FIRE FAM

2011-10-26T16:54:00.000-06:00

Every year for spring break we go to the San Rafeal Swell, buck horn draw area.

There is an old bridge they call swinging bridge because when you walk across it it literally swings under you. The freaky thing is that if it swings like that with just people imagine what it felt like to drive a car over this bridge. Yes this used to be the only bridge to get across the San Rafeal river.

Oh the faith of a child. Sure dad I will jump down to you.

Ready, set,

GOOOOOOOOOO.

Yes Gene did catch him but it sure made this mamma's heart skip a beat for a min.

Part of our group on the bridge. Yes think about driving a truck and trailer over this.

Jesse riding the motorcyle with uncle Doc. (He is Gene's best friend it is just what my kids call him.)

Kelty being Kelty she is the best. Who couldn't love that face.

Jesse and Brandon seeing how there hands measure up to the dinosaur foot print we see every year but it never gets old.

James just happy to have passed the 4 wheeler driving test so he can legally drive the 4 wheelers without getting a ticket.

Again who couldn't love this face.

Kelty and Kourtney waiting patientally to keep going on the ride.

Kelty and Kourtney trying to figure out what the guys are doing and talking about. Cause when Chris, doc and Gene get together I think there total age adds up to maybe 3 and that is pushing it. I am sure Kourtney is thinking really, really my parents let me come with them for 4 days and I am the most adult there is here. Yea mom and dad that was the smartest thing you have ever let me do. Kelty is just thinking will I be able to get down there fast enough to join in with them or will they be done by the time I run over there.

We love going to the San Rafeal Swell every year. It is the one trip the kids ask about all year long. When are we going again, remember when those kinds of things.

Conference Sunday

2011-10-26T16:29:00.001-06:00

What better to do with Conference Sunday. Drive to Eureka Utah yes its a real town. While we where driving we listened to conference. Then we played around in Eureka. What an amazing story this town could tell. Totally cool to just walk up and down main street and look in store windows. I love old mining towns they remind me of the property that my Great grandparents used to own up where the Jordanelle dam is now. On the way out we saw this awesome bridge so we had to do our own photo shoot. Awesome day then when the 2 hours where over we listened to conference on the way back home. For my little family this works better because we are confined to the car.

This is an awesome sign still painted on the building. If I had a better camera and knew what I was doing this would be an awesome photo shoot.

My cute family on the old railroad bridge we found.

This is where I feel like either me or them belong somedays. Depends on the day who I think should be there. They have an old manquein in there so when you walk up to the look in it freaks you out a little bit cause your not expecting someone to be there.

A common phrase around our house with Kelty. Couldn't resist

Sure dad well follow you anywhere. Notice I didn't follow, I sometimes have more sense than that.

Under that awesome train track bridge it really is awesome. Don' mind Jesse holding himself, for some reason he thinks if he lets go it will fall of. Please if you told this to him I will get back at you somehow.

The perks

2011-10-26T16:13:00.002-06:00

Better late than never to update the blog. On July 4th we went and took the old '37 fire truck out for a spin around town. We love the perks that comes with being on the fire department. This is just one of many perks. It's a good thing I don't know how to upload sounds to this. One of my favorite perks when riding in the fire trucks is to make the siren ring. Somehow when I am doing it I am sure its not near as annoying as when say they are ringing it at 4 a.m. I am sure.

My kids waiting patiently for dad to get the keys so we can go.

We had to stop by and pick grandpa Dave up for a ride.

Then we had to go and get the Duvall kids and let them have fun on it.

We had a blast riding around on the fire truck. Kelty and I where working on our parade wave. Let's just say it needs a lot of work.

Baby Shower

2011-03-22T13:43:00.001-06:00

My friend is pregnant with twins and due in about 3-4 weeks. She is having boys. Since she only has girls my other friends and I decided to throw her a baby shower. Oh how much fun these can be. Espically when one friend is a party planner. My kind of shower. She plans it all then I show up and she tells me what to do. I can do that. She decided to go with the theme of Dr. Seuss. So fun, I am the aweful one who takes pictures of the first then forget to take them when everyone arrives. Oh well at least I have some to say I was there.

Blankets

2011-02-21T22:21:00.001-07:00

My latest project. I love everything that goes into making quilts. Standing, staring, picking, putting back, wondering, staring of into space in the fabric store. Its the only place you an stare of in space and people don’t think you are weird. They think you are busy creating some great work of art.

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Making quilts is so fun. I made a cute rag quilt for Jesse’s preschool teacher. Forgot to take pictures oh well, next time.

In all fairness I only made the quilt top then I had my aunt machine quilt them and my mom put the binding on them. So I only did 1/3 of the work on these babies.

That’s bad

2011-01-20T21:41:00.001-07:00

We got hit with a huge winter storm on Dec 22 2010. I mean huge as in they closed schools. We live in Utah people we don’t close schools for just any snow storm. Heck I remember one year having my brother take me to school on the tractor. True story my friends. So when they closed this year it is was really its just a snow storm. It defiantly left its mark on us though.

exhibit A

Exhibit B

That’s good. This is the good part of the story. The trailer cover collapsed. We made an insurance claim and got this awesome shed. So nice, so I guess something good comes out of all that snow.

I am way excited to start moving crap out of my garage and down to the storage part of the shed. Yea Me. I get my garage back. The only down fall is now we have to pour a ton of concrete. Oh well small price to pay for a new and improved shed. I will take it.

That’s Bad, that’s good you decide. I will go for good. Oh yeah it only broke the air conditioner cover on my trailer. That’s even better. No real damage to my trailer yea bring on camping season.

Gene got a new toy

2010-12-29T21:23:00.001-07:00

I have been opposed to this for all 14 years of my married life. Why did I cave now? Who knows maybe he whined long enough, maybe I feel bad for all the money he spends on me? I don’t really know all I know is I caved. Of course when we got it home Gene’s best friend doc had to come check it out.

Talk to me at the end of summer and see how I feel about it.

Temple Square

2010-12-10T22:20:00.004-07:00

We went to Temple Square on Sunday. It was an amazing thing. I love going up and being able to see all the lights. It was almost like a beautiful spring day when we left Springville. When we got to the point of the mountain, the fog rolled in. I have see pictures of the temple encased by fog but never witnessed it in real life. AMAZING beautiful I love the peace you fill on the temple grounds. So calming and uplifting. I am truly amazed at the sacrifice of the pioneers and what they did for us.

The fog really made you forget you where in a busy downtown City. It made it feel like temple square was of on its own little world. What an amazing feeling it was there this night.

The fog was so thick you can actually see my camera picking it up. What a beautiful time of year. One I am truly amazed at.

I am so thankful that I was able to take my family to the temple grounds and be able to teach them about our Savior and all that he has done for me and them.

2010-12-10T21:38:00.002-07:00

I love, love, love it when our friends from Roosevelt use us for a landing pad, literally this is what happens when dads pass out on the couches and moms are to busy talking to be good moms. We just keep telling these to to go to bed. They did we had to push Reagans feet away from the door. so fun when friends come in for a visit even if it is only for 6 hours in the middle of the night. love it.

Timp Caves

2010-10-19T14:04:00.003-06:00

Let's get one thing straight. I have never said I was in great shape but I thought I was in ok shape. Well that is until you hike Timp Caves with a ton of 4th graders who go really fast, and this hill is like straight up and down. There is not even places where it levels out for a little bit and you can get a break.

This is probably a big no no. Putting your kid's friends on your blog. Oh well one of the kids is a good friend and the other is a cousin so I guess I will get away with it this time.

We made it up the Mountain. Holy cow I have never been so happy to see the end of a destination. This hike was hard. Yes I am a wimp, yes I was super sore for like 4 days. But I guess what matters most is the memories I made by being there with James.

Our little group. We just finished the tour and came out of the cave. The kids were fairly good and had a good time to.

We made it to the bottom. I was singing praises at this point cause I am not sure which is worse the going up the hill or the coming down. Either way I did it.

Yes I know it's sad that I have lived basically at the base of this mountain range for my whole life and never done this hike.

I for one would take Lehman Caves over Timp any day. Why you ask? Timp hike 1 1/2 mile straight uphill. Lehman drive in a vehicle 2-21/2 hours from Springville.Did you hear me I said drive as in like have a diet dr. pepper right next to me and treats. Pull up to the ranger station. Walk through the ranger station and straight into the cave. Yes I am lazy. I would much rather drive than walk. I know I know get of my lazy butt. Oh well to each there own I say.

I will say that in 5 years if they still do this trip I will be back up on that mountain with Jesse. Yes I am that kind of mom. Torture myself then plan on doing it again with the next kid to go through school.

When I talk about torture you have to know to that I rode the bus. I usually never ride the bus. I always drive myself. So that I have the freedom to stop whenever I need to and get a diet dr. Pepper. That is the kind of awesome mother I am. Always thinking about myself. This time I tried the bus. TORTURE, is all I can say. The bus driver scared the crap out of me to. That is saying alot considering my driving record.

Oh well no one fell of the mountain no one got hurt we all survived barely so I guess all in all it was a good time.

James Got a new haircut

2010-10-07T20:44:00.002-06:00

He's a true Cope.

After he was done showering he came down and said "Mom my hair fell out when I was showering."

Really James, do you have cancer that I am not aware of? Some medical condition we may have to start seeking treatment for?

So here is a word to the wise. Make sure that you watch out when you come to the Cope house wear a hat. Somehow we have a condition where you hair falls out just randomly.

Won't you be my neighbor?

2010-09-21T13:30:00.002-06:00

So on this lovely Monday afternoon. I walked over to my neighbors house. Her tomato's where getting ripe like crazy. I picked them then knew she was totally overwhelmed with work and stuff. So I asked her what she wanted done with them. She said whole tomato's. I said OK took her bottles and the tomato's and went home.

This is what she ended up with. 10 quarts of tomato's.

I love my neighbor so much and I am glad that she is my neighbor and lets me do her canning for her. I really do like to do it.

I also proceeded to mow the lawn. All by myself. Usually I make Gene or the kids do the lower have because we have been know to have those creepy slithering things in our ward. Then I watered our yard. I mean really watered like almost flooded our yard.

Then for family night I made us all go out and weed the raspberry's. I will only do this when Gene is home to do the whole snake check thing before we start weeding.

Next thing I know is that Kelty has gone in the house. Surprise surprise she somehow managed to get out of weeding. All the sudden I hear tons of commotion in my house and hear "Dad, dad, there is a snake in the house. See previous post about how terrified of snakes I am. Thinking she is joking he walks in. Sure enough their is a snake in my new living room. He gets it kills it and then flushes it sown the toilet. Great now I have the fear that somehow its going to slither back up my toilet and bite me on the butt.

In all seriousness, he has a friend who works for the sewer plant. I really asked him if he would call him and make sure it came through the sewer so I know it is no longer anywhere near my house.

Gene proceeded to laugh and tell me no. I am serious here I wanna know its gone.

Then to top it of I have ants in my master bathroom. It's on the second floor of my house. Who what and how do you gets ants in there?

So question of the day. Who wants to be my neighbor? I will bottle tomato's for you.

Or better yet, my house is for sale. Who wants to buy house, it includes snakes, and ants in your bathroom. Great selling point huh.

LION KING

2010-09-19T22:20:00.002-06:00

What more can I say but Lion King was simply fabulous. So glad we went and where able to take our kids to it. A serious miracle happened while we where their. Jesse sat still and was memorized by the whole thing. That my friends is a miracle in our family.

My mom went with us. It was so great that she was willing to come with me and my crazy family.

My mom and I waiting for it to begin.

My cute little family just sitting and waiting and so excited.

I would highly recommend going to see it. Good times to be had by all. The topper to the night was that my mom bought us Crown Burger for dinner. Yumm-o that is a family favorite around here. Such wonderful memories hopefully my kids will thank me for one day.

GOOD GRIEVE???????????

2010-09-19T21:56:00.003-06:00

GOOD GRIEVE..... (sorry alot of words not alot of pictures.)

Is there a good grieve? I mean like is there a good way to grieve to loss of a loved one? I am not sure if there is a right or a wrong way to grieve. Some days it s really hard, like you can barely function, other days you get up and laugh and learn and try to be better because someone is in heaven and hopefully watching over you. It’s also hard because when that someone you love dies when is a good time to stop having those breakdown sobbing till you almost through up moments, 1 year 10 days never? I don’t know, I guess what I need to learn is when we have those moments how to put it in perspective and use it for the better of me and the person I am grieving.

About 14 months ago my niece died of cancer, at the very young age of 10. A very mean aggressive type of chordoma tumor cancer. All cancer is mean and aggressive but this kind is really mean and very rare.

My niece, being 8 months younger than Kelty, where good friends. It has been hard on Kelty to have Anna gone. It has been hard on all of us but especially Kelty. The child has a right to grieve for her cousin. The problem that poor

Kelty is facing is that she has to very different parents in the way that we grieve. Gene cries for the allotted 2-3 days from when we are told someone has died to the funeral then he is done. I mean done to almost to the point it’s not healthy. Like don’t talk about them anymore they are a has been in our life so to speak. Don’t get me wrong he believes in the plan of salvation and knows he will be with them again but for the time being they are gone. Let’s move on. Then there is me. I cry for weeks, day’s months at anything the drop of a hat and I cry. I go to the cemetery, a lot. I take flowers for birthdays and death days. I talk about the person like they are just gone on trip. Then I cry some more.

So for Kelty this is kind of a problem. She doesn’t know what the best way to grieve is. Cry every day and be sad or just not mention it like the big pink elephant in the room? So for a 12 year old this can be really confusing. Getting two very different ways to grieve.

To me I don’t think Kelty has totally grieved over the loss of Anna. Sure she cried but I am just not sure she has totally grieved?

So the other day when Kelty came home from school so upset I asked what was wrong. After literally weeping and wailing on my floor for about 15 min’s. She finally got out that she just misses Anna so much and it completely sucks that she had to die. Good Grieve? I would think so we talked about Anna and the positive that she did for us while she was here. Then Kelty made the statement “I wish cancer would get cancer and die.” Pretty true and profound statement if you ask me. So Kelty and I talked and talked and talked about what Anna loved to do. One of those things was going to build a bear. So the date was set. Tomorrow night we were having a date just me and Kelty. She was going to build a bear just for her so when she was sad, lonely, missing Anna. She could hold the bear and hopefully gain a little peace from it.

Well in talking with my sister she said don’t make it all about being sad though. We need to have positive moments that come from grieving. Why don’t you have Kelty take her own money and make a bear and donate it to the hospital for someone else? Great Idea I talked to Kelty she liked the idea. So it was set we were going to get her a bear and then get one for someone else who needed a little help. Good grieve?

Through a friend of a friend of a friend, I just so know someone who happens to have cancer who’s 7 or 8, I think. So I asked if it would be ok if we made this bear for him and gave it to him. They said yes that is awesome.

We get to build a bear Kelty looks at all the animals and decided on her bear it s name is huggable bear. Pretty good for what we need! Then she looks and finds one for the other child. We move on to the noise station. Where you can put sounds in the bears if you want. We look, listen, play, listen some more to all the sounds available. Then off to the side is a heart that beats like a real heart. Kelty sees this and immediately knows this is what she wants to put in both these bears. “Anna needs a heartbeat and soon this boy will need one to.” Again my child is always amazing me and what she says. Moving on to the stuffing of the bears she stuffs hugs gets the other little heart that you get to put in the bears says a little wish on it and finishes up stuffing the bears.

She baths them, dresses them, and finds the perfect shoes to go with the clothes she has chosen. She laughed she cried a little bit but all in all I think she had a good time.

One good thing that came out of this is. When we were driving home from the mall and talking. I told her about when all 3 of my babies were born. They came out and would do this little round O thing with their mouth. Every time they would do this I would think of my Grandpa Warren because he was always trying to get us to whistle. So to me it was like a little part of him when I would see kids do this. Kind of like he was saying I was keeping them safe until it was there turn to come to earth. Just a little reminder of him, something that only I would think of. I told Kelty this and said who knows maybe Anna is up there teaching your kids to stand on their heads and kick their legs out like she did.

So this is my question what is a good way to grieve? Hopefully this is a good way to grieve. She knows that every time she has a break down about Anna does not mean we are running out to buy her a build a bear. But I think she knows that there is always a hug waiting from mom, a listening ear or just someone to cry to.

If you can read this, this is the note Kelty wrote and put in the box with the bear. Such a good day for us.

So again GOOD GRIEVE?

2 YEARS WOW

2010-09-13T20:39:00.004-06:00

On Sat September 4th was the 2 year anniversary of my Grandma Whiting's death. So I told my kids in honor of her we where doing things she would have liked to do.

We went to the farmers market to buy veggies to bottle. (True that my grandma would have grown her's but this is the best I could do last minute.)

We saw my mom and Aunt Ila at the farmers market so we had to have there picture taken with my boys.

So we bought us some red beets. Also its a pretty sad day when you have to buy tomato's from the farmers market because the 200 hundred plus plants that you planted this spring decided not to produce.

So we bottled salsa and pickled beets, in honor of my grandma.

I had every intention of cleaning my house to Crandall clean on this day. I did get it picked up and looking pretty good but I so know I wouldn't have passed the white glove test that my grandma would have given me. I was to tired to clean that good. When I was talking to my friend and told her all I had planned for this day. She says "I am coming to check the tops of your door frames." Man failed on that one to. So fun to have friends who knew my grandma and can remind me of little things like that, that I had totally forgot that she did. That was always my job at her house since I was so tall.

I didn't take any pictures but after all this we went to the cemetery and sat around her headstone and talked about our favorite memories of grandma. Jesse was that she loved him. James said that he liked the ice cream she always had. The kind in the little containers with the wooden spoon. Kelty said she just liked to be around and listen to her. Gene said his favorite memory is when we lived with my parents for 4 months while building this house. He would come home for lunch and grandma would walk over about 11:55 and ask me what I had fixed for him. Then when Gene got home he would egg my grandma on and say things like yeah Camille why don't you have my lunch fixed. It was all in good humor. Grandma would laugh and just sit and visit with her.

I of course have many favorite memories of my grandma.

Inviting her over in the mornings before school when we had pancakes.

When she would make whole wheat bread and then we would make French toast out of it.

Watching the Lawrence Welk show on sat. night with her.

Eating sugar on out pancakes and listening to her tell us (every time) she ate pancakes with us. How they would roll one or two up with sugar and put in there pockets for later in the day when they where hungry from working on the farm.

Hot Milk cake and Ice tea during hay hauling season.

I can go on and on of the many memories I have of my grandma. Since I lived next door to her growing up I have a lot. She was very much involved in my life and she is a very big influence on who I am today.

I don't think a day goes by that I don't think about her. Good or bad I still think about her everyday.

I love you grandma thank you for making me into the person I am today.

2010-08-21T23:07:00.003-06:00

Waiting for the free bus. To take us from the ski area's to main street.

Kelty, Gene, Jesse at the top of main street. So not crowded so not what I expected. So nice.
Score 8 for me.

When we left main street it was just about time for the Pro. part of the tour of Utah. Pretty sure I saw the guy who rode with Lance Armstrong. That is only after I called my sister and said since we are here who should we be looking for?

Gene then had the brilliant idea of going to Olympic park. Score 1 for Gene this was awesome. It was free and you could see them going of the jumps and splashing in the water. Totally memorized all for us for like 45 mins. It was awesome well worth going to if your going to Park City. Also it's FREE. Even better.

Then when the day was all said and done we went to granny's in Heber for a shake for the ride home. Again Gene's idea score 2 for him.

We had a wedding to go to in Wanship. So that is why we made a day of hanging in park city. So worth it. We also did it on a very friendly budget. $36 dollars for the Alpine slide, $0 money for the bus ride to main street. Walking main street and it not being busy considering what was going on $0. Going to Olympic park and watching the skier's practice $0.

Going to a wedding for a great friend. Priceless.

Stopping at Granny's for a shake $18 for the 5 of us.

Spending our last Sat. before schools starts with no yelling, kids fighting, asking can I, can I, and the most famous around here i'm bored.

PRICELESS.

We had a great day really didn't hit much by the way of crowds. Someone was defiantly praying for us today. Usually Gene and I fight like no other. We are not good travelers together. Today was so much fun. The kids and I are beat. So final tally

Gene 2

Camille something like a billion for pushing through and just going to do just because I didn't want to sit home.

What a wonderful day. Hope our next day outing is a good as this one.

Park City

2010-08-21T22:00:00.006-06:00

A day of fun and playing in Park City it was awesome. We where a little bit apprehensive since we had heard that the Tour Of Utah was going to be there. Not only there but they where doing time trials so it was a course set up and they lapped main street. Many of you who know Gene

know crowds and Gene do not mix. Do not press go, do not mix. It really is that bad.

Well me being me and wanted to do something fun with the kids for one last whoraaa befor

e school started thought it would be ok to go.

We drove into to town the billboard thingy was flashing that said turn your radio to certain station for event traffic info. The butterflys where flying by this time in my stomach.

We head right for the Alpine slide. I love the Alpine slide, Gene hates it. Are you sensing a theme here? No wait to buy the tickets. Score 1 for me. (now would be a good time to get out your pencil and paper as I will be talling up the scores at the end.)

Gene wouldn't ride, he didn't care if the kids and I did he just hates getting behind that one slow person. He happily walked around while we went to the tram. We waited like 10 mins for the tram, score 2 for me.

It was a beautiful day a little windy but that keep it nice and cool. Score 3 for me.

Take the time and go sharpen your pencil it will be worth it. I wil

l wait.

Kids sitting on one of the fake lift chairs they have around Park City.

Happy smiling kids. Score 4 for me.

Hearing our instructions. No racing, bumping, going super fast. Yada yada yada. I tuned the guy out about right here.

James doing his best to beat me and jesse down the slide. Look at that face who wouldn't love that. Score 5 for me.

Instructions, smuctions. Who needs them right?

Kelty on the alpine slide. It was awesome.

She really was having a fun time she was laughing at me and kept telling me not to drop the camera.

Score 6 for me.

Jesse and I he did all the steering it was great. He had a blast. He was laughing so hard and kept passing kelty. He loved it. Score 6 for me.

score 7 for me.

Just another shot of James racing down the mountain.

See next post for the rest of our day it gets better.

Score tally so far: Me 7 Gene 0

2010-08-05T11:16:00.002-06:00

This is what I did this morning. Made cinnamon rolls. They are heavenly and to die for. Sorry I had to brag a little bit I mean I did make them. hehehe

I have a funny story to tell and since I kinda use this as a journal I wanted to write it down so I would have it.

My grandma Whiting and her sister where called the bread lady's they went all over Springville and Mapleton doing bread demonstration. Probably more places I just can't remember.

When the Crandall great-grandkids would get married Aunt Hortense would always give us a bread board, rolling pin and cover for the bread board. It was standard you knew when it was time to have the Crandall shower you where getting certain things from certain family members. My family always gave the big Magna-lite pan. Its one of those weird quirky things we did.

Back to toady. As I was making my dough it was like I had two little birds sitting on my shoulder telling me how to do everything. Trust me I wasn't doing it right. They walked me through the whole process. I don't know why this happened to me today but it did. I am so lucky that I came from such a great family with wonderful qualities. (Crandall Clean) anyone? Someone out there that reads this has to know what this means.

It was great to have them sitting here talking to me. I am not crazy, the voices in my head tell me I am not. I could here them talking and laughing to me. Just like the old days. It was amazing how real they where. It was as real to me as breathing. I love my heritage, my grandma always made sure she always talked to me about where I came from and knew who my ancestors where. That was huge to here, she wanted to make sure she told me why I was the way I was and what makes me who I am.

I love my family and even if my grandma comes to me in little doses when I am cooking and tells me what I am doing wrong. I know she loves me cause if she didn't love me she wouldn't be here telling me that I am doing it wrong. She wants me to do it right.

So thank you Grandma and Aunt Hortense for telling me what I am doing wrong so that I can be a better person and make it right. I love my family.

SAT NIGHT BABY

2010-06-26T23:01:00.002-06:00

This is what Sat. Night looks like at the Cope house.

Our great dog Bandit. He is truly turning out to be the best dog ever.

James having fun playing with the dog. This is like an every minute activity around here. They love the dog.

Finally last but not least. To all you new parents out thier getting little to no sleep. Its all worth it for this very reason. They grow up and have to end up mowing your lawn while you sit on the front porch and watch. It's so worth it. Not while your going through it but now I am at the end of sleepless nights its very very worth it.

AAAHHHH the smell of new carpet.

2010-06-16T22:31:00.004-06:00

I am so excited. I can't wait for tomorrow when the inspector comes and says we can actually move our stuff into the new rooms.

I am seriously so excited I just go and lay on the carpet and breath deep, is that weird? I love the smell of new carpet. Its just awesome I think I have found my drug of choice. New carpet smell. So if I find out any of my friends are getting new carpet and I find out about it watch out, I may just sneak in your house and take a really long sniff.

So happy let me tell you Gene and I are about done with doing this project. Quick update on the contractor last we heard is that he is improving well and hopefully will be home sometime next week. Yeah couldn't be happier for him. I am so glad that he is improving and doing so well.

This is only part of my new bedroom. As you can see in the picture I have already started moving some stuff into the new room. Couldn't help it just got way to excited about it.

If I don't see you this winter come and visit me this is where I will be. Sitting right there in front of my new fireplace. So happy about it.

Just another view of the basement. This is kitty corner to the fire place.

I am so excited about this. Tomorrow when we pass our final inspection we are

moving all our old ugly furniture into these nice new rooms.

We are buying new furniture just seriously have no time to get out and go and find something we like.

We are also getting new carpet in our old family room and old master bedroom. So happy have I said that?

I am way spoiled. I will have to take a picture of my new closet

when the tile guy is done and gets all his stuff out of it. That is the only

thing we really have left. Is just finishing the tile. I will take a picture as soon

as that is done.

As for after Friday when the final carpet gets laid don't expect to see Gene or I

We will be laying in our new rooms just vegging and enjoying the fruits of our labors.

We will also I am sure being seeing alot of the back of our eyelids as that seems to have

become a rare occurrence around here.

P.S. We are moving furniture on Thursday night anyone wanna come and help we will gladly take

any help. Hint Hint lets see if anyone really reads this thing.

Serious survival mode around here......

2010-06-07T21:56:00.003-06:00

So the house remodel is coming along pretty good. I think, I am being a major slave driver just ask Gene. Well we almost have all the painting done. (largely in part to a good good friend, who accepts bribes.) Hopefully the painting is done tomorrow. Yeah, I am so happy. Here is a nutshell of what we are living in. Trust me when I say I am in major survival mode. Gene told me that I am set for carpet for Monday, the 14 of June yeah.

This is my bathroom. When I say survival let me point out the rag in the both the sink drain and toilet drain. Yes we are defiantly rednecks around here.

This is my new closet. I honestly can't wait. It is all painted and just ready for the carpet. The only part of my house that is ready for carpet.

This is looking from the old family room into the new family room. See most of the painting is done.

Looking from my old bedroom to my new bedroom.

Looking out at my new doors. Yes people that is the first layer of tile going down. I am learning real fast tile is a hurry and wait process.

I took a picture of my current bedroom don't know where it is oh well trust me when I say we are in survival mode around here.

The only thing that is getting me through is the fact that carpet is coming so soon.

A huge shout out to all our wonderful family and friends that have so graciously stepped up to help us. Thank you thank you.

Its to quiet around here

2010-06-03T10:41:00.004-06:00

While I was laying on my couch facebooking and blogstalking. (really is their anything better to do in the mornings?) I knew it was to quiet in my house. With my older 2 kids gone to swim team that just left me and Jesse home.

I should have known something was going on when it was so quiet in my house. We are talking hear the birds singing outside quiet. That kinda quiet doesn't usually happen around here.

All the sudden I hear Jesse yelling for me to come and find him. I am thinking great what has he done now?

I find him in his room all snug as a bug in bed. Ahh how cute is what I thought. When in reality I should have thought aww what now. This is what I found.

Isn't that cute all cuddled in a blanket and laying so cute.

Then he threw the blanket of him and showed me what he had done. Great I thought. How to get that of.

Then when I went to go to the bathroom and Jesse couldn't find me. He thankfully went into the unfinished part of our house and wrote on my bathroom wall. Seriously I thought we had taken all the markers out of this house.

Ummm apparently not.

It's just a good thing this will be painted someday soon. I hope or he would have got his butt whipped. Some days with this kid feels like I have 10 kids and not one. He is going to be the death of me.

So I guess moral of this story is when you think your house it to quiet, get of the stupid computer and figure out why.

Sorry No pictures

2010-06-01T23:12:00.002-06:00

Ok so I have no pictures to post but thought I would at least update everyone on whats going on in our hectic lives.

To start of with the remodel is going as well as it can be. Considering that May 8th our contractor had a massive stroke. He is doing ok. No paralysis which is huge for a stroke but he is extremely week and having some memory problems. When he had the stroke he had our structure up and was about half way through the house wrap stage. The bottom windows where in but not the tip windows. So what do you do right? All I can say is its a good thing I am married to who I am. Luckily for us he was able to just jump right in and take over where he left us at.

So needless to say for the last month thier has been alot of stress at our house. So every night and weekend night we are doing something on the house usually until 11 or so at night.

Poor Gene he works all day then comes home and works on the house. I feel so bad for him I am trying to do what I can while he is gone to work but thier is not much i can do without him here.

Luckily for us over Memorial day weekend we had our wonderful friends from Roosevelt here. They had ball games for thier son but when they got done they would come to our house and help us.

Then we where the bad people and becouse they offered to stay and help us we sluffed church and literally worked our friend Troy to death. Tracy was amazing and while I was helping Gene and Troy and running errands and being thier gofer, Tracy was doing kids and cleaning my house. I need to just send a shout out to them for being such wonderful amazing awesome friends.

So we worked hard on Sun, I know its wrong but when you have free help and considering the circumstances we did it. Please don't judge me. You do what you have to do to get this done.

I am so glad that the Rohrers where here though. Tracy helped me get my carpet picked out, paint picked out and they talked Gene into going with a new vanity in our bathroom instead of using our old one. Troy also helped Gene figure out to make our closet organizer. Our contractor was going to design and build it. So with alot of thinking and talking and me making decision's. (I am the worst at making decisions.)

The only positive thing that has come out of this is that we are ending up saving money so we where able to hire a tile guy who is going to lay our tile and do some awesome layout with the tile. Have I mentioned how I am not very good at making decisions.

Thier is really not anything positive that can come out of someone having a stroke. We are trying to see the positive in this.

So for our memorial day weekend we literally worked out guts out. Tracy took the kids swimming on Sat night. Gene and I where starving so we ran up to lacasita we where so tired we couldn't even hold a conservation. We just sat and stared at each other. Then we came back and did more work on our house.

We are hoping to have carpet buy fathers day weekend. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Thier is tons more to write about everything else we have been doing but we will stop here for know. If your still with me. I will try and get some pictures taken and up on here.

First Date

2010-05-13T15:28:00.002-06:00

Wow!!! I thought I would have a little more time before I wrote this post.

Today my best friend came from Roosevelt, and brought her daughter. We decided to meet up for lunch. So that means Jesse got to tag along. Boy was he happy.

While my friend was shopping I took the kiddo's to cold stone. After we ordered and sat down to eat our yummy treats this is what both of them said to me, "Mom we are on a date."

Really your 4. I can live with this though because of the great company that these friends are. I love my Rooseveltian friends they are the best. I couldn't ask for anyone better for my son to be hanging out with. So if I must write this post so early in Jesse's young life, as long as it's with Raegan I must say DATE ON.

They are quite the posers aren't they?

Today

2010-04-14T22:16:00.002-06:00

Seriously doesn't a freshly plowed field just make you want to get out and get your hands dirty. Growing up on a farm their was nothing better than this. A field all ready for planting. I love all the neat rows and just how much the dirt is just begging to be played in. I think its time to break out the tiller and get my garden going what do you think?

Oh the things you will see while you are driving down the street in Springville.... Oh man aren't thy cute. Gene brought this fork lift home today. Trusses are coming tomorrow. I will have to post pictures tomorrow.

Jesse was so excited to ride on "the tractor" with his dad. I was actually following them and didn't get a chance to get in front of them and take his picture smiling.

I know, I know you read my post right before this and I say I need to take more pictures. This is what I come up with? A newly plowed field and the back of Jesse and Gene's heads.

Well it's a start not a good one but a start none the less right?

Spring Break Cope Style

2010-04-12T22:15:00.005-06:00

Ok so maybe this mom needs to learn to take more pictures. It is really sad that I did things with my kids all week for spring break and I only have 3 pictures.

We started our spring break of with a bang. Snow storm on Sun and Monday. What is a mom to do? Well Mon we stayed home and didn't do a whole lot just cleaned and vegged. It was nice.

Then it was of to the children's museum in Salt Lake.

Since it was cold and stormy we decided to ride trax in to kill time.

It was fun. The kids had a blast. Seriously this is how you know you are in Utah. 2 Moms and 11 kids. Wow I think we have the words crazy tattoed over our foreheads. Kids running every which way.

I took my neighbors/ cousins kids with me. Well I let Kelty and Bailey and Shundo go of by them self. Pretty soon my phone rings. (oh what would we do with out cell phones). It's Kelty mom Kennedy can't find you guys. She found us but she can't find you. Oh wait I did bring extra kids with me. Totally spaced it of. Sorry Birds I love Kennedy like my own just forgot I brought her with me for like 5 mins.

Anyone out there wanna let me take your kids for a day?

So my only pictures are at the children's museum.

Then on Wed. it was Jesse Birthday. I tell you I suck at the whole picture thing. So my sister and I decided to take the kids swimming at her in-laws house. Then it was of to my mom's for pizza for lunch. 8 kids later we are eating at my moms and letting them run through her house. She loves us let me tell you. My mom got Jesse a birthday cake and we sang to him and he loved every minute of it.
Then Christy decided to take her kids and go home. Well she ended up with all the kids at her house. She was only just going to take James home with her but being the type of person she is when Jesse started crying and saying he wanted to go to her house. She said "I am not going to make him cry on his birthday he can come with me?" Isn't she the best sister ever.

Since it was Jesse birthday Gene took a couple days of work. We where going to head to a show but we decided that he would like Jumping Jacks better. So we went down there. He loved it Both his brother and sister and big bounce houses and all the running around he could handle what more does a kid need?

Then Thursday it was of to Mcdonalds for lunch for Jesse. Grandpa Dave took pity on this mom and took my to older to kids to this auction place they have found and David is in heaven. James likes it and Kelty tolerates it. I was loving just having one kid for the day. So we meet up with Gene's cousins at Mickey D's and let them play.

Then it was of to home to get ready for another round of party's for Jesse. We didn't have the grandparents down on Wednesday night. So thurs we had a bar-b-que. Also we had our good friends come out from Roosevelt. They have kids the exact same age as ours and they are the best of friends.

So Thurs we partied again. The reason our friends where here is because their son was playing in a baseball tournament. So friday morning They went of to games and took James. Kelty and her friend just had to stay home and be girls they loved it. Jesse and Reagan played and played. He played 3 games and James was a trooper and stayed for all three and from what I was told he didn't whine to much.

Saturday morning was meet with more games. So of they go to the park while the girls and I stayed home and just vegged. Gene wandered the yard and tried to figure out what to do with our yard.

So all in all it was a great week. We did a lot and for one this mom is glad that school started again. We played till we dropped almost everyday.

We hope all you had a great spring break. We didn't go anywhere but managed to do a lot around here.

Oh I also took my bike over to the bike store to get serviced and James found himself a new bike that he wants.

This is what our future Mailmen look like. Mighty cute I must say. Jesse and His friend Cheyton. Such good buddies.

Just a quick update

2010-03-27T15:59:00.003-06:00

This is where we are at in the construction phase of the add on.
If I survive this it will be a miracle. I hate the mess and not having a yard.

It will all be worth it in the end, I am sure. Just pray that mother nature keeps up with some warm days so we can get the siding of the house and get the 2nd level going soon.

I am so excited I can't wait.

My middle child turned 9 WOW!!!!

2010-03-16T08:54:00.002-06:00

James turned 9 this weekend. Wow where did time go. Wasn't it just yesterday I was having him?
All he wanted to do was go swimming at Omi's (my sister's in-laws house.)
I don't usually do party's. I just don't like to think up all the games and stuff to have to do.
But how do you resist this. Drop kids of at my house, feed the hot dogs, and some sugar, more sugar. Take them swimming, feed them more sugar, then drop them of home to mom and dad. Yeah that is how I roll.

But really who wouldn't want to do a party for a kid like this? He was so happy and it was so easy on my part. I sat in a chair by the side of the pool.

This is Princess Raegan. She was so funny. I wish I could have gotten her when she was moving her legs around like a real DIVA. So funny.

I think it turned out to be a really good day for James. His best friend lives in Roosevelt, and in the past this is the reason we have not done party's is because we usually meet up with them in Salt Lake and then spend the day together. Well this year was different. Easton had ball games in S.L. so they where going to meet us later for dinner. Well since it decided to snow his games got cancelled. So they where out here way earlier than we thought. We rounded up some swimsuits. They had a blast. I love that he has this best friend that makes his day. They had so much fun hanging out and spending the whole day together. Happy Birthday James.

Growing up...

2010-03-07T21:27:00.003-07:00

I grew up on a Sheep farm, that is to say the house I lived in happened to sit right in the middle of that farm. As far as me being a farm girl far from it. It was to dirty and gross and I hate my hands to have that gross feeling to them. So to say I grew up on a farm is still in question. No I do not know how to drive a tractor, I can't ride a horse. (According to my niece and husband, I say I can they say I can't the jury is still out on that one.) I don't know the difference between Alf alfa and straw. I really do but again my niece begs to differ. I had to teach some preschool kids about a pumpkin patch and corn maze that my niece runs. I told the preschoolers that straw comes from corn. Who knew it doesn't it comes from grain? Good thing my mom was their. So I don't know much when it comes to the farm stuff. I admit it. I do have reason or so I like to think I do. Wanna hear it? I know your dying to hear this story.

This is my version my father may have a completely different version but I like mine best. So this is the story. I am the youngest of 3 with 5 years between my sister and I and 9 years between my brother and me. I have heard that my dad did all the good father things with my sister as far as making her go out and drive the tractor and teach her how to bale the hay and so on and so forth. But the kicker is this. My sister is a way girlie type of girl. Hates to camp, hates to be dirty in any form and hated the farm. So my theory is by the time I came around my dad was sick of trying to make my sister go work on the farm so he figured why try with me? Well I am not a real girlie type of girl but the whole farm thing for me was so not cool when I was growing up. So I didn't push back either to have my dad teach me. So when I say I grew up on a farm you know what I mean. I just happened to live their. Anything on the outside of the lawn was foreign land to me.

So today we take the kids up to see the new baby lambs. Apparently at this time of year its real busy on the farm with Ewes having babies from about the middle of January to some time in April. Again who knew? So here are a few pictures of my kids in what is called the jugs? This is where after the baby lambs are born they put them so that they will bond with their mother and nurse and stuff. Kinda like the maternity ward in the hospital only way DIRTIER.

This is Jesse checking out a new baby and the mom is not real happy that he is hanging around so close. Look at that stare he was getting.

Same Mama Ewe looking at Jesse. Jesse thought she liked him, I do know this. She did not like Jesse being this close to her baby.

The stare down continues.

This is my brother putting a brand new baby lamb in the jugs. I know that this mother does not like my brother either but she had to follow here baby.

This is Kelty taking a picture of me taking a picture of her. We are so savvy at this house let me tell you. This picture is a perfect shot of why I don't like the farm. Can you see all those cobwebs above Kelty's head? Ewwe gross. Kelty even made the comment. Mom didn't Grandma Whiting ever come out here. This place is disgusting. Inside joke you have know my family and know how clean they are. (My aunt actually has a vacuum just for the outside of her house. No lie but that is a whole nother post.)

So this is our family Sunday afternoon trip to the farm. Please don't ask any farm questions I really won't be able to answer them. It was a fun time but glad to be able to come home and put our clothes in the wash we stunk.

Gotta love it.

2010-03-03T14:19:00.002-07:00

Today I am so thankful Letter Factory.

While I was doing this,

Jesse was doing this. Watching Letter Factory.

So while I am sewing a Levi quilt to donate to the school for an auction.

I figure I am not a neglectful parent if he is watching letter factory right?

It works at least for me. He is learning his ABC'S, I am working on things for

the other kids school. I guess you can only do so much and what you can't do

the great people that make this awesome videos so parents like be can do

everything. We hope anyways right.

We have lost our minds.

2010-02-27T20:27:00.003-07:00

AHHH, the joys of doing home remodeling its so much fun. And we are just at the beginning stages of it. What am I thinking, oh yeah more room so I am not sitting right in the middle of my kids and thier friends.

Today Gene and I worked on moving sprinklers. I dug the trenches to find the pipe. Go me right?

I only dug them cause Gene just got done cutting a whole bunch of concrete. I took pity on him.

We are adding on a new master bedroom and underneath that we are adding on a new room, so both stories. Yeah I can't wait.

Oh I can't wait we are going to have a walk in shower and a master closet.

Just another shot of the backyard.

Gene working hard, by this time I was sitting in my lawn chair. I know I work so hard right.

Why didn't I do this like 10 Years ago?????

2010-02-27T20:20:00.002-07:00

$100.00 dollars later and I have a clean shoe room. Seriously why didn't I do this years ago. So easy and simple I had it put together in like 45 mins total. I just bought this at Wal-mart but I think I need a trip to IKEA. I have heard they are full of this sort of thing.

Each of the kids have a pull out basket and Gene and I each have a cupboard. With one left over for like hats gloves and everything else.

I am not really fond of the white but it is always paintable right.

Valentines Day Story

2010-02-15T21:18:00.002-07:00

You have to know that neither Gene nor I get into the whole Valentine thing.

So I have to share what a goof I am married to.

Since we where on vacation in Arizona over valentines day. (We of course have to drive 800 some odd miles to just go to Wal-Mart.) As we where walking into said Wally world. Gene sees all the displays for flowers, balloons, cards, candy, etc. When I was walking by the flowers Gene says to me "Of those flowers which one would you like best?"

Me being the sucker I am thinking he is going to buy me flowers, says I like that one. To which he replies "Oh good, cause that is the one I would have gotten you if we would have been home."

My friend and I just bust up laughing. Seriously who has a husband during the most romantic time of the year says that?

Yep ladies he is all mine. He is not up for the taking you will have to find your own romantically, funny, handsome man.

I just had to share that story makes me laugh. He does care, just knows that that is not important to me. He shows me how much he loves me everyday, when he thinks I am still asleep and before he leaves for work bends down and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

Ssh, don't tell him that I am half awake when he does this. I don't want him to know. It's my little secret that I like. I wanna keep it that way. For nearly 14 years he has done this. So take that romantically over rated holiday.

ARIZONA TRIP

2010-02-13T22:54:00.002-07:00

So I have to be the worst at taking pictures. We left on wed. morn and drove all day and made it to Queens Creek about 7 that night. Big sigh here the kids where awesome. The whole way down not a fight. I loved it. The Worst part is I forgot to take my camera so a couple of cell phone shots later will be added. Just wanted to let all our Utah friends that we are loving it down here the sun warm laying on the tramp almost asleep. Man really its February can you get any better than that.
We have had a true r&R vacay. Seriously we have done nothing and it has been wonderful. We have been hanging out at their house and just laughing and giggling like we where back in high school. So fun.
Its late and I have to go but wanted to update and say more to come. After I get a much needed nap tomorrow when we get home.

The best part....

2010-02-05T13:09:00.003-07:00

Of being a stay at home mom, and having one of those tag-a-long child.

Is being able to have one on one time with them.

Today it was reasonably pleasant outside. So Jesse and I went outback to just have some fun with the dog. Jesse wanted me to push him in the swing. He was laughing so hard when I would push him. It was so fun. I didn't get a picture of him wish I had my camera with me. It's these little moments that happen that make me realize why I am a stay at home mom. I get frustrated like I am sure every other mother has gotten ie: sick of laundry, cleaning the bathroom and so on. Sometimes we get stuck in our ruts and it takes days like to today to remember why we do it.

Swinging on the swing only cost me a little of my time. Nothing else how priceless is that. 5 Min's of uninterrupted time with my 3 year old.

I love him and all my kids but today makes me really glad that I had him and the joy he brings to us. Sometimes in the way of crazy wanna pull your hair out joy. But none the less he brings our family joy.

Party

2010-02-01T20:48:00.002-07:00

Because my sister and I have this problem with CRAP. We have decided the last to years to not exchange Christmas gifts with each other or our kids. We will create memories instead. So for the last 2 years after all the Christmas rush and hub-ub is over we planned a party to go bowling at BYU then to Brick Oven for dinner. Last year we forgot to take pictures so this year I broke out the old cell phone and took pictures cause of course I forgot my camera. So this is our Christmas present to our kids from their cousins. Spending time together and doing something fun.

James, Jack, Jesse for them we couldn't get started fast enough.

Joseph and my mom with Christy's back to us and Chaleesa standing in the back ground. Don't they just look like they are so excited to be humoring their mom and aunt?

Jesse so excited to be bowling. Look at the air that kid can get. James and Harrison always willing to help him out.

All I can say is its a good thing that my husband doesn't read my blog. I would be shot for posting this picture.

Chaleesa on the far side and the little boys just watching and having so much fun.

I took alot more picture but I might get disowned if I publish them. All in all it was a good time to be had. I think we accomplished our goal, my kids are already asking when we can do it again. Memories are the best. No clean up afterward, no toys to trip on, no wondering what do buy and then buying something just cause you need to have something Christmas morning. Best idea Christy and I have come up with yet. But I feel many more brewing. Together we are unstoppable? OK maybe not but we can pretend right?

Kelty's new fashion accessory....

2010-01-27T19:25:00.003-07:00

Today was the day. She was nervous but did so good. I am so proud of her.

Before just waiting not really knowing what to expect.

Her new fashion accessory's. Only half though, she has to wait to get the bottom ones on till the top moves a little bit. Then she will be really styling for sure.

The after picture. She looks so grown up with these on. I can't believe I am old enough to be worrying and paying for braces. Wow time flies.

Christmas Spirit is still alive.....

2009-12-20T21:50:00.003-07:00

So today Gene was craving Golden Corral. Gag I just did. So he got up and took the kids and let me sleep. Oh happy day. When they where getting ready to leave some older gentleman came up and gave each of my kids a $2 bill. I thought it was awesome when they came home and told me.
So someone defiantly has the Christmas spirit at Golden Corral. Just had to share this heart warming story.

Merry Christmas was all that was said to my kids and Gene. So in an effort of paying it forward I am just going to say MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

James hates his picture taken. He is so much fun when it is time to take his picture.

Boys will be boys.......

2009-12-18T09:19:00.002-07:00

Boys will be boys no matter how small.

Need I say any more?

I know it really hard to see. The story goes something like this. Gene and I where tired and ready for bed. Jesse was not so much tired he was ready to play. Since this kid has decided that our bed is his, Gene and I have decided he can sleep on the floor. So after we are in bed for the night he can come and lay on our floor but cannot get in our bed. Well I am ignoring him and realize he is asleep so I get up to take him to his room and find this. Jesse sitting in the corner with the blanket over his head. He is snoring he is so asleep. So while I know its hard to see but in the corner between my bed and the night stand thier is Jesse.

$30,000. Dollar cookie

2009-12-18T09:09:00.002-07:00

About 12 years ago give or take my uncle bought a truck. When he signed the papers they gave him this kind of cookie. We went to check out the truck and he offered us one of his $30,000. dollar cookies. To this day neither Gene nor I can walk by these cookies without laughing and asking each other if we want a $30,000. dollar cookie.

Just an amusing heart warming story for the morning for you.

So do you want a $30,000 cookie? I do they are the best.

Want me to snow plow for ya?

2009-12-12T21:34:00.003-07:00

So today it snowed. Gene was at work. The kids where home playing in the snow. And I for a change was up before 10 a.m. on a Sat. Doesn't happen very often around here but today I was up earlier than I have to get up during the week to get the kids of to school. Scary sight oh well.
So after the kids where outside playing in the snow. It for once this week was warmer. I think we hit like 25 and that my friends was warm. When are highs are not in the double digits you know its cold around here.

So I decided to go and plow the driveway. Bad idea!!!!!! I must add at this point Gene has told me I am not allowed to plow anywhere but our driveway and sidewalk. No where else at all. Let me rephrase No where else at all. I mean it.

Did you miss it cause I did to. So being neighborly and friendly like I am. (Don't you wish you where my neighbor?) Sorry where was I? Oh yeah being friendly and neighborly. I went to help out an older neighbor who has a hard time walking. Well when I looked down the road, I noticed his neighbor hadn't been plowed out. Who by the way was even older. What is a person to do I tell ya. Split second decisions, I tell you what are not my best quality. So I went over to their house to just do the side walk.

Well all was going well until I came to the mailbox. I slowed down watched the blade kinda hit it but not bad. Then went on, well as some of you can attest I often to forget to watch my rear end.

Yep the back is a little wider than the front on our 4-wheeler. When I went and hit the gas after I thought I was safely by. You all the sudden hear crack crash bang. I look back, the mailbox is on the ground.

The other neighbor who I went to help in the first place is outside and sees the whole thing happen. Like I wasn't going to go and tell these people what I had done. The thought crossed my mind but then left really fast.

I start laughing and finish plowing. When I finally get to my neighbors he just laughs. At this time another neighbor has come out. I promptly proceed to get of the 4-wheeler and tell him to finish.

I didn't take any pictures but it was funny, until Gene got home. He takes all the fun out of life.

You have to know at this point that in the 10 years of living at my house and plowing. I have succeeded in breaking, 3 mailboxes, curbing, sprinkler heads, and I am sure a ton of other things I just can't remember right know.

So my little fixer upper husband knows that every time I get on the 4-wheeler to plow our next conversation will go something like this.

Me: ring, ring.
Gene: Hello
Me: How much do you love me?
Gene: What did you break now?
Me: Laugh, do you promise to still love me?
Gene: Just tell me what I have to fix so I can bring home the right tools to fix it.

You get the picture. I really should think of a better way to call and break it to Gene but for some reason when I do something like this I find it amusing. Is that really bad?
Obviously I am easily amused.
One side note is that I have over the last 10 years realized that it makes my life much easier if I call Gene and tell him at work. So when he gets home he has had time to cool of. Makes my life easier. Not so much his but mine yes.

So when her gets home from lunch, he just walks down to asses the damages and realizes its an easy fix. Whew, I am saved he has it fixed and even has time to eat his lunch before he goes back to work.

Just for the record they people weren't home when I hit their mailbox. When they got home I went and told them what I did and that my husband would fix it. She told me thanks for at least trying to help. She also said no harm done as long as your husband will fix it.

Should I be worried? Or should I just stay away from plowing them out in the future?

Please tell me you are amused by my story. I was, is that bad? I really just have a big heart and want to help everyone out. Unfortunately for Gene that usually means that he has to repair something. Man I would be in trouble if I would have married someone else. I used to laugh at my grandpa Warren cause he was "A Jack of all trades" Well now I am realizing its not so bad to be "A Jack of all trades." Especially when you are married to me.

SHOES SHOES SHOES

2009-12-09T20:39:00.002-07:00

Some might say we have a little shoe problem at our house.

What do you think?

p.s. I am looking and open to all ideas as to what to do with this little area in our house.

It drives both Gene and I crazy.

James Fieldtrip

2009-11-24T15:19:00.005-07:00

Today I had the great honor of going on James field trip to the Clark Planetarium and the Children's Museum. On the bus to boot. I am one lucky girl wouldn't you say?

James on the bus getting ready to leave. Riding the bus is so much fun when you don't get to do it everyday.

Right after we got their. They where already to run and play and have lots of energy.

James and some of his friends walking on Mars. They thought that was cool.

James and friends in front of the big map of

weather.

James and friends on the moon. Wow we must have one awesome school to let kids go to Mars and the Moon.

Then It was time for a 3-D movie. It was awesome. It was about the moon and walking on the moon.

What would it be like without a picture of mom and James with our 3-D glasses on.

Next it was on to the children's Museum. James got to ride a horse. Although I think he liked the Chaleesa's horse better.

He got to play in a helicopter.

Then he got to make funny faces at mom what more could a kid ask for?

All in all I think he had a great day. It was lots of fun. Mom even had fun. This is part of the joys of being a stay at home mom. You get to go and hang out with your kids for the day.

Thanks James for wanting me to come with you today I had a great time.

Sleepy?????

2009-11-16T22:28:00.002-07:00

Nap time anyone? When Jesse got home from preschool today I apparently didn't notice he was tired. I was reading the new Dan Brown book completely oblivious to all around me. I look over and see him. He had gone up and got his robe put it on and climbed up on the couch.

To cute not to post.

WOW

2009-11-01T21:38:00.004-07:00

All I can say is wow. Springville lost a great man on Wed. the 28 of Oct. I had the privilege to know him. He was the fire chief for Springville. He was loved and respected by most people in the community. He was well loved by me because I knew when the pager went of and my husband was going to go into a burning house I knew Phil had his back and his safety was number one priority in his book.

When I was first married I would get all anxious and never when I heard the pager go off. Pretty soon I came to realize that my husband was pretty safe at what he was doing. In 14 years on Springville's department my husband or none of the other firemen that I am of aware of have gotten hurt while fighting fire under Phil's command.

So the man deserves my respect and gratitude. Know when the pager goes of it doesn't even phase me besides wondering how bad and who's house or whatever is on fire.

So tonight at his viewing they had the fire and ambulance personnel stand next to his casket for 10 min intervals with an ax. Similar to changing of the guards in Washington D.C.

What an honor it was for my husband to partake of this. It was truly amazing to watch all the firemen willing give up their Sunday nights.

One short story about Phil. When the fire department used to light of all the fireworks for Art City days. Gene was of course all into that and was lighting them of. I was over in the arts park watching. Well one went of right close to the ground. I being newly married and didn't understand the whole thing started to panic. I happened to be sitting next to Phil and his wife Helen. When I started getting nervous Phil just looks at me and says "they haven't called for medical they are fine." They where fine and nothing happened. I was sure glad to be sitting by Phil at that time. He was one amazing man and his legacy hopefully and should go on for quite some time in the city.

Gene getting the hand of from "The Allen"

Finishing the hand of and Gene getting into position.

Gene standing at attention.

Still standing their. Pretty cool to watch I must say. I am biased but still really cool.

What really matters in life......

2009-10-26T22:20:00.003-06:00

Becouse of the day I had today. I needed a reminder of what really matters. Well I now know what really matters in my life.

In the end (pun intended) life is worth it. Just sometimes I think we all need a little reminder once in awhile.

The crazy things we do.....

2009-10-17T22:32:00.002-06:00

Seriously I think that we should be banned from KSL classifieds. We found this little cutie online last night at like, 9:15 and by 9:45 we where in the car headed home with him.

He is 6 weeks old and just as cute and adorable as could be.

I think we have to be the most impulsive people on the planet. We have looked and then I usually just say no way and we go on with our nights.

Not last night. Gene was looking at puppies and got the kids involved. I think he has wanted one longer than me.
Right know he is staying inside the house but he will defiantly be an outside dog. I can handle an inside one for a little while But not forever.
Hopefully this little cutie will be easily trained.
One thing is for sure he is well loved already.

2009-10-11T22:29:00.003-06:00

This is what I have been working on for the last year. Ok so maybe not the whole time.
My aunt redid her kitchen and I asked her if I could have this cabinet. It is nothing special but my Great grandpa Whiting built it so it makes it special to me. I am very pleased with how it turned out. Can't wait to get it in my house.

Finished product. I think it turned out pretty cool. My aunt has another one in her basement that she uses for storage. I am wondering if I can talk Gene into building her some shelfs if she will let me have the other one. I wanted to put glass in it but Gene said not this time. So if I get the other one we are defiantly putting glass in it.

I wish you could see the hardware on here it is amazing. I love how they don't line up equal just gives it more character. So fun.

PRICELESS

2009-10-04T11:31:00.004-06:00

Can life get any better?

Church in your pajamas at home. Watching conference listening to the Prophet in your Pajamas. Feeling the spirit in between stop bugging each other don't touch them. Sit listen watch. Be quiet, but when those still small feelings come it is all worth it.
I am so lucky to live where we do to be able to watch conference in our pajamas. Wrapped in blankets eating chocolate.
I know thier are some who have to get all dressed up and still go to church to listen. we are so lucky when we get to be at home and listen in our pajamas.

Gene and James trying to teah Jesse how to play rummikub.

Kelty playing games.

Watching Conference, messy house, Priceless.

Church in pajamas.

Priceless. Can life get any better.

2009-09-30T13:05:00.001-06:00

Oh my gosh isn't she georgous? I am having some tenchinal difficulties tryint to get these to upload so here is some of Kelty for right know. I love how they all turned out can't wait to figure this out and get them all on here for you guys to see. I promise more to come.

What makes me SAD, What makes me happy.

2009-09-29T10:45:00.003-06:00

This is what makes me very sad. my popcorn bucket is empty. I love popcorn And everything it entails.

This is what makes me very happy my popcorn bucket full. I absolutely love popcorn espically when it has any kind of popcorn syrup on it. That makes me even more happier but alas I can at least make me some. Happy days are here again.

Grandma Whiting

2009-09-04T23:08:00.005-06:00

So 1 year ago today, my Grandma Whiting passed away. What bittersweet memories.

Approximately 3 weeks before she fell and broke her hip.

I still remember her the night before she fell.

She was living in a care center, called Hearthstone. They always did Family Home Evening every Monday. So shortly after she moved into Hearthstone, my sister and I thought it would be great to rotate spending Monday nights with grandma and the cousins.

So that is how Family Home Evening started. My sister would do the schedule and then you would go on your night.

Do to some events in my sisters life, she called and asked if I would take over scheduling for her. So for about 2 months I did the schedule. It was great. Then the day before she fell. I somehow managed to schedule Teddy and Myself and our family's for that night. Without knowing what I had done until we got to the rest home.

I remember sitting their talking to grandma and in walks Teddy. We look at each other confused but stay.

I don't remember what the actual family night was. I do remember that Teddy brought doughnuts and Jesse wanted to climb on her bed and eat his. This didn't go over to well with grandma.

We didn't take grandma anywhere that night just sat and visited and enjoyed each others company.

When we left for some reason I had to walk to the front desk. Gene went the other way to the car with the kids. Then I returned past my grandma's doorway.

She was sitting on her green couch like she always did looking out her window. I still remember pausing and just staring at her. Something told me this would be the last time I would see her like this.

I being who I am passed this feeling of and thought nothing of it. I did stare at her a little longer than normal though. I quietly said "I love you grandma", she didn't hear me. I went on out to the car with my husband and kids.

I had a lot to do. School was starting in 2 days I needed to make sure my kids got all their stuff together.

Early the next morning my mom calls. I see who it is and say couldn't you have waited till like 10 a.m. this is my last day to sleep in.

She says no I thought you would like to know that grandma fell during the night and broke her hip we are at Mountain View Hospital.

I immediately went back to that thought I had the night before. I knew I should have taken it more serious.

I thought I was busy and like always my grandma would always be here.

Then suddenly she wasn't here anymore. I crumbled, what was I going to do. Who was I going to call to ask canning questions to? ( I know about the blue ball book but it is never as good as grandma.) Who was going to tell my kids to finish their dinner even if they didn't like it. Who was going to tell me to pick that weed and through it away. Who was going to just randomly pop into my new house when I didn't have dinner cleaned up yet, let alone have her 2 sisters with her. I was mortified. Who was going to make me feel OK. Who was going to help me peel tomato's, peaches, pears, apples. Who was going to teach my kids a penny saved is a penny earned, or you have to keep on keeping on.

I all the sudden felt a huge responsibility to my kids. I have a lot to teach them.

So today in honor of my grandma I took my kids to the floral. Let them pick out their own flower. We took them to her grave and I told them how wonderful this lady was and what she meant to me and hopefully someday to she will become to mean that much to them.

I told them why I say "I want it Grandma Whiting clean." Why $2 bills are important to me. Why canning is so fun to me, why when I sleep I have to have the covers up around my neck but my feet sticking out. No matter how hot it is outside. Why I have to pull every weed I see.

Why they should always hold their head up high and stand for something.

I am forever thankful for Grandma Whiting and her role in my life. I don't think a day goes by that I don't think of her.

I hope that grandma knows how much we love her and all that she sacrificed for me and my children.

I am even more grateful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The things I have learned. To know this is not the end but a beginning. To know that Grandma is standing up straight, cleaning off her door frames. Re-cleaning her windows cause the wind blew when she was done and got them dusty again.

I LOVE YOU GRANDMA.

Canning again......

2009-09-02T13:17:00.002-06:00

So I didnt think we had any pictures of the three of us canning.
So I had to change that. Here is Christy my mom and me peeling tomatos for salsa.

Seriously I don't know what I would do without my mom and sister and all the help they give to me. It is always a blast to get together with them and squish tomatos. So much fun. I think I have realized why I like canning, because it usually involves spending time with these two wonderful ladies.

First day of 3 year old preschool.

2009-09-02T12:44:00.002-06:00

He is so excited to go. He wanted to wear his soccer socks. (We don't play soccor or have soccor socks but this is what he wanted to wear.)

Jesse being silly. Doing a normal Cope picture. Have to hang the tongue out.

Enough Pictures already mom. He was getting mad at me.

You have to love it when they run into Preschool and don't even care if you are thier or not.

James won a new bike

2009-08-31T21:21:00.003-06:00

So about 2 weeks ago Gene and James went on a Sat morning to get doughnuts, for breakfast. (I was still sleeping, big suprise thier right?) James talked Gene into entering a drawing for a bike.
They didnt even tell me about it. I get a phone call today saying Gene has won a bike. Since James was the one to make him enter(you had to be 18). The bike goes to James.

We had to put the bike together. We made it a family affair.

James having a fun time helping his dad.

It is finally put together. He is so happy. A little big but he will grow into it. So exciting.

I told you it was a family affair. Kelty hanging on the 4-wheeler just watching.

Jesse hanging out on the garage floor. After bath and all to. What a mother I am.

FIREMANS KIDS WATER PARTY.....

2009-08-22T16:40:00.003-06:00

Can you tell who the party was really for the kids or the firemen?

Yes that is 3 streams of water for the kids to play in. From fire hoses.

Jesse's loving the perks of being a firefighters son.

How high can it go?

Uncle Joel walking away trying not to get wet. Not very many people came home dry from this party.

Ok so maybe these people came home dry. I wonder why?

Playing in the water and loving life.

Whose the biggest kid of all.

Really Gene I am holding the camera. He just aimed lower and got my legs wet. I knew I wasnt coming home dry from this party.

More fun. It was so hot that the water on the asphalt was actually getting hot to where you had to have your shoes on or it would have burned your feet.

Wonder where the water fight started? Wonder no more. My husband and Al Duke made sure we all got wet.

This is before the water fight. Relaxing and eating Ice cream in the pool can life get any better than this?

Hanging out with friends and cousins in the water. Thier life must be so hard.

A boy must have his toys. Just glad I dont have to pay for these toys.

Just another picture of the fire trucks.

So have you figured out who the biggest kid of them all is?

Yeah you guessed right MY HUSBAND. He was the one the whole time on the end of a fire hose making sure we all stayed nice and cool. Isn't he so thoughtful???????

Boys.... Do they ever grow up??????

2009-08-20T21:06:00.002-06:00

So awhile ago we had friends over for dinner. They all happen to be Gene's high school friends. They all married great women so this story has a happy ending. Any ways after dinner and we are all sitting around talking. Gene preceeds to tell his friends about this explosive he has just discovered. And guess what, we just happen to have all the ingredients in the garage to make this thing. They are laughing while they are mixing it up. I am thinking ok how much money can I quickly gather to bail these boys out when they get caught.

This is Brian running when he saw me with the camera apparently he has some respectable job he would like to keep? He didnt want any proof that he was here.

Doc ever so proud to be mixing it and making this little explosive.

Gene just sitting thier watching as Brian is running for the door.

So I have a couple of questions.

1. Do they ever tire of making things blow up?

2. Do they grow up? Notice the little girl taking it all in. You would have at least thought they would wait till the kids went to bed.

3. Will they still laugh like little kids when one gets a stupid idea and watch as he makes a fool of himself?

Ok so the pictures suck but you get the idea. My husband is the biggest kid of them all it was his idea. He always seems to come up with them then make someone else do the dirty work.

Just a little FYI. This did not work. Apparently we don't have the right stuff to make this in the garage. sigh.......

Canning

2009-08-19T12:01:00.002-06:00

Whats a better way to start school than canning.

After the kids got of this is what I set out about doing today. I love canning I have decided it gives me a sense of selfworth. I don't know maybe I am dumb. Maybe I have come to the grips

that canning is just a part of me. Who I am what I am and where I am going to be someday in my life. I am not sure. When I was younger I hated canning season, not that I did anything mind you. I just hated the smell the whole idea of it. I love it now. The smell the taste the feeling the look of my storage room when all my bottles are full.

But I would not be where I am today without my mother and all her hard work and effort to get me to this point. She pushed, pulled, prodded, told me we are doing this today bought the stuff and showed up on my doorstep and said you ready to can? I owe what I am all that I am to my mother she makes me want to be a better person. She makes me want to achieve more and do better and be a better person.

Well in the spirit of all this I better get of my lazy butt and quit blogging and get to work canning.

What's next salsa, pears, peaches, applesauce. Bring it on I am ready.

First day of school

2009-08-19T11:49:00.002-06:00

First day of school. James is in 3rd grade, he got Mrs. Manning. Love that.

Kelty is in 6th grade, she got Mrs. McKee. New teacher fresh from BYU. Love that new ideas new things to learn. Yeah for us.

Jesse just wants to be as big as them and go to school to. He starts next week back at Teacher Lynda's oh yeah love that idea.

Mom doing what a mom does best. Drive the kids crazy with pictures.

How am I old enough to have a 6th grader?

James so happy and loving life and the fact school starts.

ROAD TRIP

2009-08-12T11:53:00.002-06:00

Ok for those of you who know me. Know I love road trips with no kids.
Well I got to do one this year. Just me and Gene and the big open road. Well between Springville and Victorville CA. We had to take a piece of equipment down to Victorville Ca. I am game. So after unsuccessfully trying to get Gene to take the kids with us and make a family trip and hit Disneyland, while we where only 1 1/2 hours away from their.
I send my kids of to different family members and babysitters and of we go.

Well fortunately for me we are pulling a trailer so for me that means I can't drive. (can you see the tears?) So this is how the big open road looked to me both going and coming.

It was awesome.

Unfortunately for Gene this is what it looked like for him. HAPPY DAY.

So we drive to Primm Valley Nevada, on Sun. To stay the first night. It was great no kids and an outlet shopping mall all to boot. I mean what girl would be sad.

Then on to Victorville on Monday. Mind you as we are finding this guys shop where we have to leave the equipment, I am scooping things out. (I was told to plan on being at his shop for like 2-3 hours. )

I don't see much but a Target, Walmart, Sears. Not much but better than hanging out at some guys shop and watching them talk shop.

Well when I went out to tell Gene I was leaving the guy said oh we are done so of we go back to Vegas baby. And this time no kids. (see earlier post)

We had a great dinner at the Mirage it was so yummy. Love Vegas cause we where so not dressed to be at this fancy of place but when you are on the strip who cares right.

Then my husband took me to see Blue Man Group. Loved it, loved it. It was great and yes we had to be the cheesy people who after have to have their picture taken with the BLUE MEN.

Crappy shot but awesome show.

While we where in Vegas we had to stop and see this cute little thing. This is Gene's cousin Emily and Madison. She was born around the 4th of July. So stinking cute.

It was a good visit with them and I got my baby fix for a while so I am good.

Then we hit the road home and it was back to me sleeping.

Yes I took my blanket Gene freezes me out so it is just easier to take blankets and pillows then try to fight over the thermostat.

Well that is our 3 day road trip.

I saw a lot of the back of my eyelids which was really needed for me.

Gene saw a lot of miles pass by.

My kids where home playing with cousins and friends could life get any better than that.

Thanks to my in laws, my parents, my sister and my niece. Cause I wouldn't have been able to go without you guys watching my kids.

Disclaimer. Sorry Katie we didn't get to see you. Next time I promise I am taking you up on that empty room idea when my kids are with me.

Before the wind storm

2009-08-05T21:42:00.001-06:00

So this is a picture of my cousin and his daughter Shea. What I want you to take notice of is the barn behind them. Then read the next post.

Wind storm

2009-08-05T21:28:00.001-06:00

I am obviously having some blogger difficultes. Whats new right? Well tonight I get this phone call from my dad saying one of the barns fell down. So I went up to see, wow did it ever fall down. The picture before this is one to show you what the barn usually looks like. For some reason I couldnt get them all on the same blog post. I know, I know spazzy Camille is back. Enjoy.

2009-07-25T18:16:00.002-06:00

Its tuff being 3 at out house.

This is what happens when you play hard. Gotta love being a 3 year old.

2009-07-23T23:34:00.001-06:00

So I know these pictures dont do the food justice but this is how we eat when we camp. We seriously had so much food. We had to use the back of Gene's truck, a huge grill, and still another dutch oven stand. Holy food.

Nice jeremy way to ruin a picture.

Two grills to get all the meat cooked. Holy meat.

Kelty with her favorite aunt Teresa.

We had such a blast camping. I love camping with Great friends and family.

So much fun.

The other part of the story about the snakes I wasnt going to tell cause I didn;t want to hurt someone(kami's) feelings but since she brought it up on my comments I guess I will tell you the rest.

The day after all the hiking and freaking snakes. I was starting to calm down. Just sitting in camp talking to everyone.

Important detail to the story. Last year Gene and his cousin Chris thought It would be funny to put a rubber snake around the toilet in Joel and Brenda's trail. Remember that Brenda only likes snakes a teeny tiny more than I do. When she saw the snake she didnt freak out just made Joel take it and put it away.

Well back to my story. Since we had such a terrible time with snakes on the hike Kami thought she would be funny and sneak up to me with above said snake and sneak it over my shoulder to scare me.

Well not only did it scare my it sent me into a full blown panic attacks. Now I have medicine to take but since I usually don't have panic attacks camping cause I figure I am on snakes territory camping. So I don't bring my medicine with me camping.
Well when she put it from the side of me into my face I lost it. Cried yelled screamed and ran.

Kami felt really sorry for doing it, luckly I did have some benadryl and that kinda calmed me down a little bit.

The good news is here is that I controlled my breathing and got myself calmed down with a little help from Kami.

Anyways when Gene got back to camp I had calmed down and all was well, the rest of the camping trip was great. No problems. So any way here are just a few more pictures. Such a fun time.

2009-07-23T23:31:00.000-06:00

More to the story

2009-07-22T14:20:00.004-06:00

So when we finally get in the truck and of that stupid mountain. I turn to Gene and say "that was a bust." He says no way that was awesome. How can it be a bust. We had a great hike no one got hurt, the kids didn't complain to much. It was fine we need to do things like this more often.

I seriously look at him at like you have got to be kidding me. All the things he just told me are true, but I am like I am not hiking anywhere anymore. I can't handle any more snakes.

Ok so maybe I will have to try another hike just not to the hot pots again. That one is for sure out.

So as you saw in some of the pictures I took my neice Camden with us. So when her mom and grandma get to camp we have to tell the whole story. They are like sweet we like snakes, we aren't afraid of naked people.

So they go the next day on the same hike we went on. They saw NOT ONE snake and NOT ONE naked man. They where seriously bummed. I was furious I was like are you kidding me, not one snake. I even told them what tree to look under and everything. Nope not a one.

I think they were disappointed though what way I can't say. No naked man or no snakes.

Anyway onto the rest of the weekend. It calmed down from here. On Sat., Gene's parents brought his grandparents up to hang out and have dinner with us. Well one thing led to another and it ended up with someone doing some sweet talking to Papa Ray. Next thing you know away he went on a 4-wheeler, he was driving his own machine. So fun, they went to the top of Strawberry Ridge. About a 20 mile ride from our camp each way. Not bad for an 86 year old.

Then when they got back from the ride, grandpa just went crusing by camp. When he realized it he started laughing saying I was having so much fun I didnt even see camp.

Then it was on to dinner time. For any of those who know us no that camping and food is like a gourmet thing. Oh my gosh we had so much food. So good, and such fun memories. I am glad that my inlaws and grandparents in laws could come up with us to spend such a wonderful day. Espically for the memories that my kids have from them coming up.

GOOD or BAD you decide

2009-07-21T11:26:00.007-06:00

So for the 4th of July this year we went camping. (I know most of you are suprised, we went camping.)

We went up to Springville Crossing's. Somewhere up between Diamond Fork and Springville.

Since we got up early Fri morning and went up. I know early for me is like 8 but I did it. We got up to the campground and set up everything. Then I had a brilliant idea. Let's hike to the Utah's valley's famous hot pots........

These are known for the gay and lesbian hang out. I know I am telling you brillant idea right?

Well I was thinking that if we went up early in the day we wouldn't see any naked people or gay and lesbians hanging out. Well 2 out of 3 isnt bad right.

No gay and lesbians just one naked man. Who was kind enough to "tuck it" when we went by.

This is the beginning of the trip when the kids still liked me. Yes we have an extra its Camden Jake and Teresa's little girl.

Right as we where leaving the camp to go hike. They really liked me here.

Kelty trying to stick her head out of the water fall. It was to cold for her. But she did more than me so hey she is one trooper of a kid.

Since we where camping with Joel and Brenda. Gene's aunt and uncle we made them go on the hike with us.

For the record they didn't really like me at this point. We are at the hot pots.

Gene and James soaking thier feet in the stream when we got back from the hike. It is about 3miles give or take each way.

Joel back at camp trying to decide if he likes me anymore.

So here is the bad part of the story. Sorry no pictures to go with this part of the story.
On the way up we passed a family and James is ahead talking to a kid. Pretty soon I hear him yell something cant tell what it is. I mumble my response and keep going. Then the kid James was talking to passes me. I scream and yell for Gene who is about 20 yards away from me. The kid that James is talking to has a freaking snake wrapped around his arms. I panic turn my head and the kid and his mom and dad make him hurry down the hill and get it away from me. Nice parents.
I am like ok we saw our one snake we are good. Just to be sure I make Gene go ahead of me and Joel goes behind the group. See my logic protector in front and one in back. Pretty soon Gene says stay where you are. I do but James goes up to see what is going on. The stupid thing hisses at Gene and scares James. So Joel goes up to see if he can help Gene out. Next thing I know is I see Joel flick a snake into the river. So I am like ok we are good. Oh no Gene is like stay thier. Pretty soon another one goes flying into the river. Its safe you can come up know.

So we pass the snake area. We get to the hot pots and start playing and having fun. Just for the record we are up to 3 snakes in like 10 min on the trip.
Pretty soon Joel says to brenda lets go sit over their in the shade. He walks through the water and comes right back never mind he says.
Another snake but this one is dead but this is the girl who doesnt care if its dead or not.
So 4 is the total. I get Jesse and Cam playing in the warmer water and go take pictures of kelty and Gene. Joel and brenda are watching the little kids.
Pretty soon Brenda sees Joel get up just slow like no big deal picks up a stick and flicks another one down the river.
5 is know the total. By this time Brenda and I are trying to grab the kids and get them out of here we are done. Just one snake to many. So as I am trying to get the kids dressed and shoes on and stuff. James again says mom don't look, seriously why do they tell me that. So I look. Not 10 feet from is another stupid snake. I am freaking out. Just get me of this stupid mountain what a dumb idea this was.
Some girl hears me scream comes and picks up the snake and moves it down the trail. The trail mind you is right where I have to walk. I am like oh my gosh.
So again I pull out my protectors Gene in front Joel in back. We get passed this snake and head down. So the count is 6 snakes.
We get about half way down and Gene says stop. @^%&$@^(@*$*#$&($(*$^($^($&0.
You can only wonder what came out of my mouth at this point. This time though it was just a water snake and only like 6inches long. I dont care if it was as long as a nite crawler I HATE SNAKES. No matter how big or small they are.

So Here I am trying to create fun memories for my family and do something besides ride 4 wheelers and all I proceeding in doing is now terrifing my 3 kids of snakes and my poor neice.

Thier is more to this story but I will have to add it later since I have already writtten about the first 4 chapter of a book.

In this picture is David Cope, Ray Cope, Gene Cope, Kelty Cope. How many people can say thier 86 year old grandpa rode a 4-wheeler on a 20 mile ride.

If you make it this far in my writing. This is one awesome picture. It is a 4 generation Picture on top of Strawberry ridge.
Grandma Na, Papa Ray, David and Janet rode up to our camp on sat and they talked grandpa into going on a ride.

Gene sticking his head out from behind the waterfall. He said it is awesome. I am a wuss. I like the heated water of 7peaks. Or the hot water at the hot pots.

Kelty and Cam in some of the colder water up thier. Trying to be brave and get in the cold water.

Happy Birthday

2009-06-18T15:29:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was Gene's birthday. So I went and bought the stuff you write on windows with and took the kids and we went and decorated his truck. The kids loved it. If you know me you know I can't stand a surprise. Well this time it worked out for the best for me.

After we got done decorating it. I went and got a Coke. But then I couldn't handle it. So I called Gene and just said "come out side." He was like whats wrong? I said nothing just come outside.

So when he walked out he saw this.....

He just started to laugh. I say it was a good thing we called him cause it down poured at about 11:50. By the time he got outside to his truck he said it was all washed of. Just some white marks here and thier.

The 29+6 is because he says he is only 29 years old. He says he never hit 30. So anytime one of the kids ask him how old he is he always says 29.

Tonight was also the Open House for the new Fire Station up town. So after dinner we went up to help with that. It was fun. This year we all got new shirts so I had to have our picture taken in front of a fire truck right?

The drive home.

2009-06-15T17:24:00.003-06:00

This is what happens when you spent the last 5 days with friends.

You crash big time. This ride home was defiantly much calmer than the ride to Roosevelt. This time we only had 3 kids not 5 and Gene had some much needed rest.

Kelty never crashed but when your brothers are asleep their is not much to do. So the 2 hour ride home was pretty quiet.

Gene just driving, I think I need to hire me a driver. Since in all my post this is what Gene is mainly doing.

The drive home was made so much better by having these along for the ride.

So just to get things straight on this drive we had 3 very tired kids, 1 not sleep deprived dad, 2 very full diet Dr. Pepper/Dr. Peppers =1 very happy mom.

1 peaceful drive ahhh my life is grand.

4-Wheeling with the Rohrer's

2009-06-15T17:06:00.005-06:00

This is what our day started out like on sat. So beautiful, so much better than yesterday since Gene was able to get a good uninterrupted nights sleep.

Eating lunch before the ride. Oh yeah and pounding down the Diet Coke/Dr.Pepper.

We rode in this beautiful country. Not really sure where we where but it was gorgeous. This is Makell and Kelty. Can really be old enough to have kids that can ride their own machines wow. What a nice phase of life.

Jesse and Raegan just waiting for the riding to begin.

James and Easton riding around waiting for us to get everything ready. They are on their own machines to just smaller ones.

This is what it looked like when we ended the ride. All in all this was a good day. Not to hot not to cold. The rain seriously came as soon as we got in the truck it started to down pour.

Fun times with the Rohrers

2009-06-15T16:37:00.004-06:00

So this past weekend was Art City Days. I love Art City Days, Gene hates it. So for the last 12 years of marriage he has been trying to get me to leave town for Art City Days. This year I take him up on his offer. I had my friends kids from wed to fri. Makell and Easton, then on Fri when Gene got of work the plan was for us to take the kids back to Roosevelt with 4-wheelers so we could ride. Well the plan didn't include a fire at 2:30 in the morning. Not at my house. When you are married to a fireman this is what happens. So Gene started his Fri at 2:30 a.m. By the time 6ish rolls around to go he is wiped out. But because we are taking 4-wheelers with us he wont let me drive.

So we have 5 kids in the truck with Gene and I. So for those of you keeping count we have 7 people in a 6 person truck. 2 extremely giggly girls, 2 hyper boys, I 3 year old who wants to be in the back. With all the kids. 1 extremely ornery Dad, 1 mom who is trying to please everyone.

This picture doesn't even do it justice to how loud it was in here. Not to mention how stinky. Not sure what I fed these kids but man for 2 hours they stunk

Easton and Makell. Not sure why my pictures are so blurry?

Can you see how happy Jesse is. Can you see how happy Gene is?

Then to top it all of. We got behind this truck in a no passing zone. This was almost Gene deal breaker when we got behind this truck. He nearly lost it.

I know it blurry but that is 20 mph we where going. Gene was getting ticked. I was laughing cause this is how my life goes. Thankfully we where able to pass this truck after about 5 miles. But it was 5 long miles for me. Thinking my husband was going to blow his cork.

We had to have 3 bathroom stops on the way up. Thankfully it was the boys who needed to go so we just pulled over to the side of the road.

Just another picture of the craziness that was going on in the back of the truck.

SUNDAY FAMILY FUN

2009-06-07T22:35:00.002-06:00

So tonight for a little fun we rode our bikes to Gene's Grandma Na's. This is about 1.3 miles from our house. Not that far really unless you are a 3 year old just learning how to ride a bike. With training wheels. Jesse did so good. A little slow and scary at some points, ie riding in the road, cutting in front of a car. You know just the usual stuff for Jesse.

I did pull the empty stroller in case he couldn't make it, who was I kidding this is Jesse we are talking about. No is not an option with this kid.

Us in front of Grandma Na's. James was pouting so he is not in the picture.

Notice the only one with a helmet on?????

Jesse did this himself. He wanted it on, at one point he took it of and then went about 20 feet and we had to stop again so he could put it back on.

Such a good kid. Such a bad mom for not making my other 2 kids wear theirs.

(I don't think Kelty even has a helmet.)

Ok now that my hand hurts cause I just slapped it.

James just loving life.

Kelty yelling at me cause I was using her camera and she didn't want me to drop it.

Who does she think I am????

(I put spazzy Camille away for today, I think.)

Gene and Jesse, aren't they cute. Sorry the pictures are blurry but I was trying to ride and take pictures at the same time. I know, I know I have you all impressed now huh!

Jesse, Gene, Kelty and way up their is James. So fun!

I am sad and happy at the same time.

The other day at 7-peaks I got to hold my friend Steph's new baby (like 2 weeks old). I was thinking oh I want one of these.

Then I got to go on this awesome family bike ride with everyone on their own bikes. Who would have thought.

Just different seasons of life I know. I am glad to have these little moments when I can look back and realize that while I will never have another baby, I am enjoying these moments with my kids.

I am loving this new season for me. My kids are getting so old. This is good and bad.
I am liking the independent stage but I guess it is just the feel of being needed. Who would have thought, my kids are independent.

I loved having the newborns, the new smell new everything.

But as I write this I am realizing my kids are just in a new phase. Not newborn but new adventures await us. Who knows what they will be, good I hope. Bad we will deal with. In between ahhhhh sigh we would love but we will take whatever is thrown at us right??????

Look what I got.

2009-06-04T23:03:00.004-06:00

So I forgot to add this picture of our last camping trip. I just came across it tonight.

So the post before this I was saying how bad it was camping. Muddy and everything but I mean really who can complain with a kitchen floor that looks like this.

Yes folks you can see that right. I had my own stone kitchen. Let me tell you this is not the fake stuff either. This is the real deal. I mean who wouldnt want to camp when you can have your very own stone kitchen. My husband is the best he takes such good care of me.

Camping in the mud.

2009-05-26T15:29:00.003-06:00

This last weekend we went camping to the San Rafeal Swell. Maybe a better name for it would be MUD SWELLS. It was so muddy but we had a fun time camping anyway. Here are just some fun pictures of our camp.

A river runs through it.

Gene and Jesse one of the few moments it wasnt raining.

Jesse loved climbing these rocks. Thankfully we where smart enough to

bring uncle Jake along to climb all the rocks after him.

I am pretty sure that when we bought Gene's truck it was a fire engine red. Not after this weekend its not any more.

*we did wash it on Mon when we got home but man did it take alot to get all that mud of.

Grandma's Hands

2009-05-20T23:05:00.004-06:00

I wish I would have done this. I have no idea whos hands these are but love the story they can tell. Just wish it I knew more about my grandma's hands.

I am so doing this with Gene's grandparents that are still alive.

Grandma's Hands

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK.

She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear strong voice. 'I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her.

'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?' I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down.

No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story: Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.

They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of God.'

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

Who Knew??????

2009-05-13T19:48:00.004-06:00

Who knew that this little creature could cause so much stress in a person's life? I thought I had these little buggers conquered.

NOPE.

They are eating the roots of my plants and know they are invading my house. I just wanna scream. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Thanks I feel better.

Ok sorry for the vent but really. I have so many ant beds it disgusting. I am at a loss as what to do with them they are in my lawn, my garden and now my flowers. Not my flowers.

I am starting to wonder if my house was built on top of an ant habitat.

Speaking of habitat's yesterday I was at the store with my kids and they saw the cute little ant farms and wanted one. I just looked at them like you have got to be kidding me. We live in one of those just look outside we can make our own.

Ok I am really done with this vent know I promise thanks for reading.

Snow bird

2009-05-10T21:19:00.004-06:00

Our friends have a condo at Snowbird and invited us up for a night. It was Kelty's birthday so went up with her best friend. It was so much fun thank you Dan and Jo for the fun night it was awesome.

Kelty

Our friend Jo she is amazing.

Jo's daughter Macady she is so little but so stinking cute.

Gene and Jesse

Dan Cooking and James trying to be patient waiting for food.
It was such a fun night they have an heated outdoor swimming pool it was so cool to see the snow and be swimming.
Glad I have great friends like these. I hope you all have as great as friends as I do.

10 MILE HIKE

2009-05-10T21:11:00.003-06:00

Ok so for the 5th graders at our school they make them do a 10 mile hike at the end of the year. Kelty was all upset cause it was on her birthday, and I made her do it.

This is us almost back to the buses.
It is more or less like a walk though. If you are from Springville you will understand where we went. We started at the Pizza Hut church and walked the Hobble Creek path up to Rotary park and back. It is more like a stroll than a hike.

Bailey Bird, he is the funniest kid ever I swear.

Me on the hike I am so beautiful I know. But we had lots of fun.

The old ladies on the hike. Trina, Kami, and Laura. These three and so funny and made the hike feel like just a lounging day at the beach.

James

2009-05-05T23:10:00.003-06:00

James the poor kid. Gene and I went on a date tonight. We left Kelty tending for about 45 mins. Then my in-laws where going to come down and help them get baths and in bed. Well I called home to see how things where going? Kelty informs me she has already called grandma Janet and that James has wrecked on his bike. I am like ok how bad. She said not to bad. Well my inlaws came down we talked to them on the phone they said not to worry he was fine. Bruised up and will have a black eye but he is ok and to enjoy the rest of our night out.
So we did. We have season tickets to the Hale Theater in Orem. So on the way home I call home and tell my in-laws we are on our way and they can go if they want. They say oh no we will wait till you are here.
Boy am I glad they waited, this is what I came home to.

Trust me it is alot worse than it looks in these pictures. His fingers are gashed open and a nasty cut on his toe.

I guess he was riding the neighbors little bike like a 12 inch tire bike. The neighborhood kids call it El diablo. Well I think I can see why now. Holy cow I will have to take more pictures and add them as it gets worse, I can only imagine how much worse it is going to get.

A big kudos goes out to Kelty she did what we told her. Call her grandparents. She did and they came down. A big thanks goes out to my inlaws. They know how I react to stuff like this. They warned me before I got home.

James is fine just really really banged up.

Wicked

2009-05-04T22:08:00.004-06:00

So about 2 weeks ago my very best friend from Roosevelt called and said that her mom had "Wicked" tickets. So for my birthday she gave me a ticket. Seriously I started to bawl on the phone I was so excited. So the day finally came. I had to miss Kelty selling her pig at the stock show, but what do you do. I didn't know if I would ever have a chance to see Wicked again.
So when Tracy her mom Terry and Makell got into Salt Lake they called and I went to meet them. This is how the night progressed from their.

We went to dinner at Olive Garden never a bad choice.

Makell and Terry, Tracy's mom. She is kinda like my second mom. I love this lady so much.

Tracy and Me. Just look at those faces oh the stories they can tell. TROUBLE is what we are all about.

Then it was time to go back to the hotel to get all beautiful for the night. Here we are all primping and getting beautiful.

Terry getting her little theatre purse ready. She was trying to give me and Tracy a little exposure to culture?

This is Tracy getting her "Debbie on".

This is us at Capitol Theatre. The best show ever I loved it so much.

In our seats just wanting for the show to start. So exciting.

Well after the show I was going to drive home. Well I was having such a great time. I called Gene and said I promised to be home in time for church. I was barely but I made it. It was about midnight and we where hungry. So where else do you go but Denny's at midnight. So away we went. It was so much fun. We stayed up way to late so when morning came and that promise to Gene to be home in time from church it was hard but we did it.

This is Tracy at breakfast no sleep and lots of Diet Coke will do this to you.

Ummm your mouth is a little to the left their Trace.

Ok if I put that picture of Tracy up here I have to put this beauty of me. Yeah we are talking no sleep and no shower and we are at breakfast at Little America. Their breakfast buffet is awesome.

Makell could even hang with the big girls. She was having a hard time waking up to.

Terry doing what she did best this weekend. She is looking beautiful. Yeah she put on her Ipod and went to sleep and ignored us. It defiantly shows isn't she gorgeous?

This is Tracy wishing she could stay in bed longer. Me to, I was just taking the picture.

Terry trying to be happy and cheerful for me and Tracy since neither one of us are morning people.

All in all it was a fabulous weekend or 24 hours. I loved the show and loved hanging out with these 3 wonderful women. Just what I needed. Wicked is so wonderful. I loved it. Thank you Thank you for taking me with you and letting me be an adopted daughter and sister and aunt for the night. I have the most wonderful friend ever.

I just hope that you in your life have friends like this. I am so blessed.

Stockshow

2009-05-04T21:46:00.004-06:00

Kelty did the stockshow this last week. Well we should say Gene used Kelty as a disguise so he could do the stockshow. Since everytime I looked at her she was just standing around, watching her dad do all the work. Oh well I think she had fun. It started out with Tues and her washing her pig. That was fun. To much noise for me. Pigs are so loud.

See what I mean about Gene doing the stockshow. This is how Kelty helped wash her pig. Doesnt she do such a good job. I guess I am wearing of on her. When I was younger I also did the stockshow. I showed up the night of the show. My dad or brother walked me to the ring. I showed my sheep. Then on sat I would show up and collect my check. So I mean she is at least in the trailer somewhat attempting to wash her pig. So she comes by it naturally.

Then on Wed we took it down to the stockshow in Spanish Fork. Then on Thurs morning she showed her Pig.

She did a really good job. She got a red ribbon but oh well what do you do.

Then on Sat she sold her pig. I missed that day cause I went to Wicked. I know bad mom but what can I say. See the next post for what happened sat night.

Camping San Rafeal Swell

2009-04-25T22:51:00.005-06:00

Dinosaur foot print the kids think this is pretty cool.

James, Casey, Kelty, Jesse, Kourtney, Abbey, Camden.

So for spring break we went camping with all of Genes Aunts and Uncles but Aunt Gerene ( she wasn't invited). We had so much fun. I love camping. We went to the buckhorn draw down just East of huntington Utah. The first couple of days where cold but by Sat it was beautiful and Sun when we came home it was georgous loved it. I am not sure why my pictures are not loading but, we saw a dinosaur foot print and petrogylphs, and a bridge called Swinging bridge. We rode 4-wheelers and just in general had a blast.

I have a new sister in law Teresa. When we went up to Gene's mom and dads to plan our food. I think we where killing her. We had seasoned roast beef, B-b-que ribs dutch oven potato's and baked beans. And then the dessets. She said everytime she goes camping she loses weight. We just laughed and said welcome to the Cope family we eat almost better camping than we do at home. Always have a big breakfast of Sausage bacon eggs pancakes and anything else you want. She was dying. She said do we have to have meat at everymeal. We all looked at her like duh did you forget you married into a butcher family our meals revolve around meat.

Just a small portion of our group of 4-wheelers this is not even all our group. A blast though

The kids and me checking out the petrogylphs.

Kelty, Jesse and Camden my neice on swinging bridge you can actually feel it start to move as you walk across it. later.

Just a better picture of the bridge. This is used to be the only way to cross the river until about 10 years ago. Yeah it would have given me heart failure to drive a car and trailer over this.

Easter

2009-04-25T22:43:00.006-06:00

I know I am a little slow on posting this but here is our Easter pictures.
We try to keep Easter low key at our house. My kids usually get A church out fit, fruit snacks and some jelly beans. Well this year my friends mom found these wiggle cars in Arizona at the swap meet for such a good price. I asked her to get me some and just bring them home when they come home. They winter down thier. Luckliy for my kids they came home the week before Easter so my kids got wiggle cars to. They are having a blast with them Thanks Susan and Shirl. So here are a few Easter pictures.

Kelty Easter morning we are such a happy family when we got woke up early.

What would a new toy be without dad trying out. I swear I have 4 kids and my husband is so the ring leader. Some times I just shake my head and say did you really just teach our kids that.

James and Jesse Easter morning checking out thier new wiggle cars. They love them.

My baby turned 3

2009-04-25T22:34:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that Jesse is 3 time has gone so fast with him. I love this kid so much but oh man can I tell he is going to be my hardest and most stubborn. (hmmmm wonder where he got that from). He had a good birthday. He got a new bike which is bad and good. Well know he thinks he is as big as the other kids. The day after his birthday he tried to ride his bike to the school cause he didn't want E.E to go to school he wanted him to play with him. E.E. is Ethan Bird who Jesse Idolizes.

When you know you are having no more babies it is hard to do birthdays. I am excited for the more freedom but realize that pretty soon he wont need me and I dont have another one to follow up and take over so needless to say I baby Jesse alot and it is showing. Oh well he is so cute I love it.

James Baptism

2009-04-25T22:25:00.003-06:00

James got baptized on Easter Sat. What a special day. I mean really what a more special day than Easter. He was so excited. He could barely handle waiting for 11:30 to come when it was his turn. He had no doubts and knows the Church is true with all his heart you can just tell. It was an awesome day. His best friend Easton came from Roosevelt to be here for him and he thought that was so neat.

Way to go James. We love you and are so proud of you for your decision to do this.

The best part was on Sun when the Bishop asked him to come to the front and if he wanted to sit on the stand for the rest of sacrament. He did and the Ward Choir sang a song and the whole time they sang he had his fingers in his ears with his arms straight out. So funny then another time I look up to see what he was doing and he had his scriptures on the top of his head. Gotta love it when they let 8 year olds sit on the stand and the parents sit on the back row and can't give the glare or hand signal to knock it of.

And the spaz is back.........

2009-04-05T13:20:00.004-06:00

Ok so the first time I went skiing I told Jo that I was a spaz. She knew but didn't really believe me. Needless to say I kept spazzy Camille away the first day.
Well we went skiing again yesterday. This time Gene and Kelty went. I was on my game. Doing really well until I decided we needed a picture. Oh man did the spazz come out. Not even moving just trying to stand thier I fell. couldn't get up and started laughing so hard. Yeah most defiantly the spaz came out yesterday skiing.

Still being a spazz trying to get up. What great memories though so much fun.

This is Gene and I taking a break inside the Stein Erickson lodge.

Kelty taking a break inside the Stein Erickson lodge. So much fun to just sit and watch people.

This picture should have indicated that the spazz was here today. First run of the day and I wanted a cute picture of my cute skiing family. This is what I got. Yeah spazzolla here we come.

Even though I had a little attack I think the picture ended up being way cute. We are such a happy fun skiing family. Gotta love fun times like this.

I didn't get any pictures of my friend Jo and her daughter Kourtney but they where thier and made the day even that much better.

The even better part was that I left my boys home with my neice Casey. When I got home and went to pick them up at my brothers they where playing. I said to Jesse did you miss me are you glad that I am home? He looks at me weird and says I am staying at Chads. I am not going home with you. I have been gone for nearly 10 hours and he didn;t even care. That is some awesome babysitting by my neice if you ask me.

Like I have said in a past post "who couldn't love my life?" Makes me appreciate what I have and who makes that happen for me. I really do love my life.

Our crazy month of March

2009-04-01T09:16:00.007-06:00

AHHHH the joys of blogging. I can't get these pictures to move into order so here they are at the first but we did this at the last of the month kinda of.
We have had a busy month this month. Here in a nutshell is what we did.

This is Gene and his new truck. He loves it, just not the payment so much. The hardest part for him was going from no payment to a payment but such is life I guess. He really is enjoying it. I enjoy it from afar.

I went skiing for my first time in like 20 years. I must say my friend who I went with was a little nervous. She is a Ski Instructor for Deer Valley and she said I did awesome. It was so fun. I almost want it to snow more so that I can go again. Almost but next year we are defiantly taking the kids. It is a blast.

Riding the lift up for the first time. I didn't get a picture of my friend Jo but you should have seen the shear panic in her face like what have I got my self into. If I have to call Gene and tell him to meet us at the hospital he is gonna kill me. FYI I didn't even fall once. So proud of myself.

Kelty did a was museum at school. She was June Carter Cash. She loved it

It the best day she said she has every had at school.

Then James turned 8. I can't believe it. So weird to think I have another one getting baptized on April 11.

This is James and Harrison his cousin opening presents.

Just another picture of James.

We didn't have a friend party for his birthday he choose instead to invite his grandparents and went to Tepanayaki's. He loved it.

Then the next day we met his very best friend Easton in Salt Lake and did the Living Planet Aquarium and a Movie. We saw race to Witch Mountain. I think he had a great two days.

Reagan at the Aquarium

James and Easton just being boys at the Aquarium. I swear these two boys could find fun anywhere they go.

Kelty was incharge of the pictures so that is why I don't have any of her. But she had fun to.

Then Kelty decided she wanted to do Jr. D'velles so she did that and did a great job of it to.

Where have we been.....

2009-03-26T09:32:00.002-06:00

Where have we been you might ask?

Or you might not ask. But you are reading this so I am assuming you are asking.

I will be honest. I have been being courted if you will by another site. I know you all know who and what I am talking about.

Face book, the evil genius that it is. It is consuming my life. Checking back to see if someone has updated their status or added pictures or anything of the like.

So I can say that my slacking of on blogging is because I have been so busy I haven't had the time. But then I was taught not to lie so I won't.

We have been doing some fun things though since the last post. So not every waking minute was I on face book. Just about every other.

James had a birthday and turned 8. He is so excited to get baptized in April.
The day after his party we met with the Rohrers in Salt Lake and went to the living planet aquarium. Then we went to a movie we saw Race to Witch Mountain. It was fabulous. Loved it.
Then on the way home from Salt lake we decided we wanted to look at new trucks. Well if you know me you know that I can't just leave anything alone. So I kept looking and looking and bringing home new trucks to Gene till he finally agreed to go and look at them with me. We did by him a new 4 door Ford. I dare say that my husband has a new love right know. He loves his truck. It is fire engine red so it is fitting for him to have that truck.
I for one and glad that the whole process is over. I love looking and driving the new cars but hate working the deals. Gene takes his time and it pays of, the rest of the time I just get ornery while we are working the deal. I basically walk away until they tell m I need to sign something.
So that in a really long nutshell is what we have been doing for the last month. Birthdays, getting ready for a baptism, and buying a new truck, hanging out with really good friends.
Gotta love our life isn't it the worst. I mean I have it ruff.

TTYL I promise and pictures to come.

Oh What A Weekend We Did Have

2009-03-03T14:02:00.004-07:00

We defiantly had a fun filled weekend. To start out with we, got up Sat. morn and went to Roosevelt. James's best friend Easton was baptized. It was so cool for James to see what is coming next in his life. So much fun, after we got done at the church, we just went back to the Rohrers house and lounged.

Then the adults went to dinner. Gotta love that Kelty and Makell are old enough to tend. According to them though every time we are together the adults always go to dinner and make them tend. I just say that is one of the perks of being a parent.

Then after dinner Gene decided he didn't want to stay the night so we drove home at like 10. But that is a whole nother story. Let's just say everyone thinks Camille is a bad driver, try driving the canyon at night with Gene. OH MY!!!!!!!

Then on Sun it was so nice and beautiful I made the family go on a walk to the Springville Libary park. It was so beautiful and wonderful. Spring fever has defentianly hit this mom. Gotta love it. I Love great weekends like this. Not alot was accomplished out the house but the memories we made defiantly outweigh the stuff not getting done.

I am blessed.

2009-02-20T23:13:00.003-07:00

I am blessed this is what I got to do today.
What a wonderful day it was.
What did you do today in this wonderful sunny spring like day.

Can life get any better than this? A walk with the neighbors dog and Jesse. I love my life.