Finley's

Hayden Singing While Doing a Puzzle

2011-12-17T17:18:00.000-06:00

Hayden loves to sing. He does this quite often. This time was pretty funny because he wasn't being serious and changing up the songs a lot and mixing them. He's not quite on key and a little loud, which is what makes it kind of funny. I love this kid.

All In A Day

2011-12-17T01:34:00.002-06:00

To say the last six months have been busy is an understatement. I say six because that is how far behind I am in trying to catch up with lost posts I want on my blog. It overwhelms me and I end up just not posting. So, for myself, I have a new goal; I will look ahead and go from here and when I find time I will catch up with the lost time.

I recently had to make myself a calendar of my weekly events going on. I cannot believe I have been trying to keep it in my head all of this time. I literally have an hour or two here and there during the weekdays that I can fit in for myself or to shop or clean, things that revolve directly around my family.
The other times I am working a small job in the mornings a three days a week, I babysit some adorable little girls a few times a week, I volunteer in both Hayden's and Brandon's classrooms three of the days. I wish I could be in Alyssa's too but I don't even know when I would. I am pretty sure those are the set things, but there are always other things popping up. I honestly don't know what I would do if I also had to run the kids to after school activities. For now, I look forward to the after school time with them, even though it is so hard!! I just wish, as much as they do, that homework was not a factor. I just want to enjoy them, not the crankiness of more work after doing it at school all day. It's good though. What I do makes me happy and I am helping others in everything I do while helping myself at the same time. So, the schedule stays for now.

Today: I can not believe so much can happen in one day. It was a wonderful day though despite a few bad things happening. First off, Brandon needed PJ's to wear to school today. He has grown so much in the past year that he's outgrown all of the pairs that he had. So, I wrapped a ribbon around his Christmas PJ's and he got them a week early. I am so happy Justin had that idea because I was so worried about it and only wanted him to be happy and confident. It felt good to do that for him.

This afternoon I got a call from the school that I missed while I was working. It was Alyssa saying her tummy was still really hurting. I was taking popcorn up to Brandon's class for his party when we picked Hayden up from school so we just took medicine up for her tummy at the same time. We both hugged her and then walked her back to class. I didn't think anything of it. About a half hour later the office called for us to get her because she threw up in her classroom!! I felt horrible afterwards! I totally dismissed it. She later told me she only ate 5 bites of breakfast and one chip and a tiny mouse bite of cookie at lunch. If I had of asked her that earlier (like I normally would have) maybe I would have been a little more aware. When she got home I put her in a warm tubby and lit a few candles and turned off the lights and just sat and talked with her. She said that doing that was much better than her party she was missing at school. :) One of her best friends Birthday party is tomorrow morning too. I am so sad for her! She begged me for medicine, any medicine that will MAKE her better and everything go away so she can just go. So sad!! She took a nap a little while later and still went to bed a little earlier than usual. Poor girl. They don't get sick often but when they do it breaks my heart.

Hayden: He has taken a liking to puzzles lately. He keeps doing this one over and over again. Another thing he does a lot is sing. I love to hear him sing. You know he's happy. Today he sat in the living room for well over an hour doing the puzzle and singing the entire time! It was the sweetest thing. He may be a little off key and loud at times. But, he makes our home feel so good when he sings.

I love those kids so much!! I wish I could have them all to myself and happy all of the time. We all know that neither of those will happen though. It's life.

God Bless America

2011-07-04T21:31:00.000-05:00

As I returned home from girls camp and resumed the life leading into wonderful Summer, I was kind of thrown into reality when I realized that a whole month of Summer came and went with a blink of an eye. I wanted to soak up every minute I could with my children at home with me without the busy structure of school.

That following Monday night was the 4th of July. It was simple and we spent time with just our own family. drove a few streets over to watch fireworks at Thanksgiving Point and everything surrounding us. It was a beautiful night. I remember thinking of the words to the National Anthem in my head that night and how blessed we are.

At All Times, in All Things, and in All Places

2011-07-03T19:22:00.000-05:00

I was called to be Young Women's Camp Director I believe in February.

It felt so good to serve with the Young Women again. I really have missed it.

I am so glad that it was at a stake level. It taught me a lot and prepared me a little more if I ever had to plan camp on my own. It's overwhelming how much actually goes into planning girls camp and how many months in advance you need to start.

Justin always asked why I had so many meetings and what there possibly was to talk about. :)

Even though Summer started in June, I was so busy that month wrapping up last minute camp things that we didn't have too much free time yet.

everyday life and all of your senses always brings you back to Christ.

Each day we focused on a sense and had devotionals and little less

This year was amazing! Seriously one of the best camp years I have ever been.

Our theme was "Come To Your Senses". I absolutely loved this theme. it was about that sense for the day and how it relates to the Gospel.

One of the Days we went to lake. It's a good mile or so hike from our campsite.

The weather was gorgeous but, the wind was picking up from a storm moving in.

We were most likely not going to be able to go out on the lake.

We all got together and prayed that we would be able to have this opportunity for the girls and for the wind to die down long enough for us to go out.

After that we sang, Our Saviors Love and went to get the life jackets on and went out on the Lake.

Sure enough the wind calmed, we spent the rest of our allowed time on the water and as soon as the last people came up the dock afterwards a huge gust of wind came through and stayed.

It was so windy we could hardly hear each other talk. Such a great example of how Heavenly Father does hear our prayers and no matter what it is, if it is important to us, it is to Him also.

It was a small miracle.

The sense for this Day was Hearing. It was amazing the things that happened that had to do with that. There were so many times this day that we all as a ward had to step back and just listen to each other. Emotions from the girls were running a little high.

We had a major Thunderstorm going on from after the time we left the lake through the night.

It was hard to sleep because of the Thunder and downpours. I love those storms though.

I was on the hiking committee with a few other leaders. I took charge of the 5 mile hike.

It was a great hike. It was nothing like what I have done in the past like...walking down a dirt road for a bit and going back.

It was up steep trails, climbing over and through fallen trees on the edge of a steep mountain.

I was so proud of all of the girls.

It was kind of hard at first if you weren't in shape.

It was so good to get to the top and see the awesome view of everything and see the look of accomplishment from everyone and then to hike downhill the rest of the way back.

We told the girls beforehand that they "Can Do Hard Things!" Everyone had a much better attitude after that. This day the Sense was Touch. As we hiked up the mountain we thought about our touch in a physical aspect and mental aspect, like how those around us have touched our lives and by all of the encouragement going on from everyone.

Earlier that day we did service projects for the camp.

Our group chopped, piled and moved wood.

Others filled wheel barrows and laid bark on the trails. It was all pretty physical but left a good feeling knowing we were helping to make this camp a better place.

Monday the Sense was Sight.

For FHE that night we had two surprise guests.

First, Hilary Weeks showed up with her family.

She was so wonderful to come be with us on a family night and share her time with us.

She told some wonderful stories and sang a few songs.

The real treat. as she put it, was Kris Belcher. She was amazing and funny.

She lost her sight completely from radiation when she was a child. It went perfect with the Sense for that day. She is an amazing person. It was wonderful to hear how she lives her everyday life and is so happy despite not having the gift of sight.

Here is a link for her story... It's not letting my highlight and link her name for some reason...

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/590044242/Latest-setback-cant-stop-Lehi-mom.html

This day was just the kickoff for the rest of the week. It was one spiritual moment after another.

Thursday morning we woke up to it still raining. At one point there was hail. There were huge puddles everywhere. It got so cold we actually had to where our hats gloves and other layers.

My feet were numb.

We spent all morning in the pavilion.

During the devotional I look over towards our cabin and saw two moose, a larger one and it's youngen.

After the devotional our Stake Young Women's President asked us to go back to our cabins to work on our bookmarks and other things for a service pack that we were making for some kids in India. But, as we all get back to pray together and individually that the rain will stop so we can have the Faith walk that was planned for that night.

Thursday was also Bishops night and testimony meetings.

It was a big day and with the rain, not all of it could happen. Within a little bit of going back to the cabins the rain let up. Within about an hour, It completely stopped.

The puddles dried up and the rest of the day was wonderful. We could see the storm surrounding us the whole time, but it never came over us. I kept joking that we were the only dry spot in the area and the storm is circling around us. A few weeks later I heard from a few other stakes that left camp early that day because the rain never stopped and everything was getting too muddy and puddles everywhere. That confirmed another miracle to me. Heavenly Father does hear our prayers and he will make miracles happen if we have enough faith.

This day was Taste. Which was good. I thought that everything tasted so good after the cold and the rain. It was a beautiful day.

I am so thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of Girls camp.

Even our numbers were few this year. I saw their lives touched in a positive way that I hope they will always remember.

What an amazing group we had.

Love you girls!!!

(Our Safety Neon Green Sweatshirts is not what we thought we ordered. But, We grew to love them and they were kind of fun.)

Some Good Things Have To End

2011-06-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

As the school year came to an end...

So did my time with my family close by.

My parents moved to Arizona the last days in May and left Heather with me for only a few weeks until Girls camp came and went. I wish I could have kept her with me forever. It's so hard not just having them here for me to pop in whenever. I would try and take as much time as possible with them. I am so happy for every moment the kids were able to spend time with them and build that relationship. It's not so fun when I'm bored now, I can't just get up and go hang out to do nothing but chat with my little sister or let the kids just play and wear out buddy. I must admit. It was easier on me moving away to Missouri and leaving them behind here then it was for me to be back here with them and having them leave me. I have always pondered the question, "Is it harder for the one leaving or the one being left?" They both have their own arguments and it might depend on the situation. I have been in both situations many times and still don't know the answer.

I love family! I am happy they aren't that far away.

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-19T19:09:00.000-05:00

For the greatest DAD!

So easily loved because of the good times, laughs, love, hugs, guidance and being so great.

We all love him so much!

I am so happy we have Fathers' Day to celebrate all of the wonderful Fathers out there who work so hard and don't always get all of the appreciation and glory that they deserve.

Thank you for being so wonderful.

With Love.

Last Week Of School

2011-06-05T18:08:00.000-05:00

Alyssa's Classroom

Program for Parents

The Tootie Tot dance.

They had their own lines to read and sang a few different songs about what they learned.

The last song was so sweet and it made Ms. Christensen cry and I almost came to tears.

This was a wonderful year! We loved Ms. Christensen!! She was a perfect teacher for Alyssa. They are so much alike and I felt that she understood her well. That helped Alyssa to get further. If only we could take the teacher with as they get older. Business Day For the 3rd Grade

The last days of school the 3rd graders need to come up with a business and they get to go around and use the fake money they earned throughout the year to buy each others goods.

It was pretty cool to see what everyone came up with. There were hair flowers a girls made, games with treats, face painting. Cotton candy, a picture station that prints off your pictures right there.

Someone even brought little gold fish to sale! There was so much more!

Brandon decided to sale snow cones. Of course I did a lot of the work of making them, but he did help. I just let him have a chance to go around to the other booths.

Hayden was my other little helper.

We will definitely miss Mrs. Clark.

She is such an amazing kicked back but in control teacher.

She is so good with the kids.

She is so fun, but there is no messing around with her there.

She is the ultimate best teachers.

She is moving on to bigger and better things though.

I am so happy we had her this past year.

Dance Festival

Brandon's class used the song from the Beach Boys, Surfin' in the USA.

After Christmas break I started going in to read with the early birds in Brandon's class 3 days a week. I loved being able to volunteer and help them learn and grow and to watch each of them do so. I couldn't believe how far some of the kids came in those 5 months of reading.

It was fun to get to know them see them open up.

I wanted to do something small for them and reward them for their accomplishments.

I decided to make bookmarks. The lady bugs for the girls and the Dr. Seuss Lego background for the boys. They were a big hit.

Field Days

2011-06-04T00:16:00.000-05:00

Field Day is not what I remember it being when I was little.

I wish our kids could experience it the way that I did.

They had only a 2.5 hr. block of their day for field day.

I know at the last school it did take up the entire day.

I guess it's all just preference on the school.

They had fun though. Brandon's day was a little hard. It was cooler, but sunny and super windy.

It made holding onto that parachute quite a chore.

Three legged race is so much harder than it looks.

Alyssa's Day was really hot, over cast and not much of a breeze.

It made it a perfect day to have an otter pop though.What's better than sidewalk chalk as a little kid, while at school.

There were some fun drawings.Team Work!

Potato Sack races!

It's so fun to be able to help out at school with my kids and get to see them during the fun activities.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T23:55:00.000-05:00

I love that I am able to be a mother and to my three beautiful children who

make me who I am. I love these little ones so much!!

On Mother's Day we went to my parents house for dinner.

I am sad now that I look back and did not get a picture with my Mom.

I don't know the last picture I took with her.

I am happy that I was able to share this special day with her though.

I love my Mother for all that she does and strives to be.

I took these pictures that following Monday.

It made me think of all the beauty that surrounds us in the month of Mother's day.

Spring is amazing. I love it!

Easter

2011-04-17T12:06:00.000-05:00

Being gone the week before, Easter sure snuck up on me.

We died eggs but I can't find my pictures for that.

We did have a few fun eggs hunts and spent some fun time with cousins and the rest of the family.

Boys stopping to watch a movie in the middle of playing.

The Real Day 3 then, 5

2011-04-16T21:38:00.000-05:00

In doing the posts I somehow completely skipped a day. So, Day 3 in reality was day 4. I think it was because we were all tired on Tuesday. We didn't really do much in the morning. In the late afternoon we spent the rest of the day at San-Tan mall. It's an outdoor mall that has everything. quite fun on a nice day. probably not so much in the Summer AZ. heat. We did find a husky pup at a pet store we got to play with for awhile. We were tempted until we heard the outrageous price tag. Yikes! We made dinner when we got home and the kids were falling asleep before it was even ready. I was bummed because we planned to see the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple that night. I think we all just needed some rest. Which was good because the hike was the next day...

Day 5

I love this day. We finally went to my favorite place! Bahama Bucks. :) The best shaved ice I have ever had! If you are ever in AZ. or some places in Texas and Florida, you have to go there! YUMMY.

After we got our Bahamas we went swimming at my cousins pool. The temps were still pretty low and the water was freezing still! I chose to sit back and watch. It didn't seam to bother Brandon any though. All they wanted to do the whole time we were in AZ. was to go swimming. I made their day.

After swimming I got to see another cousin and finally meet his wife and beautiful daughter. It's so fun to see family you haven't seen in forever. The kids were so excited that they were able to pick a tangelo right off of the tree and eat it. They were so good. I really wore the kids out because they fell asleep on the car ride home. We were supposed to head home in the morning. I was so tired and just wasn't ready to go yet. So, Liz and Heather went out to play and go ice blocking while I took the kids to Bass Pro Shop and a big park to play at. It was 10:00 pm by then. It was kind of fun having a blast together late at night and I didn't care that they were still up.

Spring Break Day 3

2011-04-16T18:31:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday we went for a hike in the Superstition Mountains.

Everything was blooming and making me sneeze and my eyes water like crazy.

I was still able to enjoy it.

It's quite the different scenery of hiking for the kids going from mountains to desert.

My little troopers.

Liz, Heather, Hayden and Alyssa.

Brandon was too tired to move from his rock.

We made it out!

I don't remember seeing cardinals in Arizona before.

I always wondered why there was a team called Arizona Cardinals.

They just seem out of place for some reason.

Next, we went to the Goldfield Ghost Town.

The kids found some cards to play a little Go-Fish.

They used the chips for each time they got a match.

There was a shoot out in the middle of the street while we were there.

Of course it was all staged. We had some explaining to do for the kids.

Alyssa and Brandon playing checkers outside the jailhouse.

Even cute when all raggedy and covered in dirt.

Long, Sunny, but Fun day.

Spring Break Day 2

2011-04-16T17:56:00.000-05:00

If there was ever a perfect temperature this day had it.

We were up early and headed out to enjoy the morning at a beautiful park.

There were turtles and birds everywhere.

The kids were definitely happy.

Doesn't she look so content? Just kickin back soakin up some rays.

The rest of the day we kind of kicked back at Liz's then;

went to my Aunt and Uncle's for a BBQ with a bunch of my cousins and their kids.

I really don't see everyone enough. The kids change so fast.

It was so good to finally meet a few new additions to the family too, both young and not as young.

I didn't even take my camera. It was good to just chat.

2011-04-16T11:07:00.000-05:00

On our very last day (the day we were supposed to be driving home) we packed up the car and headed out for the water.

We spent a long afternoon on the beach, playing in the water and on the raft.

Everyone was happy. It was a really good way to relax and end our week.

It's so good to get away and get your mind off the normal everyday duties etc...

One of these times. We will bring daddy with. Or, maybe I will bring him with and leave the kids behind. :)

Saturday, we had a pretty uneventful 12 hr. ride home. Which is a good thing.

Spring Break Day 1

2011-04-16T10:34:00.000-05:00

The kids, Heather and I went to Arizona for Spring break.

It was so nice to be able to get away for a week and have different scenery.

We crammed in so much in the week we were there, and at the same time there didn't seem to be quite enough time for everything.

Our first big stop in Arizona was Page/Lake Powell.

Alyssa was last in Arizona when she was 6 months old and I was pregnant with Hayden.

They had no clue what to expect. All they have ever seen are mountains, Utah desert and the lakes, forests and farmland of the Midwest. They were sure in for a treat.

Glen Canyon Dam was so exciting for them. We spent a long time there but it was worth it.

Hayden was so excited to see his name on the building.

Alyssa peered through the binoculars at everything, Brandon was just fascinated and Hayden was pretty scared to get close to the glass to look down.

I had to re post this picture because it was so tiny.

At the visitor center at the Dam the kids earned Junior Ranger badges

after they completed some activities and made an oath to help keep the wilderness clean and take care of it. It was pretty exciting for them.

The rest of the drive down was really good despite a ton of snow through Flagstaff and Sedona.

As we were coming down the mountain into the desert valley the kids saw cactus for the first time.

Alyssa said the Saguaro look like cucumbers with arms and pokies.

A little bit later it was quiet in the car and Hayden gasps really loud and exclaims, "Jungle Trees!!"

It took me a second and realized he had never seen real palm trees before.

It was a completely different world down there for them.

As we arrived at Liz's (only 12 hours after leaving the house)

It was pretty chilly out. I felt like we brought Utah with us.

Thankfully, the next day warmed up nicely and it was a beautiful Sunday.

After church we went to the Temple grounds to walk around.

It was a perfect Spring day.

They sure love their Aunt Liz.

It appears the Heather is MIA. I don't know how she escaped my pictures. I remember taking some of her, but it was with her camera. Don't worry, there is lots more to come....

3rd Grade Field Trip

2011-03-18T00:25:00.003-05:00

Brandon's class had a field trip I was able to go on with him.

First they got to see all of the behind the scenes of a grocery store and try samples.

Then, all of the back rooms of the bank and learn new things about money.

Then, after lunch at a park we went bowling.

The school rented out the entire building for the 3rd grade.

It was completely full.

Brandon is pretty good at bowling, especially since he really doesn't try half the time.

Right after one of his strikes.

Now that's a happy face!

I love being able to help out in and out of his classroom so much this year.

We had a lot of fun.

A Little Trip

2011-03-17T23:33:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago we had a three day weekend so just the kids and I jumped in the car after school and headed up to stay with Laura and the kids.

It was a nice little getaway.

I love all of these kids they are all so stinkin cute!

And Shelby too! :)

We mostly just hung around the house out of the cold and snow and played and stayed

up to the wee hours of the morning after kids were asleep.

It was good.

The one night we did get out, we took the kids to play at a fun kids place to do...

well, everything kid like.

It was fun to watch them.

We then went to get pizza at cool little place called Pie Hole.

It was so super yummy!

They all slept well that night.

The bottom left picture is Hayden posing on one of the walls there.

The top right pic is random... We stopped at the outlets on the way home and Hayden had to have his picture with these humongous stuffed bears.

I've missed having little weekends away. It was good to go.

Very fun times!

Valentines Day

2011-03-17T18:28:00.003-05:00

My Love.

I wish I had a picture with my other three. I just don't always think of these things.

Happy Birthday Brandon

2011-03-08T13:23:00.004-06:00

February was Brandon's month.

My little guy turned 9 this year.

I think once they get in school time just flies by super fast.

I sometimes wouldn't mind if it were to go slower.

Maybe we just need an extra weekend day in the week, that might fix it.

Anyway, my Brandon....

He's growing! He doesn't have much longer before we are the same height.

He just barely caught up to me in shoe size (for guys).

This kid is doing great in school.

He is sensitive. It has its good and bad.

He has tons of friends and will be friends with anyone.

He reads tons. His favorite thing to do is to build Lego's and be creative

with what he has. I am sure he would do this all day if I would let him.

I'm pretty sure he had a great birthday.

It started right as he got up so he could wear new clothes and possibly ride his new scooter to school, until we realized it snowed.

Then, we did other presents throughout the day.

He picked orange chicken for dinner (his favorite).

I love you Brandon!

Hopefully, I will get his long overdue cute, posed pictures taken soon. Maybe...

Air Balloons

2011-02-09T16:38:00.004-06:00

All of the 3rd grade classes have an annual hot air balloon launch every year.

Brandon kind of got pushed to the back when I took a picture of him and his class.

They make the balloons out of tissue paper and wire and glue it together. It's pretty cool.

There were 5 classes and the second class's balloon touched an ember and went up in flames in a few seconds. I was kind of sad after all of the hours spent on it.

It worked out good with Brandon's class though.

They were so excited and had fun watching it fly over the huge farm fields.

They hold the balloon over a big pipe that comes out of a barrel that has the fire burning in it

and it fills up with hot air.

They release it and it rises up and floats away.

It's so fun going to the school for little side projects.

New Years Eve Weekend

2011-02-09T16:02:00.003-06:00

New Years eve the kids and I stopped by dads work to visit for a bit,

then we went to go play til very late.

I am pretty sure this was the first time I let my kids stay up past bedtime on New Years. They made it til 1 am and were exhausted! We all did have fun and that is what matters.

I was happy to be able to hang out with Heather because it really does not happen enough.

We did finally make it to the lights on Temple square the very last night.

I really didn't think we were going to make it.

We were way too busy in December.

Beautiful as always. A little cold. I am happy we were able to go. It's always so wonderful.

Just Hanging Out

2011-01-31T14:50:00.001-06:00

It's Liz Day!

2011-01-31T14:32:00.006-06:00

On Sunday, the day after Christmas, was Liz's Birthday.

We met the family at my parents church and then had dinner together.

Liz and Justin BBQ'd some yummy chicken (in the snow).

She got some pretty cute home decor along with other things.

Hayden is there as usual to help blow out the candles.

It's always fun to spend birthdays with any of my sisters.

You are such a great sister, aunt and friend.

I'm so glad we could spend the day together! Love you Liz!

Christmas Day

2011-01-31T13:34:00.004-06:00

The more functioning hour was about 7 AM. I can't complain about that at all.

(only the earlier 3 AM awakening)

I picked out some of my favorite pictures of the kids excitement.

Hayden has been asking for comfy socks since his birthday.

It's hard to find some for little kids in boy colors at that.

So, Even though they go to his knees, he is super excited about them.

And then, there is another badge/pin to add to his collection.

I love how little kids get so excited about getting the same thing,

even though they are different, for every holiday. More Lego's and

Bakugans for Brandon.

All Alyssa really wanted was makeup and jewelery.

You can imagine her excitement when she got a big box set of play makeup.

Her other early present that Dad had to come home with...

is her Christmas kitten.

She has been begging for one for a long time.

(like we didn't already have a cat)

This is Jasmine.

After our morning of relaxing, playing with toys and eating our yummy cinnamon rolls....

My parents and Mike, Liz and Heather came over to exchange gifts.

Then, we headed over to the Finley grandparents house.

We got there just in time to get to talk to uncle Kelsey on skype.

It was good to see him and talk, it's been a long while.

Everyone opened up their presents from grandparents.

We kind of just hung out for awhile and relaxed and ate.

It's kind of a blur because it was such a long day.

It was good to see all of the family in one day.

Liz snapped a few quick pictures of us earlier that day.

These first few days were just the start of the busy days ahead.

It was fun seeing everyone and hanging out and being with family.

But, I kind of miss our own time alone as our own little family.

It does not happen very often with our very busy schedules of work, school, church and

anything else that comes along. I am hoping next year will be a bit slower and relaxing.

It's such a mixed emotion.

I am thankful for this Christmas and everyone around us and how wonderful people can be, for the small and big things

It is a wonderful time of year.

I want to be able to carry the feelings of Thanksgiving and Christmas with

me all year long.

One of my favorite presents.

This is who it's all really about.

I hope that someday my children will fully understand and appreciate that.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

2011-01-30T00:45:00.003-06:00

The first part of Christmas Eve we had dinner at my parents house with three of my siblings.

We then let the kids open a few tiny presents from them.

We got home and read the Christmas Story from the Scriptures, listened to and sang some Christmas songs and talked about Christmas.

Then the usual opening of a gift, (the normal PJ's)

Alyssa was so tired because it was getting late and cried when she opened hers for some reason.

After a bit of praising convincing her that she would be so very cute in her new PJ's

she was happy. Not another sad moment about them.

It was such a crazy night because Justin had to work and we felt kind of rushed through everything. We actually put the kids to bed without putting out their stockings where they wanted them. So we got them out of bed, to then remember the cookies and drink for Santa. In the confusion my camera skills were lacking.

With that.

To all a good night.....

Until about 3... something in the morning when one noticed the presents were out

(on a potty run) and had to wake the others to see.

And... back to bed til a more functioning hour....

Playing in The Snow

2011-01-14T21:00:00.004-06:00

I had to make a little comic for him after looking through the pictures and seeing this.

I know this is really what he was thinking.

Copy Cat. My Boys with their snowman with a carrot nose.

Having fun sliding on his bum and diving in the snow.

I have not braved the frigid teens to go play with them yet. It has been so very cold, getting down in the single digits to negatives at nights. BRRRR. Really too much for me. We have had so much snow recently.

I really hope we can get a little better temps with the snow in the coming

weeks so I can play too.

Pre-Christmas Festivities

2011-01-14T16:26:00.014-06:00

We made marshmallow snowmen with baking chips and sprinkles and spaghetti.

They had a lot of fun and it was so easy.

Our ward had a Christmas breakfast one morning.

We wore our pajamas to church and ate yummy food, the Bishop read a wonderful story to the kids and they sang a few Christmas songs.

Santa came!

The kids were all searching the parking lot for his reindeer afterwards.

It was a fun morning.

The kids school put on the annual program where all the classes sing a fun

Christmas song for the parents.

Brandon's class sang a fun Noel Song...

To spell Santa's name is easy to do

You write S A N T and another A, too

But no L, no L, Santa's name has no L

And he won't be too pleased if you don't learn to spell

Jack and Jill went up a hill to fetch water from a well

But when neither one could find it , Jill started to yell

No well, no well, can't believe there's no well

We walked all the way here and I'm mad, can't you tell?

Captain Ahab took his crew, his harpoon and set sail

And he called out to ships, 'Have you seen the white whale?

No whale, no whale, we ain't seen seen no whale

Saw a couple of dolphins, and a big yellow tail

If you've listened to this tune, then you probably can tell

That you've heard it before, it's a song you know well

Know well, know well, it's a song you know well

And we've ruined it completely, so we all say 'Oh well'

oh well, oh well, We'll just say 'Fare thee well'

And Merry Christmas to you and a Joyous Noel

Alyssa's class sang 'I want a hippopotamus for Christmas'

and... the Chipmunks 'Christmas Time'

If only I could upload the video... We will see. I love seeing them with their friends at school.

Alyssa had to decorate her Santa and dress him in new clothes. When we were up for Dallin's Baptism The cousins dipped pretzels in chocolate and decorated them. That was a hit. So much fun to do things together. I don't feel like we did as many activities before Christmas as we usually do. But it we did have some fun times.

Thanksgiving

2011-01-14T15:56:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving was small in numbers, but nice. We really missed having Justin there. I believe this was our first Thanksgiving apart. I should have taken pictures with him when we went to visit him at work. I really didn't take many pictures at all. I think I was just enjoying spending time with everyone. It's always a good thing when Dan and Liz make the trip to be with us.

We had fun just hanging out. The kids took turns sledding down the stairs , I think all kids try to do that sometime in their life. We went sledding, on the wrong side of town and had to go on a shady snowy drive. It was still fun, there was just more snow other places not closer to home not where we drove to. It was pretty laid back. I'm So Thankful for many things, especially all of my family. I feel that this past year my eyes have been opened up a lot more than usual to everything around me than what's just in my little bubble. I love this time of year to reflect on everything I have and how much I really am Thankful for.

Time.........

2011-01-13T22:45:00.003-06:00

I can't believe how fast time is going by. Does everyone else feel this way; as you get older it goes faster. I feel it is being taken away from me too fast and I just can't keep up. There are so many things I am always wanting to accomplish. I want to be able to enjoy my family more. I just need one week to move in slow motion so I can catch up. Since I can't really change that, I will take what I can get now. I am thankful for every day I have and I want to remember the times spent together with everyone I love. So, I will catch up eventually on those memories.

One thing I think I need to do is organize more, so I can find that missing time. I know it's there somewhere. Until then... I will still keep moving forward with what I have.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

2010-12-10T23:55:00.010-06:00

If you know me, you know I love to hike.

I love to be outdoors, exploring, doing something active and new.

As long as the weather is on my side. :)

We took advantage of every moment we could before the weather turned too cold and snow settled in the mountains.

These are the bigger hikes we took.

We tried a few other places but did not have pictures with them.

The day before school started we went up the Alpine Loop and explored a trail as a family I had found. It's always more fun when Daddy gets to come along too.

Heather, the kids and I drove up AF Canyon to Forest City to see the little graveyard and explore some trails there. It was a perfect day. I just remembered, it had been 1 week since Hayden had sprained his ankle. He was wanting to do so much on his own but I would still carry him a bit. This would be our last trip up the mountain before the snow came... except for the very last time a few weeks back, as a family we drove over to Midway. We hit a huge patch of snow and took a lot to get up over that part. But, the rest was clear.

I have to say that Dry Creek is definitely my favorite of the hikes we did.

The colors were amazing and the diversity of the trails were fun too.

I have to go back without kids next Summer to hike up to the big meadows and falls I heard about.

Something to look forward to.

Did you notice the big longhorn in the picture?

Alyssa found this cool piece of wood and hiked down with it.

Part way down she needed to rest and called it her rocking chair.

Pretty creative for sure. She said it was comfortable too.

She was a little sad when I told her we could not bring it with.

Such a pretty place.

We had a lot of fun that day.

It snowed only a few weeks later.

Love the beauty of the outdoors.

OCD

2010-11-24T21:55:00.002-06:00

I may have posted something about this before but, this is the most recent.

Hayden has a way with his belongings. He wants them to be just right.

The funny thing about this to me is that he messes up his room so fast!

But, if it means a lot to him, he takes care of it and it has to be in it's place.

One night he was not going to sleep. I turned out all of the lights in the house and went to my bed to wait it out. I heard him get up, go into the kitchen and do something,

(I figured a drink since that is normal)

and then I saw him come in and out of his room several times.

I thought the last time he stayed in his room and it was quiet so I checked.

He was actually hauling all of these things in by the couch and even got a snack, that looks untouched. I just love how everything is just right and perfectly in line.

I could even picture him trying to get the blankets right like 10x.

This set up in the hallway, I actually let him keep it there for quite a few days.

I vacuumed around it once, but then It just had to go.

while he was gone I quickly cleaned it up and found a special basket for just

his gloves and hats and such.

I remember when he was one years old he first started by lining his cars up in a specific order.

It's pretty much been like that ever since.

Right now his obsession is his padges (pa-jes). As he calls them. A combination of patch and badge. He is obsessed with them and carries them everywhere and always talks about them. I love that kid.

I'm How Old?

2010-11-24T21:42:00.002-06:00

I say that as a joke because I really had to keep thinking about how old I was turning.

I really don't keep track any more. It's just all a blur and not that big of a deal.

(The number part)

Alyssa loves taking pictures and she posed for me, then she said it was my turn...

So this is how she did. I think sometimes her fast little fingers are better than me in getting shots. It's fun to share some things we like in common.

My kids have such joy over opening presents so I usually let them help open mine.

Alyssa's turn.

And of course help to blow out the candles.

This was actually funny, they were blowing them out faster than I realized what was going on.

So, another year gone by.

I had a fun day with my family eating at yummy Rubio's and some shopping and just spending time together. Then I had presents from my mother in law then later my family came by.

My mom made me this yummy cake.

I can't believe she fit all of those candles on there. :)

I guess if I counted them there might be the right amount.

Thanks everyone for making my day so special!

Halloween

2010-11-24T20:10:00.005-06:00

The Friday before Halloween the kids school got to dress up and wear costumes all day.

The entire school had a parade so we could see everyone and then they got to see everyone also.

The principle was a hockey player, Alyssa's teacher-Pinkalicious, Brandon's-B-ball player.

Brandon borrowed a costume for this day because his wasn't quite complete yet.

Everybody loved buzz light year up at the top!

His was pretty cool. He didn't really fit through the doors too well with his wings.

The Hero, the villain and the princess....

I loved the costumes this year.

Brandon the Dracula

Justin the football player

It was kind of chilly and so rainy all day.

We went out about 7 and it finally slowed down.

Hayden and Traeden (Robin & Cowboy) were the last two going.

Even passing up the big kids. They were wore out though.

Alyssa the ballerina

Hayden as Robin

Heather's Tink face. :)

We all made something kind of creepy to eat.

I made a cheese ball that looked like a face...

(Jordan decorated it for me)

the vegy tray... There was a cool eyeball but I didn't get a shot of it.

Fun night.

Happy Halloween.

Pumpkins

2010-11-17T23:26:00.004-06:00

Pumpkin Patch

It was so fun to go to a pumpkin patch with the kids.

I actually don't remember ever going before.

The only bad part was... I did not bring a wheel barrow and with the us four,

we had to take what we could carry.

Soooo... when the kids picked out small enough pumpkins to carry I didn't say anything.

They worked out good though.

They loved looking at all of the fun different shapes and colors light green,

orange and white pumpkins.

They could not wait to go through the little corn maze, like 15 times!

They could have sat and played on all of the tractors for hours, if only I would have let them.

Carving the Pumpkins...

This was the first year all three kids helped to clean out their own pumpkins.

I laughed so hard watching Hayden try to do his. He just couldn't stomach it.

His faces were hilarious!

He just kept saying EWWWW!

Alyssa was the best about it, and she's the girl!

She actually loved it and thought it was so fun.

We gave her mom and dads to do a few days later and she even completely

cleaned up after she was done!

And Here they are....

Here are the end results....

Brandon's bat, Alyssa's cute spider and Hayden's cool truck with flames on top.

( Disclaimer: I am sure these looked way more amazing a week earlier

than when I finally actually took a picture of them. Oops.)

10 Years

2010-11-16T11:18:00.008-06:00

On October 14Th Justin and I had our 10 year Anniversary.

I had always thought that 10 years was a really long time.

Now that we are there it all seams to have passed so quickly.

Then, I look back and realize that A LOT has happened in the past ten years!

Either way. I am so happy to be married to my Justin.

I love him with all of my heart and it just keeps growing.

I am thankful for everything we have been through together, I know it

has only made us stronger and will continue to.

The best things that have come are our 3 beautiful children.

I am so thankful for each one of them.

That weekend the kids had a sleepover at the grandparents while we had some alone time together. We went up to Park City for the evening and enjoyed the gorgeous weather.

Justin had said he didn't care what we did as long as we could walk and have fun together.

I had been wanting to check out this old cemetery

that dated from the mid 1800's to the early 1900's.

It was so pretty there because of all the changing colors on the trees.

We also did a few other things like walk Main Street and went to dinner and a movie.

I don't know why I didn't really take any more pictures after the cemetery.

I guess I was just enjoying my time more...

It is so nice to have an extended alone time without the worry of getting home to relieve a babysitter. And then to sleep in as long as you'd like because their are no kids to wake you.

It was good for a day but I would really miss those little ones if I didn't have them.

They keep me on my toes and that is mostly a good thing.

I love you so much Justin! Thank you for being such an amazing husband and being so good at taking care of me. Because, you really do. I am glad I get to have you forever.

Self Portrait

2010-10-26T17:33:00.005-05:00

By: Hayden

Isn't it beautiful?

He even did it on the green colored wall right above his bed so he can always see it.

He has always been my one child I could count on to make me beautiful art in places like this one.

In fact. This one is still there.

I took a picture to remember it (in case it dissapeared somehow).

He was so very proud to tell me it was him when I asked about it.

I am very happy he enjoys coloring so much.

Even his picture of his boat on my kitchen table. :)

Did I mention he gets a lot of scrubbing time in? Well, he does. A Lot!

Another Year Older....

2010-10-08T23:05:00.001-05:00

But, still so young at heart.

I am only a month behind on this but, it is important to me...:)

So, Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

One thing I think I love best about Justin is that he can always make those around him smile

and be happy. It is such a good thing when you are just not in a good mood and so down, then he can bring you right out of that and make it all better for the moment.

I know our kids eyes sure do light up whenever he walks in the room

or just having him around.

I know his birthday did not go as planned at all.

I feel so bad for that. He ended up having to work all day too.

So not fun at all.

So, we celebrated a few days later (Sunday) on his first day off.

We just enjoyed family time, I made him a yummy dinner

and we had cheesecake for his dessert.

We really do love you tons! Thank you for all that you do and who you are

to make our lives better. You are the best!

The Egg Drop

2010-10-01T17:08:00.000-05:00

The 3rd grade classes were doing a unit on self esteem and how to treat others.

At the end of the unit all of the classes did an egg drop, where each student had to get an uncooked egg and figure out how to protect it from cracking when dropped off the top of the school.

Very nervous and excited to find out how it did.

Some kids used helium balloons, or parachutes to protect theirs.

Very creative.

And....

It made it!!

He did an awesome job at designing a way to protect his egg just with what we had around the house.

I'm very proud of him.

I loved that they did all of this and thought it was such a great unit for the kids

and also a great way to start out a new year.

Great Job Brandon!

Hayden's Day

2010-09-15T16:58:00.000-05:00

Hayden could not stop talking about his big party!

We were not able to have a big party for him that day because it was really crazy busy.

But, I don't think he minded or noticed because his pressents and everything lasted all day!

He had visitors at all different times, opening pressents all throughout the day &

the cake & ice cream. He even got to have his Aunt and Grandma put him to bed while we went to a meeting for school. Not to mention all of the other super fun things he got to do with mom and dad while the older ones were in school.

He was one very happy kid.

My Baby Hayden

2010-09-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today Hayden Turns 5!

I love Birthdays!

It is a celebration of life.

A time to reflect on memories.

I love the lives of my little children and being able to celebrate them every year.

I am definitely grateful for the life of my little Hayden.

I can not begin to imagine what our lives would be like without him.

For this birthday and every other that will come I will constantly be thankful for everyday he has to live, breathe, run & play and that I get to share these days with him. He has such a strong spirit.

Hayden has been telling what we wants for his next birthday since the day after the last.

So, I must have a list literally a mile long by now.

Hayden brings such joy and laughter into our home.

He is such a ball of energy.

I can't keep up with him sometimes, which is also good for me at the same time.

He loves anything that keeps him active and on the go.

He loves to whistle and if you are around him you know this because he never stops.

(which is sometimes a problem)

He has become very good at riding his bike and likes to make mom really nervous on it.

He would ride all day long if I let him.

He would swim everyday if he could, he loves it.

He has become quite social with those around him.

He has his shy moments but he loves people.

This is just a tad bit about my littlest one.

I love my baby so much, and I love the days I have to learn and grow with him.

Life is so precious and I cherish every moment with him.

Happy Birthday lil' guy!

First Day of School 2010

2010-09-12T17:16:00.003-05:00

1st Grade

3rd Grade The first day of school is always the best. It's exciting, they get up early and get dressed and eat all on their own. It's a good thing... until they get in the routine and the excitement wears off...

The Birthday Girl

2010-09-08T22:41:00.000-05:00

Our little girl turned 6 in August.

Every year that goes by I feel a little sad that a part of her is slipping

away, but excited for what she has ahead and who she is becoming.

She has quite the personality.

I love the things she says and comes up with.

She is so fun, sweet and sincere yet so feisty and stubborn

at the same time.

She is a girl after all. You never know what her mood will bring.

Birthday streamers.

Her tongue has always stuck out like this when she sleeps,

is in deep thought or concentrating.

I think it is so cute.

My attempt at her royal cake.

(I didn't realize I was missing some important tools I needed oops)

Her biggest pressent....

She actually got her bike exactly a month early.

I am so glad we did that for her because we had so much fun in that

month as a family riding bikes together.

I love you baby girl!

The Y

2010-09-08T01:14:00.003-05:00

One of my greatest of friends Sarah was in town for a short bit and we were determined

to squeeze in at least a little bit of time together.

We were able to meet up and hike the Y in Provo.

This was my first time to do this.

At the last second I grabbed Brandon and brought him with.

I am sure I would have done much better on a much cooler and shadier day

and in my younger years.

It was so hard for Brandon.

He just kept begging to go back down.

Just to turn around or stop and wait for everyone else to go up.

We talked him into not giving up and that the hard climb would be so worth it in the end.

And it was of course.... and he happily ran down the mountain when

we were done like it was nothing.

I loved being able to see Sarah and meet Major and see her sister and her husband.

(Stephanie is like 8 months pregnant and did this hike!! she's amazing.)

Good times with great friends.

Canyon Ride

2010-09-02T23:12:00.010-05:00

Mid July we did a big bike ride with all 5 of us.

It was a perfect day and the kids all did so good!

We started at Bridal Veil Falls and rode up to Vivian park a few miles.

It was all just over 5 miles.

Of course we took a break for the kids to walk in the cold water from the waterfall.

At our turn around point we stopped for snow cones and watched the train.

I love biking with my family. It is definitely a fun way to explore and be together.

Foam

2010-08-31T23:30:00.002-05:00

FOAM DAY

In the end of July the city fire department put on a foam day for the kids.

They had foam everywhere, free watermelon and it was lots of fun for the kids to play and fun for me to watch.

They even sprayed them off at the end.

It was a great thing for hot day.

Camping

2010-08-29T01:18:00.007-05:00

Our one and only camping trip this Summer.

We really wanted to go more, but this Summer flew by so fast it was over before we knew it.

I think we made up for it in all the hiking we did.

It was a blast going with most of Justin's siblings though.

Just playing and having fun.

Our view was amazing.

One of the biggest highlights, especially for all of the little boys, was the target shooting.

The center picture was them receiving very thorough safety instruction from uncle Justin.

Such a fun few days. I am so glad we were able to make one trip work. It's definitely fun watching all the cousins play.

Moments

2010-08-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

Learning To Ride

2010-08-05T17:20:00.004-05:00

So, this really should have came first before anything this Summer.

Right at the end of the school year we finally decided to put Brandon's bike to good use and teach him to actually ride it instead of just sitting in the garage collecting dust.

I feel bad that it took this long to teach him.

I always had excuses in Missouri which were pretty well validated but I could have just tried a little harder. The biggest one was all of the big hills on all of the roads.

There were not many flat places.

When we moved back to Utah, our house was on a hill.

I just said lets do it and after a few days in a flat dead end street he did it!

It also helped that his buddy the same age was learning that week to so it kind of pushed him harder. It felt good for both of us for him to learn.

Since Hayden was getting Brandon's old bike, we decided to just teach him too.

He did so good once he got it!

All I had to teach him was how to pedal and balance and he did the rest... He turned and stood up and put his foot down.

There were a few crashes, but that was to be expected because he was immediately a speed demon on his little bike.

He started telling the older boys "watch out slow poke coming through".

He's all about the speed and pop a wheelies and jumping off the curb.

It has made Summer a lot of fun with the boys being able to ride bikes together.

Dinosaurs

2010-08-01T10:45:00.000-05:00

One of the last days we went to the

Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point.

The girls checking out shadows in the NASA room

concentrating...

So excited over this "discovery". sitting on the wall where he shouldn't be, but posed until I took a picture.

This was cute, almost all of the dinosaurs had birthday hats on for the 10Th birthday bash.

they also had free face painting and other activities.

A little more extra than usual.

Dino's in a cave.

And.... I believe this is the end of my pictures.

it was a very fun week.

I enjoyed every moment of everyone together.

I am glad Dan was closer and stayed longer and the kids all loved him

and that Liz made here safely

even after hitting a deer and taking an extra 12 plus hours getting here.

Then Becca, Matt and girls made the very long drive to see us.

It was all wonderful.

I wish we could do it more often actually.

Good memories.

I miss everyone already.

Family Visit Temple Square

2010-08-01T10:34:00.001-05:00

Just to remember...

the happiness when they are all together.

Celebrating the 4th on the 3rd

2010-08-01T03:05:00.008-05:00

The morning of the 3rd we

met up with Aunt Kesia to ride her Sil-V.

Then, helped to brush and clean her

and make her more beautiful again after being in all that dust.

She's such a good girl to handle all the kids.

Thanks for sharing her!

Later on we met up at G&G Hastings home for some fun hanging out, doing some fireworks and sparklers, watching Dan do skateboard tricks and teaching the kids how to ride and then having a BBQ.

That night we went to the trail by our place to play, eat the yummy

homemade ice cream, more sparklers & glow sticks

And of course... fireworks.

The fireworks were not good.

But at least all the company was. It was good to just be together and it was an absolute gorgeous night.

More Family Time cont...

2010-08-01T02:52:00.005-05:00

Later, after our fun day up in the Mountain the whole family met up at a park.

By this time, everyone made it to town.

Dan & Liz & Matt and family met us all there.

We had a little family party for baby K's upcoming 2nd birthday.

All of the cousins on the Hastings side together all at once for the first time ever.

And... All of us Hastings kids together at once.

It's been a few years.

Uncle Dan teaching the boys how to ride his skateboard.

He even brought extra so they could each keep one.

He was quite the hit.

Good times together.

It was so good to have us all there.

Secor's Come To Visit Part 1

2010-08-01T02:29:00.007-05:00

Becca, Matt and the girls (& boy in tummy)

made the long haul trip to Utah.

And we were ever so happy!

We had to make them a sign to show them how excited we were!

(I stole this picture from her because I did not take a single picture that night.)

The next morning...

We went up the canyon and had a nice picnic.

Then we headed up to the lake to play and hike.

It was so good just to be together again and have the cousins play.

It was definitely a long, but fun day.

Just Playing & Movin Along

2010-07-28T16:22:00.009-05:00

disclaimer:(low quality photos from cell phone sorry)

This Summer is definitely flying by fast. After school got out we have spent most of our days doing what we love best. As usual it's outside enjoying the beautiful weather, hiking, going for walks, playing at parks and riding bikes or just playing with friends. Very low key but fun.

In June, there were some big changes.

We once again packed up the house for another move.

I know, I know, We move a lot.

We are planning on staying here for awhile now because I sure do not enjoy packing.

... Plus, it costs a lot.

It's definitely a change.

We miss all of the tons of neighborhood kids and the mountains out our back door.

But, it has some bonuses.

We have a swimming pool, a great paved trail behind us and we are closer to many of the things/ people we have to drive to on a regular basis.

So, in the long run... it will be good.

After all, our focus is to get Justin through school and move on to bigger better

things in the future.

Happiness

2010-06-25T01:01:00.005-05:00

What makes you happy?

Well, for me?

All of this.....

makes me feel happy.

My kids, being outdoors, with animals, and beautiful places.

Worry free, fun, and being together.

There's nothing much better, for me.

Just Me & You

2010-06-25T00:23:00.002-05:00

One of Justin's favorite bands is Angels And Airwaves.

You might know Tom DeLonge from Blink 182.

Justin has talked about wanting to go to a concert for a few years.

When we heard they were coming to SLC we said we would go.

Well, time went by and it was forgotten.... By me at least.

The weekend came (it was on a Mon.)

Justin was a little sad that he couldn't go but never said anything.

I was driving around getting some errands done on Saturday when I heard an ad for the concert.

I went right that moment to buy tickets.

I got home, put the tickets on Justin's dresser.

Awhile later I heard him in the room calling me, he could not believe it.

So excited.

I can't tell you how good it felt, for me (not him) to actually be able to buy him something he did not have and he wanted so much.

This just does not happen very often.

Anyway, the kids were taken care of and we had the night to ourselves, and had so much fun!

It is so fun to mix things up a bit and do something we normally don't.

Me & You

aka: Lisa & Justin-sporting his cool new AVA hoodie

(sorry I chopped your hair off)

Class Dance Performances

2010-06-24T23:30:00.004-05:00

This day was seriously about the best part of the whole year, I think.

First, Justin, Hayden and I went to have a picnic on the school lawn under the trees with Brandon. (Alyssa was in class)

Then... the dances.

Each grade in the school practiced their own dance to a fun song.

They all practiced for weeks.

My kids would come home from school and practice.

They were all so fun and cute!

The Kindergarten classes did The Little Mermaids, Under The Sea

Alyssa took it so seriously. She even sang every word to the song.

Her besty next to her did not take it as serious. It was fun to see their differences.

Brandon....

2nd grade did The Jungle Books: I Wanna Be Like You

It was upbeat and fun too!

He got way more into his part than I thought he would and I loved it!

Look at these little monkeys.

They were amazing!

What a great way to end the school year!

Good-bye 2nd grade & Kindergarten.

If I can figure out how to post a 6 minute video I will.

Daddy

2010-06-22T22:02:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for all of the Dads I know who are really wonderful Fathers.

I love my dad and all of the memories I have of all the learning, fun, sad, frustrating, silly and so on moments I have from growing up with him.

But this is....

Truly, One of the best dads!

Daddy's Girl.

She is attached to him whenever possible.

Dad's lil' everything.

He has to be everywhere, doing everything dad is

every second he is home.

Big B loves his outings with Dad.

He loves their one on one times together.

88 pictures later on fathers day....

It didn't give me much, but,

It was hot, and the sun was in their eyes.

They do have great character.

They truly get this complete silliness from there daddy.

Which is usually a good thing because we have lots of laughs.

They all adore their daddy so much!

He is really good with them.

I am so thankful to him for being so great!

Father's Day was a little different, because of a different schedule.

We didn't get him in the morning but had a great night with him.

The kids gave him cards and all the fun stuff they made him.

I made super yummy BBQ Ribs for dinner. (my 1st time ever)

Thanks for being amazing at what you do!

Spring Time Frolics

2010-06-16T00:56:00.003-05:00

Sunset

2010-06-16T00:46:00.002-05:00

Normally I save my nature pictures for my other blog.

This was just so amazing I had to share here too.

This is the view from our house.

From any window or front porch.

I love the evening light it is my favorite time of day.

It is usually always beautiful.

These are true untouched photos.

It was amazing in person.

A Day Downtown

2010-06-16T00:18:00.003-05:00

I took the kids downtown to Temple Square one afternoon in May,

then went to see Dad at work.

It was a beautiful fun day!

I love how each kid is so different in each picture I take of them together.

We saw a lady painting a canvas of tulips and the kids wanted to paint so bad!

She gave them a blank canvas and then let them paint a line of green on the bottom of her picture. They were thrilled!

Doing their own things....

If only I knew what she was thinking....

Brandon's Book

2010-06-01T00:58:00.003-05:00

A project Brandon's class worked on was writing a story and making it into a book.

The parents helped to type out the written story and paste it in the bare book.

They each drew the pictures for each page.

When the books were done the family was invited to go to the classroom.

Hayden and I were able to listen to Brandon read us his story.

Cinderella Pig

Everyone had a different story and they made it their own.

After reading his story, Brandon kept reading other stories to Hayden. It was so fun to see how creative they all were.

I Love Being Their Mother

2010-05-09T23:31:00.005-05:00

They help to make me who I am.I can not imagine a life without them.

Some thoughts that go through my head when I look at my three beautiful baby's...

being silly together & laughing,

piggy back rides,

playing hide and seek,

telling silly jokes that don't really make sense.

I am so lucky to have each of them.

They are individually so different and I love that.

It's exciting to watch them grow and learn but it also seams like they grow too fast!

They wear me out, but they are also my strength.

They make me laugh.

They have the funniest things to say and stories to tell.

They have taught me in so many ways.

They amaze me.

They are talented, loving, caring, eager, and so many more things...

I can look past the arguments & mistakes they make everyday and

see all of this and so much more in each one of them.

I love how they are so innocent, even in there mistakes.

We all have to learn somehow.

It's so hard to let them out in the world to be corrupted by others,

then I have to try and fix it all.

If only we could hold our children closer under our wings for a little longer.

They are my world, my life,

and forever.

I feel so blessed to have my children.

I love them so much!

I am so grateful I can call myself a mom.

I think at times I do take it for granted because it came so easily to me.

I am thankful for the wonderful moms I have been surrounded by throughout my life

who have been a wonderful example to me.

Quite a few who did not have motherhood come to them so easily.

I believe all women are mothers in someway.

We were born to nurture.

To every Mother out there in whatever way you are one,

Happy Mothers Day!

Brandon's Baptism

2010-04-29T00:44:00.007-05:00

I kind of wish I could relive this day with him.

It was still special and it's not about all of the other things that happened.

I was just sick for the entire week up to this day. I did everything last minute because of this.

I was exhausted and had not had enough sleep.

So that is why the day is all kind of a blur to me.

But, I do have wonderful memories of the important parts.

Brandon was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

It was wonderful to have so many friends and family members close to attend. The only ones not able to be here for living too far away were Becca, Matt & girls and Kelsey, Laura & family.

It's different being in Utah, because there are so many 7 year old children turning 8 this year,

(22 with just the boys)

We shared this day with two other wonderful families.

That is the picture of them on the bottom middle.

We split the program up between the 3 families,

which was hard but tried not to think about it much.

All of our family and a few friends came over afterwards for lunch and it was beautiful outside so it was great to have the kids be able to go outside and play together.

We gave Brandon a memory book so he can remember this important day better.

He started writing in it that night and every day after.

One page he wrote:

"Dere Journal

today was a speshol, speshol day. I got Baptisd today and I am so hapy today.

I will never ever forget this day never ever. I love my famley and my pet's. I'm so happy that I have a family."

I admit I cried a little the first time I read this seeing that he wrote

down that he loves his family.

I love to hear and read the feelings of children. I know they don't always come out, especially for boys, but at a special time like this I know it helps to push it out a little more.

On other pages he talked about what happened and how he was a little scared just for a bit.

I am proud of the good choices you make Brandon and the

choice to follow our Saviors example and be baptized.

We love you so much and I know Heavenly father loves you too!

Easter

2010-04-13T17:53:00.003-05:00

The kids had so much fun having a bunch of Easter egg hunts this year.

Actually, they started a bit early.

Three weeks before Easter they found the bag with all of the plastic eggs and baskets and they were hiding them for each other.

We had a hunt with both grandparents and they loved it.

We really did not control the candy too well though and I think they went on candy overload.

Aside from all of the fun Easter egg hunts, the bunnies, and fun kid stuff;

My kids all remembered this year Why we do have Easter.

Easter was also general conference weekend.

I love having Easter and conference the same weekend because

it really helps to put my focus more on Christ.

I am thankful for all that Christ went through for me and you, to have the knowledge that

I will be with my family forever, not just for life.

We are never alone.

I know that, even though it's sometimes hard, it's so comforting that no matter who we are and what we've done or where we are, we are not alone.

This Easter was really wonderful.

Lately...

2010-04-06T17:16:00.004-05:00

Lately,

We have been spending every good weather moment

outside, if possible.

We have been hiking many times, have been to

many, many different parks.

Just within the past month or so we have discovered at least 7

new parks within a 10 minute drive from our house.

I always love having options & love to explore.

The outside time keeps us all little happier too!

Hayden and I went for a walk on a path on the mountain

just up the street from our house.

We took a smaller trail and found this sweet elk calf about 10 feet back.

Besides lots, and lots of school between the kids and Justin,

Church, work, and family time; That's all that we have really done lately.

At The Farm

2010-03-21T23:30:00.002-05:00

Last month we were invited to go help bottle feed a newborn calf.

He was only a few days old.

Hayden started to hold the bottle but it only lasted a few seconds.

Alyssa loved it. She even got bonked in the chin a few times

with the bottle from the calf butting it.

Brandon didn't want anything to do with it.

He's going through a stage.

We played around with it, it would try and chase us. It was still a little wobbly.

Hayden loved standing by it and playing. It was just like a little dog to him.

Just not quite as playful.

This was such a fun experience to go and do this.

We all had a lot of fun. Thanks Heather!

2010-03-03T23:09:00.004-06:00

Just over a month ago we went to a BYU basketball game.

(Thanks for the tickets April)

I have never been to a basketball game before so I did not know what to expect.

It was really fun!

There is always something going on for entertainment.

Brandon was able to invite his buddy to come with.

BYU won against TCU

great game. Alyssa caught on so fast and cheered every time they scored. She also loved watching the cheerleaders. She didn't realize they were going to be part of the game. That was a big plus for her. pre-game team huddle

A Sad Day

2010-03-03T22:24:00.008-06:00

Artica

The beginning of April 2008

Justin brought home a new pet that the kids (mostly Alyssa)

would come to really love.

Well, Artica passed away Feb. 16Th.

I found her right before Alyssa came home from school.

It was so sad!

Alyssa was so distraught, and we knew she would be.

It broke our hearts to see the kids so sad and in such pain.

These hamsters only live a few years

and she was only about a month short of that.

We could tell something was wrong

and she was changing fast over the past week. Justin had a good talk with Alyssa a few days before

and told her what might happen soon.

Alyssa just cried and cried, she immediately asked to hold her

(this made me a little nervous to her reaction

but there was no judgement.)

She seemed to be a little comforted by holding her for a bit.

Hayden is a hard egg to crack sometimes.

We finally got him to open up, instead of being angry,

he finally just bawled, like Alyssa.

We had to answer so many questions for them.

Alyssa still asked me recently if Artica was going to forget her.

It's a good, but really hard lesson for such little kids to learn.

We all had fun holding her and playing with her.

Alyssa would put her in her My Little Pony house

and walk around with her, or find

some other little small place for her to hang out close by her.

I am sure she would have tried to sleep with her if we let her.

One time I caught her walking down the street

with her little pony house to show her friends her pet.

I made a special box for her & everyone colored

or wrote a little message on it.

It was so hard for Hayden to let go of the box.

Later that day he wanted to just go down and drive his cars

over the spot we buried her.

I never knew that something so little could

make my little girl so happy.

The laughter she brought to us, especially Hayden, will not be forgotten.

Snowflakes

2010-03-01T01:06:00.003-06:00

The other day it was snowing huge snowflakes.

It was beautiful.

Have you ever looked at a snowflake up close?

I don't know that I ever really have until the other day.

They really are all individual and beautiful.

My kids really enjoyed doing this with me.

I am sure we would have been more successful on a colder day.

So, if you are still in those frigid temperatures and still getting snow,

you should go out and look a little closer at those little falling flakes.

They are quite the site close up.

I love snowflakes!

Give Your Love

2010-02-15T00:18:00.008-06:00

Don't these look yummy?

Well, they were!

But, I take no credit because I did not make them.

Last week for Relief Society night we did a service exchange.

We wrote down a service we would like to do for someone else on a cute sparkly heart.

Some of the things people wrote included,

help to organize something, 3 hours of babysitting,

do your ironing, decorate your wall with vinyl lettering

& there were lots of different specified treats.

Some fun stuff!

We played this like a white elephant gift exchange.

The hearts were on the table and we took turns picking them and could steal someone else's. In the end I got the... Valentines dessert for 2, chocolate raspberry cake with raspberry sauce in a chocolate rose petal.

The girl who made them delivered them to our house.

How fun is that?

It was fun to see what everyone could give

someone else all through their own talents.

What greater way to show Love than to give service to those around us?

I think it helps me open my eyes to what inner talents

I may have but I don't realize it.

I can use these talents to better myself

and to help to give service to those around me.

I know as a mother, I don't always realize

that I am constantly serving everyday.

I am in service to my husband and children,

& through this our love grows even more.

Happy Valentines Day!

Brandon is 8!

2010-02-11T01:29:00.006-06:00

Brandon just had his 8th birthday! Eight years go by a whole lot faster being older than when we were little. It's kind of hard. I want my lil' ones to stay little longer.

It is so fun watching them learn and grow at every stage though.

Just about every year we have taken Brandon to IHOP or Denny's, because that is what he wants. This year he said he wants alien pancakes just like last year.

I could totally make those! We even still had his cool alien cup.

So I made him his yummy alien pancakes just like Denny's does.

I have a hard time getting a real smile out of him.

I got him laughing about something.

I think he has a really cute smile.

Especially with all of those teeth missing.

My handsome dude. One of many presents.

He was definitely spoiled this year. I have not thrown a party for him yet.

This was our first, with friends. It was so easy and so fun.

I wish I had of done a few more in the past.

At least I know now.

I Love this kid. From the second he was put into my arms, I loved him.

He is so sweet. He makes friends so easily.

He is smart and funny. It is so good when we get one on one time together because it's harder to come by being in school and with all of his friend time now.

I want to hang on to every moment and make it all count because time disappears too fast.

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Brandon's Birthday Party

2010-02-06T21:33:00.000-06:00

When I asked Brandon what kind of party he wanted he said, "I want a Bakugan/Transformers party." Haha. I laughed. I had to explain to him that it would be a little weird and difficult to do both. So, he finally decided that Transformers was what he wanted. So that is what we did.

We had 8 boys show up.

Not bad out of 11 invitations. They had a lot of fun. Laughed tons and were just being boys. When the kids were arriving we had a Transformers cartoon playing.

Then we played a few different versions of Optimus Prime and Megatron tag.

Whoever was tagged was on that team.

We then divided into the teams and had a race for one of

the teams to pop all of their balloons first.

We had Pizza, cake & ice cream, then did the pinata at the end.

It was all really fun. They were all so happy. We have such a great group of boys in our neighborhood. This wasn't even half of them!

Winter Playground

2010-02-03T15:03:00.005-06:00

More sledding!

We went on the mountain/golf course with the kids pretty early and we were the only ones there. It was so nice. Everyone else showed up just as we were leaving.

These two make a great team! Plenty of hills to choose from! Too bad I missed Justin's huge jump. :)

We saw a bunch of big horn sheep just over the hill from us.

That was pretty cool.

My pretty sneaky husband blended in well with the surroundings and got up pretty close.

This is where the kids and waited.

Mom & Brandon

Brandon & Hayden

2009

2010-01-21T14:21:00.003-06:00

2009 was a busy year with a lot going on and bunch of change. It was really hard year, but it was also a really good year despite all of the hardships. There was so much that happened and I did not record a lot of it anywhere but would like to remember.

January

Move #1. We put around 80% of our belongings in storage when we moved to a small condo in between finding a different house to live in.
Our Husky, Myka had to go to a new home. We still miss him so much!
Made lots of new friends.

February

Brandon turned 7
We played outside a lot, in the snow and at the dam.
Had to switch the kids to the new school in our boundaries.

March

Enjoyed lots of fun time with friends
had a fun visit with the Secors
soaked up all of the wonderful spring weather outside

April

Went to Nebraska for Grandma Fosters Funeral
Alyssa and Brandon played on soccer teams

May

Enjoyed lots of more great weather and spring colors.
Easter
Lisa went to Utah for Women's Conference and Dad's 70Th birthday. Our whole family was together and it was wonderful!
Move #2. We moved out of the condo and our storage unit back into a house.
The pool opens and we swim, a lot.

June

Alyssa was invited back to her old school for the end of the year graduation.
Lots of fun fishing days
Lots of fun swimming days
Brandon goes to his fun Summer school classes
Lisa gets called as the Young Women's President

July

4Th of July at the Secors
More swimming
Heather came to visit

August

Alyssa turns 5, Secors come for Alyssa's bday.
still swam a bunch
School starts
Alyssa goes to preschool as a peer role model
Brandon is in 2nd grade

September

Enjoyed lots of outdoor time, bike rides, time with friends etc.
Hayden turned 4
Trip to St. Louis to the Secors
Justin has surgery for his appendix to be taken out

October

Justin's Birthday
Lots of fun school activities
cooler weather
our last time to go swimming
Halloween at the Secors for Becca's birthday

November

Lisa's birthday
make decisions to move
pack again
Move #3- to Utah
All of the Finley family is together again after 3 years.
Thanksgiving with the Finley's and the Hastings

December

Lots and lots of family time
settling into the new house
Christmas

There are so many ways I could have done this and the time line was the easiest I think. I am sure I am leaving a lot out....

Hayden: Loves boats, trucks, motorcycles anything that moves. His best bud Tre got him hooked on diggers. Loves playing with Brandon's toys and riding his bike while he is in school. Conqured his fear of the water from his accident last year. Is a natural at fishing. Loves everything his dad does. Very inquisitive and takes care of others. very busy. Will bring my a live spider by it's leg when he finds one.

Alyssa: Is so little girly. She loves princesses, barbies, ponies, littlest petshop, dressing up etc... loves to play with others. She also loves to play with bugs including, worms, caterpillars, rolly pollys & is not afraid to get dirty in her pretty little clothes. She is so full of energy and generally happy.

Brandon: Enjoys going to school. Is kind of shy but will play with anyone. Is not judgemental. Is a great reader, does really good in math. He enjoys his time with dad. Loves to fish. Would swim everyday if we let him.

Justin: Going to school. Working full time. Enjoyed working with the youth at work, going on camp outs, canoeing, rock climbing, bike rides along with other things. It wasn't all fun, after all they are teenagers and there were many challenges, but I think he even enjoyed those. Taught our kids how to fish. Enjoyed any nice weather on his motorcycle.

Lisa: lots of packing and unpacking :). Trying to come up with fun things to do with the kids to keep them active and happy. Enjoyed a lot of birdwatching and animal watching with the kids; especially in the spring when the fawns came to our back yard. Looked forward to seeing the sweet baby we watched everyday. (Alyssa & Hayden loved her too) Stayed busy with her calling in YW's. Loved the time being the 1st counselor at the start of the year and YW President in the middle and to have hopefully helped those girls to become better people.

We have had so many changes the past year.

The biggest is all of the moving we did & job change.

We lived in 4 houses last year! And we are not even in the military! haha. Justin is so strong and is working hard to get through school and work at the same time. We know it will be worth it in the end. We already have some exciting things happening this year and I am thankful for all that we have had come to us. It has only made us better within.

Here's to another great fun filled year!

New Years Eve Fun

2010-01-20T21:49:00.005-06:00

On New Years Eve we met up with Justin's family and took all of the kids sledding.

It was fun!

But, way too cold. of course going up and down the hill kept you pretty

warm considering the temps...

When Hayden went down the first time by himself he was scared.

I realized he had never really been sledding before!

(That he could remember) he was not even one the first time.

When he got back up the hill with a huge grin he exclaimed

"That was fun! I want to do it again!"

I love these last two pictures.

It is kind of hard to put them on here though.

~Kesia, Justin, Hayden and Cash~

The next night, New Years day, Cash was hit by a car.

He was Kesia's baby. She had so many hopes to have him with her in the future.

He was so young still. He was so great with all of the kids. Just a really great dog.

It is all so sad! I'm so sorry Kes.

You will be missed so much Cash.

Can you see Hayden peeking out from behind him?

He thought it was the coolest thing to sled with a dog.

Christmas

2010-01-20T19:40:00.005-06:00

I Love these pillows my Mom made for the kids.

They love them too! So cute!!

Hayden just itching to open those presents from Grandparents. Christmas Eve. Listening intently. Okay, probably not so much, but it was fun for the kids to "be in character" while we read scriptures. Alyssa took her part very seriously. She was sweet to watch.

I think we had a wonderful Christmas being together and spending time with all of our family.

Family Get Togethers

2010-01-20T17:00:00.012-06:00

Alyssa, Liz, Lisa, Matt, Mike & Heather It was so fun hanging out

with my siblings on Christmas Eve.

Hayden and baby K. They hit it off right away. Very cute together.

Sheriff Brandon, and his cool scooter he wouldn't let leave his side.

Liz's Birthday is the day after Christmas. Hayden helped unwrap all of her presents.

Christmas Festivities

2010-01-20T16:02:00.008-06:00

We invited cousin K. & Uncle Matt & Kirstyn over for

decorating cookies for Santa...

She put on quite the load of sprinkles.

One thing the kids love to do every year is a gingerbread house.

I keep thinking that one time we will try one from scratch all on our own. I think that would be even more fun! Hopefully next year it will be on my to do list.

The elf house she made at school.

The kids school had songs to perform all day! This was also Grandma Finley's birthday, so it was fun to invite her along to go listen to the fun songs!

After the school performances. A very snowy day.

That night some of the grand kids joined in

decorating reindeer cupcakes at Grandma & Grandpa's.

Imagination

2010-01-02T17:33:00.002-06:00

Being 4 years old comes with quite an

IMAGINATION.

I love it!

So young, sweet, carefree, creative, energetic and fun!

(well, for the most part, not counting the other

personalities that come with being 4)

Family Times

2009-12-30T16:19:00.001-06:00

Just some fun times with family...

My siblings came over to hang out and we watched the BYU, Utah game

(where BYU won)

My sis-in-law had on her Utah attire, so Hayden came out wearing dads BYU hat (on the very bottom) then piled a bunch of other hats on top of it.

another fun day with my family.

These tractors were the best part for them!

A bunch of Finley boys and a girl.

Thanksgiving

2009-12-30T14:56:00.000-06:00

We drove up to Logan to spend the afternoon with Justin's family.

The kids all had a blast jumping, playing on the ice covered pond, & just being together.

Trying to get everyone together for a family picture. (25 out of 30)

Can't wait to see the real one!

It had been about 3 years since the whole family was together last.

Then, we drove back down to spend the rest of the evening with my family.

Four out of seven isn't too bad seeing how far apart we all live.

We missed Becca, Dan and Matt.

~Me, Liz, Heather and Mike~

Grandpa Hastings with the kids. I think they were done with pictures.

It was hard to get them to hold still. Two of my handsome boys.Boys being boys. It was fun watching them together. I wish Hayden wasn't hiding behind the sun. oops. It was so good spending Thanksgiving with all of the family again, even though we were all over the place. I love everyone in our family and am thankful for all that they do.

We Just Want to Play

2009-12-29T23:57:00.003-06:00

We have had quite a bit of snow lately...

But, with the freezing temperatures the kids go out for about

5 minutes and are done.

They really want to play in the snow...

So, I made it so they can and still be warm and without all of the hassle of bundling up.

Buckets and buckets of snow to the bathtub. He thought he could handle it being inside. He did not realize it would still be freezing. He went and got on shoes. (mine)

If only we had a bigger tub. or... one of those baby swimming pools! That would be fun.

Clean up is nice also... down the drain it goes, and then just a little mopping up of the floor. They were happy.

Look Momma! I Can Fly!

2009-12-23T15:39:00.004-06:00

I love this girls sense of humor and fun personality.

It shows in everything she does.

Normally I say No! to jumping on the bed. But, she was so happy and it was just her, and it was fun to photograph it. So, I guess I bent the rules this time. I took these pictures a little while ago and I was thinking how well they portray her & I just wanted to share that.

Wrinkles

2009-12-20T01:16:00.002-06:00

Of course I am talking about tubby time.

My kids would stay in the tub for hours if I let them! They love water.

She always makes comments on her wrinkly hands when she gets out of the tub. She wanted me to take a picture so she can remember them. I agreed. This time, it was close to being in for an hour. I love my wrinkly, yummy smelling kiddos!

Bloom Where You are Planted

2009-12-14T22:56:00.005-06:00

I feel like our lives have been a roller coaster over the last year and a half. Because, really it has. I have to vent a little in saying I was not particularly too excited to come back to Utah. Which is so very ironic in that it was really hard to leave. Hmmm. I have to give a little background.

I was excited to go to Missouri for the new adventure, new start, new place, new people. I was sad to leave family, all the shopping you ever need and endless options. Living just out of the city life. The mountains a short drive away. The many Temples so close. leaving to a small place that I related to somewhat of a hick town. And quite a few other things... It was hard. But, the area, people and everything it offered grew on me much more than I ever expected. It actually was not a hick town, (maybe some of the close by surrounding areas) I love the people I really got to know and I will never forget them. I learned to not take anything I have for granted. You really have to work a little harder at a lot of things living so far away from a bigger city, in a smaller area. Everyone seams to stick together, work together more.

You just have to. The hard part about coming back is the chaotic atmosphere. Everyone is in a rush it seams. People in general are less courteous. People are friendly but not as outgoing and friendly as I had been used to. It is just different here. I can't quite put my finger on it all.

It's really not all bad. It is great to be close to family again, and all of the first mentioned things I would miss about Utah. I feel like I have had a lot of time to think about things. One thing that has been on my mind after getting here is, no matter where you are, you can make the best or worst out of it. It is what you make of it. I remembered someone said something like that in a talk at church once and how home is where your family is, where you let your heart be. It doesn't matter where. You will have different opportunities and will be needed wherever you go. Just about anything can work when you have set your heart on it and have faith.

I have been thinking about what I can do here to get people to just get together (not too big on playgroups and such) or, are there activities in the community that I can get involved in with the kids, where are places that I can meet new people outside of our little neighborhood/ward. Although, a great thing I do have to add, is that Brandon has quite the number of friends to play with in the neighborhood.

Which he has so desperately needed. I am sure there is so much I can do, I just have to force myself to get out and do something. I know that is what I should be doing anyway. All of this stuff, and much more has been going through my head and I needed a way to put it into one little context. Then I heard it from a friend.

Bloom where you are planted.

It then made sense to me. I need to let myself bloom and just be the best that I can and just get out and do what I can. My sister always told me that when you move to a new place, it's a new start, new beginning, and you can be anyone you decide to be. It's so true. There are so many opportunities out there waiting to happen, we (meaning I) just need to be active and open minded and prayerful in all that we do to let them happen.

No matter where we are planted, no matter how hard it may seam, if we are strong enough, we can grow and bloom, probably in ways we wouldn't ever imagine.

Our Terrific Kid

2009-12-11T16:08:00.007-06:00

Brandon's last day of school before we left

Missouri wasn't just any old day for him.

Every month there is a Terrific Kid assembly for all of the kids in the school who received a terrific kid award for that month. Brandon was chosen a few weeks back. Families are invited and the students are recognized and called up to the front and receive a certificate and a gift certificate to a nice restaurant. (like Chili's) The certificate says: In recognition of demonstrating a positive attitude, good character, and responsible citizenship.

We are so proud of what Brandon has done in school. He has had a Terrific year so far. We miss his teacher so much! She was So good with him! I believe that having a great teacher and having their personalities go together also helps so much in a child succeeding. We have seen that with Brandon. I love this kid! Great Job Brandon at being so "Terrific"!

Changes

2009-11-28T23:00:00.000-06:00

Time has flown by way too fast! It's super crazy how things happen out of the blue and throw you trough some unexpected loops.

Here's the story...

The first big thing: We spent Labor day weekend with Becca and Matt. It was a fun relaxing time. But, Justin was having lots of pain the whole weekend. The next day after being home, doing some needed things at work, finishing school work etc... He calls to tell me he is driving himself to the ER. As I am processing it all trying to figure out how I would get up there with him taking our only car. Finally a little after 9pm he calls to tell me they are prepping him for surgery to have his appendix taken out. So I call my wonderful friend up the street to drive me to the hospital, who also volunteered to take the kids for me. As we got up there we had another friend show up with orders to take the kids also. So we divided the two older and younger to make school easier in the morning. I was so thankful for such trusted friends and their willingness to step in when we needed help at the spur of the moment. Surgery went great and I was able to stay in the room with him the first night. He was there another night and came home Thursday. Despite all of the horrible pain he was in and slow healing the tough part was to try to get him not to lift and do more than he should. Which was almost impossible. (if you know him you understand this).

Next: Two weeks after surgery he had a flight scheduled with work to go do his ropes course training in Utah. Wondering how this would work with him just having surgery, it was going to happen and he still made the trip and everything was good. This is where the fun begins... A few days after returning home, he sits me down to talk to me about something. His old job in Utah asked if he would like to come back to work with them because they had a position they needed filled that offered us better than what we were currently getting. So, after a few weeks or so of talking about it and putting together details and seeing if it was the best thing to do... We made the decision. This was not an easy decision for me. It was completely unexpected, the whole moving and repacking the entire house again after only 6 months was overwhelming. Starting the kids in a new school again. (Brandon has had 5 teachers from K-2ND so far. And he is going to have one more to add in January when his current one retires! Too much change for someone so little) Just all the fine details of moving itself, finding a new home. etc... But, in the end, it was going to work out.

Last: The Move: I did not have quite the time I wanted to do everything, especially see all of my friends and say goodbye before I left. (That was the hardest part) But, at I am happy I had seen most of them recently. My most wonderful sister came down and helped with the kids and took them to a hotel for a night to let Justin and I get the packing finished and start loading the truck. I am so thankful to her for her help and for the cousins to spend more time together before we are far apart. We always said we wanted to live close to each other. It was almost unreal when it actually happened. I am so glad we did have that time to let the kids really become best friends and all of us grow closer together. Of course it did make it so much harder to leave. The day before we left we had lots of people and great friends show up to help finish off heavy stuff for the truck and misc. items that needed to be packed and were given some awesome care packages for the road trip.

I am really going to miss the people in Missouri. It was hard moving out there because of the big change, but it was much harder to leave than I ever thought it would be. The people in the area were amazing! I can say I did come out a better person for being there than I might have anywhere else. I had some amazing opportunities and experiences I will never forget. I will really miss it.

So, here starts our new journey with life back in Utah....

Scenery

2009-11-25T00:55:00.006-06:00

I love the Lakes beauty no matter how it is.

Fall colors overlooking the lake and valley...

Morning Fog as the sun comes up... Backyard

Down the street...

Back

Alyssa before getting the fire pit ready for s'mores.

Night of the most recent full moon

Happy Bday to Me

2009-11-01T10:05:00.004-06:00

I told my children they didn't have to get me anything for my Birthday except for some really good smiles for some good pictures of three of my favorite people. Well..... It didn't start out too good.

"But Mom! This is boring!" "The grass is itching me." "I'm too tired."

"I just want to go now."

But, I still love these photos because it is how they really are.

They are cute when they make their grumpy faces.

And I love them.

Then you let them do what they want and you get...

"Take a picture of me Mom!"

Very much doing their own thing.

I love this and it makes me laugh because I took the picture and showed

Brandon his smile and asked about it and he said that is his smile.

It gave me a good laugh.

So, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind but I didn't have a whole lot to work with. I love my Presents. They are beautiful! Pictures of my wonderful kids make me happy.

We had a great walk to the neighborhood pond (by my sister's house) and fed the ducks and ran through leaves, and they even found a great climbing tree. (first pictures)

I was able to spend the weekend with my sister and be with her on her Birthday the day before. I made it home in the late afternoon to be with my sweetheart and he surprised me with some way yummy brownies with peanut butter chips in them. I love brownies! That is my kind of birthday cake.

I feel that Birthdays do not seam as big of a deal as you get older. But, I also feel that it is a good day to make some fun times and good memories. So we did. I had some great Birthday memories.

Happy Birthday to me. :)

Halloween 09'

2009-10-31T09:40:00.000-05:00

Halloween day was fun! It was Becca's Birthday too so it makes it a little more fun to celebrate.

We had a party that night and took the kids trick or treating in the neighborhood. The streets were full of people! It was so much fun to go door to door after not doing it for a few years.

The houses are just too spread out here at the Lake and not too many real neighborhoods.

We have just always done the trunk or treat at the church.

Hayden was so fun to watch for the first time. He wasn't sure what to do and kept going back to the same houses. It's a fun age.

I was bummed I couldn't get a picture with everyone. They were all just so busy and spread out. Which is a good thing. They were definately tire the next day.

The Swing

2009-10-23T00:04:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite books growing up was,

Robert Louis Stevenson's',

A Child's Garden of Verses

One little story was called The Swing.

I loved this one and would always pretend it was me in the story.

The words keep coming to mind because my kids are obsessed

with swinging lately.

That is the only reason they really want to go to the park is to swing.

Alyssa just learned to swing by herself so it makes it a little more fun for her.

I love to see how happy it makes them.

They could go forever.....

The Swing

How do you like to go up in a swing,

Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing

Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,

Till I can see so wide,

Rivers and trees and cattle and all

Over the countryside-

Till I look down on the garden green,

Down on the roof so brown-

Up in the air I go flying again,

Up in the air and down!

~Robert Louis Stevenson

2009-10-22T23:40:00.004-05:00

This was conference weekend with some random pictures I took.

Just about everyday at some point you find Alyssa coloring or drawing very intently.

Her new thing is to write a bunch of letters and ask us what it spells.

She comes up with some interesting words.

Hayden has always liked posing to have me take a picture. He often asks me to.

Hey mom, take my picture.

This one because I am usually never in any pictures.

I have loved that this is only a short walk away from our house.

It is always absolutely beautiful no matter what it's like outside.

To end the day....

Justin's B-Day

2009-10-08T15:38:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday

To My Justin!

You are the best!

I love the pictures of Justin with the kids. He loves them so much and they love to be with him. Daddy is so much fun. He will do anything for his family. He takes such good care of us. We love you so much~

Go Trucks Go

2009-10-02T22:59:00.004-05:00

Parents as Teachers has done a great one again!

They held an annual Go Trucks Go! event and it was the best for the kids.

Hayden was bursting with excitement when he saw everything. The first thing he said was.... Monster Truck Mom!

He loved walking inside the fire truck and just being around all of these fun huge work trucks.

Brandon loved climbing in each vehicle and trying out the

horns and seeing how big they really are.

Looks like he could take a nap here.

Surrender! (it's what he was saying)

Hayden's 4th

2009-09-14T22:31:00.007-05:00

I love my little buddy.

He is so sweet and genuine underneath his rough & tough side.

(hmm... reminds me of someone else we know)

He is all boy!

Right now Hayden is all about anything on wheels and/or that goes

fast and can be put on a trailer.

He has so much energy and hardly stops until he crashes.

He absolutely loves being outside and loves to ride bikes.

His new thing lately is to talk about himself using his name. example: in the bedroom today sitting next to him he says: "Mom, Hayden is making a mess" as he procedes to pull out Brandon's Transformers.

He is a big helper. He loves to help dad mow, mom cook, clean, hang clothes up.

Just to name a few.

You are growing up way too fast! I still look at him as my baby, because he is, but these birthdays just keep coming.

I love my Hayden with all my heart and we are so blessed to have him be part of our family.

First days

2009-08-25T13:01:00.002-05:00

Here we are on the first day of school.

He was up, dressed, hair done, back pack on all ready

to go before I was out of bed.

The first day is always the best.

The funny part about his clothes...

The night before he went and pulled out every polo he owns

to decide what to wear.

He barely touched them all Summer, and on the first day

of school he had to look good.

I like how he cared so much about looking nice.

Top:Alyssa with her Preschool Teacher Miss Angela. I took this picture, and for some reason on her first real day of school I forgot to take her picture until after school. She will go twice a week 3 hours a day. She is happy to be back in school.