Family

Tender Mercies

2011-04-11T11:03:00.004-06:00

It has been so long since I wrote a blog post!

It's ironic that the picture at the top of my last post was the kids with Grandma Beth. On Jan. 31, she passed away unexpectedly. It came as such a shock. My Mom had to do most of the funeral preparations until her brothers could get into town. I was able to be with her to make some decisions and that was very special to me. I wish that I had been there for her more often. I know she was lonely. We will really miss going to spend time with her at the fun activities her care center put on. I know they miss her there.

Her funeral was really nice. A lot of family that I hadn't seen for a long time came in. That was neat, I just wish it was for a better reason.

It is amazing how life goes on. It almost seems like the world should pause for a minute when someone you love and care about dies; but, I know loved ones are lost all the time so that wouldn't be possible.

Heavenly Father is mindful of us however. My nephew, Tristan, was born just 20 min., or so after Grandma passed away. In our last Stake Conference, the Stake President talked about "Tender Mercies" in our lives. He suggested writing a Tender Mercy Journal for our families. He encouraged us to look daily at the mercies Heavenly Father has provided to us. It would make us more grateful and humble. I really think that having a nephew born so close to losing my Grandma, was a huge tender mercy. It was a lot easier to break the news to the children the next morning, being able to give them something happy after the sad. I really felt like it was a teaching moment too.

At that same Stake Conference I was also given a new calling. I was called a counselor in the Stake Relief Society. It was a really big surprise! I have enjoyed my calling so far. It has been really busy the last couple of weeks, but, in a good way. I am so blessed. I know Heavenly Father has blessed our family with so much. I can see his hand in our lives everyday.

Our Busy Summer

2010-09-14T09:59:00.017-06:00

We have been so busy this last few months! The kids finished the school year off, had three weeks off , went back and have been enjoying it. So here is some catch up for the year!

April 3 - Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Great Grandma Beth's Center:

April 14 Pierce's Birthday:

End of July Snow Family Camp out:

July 19 Hannah's Birthday:

First Day of School July 26:

Aug. 6Th Grandpa Richard's Surprise 60Th Birthday Party!:

Audrey's Birthday Aug. 18:

Pierce's First day of Preschool:

We also went to Lagoon, Cowabunga Bay, star gazing and the Clark
Planetarium. We had a fun, but fast summer . Now we are in the
school mode. However, we have been working on strep, pneumonia,
stitches and tests for my ms. I wish life would slow down!

We woke up to SNOW!!

2010-05-24T10:05:00.003-06:00

I don't buy into this global warming thing. When I was a kid I remember getting snow late into the spring. My mom would make us were undershirts until the snow melted off of the mountains. This usually meant we wore them until sometime in June. We have had cooler wet weather this year, more like when I was a kid.

I know my kids hate that is still cool. They want to be outside playing. But, as for me I need it cool. The heat just does me in! For now though, I will enjoy the novelty of snow on May 24Th.

And the Winner is...

2010-05-06T23:11:00.002-06:00

Me!! I can't believe my luck. Two blogs that I follow had contests last week. I entered both of them but figured nothing would come of them. Tonight I looked on facebook and had a message from Aubrey Mace, author extraordinaire (http://aubreymace.blogspot.com/), I had won a book in her blog contest. How exciting. I am eager to read the book I won. Check out her site!!
Well then I decided I better check the blogs I follow. Much to my surprise, I had won Jodi Browns, contest. (http://amiracleforjodibrown.blogspot.com/). Really go to her blog. It is truly an inspiration. She had an inoperable brain tumor. Found a doctor who would attempt surgery, and a little over a year later has not only survived but, thrived. I am sure it is because of her incredible faith.
I can't wait to be sipping on my Jamba Juice, while reading my new book The Mark. (That is if they don't decide it was a mistake.) I wish I had entered something really big last week apparently I had some luck then. :)

Has it really been 5 months!!

2010-04-19T10:15:00.003-06:00

I can't believe it has been five months since I last posted! So much has happened, and yet not so much...

We had a wonderful holiday season. We received so many nice gifts from family and friends. We went to see the lights at Temple Square. We haven't done that since Emma was about 3 yrs. old. It was really fun, but really cold.

January is our birthday month. We enjoyed celebrating for Dusty and Kristi's birthday, not to mention our extended families.

I got called to YW awhile back and have been really enjoying that. It is so fun to work with the youth. Teaching is fun too. I think I learn more than they do.

The kids have been really busy at school; Hannah had invention convention, book reports, and the mini society where they went to the Gateway and did business for a day. She really liked being the CFO.

Emma has been working hard on her times table tests and has passed them all of. She has had book reports, and her wax museum. They dress up as the person in their reports. That was fun.

Audrey has been working really hard on her reading and has been improving soooo much. I am so proud of her and her drive to do well. She has also had a field trip, to the Children's Museum and coming up to the farm, here in Herriman.

Pierce is developing his comedic skills. He makes us laugh so much. On Saturday he decided to change his name to "Brock-Pierce". We really don't know where that came from, but, we have had a good laugh when he corrects us on his new name. He turned four on April 14Th. I can't believe my youngest child is now 4!

Dusty has been interviewing for a new job and it looks promising. We have been praying hard for that to happen.

We have finally been doing Family Home Evening and Scripture Study. The kids really have loved the family time. The Spirit has been in our home so much more. It just feels right!

We are so blessed!!

Ten Days of Thanksgiving #9

2009-11-24T09:40:00.003-07:00

I am thankful for civic and church leaders. (Although Church leaders are in a league of their own.)

I am grateful people are willing to serve their communities and beyond to help govern our laws and people. Of course, not everyone is in it for the right reasons, but they are tough jobs. I am most grateful for those who want to serve for the right reasons.

I am extremely grateful for the leaders of my church. Particularly the Prophet, His counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Their selfless service enriches my life. If there were not people willing to live the way they have to, we would not have the gospel in our lives. The sacrifices they make of family, their work and countless other areas, so we can have the gospel, is eternal. I am blessed by these leaders in my life. Also, by those area and local leaders, willing to sacrifice so much to share and spread the gospel. I am grateful for their testimonies.

Ten Days of Thanksgiving #8

2009-11-24T09:27:00.002-07:00

Today I am thankful for technology. It makes our lives so much easier, and complicated in one fell swoop. I remember when I was young, my mom would never know when my dad would get home from work. He worked his regular job, then was off to do "side jobs". She never knew when he would get finished and be home. Now I can call Dusty and know exactly when he will be home. When he was working out of town I talked to him during the day as much as I normally would. What a blessing cell phones are. I am also grateful for computers and the internet. I have been able to keep in touch with some people who I wouldn't have normally. I have church information for lessons and talks at my finger tips. When I need information medically, or the kids need it for school, once again right a our finger tips. Also, even though I haven't worked on it, family history and temple ready can be done right at home, on the computer. I am grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with these and many more advances for our good.

Ten Days of Thanksgiving #4, #5, #6,#7

2009-11-22T19:34:00.006-07:00

OK, so I fell of the thankful band wagon. Oops... I really am grateful! So I will catch up, here goes:

#4- I am so grateful for my parents. They raised me in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They came from families that did not go to church or practice any part of it. They were activated and Sealed in the Temple not long after they were married and have never looked back. They are such an example to me of service. They magnify their church callings. They are always there for the people they serve, which is pretty much the whole ward. They also help their children and grandchildren with all that they possibly can. My parents are my friends too. I know I can call them anytime, to just even talk, not to mention to go to the hospital at all hours of the night. I am truly grateful that Heavenly Father sent me to them. I love them so much. Don't hate me for the picure Mom. I really like it.:)

#5-I am grateful for my parents-in-laws. I have to come to love and appreciate my in-laws. They like my parents are always there for us. They help us with clothes for the girls, which helps so much! I also consider them my friends. It is nice that I have some of the same interests as them. I don't know if everyone could say that of their in-laws. I love them too.

#6-I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know that this is the Lord's Church on the earth today. I am so grateful for the path it gives me to follow in my life. That I can have a personal relationship with my Savior. And be sealed to family for all eternity.

#7-I am grateful where I live. A few months ago we thought we would have to move to Idaho. Although that would have been a good and interesting experience for our family, I am so glad we were able to stay. I love that we are so close to the headquarters of the church. That we are so close to so many temples. Our family is close when we need them. We live in a fun ward, that has some of my best friends in it. I think this is a pretty great place!

Well now I have caught up maybe I will do better this week!! :)

Ten Days of Thanksgiving #3

2009-11-18T14:21:00.003-07:00

Today I am thankful for my husband. He works hard to be a great husband, father, priesthood holder, worker, and care taker. He puts up with me and my mood swings and helps me with my health matters. I love it when he plays with the kids, it means so much to them. He works hard a his job, even if it isn't his dream one. He honors his priesthood and fulfills his callings. Right now he teaches the eleven year old boys, and is loving it.

I am so thankful to have a husband that has the same goals and values I do. I know that I am the lucky one!!

Ten Days of Thanksgiving

2009-11-17T09:22:00.004-07:00

On one of the blogs I follow, suggested to post for ten days what we are thankful for. I am a little late in getting started since I was in a bad mood when I read it yesterday. But, it is a new day and I feel better. So here goes.

Today I am so thankful for my health. As all of you probably know I have MS. I have had bumps in the road, but all in all I am doing so well. I know Heavenly Father has watched over me and our little family. I know that He blessed me to have good health to get our family here. I see other people with the same disease and realize how blessed I really am. I read a news story that says there is a promising treatment, that might even end up being a cure. :) :) Wouldn't that be AMAZING?

Since I didn't do one yesterday, I will do two today.

I am sooo thankful for my children. I love them soo much. Their individual personalities are so unique and wonderful. Hannah is so grown up and smart. Emma (who turned nine yesterday) is kind and loves animals. Audrey is a princess and is sweet and loving. Pierce is jumping off everything (is that what boys do?), wants to do everything the older kids do, and is so lonely while they go to school all day. I feel so blessed to have such fun kids. Oh, also, they are almost as tall as me. I have a feeling when they get their height I will be the short one!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-17T20:35:00.007-06:00

On Friday my Parents came out to a pumpkin patch by our house. We had fun. The kids tromped through the field trying to find a pumpkin that wasn't rotten. Then we bought them along with yummy vegetables. Thanks for taking us Mom and Dad!!!

Baby Connor is here!!

2009-10-05T20:56:00.004-06:00

My Brother David and his wife Brittany had their baby today @ 4:59 Pm. He weighed 8lbs. 3 oz

Isn't he darling!?!?!

I took a cute picture didn't I?!

Great Weekend

2009-10-05T13:48:00.003-06:00

This weekend was such a good one. The kids had Thursday and Friday off. On Thursday my Uncle Richard and Aunt Teri came in from Phoenix. We visited and went shopping on Friday. Saturday was conference, always sooo good, Saturday night my mom and I went shopping. We didn't buy much but it was fun to spend time with her. Sunday was Conference and the talks were so good. It is fun now with the kids, especially Hannah and Emma, they are old enough to understand and listen to Conference.Nothing extravagant but such a nice way to spend my free time!!
Now today the kids are back to school. I am however, awaiting the call that my brother's new baby boy is born. It should be anytime now!!

New Calling

2009-09-29T10:51:00.003-06:00

Since we are not moving, I got a new calling. Of course I was just getting used to Primary, so of course its time to change...
I am the Mia Maid advisor. I have taught two Sundays now, and it has been fun already. I always say that my heart is in Young Women's. I was lucky enough to have my mom in Y.W. with me the whole time, in one calling or another. After Dusty and I got married and moved into our first home, I got put right back in Y.W. (I had only been out myself about 1 1/2-2 years!) Since then I have been in that organization a lot. It is good to back after almost 3 years. I am excited to be back working with the youth. There is a spirit and maybe an excitement, with them you don't get anywhere else. :) Of course maybe I am just as mature as them, so I fit in...

We are Staying!!!

2009-09-15T16:25:00.001-06:00

Dusty got a new job here in Utah so we don't have to move! The job in Idaho wasn't working out so Dusty started the search all over again. He started last week and it has been going well. I know we have been so blessed. I am sooo glad to have Dusty home with us again.

My Friend "the Author"

2009-09-04T10:58:00.004-06:00

I got the opportunity to meet up with a friend from High School the other day. I had so much fun, I didn't even realize it had been three hours. She was so good to put up with me for so long! She has been writing and publishing books. It was fun to hear about that process. I read one of her books it was really fun. Everyone should check them out!! Spare Change, My Fairy Grandmother, and Santa Maybe (Sept. 2009) all by Aubrey Mace! My Fairy Grandmother is in Wal-mart right now! If this sounds like a plug, it is. It sounds like it is hard to get the word out about your books, unless you are J.K. Rowling or Stephanie Meyer. So check them out and let me know you read them so I can pass the good news onto Aubrey!

Oquirrh Mountain Temple and long over due updates

2009-08-23T21:06:00.005-06:00

We were so blessed to be able to go to the Temple dedication yesterday. We got to sit in the baptistery. Hannah and Emma are old enough to go and what a neat experience it was. It was neat to be able to tell the girls a little bit more about the temple, and have them excited for the future when they will get to come back. The talks were so good and the Spirit was so strong.

I haven't up dated my blog in so long, there is some things I guess I should up date.

Dusty has been at his new job for about 2 months. It's not working out. He is so unhappy with the company. (There is a lot more to it than that.) I guess it's good we didn't move before he figured this out. Now he has been looking and looking for a job at home, but nothing so far. He has had some good interviews just it's not what they are looking for I guess. It is really frustrating for me because I can't do anything to help. It is really hard for Dusty to leave us every Sunday night, to go back to a job he really hates. All I can do is pray and pray, that something will work out and He can come back home.

A side effect of the stress I have been feeling has been the MS flaring up. The beginning of July, my legs got weak and I was really shaky. My doctor gave me some steroid treatments and I got a lot better. The symptoms started to come back and when I saw my doctor they thought another treatment would help. When I was waiting at the office, I read an article about stress and women with MS. In a study done, women with short term stress seemed to have no complications with the MS. However, women with prolonged stressful situations, had something like a 75% chance of having a flare up of the disease. I had been feeling that's why my health had been bad, but it was kind of sad to confirm it.

I can't take stress away. And I can't brush off the things in my life that are stressful. I just wish Dusty could find something to bring him home.

Starting to feel real.

2009-06-22T11:35:00.004-06:00

It was an emotional meeting. Last Sunday the 14Th we met with a member of the Stake Presidency concerning Dusty's release. That is when all of this really started to feel real. He left for Idaho later that night to start his job on Monday. He was gone all week and had a good start to the job. On Saturday we met with a realtor, and hopefully the house will be on the market early this week. Yesterday dusty was released from the Bishopric. It has been a very emotional week for me. I am excited for the new experiences that we will have. But, I am really nervous that all will work out. I know Heavenly Father is mindful of us. President Simpson, in our Stake Presidency, said as me met with him, and again in Sacrament meeting yesterday, that he really felt heavenly Father had a purpose for us to go to Idaho. I hope that a nursery is in need of some leaders. :)

It's Official

2009-05-28T22:39:00.002-06:00

It is now official; Dusty got a job in Pocattello, Idaho. It is a good job, with a very stable company. We are very excited and very nervous. Dusty will start June 15Th and we will follow when we sell the house. I really hope this happens soon. The relocation package expires the end of August. Thank you all for your prayers in our behalf, throughout the last long while. :) And if your ever up toward Pocatello stop in!

Sew Sew Sew

2009-05-02T13:02:00.009-06:00

About a month ago I got a good deal on a new sewing machine. I have enjoyed it so (sew :] ) much. It has an embroidery attachment. I paid to have the pattern made for the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple and have been making white handkerchiefs for the dedication. I have sold over 30 already. (If you are interested they are $4 :] ).

I sewed a dress for display at work. I bought a pattern to make a rag quilt. I don't think I will get to this project for a few weeks though. I found a pattern online for a darling flower hair bow.

I am the "trek clothing specialist" for our ward. The youth are going on trek in August. I am supposed to help them sew some of their clothes, but the
Leaders of the Church decided to have a Temple Celebration for the new temple.
So now I am also helping the stake sew costumes for the celebration at the end of May.

They are flapper dresses, and will have more
decoration that other people are
working on. The boys costumes are next.
(If you have any white temple pants
no longer in use, send them my way!)

This is a cross-stitch I have been working on.
This picture is when Pierce decided to
help me with it.

The last project that I am doing is fabric paper dolls.
I found them when I was at a fabric store buying stuff for
my other projects. They are so cute. The artist designed
them after her grandmother's paper dolls from around 1900.

I am having a ball. My house work is suffering, but that
will always be there. I can get to that next week, or the next.....

FIRE!!!!

2009-04-08T08:51:00.004-06:00

Last night we had a fire in our house. We are all OK. The wall is scorched and the outlet had to be replaced but we are fine.

Pierce has been fascinated with the outlets lately. We have gotten after him so much but he just kept messing with them. Last night He put a dime behind the nightlight and it went right down to the prongs of the light. Somehow it caused it to spark and smoke. Audrey and Pierce came downstairs screaming and crying. Dusty and I ran up stairs and there were flames coming out of the socket. Luckily, the prongs melted of and the connection broke so it stopped.

I KNOW THAT WE, ESPECIALLY PIERCE, WHERE PROTECTED. When will life get less eventful?

Dusty Got a Job!

2009-03-25T21:12:00.002-06:00

I can hardly believe it. It almost doesn't feel real. He received the offer yesterday. It is not His dream job, (or pay) but, it is more than He gets on unemployment and I make at Wal-mart, combined. He also feels that He can make a real difference there. I have decided to stay on at Wal-mart, just for the minimum hours to help out a little. We have been so blessed for the last seven months. I know without a doubt Heavenly Father really has taken care of us.

Twilight Party

2009-03-25T20:47:00.010-06:00

Friday night I got to go to the Twilight Movie release party at work. I got paid :). I doubt that I would have gone to this otherwise. I have to say that I did have a good time. One of the stars, "Victoria", from the movie came. It was kind of a big deal. I estimate there was at least three to four thousand (yes thousand) people there. (Based on sales). It really was crazy. I am amazed at how star struck people get. I did get a free signed copy of the DVD, and a t-shirt. I worked until 3 A.M. So all weekend I was dragging!

Can you handle it? (Picture from the newspaper) see me in the waaaay back? NO? Well I did put the red table cloth on. I know, wow, huh?

Life Goes On

2009-03-14T11:58:00.003-06:00

It is so amazing how life takes such twists and turns. One moment can be so happy and the next completely opposite.
I saw a friend yesterday. We went to school together, and she was in my stake, but we were not extremely close. She started to tell me about her husband. He has M.S. It has taken away their entire lives. Not just physically but mentally. She no longer has a husband, he doesn't even remember being married. He is a twelve year old boy in a failing adult body.
My problems suddenly became so minor. Dusty still has not been able to find a job but at least I have him. We have been so blessed I just can't fathom were we would be without the hand of the Lord in our lives.

Just Plugging along....

2009-02-03T20:33:00.004-07:00

I haven't written a blog in so long, I felt like I should just write something. We had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. The birthday month has gone by and Dusty and I are old!!! Dusty turned 35 (35!!!) on the 18th and I turned 31 on the 22nd. I don't feel old though. A gal at work heard me say I have 4 kids. She couldn't believe it and said I look younger than her 24. Some day I will appreciate my baby face, now I just hate having to explain I am old enough to have four kids.
Life just passes us by so quickly, and yet I always have to remind myself to hold onto the moment. I always think things like, "when Dusty gets a job", "when the kids are all in school", "when..." I know I need to enjoy life as it comes.
Dusty has not found a job yet. We are doing amazingly well. I hope it happens soon, not just for us but all of the millions out of a job right now.

The Lord Knows

2008-12-13T21:55:00.007-07:00

The other night we got a knock at our door. When we opened it there was a basket of huge popcorn balls. Each one was labeled very beautifully with our names in calligraphy. There was no note or explanation, but rolled very tiny on the ribbons was money.

Times are really tough, for everyone. I can't but into words how much this meant to me and my family. Of course I can't give thanks to the family who did this, but I have given it in prayer. We have also received some other "gifts", some anonymous, some not.

And now, even as I write this, the doorbell rang. It was the 12 days of Christmas beginning.

I am truly grateful for everything our family and friends have done. But, my pride wants me to not except it. I don't want others to go without for our sake. I know that is the wrong attitude. I am soooo grateful for the help. It may be the difference in the end. So why do I feel guilty?

I hope and pray that someday I can make a difference in someone else's life.

I saw a friend at work today, that I don't see very often. I love and respect her so much. My trials are nothing to what this courageous lady has gone through. I told her about my pride. She said that it was OK. But, that is why we pay fast offerings and help others when we are able. When she was a single mother trying to get by, many acts of kindness came her way and she was grateful. Now she really tries to help others in need, now that she is able.

I wish that I were better about expressing my feelings on "paper". The things she said made me feel so much better. Heavenly Father knows what we need. And angels are sent to do his bidding.

And to the all of the sweet friends we have out there who have been such blessings to us I say THANK YOU!

Wal-Mart Associate

2008-11-30T00:04:00.006-07:00

On Nov. 11 I came out of retirement. I started working again after 9 1/2 years! I am a "Walmart Associate". I have actually been really enjoying it. I work in the fabric and crafts dept. Which is really fun since I sew a lot.
Unfortunately, the reason I have gotten a job is because Dusty is still looking for work. The economy, has been a big factor in him not being able to get a job. I do know that Heavenly Father has really looked out for us. About 3 1/2 months with out a regular pay check has been difficult. But, I really know that we are not alone. Dusty had a blessing awhile back, and in it he was told to be patient. But, it is really hard to stay positive right now. I know Heavenly Father will help us. And no matter what happens, things will work out.

Trick or Treat

2008-10-31T11:39:00.003-06:00

Happy Halloween!

Our cute 50's girls,

Barbie Mariposa,

a train Engineer and

someone

hidden in the mirror.

My computer died

2008-10-24T12:13:00.004-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I loaded an old program of Photoshop on my computer.
A few days later it killed my computer. Apperently windows vista and any program that didn't come with it, are a bad mix. Now Dusty and I have to share. Can you believe it? Of course, I do realize now I spent way too much time on it. I just hope our very generous friend, who is working on it, can fix it.

Emma

2008-10-21T10:55:00.012-06:00

A surprise came after first child. It was our Emma Kate. Emma is the second child in our family. She has been an adventure since she came. She loves animals, all animals. She is especially in love with horses. She wrote a little "book" the other day. In it she said she loves animals, nature, trees mountains...It was really cute and just showed her personality. Recently, with growth of our small community, some old trees were cut down. She got really upset and was on the verge of tears, because they cut down "nature" to put up power poles.

She is a very passionate person, and shows it in every aspect of her life.

She likes to ride her bike, and play with friends. We see Emma dancing and singing, with Hannah, on the porch, to the Jonas Brothers. Whom she also saw with Hannah Montana.

She is a little bit of a tomboy. She wrestles with Daddy, and Grandpa Chad.

She likes to sleepover at her grandparents houses, which she has been able to do a lot this year with our surgeries, collect webkinz, and watch the Disney Channel.

Emma likes to do crafts, including: Beading, coloring, drawing, painting, and decorating the walls.

We are so glad to have such a special and unique personality part of our family.

I've Been Tagged!!!!

2008-10-09T18:40:00.007-06:00

A. Attached or single? Attached :) :)
B. Best Friend(s)? Dusty, Mary Beth, Melissa, Jessica, Lana.
C. Cake or pie? Pie, My Mom's apple.
D. Day of Choice? Saturday, I don't have to go anywhere.
E. Essential Item? My laptop.
F. Favorite Color? Maybe Pink.
G. Gummy bears or worms? Bears, cinnamon.
H. Hometown? Sandy,UT.
I. Indulgence? Candy (Mostly Chocolate).
J. January or July? Neither!
K. Kids? Four, 3 Girlie Girls, and 1 Boy.
L. Life isn't complete without? My Family and the gospel.
M. Marriage date? June 26th.
N. Number of brothers/sisters? 1 sister, 2 brothers.
O. Oranges or apples? Apples.
P. Phobias? Spiders!!!
Q. Quotes? "I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light." — Helen Keller
R. Reasons to smile? When my kids say funny things like, "I have poop in my mouth!...."
S. Season of choice? Spring or fall, I love jacket weather.
T. Tag some people: Michelle B., Brittany and Ann.
U. Unknown fact about me? I love to Shop!
V. Vegetable? Steamed Carrots with a little butter, mmm.
W. Worst habit? Playing in my hair.
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? Ultrasound
Y. Your favorite food? Italian
Z. Zodiac Sign? Aquarius

Hannah

2008-10-08T10:03:00.007-06:00

Hannah is the oldest child in our family. Nine years old and was born in 1999. One of her goals is to be 101 years old, so she can say she live in three different centuries. She has always been a smart little girl and has not ceased to amaze us since the time she was little. She started fourth grade this year and is learning about Utah history, the dinosaurs, algebra, and anything she can get her hands on to read. She has recently read the first, 3 Harry Potter books, and is on the 3rd book of Fablehaven. (She really likes to read!)

In January she got glasses and much to my surprise, was and is really excited about having glasses. Her cousin just got some too and because Hannah had them, it was ok.

Hannah would like to travel, because it isn't fair she hasn't been out of the state. She has been planning a trip to Disneyland since she was three. Home and Vernal is really as much as she has traveled.

We are so grateful for our Hannah-Banana and can't believe how grown-up she is getting. She is helpful around the house and with the other kids. She likes to help out with the baby I babysit. Some day she would really like her own room so that the other kids don't mess up her stuff. (Which they do quite a bit.)

She really likes Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus. We went to her concert about a year ago and that was really fun, despite the fact that we were on the very last row. I think Hannah and Emma will remember it forever.

Hannah likes to talk on the phone, collect webkinz, and play with friends. She can be seen dancing on the porch quite often with her music at obnoxious levels.

2008-10-02T20:02:00.005-06:00

This week we got new pictures taken. It was fun.

The kids looked so cute and the lighting was just right!

Spot light on the kids

2008-09-18T11:17:00.009-06:00

Recently, my cousin lost his little girl in a tragic accident. Reading the blog about this darling little girl made me sad I didn't get to know her in this life.

I have always thought it was so sad to read obituaries of people that were so special, but no one knew about until they were gone.
So I decided to spot light each of my children. It may be awhile before I get through all four, but I think it will be fun!

Night @ the Fair

2008-09-09T21:38:00.022-06:00

One of our family traditions, every fall, is to go to the

state fair.

We go on the all you can eat ice cream night.

We could go and buy a lot of ice cream for the same amount of money, but it's the novelty of it. Ice Cream makers from around the state bring their kinds to sample. My favorite was the raspberry cheesecake from the BYU Creamery. The Fat Boys and the Creamies were a hit with the kids.

The kids also loved to see all the animals, especially Pierce.

We also found a clown making balloon shapes and that was fun too.

Emma really wanted to see the tiger show but it was "climbing room only. "

So now it really feels like fall; the kids are in school, we've gone to the fair and the weather is cooling off. I love sweater weather!:)

The New Temple

2008-09-04T13:46:00.005-06:00

For our Activity Days activity a couple weeks ago, we went too the new temple. (I have been a leader for a while and it is fun to be with Hannah.)
I got to take pictures of all the girls in front of the temple, while another leader talked about the temple. It is so fun to have a new temple being built so close to our home, we can see it from our up stairs windows!

Life sometimes dishes out liver and onions...but there always is cheesecake for dessert

2008-09-04T13:14:00.012-06:00

Almost a year ago life got a lot more complicated. I was diagnosed with MS about seven years ago. Last Oct. after getting a virus the MS, reared its ugly head. I had problems with my vision. Since then it has gotten better, but the doctors say the damage is probably permanent. Dusty was sick off and on for about 3 months at the same time. I got back on some medicine and Dusty did finally got better. In Jan. I turned 30 (which I was really excited about). In Feb. I had a reaction to the medicine I was on. I had a hard time breathing and my lips turned blue. On Feb. 27th Dusty hurt his knee. He was playing basketball with the YW in the ward. He slipped on the floor and severed his patella tendon among other things. After an ambulance ride and some lortab he was awaiting surgery on the following Monday. Friday night I got sick. It turned out to be an ectopic pregnancy, that ruptured. When I finally got to the hospital, I had lost about 2/3 of my blood and had to have emergency surgery, and blood donations. Dusty had his surgery, and we, pathetic as we were, healed. We had to rely on or parents for a while. Hannah crashed on her bike and got a concussion, and Emma fell and got stitches on her face. We really felt like we were done having difficult times. But, we were not. We decided with my health problems that it would be the best to have a hysterectomy and concentrate on my health. A few weeks after my surgery Dusty found out that he was getting laid-off at work. Last week I went to the doctor for my surgery check up, and he told me I might have received contaminated blood back in March. They did blood tests and all came back negative. :) But, I need to be retested in six months. Now it has been 3 weeks since Dusty lost his job, and not many promising prospects. I am babysitting for a neighbor, and Dusty is getting unemployment checks.

I felt like I needed to write this for awhile. I don't know why we are going through so much, this last while. I do know that Heavenly Father is mindful of us. On Tuesday a friend in the ward called to see if Audrey could come and play; and said while she was there why not leave Pierce and go to the Temple. It was definately inspired and was a really wonderful visit to the temple, the Spirit was so strong. We have so many blessings and I am not writing to complain. Life is hard sometimes. But, we have so many blessings that out-weigh the trials. (The cheesecake for dessert. That sounds really good maybe I should go cook!)

Quote of the Day

2008-08-23T18:56:00.003-06:00

I saw this quote while sitting in the doctors office the other day. It seemed like that was what I needed right now.

Most folks are about as happy
as they make their minds up to be.
Abraham Lincoln

My Summer Flowers

2008-08-19T11:06:00.008-06:00

Last fall I planted some perennial flowers. Our family has been able to enjoy them all spring and summer. The plants were not blooming last fall so it has been really fun to see what flowers came out and their color. The "biggest" suprise was the hollyhocks. I had no idea what color they were or that they would get over 8 1/2 feet tall! I planted them next to the stairs on the porch and they really look out of place. The color as it turned out was black! They are called a few different names including, After Midnight, and Arabian Knights. Incidently if you want some seeds I have thousands.

The Winner!

2008-08-14T21:28:00.010-06:00

Today I won a contest on a local TV show. It was really fun to get to do that. One of the neighbors even stopped by to say her mom saw me. Later in the day she drove by and called to me, "The Winner." The prize I won was a gift basket from Heels & Toes, at Gardner Village. Made for a change up to my day!

My first post

2008-08-12T12:35:00.003-06:00

This is our family! Dusty, Kristi, Hannah, Emma, Audrey, and Pierce. Hannah just turned 9 and started 4th grade. Emma is 7 and just started 2nd grade. Audrey will turn 5 in a few days and just started kindergarten. Pierce is 2 and misses the girls while they are at school.