The Warners

Sammy's Christmas Spirit

2010-12-17T22:34:00.002-07:00

Sammy's nickname is Charmer and it is so fitting. She is so full of fun and so happy!

This is Sammy with the first snow fall of the year. It snowed before Thanksgiving and it really put her in the Christmas spirit. Sammy is a Senior in High school and since this is her last Christmas as a child she has been determined to make the most of it. So prior to Thanksgiving our house was decked out for the holidays and Sammy began The Holiday Bucket List.

This is her chart. She makes me laugh. Out load most of the time.

I don't know what I would do without my Charmer. She is my sunshine.

Yes she made a chain to count down the days until Christmas.

She made amazing snowflake and hung them from the ceiling. Her room is magical.

I love to go up and lay on her bed with her and enjoy the

Christmas spirit and of course laugh at all the cleaver funny things she says.

Her tree. She gathered photos from Christmas past and they were her ornaments.

It was so fun to see how she has grown over the years and the fun memories.

More snowflakes! Could that be friends on in the background?

More decorations. The photos don't do her room justice. It is quiet amazing!

The first snow fall of the year. Sammy I am so grateful to you for your spirit and love that you bring to our home. Especially this year. Our family would be lost without your fun and Christmas spirit. You are one of a kind. I love you Charms. Merry Christmas and I hope that all your Holiday Bucket list wishes happen and that your last Christmas as a child is one to remember.

Here is Sammy's Holiday Bucket List

-Ginger Bread House Conteset

-Go on temple square date..( See the lights, get hot chocolate)

-Get a picture with santa

-Be a part of a sub for santa activity

-Make a christmas music playlist

-Play the white elephant game

-Host a christmas party

-Go sledding

-Go to soilders hallow

-Go see the play "The Best Christmas Pagent Ever"

-Do as much wrapping as possible!

- Decorate my room with paper snowflakes and lights!

- Watch ALL holiday movies!

-Make ALL holiday treats.

-Make gingerbread men

-Go on a drive to see all of the lights.. while listening to christmas music.

-Build a snowman and a snow fort

- Do the twelve days of christmas to somebody

-Do something nice for someone every day starting in november.( big or small)

- Write everything I am thankful for in my journal

-Watch all of the Thanksgiving/Christmas friends episodes

-Write grattitude letters to people who have helped me this year.

- Go and see a live nativity

- Do a christmas theme scavanger hunt!

-Go christmas shopping at the mall and get a pepermint ice storm!

- Go ice skating in an outdoor arena

-Go christmas caroling

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. We were lucky and got to have grandma for the day.

We had yummy food.

And people that made us laugh.

I am grateful for my blessings and especially for my family. I love you all so so so much!

Kinsey is 20

2010-12-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mckinsey. Can't believe your 20.

Sisters

Kinsey I love You Happy Birthday

Yummy Olive Garden!

Aaron and Kinsey

Pops and Tyke and Kinsey

Pops and Kinsey

Kinsey & Kelton

Present time!

Perfume!

The Family

My Girls!! Love ya both so much.

Halloween 2010 Killing for the Crown

2010-11-07T22:37:00.003-07:00

Sammy had a bucket list for Halloween and #1 on the list was to host a murder mystery party.

She let me help her and it was a lot of fun. We went way over board and it took a lot of time.

But we had a great time. I was so happy Sammy to help you mark something off your bucket list.

We decorated the entire main floor and made some yummy fun food.

We don't need no special cupcake bakery we did our own purple creations with a little bit of glamor. Sammy decorated most of the cupcakes and she did a great job.

We had colored candy sprinkled around. It added color and fun.

The dessert table!

Cheesecake! Beware!

Sammy wanted Sparkling ciders. So we had to add a little Halloween fun to the bottles.

We also had to have rasberry lemon water. A family favorite.

Drink Station.

The food table.

We made some spooky glamorous centerpieces. They are branches in water which we added dry ice to so they were smoking and some sparkling ornaments. They turned out really cool. We had strands of lights around the table. It turned our really cool looking. The photos don't do it justice.

Who did it?

Treat bags and to go containers so they could gather up some of the candy to go.

We made some pom poms and had them hanging everywhere.

Let the party begin.

Trying to figure out the clues.

A murder took place.

Who did it?

The Beauty Contestants. Oh and inspector Joe!

It was Miss Arizona with the poison filled tic tacs. Bad Miss Arizona (aka Sammy)

The celebration began. Sparking cider makes girls silly.

I promise it's Sparking Cider.

The winners. Best Actess, Money Bags, Crime Solver and Best Dressed.

I'm glad that you got to mark this party off your bucket list Sammy Charmer. I love you!

Celebrate U 2010

2010-11-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

Neil's foundation did another event in October called Celebrate U

Celebrate U is an event that is close to our hearts. We hope to do a Celebrate U event each year.

This year Celebrate U was about suicide prevention. This is a subject that has touched our lives and thankfully was not sucessful. We participated in the suicide prevention walk and have talked to families that have not been as lucky. Families who have lost loved ones. It is heartbreaking to see and also uplifiting to see peoples strength through tragedy. Neil brought in a band called Safetysuit. They talked at an afternoon event and then did a concert that night. This event truly was amazing!

Neil introducing Safetysuit.

Neil I am so proud of you. Each event the foundation does is overwhelming in the

amount of work it is and we wonder how we will get it all done.

But somehow it always comes together and turns into something magical.

Safetysuit talked about suicide and about helping others and uplifting one another.

Doug the lead singer did most of the talking and talked about the song he wrote

"Life left to Go"

This song talks about those who are left behind and that

there is more life to live no matter what the circumstances.

Dave is the guitar player he has got major energy. He is so fun to watch in concert.

Tate is the drummer and is a good friend of Neil's. Tate stayed an extra day and went fishing with Neil and Aaron and had dinner at our house. We even made him play Rook. He is such a nice humble guy

Lauren Burton sang the Rascal Flatts song "Why" She has such a good voice.

We met her at the Suicide Prevention Walk. She lost her brother to suicide and is an advocate for the prevention of suicide. She had a video to go along with the song she sang. It had pictures of those who have taken their lives. It was so touching. Not a dry eye in the house.

Our family minus Kinsey with Safetysuit. Kinsey was struggeling and needed to leave that makes me so sad that she is not in this photo. The band was so fun to hang out with for the day. They are great guys and we hope they have much success in the future. They are working on their second CD. If you haven't checked them out you should. They have some amazing songs that are uplifting and clean.

Safetysuit is a unique band. They always say "Welcome to the family" and they mean it.

They are all about their fans.

They did not leave until ever person who wanted to had a picture or a signed picture.

UCCUworkers said they had never seen anything like it in all the years

they have had bands come to play.

This is Amberly Snyder she is paralyzed. You wouldn't know it by her smile. Neil invited her and her friends to the concert. She is a big Safetysuit fan. After the concert Neil asked if the band would say hello. They took many photos with her and signed poster. Later in the evening when Neil was taking the band to their hotel. Doug (lead singer) said that meeting Amberly was the highlight of the night.

He was so impressed with her positive outlook.

25th Anniversary

2010-10-11T19:58:00.002-07:00

For our 25th Anniversary Neil worked Very hard all year and saved his pennies and took me to Riviera Maya Mexico. We stayed at the Valentine and it was the most beautiful place I have ever been. The grounds were AMAZING!! We had such a great time. Thank you Neil for the Wonderful memories!

The room was amazing. There was a big jetted tub and a beautiful bathroom, flat screen t.v.
Very nice room. We had 24 hour room service. It was such a luxurious, relaxing week.

Happy 25th Anniversary!

This was my favorite place to be. Looking at the ocean is so peaceful and beautiful.

The water is soothing.

N+J

I was so spoiled for my 25th Anniversary.

I love this Guy!

Neil of course had to find some lizards

It rained some but other than the humidity it was so perfect.

There were amazing restraunts. We love the French restaraunt it looked like the Titanic and the food was really fancy but tasted so good. We liked most all of the food. There were plenty of choices. I had a lot of seafood everyday. It was fun to go to different restaraunts every day.

Thanks Neil for a wonderful week. I will remember it Always!

Happy 25th Anniversary and counting...

Football Opening Day!

2010-09-12T15:40:00.001-07:00

We are Green Bay Packer Fans! We bleed Green!

Today was opening day and we thought we needed to make a party of it.

I asked eveyone to pick their favorite foods and I would make a party.

We had little smookies wrapped in bacon, PF Chang lettuce wraps, wontons, chips and dip.

For dinner spiced chicken and rice and homemade rolls.

For dessert Scadoodles and muddy buddies.

It has been a great day. I love having my kids home and spending time together as a family.

Go Packers!!!

Happy 25th Anniversary

2010-09-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

25 Years!! When Neil and I got married he was 23 and I was 18. We have been together longer than we have been apart. I like that. It seems like we have always been together. We fit, we match. We are opposites in a lot of ways but we bring out the best in one another and we both love with our whole hearts. I love this man and am so grateful that I am lucky enough to have him as my eternal partner.

I love looking into Neils eyes and seeing the love that shines back. He is a tough competitor and hates to lose at sports but inside he is a soft hearted kind and loving man.

My present for our Anniversary is one Neil worked hard on for a year. Money has been tight (everyone says this with the economy the way it is). But Neil has been working extra and saving his pennies and he is taking us on a dream vacation to Riviera Maya Mexico to a beautiful resort for a week. I am so blessed and so excited to have Neil all to myself for a week.

Happy Anniversary Neil... 25 and counting!

The last first day of School

2010-09-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

It is over...My kids are almost done with public school. Sammy is a Senior. What? I really don't know how this happened. It went too fast and I miss my babies, my little kids so much. But each step forward, each passing event brings new and even better things.

Sammy's first last day of School.

She does a lot of driving and loves it. I wish she had her own car but we share.

We had to do our tradition of going shopping at the Gateway and then eating at the Mayan. We have done this tradition with Mads for at least five years. It's so fun to have a fun tradition that marks the starting of the school year.

These are beautiful girls inside and out. I'm excited to see what life will bring after high school.

Isn't it funny how important high school is while your in it and then you spend the rest of your life so glad that it's over. Sammy has had some great experiences and I would guess she would say like most of us do or the songs say that it was the best of times and the worst of times. I hope you have a fabulous last year of school Sammy Charmer. I sure do love you!

Moving Out

2010-09-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

Aaron and McKinsey have moved out. It has been hard- Mommy growing pains. But..it is also so good that they are moving on with their lives and creating memories and exploring life and learning independence.

Kinsey moved into this big old house. They rent wings or rooms of this huge house. An architect built the home and rents it out. It is such a uniques place and Kinsey loves it. Kinsey is busy working and we don't get to see her too often because she is always so busy.

She has great views of the mountains and a lot of photo opportunities. I found some photos she took. There are always photos left behind with Kinsey and I love it. She is truly talented in photography.

Aaron went the traditional school route and moved into the Raintree. He rooms with some of his good friends and is having a great time. But he is busy busy with some hard classes and work.

Wisconsin Trip 2010

2010-09-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

We were planning a family vacation to Wisconsin this summer but it didn't work out with Cheer and Kinseys work. The boys decided to go on a fathers and son trip. They had such a good time. Neil was born in Wisconsin and has groomed his son to love everything about Wisconsin especially the Brewers, Packers, Bucks and Badgers. To save money they flew on buddy passes. Never again! They spent three days at the airport trying to get a flight home. The trip was full of great memories and they had a blast. Here are few photos of their trip. I love that they are so close. The two best boys a girl could ask for in her life. Love them both so much.

This is the famous house that Neil grew up in. It is in Madison Wisconsin. Neil's favorite place.

Famous Paisans pizza.

Vila's Park -The best park in the world.

Brat Fest 2010 Getting to meet The Gufs and hang out with them after the concert.

Brewers game. Go Brew Crew!

Let's go Brewers!

Packers all the way!

Love this picture! Especially Aaron's smile.

Summer Thunder Storms-Thoughts

2010-08-07T20:33:00.001-07:00

Sammy took this picture the other night. The sky was bright with lots of clouds. It is haunting yet beautiful. I love summer storms. Thunder and Lightening.

In some ways storms scare me. A lot scares me. Tops on the list heights, closed in places, my children getting hurt, someone sitting on my feet, mice and the list goes on and on. I really have some phobias.

Lately I have been a bad blogger. It takes time and for some reason I always think I need a photo to tell the story and I am always forgetting my camera. Sammy told me the other day I need to blog more so I updated July birthdays and am caught up so now I can blog about whatever. It is theraputic to blog and journal my life. I try not to share too personal of stories but sometimes I get typing and I forget this goes out to others. Because mostly I blog for me. It is my only journal.

This photo struck me as how I have been feeling lately. Bright light moments and dark stormy moments. I think that is life. I need to learn how to better handle the storms of life.

I read this blog by Sherrie Johnson. I don't know her personally but I have followed her for awhile and I learn so much from her.

New You

by Sherrie Mills Johnson

One of the lovely results of living in Truth is that all things, including your past, become new to you. Christ changes you and your life. As Paul explains it, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” ( 2 Corinthians 5:17). This is so true.

As we let go of hurts and offenses and negative ways of viewing the world, we make room in our hearts for new thoughts and new emotions. And through those new thoughts and emotions we see our past, our present, and our future differently. Instead of seeing how we were hurt, we see how others were hurting. Instead of feeling victimized, we feel remorse for what we did to contribute to poor relationships or situations.

At first this sounds like merely an exchange of bad feelings, but it is a release. As we let go of heavy, painful things, we experience an escape from bondage and unnecessary pain. We climb out of the dark Pit into the light of Truth and joy where we are free to express our true selves and feel and use the power of positive emotions to shape our lives and interact with others.

Letting old things pass away—handing them over to the Savior to take care of instead of carrying the burden of them around ourselves—is freedom. The death of the negative allows the birth of the positive.

______

I so need to live in truth and let go and hand things over to the Savior. I know I need to. I want to. But the how to do it. Really do it is something I am needing to learn.

Aaron's 23rd Birthday!

2010-08-07T19:42:00.003-07:00

Aaron is 23 and I am really struggeling with it.

Neil was 23 when we got married.

How can I have a son that old?

Does this mean I'm old?

They kinda like each other. Kinsey is working...always working poor girl.

Birthday meal choice. OutBack of course.

Seasoned and Seared Prime Rib.

Chocolate cake of course. I'm not sure I make the cake as well as Grandma but I tried.

Grandma has made Aaron his birthday cake every year. But she is not able to anymore.

Aaron really misses Grandma's cakes.

I love you my special boy! Ok my son is now a man. No way your always my boy.

Left over candles from Sammys b-day so 2 green for twenty and three blue = 23.

Aaron I love you and am so blessed to have you as my son.

Thanks for being so Awesome!

These two kinda like each other. Happy Birthday son.

Grandma turns 80!

2010-08-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

We are all so lucky to have grandma in our lives.

She is such a special lady.

Family Tree Cake.

Grandmas children and their spouses.

Around the cake is all the grand children and great grand children's names.

When I married Neil I was so blessed to have him as a husband.

But one of the greatest gifts was this special lady.

She has been a mother to me for the last 25 years. How lucky am I.

I lost my mom when I had just turned 10 years old and always hoped that when I got married I could again have a mom. I sure have been lucky. She has taught me so many things. Most of the things I have learned from her has been by watching her and seeing a wonderful example. She has helped me and loved me and been so important to me and my family. I only hope to be like her in some small way.

We had been hot all day outside

and Neil and Aaron had played tennis and wiffle ball and Sammy was sick.

Not our greatest looks. We were happy to celebrate grandma's 80th birthday with her.

We missed you McKinsey so much. You were in our hearts all day.

Sammy is Seventeen

2010-08-07T18:20:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday Samantha Brooke Sammy Charmer Warner!

How are you 17 years old?

Thanks Kinz and Chelsey. You are Amazing friends. Love You!

Sammy's friends decorated her room.

They went all out there was so much shredded tiny paper everywhere.

It took Sammy weeks to clean it up.

Look at all that paper. It was everywhere.

Lunch with the family at Olive Garden. We are so bad at taking photos.

Sammy and her friend are so good at taking photos. They do almost every night.

Sammy's friends went all out for her birthday they made this fun list and sammy had to do 17 things.

Jenny, Maddie and Sammy.

Rice King with her friends. Rice King is Sammy's favorite

The party kept going. Sammy had a lot. I mean a lot of friends stop by for brownies, hot fudge and ice cream. The street was blocked with so many cars.

Birthday ice cream cake.

Blurry photo but we didn't get too many photos with family.

Sammy Happy 17th Birthday. So glad you had a great Birthday we Love You!!

Safetysuit Concert

2010-07-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

Neil, Aaron and I went to Green River Wyoming to see Safetysuit. It was an adventure.

The concert was great and we had a fun time making memories.

We love Safetysuit. They are great in concert. Tate met us after the concert and he was so nice.

Neil is trying hard to get Safetysuit to come out in concert to Utah. I hope it all works out.

They are so good in concert.

These two are so much fun to hang out with.

It was fun getting an ice cream at Little America (family tradition) and spending some time together.

Families are Forever

2010-07-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

My little brother Deloy and his family were sealed in the temple in June. I am so happy for them.

They are such an amazing family and I am so happy they are now a forever family.

I love you Deloy and am so proud of you.

A Day to remember those we love

2010-06-17T21:01:00.001-07:00

We had a great Sunday dinner with grandma and then we went and visited grandpa's and Shari's grave sites. We didn't get to go to my mom and dad's but they were in my thoughts all weekend. It is hard to have them all be gone. Sometimes my world seems so small with few people in it.

But I have a wonderful husband and great kids and I am blessed.

All Star Game 2010

2010-06-17T20:34:00.001-07:00

The Second Chance Foundation of Utah had it's annual All-Star Baseball game.

This year it was at UVU and the event turned out great!

The best part of the night was awarding the Dave Palreyman Scholarship.

It was given to Austin Haws. See the story here.

This is the Palfreyman family.

They were great and worked really hard and were so supportive of the Scholarship

Minute Man Bowl

2010-05-29T21:23:00.003-07:00

The Second Chance Foundation put on another great event.
The first annual Minute Man Bowl. It was a full contact football game.

It was so fun to watch Neil put on football pads and play football. He also looks cute in his uniform.

Schools out and fun things in Spring!

2010-05-29T21:13:00.002-07:00

Schools out and everyone is so happy to sleep in and have no homework.
The kids did some fun things in the Spring. Even if the weather wasn't too cooperative.
Color Festival, The Wedge, Kite flying, Cruise to Mexico, Cheer pool party,
Animal protests, Photography, friends, the cute dogs and family time.
There was alot of snow and rain but ever time the sun would shine everyone hurried outside.
Bring on Summer and all the sunshine!

Prom 2010

2010-04-25T13:54:00.001-07:00

Day date...Go-carts...Lots of fun!

Sammy wore sandals so she had to wear hair nets as socks and some funky shoes they had to borrow.

Getting Ready...Make-up by Mac...Hair by Sienna. (Thanks CC your the best)

Photos...we didn't have much time for too many photos so I hope Kinsey will do a photo shoot, Sammy you looked so beautiful. I am so glad you had a good time at Prom.

Friends came from other schools to see how she looked and lots of other friends.

Sammy said she had a great time at Prom. I'm so glad Sam. Love ya!

She made it!

2010-04-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Sammy was a cheerleader at Orem High her Sophmore year then didn't do cheer her Junior year and transfered schools to Timpanogas High. Sammy was thinking her Senior year she would do work release and just focus on getting out of high school. But she was persuaded to try out for Timpanogas Cheer and She Made it!

Sammy was a little nervous trying out because she hadn't been doing cheer or dance for awhile and Timpanogas Cheer is really good they took 4th in Nationals this year. But Sammy got her lucky number 22 and she made the Varsity squad. She is really excited and we are excited for her. Now for the fundraising. Yikes this wasn't in the plans but somehow it will work out. So proud of ya Sammy Charmer.

Spring Break 2010 Mom and Me trip

2010-04-11T15:10:00.006-07:00

Mom and Me Trip 2010

Sammy and I had a great trip to Las Vegas. We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. It was so fun talking laughing and making memories. Here are some highlights. A comfy bed and very cool hotel room. Sitting by the pool. It was an Amazing pool. We felt like we were really away in a tropical destination. There was even sand. Shopping til we dropped, Sammy being so excited about her new purse, Sammy popping her head out of the sun roof as we cruised the strip as she tried to get the perfect picture, people watching and eating at fun places. Thanks for the memories Sammy Charmer. I love you and hope we can have many more trips.

Sugar Factory We were told this was somewhere fun to go. No not really just a candy store that sold blingin sucker sticks that were $25 dollars. Sucker not included. We were taking pictures and the girl at the store gave Sammy one as a prop for the photo. Who would pay that much for a dumb bling sucker stick.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum was so much fun. It was kinda freaky though. They looked so real. More real than the photos. The photos make them look shiny but in real life they are more realistic. The measurements are exact and the hair is real. The clothes are really donated by the famous person. There was a security gaurd that talked to us and told us all sorts of fun things. The famous people sign off on their wax image and there is a big unveiling party. He said the nicest person was Simon Cowell and that Cameron Diaz was the most rude. She made all the workers sign a paper saying they wouldn't even talk to her. Rude...I like Cameron Diaz but famous people have issues. It was so strange to see how short and especially how tiny some of them are. We snuck and checked sizes on clothes yep mostly size 0.

Serendipity 3 I went here in New York and had frozen hot chocolate so I had to bring Sammy and she loved it too. Such a fun dessert to share.

Moments that make your heart swell

2010-04-05T14:07:00.002-07:00

We all have them- moments that make your heart swell. Moments that you take notice of and give a special thanks to heaven for. I am getting better at recognizing these moments. However small or uneventfully they may seem.

As a young mother I would look ahead or to the next task or thing I needed to do. Or live in the WHEN. When this happens or when that works out then this. No there is no when and no if. There is now and there is this moment.

As I have gotten older and life has taken turns and twists I have grown. I have learned that life truly is made up of small moments of joy that we can sometimes miss if we aren't paying attention. How I wish I could go back in time and re-live moments and have more apprecition and more gratitude for them.

Time

2010-04-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

Time goes by so fast. I have been a bad blogger lately. I miss it! That may seem strange but it is my way to document and record my life. It is my journal, my scrapbook. New goal to start blogging more.

We have all been busy and time keeps going by so fast...

Neil is busy with work, his foundation and working out. He is also busy planning and saving towards our 25th Anniversary trip. He is going to surprise me. He is amazing that way. He has many things in the works and many plans. I love his vest for life and how he makes things happen. Neil is such a hard worker and deserves success. I loved watching him take Aaron to Priesthood and Outback Saturday. That feels my heart with joy. They have been going to Priesthood and Outback every conference session since Aaron turned 12. Neil is one of a kind and I love him so much. He does have a few faults but I think he is perfect!

Aaron is busy with school and work. He is trying to decide what to do for a career. He is done with all electives and most of his core classes. It is time to decide for sure. I say anything that will get him a job. I know some people who graduated last year and they can't get a job. Aaron is dating but nothing too serious yet. Some of his friends are getting married. That seems strange that they are all that old. Aaron is going on a cruise with his friends as soon as school is out. I am so happy for him.

Kinsey is busy with school and she is also working full time. It is a lot and she is alwasy at school or working. She has decided to go Vegan again. I hope this time she doesn't get as sick as she did last time. Fingers crossed. Last week was animal rights week at UVU. Kinsey went to some activities and she was on the news protesting a mink farm. Kinsey loves animals. If only I could get her to give her dog a bath (smile). This week at UVU is service week. This is also something Kinsey is big at doing. She will have another big week. Kinsey is still deciding on school but I think she is wanting to be a therapist. That is a lot of schooling but I know she can do anything she sets her mind to. Kinsey is planning a trip to Seattle this summer. That is her dream place to live some day. I hope it doesn't happen. I am selfish and want her to live close by me.

Sammy is busy with school and her social life. She is looking for a job. They are hard to come by for teens but she is a hard worker. She would love to nanny for the summer or she hopes to get certified and wants to work at a swimming pool. Sammy and I are headed for a mom and me trip to Las Vegas for Spring Break to look for a prom dress and enjoy the sunshine (if there is any). Sammy's friend will be living in New York this summer and we want to go visit her really bad. So hopefully we can swing that. Money really should grow on trees.

Me I am busy with work and house and family etc. I have a hard time talking about me and what I'm busy doing. My mind wanders to all I should be doing or didn't get done. But...I am working on it. I say I am a work in progress. It is kindof my thing.

I came across this saying and I love it. “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” Joseph Campbell
I so need to do this. I think this may need to be my new motto. Life is so good and full of blessings and so hard and full of worry and heart pains.

I am grateful for my blessings and for a beautiful Easter and Conference. What a combination. It should be like that every year. It made Easter seem more special.

Preference #2 2010

2010-04-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Sammy Charmer

Make-up, Hair, earrings, all dolled up and ready to go!

Cute Dress. You look so cute Sammy Charmer.

Cute dress but I love the shoes the most.

Sammy went to Preference with Brandon and they had a really good time.

We Love San Diego!

2010-02-22T19:59:00.005-07:00

Neil and I had the chance to take a quick trip to San Diego.

We LOVE San Diego!

We flew into San Diego on Tuesday and found out it was Fat Tuesday and that San Diego has the second largest Mardi Gras celebration.
We have never celebrated or thought about Mardi Gras but thought we would give it a try.

There were over 150,000 people there but it was really tame.

There were fun floats they made snow with bubbles.

Wait Christmas?

We didn't see anyone do the "usual" things for beads.

San Diego is pretty conservative.

Look how cool this sand castle is.

This was at Coranado Beach. We loved Coranado.

The guy who created this cool sand castle says he comes to the beach a couple days a week and creates a new sand castle.

Amazing detail. What talent.

My cute fella checking out the water. Way too cold.

You can see the Coranado hotel in the background (red roof).

I would love to have a summer home in Coranado. Loved it.

The sun felt so good. It just warms you inside out. So relaxing!

Some sun and some tunes. Vacations in the sun during yucky end of winter weather is so renewing.

The bay side of Coranado has a beautiful view of downtown San Diego.

Love this cute fella and his smile!

San Diego Old Town

Our only purchase in Old Town was some girl scout cookies.

Thin mints of course.

There was a cute girl pulling a wagon and selling cookies.

La Jolla Beautiful water and cliffs.

It was windy and cold this day but still lots of fun!

In La Jolla there is this small beach area where the seals have made a home.

The seals were so cute. There were even babies.

It was fun to see them come in and out of the water.

House of Blues

We were excited to see J.R. and his band.

We got invited to sound check. So much fun. It was like our own private show.

J.R. and Ryan came and gave us hugs and talked to us after the sound check.

They were so kind and generous.

An amazing show. This concert was with the whole band.

I have to say it was great but I still liked our show here in Utah the best.

Neil and I at the concert. We had front row seats and were right next to the stage.

The concert was an end to a beautiful trip.

Thanks Neil for always being so much fun and for being my best friend.

Thinking of her...

2010-02-10T20:53:00.003-07:00

I was deleting a bunch of old emails today and came across
an email my sister had sent me with this picture.

It's a picture of my mom.

She is the one in the middle wearing pants.

It's been 33 years since I have seen my mom.

I have very few memories of her.

But oh how I love her.

I have felt her in my life...even from heaven.

She has been a big influence in my life.

I want her to be proud of me.

I want to be like her. I want to honor her.

Photo Shoots

2010-02-06T20:32:00.003-07:00

Kinsey loves photography.
She has a real talent and loves to take pictures.

Sometimes she takes self portraits.

In fun and unique ways.

Kinsey you are a beauty.

But usually Sammy is the model.

Kinsey will dress her up and do her make-up and have

her do crazy things. Sammy loves it and is a

really good sport.

Somehow she can take photos and make them into art.

Snow angel in your nice dress and new boots.

I guess anything for the photo.

You silly girls!!

Sometimes the photos are normal glam shots

no wait isn't she on a snow plow?

You somehow capture the beauty around you.

Check Presentation

2010-02-06T20:13:00.001-07:00

Neil presented the Laursens with their check from
The Second Chance Foundation.

Hannah was very excited about the big check. $10,000.

Thanks UVU Athletics and eveyone who helped with all the events to help raise this money.

I am so proud of Neil and all his efforts in making a difference in others lives.

Working with the Laursens was so much fun. They are kind and humble and were so willing to do anythng we asked of them. We all enjoyed all of the activities that led up to this night.

My favorite moment was at the J.R. Richards concert when J.R. called Hannah up on stage.

See post here about the concert.

Neil and his Celebrity friends

2010-01-29T21:37:00.005-07:00

Neil is a local celebrity of sorts. (He would disagree). He writes sports. Most guys like sports so I have gotten used to being stopped Everywhere (Did I say EVERYWHERE?) we go. Sometimes even when were in other states and sometimes in weird places. People will stare and wonder where they know him. I guess because his picture is in the paper. I'm not sure. But the kids and I are used to it. But now Neil has moved on and he is now hanging out with other (Real) celebrities. They are becoming his friends. The kids and I like to give him a hard time.

Neil and I had seen Safety Suit in concert last spring in Salt Lake and we really liked them.

Neil has been writing for alternativeaddiction.com and he did a story on SafetySuit see the story here. He got to know them a little with the story and found out the drummer Tate Cunningham really likes fly fishing.

When Neil heard that they were coming to play in Salt Lake he came up with an idea that he wanted to take Tate fly fishing. Any of you who know Neil...know he is not a good fisher-man. He rarely or maybe it's never catches anything. So first on the agenda was to get a guide (thanks Jim Oneil) so that he would know where to take Tate. The provo river is famous for fly fishing so Tate was excited to go and thought he might remember who Neil is and if I had to guess he probably googled Neil to find out who he was.

Afterall Tate was trusting him to pick him up and drive him around and with all the possible weirdo's out there it was brave of him...I thought. Neil met the tour bus in Park City on their way from Denver to Salt Lake. Neil met all the band members and then Neil and Tate took off for their fishing adventure. Neil had a great day and said they talked and talked.

Neil then took Tate up to Salt Lake barely in time for sound check.

Tate is a great fishermen. Check out his blog here.

He even wrote about Neil and their fishing day.

Neil went to the concert that night with Matt (I was sick...so sad).

He said the concert was great!

Neil is friends with J.R. Richards of Dishwalla and the group The Gufs and now Tate and the rest of Safety Suit. It will be fun to see who will be next. Neil your so much fun every celebrity or non-celebrity would be so lucky to have you as a friend.

A fun date

2010-01-29T21:05:00.006-07:00

Gin Blossoms

Neil planned a fun date. We went to a Gin Blossom concert.

It was a fun date.

It was in Wendover (dive).

However the Concert Hall there is brand new and amazing.

This was after the concert.

Lots of funny people.

We went with Derek and Jamie. We had a great time.

Even went dancing. Neil is getting to be a good dancer.

Me and my Fella!

The concert was amazing. The lead singer came out into the crowd.

He is in red.

We love their new song "Super Girl" Neil names that song for Kinsey.

This date was actually sapposed to be for Kinsey

but you have to be 21 to go to the concert hall.

We had a great hotel room. It was really nice. I was surprised. Big fluffy beds with down comforter and pillows. (What a cute guy).

This really cool black carpet. It's kinda hard to see but it was all sculpted.

And a huge framed flat screened tv.

Which we didn't even turn on.

It was a great night. Neil thanks for a fun date.

Our kids laugh at us and say we are having a mid-life crisis.

Maybe...but really just reconnecting and getting used to

a new life without litte kids who constantly need us.

I love us... and even if we get laughed at I say oh well!

Preference 2009 Old Hollywood

2010-01-29T20:09:00.004-07:00

Sammy and Maddie made cakes and baked a card with their names in the middle of the cake.

They decorated the cake and asked them to preference.

For the day date they kidnapped the boys bright and early and took them to breakfast.

They had dinner at Los Hermanos.

After the dance they came back to our house and had chocolate fondue.

The theme was Old Hollywood.

Sienna did Sammy's hair (thanks CC your the best).

It was fun to get all dressed up and that there was a fun theme.

Hope you have many more fun dances Sammy.

Happy New Year its 2010

2010-01-29T19:38:00.005-07:00

New Years was pretty calm this year.

Sammy celebrated with her friends.

This was her boyfriend Jaun. He was her date for the evening

and he gave her the important kiss at midnight.

Not sure why she had this picture in with her pictures but it made me laugh.

Kinsey worked and then went to a friends house. Aaron was with friends and Neil and I had a really fun night. We had a great dinner at Outback (our favorite) then we went home built a fire watched movies but mostly just talked and talked. Looked over the past year and made plans for the new 2010. As each year passes and you look back you remember things that were hard and your so glad have passed. Mostly you see how very blessed and happy and grateful you are.

Christma 2009 with Love

2009-12-30T17:49:00.005-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Season.

We had many fun memory making times.

We had our special Christmas Eve Dinner... Prime filet roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, raspberry pretzel salad and homemade rolls. Our friend Russ made us a chocolate cake for our Christmas present and that was dessert. He makes them better than Magelbys.

A very yummy dinner and so much fun. We set the table all nice and have sparkling cider.

We had a Rock em Sock em tournament.

Neil is the winner every time.

We all think he cheats.

Nice GUNS Neil.

P.J's Aaron doesn't have his on but the girls and Tova do.

My girls! I just love these girls so much.

They make me smile.

My Kiddo's. I am one lucky mom!

We had Grandma as our special guest.

Grandma opening her gifts. We love Grandma so much.

She is such a special lady.

This is one of our many trees. I really need to take photos of all of my trees.

I have this tree which is our old fashioned tree.

With all the ornaments made and collected over the years.

I have a nativity tree (my favorite) and a penguin tree.

I Love Christmas. Which is obvious if you visit my house.

We were driven around a lot by this cute girl.

She is logging hours to get her license.

Sammy is actually a really good driver.

Love ya Charms.

Love this litte guy. His PJ's are red long johns.

Oh my he makes me smile.

We had alot of fires in the fire place. Ahh so warm and welcoming.

I love a good fire on a cold winter night.

Thanks Neil for building all our fires.

We played a lot of games, went to some movies, went bowling, out to dinner a few times and just had a wonderful time together as a family. That is my favorite part!

I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family.

A Homemade Christmas

2009-12-30T17:33:00.004-07:00

Kinsey wanted to do a homemade or thoughtful christmas this year.

She made Neil a photo collage of his foundation and the JR Richards concert event.

Neil loved it and hung it up right away!

Kinsey also made me a homemade thoughtful gift.

She took different photos that looked like letters.

One said LOVE and the other said FAMILY.

Then she added some other photos of the family to it.

It was a really special present and it meant a lot that she took the time and effort on our gifts.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-12-06T12:11:00.007-07:00

The boys were off playing football and Matt's kids were hanging with Sammy.

Sammy is so good at remembering to take pictures.

I usually forget so we don't have all that many of Thanksgiving Day.

It may look like a Christmas picture but we put up the tree not decorated when we bought it a few days before Thanksgiving. Sammy had each of the kids look thru the newspaper and cut out what they wanted to get for Christmas and then they sent them to Santa. They really put them in the mailbox and then we forgot and the mailman really took them.

A movie later in the day!

The Stone's spent the night on Thanksgiving and the next day we went to Pirate Island Pizza.

Pizza not so good and so expensive. But we had wanted to try it.

Sammy and Eason.

Sammy and Cora.

We did a photo shoot. The sun wasn't shining so the pictures are just so so and it is so drab no green or leaves or snow. I'll post more of the photos shoot later. This is just my family being their crazy selves. They can't help it! Or so they tell me. I love it!

Their funny faces!

Trying to stay warm between photos. It was soo cold.

Christmas with the Flash 2009

2009-12-05T22:12:00.003-07:00

We went shopping as a family to help with The Flash Christmas.

The Flash is giving Christmas to 96 families in need this Christmas.

Neil and Aaron (using his Spanish) called families to find out their needs.

Kinsey and Sammy were master shoppers.

It is so fun and rewarding to give service and most of all to spend time together as a family.

Look at all the shopping carts!

The Second Chance Foundation Benefit Concert

2009-11-10T20:03:00.006-07:00

Neil and Celeste putting up The Second Chance Foundation Banner.

This was an incredible night. This is our family with J.R. Richards after the concert.

Kobi and Tiffany were in town visiting.

Sammy, Maddie and J.R.

Sammy, Kinsey and Hannah.

J.R. Richards and Hannah Laursens family.

Hannah is nine years old. She has brain cancer and has had many surgeries, chemo and radiation. This is the famly The Second Chance Foundation helped with the benefit concert.

Read more about it here and here is a video that a BYU student did about the Laursen family.

Neil, J.R.,Celeste and Matt.

Celeste helped out so much. Don't know what I would have done without her.

Nate Mathis, J.R. and Neil.

Nate is a board member of the foundation and he was a huge help. The Prestwich family were also a big help. Russ is also a board member of the foundation. We are so grateful to all those who helped and for all the support from Utah Valley University and all the busineeses who gave food.

We had a VIP dinner before the event. We worked hard on getting the food donated. We had BBQ pork from GoodWood, Steak and Chicken from Texas Road House, Salad and Baked Potatoes from Ruby River, Rolls from Shirley's Bakery, Chocolate Cake from Magelbys and Pies from Marie Calendars. We were a little late starting with the food and we had A Lot more poeple than p lanned. But we didn't run out food and all in all it turned out really well.

Here is some highlights of the concert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RU8ezhIl64

Melody with Tyler Forsberg was the opening act. Here is one of the songs they performed.

I am so proud of Neil and his foundation. There were so many amazing and wonderful experiences the past few weeks. UVU soccer and Volleyball teams teamed up with the foundation in support of the Laursen family. We were crazy busy trying to put it all together but once we were sitting at the concert and listening to the music it was the time to take it all in. What an amazing concert J.R. Richards has an amazing voice. Neil and I sat front row and held hands and just took it all in. We have loved Dishwalla and especially like J.R. Richards new solo music. This all came together in amazing ways and we know we were blessed and we are grateful to be able to help the Laursens family. Helping others truly is the way to happiness.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-10T07:24:00.005-07:00

Kinsey (Vampiress) Tova (pumpkin)

Sammy (Batgirl) Maddie (Biker Chick)

Kinsey, Aaron, Cora, Eason and Brevon...So cute!

Aaron (Al Harris) Gets taken down.

Aaron and Kinsey

Kinsey and Tova, Kinseys day costume (Mario)

Kinsey moving home

2009-11-01T15:50:00.002-07:00

Kinsey has lived on her own for the last six months.
She has really liked being independent and being her own person. She has done so well on her own she is very responsible and hard working. She has decided that living pay check to pay check isn't a great way to live long term.

So she has decided to move home so that she can go to school and move on with her life. Moving forward and setting some goals. She has decided to go to Salt Lake Community College and she plans on being a nurse or maybe a Therapist. She is a not 100% sure what she wants to do but she has decided that she needs schooling. I am so grateful she realizes that school is important. She really only took off one semester so she isn't too far behind. I am so proud of you McKinsey you are an amazing girl. I am proud you are taking control of your life and making decisions for your future and especially proud of your tender heart and loving nature.

Welcome Home sweet girl! We Love You!

Sadie Hawkins Dance

2009-10-29T07:49:00.004-07:00

The theme wa jungle. They all dress in dark clothes and put paint all over them and leaves.

It was a cheap creative way to dress up.

Sammy and Shayne

They ate dinner at Fuddruckers. The group had a lot of fun. They had a day date where they did an amazing race type game that they video taped. These girls are creative and a lot of fun.

Second Chance of Utah Foundation Benefit Çoncert!

2009-10-18T15:02:00.002-07:00

Neil's Foundation is having a benefit concert for a 9-year-old Provo girl, who has brain cancer.

JR Richards of the group Dishwalla will be performing on Monday, Oct. 26 at Utah Valley University.

We will be hosting a VIP dinner for 100 people on the night of the concert with a silent auction. At the VIP dinner, there will be a meet-and-greet with the musicians and we will be honoring Hannah and her family. If you want tickets to the MVP event it is $25 and includes dinner, meet and greeet and a concert ticket. Tickets for the concert are $15- $10 for students.

Here is some information on Hannah Laursen, the girl who we are doing the concert for.

Hannah is 9-years old and was spending this summer having fun with her mom and two sisters before starting the 4th grade. Every summer the girls go to Florida to visit Grandparents and other family.

This summer, about halfway through the trip, Hannah started having severe headaches that were eventually accompanied by fatigue and vomiting. The doctors said these were classic migraine headache symptoms, but decided to do a CT scan just to follow protocol. The scan revealed a mass in Hannah's brain located just above her hypothalamus.

As soon as the doctors saw the mass in Hannah's brain they arranged an ambulance to drive her to a children's hospital in Pensacola, FL. En route to Pensacola Hannah's heart started to race and then slow, which was a dangerous symptom of extreme pressure on her brain. Due to the increasing emergency, Hannah was picked up and flown the rest of the way to the hospital in a helicopter.

Upon arrival at the hospital Hannah was rushed into surgery. Over the next 6 days Hannah had 3 brain surgeries to relieve pressure on her brain and remove as much of the tumor as possible. A biopsy of the tumor revealed that it is a malignant and rapidly growing tumor.

Hannah has gone through 2 round of chemotherapy and is currently going in daily, Monday through Friday, for radiation treatments.Hannah's prognosis for the future is very good and she is attending school and gaining back a lot of her strength and energy.She will still have to go through at least one more surgery and will have to have hormone therapy for years to come.

Baseball Father and Son

2009-10-04T13:18:00.006-07:00

BASEBALL!!

Neil has been waiting since Aaron was born to be able to play baseball with his son.

This summer they played together. It was so fun to go to their games and watch them play together. I can't believe that Aaron is old enough to play with Neil. Neil still looks the same and still plays really well. But the time Neil had been waiting for has arrived.

It was a fun summer!!

I love these two!

Something I never thought I would do!

2009-08-23T18:59:00.006-07:00

See this 100 ft cliff. Yea it is very tall. Especially to me. If you know me you know that I am deathly. Really deathly afraid of heights. I have had many embarassing moments due to my fear of heights. Well you'll never guess what I did. Nope never.

Good things I have photos to prove it!

This is me crying and holding on for dear life. James was AMAZING.

I would never have ever been able to do it without him.

Still holding on for dear life!

Not the best view or all that atractive but I don't care. I have proof that I did it!

At this point I was told to look down. Nope I didn't look once. I was afraid I would pass out!

This picture was before we started the hike. All smiles not sweaty or full of fear.

At the start of the hike I was like ok self you can do the hike. Yes your out of shape but you can do the hike to the top and then hike back down again. Not in my wildest dreams did I think I would rappel. The hike up was a tough hike going up and I knew it would be even harder coming down. So the option of hiking down and making someone else hike down with me was not a fun option and rappeling was not a fun option. I will admit I cried out loud and even more inside. I whined inside mostly but some how I did it. My team was amazing and helpful. Some how I did it. I have been so proud of myself. I have been on a high. I have thought a lot of limitations I put on myself. I know I am still deathly afraid of heights but maybe... just maybe I will try and be more adventureous try to live a little more out of my box.

A shout out to Travis. You inspired me.

Owlz Fest 2009

2009-08-09T13:14:00.008-07:00

Neils Foundation "The Second Chance Foundation of Utah"

held an event called Owlz Fest 2009.

Noodles was a sponsor and they came and gave out samples of pasta. Yummy! Charmer and her friend Emily came to help out. There actually wasn't a lot for us to do.

But we had fun watching.

I especially like watching this guy. Look at his face. He had so much fun.

I love that Neil is such a sensitve sweet guy.

He gets so much joy and satisfaction out of helping others.

It make me smile and swell with pride.

Hootz was there of course.

There was a dunk tank and blow up slides and face painting etc.

The sprinklers came on during the event. Oops. They were quickly shut off..no big deal.

Neil running things.

Getting the prizes ready. Best Buy was a huge sponsor. The prizes were Amazing.

Winners!!

Neil announces some of the winners.

More prizes.

The overall winner. Won an entire entertainment system.

Overall it was a great event for Neils's foundation.

Girls Camp

2009-07-26T14:09:00.004-07:00

My sweet Charmer was gone for a week to girls camp. I missed her.

Love the pampering.

Sammy I am proud of you for going to girls camp and for choosing what's right.

I love ya Sam so much!

Aaron turns 22 WHAT!!! & The Penguins finish the Season

2009-07-26T13:33:00.004-07:00

The Penguin Season Ends. They took 1st in the Division and Second in the Tournament.

Aaron had fun playing on his Co-Ed team. He designed the T-Shirts.

The Shirts and team were a hit. The Fighting Penguins.

He played with a lot of his Crew friends and people from High School.

Go Fighting Penguins!

And his sister. Ahh it was so fun to see them play together.

Aaron also turned 22. I can't believe it. He had a very busy birthday and this was the only photo that we got. Boys don't they know we women like photo's. Aaron woke up and his friend took him boating on Utah Lake. They water skied and tubed and wake boarded. Then we his family waited forever to go to lunch. We took Aaron to lunch to Tucanos. This picture is of him and the girls outside Tucanos. Then Aaron went Bowling with a big group of people that night. He also had a Sunday birthday and a trip to Outback of course. No photo's. T we have got to be better at photo's. Love this guy and am so happy he is home to celebrate his birthday.

Sammys Sweet 16 Birthday

2009-07-26T13:10:00.005-07:00

I can't believe it but my baby is 16 years old.

Why does the time go by so FAST!

For Sammy's birthday we had a family celebration.

We always do Sunday Birthdays as a Bonus to the regular birthday.

The birthday person gets to choose the meal and we wait on them and give

them special treats and drinks thru out the whole day.

Sunday birthdays is a chance to be treated like a queen or king. There the best.

We also on her birthday went to Mi Ranchitos and had a family lunch.

These photos aren't the best they were taken on my phone.

Kinsey and Sammy

Aaron and Sammy

Sammy and I also went shopping in Salt Lake we went to Nordstrom Rack and Sammy's favorite Urban Outfitters. Sammy got some fun clothes. I took a picture of her here at Urban Outfitters trying on clothes. Look at her face. MOM What are you doing?

We also threw Sammy a SURPRISE PARTY!!!

We had it up Provo canyon.

We had a blow up Movie screen where we did Karaoke and showed a movie.

It was an 80's Party!

Sammy has some AWESOME friends. We had probably over 50 kids there not at one time.

Teens usually come and go. We had fun glow in the dark necklaces and braclets and tried to make it a fun party. We had cake and lots of snacks. Aaron and I put a lot of work into it. Carrying all the stuff up the canyon and getting it set up was a big job. But Sammy deserves it. Sammy Charmer Happy Sweet 16 I love ya so much.

Happy Fathers Day 2009

2009-06-21T18:05:00.005-07:00

Happy Fathers Day Neil. I am so grateful to you for the kind of father you are. Your example to serve and give is something each of our children have learned from you. You are always so much fun. You make us all laugh. Your heart is tender and full of love for each of us.

We love you so much and are so very blessed to have you in our lives. Thanks for all you do!

Neil enjoying Aaron's card. I love his face in this picture.

You can just see his love and enjoyment of what Aaron wrote.

Neil and Special K (Kinsey) Poor Kinsey got the H1N1 or swine flu. Poor thing.

She didn't get it from Mexico she got it from a friend who's family all have it.

She has been so sick. But she wouldn't not take time to celebrate her Pops.

Charmer and her Pops. Sammy is so sweet she gives Neil a kiss every night.

Sam your one of a kind.

Neil and his best Pal Aaron. These two are twins.

They look alike, act alike, sound alike and are each others best friends.

They have so much fun together.

King for the day. Neil I love you so much. I am proud of you. You inspire me. I love all the things we do together, I love our special bond. I love to look in your eyes and see the love that shines forth. I love to watch you and see the little things and big things you do for others. You inspire me. Your a quiet giant one who does not boast of himself and one that gets his purpose and drive from serving others. I wish for you all the good desires of your heart. I love You!

Swimming With the Dolphins

2009-06-13T07:47:00.003-07:00

This was for sure the kids favorite thing of the trip.

Kinsey has had this as a dream to swim with Dolphins. Dream come true!

Sammy Charmer with the Dolphin. He is smiling.

Aaron was a little timid at first..but loved it.

This is the Dolphin push. Each Dolphin pushes on a foot and they take you flying for a ride.

Look at her face. She is loving it. Kinsey for sure went the highest.

Sammy Charmer going for her ride.

Aaron doing the Dolphin dance.

The dolphins warmed up to Kinsey right away.

Sammy dancing.

The dolphins were so cool. My favorite part was watching the kids faces. They were all smiles and glowing. On the plane ride home Kinsey was writing in her journal and she turned the page to show Neil. She had written her bucket list and on it was swimming with the dolphins and she had checked it off. That made Neil smile just as big as she had with the dolphins.

Tulum

2009-06-13T07:24:00.005-07:00

This was such an amazing day. Going to Tulum was one of my favorite things.

Of course the boys found lizards. There were Iguanas every where.

The view and Ocean were amazing. It was HOT and HUMID. But so AMAZING!

Tulum is Mayan ruins. It is a village on the side of a cliff over looking the ocean.

It was an amazing day. The views and ocean were something else.

Look at that view. It is like a post card. So beautiful. Love that boy in the photo too.

My kiddo's. Love these three so much. It was so hot and humid.

We were melting and stripping to our bathing suits by the end.

Love the view. I wish eveyone could go here and see this.

The kids like to tease me because I am afraid of heights and this was on the edge of a cliff .

So glad Tulum was one excursion we chose. It was AMAZING!

Jungle Cruise Snorkeling,,,Cancun

2009-06-13T07:03:00.009-07:00

We had such a fun time on our vacation to Cancun Mexico.

We went on a jungle cruise/snorkeling trip.

The kids drove a boat and Neil and I drove a boat. We went thru a river/jungle and into the ocean where we stopped and snorkeled by the reef. The reef in Cancun is the second largest in the world next to the one in Australia.

Thumbs up for Snorkeling

We loved it!

We saw so many amazing fish.

The water was crystal clear and warm.

Such a great time!

Sammy and Kinsey all ready to go.

Neil and I

This was such a fun activity. We can't wait to go snorkeing again some day.

A sister is a special kind of friend.

2009-05-20T20:51:00.005-07:00

Senior Picture Photo Shoot...Kinsey

2009-05-19T19:54:00.005-07:00

Kinsey didn't want regular Senior pictures. A cap and gown posed photo doesn't fit her. So we set up a fun artsy creative photo shoot on Saturday for her Senior pictures. I love all of the photos. They are so Kinsey. I think they look like magazine shots.

Thanks Stephanie for taking such great photos. Check her out here http://kossphoto.blogspot.com/

Cheer Banquet - Spring Fling

2009-05-17T19:49:00.005-07:00

Cheer season end banquet Cheer Squad 2008 - 2009 Orem High School

Thursday was the end of year banquet for the Orem High Cheer Squad.
Sammy was given the Sweetheart award.
That is so fitting. Sammy you are a sweetheart.
I am proud of you I loved what was said about you, how you are always kind to
everyone and how you didn't like contention and you always wanted to help.

JV Squad
Sammy had a great time being a cheerleader. It takes a lot of time and she decided that next year she wants to enjoy the games with her friends. She chose not to do cheer this next year.

Spring Fling

Sammy went to her first High School dance.

The theme was New York/New York.

They made t-shirts and instead of I heart NY they put each others initials.

I thought it was a cleaver fun idea.

They had a fun group. The day date they went swimming and had pizza.

After the dance they came to our house for brownie sundaes.

The casual dances are so nice. No pressure and much cheaper.

Sammy and her friends Maddie and Maddie.

Giving Back

2009-05-03T18:29:00.007-07:00

When Neil sets his mind to something he is un-stoppable. I am really proud of Neil. Neil has always done nice things for people. He is giving and kind. It is a drive within Neil. He is at his best when he is anxiously engaged in helping others.

Neil has started a foundation. A non-profit organization to help people. He has been doing this type of thing for years and he is now official. His Foundation is called The Second Chance Foundation of Utah. His goal is to help people with second chances.

His first event will be The High School All-Star game on May 25th. His goal is to earn a full ride scholarship for a baseball player to be able to have a second chance at playing at the college level.

Neil you truly are an inspiration and I can't wait to see what you will do with your foundation.

Sammy goes to Maui

2009-05-03T14:35:00.006-07:00

Sammy got to go to Hawaii. I am so glad she got to go.

Sammy you are such a fun person. I love this photo. It reminds me of you and your happy attitude. I sure love ya Sam. I missed you lots but so so glad you got to have the chance to go to Hawaii and have a great vacation.

Sammy went with the McClellan's. She has been friends with Maddie since 1st grade.

They treated Sammy so well and included her as part of their family. Thanks everyone!

The Fighting Penguins

2009-04-24T20:01:00.003-07:00

How cool is this shirt? Aaron has always loved penguins. He put together a co-ed softball team and these are the shirts he designed. I love the team name

The Fighting Penguins. It so fits Aaron.

Tonight was their first game. They were so funny. Aaron and his friends put the black stuff under their eyes and just had a really fun time. Kinsey is playing on the team and I am so glad about that. Aaron is happy to play with her. She is also really good and is a great asset to the team. She played high school softball for a year and she bats left handed.

I am excited to watch them.

Earth Fest 2009

2009-04-23T10:08:00.006-07:00

We celebrated Earth Day!

I know funny.

We got to see one of Neil's new favorite bands "Safety Suit"

They were great. Loved the guitar.

We had a lot of fun. We tried a new restaraunt.

The Blue Iguana (don't recommend)

Then we went to Earth Fest at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake.

There were so many people there. It was free and such a warm

nice Utah night. It was great!

It was fun to people watch and see how diverse Utah is.

Spring - New York and thoughts...

2009-04-06T16:45:00.005-07:00

These are pictures from my girls trip last Spring. It was beautiful weather, great company and a great time. I love photo's. They take us back in memory to where we were, the smell and the feeling of an event. Ahh I wish I could go back to New York.

I love tulips. Their beautiful. They don't last long. That's how spring is. If it ever arrives. It stays but for a moment. I have been sick all weekend and just feeling down. This time of year does that to me. It has high's- sunny days, flowers starting to bloom and fresh air. It also has grey days, clouds and rain and even snow.

My thoughts have been many this weekend. Conference does that to me. It makes me reflect. It helps me to recommit. To improve and it helps fill up my reserve.

Conference talks always seem to be just what I need to hear. Like the talks were taylor made for me. I learned that I need to have more faith. That I need to do my best and know that it is all I can do. That I need to understand what the Savior did for me... for all of us and let him do it. I get in the way. I need to trust and know that I am loved.

I need to learn that my thoughts of failure of not being enough, that all and any negative thoughts are not coming from my Father in Heaven. They are actually tools that Satan is using againts me. Yes there are thoughts to bring us to repentance but Heavenly Father does it with love. That is different than the feelings of sadness of despair and depression. Those are Satans biggest tools to use against women.

Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. To have JOY in the journey. It seems so simple and so hard at the same time. I am a worrier. I re-live and re-look at my life too often. I wonder what if. I wonder Why? I can have a million thoughts a thousand worries in minutes. I can worry about today, yesterday, last week, last year, when I was a child all in a few minutes. Then there's the worries of today, tomorrow, next week, next year and so forth. These worries are about me and double the thoughts for my children and Neil and all those I love.
That's a lot of worry. I need to let go... I need to move on...I need to have faith...I need to know that my Savior is there and he will help me with my worries with my burden's and with my sorrows and regrets.

I love the scripture that was quoted in a conference talk."Lord I believe help thou my unbelief..."

How do you do it? How do you stay on the positive side? I would love to know what works for you. How do you keep negative thoughts out and positive in. How do you not re-live the past or worry about the future. How do you keep the balance.

I'm a Grandma...Sort of

2009-04-03T19:56:00.006-07:00

Kinsey brought me home a grandson today.

His name is Marlow.

Kinsey I know that you will make an amazing mom.

You have always been so good with kids. Your patient and fun and loving.

I will be so glad my future grandkids get you as a mom.

This baby is amazing. Kinsey has a wrist band that she can't take off that monitors that she is the one to take care of the baby.

It has to be fed and diapers changed. It cries.

It is a great school project.

Red Concert

2009-03-22T15:35:00.008-07:00

We had a fun date on Saturday. We went to Salt Lake and ate at Chin Wa which is my favorite chinese place. Then we went to a concert. The group is called Red.

Neil and I at Chin Wa

This is Neil posing and trying to show off his muscles to Aaron.

Aaron came with us. This is him at the restaraunt showing off his muscles to Neil.

This is us at the concert. There were three bands that played before Red and they were scream-o bands. I was just looking around going what! Why do people listen to this. There is no way to hear the words. I kept imaginng the sore throats they must have after screaming so much and looking around at all the different people at the concert. It was actually entertaining.

I decided I am old. I just don't get the scream-o stuff. Oh and we were for sure the oldest at the concert. It was kinda funny. It was at the Avalon in Salt Lake which is a dive and there is no parking. We went to park on the street in a neighborhood and these guys come out and tell us not too park there or our car would get broken in to and there was some police action going on at some house up the street. We drove off and parked forever away in a store parking lot.

Are you laughing yet that we are at this Scream-O concert?

Red is a Christian hard rock band. They do have some moments of scream-o but the rest of their music is so good. It was a long wait thru the scream-o bands (which we had no idea would be playing) but it was worth it. Neil loves music and finds all kinds of different music and shares his love with me. He arranges concerts and fun dates all the time for us. Thanks Neil.

The smell of home!

2009-03-17T18:34:00.002-07:00

I love the smell of homemade bread baking in the oven. It makes me feel old fashioned. It makes me feel like I am being a good mom. That maybe I am making a memory of something my children will remember.

For the last year I have tried to make homemade bread at least twice a month usually more. I make 3 double size loaves at a time which would equal 6 normal loaves of bread. Last week I made a batch of bread on Thursday night and by Sunday all the bread was gone. We had the kids friends over and they all enjoyed bread with jam or toast with chocolate milk. It was fun to hear them say "homemade bread" like it was such a treat.

Love you and Love who you are...

2009-03-14T13:29:00.005-07:00

Someone will always be prettier.
Someone will always be smarter.
Some of their houses will be bigger.
Some will drive a better car.

Their children will do better in school.
And their husbands will fix more things around the house.
So let it go, and love you and your circumstances

Think about it!
The prettiest woman in the world can have pain in her heart.
The most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children.
The richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes,
might be lonely.

"If I have not love, I am nothing."
So, again, love you and Love who you are.

Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say,
"I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed

Today is a sunny day a good day. I bought pea seeds and am getting the garden ready to plant. Ahh the sunshine does a body and soul good. I love the change of seasons. Springs fresh air makes me breathe in and feel alive.

Happy day everyone and Love you and Love who you are.

I for one think you are all FABULOUS!!!!

Will you accept this Rose?

2009-03-07T21:30:00.003-07:00

This past week was a tough week. Not sure the main reason really just little things that add and add until it all seems too much. Or maybe just girl issues. Who knows. Neil knew I was having one of those weeks and he was so sweet to me. One day I was at work and crazy busy. It seemed that everyone needed something from me all at once.

My sweet Neil brought me a single rose to work and the card read " Will you accept this rose" This is an inside joke and well from "The Bachelor." It was so sweet it made me cry. Ok I had been crying most of the week but these were good tears.

I hate that I haven't figured out how to handle life better. I feel that I am getting older or as my kids would say I'm old and I just feel I should have a better grip on life. Or at least have learned some skills to cope better. Ok besides eating or avoiding.

Besides I have a really good life. I am so blessed. I have a wonderful husband who is not perfect but who is perfect for me. I have a wonderful son who tells me he loves me every day and is always trying to make me smile. I have two beautiful daughters who are amazing and unique and so tender hearted and kind. They all love me and challenge me to want to be better to try harder.

This time of year seems like the weather changes match my mood changes. Anyone else have this problem?

I have decided my new coping skills are to...

Not watch the news.

Not check our retirement or investment accounts.

Not balance the check book.

Not look in the mirror while at the gym (please explain why there are mirrors everywhere?)

Not walk down the Easter candy isle.

Find a class on web design. (my business sure needs me to have computer skills)

Eat healthier.

Exercise more. (even with mirrors)

Find more friends.

Be more out going. (I have lost some of this as I get older WHY?)

Listen better.

Spend more time with extended family.

Do more fun and spontanious things. (Any suggestions)

Above all live up to my new years motto. I want to live...

Authentic Mexican Food

2009-02-24T17:11:00.005-07:00

Aaron made us an Authentic Mexican meal. I helped him out and it was a lot of fun. We went to the mexican market and bought the supplies. Then we got busy and Aaron created a wonderful meal. We pollo empanda, rice, beans, tortillas and horta to drink. We also had flan for desset.

Oh and onions. They are mexican onions. There like green onions only biffer and a milder flavor.

I was the assistant and Aaron the chef. It was a fun night.

Sammy helped out and Aaron put in charge of stiring the horta drink.

It takes like a cinnamon milky coconut water. No one loved it. Except Aaron.

Look at that yummy food.

How you eat it is you squezze lime over the chicken and cut the chicken up. You take the tortilla and spread it with refried beans and then put chicken on it fold it over and eat.

Aaron said he ate this pollo meal a lot when he lived in Mexico.

Neil was a good sport. But he wouldn't eat the beans.
If you know Neil that is not a surprise he hates beans of any kind.

Sammy was surprised the food was so bland and where is the cheese. Real mexican food is so different than the mexican restaraunts we all eat at and think are mexican food.

Thanks Aaron for giving us a taste of Mexico.

Sammy's Dance Competition

2009-02-22T21:14:00.012-07:00

Sammy had her dance competition on Saturday in Ogden.

We of coarse had to go early to get some yummy food at The Cheesecake Factory.

Sammy's friend Emily came with us and my date for the day was Hayley. We had a lot of fun!

Love the Cheescake. We took it to go because we were soo full.

The competition was at The Egyptian Theater in Ogden a really cool old theater.

Sammy's company took one first place and two second places. They did GREAT!

Well done Studio 1 girls.

The little things in life...Living

2009-02-18T18:00:00.009-07:00

Today I got a text from Aaron. It read "I just want to say I love ya! And say thanks for all the things you do. Even the little things like making smoothies or dinner. It means a lot. Thanks Mom."

Life is full of stress and worry sometimes. It sure is nice to get little things that make you say Ahhh! The little moments are what add up to a full and happy life.

I only made one new years resolution this year I made myself a motto. My motto is "I want to live". Living to me means fully being in each moment. Fully appreciating each moment. Taking time to notice, taking time for me, taking time to refill and fulfill my covenants and commitments. Not always saying yes, but when I do say yes mean it and fulfill it. Trying to get to know myself. Isn't that funny? I am 42 years old and I am still discoverying who I am. My likes, my dislikes.

In the movie Runaway Bride. Julie Roberts character doesn't know herself very well so she goes about trying to find what she likes and dislikes. She starts with eggs. She had all the different kinds of eggs to see which kind she liked. I don't know why but that movie struck me. It wasn't my favorite movie but I could relate to not knowing myself or morfing into what others needed me to be. But not really knowing me. We pleasers do that.

So this year 2009 is my year of discovery. Honestly I am a little scared and find myself procrastinating some things or letting my usual habits of every one else first get in my way. Us moms and wives do that don't we. In ways we feel it's our job and yes it is yet...

I hope to share my discoveries and random moments with you. Well really with myself but you all have access if you wish. In each of you I see special talents and gifts I would love to have. Uniqueness and fun quirky ways that you may not know but you inspire me.

I wish I could have...

Neils ability to have fun and for his desire and ability to help others.
McKinsey's unique way of looking at things and her ability to accept and love.
Sammy's smile and the happiness she brings to others.
Aaron's sensitivity, kindness and love.
Grandma's patience and selflessness.
Celete's ability to be a true friend that stands by and stands up for you.
Karen's ability to listen and talk.
Kobi's smile and easy going nature.
Tiffany's beauty.
Chelsea's ability to express her deep feelings with words that are beautiful and amazingly deep and personal. Chels you amaze me and I think you should write a book.
Crystal's talent at being a mom and being so kind.
Sienna always looking at the bright side of things, for always wanting to help others and for her beautiful eyes that shine with light and love.
Todd's ability to understand and to rise above and be positive.
Amber's design skills.
Russ's fire starting skills and talent with making tasty meat.
Melissa's dedication. To school, callings, family.
Stephanie Koss I would love her camera and her photo skills.
Colett and her unique blog and fun way that makes me laugh and want to stalk her blog oh and her amazing talents.
Brooke for being my kindred spirit someone I will always love and feel close to even when we are far away and not in contact too often.
Deloy's ability to come to the rescue and just because I love him so much.
Michelle's ability to raise a close and loving family.
Jodi and her gift for speaking and making others feel welcomed and accepted
Peggy's cooking skills I try and I have my family fooled but no one is like you.
Sarah always greeting others with a smile. beautiful
Travis's talent for climbing although I don't know if I can ever get over my fear of heights.
Ben's photogenic nature.
The Heidi's because their so cute and I wish I could have a baby. Although it may have to be grandbabies some day. Not too soon.
Shallon and Bryans ability to always be there for important moments and for living their lives as examples even if they aren't aware of it.
Sheila's ability to care and make effort and love. No one kinder in the world.
Trish's ability to confront people but somehow they still love her. Gift of talk.

And for all the rest you also touch me in many ways. I know I have left some off but that's just because it's been a LONG day and my brain is fried.

Thanks to you all for your love, support and inspiration.

The way to spend a day off

2009-02-17T18:05:00.005-07:00

I bowled a 150 that's right a 150. For most of you that's no big deal. For me I have hardly bowled over 100 in my life. I am also proud to say I beat Aaron. Yea Go me! I bowled 6 spares in a row and then a strike to end the game. Kinsey and Aaron were shocked. Well so was I... but it sure was fun. Aaron and I had a little wager and he owes me a date. That will be the fun part. Neil hurt his back and couldn't bowl and Sammy had to go to dance for her up coming recital. Aaron, Kinsey and I went to Fat Cat's and bowled three games. Thanks for going with me Tyke and Kook and for making our President's Day fun.When we came home we had a pizza making marathon and made some yummy pizza. I even tried a dessert pizza (which turned out pretty good). Matt and Celeste came down to share their vacation to Mexico with us. We are so jealous we want to go to Mexico really bad. So glad they got to go and have a good time.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T20:56:00.002-07:00

I tried using Aaron's camera since mine is still not working. I loaded the memory card in wrong so all the Valentine's Day pictures are no where. We had a good day yesterday and today celebrating Valentine's Day. Neil hates Valentines Day. He hates the cost of things and being told to show love on this certain day. It makes me laugh. He is so amazing at all holidays and birthdays. But Valentine's Day is one he hates. So knowing this we have turned Valentine's Day into a show of love for our kids and us as a family.

The girls and I went to the movie Confessions of a Shopoholic (cute, fun movie). Then we went shopping and then the boys and I went to Out Back. Out Back opened at noon and there was and hour wait right from the start. A popular Valentine's dinner. The kids all had plans with friends so Neil and I hung out the rest of the night at home with a fire.

Today Sunday we were lucky to have Grandma with us and we had a nice dinner. Neil got everyone flowers and wrote all the girls notes. *Sweet* We also have a tradition of going around the table and sharing our love and thoughts with each other. I cry every year. It is the best feeling when your family is expressing their love to one another. It sure does make me feel so blessed and so lucky.

I am sad the photo's didn't turn out. There were some cute ones. I sure need to get my camera fixed because I hate not having photo's.

I hope you all had a good day. Someone at work said Valentine's Day is Single Awareness Day or SAD. Ahhh that makes me feel bad for those who are single. It makes me take note of the blessing I have of being married and having a husband who loves me.

Fantasy Birthday

2009-02-03T20:18:00.017-07:00

I haven't posted to my blog in a long time. But I'm back to share my Fantasy Birthday.

I call it my fantasy birthday because Neil used his winnings from fantasy football to pay for my birthday get away or it for sure would not have happened. But the most important reason is because it was truly a girls fantasy. I am so lucky. I don't mean to brag but I truly have the most loving and thoughtful husband.

We left on a Thursday night and it was deluxe all the way. Neil packed the car up with my favorite snacks and we drove to Las Vegas. . We arrive in Las Vegas and checked in to our hotel The Bellagio. It is a five star hotel. Very fancy. It was during the Chinese New Year so it was all decked out in Oriental decor. They have an indoor garden that is beautiful and it changes each holiday. Our room looked over the fountains and we had a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris hotel. Just beautiful.

He said he had a special date planned and wouldn't tell me anything about it except to dress up. He gave me money to buy new clothes before we left which was so fun. I don't usually buy myself a lot of clothes there is always needs the kids have or just no extra money so this was a nice treat. Neil says get ready and then I will come pick you up. A real date. So he rings the door bell. Can you believe our hotel room had a door bell. It made me jump when it rang. I come to the door to greet my handsome date and he has a dozen roses. I know auhhhhhhhhhh!

We get in a cab and drive to the Venetian hotel and I find out my special date. Phantom of the Opera. I have been to The Phantom twice before in Chicago and Salt Lake. But this was something so much better. Oh WOW!!! The Phantom theater was built just for the show and it was truly something else. The special effects and costumes were unbelievable. It was so AMAZING!!!! We had regular tickets but lucky us someone came up to us and moved us up to 3rd row seats middle. Great view. Neil loved the special effects and the smile on my face which was there the whole night but not so much some of the music. He was so cute and said "don't they talk at all?" What a good sport.

The weekend continued I got to stay three nights. The next day we slept in went to a movie and to our favorite restaurant The Cantina in the Venetian it is amazing mexican food and it's along the canal. It is one of our favorite places. We then went to a really fun adventure. It's called Mystery Adventures and basically it is a live Clue game. So fun.

There was Neil and I and 5 other couples from Texas, California and Florida. This is an elaborate game where you drive to different locations like a video store, a newspaper office and a doctors office. We looked in computers, surveillance tapes, lockers. At the end we found clues to a hidden room. We found the locket and solved the mystery. I guess not all groups solve the mystery so we were real good detectives. This would be a really fun activity to do with all your friends or family. They change the mystery every six months.
The next day Neil got me a massage. Deluxe and so fun to be pampered and then that night we went to a really fun dinner at the strangest restaurant it was not like anywhere I have ever been. It was at the Palazzo called Lavo. It's a Mediterranean restaurant and was very chic. The food was so good. It was fun to go somewhere so different. After dinner Neil surprised me with dancing. You read right we went dancing and had so much fun. We are even thinking of taking lessons. I know mid-life crisis. But really we had a blast dancing and laughing together. We weren't the best dancers but we didn't care.

Neil thanks so much for treating me so special and for giving me the best birthday ever. I sure am lucky and I love you so much.

When we got home the kids had cleaned the house and Sammy made a really nice dinner. The kids made me a video with music and pictures and they each had an interview where they talked and said really nice things. Tova (kinseys dog) was interviewed. Aaron did a funny voice and talked as if he was Tova. It was the funniest thing ever we laughed so hard. Thanks kids for being such great kids and Aaron for babysitting.

I am so blessed and so lucky to have you all as my family. I love you all so much.

Our camera broke down as we got there so no digital pictures. We bought a throw away camera but I haven't gotten around to getting them developed. We sure are lucky now days with digital cameras. I'll add in photo's later if any turn out.

Sunday Dinner

2009-01-11T17:01:00.008-07:00

I love Sundays. It's the day I get to spoil my family and it's the one day during the week we can spend together most of the day. Every Sunday I make Sunday dinner.

I take requests on what to make.

Aaron has been able to make the requests since he has been home.

He missed a lot of Sunday dinners so I figure it is his time.

Today he requested Steak. I don't normally grill out in the winter.

But I knew he really wanted steak. So I dug out the grill and grilled up some steaks.

Aaron loves pineapple especially grilled pineapple from Tucanos.

While we were eating there over the holidays I told him I would try and grill some pineapple.

Today I gave it a try. Grilling out, pineapple. Do I have spring fever already?

Here's how I made the pineapple.

Cut pineapple into spears. Mix up some butter, honey and some

lime juice and brush on the pineapple. Grill for 5 minutes each side.

The food turned out yummy.

I fear that Aaron's future wife may not like how much I spoil him.

I apologize in advance. But I LOVE TO!

Vinyl Records no more...

2009-01-11T15:28:00.003-07:00

Neil got a USB turntable for Christmas. It turns his records. You know those old fashioned vinyl black discs into an MP3 format that he can put on his I-Pod. He has had so much fun with this present. He has spent hours listening to old music and up loading it to his I-Pod. The music sounds really good. Occasionally there is a scratch or a blip in the music but that makes it all the more fun. I'm glad your enjoying your present. Neil has been like a kid with a new toy at Christmas. He would find a song he forgot about and hear and get all excited. Some of his favorites are ELO, Gene Cotton, Gowan, Tom Petty, Honey Moon Suite and many more. Neil could never find these songs on I-Tunes or Limewire or anywhere so this has been such a fun thing for Neil. Neil loves music it is such a part of his daily life.

New Years Day!

2009-01-02T21:49:00.014-07:00

New Years Day started with us all sleeping in... A late New Years Eve!

We got up and we decided we wanted to see a movie. So the girls Kinsey, Sammy, Celeste and I went to see Twighlight. It was mine and Kinsey's first time seeing it. Sammy and Celeste had seen the movie several times. The boys stayed home to watch football.

Well I guess they got tired of just watching.

This is what we came home to.

They had gotten every blanket and pillow in the house and moved the couches so they could play the stair game. When we got home they recruited Kinsey to play with them.

Eason was such a tough guy. He loved playing. Brevan and Cora were not so sure.

Kinsey, Aaron and Eason. The un-stoppable team.

Matt and Neil were the defense. They were tough but...

Not tough enough... Aaron, Cora and Eason block and Kinsey SCORES!

Kinsey and Aaron even talked Celeste and I into playing.

Those photo's are not for the viewing public.

But we helped CRUSHED Matt and Neil.

We then moved on to ROCK BAND! Rook and some other fun games.

Celeste and Cora. The singing DUO!

Aaron helping the fans clap along to the music.