Fun with the family

The rest of Saturday was great......

Bradly and Jackson brought their motorbikes and mom and dad Anderson brought their four wheeler to our house. (Kevin, Ashley, and Brinley joined us) After a quick bite of lunch we took full advantage of having the toys here.

Brad and Jack were so awesome to all of us. They shared their bikes with everyone. At first Jackson would run along the side of Hailee to "protect" her. (Or his bike, either one is okay) After a couple of times around the little trail he let her go it alone. She did awesome riding it. I was a nervous nellie hoping and praying that I was not about to purchase a crashed motorcycle.



Here is a picture of Jackson taking Kale on a ride. After this Jackson got a little braver and so did Garry and I and we allowed Kale to drive it himself. This is what we got.............



Kale living his dream! Driving a motorcycle all by himslef. He has always loved them. Anytime he sees them he is in ah. He once asked a guy in Wal-mart parking lot if he could have his Harley for Christmas. They guy told him no and he said that Santa could bring it to him it he would let him. Anyways, as he was riding around he decided that he would go for a little drive. He went out on the street and drove around. Garry had to go get him. How crazy is it that a 6 year old can drive a motorbike and not crash. He is amazing. (A BIG thanks to Jack for letting him drive it. You made his day)

Hailee did great as well. She is such a tom boy. She told me that she really liked being able to drive it herself.


Bradly shared his bike with Caden. Caden drove the four wheeler up the moutain with Garry on the backand said that they came to a hill that was pretty steep and scared him. He wanted to walk down it but Garry encouraged him to drive down slow and steadty. Garry told Caden that he thought they would be safe. After getting down the hill caden was proud of himself for doing something that was hard for him to do. He faced a fear and won!!



Brad is really good. He wanted to know if I had jumps in my yard. I told him a had a few. He wanted his mother and I to get pictures of him "getting air". I tried to get a few but this was the best one. Brad buddy, I think you did great. Look at that air!!


Marlie LOVED to ride. Garry took her on a ride at first. They went around the track. When I took her on a ride she told me that she wanted to go in the mountains. I have to admit that I am a little afraid of four wheelers so I was a little reluctant. After getting a little more comfortable with the machine we went up the mountain. As we were driving Marlie said, "We need to tell daddy to buy one of these for us." I laughed and thought, that is what he tells me once a week or so. (Someday honey I really do want to get one)

Brin liked to ride too. At first she gripped the football as something to hold onto. Then Jody convinced her to give it to her and she gave it up. She is the cutest little stink ever.




Other fun pics:


I am so thankful for these fun days. They build stronger family unity and provide that comfort feeling of being around people that love you and you love. Thanks mom and dad for all you do for us. I enjoyed watching you being so happy for everyone around. Thank you Brad, Jack, and Jod for sharing with us. It was such a great day. We all had so much fun. Thank you so much. We love you all!!

Those times that just happen!

Our family had a great weekend this past weekend. It started with an end of the year school party! (Thanks Nat) Each one of the kids invited a few friends over and we made personal pizza's and bannana splits. Then we had a huge waterfight. I protected the front door and referred. It was a great time!


On Saturday morning my oldest three kids had baseball games. Hailee at 8:00, Caden at 9:00, and Kale at 10:00. It would be great if they were all at the same location but they were all over our little city. Garry coaches Hailee's team. I think that it has been a fun experience. Saturday was their last games.

Hailee is really good at baseball. She is really talkented in sports. Can our run any boy in her class and generally has ALOT of coordination.

Caden's games are really fun to watch. They are pitching to each other. They are really good. At the first of the season quite a few kids got hit but now not as many are getting hit. The big thing for him is that he had to have a "cup" to play this year. It was kind of funny. My little boy needs a cup.

Kale is a heavy hitter is baseball. He is playing coach pitch this year. At first the coach thought I had him on the wrong team because he is bigger and good at baseball. Now if only his attention span would keep up with his talent he would be set. He is fun to watch play.


More of the weekend to come!

Birthday Money

All right! I was so excited that I got money for my birthday this year. Mainly because I really wanted some money to buy some things to decorate with. So it burned a hole in my pocket pretty quick. Here are the results. I still need a few more things but I will have to wait until some more of the "unaccounted" money comes my way!

My Little boy is getting BIG!

On Friday, (The same day I ran over his kitty) Kale had a little program to celebrate his completing of kindergarten. The title was, "Everything I need to know, I learned in Kindergarten." They read a poem about life and when it comes down to it, Everything that you need to know you really know by the time you are in Kindergarten.
As he filed in with his classmates I could tell that something was not right inside. I could see the pain of his loss pronounced in his face. Man, that hurts as a mom. I knew that there was nothing that I could really do but I longed for him to enjoy this moment.
They sang a few really cute songs and he had a little speaking part as well. As the program continued on I sat with a tear in my eye thinking of how fast he has really grown up. He was the cutest little baby and the prettiest little boy. He is also the busiest little guy in the world. He has so much passion for life. He is always intense with everything he does.
I hope that the time I have had to teach him to this point will be sufficient so far. I always have those should've, would've, and could've. But I am thankful that the teaching will go on and that I have another chance! Love you lots Kale!!!

I feel SOOO bad!!

We got these two kittens about a month ago when we went to Wal-mart. As we were walking out they were giving them away. My kids wanted on so bad. Being that we live up in the mountains and don't have a lot of neighbors I figured it would be okay. (EVEN though I swear I would never get cats again. We started out with one but decided that the boys could share one and the girls could share one. When I went back into the store I started to think more clearly and wanted to put one back. Garry told me, "Good luck trying to get it away from the kids." Needless to say we took two home. They have been their favorite toy. They play with them for hours.



Yesterday, we moved them out back. (They have being staying in the garage) This morning I was getting ready to take the kids to school I opened the garage and noticed that one of them ran in. I was worried about running over it so I asked Hailee to watch for it. As I back out slowly I felt a little bump. Hailee said, "Mom you ran over they kitty" I felt so bad. My kids were so attached to them. Luckily there was no blood and he died quickly. My stomach just hurts thinking about it.




These pictures were taking a couple of days after we got them. The white one with the boys is the one that is no longer here.

It was a good opportunity for me to teach the kids how to rely on the Lord for comfort. We said a prayer together and cried a bit together.
I am sooooooo sorry!!!

GROSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Okay tonight for YM/YW we hiked up the path located to the side of my house to pick up trash. (The YM were obviously incharge). It was blowing really hard. When we drove from the church to the beginning of the path I had to put on my hazards so that people behind me would know that I was slowing down because I could not see the road in front of me. That is how windy it was. But I was trying to maintain a positive attitude because I need to be the example. Right? Well we were all kind of walking in a group. Somewhere holding bags and others was picking up the trash and bringing it back to the people with bags. This system was working out nice until I tried to put some of my trash in a bag. The wind blow the trash right in my mouth! The worst part is, is that I could not get it out. It was sticking to my tounge and lips. I felt so violated. Some of the girls just sat and laughed and kept saying you still have it on your lips. GROSS!!!!! Somebody said they thought it was toilet paper! Great I ate somebody's toliet paper. I really wanted to rinse my mouth out with clorox but since I know that is not advised(Different story all together), I will brush really good. If I get sick in a couple of weeks know that the incubation period has set in and that I got some diease from trash!!!

MOMENTS WE WON'T SOON FORGET!!!

So as we were driving home we talked about all the funny things that brought us much enjoyment and some embarrassment. Depending on who is was happening too.

Big Momma Soup shower. I so wish I had a picture of this. But hot soup is hard to hold still when it is burning you.

Zippy, zippy problem. Which in returned cause Kermit a problem. Oh, gosh that was to funny!

Let's just say SPLASH MOUNTAIN!!!









- You guys are going to get wet. Why?
- Size does matter
- Puddles in store under riders.
- Zippy's slicked back hair and makeup running!
- Walking back to hotel stark wet
- Zippy's capri's becoming pants



ALL I CAN SAY IS.... FOR THE LOVE!!!!

Other funny moments....

Chip and Dale bum grabbers(I missed this one)
Speaking of people, Plate hair lady
Where did you get that awesome back pack? Canada. Darn it.

Some of us EMBRACING OUR INNER DORK







Can I say FOOD!!!

Thee turkey leg.....





Breakfast... Let us not forget the Are you Omish comment!!!

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!

These are the times when you know they only came around once in awhile but you wish they will last forever.

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A group of my girl friends and I decided we would gather up and take a trip to Disneyland. Our good friend Chris (aka "I do") is moving to Seattle and also turning 40! We decided we would sent her off in style so that she will never forget us down here in Utah. She is the most responsible one of the group. O wait, I mean the most prepared. One of us would ask, "Does anyone have a...?" And she would respond, "I do." She was said to be the "support bra" of the group. She supports us all in all the things we do. A few ladies commented on how incredible of a mother she was and that it is okay to "Embrace your inner dork"! Another lady said that when she is dissatisfied with something she does what is necessary to fix it. We went on this trip for her and when we got there she pulls out these fun little packs that have the "Necessities of Disneyland in them" The string that holds your pack on your neck. The pins that go on the string and other things like sunscreen. Fruit bars and lip balms. We are going to miss ya girl!!


Leslie, (aka "4thelove")drove us. We think she volunteered so she could be in control. Which it did work. Good thinking, 4thelove. JK she was great and we really appreciated her driving all of us around. I am really glad that she is not my personal trainer. I might be thin. Oh wait maybe I do need you as my personal trainer. Okay here is the play, Disneyland two days a week for the next year and I might be thin. Especially is I have to walk to dinner after. We all agreed that 4thelove was the lady that could take as much as she dished out. She is honest in all of her thoughts and has an easy going personality that does not stress when things get stressful. She is looked up for for not having a heavy guilty conscience. Thanks,
4thelove!



We certainly have to thank Stef (aka zippylimbo) for putting the trip together for us. We unanimously decided she is the fly paper. She draws you in and then you are stuck. The paper that holds us all together! That she does so much for others before she thinks of herself. She lifts everyone up and makes everyone feel welcome. She helps others realize their blessings and knows when to say something and when to keep her mouth shut. Thanks, We love ya a lot Zippy (Why is that your Nickname?)


We are so thankful that Janet (aka Big Momma) was able to come. She is the best. Not quite crazy as some of us but crazy enough to hang with us. It was also her birthday while we were at Disneyland. She got to wear around a big button that said "Happy Birthday Big Momma" No one is ever alone if Janet is around. She has time for everyone and says the right thing at the right time. And the she is AWESOME with money. Very good at budgeting and coupon clipping. We love ya, Big Mamma



Then there was Lynn (aka The Diva) It was a miracle that she could come. When I say a miracle I mean a miracle. I only caught her working a couple of times. We were sorry that we could not afford to fly down with her first class but she did get to ride dead center in the middle of the car so that she would always have attention around her. JK this is so not like her. She is so wonderful. We all look to her for her strengh and her wisdom. She is someone that is ALWAYS going above what she is asked and many times capable of doing what she can't do. She has a grip on reality and can tell you what it is without it being a downer. She also shares a birthday with Kermit and she has a good head on her shoulder. She is strong and giving. Able to be a friend even when she has nothing left to give. SHE IS AWESOME!! We love ya, Diva



Marilee (aka Kermit)was my buddy. She stuck by me even when I could not longer walk, even when my snoring woke her up through her ear plugs, and other things that will forever be in the mind vault of the group! (With a little chuckle here and there) Kermit is a free spirit who makes the best of everything. She always has a good attitude and never says anything bad about anyone. We never have to worry about what Kermit thinks because it is always positive. One lady said that she was excited to be going with you on this trip. She said that it was special and that it meant a lot that you asked her how she was doing and that you felt comfortable in doing so. Another lady said you are fun to be with, non judgmental and make all around a better person. We love ya Kermit!


Then there was me (aka Blista) I was just happy to be going. I have some good friends. I am thankful for all the laughs and all the fun. I am thankful that I can be me around all of them and not worry about what they are thinking. I could write whatever I want her as to what everybody said of me but that would be dishonest so I will shorten it a bit. JK You say I am a good listener. Good call more I would love to listen more. All I can say is one lady said I bring the silver beaver into the silver lining. (Go figure) That I remember quotes and am insightful, fun and always there. I am also the group therapist. (No wonder we are all this way) That I can make a joke of myself.
(Appartenly if you saw that pictures I have of me.)

COUNT YOUR MANY ROCKS!!

All right! There are times when I get all caught up in all the things that I am NOT doing. I feel that if only I were more like so and so I would be so much better off. When I get like this I am reminded of an experience I had several years ago.

It was one of those days when nothing seemed to be going right. My house could not be found under the blanket of "stuff" all around. My kids probably were fighting with one another. I was probably wondering how I was ever going to get the 5 years of food storage that I need to substain my family for the next 10 years of famine. I was probably concerned about all the commandments that I was either breaking or not living like I should. I was probably wondering how I was ever going to lose the extra weight that I have accumulated over the years and etc. Anyways, it was one of those days were everything was wrong. There were no bright lights in my eyes that day. As a way to try and cope with this heavy weight of "pressures", I decided that I would go for a walk.

As I walked up the canyon I started to cry. I could not believe that I had allowed my life to get into this kind of shape. How was I ever going to get out of the mess I created. As I walked I remember my mom telling me that when she gets down on herself that she counts her blessings. This thought kind of sent chills down my spin. "How could I could blessing when I didn't have any," I thought to myself. I kept walking.

I found myself sitting at the bank of a dry creek bed. The pressure that was welling up inside my chest was more than I could bear. I decided that I would start counting my blessing to see if this pressure would disappear from my chest. I decided that I would name a blessing for every rock that was in front of me. So I begin..
1. I am alive(I think that is a blessing) 2. I have a husband 3. I have children 4. I have parents 5. I have a roof over my head 6. I have food to eat 7. My husband has a job 8. I don't have any physical handicap's(most of the time) 9. I have the gospel in my life 10. I have a car to drive.

I started to feel a little lighter in my chest. I continued:

20. I have hair 21. I have eyes 22. I have clothes to wear 23. I have a phone 24. I have some talents 25. I have friends 26. I have grass to play on 27. I have been able to travel and see some of the world 28. I have been able to get an education
29. I have the ability to think 30. I can have an opinion.

Man, my pile of rocks in front of me was getting bigger. Not the "pressure" from inside was gone it was replaced with excitement. I continued:

100. I have a red pair of shoes 101. I have a black pair of shoes 102. I have two swimsuits 103. I have a pair of shorts 104. I have blue eye makeup 105. I have mascara 105. I have teeth 106. I have sheets to put on my bed 107. I can choose what cup I want to use 108. I have a phone. 109 I have a cordless phone 110.I am alive!

I stood up to looked at ALL the blessings I had, I was impressed. My pile of blessings was HUGE! The pressure inside my chest had been replaced with a feeling of contentment and hope. I knew that I had been given a lot and I had a lot to be thankful for. As I turned to walk back home, I noticed that the rocks stretched far beyond my pile in both directions. At that moment I realized the Lord was teaching me a tender and precious lesson. His blessing have come from so long ago that I can not even count them. The blessings that he has yet to bless we with are without number. The ones that I can count are only very small in to comparison to what I have already gotten and what he has yet to bless me with. My stubbornness in refusing to acknowledge the blessings that I have the ability to count seems so unjust. Unjust to the Lord to the one who gave me ALL.

As I returned home: my blanket of stuff was not that big of deal. It was all blessings in disguise. My kids fighting was an opportunity for me to teach them how to work our problems. My beginnings of a food storage was a great start and sufficient to substain us if we needed it to. Those commandments that I could do better on, I am learning a lot about why they are important to keep.

It is amazing to me what a change in perspective can bring. To me it has brought happiness and hope.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARLIE!!!

Out little Princess turned FOUR! I can not believe that she is already so grown up. I have just noticed in the last couple of months that she is not quite that toddler that she once was. She is a sweetie. Her personality is all girl. There is nothing that is purple or pink enough.

For her birthday we celebrated it over a few days with lots of friends and family. On the Sunday before we had the Anderson's up for a dinner. She got to open up some present and hear the happy birthday song. She was really excited about that. Then on her actual birthday we went with Hailee on a field trip. We got to all go to the Bean Museum at BYU. After the Bean museum we went to Toy's"R"Us and looked for a gift she went straight for the princess baby care set. I asked her if she was sure that it what she wanted and she said yes. It was so cute, I noticed that a couple of times she clenched her fists up in the air and rose them above her head and shook them like she was really excited. It was really cute. That night we had the neighbors over for pink and purple cupcakes. Then on Friday night we went with some friends to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate Marlie's and their little boy's, Logan, birthday. Logan's mom is so awesome she bought some birthday things for the kids to celebrate. She bought Marlie a ti era, a princess wand, necklace, bracelet, and balloons. My other children said I want Nickcole and Al to come on my birthday. (Thank you for doing that Nickcole) After dinner we went swimming as families and that was cut a little short because the pool closed earlier then we anticipated but we ended the night with an ice cream from Article Circle.





I am so thankful that Marlie is a part of our family. She is defiantly the baby. She has these eyes that melt anyone when she looks at you. We want you to know Marlie, that we are proud of who you are and that we love you. We are thankful that we are your parents and you are in this family. We want you to know that we love you more than you can understand and more than we can express with words. Thank you Peanut!! We Love you.