Heber Dreamers

FIRST PADDY'S DAY CELEBRATION!

2009-04-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

The festivities began with a bike ride to Gavin's preschool (though it wasn't preschool that day) just for fun. We then had a picnic in the park and enjoyed the great weather! I then suggested we make a leprechaun trap which he was all excited to do. It was then I realized I didn't know how to make a leprechaun trap so we did a google search and came up with this simplified version. The important part to this was all the "gold" he put inside it to entice the leprechaun in. You can't see it but there was his gold trophy, gold medal (which he is wearing in the picture) and other gold paraphernalia. He wanted to make sure that the leprechaun could find it so he left it outside on top of a rock. He was "warned" by older siblings that these items might be taken by the leprechaun but fortunately for Gavin's sake the next morning all his precious items were still there and he was given some gold wrapped candy! What is funny about the candy was that I made sure to have Darren hide the "extras" for later consumption, giving him quite a few with the idea that he would share with his family! Well he could only spare 1 or 2 (1 being for his dear mother, thank goodness). Several days later I had finally asked Darren where he had hid the candy so that I could partake. I thought I was being careful not to let other eyes see since they were out of the room playing. Well Hunter saw a couple and I gave him one and ate the last piece with only the wrappers left for evidence when Gavin came into the room and freaked out saying we ate his last pieces of candy! What was I supposed to do? I apologized to no avail as he continued to wail so I told him I would look for them at the store the next time I went! The next day he reminded me and fortunately there was just the right amount left from before that I could produce as if I had gotten them at the store!

The other portion of the day was coming up with what to make for dinner. The suggestions for the traditional Irish food was out (way to disgusting) so I went with the green approach. The only thing I could think of was Broccoli Soup but Darren wasn't up for that so I happened upon a few green recipes. I made homemade pesto to go over spinach fettucini, an all green salad, green jello (which I think may have been my first or second time ever making), french bread with fresh parsley garlic butter, and limeade. To top it off we had lime sherbet floats with green sprinkles, they were quite the hit! F.Y.I. with the case of most of the family including Darren it was the salad and bread that were the big hit and of course dessert. I was shocked because Graham loves green basghetti as he used to call it but apparently the homemade version was not to his liking.

Ice Skating ANYONE?

2009-03-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago before the snow was gone and the warmth of spring began to tease, us we had a perfect day for ice skating at the Midway Ice Rink. Everyone had a good time even with the tumbles and the spills, especially the boys. Graham was loving it because he was skating so well. Gavin was wobbly but had fun being pulled along.

THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

2009-02-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

1. His contagious laugh

2. His positive outlook on life

3. His testimony of the Gospel

4. Melt your heart smile

5. Willingness to do anything for anyone

6. Works miracles with a hammer or any tool for that matter

7. Hard working

8. His love for his children and me!

9. Can build anything

10. His focus on our blessings

11. His concern for others

12. His Love of the Savior and desire to be like Him

13. Patient

14. Ability to relax

15. Always knows just what to say

16. His love and concern for his extended family

17. Can do large math problems in his head

18. Ability to listen

19. Can visualize ideas/problems/structures etc.

20. Loves to spend time with us

21. Uncanny sense of direction

22. Supersonic hearing (this can have it's faults)

23. My hero

24. Gorgeous blue eyes

25. Sensitive to the Spirit

26. Honors his priesthood

27. Helps with household chores! (A ton!)

28. Always puts others first

29. Knows how to feed an army/large family gatherings

30. Great cook; breakfast lunch and dinner

31. Down to earth

32. Humble

33. Always thinking of me

34. Can laugh at himself

35. Has common sense

36. Will do anything for me including things he feels he can't do (ie dance)

37. Would give you the shirt off his back etc.

38. Has an eye for design

39. Is interested in my day; good or bad

40. Loves to hold me

41. Can whistle a tune

42. Can whistle loud to get others attention!

43. Gets the kids up and going so I can exercise

44. Makes the kids lunch in the morning

45. Great Scuba diver

46. Adventurous

47. Will travel with me/family

48. Romantic

49. Spontaneous

50. The first to apologize

51. Tells great stories from his childhood and youth

52. Makes up songs to familiar tunes

53.Has a great memory

54. Each day he says many sweet compliments to me

These are just a few of the reasons I love this great man and am so grateful to have him as my eternal husband!

I LOVE YOU! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY HONEY!

Happy Valentines

2009-02-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

It is a tradition to have a "romantic" family dinner for Valentines Day with all the special treats included; sparkling grape juice, special dinner, candles, and chocolate covered strawberries! Graham and Gavin insist on having every light in the house out so we could "enjoy" the candlelight but we compromised on the cook top light and the light from the fire. I have to say that the chocolate covered strawberries were the best and I had the majority of them!

Ohhh soooooo good. (Darren was making fun of me)

Happy New Year

2009-02-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

Monkeying Around

Tennis Anyone?

Everytime we go down to St. George we love to hit around the tennis balls. We don't know a lot about the game but have a great time with the family. We were lucky to have decent weather for the week in fact our crazy boys even got in the pool each day and convinced their dad too!

New Years

We watched a movie and counted down to the new year (eastern standard time) can't really believe even Hunter didn't argue about this and toasted with sparkling cider. Good times I tell you!

Blogging Blitz

2009-02-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

I have not kept up on all of our family adventures so I thought I would highlight all the best events including all the birthdays and holidays for the last several months. The bad thing is I started this in mid Dec. and now Jan. is almost over. Time is flying by for me!

First Darren's BIG Birthday the BIG 40 on 8-8-08! I wanted to surprise him with some big great event but you know how that goes. I did surprise him a couple days before, with a convertible mustang for the day! Matt told him they had a business lunch so when the kids and I, his parents, and most of my family were there for lunch he was surprised especially when he saw the car.

We drove around for the rest of the day. We even drove up to Squaw Peak.

Look at that smile. Someday baby, you'll have the real thing again!

I wanted to surprise him with a party but he figured that out with a little help from Graham, but we all had fun. We had several family, neighbors, old friends celebrate with him. Even one of his old friends from high school, Todd Bramhall came with all of his family too. Since Darren loves to be with his family and the Olympics started that day I had an Olympic event with games that had to be played with your family. Thanks to all of you for your help pulling it off.

Graham's 7th B-Day and his GIANT pancake! (Aug 18th)

It is tradition to pick your meals when it's your birthday.

(wearing the big B-day hat is a new tradition in our family.)

We had a fun party for Graham with friends and family at Classic Skating and got to jump, swing, bounce, and slide to our hearts content!

Back to school! Don't they look thrilled?

Gavin's 5th B-Day (Sept. 14)

Gavin wanted a party at Chuck E. Cheese.

It was great to have Grandma & Grandpa Olsen and Bohrer there and especially his uncle Brad!

Soccer Star #2 (I previously had a slide show of Hunter's soccer pics)

Gavin loves playing soccer like Hunter and made several goals this season!

In Oct. we went to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It was really fun and different than a traditional play. The best part was the sound effects guy and of course the headless horseman himself.

He was so real looking to the boys we had a few nights where Graham and Gav "couldn't go to sleep" because they kept thinking about the headless horseman!

Cortlynd was in a swim-a-thon for the high school swim team. She swam 200 laps! Way to go Cortlynd!

This is Miss Karen! (Gavin's preschool teacher) Gavin's preschool got to go to the fire station.

Carving Pumpkins!

Mmmm guts!

Halloween
Gavin was Peter Pan when he went to preschool but when it was time for trick or treating he tried on several costumes before deciding upon Harry Potter. (no he's not the boy from Jerry McGuire!)
Graham is holding an imaginary light saber (couldn't find his) as Luke Skywalker

Hunter posed as himself: a hunter or affectionately known to his friends as "The HUNTSMAN"

Let The Wrestling Begin!

It was so fun to watch Gavin wrestle. He had some great moves and even looked like a wrestler (minus the outfit- groos!). The first time he had a wrestleing match I could not help from laughing. It was sooooo cute and I laughed my head off as I cheered him on!

Picking out the perfect tree.

Cortlynd's 15th B-Day! (Dec. 8th)

For Cortlynd's Birthday this year I surprised her by decorating her locker at school. I also checked her out for lunch and took her home, for homemade strawberry crepes since she had to leave so early in the morning for swim practice. Then after school and swim practice she got her hair cut and a pedicure. Later Grandma and Grandpa Bohrer and Brad came for dinner and cake!

Our Little Gymnist!Graham has always been our monkey; climbing the walls (or anything) making monkey noises etc. so Darren finally suggested he try gymnastics. He is quite good and has a little routine on the rings.

A Night in Bethlahem Ward Christmas Party

Look at those sexy legs. The Bishopric got to represent the 3 wise men in the Nativity.

Christmas Piano Recital: Hunter played a "really cool version" of "We Three Kings", Cortlynd played "Christmas Medoly" by Jon Schmit, and Graham played "Up on the House Top". Graham was really the second in the program to play in the recital but wasn't going to play until his Grandma and Grandpa Olsen got there, which they made it just in time for Hunter to play and got to listen to them all!

The month of December is always jammed packed with late nights and activities. This is how we all felt but how Graham and Gavin ended up too many nights before we got them to bed.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve we had a surprise visit from the busy man himself: Santa! He had a gift for each cousin and even Brad and Gabs. The kids got to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas but most of the kids had a sudden lapse in memory and couldn't think of anything to say except Gavin came through and said he wanted a bow and arrow and legos.

Brad's B-Day! (Dec. 24th)

It is also Brad's B-day on Christmas Eve. We had fun celebrating with him.

Christmas Morning

2008 was a year full of blessings! I am so grateful for four wonderful children and the blessing to be a mother! For the smiles and laughfter that fill our home. I am greatful for an amazing husband who loves me and our children dearly. For his priesthood leadership and good example. I am greatful for temples and our temple marriage which binds us all together and brings me peace and direction in a world that is full of chaos and misery. I am greatful for a healthy family who has also been blessed with many talents. I am greatful for wonderful friends and neighbors. For their good examples and their concern for others. I am greatful for the beautiful valley where we live and for the opportunity to enjoy it. I am greatful for the gospel, for the joy and peace that it brings to me. I am greatful for my personal relationship with my Savoir. For the sacrifice that he made for me and the opportunity I have to repent and have my sins forgiven. I am greatful for wonderful parents and inlaws and all our extended family. For their good examples, love, and concern. I look forward in faith for this year that we will recognize and aknowledge our blessings inspite of difficulties that may transpire!

Magic Kisses

2008-12-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

I'm finally back! I have spent every spare moment and then some on working on my parents, in laws, and sister-in law's gifts and finally got them DONE, Yay! I guess you could say I have a little OCD in me, some would say a lot of OCD but who are "they" to judge.

I have noticed lately that everytime my kids get hurt instead of running to me for a KISS to make it all better they run for the BANDAIDS! Since when did bandaids make everything all better. I mean come on Mothers are supposed to kiss the owie all better. I guess if you're bleeding a bandaid is good to STOP the bleeding but when did they become so magical that all is well after the bandaid is placed on the owie? I don't even stoop to getting the fun action figure or fun bandaids just the plain old run of the mill ones. Even Cortlynd has to put a bandaid on her finger because it is "hurting", no open wound, no cut, no blood! The last time Gavin came in crying I said, "Do you want me to kiss it all better?" He looked at me like I was crazy. "That doesn't help" he cries. So I say to the "All Powerful Bandaid" I will fight you to the death! The death I say! I won't let you take my magic from my kisses!

I was greatful to find that I do still have the "magic touch" when it comes to scary dreams. Graham came in our room the other night crying that he had a bad dream. He went to Darren's side of the bed as they all do because Mom doesn't always let them in bed. It was such a bad dream for him that just being with us was not enough for him to go back to sleep. He kept crying so my sweet husband suggested to sing a song. They both proceeded to softly sing 3 songs together but that still didn't help he was still crying so he wanted to get in the middle to be by me. I held him tight and suggested he say a prayer. Which he asked if I would say it for him. After my prayer he said "I can't close my eyes because I keep picturing my scary dream." I asked if he wanted to talk about it which he did. Then I said he sould think of good things to think of but that didn't help either. I finally had a thought to remind him what I have told him before when he is scared at night. "I am filled with faith not fear." That was all it took he said it 3 times and his breathing slowed and he fell back to sleep in my arms. It was amazing to witness the faith of a little child!

Our First Significant Snowfall

2008-11-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

Gavin couldn't wait to get out and go sledding at the first sign of snow. We have this tiny mole hill by our house that he had a blast of a time going down. I had to join in on the fun but thought it would be fun to try and document the experience. Now, being the perfectionist that I am with my picture taking (don't get this confused with a professional photographer, which I am far from,) most of the following pictures would have been deleted but that wouldn't document how much fun we truly had. Even looking at them now, brings back joyful memories! I had a really hard time getting us both in the picture while sledding down the hill as I took the pictures as you will see.

I think this one was posed but it looks as if I'm being choked.

We got two fun filled days out of our snowfall. Today we built a huge snowman that my neighbors son had to help me lift the middle piece up on the base because it was so heavy but we ran out of time finishing the snowman with a face etc. so I never took the final picture. I just thought it was cute because Gavin had a hard time pushing the ball of snow when it got so big.

Enjoying the Journey

2008-11-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

For the last several months I have felt an overwhelming need and desire to be with my children more than just our normal time together. I have ached to spend more time with them and it has really hit me, especially with Gavin, that my days with them are numbered. Next year Gavin will be in Kindergarten and I will only have half a day with him. I don't even see Cortlynd some days before nearly 5:oo p.m. and Hunter and Graham are also always on the go. Where has all the time gone? I had heard this before but I have never felt it or understood it so strongly. I struggle with finding things that everyone wants to do or even will be willing to do together now that we have both older and younger kids. Some days I just wish we could live on a remote island somewhere, where the only thing we could do was to work and play together as a family in order to survive. I long for a simpler life.

This school year I have recognized the inspiration from my Heavenly Father to really spend time playing with Gavin for hours and letting go of all the things that I thought I had to get done first (they will always be there) before I could "have fun." I treasure this time with him but feel sad that I didn't do this more especially with Graham and even with Hunter. I am grateful that there is still time and I take each moment that I can to spend with each of my children! I loved what President Monson said in his talk "Finding Joy in the Journey" in this last General Conference. It was everything I had been feeling and trying to emulate. These are some of my favorite things he said:

"Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes. This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.
If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly. (I loved this and it has stuck with me.)

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.
Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”4

Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed.

Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Take the time to read his whole talk again it is so eloquent and uplifting!
http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-26,00.html

Yesterday I heard that Lindsay Sandstrom who was one of my young women in our ward from Highland, passed away on Oct. 24, 2008 from a terrible car accident. I was in shock to think that this beautiful bubbly beehive (as I remember her) had past from this mortal existence at the tender age of 16. She and her older sister Kaylee were such great examples and I loved knowing them and being apart of their lives for the short time I lived there. http://jaredandjocelynsallee.blogspot.com/2008/10/lindsays-obituary.htmlI recently heard a new song from Hilary Weeks. It reminds us that each day is important, and to spend each day doing what matters most with those we love.

We never know what each day will bring, time will be gone before we are ready. Hold your children a little tighter, laugh a little longer, be thankful for your blessings, love more and complain less.

"If I Only Had Today"

It seems like I've watched a million sunsets
And stared at a thousand full moons

Sometimes it feels like I've been here forever

And sometimes it all feels brand new

I could never count the heartbeats

From the day I was born until now

But not a single one goes unnoticed

By Him who breathes life in me somehow.

But if there were no more tomorrows
If I knew that I could not stay

I know how I'd spend every moment

If I only had today.

I'd hold you and listen

And I'd let the dishes sit in the sink

I'd tell you I loved you over and over

And for once I'd just let the phone ring

Then I'd remind you of forever

And how our love would never change

If I only had today.

I'd wake up before the sun did

And I'd watch as you quietly sleep
I'd pray for time to move slowly

Knowing the moment won't keep

All the gifts that Heaven has given

Every blessing that's come my way

Wouldn't mean anything without you

So if I only had today.

I'd hold you and listen

I'd memorize every detail of your face

I'd tell you I loved you over and over

I wouldn't let excuses get in the way

Then I'd remind you of forever

And how our love would never change
If I only had today.

There's no time like the present

Life doesn't come with any guarantees
The sun will set and time won't wait.
So while I have today

I'll hold you and listen

I'll let the dishes sit in the sink

I'll tell you I love you over and over

For once I'll just let the phone ring.

And I'll remind you of forever

And how our love will never change

Because I have today

http://hilaryweeks.com/

The Heber Valley Girls

2008-10-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

Before the Century began.

We are Pumped!

Tana, Me, Kim, and Mylissa at Lunch.

Pulling into the FINISH!

O.K. so I went a little over board on the pictures. Truethfully I elimanated several but I am knd of proud of all of us that accomplished this that I wanted to share it with others. I have to start off by thanking my sweet husband who was there for nearly 8 hour experience driving along, cheering me on and taking pictures! He only left to watch Gavin during his soccer game and get the kids situated.

The Heber Century is an amazing ride! I use the word ride loosley beacuase though it wasn't a timed race, riding a 100 miles in one day is quite the challenge especially this praticular century. We started at 8:00 am in Heber, went over to Midway, then over Jordenelle to Fransis, Oakley, past Rockport to Wanship, to Coalville then back over the freeway passing back through each of the previous towns on the loop back to Kamas and Fransis then over Jordenelle back to Heber! (That was a mouthful.) There were some good climbs in each 25 mile leg of the ride especially the last 25 miles or so. It took us just under 8 hours to ride the whole 107 miles including our pit stops, 6 1/2 hours on the bike, OUCH!

For me it was as much mental as it was physical. I broke the ride down in 25 mile sections, looked at the elevation levels before hand to prepare myself mentally, and listened to some great tunes on my Ipod. Unfortunately it died the last hour of the ride. I trained for this ride by working on climbing hills rather than the miles. The 2 weeks before I climbed over Jordenelle to Kamas and back and felt that even if I was left to go at it alone I could do it!

Though this was not my first completed century, (I finished the Little Red Riding Hood which goes through the beautiful area of Cache Valley in June of this year and only 57 miles in the Zion's Century in January this year.) it was one that I wanted to prove to myself that I could accomplish. I went with some amazing girls who I owe a lot to. Thanks especially to Tana and Kim for sticking with me even when they could have gone ahead at a faster pace. You know you are AWESOME. You both are also thoughtful and gracious.

Between around mile 60-70 or so I hit a low. I had even popped a caffine filled gummie something or other but just felt myself straining to keep up. I knew that if I could just make it to the next pit stop I would be fine. During this section of the ride Kim was kind enough to bike alongside me. She could tell I was fading fast and asked for my water bottle. I tried to take the lid off for her but couldn't and continue to ride, she proceeded with what seemed like seconds to take off my lid rip open a package and pour in some electrolytes all while riding her bike. I was oblivious to this until she handed it back to me. I was focused just on pedaling. Her kindness made the difference for me, I made it to the next pit stop and felt great the rest of the way!

I was wiped out once I got home, after taking my great anticipated shower I was unable to do much but lie around for the rest of the day but was pleasantly surprised to find that I was not sore the next day.

We were blessed with the most perfect weather we could ask for, not to mention beautiful fall colors everywhere! I had a fleeting thought after finishing the ride that maybe I didn't NEED to do that century again but the very next day I was excited to do it next year. So for any of you out there that want to take this challenge to do this either again or for the first time I will be planning on it so come join me!

"It Looks Like it's a 100 MILES But it's Not!"

2008-10-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Doing some tricks along the way

Riding up the hill!

This is the hill he biked up!

Gavin (who is 5) said he wanted to ride his bike to preschool. Over the summer I refused to drive the kids to their piano lessons, swim lessons etc. and told them we were going to save gas and get some exercise. They all did great but I had always had Gavin in the bike trailer while I biked to and fro thinking he would get to tired. But he did a great job biking all the way to preschool yesterday he only had to stop a few short times. The first time he yelled out that his bike wouldn't go anymore. I saw that his backpack strap was caught in the chain. I was able to get it out and then we were off again with the backpack on my back this time. When we were 2/3 of the way there he says "It looks like we've been going a 100 miles but its not huh?" What felt like a 100 miles to him was an AMAZING total of 2.07 miles! It was pretty flat except for a small hill just at the end. He was almost to the top of the hill when he said "I just can't take it anymore" I said look we are almost there and he just kept on going! Another cute thing he said along the way was "My hands are getting tired and they are say to stop but my legs are saying keep on going, keep on going!" I am so proud of him. If he keeps this up I'll have a new partner for my century rides in a few years!

A Feeling of Peace Among the Hustle and Bustle of New York

2008-10-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Our last day in New York we really wanted to attend sacrament meeting and see the temple. We had heard that they held church meetings in the temple. We finally found out when the meetings were held and the four of us (all small town country girls) made our way by subway to the temple. We were so proud of ourselves that we were finally able to figure it out. Sad to say that when we got there there was a sister Missionary standing outside to tell us that the meeting house section of the temple was under renovation. We were disappointed but so glad we had made the trip to see this beautiful modest temple in the middle of this huge city among skyscrapers.

Some More Big Apple Pics

2008-10-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

It was so fun to go to the American Girls store. Unfortunately we only had a few minutes to spend before it was time to go to the airport.
Central Park

Watching Legally Blonde

The REAL New York Experience

2008-10-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

If you've ever been to New York you may have noticed the street venders on the sidewalk selling things; perfume, souviners, purses etc. Well when we got off the subway in China Town an Asian man whispers to Mel "I show you designer purses!" He flashes a picture of some designer purses and says "Come." Mel follows him and the rest of our group follows her across the street, down anther sidewalk and then he opens up this dirty old door that leads upstairs. "Come quickly." He says. Meanwhile we are all saying to Mel "No! Let's GO!" "Come now or I get other people" he says. Mel insists that she will not go without her family and she grabs us by the arm and shoves us through the door "We are all going!" she says. My mom and I give eachother looks as if this may be our last good-bye and I keep close to Cort. As we are walking up the dimly lit staircase I notice how it looks as if it should be condemed but there is a tatoo parlor off to the side and we go up another flight of stairs. I was about to loose it and turn around when all of a sudden several women with stuffed black garbage bags pass us on the way down saying "It was really worth it!" We are all still quite scared especially when he unlocks a door, funnels us through and then locks us in. The rooms are all falling apart and dimmly lit and he takes us to a very small room with tons of purses. Some of our group purchase a few purses but they wanted us to make a purchase within a few minutes so they could bring more unsuspecting victims. I tried but to no avail could get them down to the price I wanted to pay so they said it was time for us to go.

So then it became the "mission" of eveyone else to "help" me get a purse since everyone including Cortlynd had bought at least one purse if not 15! (Cynthia) By the last evening Cynthia with her charm bought a cute green purse for me for the price I wanted to pay! Yeah!

Later in the trip we notice that "others" sell purses on the street from a bag at night. We were walking back late one evening when a guy whispers agian to Mel. How do they know that she will say yes? She follows him around the corner out of the light of the business and behind an electrical box on the street corner. He looks around for cops and opens up his bag of purses. A few minutes later a cop car drives by and he gets pretty nervous. We thank him and pull Mel away. She just laughs at both experiences and says "I just wanted you all have the REAL New York experience!!!

Stardust Diner

2008-10-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Kristy and Cynthia found this great diner where the waiters/waitresses sing songs from table to table in between serving. It was really fun and they all had great voices. All of them work on and off Broadway in minor roles too. We even noticed one of them at "Legally Blonde" the next day. I was surprised when all of a sudden this guy sat on my lap and started serenading me

Adventures with Mel

2008-10-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

My Maralyn Monroe Impersonation

Mel and I with "Blinkie"

"D.J. Slim"

Chris

My sister in law Melanie is all about the adventure. If you want to have fun stick close to Mel cause you'll never forget your experience! We were on the 102 floor of the Empire State Building and I was wishing I had bought the "Empire State Building A Guide to the Views Souvenirs Map" like my wise sister in law Kathy. I kept looking out each window and didn't know what I was looking at. I mentioned this to Mel and she felt the same way. She asked attenedent if it were possible to go back to the souvenir shop (5th floor?) and then come back up. Yeah right like they let you do that. But Mel can get anyone to do anything you know. So she radioed down and got the o.k. Simple right? Well not exactly it. The elevator attendent told us to make sure we say we were Vinny's cousin and that we needed to get back up to the 102 floor. We thought he said to talk to Vinny's cousin. Well we get down to the shop and find the attendent who was radioed with our ok she told us to go back to the shop but make sure not to get in the line to go the rest of the way down. She said they would try to tell us we couldn't go back up but to try to find her. Well once in the shop we found out we couldn't purchase the books there that they were only sold on the 1st floor. So we talked to another attendent who said that if we talked to "D.J. Slim" that he might let us go down and then back up but we had to call him "D.J. Slim" loud enough for him to hear. So that's what Mel did. She called out to him and they both started laughing. Well he gave us the ok and said to talk to Chris on the 1st floor. So we get down there and buy our wonderful maps. We make our way back to Chris who lets us skip the enormous line and sends us back up to the 5th floor. We are welcomed by D.J. Slim and he tells us that the other guys name was "Blinkie". We talk to Blinkie and he tells us that he was the one to nickname everyone. He calls himself Blinkie because he always blinks. He even told us the name of the girl on his floor that we talked to was "Babyface". (It was straight out of a movie.) Blinkie got us up to the observatory and found our original elevator attendent who took us up to the 102 floor. Of course by the time we made it up everyone else was ready to leave (or had already left in Cort's case). We looked around with our newfound maps and enjoyed ourselves. On our way down to the observatory we mentioned to the nice guy that we never found cousin. He laughed at us and said "I told you tell them that you were Vinn'ys cousin." He said I'm Vinny! Who knew? (It was hard to undertand the thick New York accent at times.)

LOBSTER Anyone???

2008-10-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

We ate at a wonderful seafood resturant. Great service/fun waiter! (Very expensive but Mel was gracious enough to take care of the bill.) I ordered lobster I was just surprised that I got the whole thing eyes, antenea, claws, and all yike s! My nieces were quite freaked out about it
and it became the joke of the evening! We then thought it would be fun to play a joke on our waiter by telling him that we couldn't pay but Brooke and Jaime would do the dishes instead. Of course none of us could keep a straight face and they couldn't even get the words out so we left him a nice tip in change! It was a fun night.

LIBERTY LADIES

2008-10-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

It was WICKED!!

2008-10-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Wicked was amazing! Beautiful singing, freaking awesome affects and scenery.

Navy Pier

2008-10-13T15:33:00.001-07:00

2008-10-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

We finally got our family pictures and individual pictures of our kids. Its been a few years sad to say. They turned out great and I just had to show off how gorgeous they all are.

AHH THE EXCITEMENT AND INNOCENCE OF YOUTH!!

2008-10-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

If your family has never been "Booed" it is quite the fun experience for the kids, but I didn't realize how much fun they actually had. Hunter was babysitting Graham and Gavin while Darren was at Bishopric meetings and Cort and I were at YM's when we got Booed this year. When Darren got home the boys were soooo excited to share with him what they got to do. They were so proud of themselves because they followed the directions and made copies of the papers and delivered their "Goodies" to not only 2 families but to 3. The part that I think is the cutest is what they gave as a treat. Family 1 got 5 cinnamon bears in a little plastic baggie, family 2 got a handful of peanut M&M's and family 3 got 3 fruit snacks! They were quite determined too. They told us how they would ring the doorbell and then hide but they wouldn't come to the door so they kept doing it until they came! They caught a couple of times too in their attempts to be sneaky. They even scared one family (whose husband was out of town) who called another neighbor to send out their older boys to see who kept ringing and leaving. Those boys scared our boys who were hiding in the bushes. Don't you just remember how fun it was to be so excited over little things like this and really sharing from the heart with others? I hope to remember this and be excited over the little things. FYI we did redeem ourselves and took homemade cookies (enough for the whole family) the next night and they again loved hiding and giggling in the dark as they waited for our neighbors to answer the door and find another surprise!

2008-10-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

THE UNVEILING OF OUR BLOG!

I am officially starting our family blog. I started it several months ago but was so busy I never got beyond my 1st post which was probably not very interesting to most but I was grateful for the big nudge my sister Shannon gave me in doing so. She has helped me a lot and though I am quite the novice I hope to expand my knowledge. Mostly I want to do this for a record/journal for my family so that if I ever do get around to scrap booking I might be able to remember something. Plus I think my kids are so cute that I can't help but want to show their pictures off. So hopefully you will enjoy my updates from time to time. I actually hope to update at least once a week until I have caught up with the things we did this summer but I will try to send an email when I do. (I love it that Kayla does this for me.)

I Did It!

2008-10-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Though these pictures don't look like much I just had to make a note of their significance. It turned out that Cort, Graham, and I made it to St. Louis 1 1/2 hours before Darren and the other two boys made it. We weren't about to sit around at the airport for that long so- Drum roll please; I got the car from the rental and drove to the St. Louis Art Museum all by myself and then back to the airport to pick up Darren and the boys. (This was the fun part because I had Cortlynd navigating for me without turn by turn directions!) We had to figure out the directions turning in the opposite direction. Not so hard you think to yourself ahh we beg to differ. It actually wasn't so bad after we figured out where we took the wrong turns (yes plural) but in a big city that I had never been before I was pretty proud of myself. We really enjoyed the art museum too.

St. Louis Arch

2008-10-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

On our way up to the top of the St. Louis Arch we were crammed in a tiny little 5 seater elevator that would go up as high as it would allow and then the elevator would turn and kink as we would go along the arch.

Poor Cortlynd is so scared of heights she was quite terrified and kept her eyes closed the whole time. She didn't even want to go but we forced to go.

Carthage Jail

2008-10-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

The bullet hole that shot Joseph's brother Hyam in the face

Following in Their Footsteps

Carthage Jail was a wonderful experience. A testimony builder of the sacrifice and love of the Lord that Joseph and Hyram have and their wonderful examples of Hope and Joy.

Some Fun Activities In Nauvoo

2008-10-03T22:34:00.001-07:00

Sunday's Drive

2008-10-02T21:42:00.001-07:00

Adam-ondi-amhem
Far West

On Sunday we went to church in Independence and visited the LDS Visitor's Center there. Then we drove to Liberty Jail, Far West, Adam-ondi-Ahmen, Jamesport (which is an Amish town) and then finally to Quincy, Illinos. It was a long day of driving but we enjoyed the time together and the spirit that we felt at each site. What is so wonderful were the missionaries both the sister and couple missionaries who were assigned to each site, each had a message to share of their testimonies and knowledge of the church history. We are truely blessed.

Nauvoo Temple

2008-10-02T21:41:00.001-07:00

The one thing we wished we had time to do was a session in the Nauvoo Temple. It was beautiful on the outside and I wanted Darren to see how magnificent it was on the inside too.

Just the Girls

2008-10-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

We got to have some girl bonding time in St. George this summer. It was so nice to just relax by the pool and spend time together. We missed Kayla and Monica! Hopefully next year they can join us and make this a yearly tradition. We had the best time making up a spoof synchronized swimming routine. We stayed up late getting a real kick laughing at ourselves, if you're real special maybe we'll give you a performance you'll never forget!

Hunter's 3v3 4th of July Tournament

2008-10-02T21:40:00.001-07:00

Watch Hunter at his summer swimmeets

2008-10-02T15:50:00.001-07:00

The CUTE Phrase of the Day

2008-10-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Don't you think that kids say the cutest things? Or sometimes the strangest? I thought I would start writing them down so I don't forget. My kids are growing up so fast and I am having a hard time with this. I hope that by doing this I will be able to jar my memory, when my memory, or mind for that matter is gone. (It seems to be going quick)

"Pliblige"- Graham
As in- "Can I have a pliblige (privilege) since I've been sooo good?" He says, with his huge smile that makes his eyes disappear! (How can you say no to that?)

"I want to be black" -Hunter
"What are you going to be for Halloween" I asked one night. "I want to be black"
"You want to be a black guy?"Darren says!!! "Why do you want to be a black person?" Cortlynd says, "You're being racist"
"What's racist?" Hunter says. Poor innocent boy just wanted to dress up in black clothes.

"What the Freakin' Heck? -Gavin
Used in a sentence: "What the freakin heck was that?" he said when I dropped the broom on the ground. Or "You scared the freakin heck out of me!"

Reminiscing. . .

2008-07-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

20 years ago. . .

I was 16. Wow what a big year. I got my drivers license (after taking it 2 times). I could finally date yeah! I even got a car for my birthday. I have no idea why I was so blessed to have received a car but I was completely shocked and surprised. I don't even know what kind of car it was (being such the car buff that I am). All I know is that it was a bright yellow car with a stick shift. It was so fun to drive! I kind of think that Chris Smith, my boyfriend at the time taught me how to drive a stick but the timeline doesn't add up unless I got the car when I was 17 which kind of makes sense too. What is sad is that I don't remember my first date. It must have been real memorable. I guess I cheated though because I was allowed to go to Preference before I was sixteen but who did I go with?? I'm hoping my sister Shannon remembers all the details for me. I remember having a fun treasure hunt on my birthday with my friends: Tammy Larson, Matt Grimmer, Treven Fowler, and several others? (maybe Amy Eslick?) Amy, who was my best friend at the time had to move to Tampa, Florida. She left the end of our Sophomore year. I was miserable. After Amy moved, our other friend Kristy Ryan had a personality change and became quite mean to me and made the last two years of high school for me miserable especially since we were on the same cheerleading squad together.

10 years ago. . .

I had been married for almost 7 years. Cortlynd was 4 1/2, and Hunter was 1. We were living in a Town home in Orem. Darren was working with his Dad in concrete, for what seemed like all the time. We had two great couple friends. First Carrie and Thann Illum. We had met them a year and a half before. Carrie had actually taken me to the hospital and been by my side until Darren finally arrived when I was about to deliver Hunter. We loved to hang out with them. We would have them over for dinner or to watch a movie which I and even Darren would sometimes fall asleep to. Our other set of friends were Becky and Steve Dougherty. They had a daughter named Jessica that Cortlynd became best friends with. Cortlynd was taking Jazz/Ballet had been reading for a year or more and was melting every ones heart that she came in contact with. Hunter was his cute self walking and talking with that amazing smile of his. It must have been somewhat uneventful because I don't remember much except trying to be a good mom taking the kids to the library often, to the park, and reading to them lots. I have always felt like life was busy but looking back it seems like that year was a slower year. I wasn't working or going to school which was quite unusual for me. It was the first year that I could just be a mom. Actually I guess I did start Mark Kay, which was a fun outlet for me. Looking back I can't believe I had the guts to start it because I was afraid to call for pizza. (That was the big joke back then) Darren has always been so amazing and allowed me to try new things and aspirations. He has always given me the confidence that I could do anything I put my mind to.

5 years ago. . .

I was pregnant with Gavin (due in 7 weeks) and living at the pool with the kids. -It was the only fun thing I could stand to do in the heat of the summer and still have fun with my kids. Cortlynd was 9, Hunter was 6, and Graham was almost 2. We were living in Highland in the first house that we built, and I mean we did all the work ourselves, or at least 70% of it or more. We had awesome next door neighbors the Compas's who had kids close to ours in age except for Cortlynd. What was great about this pregnancy was that Kandice (my neighbor) was also pregnant at the same time. There must have been something in the water that year because there was 6 of us that were due within a few weeks of each other. Kandice and I within a few days of one another. Several of us would walk together every morning, or should I say waddle. It was quite the sight to see in fact one of our neighbors finally took a picture of us because she saw us every morning from her window. I did everything I could think of except take caster oil, I even tried jogging and jumping on the tramp which only brought me pain and discomfort but no baby. This was the only pregnancy with which we did not end up moving a month before I was due. I was praying every night for a child who was going to be a peacemaker and hoping that I could be a good mother to 4 children since at the time Graham had wanted nothing to do with me. I was heart broken all the time because since he was 16 months old he would wake up every morning crying for his Dad, who of course was already gone for work usually leaving between 4-5am. I would try to pick him up and comfort him but he would scream at me and tell me to go away. I would have to leave him in his crib until he would let me get him. -This among many other things thankfully only lasted a couple of years. Over all it was a great year especially after Gavin was finally born.

3 years ago. . .

We had just sold our home in Highland. Hunter had just been baptized the week before we moved to Heber. We moved into a small three bedroom condo and were just about to build our second home. It was another long 7 months while we built this house which we did tons of the work again in fact after work Darren would go over to the house and usually work until 11 or 12 at night. After feeding the kids dinner I would take dinner over to Darren and help him work. The kids had to fend for themselves a lot while we put blood, lots of sweat, and tears, into getting the house done. Cortlynd was amazing as always and helped in taking care of her brothers and making dinners or cleaning up so that we could finish our house. Cortlynd was going into middle school which in Heber meant the 6th grade, Hunter was in 3rd, Graham also started preschool which was a big thing for him. -He loved it but would give a hard time going often crying and saying he hated it clinging to me as I would try to get him to stay. He finally felt comfortable about halfway through the year. Gavin on the other hand begged to go even though he was only 2. It was crazy and very busy driving to Lindon and highland 3-5 times a week for dance, baseball etc. and living in such tight quarters. We were also living as minimalists since there was no room for many toys etc. but we became real close as a family.

2 years ago. . .

We had been living in our beautiful home for about 7 months trying to decorate and make it feel like a home. We were still traveling to Lindon for Cortlynds Ballet classes 3 times a week and I was going to Highland for my dance group once a week. I had started going while in Highland 2 years prior and this year we were finally performing for enrichment nights one to two times a month. It is a wonderful group of women who share their testimonies through word, dance, and song. Hunter was involved in soccer, basketball, and baseball. Graham went to preschool again and thankfully didn't have quite the hard time as he did the previous year but still would have his moments since it was a new teacher and new situation. As the designated family travel agent I was planning our trip to New York with my sister Shannon and her family to see Darren's Dad and step Mom Karen on their mission and see the Hill Cumorah Pageant and other church sites. We also got to go to New York City and see the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and other fun things in the city. Darren and I also got to go on our 2nd cruise to the Southern Caribbean with our friends Carrie and Thann who had moved to California. It was an absolutely amazing trip. Beautiful islands, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, relaxing! I can't wait to go again!

1 year ago. . .

Last year We got to go to Disneyland but it seems like it has been even longer than that. We went with My parents, Brad and Gabs, Vaughn and Kayla, and Matt and Shannon's family. It was so much fun- waking up early, running from ride to ride, standing in lines in the hot sun, kids crying; WAIT their is no crying in Disneyland, it's the happiest place on the earth! No really I do love it and so do the kids. We even got to go to the beach and Sea World! Cortlynd quit dance and was convinced and maybe a little cohoerst into being on the swim team. Hunter also started a swim team and the two of them actually liked it. Wow sometimes mothers do know what their kids will like. Graham started Kindergarden and loved riding his bike to and from school. I finally had to put a stop to it though when we had about a foot or two of snow and after getting the bike/walking trailer stuck so many times where the paths and sidewalks weren't cleared and Graham ended up late and Gavin and I froze to death he finally consented to the fact this wasn't going to happen until the snow was gone (which didn't happen until what the end of April?) Gavin started preschool and loved going for the most part except when a couple of the boys there started picking on him. I found a new passion (besides my family and dance) was road biking. Darren had been telling me for several years that he thought I would enjoy biking but I finally was convinced by some friends and actually trying it out. It is quite exhilerating especailly going downhill! The other amazing thing Darren and I were blessed to do was to go to Hawaii. It was purely breathtaking!

So Far This Year. . .

I completed my first Century (a 100 mile bike ride)! I convinced Darren to get a bike so that he can go with me too. It lasted for a month or so and then summer came and he quit due to his early rising (4-5am), working late, and working in the heat. We've enjoyed going to St. George and having some family time. We just got back from Nauvoo and the surrounding areas learning about the great love and sacrifice of the early saints. We are so blessed it is hard to even describe.

Yesterday. . .

We tried to give Darren a Surprise party for his 40th! Needless to say he figured it out but we had a fun time in spite of the threatening weather. We had friends and family come and celebrate the "Olympic" event. Thanks to all who came. We had fun games and I always go a little overboard. Next time I told Darren to remind me to just have a "boring" birthday party the kind where people just come together and talk/hang out. I think people had fun but it never plays out like I think of it in my head.

Today. . .

Sunday's are always my favorite day. I never feel guilty not getting my "stuff" done. I feel like I can relax and spend time even resting on occasion. Today I got to go into the nursery and help. It actually was kind of fun. I love spending time with my family and watching my kids play. We even watched some Olympics!

Tomorrow. . .

I will leave at 8am to take Hunter to Soccer practice and then drive to Highland for our 3 1/2 hour dance rehearsal. Then off to run a few errands meanwhile my kids (all but Gavin) stay home to hopefully get some of their things done while I'm gone; including biking 2 miles to their piano lessons and then back. What amazing kids I have. I will start getting ready for Cortlynd's and my trip to New York! Whoo hoo!

In the next year. . .

Keep on keeping on. We will have 4 kids in 4 different schools. Cort in 9th and Jr. High, Hunt in 6th in Middle school, Graham 1st in Elem., and Gavin in Preschool. It's going to be a busy year. Cort will be on the 9th grade swim team, Hunter will move onto the Gold swim team and comp soccer, Graham will start the Silver swim team in the fall or winter and wants to do gymnastics again after watching the Olympics. I plan on doing another century, this one will be held in Heber so come cheer me on! This next year 2009 will be a big one for us too Cort will turn 16-driving and dating, Hunt 12-priesthood and young mens, Graham 8-baptized, and Gavin will be 6.

Memory Trading

2008-07-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok, I am trying to do this blog thing! This is the second time I've been tagged by my sister to start a blog and actually post something on it. Lets hope I can figure it all out with all my amazing "computer skills". I can't wait to hear your memories because with the way that my memory is these days I can't seem to remember where my cell phone is or which child is supposed to be at which activity.

Here are the directions:1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot, if we’ve actually met in person or not, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you don’t want to play on your blog, or if you don’t have a blog, I’ll leave my memory of you in my comments.