HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!

To ALL the men in my life,
HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDPA OR SON
I wanted to tell you what a blessing you've been.

I thought about life
and what would be lost?
If I had paid such a high cost?

Mine looks for one,
Since they seem to be
not too far from the old tree.








The lessons in life
that my gramps' sat and taught,
hoping that one day they would be bought.











The love of Christ
that I hold dear
and hope my children are able to hear.









The fun of family
That runs so deep
I hope my kids will always keep.







The feeling of achievement
I have felt before
Knowing that later there will be more.







The blessing of belonging
can not be replaced,
knowing who you are can be retraced.





A family of mine own
is such a treasure
a blessing, a gift, to hard to measure.








A Man tall and dark with pretty black hair.
My kids always call him a great friend of theirs.














I am so excited to say happy Fathers day to all of you that have touched my life. I have been so blessed to have such admirable men in my life to call grandpa, dad, and husband.


A special thanks to Gar, for being so great! You truly help me see who the Lord sees that I can be. I appreciate the father you are to your children. They love you dearly and want to be like you. What a blessing that is to me. If they turn out like you I will consider our job done. Thank you for find joy in the Lord. I am grateful that we have the same goals and dreams. Thank you for supporting me in everything I do. Most of the time, I know, it is only because it is what I want to do. Thank you so much for your love. I hope that you will always remember how much we love you. Thank you for working so hard for our family. It astounds me what you do for us. THANK YOU. I love you, Marla


























Thanks dad for all of the help you have given to us. Thank you for ALL of your time on our house, the cruise, all the dinners, the list goes on... I love you! I am so thankful that you are Garry's dad. I am thankful for the example you set for him. He is wonderful. I love to hear my kids call you "Grandpa" because that is a special name. Thank you for letting Garry come home for lunch. I am grateful to have you in my life and consider you a great friend. Love you lots.














Thank you so much dad for all you have done for us. This song reminds me so much of you. It is so true I walk like you, I talk like you, and I can see my father in me. I hopw that I can live up to what makes you proud. I apprecipate all the "little" time we have to be together. I know that time right now is so scare,(I am willing to share because I believe in what you are doing) so I appreciate the phone calls even if you are headed up the canyon. Thank you for taking time out of your shedule to help us with out house. I know that that was the last thing that you had time for. Also, for letting mom come out and stay with us. We could have not done it without her. Thank you! I know that I can come to you and you will do what you can to help me. I really enjoy knowing that I am secretively your favorite daughter. Thanks for everything dad, I really do love you and am grateful to call you DAD.

Camping and a few funny comments!

We just got back from a camping trip in Wallsburg. It was our annual ward camp out. Since we were too busy to go last year, this was our first year with our new ward. We had so much fun. I feel totally blessed to be a part of this ward. We got there around 6:00 pm and set up camp. We were responsible for our own dinner so I started to cook. I decided to make dutch oven potatoes and chicken, but since I only have one dutch oven I combined the two dishes into one. It actually turned out pretty good. While we were eating Caden dropped a piece of barbecue chicken on his new white tee shirt. He looked down at it and then looked up and said, "I got a barbecue stain on my white tee shirt." To which Garry immediately replied, "I hope your not killing me with your mini skirt." Oh my gosh, I laughed for a long time. I think it was just the look in Caden's eyes as it change from, oh no what do I do? Too, I am going to be really cleaver about this.

Later on as we were going to bed the kids wanted me to tell them stories of when I was little. (I guess that has become one of those family traditions that you don't plan, they just happen.) Kale said, "Tell me the one where the horse bit Amber's BOOOTIE." Oh my gosh, how funny is he? I thought where did you get the "BOOTIE" part from. The stories I told them about last night were: The one when I snuck home from my aunt's house because I was alone on the couch. (I was about 5. I remeber thinking I was pretty smart to go home and not let her know where I was) The time when Amber throw a cup at me and I ducked and it went through the grandfather clock glass. Garry told them about all the times they would play baseball in the back yard and how many times the window was broken. He said that grandpa would always get mad.(I don't blame him)

This morning we had breakfast and then started a game of baseball. We had about 6 people on each team and about four mitts total. The play of the game is when bishop caught a fly ball with a tee-ball mitt that fit the wrong hand.(He is left handed) I was proud of him.

This was one of those times that didn't take a lot of time to prepare to go. But the memories that we made and the time that we spent building our relationship as a family and ward family are not measurable.

That's what friends are for!!

Well the Silver Beavers had a reunion. All my California buddies came up to my house to have the first official "Silver Beaver" reunion. I was so excited to have them come up and see my new place and share a piece of my "new" place with them. We had some really yummy food and then watch a video I made of the trip. I have to say that it was not professional but for my first not to bad. It only took me like 100 hours to do. When we were talking we started talking about the top 10 list that Chris made. So I wanted to post it. It is so true.

Top 10 reasons to leave 7 husbands and 47 children behind and go to Disneyland with your girlfriends
10. Someone is moving and you want to spend a little time with her, sleeping in the same room and spending 18 hours in the same car, before she leaves
9. You can have a bonding, spiritual moment without 7 husbands and 27 children, and surf the "wave of emotion"
8. You can wear an "I'm with Goofy" T-shirt or orange shorts and not get strange looks
7. "Chip and Dale" dancers, plate hair lady, silver beaver backpacks, pin trading, hot cigar store indians
6. You can pay top dollar for large portions of food (turkey, soup, pickles, corn dogs, pretzels, and chocolate cake)
5. You can throw up in the bushes and all they say is "that happens sometimes"
4. You can boost up your score on Buzz Lightyear without having to pass the gun and ride roller coasters as many times in a row as you want (even get a little work done while you're standing in line)
3. You can embrace your inner dork, or princess, or pirate (AAR, matey)
2. You just know someone will do something stupid and it's fun to predict who that will be (Zippy Limbo)
1. You can pee your pants laughing and everyone will just think you've been on Splash Mountain After the reunion.

I was talking to Stef and telling her it made me want to move back because of all the great friends I have. She said, "Marla, this is beyond a ward friendship. Most of these ladies don't live here anymore." She was right.

The next day after the reunion, I went to Santaquin to help my little sister paint her bedroom in preparation for her new baby. While I was there I was able to visit a couple of friends. I thought about my friends and what they mean to me! I am so thankful for ALL of my friends. A BIG THANK YOU to you all. Friends are an important part of my life. I was thinking about how blessed I am to have such good, honest,true friends. I know that I am able to be me and that is what they like about me. Thank you all so much. You all have done so much for me that I know if I spent the rest of my life trying to repay, It would be insufficient. Thank you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS. WE LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday SIS! You made it to 34. I know when when we were kids we thought we would be real mature by the time we hit this age. I guess we hit the age but not the maturity. Oh well, when life gives as much as we have we can't complain.

Here is a list of things people love about you!

From Mom and Dad:

She was the first to venture out of the security of Heavenly Father and come to earth.
She is one of the most giving siters.
Each of her 11 children are such a treasure to her and she makes them feel that.
She works night and day to meet the needs of her whole family. (All 13 of them.)
She teachers her children about Christ.
She teachers her children how to work.
She teachers her children respect.
She has taught her kids how to provide for themselves.
She is well known cook. (Skinny butt)
She is aware of others and knows what they need.
She lets her kids have ALL kinds of animals to teach them responsibilities.

From her Family:

Kyle- I love her because her heart is pure. That she is fulfilling her preordained mission. She does what is right not matter what the consciouses will be. She is willing to sacrifice all: including: friends, family, or anything of value, so that God will bless her as he intends.
Kyler- Because she is so sweet and nice to me. She is the best mom in the World.
Nick- For all the sacrifices she has made and for how she loves each one of us individually.
Lance- She sacrifices so much for me everyday.
Kylie- Because she had me and gives up a lot for me.
Michalea- Because she cooks and cleans for us.
Stacey- She is the best mom in the world. She loves us and takes care of us.
Landon- Because she buys me stuff and cause I love her.
Kolby-I loves mommy
Kolton- I loves mommy.
Luck- I loves mommy.
David- I love mommies milkers, and mommy.

Grandma and Grandpa Perry:

Grandpa- I love Nicole because she is my very first grand daughter. Matter of fact, she is my first grandchild.
Grandma Perry-I love Nicole because she is so generous and sacrifices herself for our good.
Grandma VT- She is a sweet person and a good mother. The children look like they have just been shined. To be around the family you would not know she has that many of kids because of how well behaved they are.

Sisters:

Me- I love you cause I always have a friend when I have you.
I love you because we are so different but so similar.
I love you because of the strengh that you have.
I love you because of the mother you are.
I love you because of the times when the phone will do.
I love you because of all the stories we have to share in.
Suitcase under bed
Sneaking out at WAYYYY to young
Riding a bike down the hill, through the ditch(Okay almost through the ditch)
All the miles spent walking to and from school
Those hours and hours on the softball field.
Those campin trips. With not outhouse or kitchen.
Those before we go anywhere wars. he-he
I guess I had better stop.
Amber- Because she loves us no matter what. She is always willing to help us and she is the best big sister.
Autumn- I love Nicole because she is one of my best friends and she will do anything for us.
Marci-She has always been my biggest sister and always been there to give me loves and hugs and I have always looked up to her.

Nieces and nephews, and brother in laws:

Colby- Aunt Kollie because she has sooo many toys at her house.
Haliee- Because she is nice and she loves us.
Kale- Because she is not mean to him
Caden- She lets us come over and play a lot.
Jon- Because she is a good mom and she talks to me.
Garry- Whatever Nicole has she shares with everyone.
Alicia- She is nice. She makes sure that we are doing stuff right and that we don't fight.
Stanley-She is nice and good and I like to go to her house cause I like my play with my cousins.

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.

.
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.)