Our Story

       

                                            Our Story                                     

 Here's the dance that the girls choreographed and the song that I wrote and Masa arranged. The video is pretty bad - between my being too close to them, and the camera that I videoed it with. Emma, Andrea, and Kaylee are the soloists in the song, which makes it all the more meaningful for them and us. They performed this dance last Friday night at BYU and did a great job!

If you can't see it all here, go to:  http://youtu.be/6XmzSOKJlo4

                  

 

Lazy Sunday

This is the first Sunday in I don't know how long that we were all home with a whole afternoon of free time. We sat down to visit with our home teachers, and just after they left, I told everyone that I was going to lay down and close my eyes "for a minute". At first it sounded like a fun game for Emma and Jacob. They piled up on top of me and giggled as they fought for the best spot. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, and finally I asked them to let me take a little nap, and I asked Jacob to get me a blanket. Apparently that's not all he got me. 

When I woke up, all but Tyler were asleep with pillows and blankets. Jacob and Emma had made sure that we were all cosy for a nice afternoon nap. I had Jacob's pillow pet under my head, and his stuffed animals piled on top of me. - No wonder I was getting hot!

A sweet peaceful moment to remember!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy HeartDay!    

Heart egg toast, hot chocolate in Valentine mugs from Grammy, Valentine boxes and treats - a great start to the day!

But much more importantly, we are grateful for the good  relationships that we have with our family, friends, teachers, and all those who have influenced our lives for good! We Love You!!

A New Day

"It's the most wonderful one of all!"

Mornings with Jacob before he is off to Kindergarten are usually time for playing games, reading books, and getting ready for the day. He made the above comment for the winning marble on this February morning. This has been a wonderful winter full of snow and cold weather, sledding, choir performances, indoor family time and games, homework, baking, hot apple cider... Then there's the running around, to and from school, choir, dance, play practice, voice lessons, activity days, volleyball, etc... There's always something to do, somewhere to go. We enjoy keeping busy doing good things. And then we really enjoy the moments of family together time at home.

I lost our camera last July 4th - not sure how or where. Since then, we've replaced it. Here's a few highlights of what has happened since then:

Tyler earned his Eagle. He worked hard, with the help of his Dad, to make this happen. We are so proud of you Tyler!

Kaylee (6th grade), Emma (4th grade), and Jacob (Kindergarten)
Wow! I can't believe they are all in school!

Emma's ninth birthday was on the first day of school. She thought it was a great way to celebrate, along with some cherry pie!

Happy Halloween! Grammy made her annual spooky
Halloween meal to celebrate. It was the best one yet!

Homework and projects! Tyler's ninth grade year has been a busy one!
 AP geography, Algebra 2, his other required classes, plus Symphonic
Band, Jazz Band, and Percussion. He's doing great in all of it, and
most importantly, keeps a smile on his face!

I ran a few fun races in 2012; the Wasatch Back, St. George Marathon, and this, the Las Vegas Ragnar, was the grand finale. I ran with an awesome group of die hard ladies - an experience I will never forget!

Ice Skating after one of the many choir performances this last Christmas. Tyler, Kaylee, and Emma are a part of an awesome choir, The One Voice Children's Choir. Our Christmas season evolves around their performances. It's a great way to celebrate and feel the spirit of the season! Jacob thinks he's in the choir because he tags along with me to every performance, and sings along with them in the audience. He wonders why he doesn't have the choir wardrobe yet. Right now he's on the waiting list, but maybe some day he'll actually get to be up there singing with them.

Me and my wonderful husband.
Brian, you light up my life!

What a great year for sledding! We made up for the little to no snow that we got last year and celebrated by taking our tubes and sleds to the hills!

Morning Run 

July 3, 2012

While I was getting ready to go running this morning, Kaylee knocked on my door and let me know that Emma was throwing up. After I took care of her, she went back to bed. I decided it was o.k. to still go running, and went on one of my most favorite routes, up to Dry Creek Canyon trailhead. When I got there, I saw the most amazing view - that's why I love this run so much! - the view is always amazing! But this time, there were hot air balloons filling the sky in the valley below. I stayed up there to enjoy the view just long enough to realize that I wanted the kids to see this too. So I ran home as fast as I could - it helped that it was all down hill.

When I got home, Kaylee was up and out on the couch, but the other three were still asleep. Not for long! I called for all of them to wake up and pile in the van. They got up pretty quick, pulled on shoes, and climbed into their seats. Emma had a bucket in her hands, but was happy to get out, and now Kaylee had a bucket as well. Just as we were about to back out, Kaylee threw up in her bucket. I took care of that, gave her a clean bucket, and we left. By the time we got up there, only a few balloons were still up, but the kids enjoyed seeing them and the whole morning view of the valley. Emma noticed the lake and Kaylee pointed out a few buildings and fields that she recognized, Tyler and Jacob were trying to find our house. We all watched the balloons slowly move to their landing locations. Then we looked up the canyon and discussed when we should come back and go on a hike and which path we should take.

We live in such a beautiful place!

I love the 4th of July, and the festivities that go with it! I am so grateful to live in this beautiful country and enjoy the freedoms that we have been given because of the brave men and women who have fought to make and keep our country free.

We am so blessed!

My New Scooter

For my birthday, Brian gave me an adult size kick scooter. Love it! So, when I go out to run a quick errand, I can hop on my scooter and wheel my way there. Wow, my errands just got so much more exciting!

The greatest gifts I've been given are my incredible husband, Brian, and these four wonderful children! They are miracles! How did I end up with the best husband ever?! It took a lot of patience and guidance from a very loving Heavenly Father. And the fact that our four children were even born is a miracle x 4! Watching them grow is another miracle in action. Time flies by so quickly! I wish I could hold onto this moment of having them all together at home. And yet, watching them learn and grow, and become... What will they become? I don't know, but they just seem to get better and more amazing each day.  This is Heaven on Earth!

Jacob's hairdo...by Emma

Love Sundays! The moments we can all relax together as a family. I was so relaxed that I went to bed at the same time as the kids - 8:30pm.

After that good night's rest, I'm ready for a new day, and a new week!