll be spending a lot of off track time over there, I'm sure!

Out of the Mouths of my little ones!

I saw my friend posted this on her blog and I thought it was darling! Below, you will find a tag for Samantha, Jaren, and Justin. I am asking the Questions in Red, Answers: Sami's in Purple, Jaren's in Green, Justin's in Light Blue.

1. What is something Mom always says to you? Go clean your room. Come Here. Come eat lunch.

2. What makes Mom happy? When I listen to her. When I smile. Giving her flowers.

3. What makes Mom sad? When I don't listen to her. When I go some where. Hitting her.

4. How does Mom make you laugh? I don't know how she does? I don't know. By like ...... doing funny things.

5. What was Mom like as a child? Always depending on Scott. A good girl. Looks like Sami.

6. How old is Mom? 34. 34. 34.

7. How tall is Mom? I have no idea. 5 feet 4. Like ... as big as a tramp! As tall as the net. (whew!)

8. What is Mom's favorite thing to do? Scrapbook/Vinyl. Spend time with us. Play with me.

9. What does Mom do when you're not around? Sleep. Clean. Play on the computer.

10. If your Mom becomes famous, what will it be for? The Flute and Piano. I don't know. For standing on a ball!

11. What is Mom really good at? Piano and Flute. Keying. Racing me.

12. What is Mom not very good at? Not Yelling at me. I don't know. Winning me!

13. What does Mom do for a job? Type Telenotes. Keying. Put the garbage cans by the garage door.

14. What is Mom's favorite food? Lasagne. Enchilada. Carrots and soup (what? Not Nacho's?)

15. What makes you proud of Mom? When she doesn't yell at me. When she helps me clean my closet. When she cleans up my room.

16. If Mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Princess Peach. Mickey Mouse. Jerry (on Tom and Jerry).

17. What do you and Mom do together? Go to Curves. We do math. Go to the store.

18. How are you and Mom alike? We both want to be in charge! (she got that right) We're family. I don't know what you're talking about.

19. How are you and Mom different? I'm still learning how to play the piano and she already knows. We don't have the same exact color of eyes. You are big and I am small.

20. How do you know Mommy loves you? She rubs lotion on me every night. She helps me. I don't want to tell you. (he's had enough!)



Now you've been tagged! Go find your kids and ask them the same questions, see what their responses are!

Praising School Work

I've often wondered how you make every child happy, by keeping every one of their papers. And I've known of this trick, but it wasn't until today that I tried it! Jaren and Sami have come home with Spelling test the last couple of weeks with 100% (or Jaren, 113%). I've hung them up and praised them galore, and then the next one comes home and I take the old one down and put the new one up, and then they CRY because I "think" about throwing away their old papers. But finally they give in and understand I can't keep all of them ..... I should have taken pictures! So I'll start today.



We are so proud of our kids and all that they do. They are such hard workers, and try their hardest every day to be the best they can be, which is all we expect! Way to go Sami, Jaren and Justin! Keep up the GREAT work.

Come on in!

Here's a quote I got from a friends blog. I love it, I thought I'd share.

It is sooooo true. Thanks Tia, I was looking for something to explain me today!

COME IN Come in.
But don't expect to find
all the dishes done;
all floors ashine.
Observe the crumpled rug, the toys galore,
the smudgy fingerprinted door.
The little ones we shelter here
don't thrive on spotless atmosphere.
They're more inclined to disarrayand carefree,
even messy play.
Their needs are great, their patience small.
All day I'm at their beck and call.
It's "Mommie come" "Mommie see!"
Wiggly worms and red-scraped knee.
Painted pictures, blocks piled high,
my floors unshined, the days go by.
Some future day they'll flee this nest,
and I, at last, will have a rest.
And which really matters more?
A happy child or a polished floor?
Author Unknown

Winter Coat Time!

COATS? We sure needed them this weekend. Can you believe how fast it turned COLD. There was even snow up in the mountains. I can't believe its already that time of year again. Thank goodness I love the FALL. (hopefully we won't have any more flooding in our basement though). The rain came down Sunday night like no other! Anyway, THANKS for the coats Grandma and Grandpa! We love them and they'll keep us WARM.

Back in the Crib!

Well, we decided to put Sami "back in the crib." Yep, that's right, back in the Baby Crib. Here's a picture of the baby crib:

Isn't it perfect! ........... What? You think she's a little big for this? ......... What about this:

Fun huh? Her baby crib was a 3 in 1 crib. It could be a crib, a toddler day bed, and then this! We used the headboard and footboard to create her bed. She loves it!

Annual 4th Grade Egg Drop

Here is Sami at her 4th Grade Annual Egg Drop. She was so excited for this event. She came home all "egg-cited" and wanted Mom and Dad's help. But ..... when it came down to it. She had her own idea and knew it was going to work! Our high tech expertise, looking on the internet was too much for her! All she needed was a balloon, tiny gift bag and something soft (cosmetic wedges), and wha-la! It worked. She was so "eggo-cited" that her egg didn't crack. It made the fall off the top of the school building. Way to go Sami! You did it!

Justin's First Day of Kindergarten

A week and a day after the two older kids started school, Justin started Kindergarten. (I can't believe my baby is 5 and going to school!) He is loving every minute of it and feels soooo big.

The 3rd week of school, he was chosen to be the class VIP, and thought that was so cool. He still wears his badge around the house and wishes he was still the class VIP!

He loves having Mrs. Drake as a teacher and always comments. One day she asked if anyone knew the color she was holding up and he raised his hand and said "I know what 2 + 1 is......" Kids say the darnest things!

He has made lots of new friends and is enjoying learning, reading, coloring, writing, and everything else that goes along with Kindergarten.

First Day of School

Well, they've been in school for a month now,

and I'm finally posting their first day of school!

They are all really enjoying school. Sami has Ms.Trevino, Jaren, Mrs. McKee, and Justin, Mrs. Drake. They're all making lots of new friends, and having a really good time. We go off track in one week, and all three of them are ready!

It will be a good break, although Harmony is starting, so we still have to get up 2 times a week and be at the

school at 7:30 in the morning!

Berrett Temple Sealing

What a fun day! Bud and Tara were sealed today (their 3rd year anniversary) in the Ogden Temple, for Time and all Eternity! It was a beautiful sealing. They had family and friends attend. Afterwards, we went to Bud's parents home (Joann and Wally) for a luncheon and gathering. Thanks for the invite guys! What a special day for you and your family.

Swimming with the Cousins

How fun is this! In the middle of July, we met up with some of our cousins at Seven Peaks Water Park for the day. We had a picnic lunch, and swam all day long.

The boys loved playing in the wave pool, and Sami hung out with the older girls. (They live up there and are VERY familiar with this water park. In fact, they have season passes here!)

It was a long, hot, FUN day though. Thanks guys for making it work! We'll have to do it again next year.

All who went: Jodi, Sami, Jaren, Justin, Candace, Taya, Mitchell, Natalie, Aidia, Mason, Dallon, Breanna, Taylor, Desi, and Kenneth.

4th of July 2008 Stadium of Fire

This year for the 4th of July we were lucky enough to be able to go to the Stadium of Fire in Provo Utah. We had so much fun. We went as a family and took Sami's best friend McKayla with us! These jets flew over our head and look at the awesome picture dad took! They had all sorts of entertainment. Here's the American Flag they had cover the field! It was awesome to watch these service men jump out of airplanes and glide their way to the field. The Blue Man Group performed and they were amazing. It really caught the kids attention when they got us all boppin' to the beat! Yep! Here's Miley Cyrus. Samantha was SO excited to see her. We were kind of far away from the stage, but we could see her on the big screen TV's and dance to her music. The fireworks were amazing. I've never seen such a site! They went on and on and on for a long time too! The best set of fireworks I've ever seen! Boy, by the end the kids were soooo tired. I wondered how we were going to get them all out of the Stadium and back to the car. But we finally made it, and most of them fell asleep on the way home. We sure had a great time though!