It's a great day

Back in the Saddle!

2011-08-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I posted last, so I am getting back in the saddle! During the past few weeks I have realized how much I miss sharing my thoughts through writing. There have been many nights where I haven't been able to sleep and think about what I could write about. It is time to put those thoughts into action! Wish me luck on my new goal!

What kind of car do you drive?

2010-11-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

I know I have been terrible at posting and it has been haunting me! We had a great summer with pictures to document it, but for some reason I couldn't get the drive to post them. You may get a summer recap when the snow starts falling here!

Noah is playing on a new baseball team and over Halloween weekend we went to St.George, Utah for a tournament. One of the highlights was seeing this beauty of a ride! How can you not smile when you see this cruising down the road?

Our True Identity

2010-07-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Our True Identity

I have watched this video several times in preparation for a guest speaker we will be having for Young Women's. I believe this is a message that is so important for not only the young women in our ward to hear, but for each one of us. It is tough to remember how amazing we are truly when we are bombarded with media that tells us otherwise. We each need to know that we are Daughters of our Heavenly Father and that he does love us. I hope this message is an inspiration to you like it has been for me!

Happy 16th Tanner!

2010-07-18T15:46:00.001-07:00

Our oldest is 16 today! Does that make us old too? We think Tanner is pretty wonderful. Here are 16 reasons why.

1. He has beautiful blue eyes!

2. He stands up for what is right.

3. He is very obedient.

4. He loves seminary.

5. He is a great dirt bike rider and shares his bike with his dad.

6. He is an unstoppable goalie!

7. He can run really fast but will also run with his mom who isn't so fast.

8. He can fold ALOT of laundry!

9. He hasn't broke the speed limit yet, we will keep our fingers crossed!

10. He is a hard worker.

11. He is creative and loves to build things.

12. He finds ways to earn money and is great at saving for what he wants.

13. He honors the priesthood.

14. He loves to go hunting!

15. He loves to spend time with his grandparents!

16. He is easy going and fun to hang out with.

My Ipod and I Did It Again!

2010-06-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

As I laid in bed I could hear the rain. Not just a sprinkle but real rain. The kind you don't want to be running in. The kind that makes you turn off your alarm and snuggle back into the covers. I had a race to run though. A race I had been training for and a race I was prepared for. As I lay there listening to the rain I made a few wardrobe adjustments in my head and waited. I woke up before the alarm (I don't think I really slept anyway) and got ready and the rain continued. I drove to the race start and the rain continued. I wondered if this would become a biathlon, running and swimming :) I pinned on my bib and boarded the bus and the rain continued. The bus reached its destination and the rain ceased. It was cold and wet but no rain.
As I visited with some fellow runners I predicted it would be a dry run. They smiled at me and began talking about previous rainy runs and how horrible they were. I commented on the beauty of the morning. They chuckled at my optimism. I guess I should have told them I am a Washington girl at heart, and it really was beautiful.
The race began a few minutes early and we were all grateful. No rain only pounding feet and light conversations. My Ipod and I had begun! I felt great! The view was spectacular! The music was rockin!
As I headed down Provo Canyon I could see the Utah Valley Marathoners running. Some were running strong, some were struggling, some were walking. I said a quick prayer for them, I wish I could have lent them my fresh running legs. They were inspiring. I thought of our good friend Riley. I knew he was running the marathon and wished him well.
I had a goal to finish my race in 1 hour 40 minutes. I was hoping to shave a few minutes off of that time. As a I ran I wondered how I was doing. I felt strong and confident. I had prepared well. As I neared the finish I could see the time clock. 1 hour 27 minutes. Did you see that, 1 hour 27 minutes! I started to cry. Then I saw my family. More crying while still trying to breathe normal and run. Brian was taking pictures and my kids were cheering me on. I am yelling, "do you see the clock?!"
I had a great morning. Oh, and it didn't rain the whole time!

Early Morning 5K

2010-05-29T12:57:00.001-07:00

I ran a 5K this morning. This is the first race I have ran with just me and my ipod. I was a bit nervous. I have always ran with a group of friends. As you know, when girlfriends get together they love to talk, and we do!

When I first began running my friend Teri and I ran the Payson Onion Day 5K. We were pleased with our race until the guy running behind us said, "You would both run a lot faster if you didn't talk." We laughed because he was probably right and we beat him!

Today I didn't talk, well I sang in my head but that doesn't count! I ran and I ran hard. I couldn't have talked. Last year I ran a 5K and today I beat that time by 4 minutes!! I guess he was right and I bet I would still beat him!

I am running a 10mile race on June 12. Just me and my trusted ipod! I will let you know how it goes!

Birthday Girl

2010-04-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

When Tanner, our oldest, had a birthday I was always so excited that he was getting bigger and couldn't wait for him to be able to have more experiences. Today is Emma, our youngest, birthday and boy do I wish I could stop time. She is growing up way to fast and it makes me sad. She can't wait to get bigger and since there is no stopping time we are just enjoying the ride! Here are seven things we adore about her!

1. She has a great laugh!

2. She leaves us notes and pictures.

3. She still likes to be rocked to sleep.

4. She likes to play school which makes me happy!

5. She loves to hold hands.

6. She is a great soccer player and has overcome her shyness on the field.

7. She loves primary!

Happy birthday Emma! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Birthday Boy

2010-04-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Noah!

2010-04-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

Noah is 9 years old! Can you believe it, 9 years old! Where did the time go? He is such a great part of our family. Here are 9 things we love, love, love about him.

1. His smile! One look and your hooked!

2. He lets me lay in bed with him and read.

3. He would be a great cowboy but is happy living in town.

4. He loves to pray.

5. He still holds our hands.

6. He is kind to everyone and tries to include the kids that are being left out.

7. He loves school and that warms his mom's heart.

8. He loves to read the sports page, especially about B.Y.U., and weather every morning.

9. He loves to play hockey, baseball, ride his bike and anything else that keeps him moving!

People

2010-03-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wish I didn't care what other people thought. I wish I didn't care so much about making other people happy or like me. I think I fear that if I stop caring so much I will turn into the jerk of the world. I need to find a balance. Any ideas?

Lessons from Hockey

2010-03-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we are a hockey family. This year we had all three boys playing and boy was it crazy at times. Emma has vowed to NEVER play hockey! We have spent almost every weekend from September to March sitting in an often cold ice rink cheering for our boys. I have wondered, as you may also, why we are doing this. Don't get me wrong, before we had kids Brian and I enjoyed the occasionally hockey game. In fact, we went to a hockey game on our first date. Destiny you may think, maybe maybe not. Anyway hockey has become a way of life in our home.

This has been Noah's first year playing goalie. As I watched him warm up and play in his games it reminded me of two brothers who used to be smaller than the net. Watching him helped me remember the joy of playing for fun. The pressure of competition is absent. We were able to watch some players perfect their snow angels on the ice. Some were in it to win it. The majority loved what they were doing and it showed. Joy, that is what we learned from watching Noah. Thanks buddy for a great season!

I remember a game when Nic's team went into overtime. When no one scores in overtime you have a shoot out. Not like the OK corral style but as the mom of the goalie it felt like it. What happened was each team choose three players to get one chance to shoot on the goalie. As I looked at Nic, ready in the net, all I could see was my little boy, the one who loved to be snuggled. Oh how I wanted to go down and stand by him, to take the shots for him. Lesson for me. He was prepared. He knew what to do and he did it well. His team won and I will admit I shed some tears. Did Nic need me, no he knew what to do. Was he nervous, of course. Was he ready for the challenge? Yes. This experience will play itself out in many forms in Nic's life. I hope we are preparing him well. I know he will be up for the task and we will always have his back.

When I look at Noah in his goalie gear I can't help but think of Tanner and how he has changed. He is bigger than the net now and is a great goalie. He has had a variety of seasons over the years. Some have been championship years and others lacking in the winning department. We have watched him have excellent defense. They kept the puck away from the net and protected their goalie. They made his job look easy. He has had other times where it was just him and the other team. Alone in enemy teritory. Not a fun place to be but he uses the skills he has been taught and more time than naught he prevails. Isn't that so like life. Sometime we are surrounded by others that can help us succeed, but there will always be sometime in our life when we are left alone to see what we are made of. Tanner has proven himself time and time again on and off the ice. We are grateful he is our son.

Next winter we will be back on the ice, ready for new experiences and challenges. Yes, our boys can skate and defend off a puck, but they are learning skills that will help them face the challenges and experiences of life. I know this has been a long post, but it's for my boys and I don't think they mind.

Weight Watchers, please be mine

2010-02-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

So here's the deal. I just got back from In n Out. Great food. Tomorrow I am starting weight watchers again. I need to get back in control. I need a plan. I need to practice some self control. I need all the working out I do to make a difference, not just allow me to eat at In n Out and maintain my muffin top instead of letting it explode! My game plan is to let all of you in on my quest so that you can encourage me and help keep me on the path to better food choices. My sister called and asked if I wanted to run a half marathon with her and my older sister. Game on! I have a goal now. The race is in June. I don't want to be last, not really worried about being first either :) I have cool sisters and I want to run with them and then maybe do a little shopping. Sounds fun huh! So if you see me reaching for the peanut M n M's go ahead and ask me about the race I am running in, if I have a crazed look in my eyes maybe head me in the direction of the small peanut M n M bag instead of the 2lb. one. Thanks in advance for your help!

Happy Birthday Nick!

2010-01-19T17:00:00.001-08:00

Today Nic turns 13! Yea! Anybody that knows Nic loves him. He is a great friend, fun brother and wonderful son. I have read other blogs where they write as many great things about the birthday person for how many years old they are. I can think of many more things beyond 13 that are great about Nic but for now I will stick to 13! Happy birthday Nicholas!

1. He gives the best hugs!

2. He will still tell his parents he loves them, even when his friends are around.

3. If there is a good time to be enjoyed, count Nic in!

4. He lets his mom spell his name Nic even though he likes Nick.

5. He loves a good joke.

6. He can't ever finish a good joke because he is laughing before he even gets to the punch line.

7. He is sensitive to other people feelings.

8. He is very loyal to his family and friends.

9. He looks out for the underdog.

10. He doesn't worry about following the crowd.

11. He loves to play with his sister and brothers.

12. He is awesome at stopping the puck!

13. He is proud to be Nic!

2010-01-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning

2010-01-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas this year! We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma Runolfson's house. We had great food and a fun visit with Santa! We spent some time with Great Grandma Runolfson and then made our annual trip to the cemetery to light candles. It is a beautiful tradition. Christmas morning was full of screams and delights. The older boys each received an IPod touch and Noah got a B.Y.U. Ipod. ( He LOVES Taylor Swift and like to listen to the primary songs they are learning this year for their program.) All Emma wanted was an American Girl doll. Every day we were reminded. She told Santa that she understood if he couldn't get her one, but that was all she really wanted though. Her heart was set and Santa did not disappoint! It was a fun day!

Dance Your Heart Out

2010-01-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

Emma's dance teacher gives the children an opportunity to choreograph their own dance routine. She and her friend Hannah danced together this year. Skipping is such a great skill! They had a blast and felt like stars! It was so worth it!

Noah's third grade program

2010-01-16T12:34:00.001-08:00

We started out the holidays with Noah's third grade program. What a great way to bring the Christmas spirit! It was really fun to hear him practicing all the songs around the house. My favorite was Silver Bells. My grandpa had my mom play it every year on the piano before we could open presents Christmas Eve. Every time I would hear it on the radio it warmed my heart. I miss my grandpa. Noah has some great friends in his class. Enjoy the pictures!

Go Girls!

2009-11-29T18:27:00.000-08:00

Soccer at B.Y.U.

2009-11-29T18:15:00.000-08:00

Emma had a really fun soccer season this year! I had fun being one of the coaches. I actually just substituted the kids in during the game, but everyone needs a job right?! Anyway her team was able to run out with the B.Y.U. girls soccer team before the game started and then they played during half time. They had a great time and felt so grown up! This was the game prior to the famous hair pulling and fighting incident. I was glad the girls did not have to see that. We are excited for spring soccer. Emma loves to play and we love watching her!

Jump Rope Miracles

2009-11-15T13:57:00.001-08:00

I have a student in my class this year with unique circumstances. The first week of school I knew this year would be a test of my patience and ability to teach. This student gave me some challenges that I have not had to deal with before. Every day for the first week he would run away. He worries constantly about food. He disrupts the class. He doesn't finish most of his work. He needs repeated reminders and assurance about his daily schedule. I love him. He is easy to love. He has a lot of emotional problems that are so unfair and causes many disruptions throughout our day and I love him.

Recess is a big deal, especially for first graders. Every recess you can find a group of kids jumping rope. Do you remember taking turns turning the rope and chanting Cinderella dressed in yellow . . . Anyway, the other day the line began forming and this one boy got in line. I was helping turn the rope and I knew he hadn't jumped before. I was worried about how this was going to turn out. He came up to the rope and missed the first jump. I told him to try again and he missed. The other children were anxious for their turn but I told him to try again. I told him that I would tell him when to jump. As the rope came around I said "jump". His feet left the ground only high enough to barely clear the rope. Again I called out "jump". He made it again. Soon all the children were calling "jump" for this boy. The spirit was strong. The children were united in helping one of their classmate succeed. The smile on his face was priceless. I tried to control my emotions, but even now it moves me to tears. "I did it teacher, I've never jumped rope before." Such joy, pure joy. A miracle had taken place. Heaven and earth were one. For a short moment a boy who has more challenges than seems fair was "just like everyone else".

This moment in this child's education will not be measured on his end of the year test. He will not receive honors for his accomplishment. This exact experience will never be replayed again, but isn't education far more than reading, writing, and math. I sure hope so because if I am wrong then I need to change professions.

Dancing With the Stars No More

2009-10-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

I love watching Dancing With the Stars. In fact, my parents got me hooked on it. Tonight may just be the last night I watch because Emma likes to watch it also. As we were watching one of the teams got ready to dance. The boy took off his shirt. The girl had on a bikini style outfit covered in fringe. The boy and girl began to dance and Emma said, "they are not modest are they mom." Can't really agrue with that. Then they begin to bump and grind. Apparently this is a new dance to the show, a forbidden dance. Emma then asks, "do they love each other?" so I ask, "do you think they do?" and she responds, "it sure looks like it!" Is that what love looks like, lust for sure! Now it is time for damage control! Donny Osmond just danced. Emma thought he was modest, now if we can just keep him from pretending to kiss Bruno!

Our Family

2009-10-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

We decided to head up the canyon and take some family pictures. We bought a new camara and wamted to play around with it a bit. WE LOVE IT! There is a lot we need to learn but we already feel like we have much better pictures now! Enjoy!

Cousins!

2009-09-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with our cousins! We went to the Grotto up Payson Canyon. It is a favorite place, easy hike and a beautiful waterfall at the end. All the Runolfsons sure wish the Williams lived closer!

RODEO KING

2009-09-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

Tanner participated in his first dirt biking event! He did a dirt biking rodeo! I knew we had a little bit of western in us! He did barrels and something where he drove over railroad ties. I don't really know all the lingo. He had a lot of fun. I am amazed at how much he is willing to try new things. I wish I had the same courage! Go Tanner!

First Day of First Grade!

2009-09-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

My friend asked if I wanted a picture with Emma for the first day of school. I told her that we took one at home and she said, ''Sure, but now she needs one with her teacher!" It has been great having her in my class. I love being able to see her interact with other children her age, and I just love to look at her. She has the best smile!

Sensitive Ears

2009-07-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

Noah has always had a hard time with loud noises. The Fourth of July parade is a challenge with all the sirens, cannons and guns. Brian brings ear plugs for him and then he plugs his ears and we put our hands over his ears. It's quite the system. I have vivid memories of being afraid at the parades when I was little. My mom or dad would take me into one of the stores while the cannons or pirates came by. At least we don't have pirates here. Hey, why were there pirates anyway?

Dressed in the Red, White and Blue!

2009-07-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

I love the Fourth of July and the kids are really good at letting me dress them in red, white and blue. Any excuse of a new outfit, right! I made Emma and her friend Hannah matching skirts for the celebration. I thought they looked so cute, I wished I could wear one too!

Summer Of Baseball

2009-07-04T14:41:00.001-07:00

The kids have had fun playing baseball this summer. Nic has had fun playing catcher this year. His team has played much better this year, it has been a nice change from losing almost every game last year! Noah is at the height of his glory. He had two home runs and is well on his way to becoming the next Ichiro. Emma played T-ball for the first time this year. Brian and I were her coaches. Brian also coached Noah so. . . I got to coach Emma's team most of the time. Girls are very different than boys! It was a fun season, according to Emma , the Bumblebees were undefeated! I love this picture of Emma. One would think that she is jumping to catch the ball, right? Of course not, there was a fuzzy floating by and she wanted to catch it! Priorities!

Just One More Easter Picture

2009-05-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday

2009-05-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here Comes Peter Cottontail!

2009-04-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

I love EASTER! It is probably my favorite holiday, besides Christmas, Halloween and every other holiday! No really, I love spring! I love finding Easter eggs, the pretty spring colors, pretty Easter dresses and ties, tulips and daffodils etc. I love the renewal Easter brings. We had a wonderful time with Brian's family. Great food, lots of eggs to find and fun cousin time for the kids. The Easter Bunny successfully found our house and all were sufficiently spoiled. We have enough candy for our year supply but it will probably only last for the week! As I reflect on the "fun" of Easter my thoughts turn to Brian's dad. Gary was always so fun and even silly on the holidays. Being with his grandkids always seemed to bring out the kid in him. It was always so apparent the joy he felt when surrounded my those he loved. With his passing Easter has become a tender holiday in our home. We have had the opportunity to share our feelings about the Crucifixion and Resurrection with our children in a way that we may not have before. The doctrine of the Resurrection has taken on such personal meaning in our home. The first Easter Gary was gone the kids took some Easter eggs up to the cemetery for their Grandpa. A few days later we went back and the eggs were gone. Noah and Emma were so excited! They thought that Grandpa came back! They often ask, "When is Jesus coming back? We want to see Grandpa." How we wish we had an answer, how we wish we could see him too! I feel hope, joy and peace in knowing that I will see Gary again. This really is why I love Easter.

Lifesavers

2009-03-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

Tanner tried out for the 9th grade baseball team this week. I was surprised that he wanted to tryout because hockey is his love. I was nervous and a bit worried. Why is it when our children try something new, encounter a difficult challenge or experience success it feels like our hearts are right out there with them? Tanner found out this morning that he didn't make the team. He was fine, I was a little teary. Not because I love baseball more than life itself and think the only way my child will achieve true happiness is by playing on the 9th grade team. When we got his text that said "nope" I was brought back to good old Snohomish High School! My Sophomore year I was a cheerleader and was trying out for the Varsity squad. I was nervous but confident also, does that make sense? Anyway, I didn't make it. I was devastated! We found out at the end of the day over the announcements who had made the squad. Isn't that an awful way to let people know! I was humiliated. My friends tried to say all the right things, but I still felt horrible. The halls had emptied for the day and I was sitting by my locker still crying. ***Flashback time***there used to be a Lifesaver candy commercial where a boy had just missed the winning shot at a high school basketball game. He was the only one left in the gym. You could almost feel the discouragement he felt. Sad music was playing, the lights were dim. In walks his dad. (are you getting choked up?) The dad hands his son a pack of Lifesavers and they embrace. OK, back to the story. ***
Remember, the halls were empty but me pathetically crying. My dad walks down the hall and sat down by me. He handed me a pack of Livesavers. I lost it. He didn't have to say anything.
Now I have a better understanding of how he must have felt. He left work and knew that I needed him. A pack of lifesavers is such a simple thing, but it was the love it represented that meant the world to me. Yes, I survived not being a cheerleader that year. Yes, I tried out the next year and made the squad. No, being a cheerleader did not define my life, thank goodness. My dad being there for me when I felt, in my dramatic way that my life was over, did help define me as a person. I tend to cheer for the underdog. I cry for the one left out. I want to shield all mankind from hurt and disappointment, (I know, a little dramatic). We won't always "make the team" in life. That is part of the plan. I am grateful to have experienced disappointment so that I can truly feel joy. I do know the difference. I am grateful for the "lifesaving" people in my life who help pick me back up when discouragement sets in. Most importantly I am grateful to have a Dad who took the time out of his day to be my lifesaver!
Side note - Tanner did not inherit my dramatic side. He is just fine. He may tryout for the golf team, run track, maybe take up dirt biking, who knows. All I know is that he is happy! What more could a mother ask for?

2009-02-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

Family Time

2009-02-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

Over President's Day weekend we spent the afternoon sledding/snowboarding up the canyon. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and it was a great rest from the craziness of the daily grind. Tanner and Nick had fun snowboarding. Noah and Brian even took a try at it. Noah attempted to sled using the snow shovel and Emma tried to sled on anything and everything she could get her hands on! We made snowmen and snow angels, ate fresh snow (we hope) and wore ourselves out!

Am I Seeing Double?

2009-02-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

We recently celebrated the 100th day of school and what a celebration it was! In Kindergarden the kids get to make a poster showing 100 of anything they want. Emma LOVES Swedish Fish, red ones! We decided to make a poster to show her "true love". I have to say, I think her poster was by far the cutest! Needless to say she has since eaten ALL the fish from her poster!

Emma, where is....

2009-02-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

If you are missing something you should always ask Emma. She is either wearing it, cutting it, hiding it or saving it for later! What would we do without her!

Snowman poop! Oh my!

2009-02-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

Noah is in second grade this year. Part of the holiday celebration is to make gingerbread houses with a parent. Brian came with him and I was able to have someone watch my class so I could be there too! (My classroom is right next door so it worked out great!) I love this picture because it shows Noah's great smile! For the feastivies each child can bring their own candy. We found some mini Jr. Mints at the store and thought they would be great. My first thought was what a cute cobblestone walkway they would make. Then I remembered that I am the mother of three boys and one very silly girl being raised with boys. While making his gingerbread house the cute cobblestones became "snowman poop". For those easily offended I understand if you log off now, for those that know my family you can understand his big smile and laughter! What is it that makes little (and sometimes big) boys think bodily functions are so funny? Anyway the "snowman poop" was a hit and many others added that great feature to their creations!

2009-02-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Nicholas was ordained a Deacon in our church. It was such a great day. He was surrounded by people who love him and want him to have a happy and successful life. He is such an easy boy to love. He is so generous with his affection and smiles. Our lives would not be complete without Nicholas.

Gingerbread Houses with the Newmans

2009-01-28T18:35:00.001-08:00

Every year we get together with our friends the Newmans to make gingerbread houses. This has become a tradition that we all look forward to! The adults have as much fun, if not more, as the kids. It is hard to come off of our sugar high after a night of building and eating and eating and eating! We are already coming up with big plans for next year! Long live gingerbread house building with the Newmans!

2009-01-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is very late, but here is our Halloween picture!

Pinkalicious Book Club!

2008-12-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

Emma had her first book club last month. I guess she was tired of mom leaving for book club and being told that is was for mom's only! Way to take charge Emma! We love the book Pinkalicious because, of course, anything pink is absolutely wonderful! She invited a few friends, she would have had a whole army of giggly girls dressed in pink if mom thought she could handle it, and had a rich book discussion, decorated pink cupcakes and the girls wrote and illustrated their own version of Pinkalicious. (I think some of the guests were hoping to turn pink.) We can't wait until the next book club! Any suggestions?

Fun with the fam!

2008-12-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

I have a boy in my class who's parents own Cornbellys. They were kind enough to give us tickets for our whole family to go and enjoy a night together. It was really fun. One of the highlights was seeing Brian with long hair! Don't you love the picture! The kids got a real kick out of it! We can tell that our family is getting older. Some of the things that the little kids wanted to do were not appealing at all to the "big" boys and vice versa. Oh well, that's part of being in a family! Enjoy some of our favorite pictures!

Cousin Fun!

2008-10-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

We took our cousins to the Dead Animal Museum, otherwise known as the Bean Museum and to Cabela's! It was great fun. I think we may have a few wild animals of our own.!

2008-10-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Emma's teacher came to her recital. She was so excited to see her. It made her day!

Dance Recital

2008-10-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Emma had a great dance recital this year! Of course we were the teary eyed parents thinking our daughter was the best and most beautiful one. (Along with all the other parents!:)) She sure loves her Dad!

Yea for the ZOO!

2008-10-06T20:12:00.001-07:00

2008-10-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Emma's birthday is close to Easter so that last two years she has had an Easter egg hunt as part of her party. This year she wanted a Fancy Nancy Easter Egg hunt. If you know the books you will appreciate this picture. Her friends came all fancy and fun was had by all! Another successful party!

Trying to Catch UP!!!

2008-10-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

O.K., so it has been brought to my attention that I am not the best blogger. I love the idea of being a great blogger, but to be honest I am not on top of my game. I am going to attempt to update you on the last 6 months or so of our lives. Won't this be exciting! Just know that I have the desire, just not the organization! :)

2008-10-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Hee Haw Farm! It was great to get away and not have to worry about school, hockey, cleaning, jobs . . . well you get the idea! There was a lot to do! We highly recommend it. We also like Cornbelly's. The kids and I have gone there on field trips and love it!

Elder Brown

2008-04-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Here is Brian and Elder Taylor Brown. It was fun to have breakfast with Taylor before he left. He is a great guy! We are excited for him to be able to finally get to Mexico! Ok, I know the picture is on its side but I am still trying to figure out how to work this blog, so we take what we can get :) it just adds varitey!

2008-03-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Nick is in fifth grade this year and as part of their US history studies they have a wax museum. Each child "becomes" someone in history and the parents get to come to the museum and learn about the different people. Nick chose Jim Craig. He was the goalie for the USA hockey team in 1980 when they won the gold. Nick did a great job! It was fun to see all of the kids, but Nick was our favorite.

2008-03-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Our school had Cosmo, the mascot at BYU come and have breakfast with the kids. It was really fun, especially because we have some very loyal BYU fans at our house. What a great way to start the day!

Welcome to us!

2008-03-20T16:33:00.001-07:00

Hey! We are so excited to blog! We hope you enjoy what you read!