The Kidds

October Fest

2010-09-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went with our friends the Holts to Oktoberfest up at Snowbird. We rode the tram up the mountain and got up there just in time to hear the apline horns be played. They sounded amazing up on top of the mountain. We took a little walk and then rode the chairlift down the mountain. No trip to Oktoberfest would be complete without dinner. We had wonderful German food while listening to polka music and watching people dance to it. It was cute to watch parents take their little kids up to the dance floor and dance. For dessert we had the most delicious German Chocolate Cake! Thanks to the Holts for coming up with such a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Whistler

2010-09-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

In July Richard and I had the chance to go to Whistler, Canada. It was so beautiful and we had a blast. On the second day there, we took the Peak-to-Peak chair lift. We went up Backcombe Mountain and came down on Whistler Mountain. To get between the two mountains we took a gondola that crossed the space between the two mountains. The distance between the mountains is 4.4 km with 3.4 km unsupported by any towers. It was an amazing experience. The photo up above shows the distance between the two mountains. On the way down we got to see a black bear eating dinner. Just after we saw the bear it began to rain.

The view from the gondola between the peaks.

This is the symbol for the Olympics. On our last day there, we went and saw where they held the skiing events.

This is the beach that was about 30 minutes away from Whistler.

This picture is blurry because I took it from the car while Richard was driving. This is the view we got to enjoy all the way along the sea to sky highway that goes from Vancouver to Whistler. It is such beautiful country and I hope we get a chance to go up there again.

SOCCER

2010-09-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Dallin began soccer. He practices 3 days a week and has at least 1 game a week. A few of the weeks he has 2 games a week. His coach is really into soccer and Dallin is learning so much so fast. He loves to run and is one of the fastest boys on the team. This week as their second game and I remembered to charge the battery to my camera this week (last week was not my best camera moment.) so I have pictures. He is making friends and looks forward to his practice almost every day. This week the coach taught them the positions and today at the game he would assign them the positions and they played where they were supposed to. His team is the silver dragons and he is number 4! I am so glad that we have found a sport he loves. He keeps telling me that he is so glad we let him play soccer this year.

I sure love this little guy!

Becca turned 16!!!

2010-08-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

March 14th my little girl turned 16. My how the years have flown. I do not feel old enough to have a daughter that can date and drive. To celebrate, I threw her a suprise birthday party. Our good friend Connie was kind enough to help me chaperone and my parents were kind enough to let me use their house since it is bigger than mine. Here friends came, Richard brought her later and all had a good time.

The awsome typewriter so got from her friend Robert.

The Past Year

2010-08-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

So my husband and Jana let me know that it had been a while since I blogged and it was time to update my blog. While, since I finished my masters I have a little bit of free time so I will. Please bear with me while I update y'all about what has been happening in our house. I'll start in January.

January- Kiersten turned 13.

February- Nothing exciting

March- Becca turned 16 (I'll do a sperate post about that later.) Dallin turned 6.

April- nothing

May- nothing

June- girls camp

July- Ranks family runuion, Nelson family reunion, and Whistler Canada

While, that is the down and dirty of what has been going on here the past few years. I will work to do better at updating the blog from now on.

Craft Projects

2009-09-18T21:06:00.001-07:00

Back in May, I found this pattern for a bag. I loved it and thought that it would be great to carry all of my things for church in. I have been looking at it, got the strips sewn, and then left it for two months. The other day I was talking to a friend and she was saying how this year she made a goal to finish all the unfinished projects lying around. This inspired me to pick up the bag and finish it. Tonight I finally did it. It is not exactly how I wanted it to look, but it is much better than the ugly black bag I was using.

The bottom picture is the quilt I made for Guy and Erin's baby boy. I finished this this summer but had yet to post the photo. I decided that it was time to post the photos. This is a quilt that I have been wanting to make for a while. I LOVE the sock monkey fabric. Now if I can just get the quilt made for Dallin that I bought the fabric for when he was 6 months old.

Fall

2009-09-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

I love Autumn. It probably has something to do with spending many of my growing up years in the New England area. Nothing compares to a New England fall. The colors are beautiful and there is just a feeling that I can't explain. I still get excited to see the trees change color. I love the cool brisk mornings that turn into comfortable days. The smells of fall are yummy too. Pumpkin pie and apple cobbler. I always crave Boston Brown bread this time of year and a bowl of clam chowder.

This morning as I was coming home from dropping the kids off at school, I was driving down the road and it felt cool. It smelled cool. I saw the kids riding their bikes to school and they had jackets on. I got excited because that means fall is here!

For a quick change of subject, I love our little town. It is still small enough that you can know the people who live near you and have them wave when you drive by. The people are the best and watch out for each other. Since I will probably never have the chance to live in New England again, I am glad I get to live in my little town!

To Do Lists

2009-07-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

To do lists, what is it about them that just motivates me? I love them. I can look at a job that needs doing and put it off but once it makes the list I have to get it done. In college I carried around my Franklin planner. Every morning I faithfully filled out my to do list and ordered them. I love it. It gave me a purpose to my day, it gave me order and structure. A couple of years ago I decided that I did not need the list anymore, I could just remember the list and get it finished. Boy was I wrong. Not that things did not get done, just not as much as I would like to have done in a day. Yesterday I created the first list I have made in a long time. It was like welcoming home a long lost friend. I hung it on my fridge and joyously crossed off the tasks as I finished them. It made me happy to see the jobs crossed off. I guess I never grew out of wanting gold star for doing work well and crossing off the job gives me the same thrill I used to get when a paper was returned in school and it had a sticker and the wonderful 100 at the top!

Name Tags

2009-07-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

I hate name tags. I know they serve a purpose but I hate them. I feel like a walking Teddy Ruxpin without having to say a word. Also, if I want you to know my name I will tell you and if I want to know yours I'll ask. Do we have to force everyone to know who we are.
Today while procrastinating my homework and house cleaning I saw this name tag and it made me laugh (might have something to do with this being one of my favorite lines in a movie). I think next time I have to wear one of these name tags, this is what I am going to put.

Trip to Boise

2009-06-24T12:44:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, after chrurch, Dallin, Sarah, Elphie, and I went up to Boise to visit my sister Chris and her family. One of the purposes of the week was to learn to can meat. We did and I am excited to eat it with my family. We also pressure canned pinto beans and they turned out wonderful! While Chris and I were busy canning, the kids had a great time playing together. Elphie and Aisa, the dogs, also had a great time together. Dallin and Ethan are beginning to become great friends which makes me so happy. I am glad that they each will have a cousin they enjoy hanging out with when we get together as a family.
Friday night was girls and guys night. Steve took Dallin and Ethan to the father son camp out and they had a great time. Dallin came home very excited that the had roasted hot dogs and made s'mores. He also enjoyed riding the 4 wheeler. Thanks Steve for taking him.
While the boys were camping the girls got a pedicure, went to dinner at Johnny Carinos, and went home to eat junk food and watch Beverly Hills Chauaua(I have no idea how to spell it). IT was soo funny!
Thanks Chris and Steve for a great week. It is always so fun to vist you all.

Chris and Steve bought new couches that are electeric reclinars and have to be plugged in to work. Ethan set his littl piano on the cords and I had to take picture because it made me laugh when I saw it.

Sarah poising for Chris and I while Chris taught me how to use the apature and shutter speed on my camera. Thanks for being so patient Sarah! I am excited that I now know how to use it and will not have to use auto or program any more!

Dallin showing Ethan something on the computer.

Dallin and Ethan plying in the sandbox. Dallin had so much fun playing in the sandbox that I have convienced Richard to build him one in the next week.

The first batch of meat. As you can see in the background we also made ice cream.

Dallin playing on the swing set

Ethan saw me with a camera and posed for me. Soo cute! Miss you guys lots and cannot wait to see you all soon

One of the days there we went swimming. When we got home, Dallin wanted to wear his jammies insead of cloths. He asked for a pickel, went to the couch to watch tv and this is how i found him about 10 minutes later. Swimming can really take it out of you.

Last day of school

2009-06-19T07:20:00.001-07:00

The last hour and a half of school I was at Kiersten's graduation. When I returned to my classroom, my board was covered with notes from the students. It is little things like this that make my job all worthwhile. It also makes summer break a little bitter sweet. Just when you get this years class trained as to how you want them be behave in class and in the halls, the school year ends and a new group comes in.

Kiersten's 6th Grade Graduation

2009-06-19T07:04:00.001-07:00

On June 5th Kiersten graduated from 6th grade. My little girl is offically a 7th grader now. She will no longer go to school with me every morning. I am going to miss that time with her. Kiersten gave a wonderful speech at the beginning of the graduation. You would never have known that she tends to be shy. She stood up there with great poise and spoke slowly. She was amazing. My video camera died right as she was beginning to talk or I would have posted her speech. She recieved the Hope of America award from the Kawanas and then was presented a diploma. Grandma Ranks came and brought her a beautiful flower lei.

Recieving her Hope of America award

Giving her speech

Walking into the Gym

With her favorite teacher- Terrilynn

Getting ready for the clap out. Each year the 6th graders walk through the hall while all of the classes stand by thier doors and clap for the 6th graders. It is a fun tradition.

May Craft

2009-06-19T07:00:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to post a picture of last months girls craft night. I love how the board looks in my kitchen!

Our Family Memorial Day BBQ/Craft night

2009-05-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday all the family came over to hangout. The guys and Becca (thanks boys for letting her come. She loved hanging out with all of you.) took off in the early afternoon to watch Terminator. The girls watched the kids and visited with each other and grandma Kidd. When the boys got home, we had a wonderful bbq. Thanks Erin for making your fabulous bean salsa and Drue for making your broccoli salad, they were both yummy. After dinner the girls began their craft! I was excited that we actually made it happen and this is craft month number two. For our craft this month we made magnet boards. Erin came up with the idea and it was a great one. It was soo fun to see how each of us could take the same board and come out with something completly different. They all turned out wonderful. I can't wait to do it again next month!

Becca crating on the computer

Kiersten and Sarah

A Great picture of Guy and Erin

Drue

Parker, he kept running away from grandpa while he tried to take the picture

Shantel working on her board

Kolby and Kenzie playing

Shantel's board

Mickie and AnnaBelle working on her board

I'm one proud mamma

2009-05-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight Richard and I went to the Jr. High to the 9th grade honor awards night. We had no idea what it would be but Becca was invited so away we went. We were so proud of her. She recieved 4 awards for academic excellence and 1 outstanding for her district quartet. Wow!!! Unfortuantly I forgot to take my camera so I have no pictures of tonight. I am soooo proud of her. (have i said that enough?) She amazes me everyday. I am so proud to be her mother and she makes being a mother so easy (well, all my kids do). Keep up the good work Becca. I can't wait to see what you do in High School!

My Crazy World

2009-05-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

What was I thinking last year when I decided that getting my masters was a good idea? I think I had a moment of insanity. While, i guess it is probably not my first nor will it be my last, but tonight it is really getting to me. I am trying to write a paper that I really do not what to write, the schools web site is down and I am sitting here wondering what I was thinking. It does not help that this particular class I have just not been able to get into. Educational Finance. I know it is important, and if they would have just given my number to cruch I would have done it easily and been a happy camper ( in another life I thought Iwanted to be an accountant. I have a degree in accounting finished except for a semester but that is another story). I guess that when it comes to finance, theroy just does not float my boat, i want something that actually gives me some examples of what I am going to be expected to do when they put me in a school and tell me I am in charge.
THanks for letting me rant, Next year at this time I am sure I will be posting about how glad I am that I got my masters and that I am almost done.

Funny picture

2009-05-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

I saw this motivational poster on another blogg and it made me laugh. That is so me. That is why I am writing this post instead of a paper on educational finance.

The things we do for our kids

2009-04-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight I made pork chops for dinner. Dallin excitedly came in and said, "Oh boy, chicken" when his sisters tried to explain to him what it is, he became upset and said that if it was not chicken he was not going to eat it becasue chicken is his favorite. We called it pc chicken and he ate the whole thing. Meat in our house now has new names so if you are ever at our house at dinner time, let me fill you in....
pork chops=pc chicken
turkey= t chicken
chicken=c chicken

My silly boy and my very creative girls. Good thing they love him so much!

Easter Weekend

2009-04-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

This year for Easter we went to Boise and spent it with my sister Chris and her family. We had so much fun and cannot wait to see them again. As per tradition, the kids all got new Easter outfits. We decided that this year we would get Dallin a suit thanks to the great discount we get from Scott Christenson at Mr. Mac in Taylorsville. He looked so cute. When we got home from church, he asked if he could stay in his suit to hunt Easter eggs becuase he looked "Spiffy". I have to agree with him, he does look spiffy.

Dallin's fingers after dying eggs

Dying Easter eggs

Ethan and Chris dying egg

Becca doing what she love to do, Video Games

This is the first of many flowers we made with Chris to decorate her home for Easter. They are made with Paper bags. Thanks for planning a fun craft for the girls Chris!

Chris and Kiersten woring on the flowers.

Sarah beginning her first flower. She loved this activity. She made many flowers over the next few days.

Dallin playing in the backyard.

Dallin and Sarah

Becca and Ethan playing the computer. Ethan loved playing with Becca and she with him.

While the Boys are away the girls with play

2009-04-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

Shantel's finished Banner

Tonight Drue, Guy, Jeff, and Richard went to the priesthood session of conference. While they were at conference, Mickie, Shantel, Erin, and I made a banner for spring. We had a lot of fun working while the children played. Sarah did a fabulous job entertaining the little kids playing school. We had so much fun that we have decided to make this a monthly get together. We missed having Karenann with us. Maybe next month

Friday Date Night

2009-04-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

Richard got off work early yesterday so he decided that we

should finish getting the carpet out so that it would be ready for spring cleanup. After much hard work, the capet is out of the livingroom. I am very pleased with the results.

Happy Birthday Dallin

2009-04-04T23:31:00.000-07:00

Dallin turned 5 on the 28th of March. I can't believe that my little boy is already. It seems like just yesterday he was born. He is growing up to become just an amazing little man. We had a great little family party. Dallin enjoyed spending time with his grandparents. I made him a spider man cake which he loved to look at but would not eat it once the candles were blown out.

Conference Center

2009-03-24T14:42:00.001-07:00

On Saturday Dallin, Sarah and I went to the Conference Center with the primary. It was a lot of fun. I had never been there on a tour and so it was very interesting to me. The kids were so well behaved, it was amazing!

Playing in the water up on the roof. The water was a big hit with all the kids.

Very cool stained glass of Lehi's dream. I asked Dallin to stand by it for a picture and he "grabbed" the iron rod.

Very cool mirror.

This glass star hang above a beautiful fountian in the conference center.

Looking up at the star

I love this picture.

Lauri hamming it up- she is pretending to be part of the mural

Walking back to the car

15???? Where has the time gone?

2009-03-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

So people are always saying that the time your kids are young goes by fast and to enjoy it while you have them. Guess what....they are right. Yesterday Becca turned 15. It seems like just yesterday she was a new baby in my arms. She is growing up into the most amazing young women(you would never guess that I am a proud mom). Thinking about her years growing up, I am so greatful that my Heavenly Father has given me the oppurtunity to be her mother. She is incredibly smart, funny, has a great testimony, is kind, beautiful, and so many more things. A friend of hers wrote a great charater sketch of her that somes her up well. She described her as radiating love to all around her. Happy Birthday my wonderful daughter. May this year bring you all the joy you can possibly handle!

Bouncing off the walls!

2009-03-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

Friday, we went to a birthday for a friend from school. The birthday was held friday at bouncing off the walls in Sandy. It was alot of fun. The bouncing room was only for the birthday party people which was fun. It was great to see lots of friends from Daycare.

Like I Don't Have Anything Else To Do

2009-02-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday stated out as such a nice quiet day. I went to Jenn's for a meeting and then headed home to clean the kitchen and write a paper for school. As I was putting away the dishes I felt water dripping on my head. I looked up a and there was a hole which water was comming out of. I placed a bowl under the leak and called my husband to come home quick. My day ended up pulling batting out of the roof and then pulling the carpet up where my husband had thrown the wet batting. After the carpet was pulled up, I had to scrub the floor to get the residue off from some old carpet that had been on the floor at one time. While I have wanted to rip the carpet up, yesterday was not my designated day to do it. I'm happy it is done, although I still have a section in my livingro

om to do. Anyone want to come help?

Section of the livingroom before I scrubbed. YUCKY!!!!

Same section after I scrubbed. It looks even better in natural, no flash light.

Hallway after I scrubbed

Just For Fun

2009-02-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice just for you. However this offer does have some restrictions and rules;
1. I make no guarentees that you will like what I make.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3.It will be done sometime this year.(hopefully sooner rather than later).
4.You have no clue what it is going to be. That is up to me.
5. I reserve the right to do something strange.

The catch, You have to repost this on your blog and do the same for the first 5 people how do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to so this and post a message letting me know that they have posted to thier blog win a FABULOUS gift homemade by me. Oh and be sure to post a picture of what you get when you get it.

Valentines Cookies

2009-02-07T17:37:00.001-08:00

Today everyone came over and for the second annual Valentines cookie decorating party. We had alot of fun but missed those who could not be there. We hope Kolby feels better soon.

Camera Class

2009-02-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

Shantel and I took a camera class from Nikon at the end of January. It was alot of fun and I learned so much about my new camera. The teacher told us to go home and take a picture that night. I did not get one that night but I did take some the next day. I think they turned out pretty well.

Garrett's baby quilt

2009-01-19T16:53:00.000-08:00

I finally got the Garrett's baby quilt finished. I really like how it turned out. I had never hand appliqued before, but it was not as bad as I thought it would be. As far as I have heard, this is the last baby quilt that needs to be done for a while. My goal this year is to get the fabric I bought for Dallin's quilt sewn up by the end of summer.

Happy Birthday Kiersten

2009-01-19T16:46:00.000-08:00

My little girl turned 12 on the 13th of January. I cannot believe how much she has grown and how quickly the time has passed. It seems like just yesterday she was a little baby in my arms. I wish that I had her baby pictures on line and I could post the cute little child. Instead I will just tell you all what makes her so wonderful.

Kiersten is a kind hearted person who is a friend to all. She loves animals and is the enviormentalist in our family. She has a great testimony of the church but is very shy so people do not get to hear it often. She is a great big sister to Sarah and Dallin and little sister to Becca. She has a fabulous laugh and amazing smile. Happy Birthday my beautiful young lady.

Super Heros

2009-01-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

Dallin and his nephews were all playin super heros. Someone saw them playing on my bed and we all rushed in to take pictures. Here is what we found.

Fat Guy

2009-01-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

While Mickie and Jeff were down visiting Dallin and Tietjen had fun playing. Dallin put on two life vests and said. "Look I'm a fat guy. This is what happens when you eat too much candy." He took off one of the life vests and Tietjen put it on and said"Look, I'm a fat guy too." You got to love little kids

Spontanous Party (New Years Eve)

2009-01-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

On New Years Eve we ended up having a spontanous party. Justin, Sierra, Krystal, Pete, and thier kids all came over. We had alot of fun. Krystal brought her delish cabbage rolls. We spent the night playing games and eating. Justin and Sierra had to leave early to make an apperance at his parents and were sorly missed. Krystal, Pete, Richard, Becca, Kiersten and I stayed up until after 2 a.m. playing settlers of Catan.

Very fun game Krystal and Pete brought but I cannot remember the name. We all ganged up on Pete trying to get him out but he ended up winning the game.

The children had fun watching t.v. and eating

Justin being Justin. Kiersten has not clue.

Yummy Socks

2009-01-19T16:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, so maybe it is alittle weird but I had to do it. I made a pair of socks for myself. They are the most comfortable socks I have ever worn. I liked them so much that I have bought yarn to make another pair. Kiersten and Becca want them but I am being selfish with these. They make me so happy when I wear them.

New Web Site

2009-01-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

My sisters and I have decided to start a cooking blog. We love to share recipies with each other and since we end up typing them into an email anyway, we thought we might as well type them into a blog. I am not sure how this will end up but, for now, it is a fun thing to do with my sisters.

Happy Birthday Richard

2008-12-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

Richard's birthday turned into a wonderful and busy day. It started ealy by meeting our friends Loyd and Terr and their family for breakfast. Loyd and Richard share the same birthdays. We had a lot of fun and then took the kids home and headed up to Far West to order Richard's custom Saddle bags. He was nice enough to stop by Tai Pan for me so that I could hit their after christmas sale and pick up a few more decorations for the tree. When we got home, Drue, Shantel, Kolby, and Kenzie came out to dinner with us and then came over to open presents and visit. Shantel and I took pictures of the kids, and are both excited to take a class together and learn to use our cameras better.

Christmas Day

2008-12-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

We had a nice and quiet Christmas day. It was nice to just stay home. The kids woke up around 7 and we begin opening what Santa had brought. Later in the afternoon, Richard went to get his mom and Guy, Erin, and Parker came over. Richard made a wonderful dinner and we just enjoyed spending time together. Erin and I watched most of Mamma Mia, and Guy helped Becca learn to use her new tablet. (I'll post more on that later) .That night we got a wonderful snow storm. Well, wonderful once we knew Guy and Erin where home safely.

New Christmas tree

2008-12-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

I know I am a little late, but better late than never. Ever since I was a little girl, and we came out to Utah to visit Grandma and Grandpa Nelson at Christmas, I have dreamed of having two Christmas trees in my house. This year that became a reality. Richard was a wonderful husband and went to tai pan traiding with me for date night early in November and helped me pick out all of the decorations. We choose red and silver so that it would go with the sliegh bells my parents give us every year for Christmas. It was fun this year to have the pretty tree upstairs and the memory tree (what my kids have named it) downstairs.

One of the sleigh bells

Pretty Ball

DO YOU BELIEVE?

2008-12-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZm0BfXYvFg

Sorry that you have to click to view the video but I could not get it to post from Youtube.

Today, we began a faculty meeting with this video. It was amazing to me and expressed why I do what I do every day. I Beleive in the kids I teach!

TAG- I'm It

2008-11-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

Erin tagged me and so I decided to finaly take a minute (procrastinating homework) and respond.

8 things tag

8 T.V Shows I like

1. Gillmore Girls
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Ugly Betty
4.What not to wear
5. Samantha Who
6.The Dog Whisper
7. Phinias and Ferb
8. Wizards of Waverly Place

8 things I did yesterday

1. Woke up too early and could not go back to sleep.
2. Teach
3. Dishes
4. Took girls to violin and Viola
5. Put gas in the car
6. Listened to Dallin's fhe lesson
7. Played with Elphie
8. Finished my report

8 Things I am looking forward to

1. Putting up the christmas tree
2. Seeing our family pictures
3. My sister Nicole and her family comming out for Thanksgiving
4. Snow!!!!
5. Baking for christmas
6. Christmas Break
7. Finishing my masters
8. Riding lessons

8 Favorite Resturants

1.Franks
2. Franks
3. Franks - yes it is that good
4. Settabellos
5. Red Rock
6. Market Street Grill
7. Log Haven
8. Happy Sumo

8 Things I look forward to

1. A trip to Disneyland
2. Going camping with the horses
3. my house finished the way I want it
4. More free time
5. Becca being able to drive
6. Dallin starting school
7. Elphie being trained
8. Living a healthier lifestyle

8 people I tagg

1. Becca
2. Nicole
3. Chris
4. Eric
5. Connie
6. Everyone from my ward with a blog
7.
8. Number 6 takes care of 7 and 8

My New Love

2008-10-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

It happened. I have been fighting it my entire life but now, I have had to give in. Two weeks ago Dallin and Richard went up to Idaho and brought back Peppy and Janie. Monday, we took the family out to ride for family home evening. That was it. I rode Peppy and fell in love. Janie is too much of a horse for me but Peppy and I have fallen in love. Today, thanks to Justin, my confidance incresed and I was able to trot. Yes, me trotting. I cannot believe it. Latter today we took the kids and grandkids out to ride the horses. I will post about this latter.

Carving Pumpkins

2008-10-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

Today Drue, Shantel, Kolby, McKenzie, Guy,Erin, and Parker came over to carve pumpkins. It was a lot of fun to have them all here.
Dad and Dallin carving their pumpkin

Dig in!

McKenzie and Becca

(Shantel, I need some pictures of Kolby and Drue. If you have any please send them to me so I can add them the post)

We are so glad that everyone could come. We missed those who where not with us.

Circus

2008-09-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took the kids, grandkids, and their parents to the Circus. It was so much fun. All the kids had a great time! We can't wait to do it again next year. Next year we can't wait to take Garrett and his parents with us too.

Twilight

2008-08-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

Have you finished the last book? It was sooooo good! Last Sunday Lindsey and I were talking and we decided that we should plan a girls night to go see the movie when it comes out. I was then talking to Jana and she said lets do it so here is the plan. I looked at the calendar, and I don't want to fight the lines the weekend it comes out and the next weekend is Thanksgiving so I was thinking about the first weekend in December. Either the Thursday or Friday. Leave a message and let me know what day works best and we will plan it.

Becca

2008-08-16T20:06:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family heritage - Family history

Kiersten

2008-08-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Sarah's Turn

2008-08-16T19:56:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Funny meter

2008-08-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Pedigree - Family photo sharing

Shantel posted this cute meter on her blog so I decided that I would try it. It told me that Dallin looks more like Richard than me.

Boise

2008-08-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

At the end of July the kids and I had the oppurtunity to make a quick trip to Boise and spend time with Chris, Steve, and Ethan. One of the days we were there we took the kids to a park they have close to their house. The kids had fun swinging, playing in the sound garden, climbing on the fun jungle gym, and playing in the water.
Thanks Chris and Steve for making our trip so fun.

The Man Fridge

2008-07-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

The girls, Dallin, and I decided to leave today after my training and come up and visit my sister Chris and her family in Boise. Tonight as Chris and I were talking after everyone else went to bed we were talking about her "Man" fridge. There is a story that goes with the fridge and if you want to know it click on the Crump link on the side of my page and she should have a story about her "man" fridge. I loved the fridge and had to post a picture so that all of you could appreciate this wonderful appliance.

Amazing Family

2008-07-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

My sister Nicole has an amazing couple in her ward that is adopting 8 kids from here in Utah. Log on to be amazed and inspired. I wish them the best of luck!
http://web.mac.com/bncrabtree/Rob_and_Jaime_Plus_Eight/Welcome.html

Knitting Summer Away

2008-07-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

When I went to vist Nicole she handed me a bag with the most wonderful yarn in it and said I could have it. I told her I would knit something for her with it. I decided on a sweater for Hannah. It has taken a month but here it is. The Pumpkin hat was something that I did one day becuase I could not move on with the sweater until I visited the Heimstitched Heirlooms and got some help. I have found that knitting brings peace to me soul and lets me just be calm for a while. My next project is a pair of socks. I'll let you know how it goes.

Cute, fast hat

Hannah's new sweater. I still need to stich up one side and put on the buttons.

Days of 47

2008-07-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Kids at at the Rodeo

Cool Opening to the Rodeo, They had a light show, flames that went up into the air and then this 47 lit up.

Yesterday we went to the Days of 47 rodeo with Drue, Shantel and family. It was fun to be there with them. Kolby enjoyed sitting on grandpa's lap and McKenzie was the bell of the ball. She is such a happy cute little girl. Becca, Kiersten,and Sarah enjoyed getting involved and cheering form the cowboys as they did thier thing. Dallin enjoyed deciding what food dad should go get him next. The best part for me was when they announced that a cowboy doing the bareback bronk riding would be riding a horse name Dieter Uchtdorf. A little later they had President Uchtdorf stand up as they found out he was at the rodeo with his family. This was a great night and we hope to do it again with them next year.

President Uchtdorf and family

McKenzie and Sarah

July 4th

2008-07-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic 4th of July. We went to Lagoon with my family. This was the first year that Dallin was willing to ride anything. Sarah was a wonderful sister and rode rides with him for the first little while that we were there so that he could get used to the rides. After about an hour he was ready to ride on his own. Kiersten and Becca went off on thier own for the first time. They were so responsible and checked in every once in a while so that mom would not worry about them. We stayed until the fireworks which were wonderful.

Hair Bows

2008-07-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I have been on a hair adventure this summer. Everyday we tryout new hairstyles that we find on the blog. She decided that for the 4th of July she wants her hair in pigtails with big bows on each pigtail. Today I decided that I had better begin making the bows (tomorrow is the 4th after all). About an hour later this is what I came up with. I did make two of them. I will post pictures of Sarah in the bows tomorrow.

We hope you all have a fun and safe 4th tomorrow.

Braces

2008-07-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Last tuesday Kiersten got her braces. It took us 3 hours to put them on. She was so good and patient while they worked on her. She has full braces on the top and bottom as well as a double helix on the top to spread her mouth apart wider. Afterwards her mouth was very sore. The first night she was not sure that she wanted to go through the prosses but a week later she is glad. We can't wait to see how she will look when they are all finished.

Sunny Room

2008-06-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday our water heater leaked water into our family room. Cleaning it up required replacing the carpet. After moving all the furniture out (Thanks Connie, Arron, Nick, Zack,Billy, and Scott) the carpet was replaced. While contemplating the daunting task of replacing all of the furniture, I decided that the room needed to be painted first. On Saturday, Richard and I painted while the kids were wonderful and stayed out of our way. When we bought the paint i noticed that 2 of the gallons had been mixed with pastel based paint while one had been mixed with an accent based paint. After being assured by more that one person that it would not make a difference, we took the paint home. Saturday night after spending the whole day painting, we realized that the people at Home Depot were wrong and it does make a difference. We had to get the room painted because Kiersten and Sarah's room was completely filled with furniture and they could not sleep of get to any of their cloths. This only meant one thing, we had to finish the room Saturday night. With much hard work from the whole family we were able to get the room a much needed face lift. Thanks to Guy and Drue we were able to get the beast of a couch back downstairs and the room is now functional again.

Notice the two color walls

My cute boy

2008-06-24T22:46:00.000-07:00

I finally cashed in some of my Disney rewards points and got Dallin this cars tent. When it arrived we set it up in the backyard and played with it all day. When it was tim to come in and go to bed Dallin insisted that he be allowed to sleep in it. He wanted the tent in his room, so we moved it in there. After piling all of his blankets and pillows into it, and alot of patience,he finally went to sleep. In the morning he climbed into our bed and informed us that he never wanted to sleep in the tent again because it gave him nightmares.

Cute hair site

2008-06-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks Chris for cluing me in on the wonderful hair blog. I am learning so much. Sarah wakes up everyday and asks what will my hair look like today.

www.shedoeshair.blogspot.com

Becca playing Violin

2008-06-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of Becca. She amazes me daily with her spiritual strength and she is an amazing student. So my smarter then I ever was. She has worked so hard this year on Violin. Last week when she came out of her lessons she told me that she has a passion for violin and that she loves playing. I love to hear her play and thought that I would share a little of her playing with you. Enjoy!

She was not excited to do this for me as she kept noting that it never sounds good without a professional recording. I think she sounds great!

Free Time

2008-06-08T20:04:00.001-07:00

So school is out. What do I do with my free time you might ask? Well, I have been quite busy in the the 3 days since school got out. I have finished crocheting a baby quilt, started a baby sweather with yarn Nicole sent home from Duluth, finished the Love quilt I started 2 years ago,

And finished the civil war quilt I started 5 or 6 years ago. Whew, what a weekend!

Kiersten's Teeth

2008-06-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

On friday Kiersten got 4 baby teeth pulled so that she would have room for her mouth to move with braces. She was so good about it. The worst parts were the shots, after that she was home free. The recovery has been a piece of cake other than the fact that it is hard to chew.

Dallin's Graduation

2008-06-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

On thursday, May 28, Dallin graduated from preschool. No he is not starting kindergarten, but is now in the 5 year old class. I know it is a little silly but what can you do? It was a cute little program where they sang and got dipolmas. Afterwards there was a little luncheon.

Mrs. Linda, Dallin, Mrs. Julie

Best wedding toast ever

2008-06-08T16:28:00.001-07:00

Best Wedding Toast Ever!!!! (Amy's Song) - Watch more amazing videos here

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-06-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

We all had a great Memorial day weekend. I got the oppurtunity on Saturday to fly to Duluth Minnisota to vist my sister and her family. She had just had little Hannah and my mom and I got there just as they were getting ready to release her from the hospital. It was great! I had so much fun playing with Emma, holding Hannah, and spending time with Nicole, Brent, and my Mom. I also got to eat at "Hell's Kitchen" which was wonderful! Thanks Nicole, Brent, and my mom for making this trip possible.

Back at home Richard and the kids had a family gathering. ALl of the grown children and grandchildren came over on sunday. From what I have heard it was a great time. Thanks Guy and Erin for picking up grandma and taking her home!

square foot gardening

2008-05-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

First you have to build the box
Mix the ingredents for the perfect dirt

Keep mixing

So the yard work saga continutes. Tonight for FHE we finished creating our square foot garden! It is finally done and ready to plant. This week will be the get plants and begin. We did plant two feet of butternut squash and six feet of bush beans. I will keep you all updated on how the garden grows.

Sarah and Dallin's job was to be cute and take pictures

Man, this was hard work.

Yard Work

2008-05-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a nice day. Richard and I decided to get my square foot garden in. Richard wanted to weed the front flowerbeds before we started the garden which ended up turning in to an all day project of ripping all the old things out, putting weed barrier down, and planting new plants. My garden did not get finished (the boxes did get made) but I have a beautiful flower bed.

Race for the Cure

2008-05-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I participated in Race for the Cure. It is such an inspiring event. To see all the people who breast cancer has touched their lives and all of the people who have survived it! If you have never participated I highly recommend it. I raced this year for my Grandmother Elaine Nelson and for Edna Elhringer.

Childerns Museum

2008-02-24T19:13:00.001-08:00

Saturday we decided to take all the kids to the children's museum. After the amazingly long line to get in, the kids had a great time exploring. They went to the Sesame Street body part and enjoyed looking at how our body works. Their favorite part was the imaginaiton area.

Kiersten Oragami

2008-02-24T19:09:00.000-08:00

Kiersten has discovered oragami. She can be found at any time folding paper of various sizes. For a while she decided to see how large she could fold them so started folding newspaper. Grandpa was a good sport. He was willing to wear one of her creations while visiting one evening.

Cookie Fun

2008-02-17T10:22:00.000-08:00

Last saturday we had the grandkids over to decorate sugar cookies. As you can see from the pictures, the adults had more fun with the cookies than the kids did although they children did decorate a few and then ate the few they decorated. It was great to see the kids play together! We missed those who could not be here with us.

My Cutie

2007-11-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

Last night we were trying to decide what to have for dinner. I askd my son and he said " Hot and Ready" meaning Little Ceasers. We explained to him that we were not going to have pizza tonight. Pretty soon we could hear him rummaging in his drawers. When we went into his room he was getting himself dressed and ready to go ( he had been in his pajamas). He looked up at his dad and said he was ready to go and daddy could not say no. Away they went, my son in his shirt, fleece pants, and cowboy boots. When they came home my son was excited because he had breadsticks. According to Richard, he walked into Little Ceasers and told the man he wanted cheese pizza and breadsticks. Richard told him only pizza and the man handed my son breadsticks and told them they were on him. He was also the hit of the place. THere were a couple of little girls who told him that they LOVED his boots. Watch out world, here he comes!

Memories

2007-11-03T19:13:00.001-07:00

I have been looking through old photos and found this one of me and my siblings. My how we have changed. It was a little freeky when my kids looked at the pictures and could see a bit of themselves in different ones of us.

Forgot that I had done this earlier this summer

2007-11-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Wow, I logged on to help Becca create her own blog when I realized that I had created one this summer. Well, I guess this means that I will have to start posting to it every once in a while.

We have a blog

2007-07-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Well, we are going to try this. Becca has been asking forever if she could get a blog page and run it for our family. Well, here we go.