It's the white stuff again.

Ha, not flour this time. It's snow. My kids have had so much fun this week playing in the new snow. Even Raegan can keep up with them this year....well, almost.

Ryan even broke out the snowmachine to take them for rides in the yard and field.

So, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Is it possible....

...for a tornado to hit the same place multiple times???

Not only is it possible, it is probable - in our house anyways. If you don't believe me, see here and here.

This is my little tornado, Raegan. She even answers to the nickname of Tornado. Once again, she found her way to the flour container and once again figured out how to get he lid off, and once again this is what I ended up with. The difference is that this time, she had an accomplice, her brother Bo.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I opted for laughing because I really didn't want to cry. I did call Ryan and made him come home to witness the destruction before I spent an hour trying to vacuum it all up. I'll tell you what, my Kirby has earned every penny I paid for it.

Needless to say, we are getting a new flour container.

Dear Santa,

Teton 1st Ward party

Last Friday night, our ward had its Christmas party. The theme was A Night in Bethlehem. It was a lot of fun. Most people dressed up, using sheets, blankets, pieces of material, anything they could find to garb themselves in.

After signing the census, we then entered the cultural hall which was decorated with little shops to look a like a marketplace. We were given a little baggie with pennies in it to pay for our goods. There were chicken salad rollups, bagel pieces, fruit kabobs, cheeses, breads, and pastries, and even a little toyshop where the kids were given a home-made wooden toy.

They story of Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem was told and acted out and we all sang carols throughout the story. It was a very fun evening. A lot of work and time went into putting it together.

Here are some pictures from the evening. I didn't remember my camera so I'm borrowing the pics from my friend Jeralyn's blog.

Happy Birthday Kaylee!

Today is my daughter's 9th birthday. It is hard to believe she is getting that old.

9 things about Kaylee.

1. She is so creative.

2. She is sweet, kind, and soft hearted.

3. She loves her brother and sister.

4. She has an interesting sense of style.

5. She is willing to try most anything.

6. She loves to laugh.

7. She has a great smile

8. She takes good care of her baby sister.

9. She loves to read.

Happy 9th Birthday Kaylee!

The end is here

Today Ryan got released from his eternal, or what we thought was going to be eternal, calling of Scout Master. He has had this calling for almost 9 years now. He still has not come to grips with it. This calling has been so routine for so long, it will be so strange to not have it be part of our lives. No monthly campouts, no week long scout camp every summer, no Wednesday night meetings, no court of honors, nothing. He will now get to attend Elders quorum regularly for the first time in eleven years.

We, as a family, will be happy to have him back. Although, like I said, it will be a little life altering. I guess we'll adjust.

O Christmas Tree

We put up the Christmas tree last night. I think it turned out good. I did a patriotic theme tree this year because I found the most rockin deal on some metal star ornaments after Christmas last year at oriental trading.

The last couple of years, I've done theme trees. It has been a lot of fun finding just the right ornaments and stuff to go on the trees.

I just painted the stars the colors I wanted (red, white, blue) and got a yard of flag material that I made the garland out of.

Kaylee really had a great time helping put it up. Bo and Raegan were content to play in the box the tree had been in.

The End is near.....

....stay tuned for details

You're Invited

You are all invited to the Cantabile Christmas Concert on Monday, December 8th. We've been practicing Christmas music for 3 1/2 months now. It will be a great concert. It is free to the public, so if you're in the area, we'd love to have you.

Ice Fishin

Ryan got to go ice fishing up on Henry's Lake this morning. He said the fishing was awesome. Between the 3 of them, they caught nearly 30 fish, but only kept 2 each. He was pretty excited about the fishing trip. Here is one of the fish he caught.

Thanksgiving Day!

Have I mentioned how much I like Thanksgiving? I really like it.

We had a great day. We went to my parents house in Idaho Falls. It was my little family, my brother, Justin, my brother, Lathan, and my brother and sister-in-law, Jonathan and JaNay. We cooked and snacked and cooked some more. We looked at the ads and cooked and snacked some more. Then we ate dinner and cleaned up and then some of us went out and shot guns. My kids even got to shoot. Kaylee liked it. Bo, not so much. He's a little small yet. I had fun, even though I now have a bruised shoulder. It was such a beautiful day. THe kids could play outside without freezing and the adults could play outside without freezing. It was great. Later in the day, we went to my Aunt Carolyn's house and visited for a while and then got a tour of my cousin's new house they are building. We got home pretty late last night. We were all exhausted.
This morning, I was up at 4:30 to go fight the crowds at Walmart in Rexburg. People are crazy. I was told that some had been there since midnight. Crazy, I say. Oh well. Someday, I really will sleep in on Black Friday. Someday....

Cousins

My two nieces, Josie and Avery, got to come visit us on Tuesday. They live in Texas and last time we saw them was at Christmas time last year. They were here for a short period of time, but the kids had so much fun playing. It was so fun to have them here. I hope we get to see them again soon. We just love them so much!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS!!!!!!

Thanksgiving Poem

'Twas the night of Thanksgiving, But I just couldn't sleep.
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned- The dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation With all of my might.

Tossing and turning With anticipation
The thought of a snack Became infatuation.

So I raced to the kitchen, Flung open the door
And gazed at the fridge,Full of goodies galore!

I gobbled up turkey And buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, Beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling So plump and so round,
'Til all of a sudden I rose off the ground!

I crashed through the ceiling, Floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding And a handful of pie.

But I managed to yell As I soared past the trees...
Happy Eating to All! Pass the cranberries, please!

May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes 'n gravy Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious, May your pies take the prize.
May your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off of your thighs!

Happy, Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Be Thankful!

I AM THANKFUL...

FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

BE THANKFUL! WE ARE BLESSED!

Eatin good in the Neighborhood!

Last night, our friends, Matt and Shellie, came over and watched our kids for the evening. Shellie had to do a service observation for one of her classes. The first thing they said when they showed up was "Thanks for letting us watch yor kids." I laughed a little and told them that I should be the one thanking them.

Anyways, Ryan and I were able to go out on a date while they were watching the kids. We went to dinner at Appleby's because we had a gift card for there. It was soooo yummy. It seems like it's been a while since we've gone out, just the two of us. After dinner, we went and did a little shopping for Kaylee's birthday.

Babysitters: $0
Dinner: $0
Time together: priceless.


Thank you Matt and Shellie! Any time you want to "observe" 3 crazy kids, just let us know. We owe you!

Good job guys!

I just wanted to give my kids a little praise with this post. I feel like I am so negative all the time, telling them no, don't, having to keep after them about getting their chores done. So I thought it would be a nice change to give them some positive feedback. Look at the great job they did of cleaning up the playroom, the living room and their bedrooms. And I only had to threaten Bo a couple of times that I would throw away his toys if he didn't help. (notice the garbage bag on his bed. it is full of his toys that would have gotten thrown out.)






Also, we had parent teacher conferences the other day and I am so proud of my kids and the efforts they put forth into their school work. Kaylee's teacher couldn't say enough good about her. She is so smart and does a great job. And Bo has made some good improvements since the first week of school. He is in kindergarten, and the youngest one to boot. He struggles a bit, but I've seen great improvement in the last couple of weeks.

I love you guys and am so proud of you!

If you love your country, thank a vet

Happy Veterans Day!

This morning, I attended a Veterans Day program at my kids' school. They celebrated and honored Veterans through songs and speakers. It was a very touching program. I often felt the tears swell up in my eyes.

They also showed a short video about Arlington National Cemetary. It was really neat to learn a little about it.

I hope every US citizen will take a few minutes today to stop and think about our vets, both living and not. We owe them A LOT.

Freedom

A Prayer For The American Soldier

Freedom is the American Flag

Freedom is also the tears of the American Soldier today,

If we did not have these brave men and women

Putting their lives on the line,

Our Freedom may have been taken away.

I am proud to be an American

And I want to pray for the American Soldier.

Dear God,

Let freedom for this great country be one voice,

Protect the American Soldier from terrorism

And help them keep America safe within Your laws.

Bless the young women and men

Who are in a country which does not understand our ways,

Freedom always comes at a cost for all,

Yet the beauty which is the states

Must be able to have freedom of speech,

Religion and all of what the USA is standing for.

Please God, Let them come home to their wives and children

Because they need them too,

Yet for us to be free to believe

And be able to vote is from all that they give

With the soldier fighting to keep us free

This is a God given gift.

Freedom is the beautiful mountains,

The park people walk in, the waterfall,

The White House and the President

America is the greatest country in the world.

I pray every day for the American Soldier

For without them our hope would be gone,

Thank you my friends

For giving me my Freedom, Amen.

Good Friends, good times

FRIENDS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.
One friend is needed when you ' re going through things with your spouse.
Another friend is needed when you ' re going through things with
your parents.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your
children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, 'Let's cry together, '
Another, 'Let's fight together, '
Another, 'Let's walk away together. '
One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings.
But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and
hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ..
Those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one person,
But for many, it ' s wrapped up in several..
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
On some days your parents,
On some days your neighbour,
On others, your siblings
And on some days, your children.


This past week, I had the opportunity to spend time with several different groups of friends.

I went to the temple one morning, went to dinner and a movie one evening with some girlfriends, and went to a couples game night one night. These are in addition to regular everyday activities in which I'm in contact with great friends.

I'm so blessed to have so many great friends. Thanks girls and guys!

Tornado Raegan hits again

I told Kaylee I would take her to see High School Musical last night after Ryan got home from getting wood. We had a good time, just the two of us.

While Kaylee and I were out, Tornado Raegan hit, and Ryan got to weather the storm by himself. He told me about it when I got home and I was laughing so hard, I nearly cried.

Here is what happened. Unfortunately I don't have any accompanying pictures, but use your imagination.

We had all gone to Wendy's for some dinner before we ventured to the movie. I told Ryan to stop at Walmart on his way home to get some more milk and a few other items. While he was wrestling the dog food into the shopping cart, both Raegan and Bo got away from him, so he had to hunt them down. They weren't far, nor hard to find. Bo was in the toy section ogaling his favorite toys. Raegan had gone a little further down the aisle to the rubber ball holder. He said that by the time he got to her, she had pulled out about 15 balls that were rolling around everywhere and she was generously sharing them with anyone that was nearby. So he had to round up all the balls and return them to their place.

Once they got home, it didn't get any better. He said they were downstairs watching Iron Man and eating popcorn. (Bo had popped 3 bags of popcorn, one for each of them, I guess) The phone rang and Ryan had to run upstairs to get it. While he was upstairs, Raegan helped herself to the popcorn and happily dumped it all over the floor in the family room downstairs. While Ryan worked on cleaning that up, she made her way upstairs and within a few minutes, Ryan heard a crash. He went upstairs to investigate and slipped on the water that she had dumped on the kitchen floor. So while he was wiping that up so there would be no more unfortunate accidents, she made her way to our bathroom and promptly dumped the whole box of q-tips all over the floor. Ryan said that at this point, all he could do was to get her a cup and put her to bed.

Like I said, I was laughing so hard while he was telling me all this. I told him that this is what I do all day, every day.

You know, it sure is a lot funnier when it is happening to someone besides me. And with a face like that, you can't help but just laugh about it.

Halloween pics

We had a fun Halloween week. We took the kids to the school carnival last Saturday. Then this past Wednesday, the youth in our ward put on a carnival for the primary kids. And last night we took the kids trick or treating.

Kaylee was Hannah Montana
Bo was an American soldier
Raegan was a bumble bee

Happy Halloween!

MySpace Graphics & Free Myspace Layouts

It's a good day to just relax Mom

Bo got home from Kindergarten and instead of coming in the house, this is where I found him. "It's a good day to just relax, Mom." he said from his recliner in the tree.

I know better...

...than to leave my daughter alone for more than 2 seconds.

We had just gotten home from visiting teaching this morning and I went downstairs to check my email really quickly. I checked it and then opened my blog page and saw a couple of people had updated so while I blissfully did some blogstocking, I was unaware that my daughter had not followed me downstairs.

After a couple of minutes I decided I'd better go check on her because she was being way too quiet and any mom knows that is a bad sign.

This is what I found upon arriving upstairs.

The pantry door had been left open a crack and instead of closing it, which would have been the norm, she decided to get into the flour. It was tracked all across the kitchen, down the hall, through my bedroom and into my bathroom, where she then got Ryan's deodrant and played with it.

I couldn't help but laugh at the flour mess. I really wasn't that surprised that it happened. I just stripped her down to her shirt and shoes and got the vacuum out. I love the tile attachment. My whole upstairs needed vacuuming anyways. As I was vacuuming, I got to Raegan's room and realized that this must be where she had started her mess making. She had pulled just about all her clothes out of her drawers and dumped her socks all over the floor. Guess I'll get that picked up after she wakes from her nap.

It's harvest time!

Here is a picture of our harvest from our garden. It isn't much, but it certainly could have been worse. Let me tell you the story of our garden and you'll understand why it could have been worse.

Ryan and I have not planted a garden together since we've been married. We've lived next to Grandma and Grandpa and they always planted a garden big enough to feed several families. So we've just never worried about it. In the past year, however, a lot of stuff has changed with Grandma and Grandpa and due to circumstances, they do not plant a garden anymore. Thus, we decided to try our hand at it. We used their garden spot since we didn't have one in our yard yet.

It was a late spring to begin with, but we were even later getting the garden planted. We did 4 rows of corn, 3 rows of carrots, 3 rows of potatoes, and 2 rows of onions. Within the first week or so, Grandpa decided to plant one more row of potatoes. Unfortunately, he dug our newly planted onions up to plant the additional row of potatoes. So we now had onions growing sporatically throughout the row of potatoes, and the growth of them were stunted a little.

A few weeks later, as things were sprouting through the ground, all was looking good. Then about 3/4 of the carrots and the one end of 2 rows of potatoes got sprayed with weed killer, which doesn't discriminate against killing garden plants either. Some of them did pull out of it surprisingly. Although, they were stunted as well.

A couple of weeks later, when everything was growing good again, I went out to check it out, and someone had gone and chopped off the tops of most of the carrots. My poor carrots. How I got any of them to survive, I'm not sure.

Anyways, the corn was progressing nicely and we didn't have any other mishaps the rest of the summer....until about the first week in September. Just when the corn was ready to start eating, mother nature decided to get in a lick or two. We had a nasty wind storm come through and knock all the corn stalks down almost to the ground.

Here we are in mid October. We did get to enjoy some new potatoes and some corn. We got a couple decent onions. The rest were pretty small. We had an abundance of carrots considering a lot of the crop got wiped out. We didn't thin them so we had to dig them with a shovel to get them out of the ground. And we ended up with a decent crop of potatoes that will be perfect for soups this winter. There were only a handful of bakers.

All in all, I'm glad we got what we did out of the garden and hopefully we'll have a little more luck next year!

Am I raising a monkey or a boy???

Little Cinderella

Is it a bad sign when the kids feel the need to scrub the floor??? Maybe I need to mop.