THURSTONS

Lindsay Pictures

2010-10-03T20:53:00.001-07:00

Lindsay had her Suzuki book one piano recital recently. This is such a big accomplishment for her. She worked very hard memorizing 18 songs, and playing them all at once in front of a audience. She played for about 30 minutes straight. It was practically flawless. We were all so proud of her. She even was rewarded with a trip to the salon before the show, so I can't take credit for this fabulous hair do. She felt very beautiful and looked like an angel. I've posted other photos of Lindsay throughout the last year.

Sadie, Clayton, Luke

2010-08-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Clayton had just mastered his spit bubbles. Sadie was impressed.

My sister Amy went to New York to visit our parents on their mission. I seriously had a blast watching her kids. Sadie and Clayton were adorable beyond words together. For two babies their age they got along so well. And Luke couldn't keep his hands of Sadie's gorgeous hair. All the cousins just had so much fun together.

boys will be boys

2010-08-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

Jacob got the grand idea to paint his little brother. He did a really good job. Hardly missed a spot. Boys just love mud. They didn't enjoy the cold spray off with the hose when they were ready to come it. They seriously thought they could just march in the house like normal. No wonder I have to shampoo my carpets regularly.

Clayton dearest 18 months.

2010-08-01T21:23:00.001-07:00

outside, his favorite summer fun.

little man on his way to church

adores Jacob

this summer is all about the hose

having toast and swinging with his favorite sister

one of his friends Averal the lamb

The eyes are the window to the soul.

Spring piano recital

2010-06-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Lindsay and Jacob have been taking piano lessons now for about 10 months. It has been a great learning experience for them. They are both very good and learning quickly. I underestimated the amount of time and patience it takes on my end. Our teacher is very dedicated and expects a lot. We wouldn't dream of not practicing. It's just part of our routine now. Lindsay loves it and Jacob occationally asks me if he can quit. Lindsay played Allegretto I , and Jacob played Musette. Both perfectly memorized and flawless. We were so proud of how confident they were. Their hard work paid off.

baseball

2010-06-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well this year we decided Jacob needed to do baseball. He didn't want to, but he also had never played before. We felt like if he tried it he could have fun. Shortly after signing him up the city called and said they were short a coach. I explained that we had never coached etc. Dane didn't even play baseball as a child. My qualifications were I played softball about 20 years ago. After hanging up the phone I got this funny impression to just say yes. Then I smiled as I remembered watching the Jim Carey movie "yes man". A movie about how Jim's life changes for the better when he starts saying "yes" to opportunities that come him way. Then I thought about how hectic our lives would be for the summer combined with our other activities. I approached Dane with the possibility and he said "I hope you told them no". I just said we need to call them back. I explained to Dane my funny thought about just doing it. After processing for awhile he called the city back and said yes.
Before we knew if our lives were committed to 13 boys 3xs a week. At first with the parents we were trying to act like we were old pros. We couldn't keep that up for too long. So then we started begging for the help of the parents. That has worked out the best getting everyone involved. It has been a fun experience and we learned a lot. Dane's even talking about doing it next year.
We are just entering a new stage of life where are kids are getting a little older and with 3 boys are going to be involved in it all so they can have every opportunity possible. I'm glad there are only three games left. But It was a lot of fun to see all the boys improve and have fun.

Our Granny got married!!!

2010-05-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Good thing it was casual, cause this is what Clayton wanted to do through the ceremony. Pick at Granny's nylons.

My kids attempting to be reverent. You can see pent up energy in their eyes.

Mike and Helen friends

You may kiss the bride.

The happy couple.

Helen got married a few weeks ago to a nice fellow Mike. They have known each other for years, and began dating about a year ago. It was a quaint and peaceful ceremony (except for our kids) and they seem very happy. We look forward to getting to know Mike over the years.

We are adjusting to the fact that she now lives 45 minutes away. We SO miss seeing her more, but are happy for her new life.

The babies are here.

2010-05-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

We have had sheep since last summer. We have been so excited ever since about the spring and the new babies coming. We watched the sheep get bigger and bigger until one day Lindsay, Jacob, and I witness Gracie's birth. She had twins Avitar and Avrial. Avitar was enormous, and Avrial has dark circles around his eyes. Then Sabrina had Derrik, Then Ivory has adorable Leah. We don't hold them very often because they are very hard to catch, but just watching them graze, and play is such a joy. Dane especially is VERY into this whole sheep thing. He watches over them like a good sheperd, and wishes we had more land so we could have more sheep. Dane also butcherd the ram himself, and now we have a freezer full of lamb which he loves. (an Australian thing).

Spring performance "Thats Entertainment"

2010-05-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

The whole group

getting ready for the big show. Hair and make-up!

Good Morning Baltimore in action

Jazz dance performance
Lindsay has grown up so much over the last few months.
She just had her spring performance with her musical theatre company.
She was so amazing and talented. It was so fun to see what she has been working on over the last few months, because she doesn't practice at all at home, so it is always a huge surprise. Her solo was Good Morning Baltimore from the musical Hairspray. Wow can she ever belt it out. She has a very powerful loud voice, and she is not scared at all to share it. I'm so proud of her desire to share her talent and learn new things.

karate night.

2010-03-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Luke and Jacob getting ready to fight. You can tell by Luke's face he is thrilled at the opportunity.

Clayton getting in a kick after a bath.

Jacob had a karate tournament in Salt Lake so to prepare Dane set up shop here at home with the boys. Lindsay and I had a lot of fun watching but it was no joke. Very serious business. Even Clayton got involved.
Jacob did great at the tournament earning two silver metals. It was a good experience for him, and I think he will be even more prepared next time, now that he knows what to expect.

Finally, only one in diapers.

2010-03-19T13:25:00.001-07:00

I swear I need to reinvent little boys underwear. All my boys have wanted the picture in the front so they can see it, while the back just doesn't fit properly. Luke doesn't seem to mind the wedgie for now. He is finally potty trained. It took him awhile to decide to do it but once he did he doesn't have any accidents. One of the bonuses of being a bit older. He is even dry most mornings but wakes up sooo cranky because he has to go so bad, but won't. My boys seems to be a bit stubborn at this age. I'm so happy to get #3 in underwear!

Lindsay's NINE!

2010-03-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

Lindsay with school friends having a late night.

Lindsay with cousins.

Could this be that one of my babies is nine. I don't think its possible. Each year with Lindsay has been joyous and easy. She is just a shining example to her brothers, and friends. She is fun and easy going. She is very talented and loves her theatre class where she sings, dances, and acts. She is also very good at the piano and has glided through book one of Suzuki in less than a year. Which for you that know this style, book one is a BIG accomplishment.

She had a great birthday first having a late night with friends. I made them sick with ice cream cones, popcorn, and rice crispy treats.

Then she partied with her cousins at "Jumpin Jacks". A place full of bounce houses.

Lindsay is officially done liking Hannah Montana. She has insisted on walking to school instead of riding her bike like she normally does. Come to find out she is embarrassed of her H.M. bike. I just said "time to paint the bike".

She has replaced her obsession with Michael Jackson. This is totally on her own. Most of her friends had never heard of him before Lindsay educated them with his music and dance moves. (well some of them). So for her birthday she was very excited to get M.J. stuff.
She said this was the best birthday ever!!!

We love you Lindsay!!!!!

Happy St. Patty's Day (yesterday)

2010-03-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Granny and Clayton (16 1/2 months)

Luke and Preschool.

2010-02-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

This is Luke going to his first day of preschool a few months ago. He had to wait until he was three to go so he started in November. This is him waiting for the bus. He is so thrilled to ride a real bus to school. Not even LIndsay and Jacob do that. It is so funny cause this bus takes him only a few blocks away to the school. It is great for me though not to worry about Clayton's naps interfering with drop offs and pick ups. He really loves school, and has already seemed to learn so much. He only goes on Wednesday and Thursday. I'm not ready to give him up more than a few hours a week. He really feels cool though and pretends to come home and do homework with Lindsay and Jacob.

winter at our house.

2010-02-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

Just a few pictures of how our house has been looking for months now. It is snowing again today, and I'm trying to be grateful. I know we need the water, but it is about this time of year that I start getting really anxious for spring. The snow is beautiful and the kids still get excited to see snowflakes falling. I'm so excited to have a summer with Clayton who can walk now, and explore his outdoor surroundings. At present he cries every time the door opens and shuts. I think Clayton is getting tired of his indoor life here in the winter.

2010-02-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

Lindsay, Chloe, Lena Clayton, and me out to eat with Grandma and Grandpa before Lindsay's dance performance.
December 2009

Lindsay, Jacob, and Luke school Christmas program 2009

2010-02-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

Still catching up with some old posts.

Our elementary school has an old fashioned Christmas program where all the grades perform on the same night in front of the parents. The whole town is there, and the kids are overjoyed with Christmas enthusiasm. After we went out for pizza to celebrate what a good job the kids did with their performances.

Christmas 2009

2010-02-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

2010-02-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

catch up. New Years at the church.

2010-02-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

New Years was a lot of fun this year. We went to a church dance to celebrate. The kids had a blast dancing with friends, Mom, and Granny. For Jacob and Luke it just meant a whole bunch of crazy running around for a couple hours. There was a live band that was actually pretty good, and lots of yummy treats.

Then we came home to ring in the New Year with Daddy. Lindsay and Jacob were determined to stay awake till midnight. Lindsay no problem, but Jacob fell asleep a few minutes before midnight. Dane also fell asleep in Luke's bed trying to get him down, so Lindsay and I ended up ringing in the New Year together. We drank martinellis, and went to bed. Thanks for the great time kids.

Grandma Clayton

2010-02-05T15:44:00.001-08:00

This is my Grandma Clayton, and my Dad reading a bedtime story. I LOVE this picture because I can see very clearly what she looked like. I love how relaxed my Dad looks in her arms, and can imagine what a good Mother she must of been. My Grandma died when my Dad was 13. She was almost 50 when she had my Dad. Doctors thought my Dad was a tumor at first. This must have been an enormous, overwhelming surprise. Can you imagine?!!! So as a result my Dad was like an only child receiving lots of one on one from Mom and Dad. My Grandpa did an excellent job at raising him and being there for him after Grandma Doris died. Can't wait to meet Grandma one day.

Mom and Dad. Aren't they cute!

2010-02-03T21:18:00.001-08:00

On Monday Mom and Dad left for the Missionary Training Center for a week before they head out for New York, New York mission. I was dreading saying good bye to them, and couldn't fit it into any catagory in my brain. I can't relate it to any other feelings i've had before. In all the days of my life my parents have never left me before. I've always left them. M&D have always been pioneers in everything they do, and this is no different. This is the first mission for both of them since they joined the church as a newly married couple. Leading up to this year they have been doing a home mission serving at the MTC, and Provo Temple. I think that has really prepared them for this full time mission. They are such amazing examples to all of us and I appriciate so much the example they are setting for my children. Even though we will miss Grandma and Grandpa, I know the blessing will outweigh any empty spot we may feel. Even though it is only a year. I feel like it is the beginning of a new era for them. So I thought that after they left i would feel sad, but every time I think of where they are and what they are doing all I feel is peace and happy they are able to be where they want to be. I'm so grateful I have my siblings to share in this experience with. I can't imagine doing this without them. Love you MoM and Dadxoxo

Clayton

2010-02-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

My luv is 15 months old as of yesterday. He is the light of my day, and totally all sweetness still. I'm savoring everyday, because I know that the opinionated 2-4 is on it's way. He has exploded in the last few weeks with developments. Last week he finally started using walking as his mode of transportation. He couldn't be more proud of himself. He just walks around with his little arms up for balance and smiling just because it is so much fun to walk. Now he can try to keep up with the other boys a little more and is more involved with what is going on with the kids.
If it is possible he seems to be more attatched to me than ever and wants to be by my side constantly. How flattering right. I swear he learns a new word or exression everyday. He is saying "momma, dadda, Jee jee (jacob), uh oh, hot, ba (bottle), kitty, ball, car noises, no, no, no, and shaking his head for yes and no. He is such a happy boy, and so affectionate and loving. We love having you around little guy! You make our day so sweet. Oh and we call him "Beeb" for his nickname. Because I think he will always be our baby.

overdue photo shoot November 2009

2010-01-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

2009-12-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

Clayton was so thrilled when I gave him a whole slice of pizza. I could not believe my eyes when I noticed that he almost finished this huge slice. He was so full afterwards he could hardly stay awake.

girl cousins

2009-11-29T20:30:00.001-08:00

Sadie (Amy), Lena (Sarah), Lindsay (Beth), Mya (Amy), Chloe (Lisa)

Missing from these pictures is Heidi (Emily), Annie (Lisa)

LIndsay is so lucky to have these precious girl cousins. They are the best of friends.

childhood pictures

2009-11-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

My cute sisters. This is what greeted me coming home from the hospital.

Family picture shortly after I was born

Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Westbergs. Wonderful memories to this day. I got to be held by Grandma.

When I think of my childhood in Iowa, I think of moments like this. I'm in the yellow boots.

I love having sisters and a brother. My childhood was so wholesome, and loving. I hope I can pass that on to my kids.
I love you too Ben and Em (who aren't born yet in these pictures)

mission call!

2009-11-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

The shock of the location!

Some of the anxious crowd.

fighting over the envelope.

My parents have been anxiously awaiting their mission call. Today was finally the day. It is amazing how days come in our lives that just change everything. And before you know it there is a new part of the world that will be of importance for generations. Mission calls seem to always catch you off guard. My parents imagined places like Nauvoo, family history, or temple mission. So when the call came for

NEW YORK, NEW YORK NORTH MISSION

shock fell across the room. It is wonderful and exciting, and I'm very jealous. It is a proselyting mission for 12 months starting February 1st, 2010. We are all so proud of them and know they worked very hard to get to this point. When your a senior couple serving a mission you can request certain types of missions or locations. Barb and Randall didn't make any requests or recommendations. I thought that was so brave and showed how full of faith they are. I know they will be amazing and be able to help so many people. I don't think they realize how much they are going to love it. I know they will. I can't think about how much we will miss them though. It will be so strange to not have them in our family network for awhile. I'm going to start saving my pennies for a trip to New York City!

graces

2009-11-12T19:37:00.001-08:00

about a month ago Dane came home from work with braces. Yes thats right it was quite a shock. He went to the ortho on his lunch break and thought a surprise would be nice. I was so shocked. Luke was so facinated with Daddy"s "graces". For weeks he would remind dane about his graces.

p.s. Dane looks stoned because he had the flu.

Halloween Birthday Boy!!!

2009-11-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

Clayton just moments old.

This was Clyaton's photoshoot for his one year old birthday. It was a strange Halloween because Lindsay and Luke were at my sister's celebrating so I could take better care of Jacob. Jacob couldn't go trick or treating and I thought if they were with cousins Jacob might not even know what was happening. It was my second Halloween in a row that I wasn't celebrating with my kids. So It turned out fine. Jacob did some trick or treating indoors and he got to play his new play station game. Indiana Jones lego. He was fine with the whole thing.

Now on to my birthday boy
ONE YEAR OLD! I can't believe it!

Some things Clayton is doing.
1. getting into everything and eating it, without care of flavor.

2. Standing without support.

3. being very social with everyone.

4. He has the cutest wave and uses it often. He will smile and wave at me from across the room just to say "hi Mom"

5. Eating what the family eats.

6. Taking 2 naps a day. About 3 hours total.

7. Saying ma ma, da da,

8. wakes up once in the night.

9. loves the cats, sheep, and stuffed animals.

10. loves his Daddy

11. plays cars by pushing them along the floor and making vroom noise.

12. 8 teeth

13. gives kisses with his teeth.

14. loves splashing in the toilet

15. anxious to dance to any song with a good beat.

16. loves listening and helping Lindsay and Jacob practice piano.

17. can climb up and down stairs.

18. opens the front door and crawls out.

19. very happy baby

20. responds when I say no.

Clayton is such a wonderful little soul in our house. He has a happy peaceful personality. I love greeting him every morning. He is a light in my life.

swine flu to pneumonia

2009-11-03T06:25:00.000-08:00

While Jacob was in the hospital we had our first real snow. This cute snowman greeted him when he came home.

A week ago today Jacob woke up in the night with a sharp pain on his right side, bad stomach ache, pain in his right shoulder, and a fever. Dane and I were very worried, and a little confused by the symptoms because each one was very intense. You know those moments as a parent where you debate whether or not to take your child to the hospital. Well for me this was not one of them. I knew we needed to go. My mother instincts during the first night time wake up were pneumonia because I had heard that the flu was turning bacterial for some people. But all his symptoms weren't at all what I imagined. Dane and I thought maybe he was having an appendicitis instead. When we arrived at the hospital Jacob had low oxygen level, very dehydrated, painful compacted bowel on the right side, and a pneumonia on the right side. No appendix. The shoulder pain ended up being a referred pain either from his diaphragm or bowels. Jacob was a very brave patient through all the needles and unpleasant things that happen at the hospital. Dane told him if he cooperated through the IV and blood draws he would get a new play station game after. Oh boy did that work. So Jacob just slept and perked up very fast in the hospital. We spent two sleepless nights there. Jacob is home now. We are going on our 3rd week of no school. He is slowly regaining his strength and still needs to take it easy. It was a humbling experience. Scarring knowing that if antibiotics didn't exist Jacob might not have made it. And thinking about the many children who have died that way in centuries past. This is turning out to be a heck of a flu season for us. I hope the worst is over.

Steps.

2009-10-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

I think this little one is developing great pectoral muscles! This little face it just the best. These are my Mom and Dad's tile steps going down into their sunroom. They are the worst for kids this age. I have sat here with all of my one year old children making sure they don't crack their heads. But he seems to love the challenge.

BOYS!

2009-10-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

Wilson, Luke, Josh, Clayton, Abe, and Jacob

We went to visit G'ma and G'pa a few weeks ago. I talked these boy cousins into a quick picture. They all love each other so much and admire Josh who is the oldest in this picture.

Happy Halloween (warning this may be too graphic for some)

2009-10-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

If a rooster does this to my Lukey's eye.....

Soon Dane will do this

Then this.

Then we have dinner.

I know this is gross, but a true story.
I thought I could handle it myself considering my upbringing. But I had a very hard time at dinner that night.

Poor Kid.

2009-10-21T20:26:00.001-07:00

This is what swine flu feels like.

All the kids have been sick this week except Clayton. I'm just crossing my fingers. It's been a hard week. Luke was very sick, but just won't lay down and rest. He kept moving, but was extremely grumpy. Hope were almost done with this sickness.

Dane's labor of love

2009-10-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

o Dane has been very busy in our backyard. First he made this quant chicken coop. It is so cute and functional. I love how it blends into the yard. We have 6 chickens now. Started out with 12. That is a story of it's own. They are finally starting to lay. It is so fun for the kids to gather the eggs each day. We get anywhere from 2-4 eggs a day. I hope we end up getting more as they get older. I hated chickens so much as a kid. Its amazing how feelings can change. I just love getting our own eggs, and watching them scratch around.
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Second Dane spent many a Wednesdays and Saturdays making this amazing playhouse. The kids love it. It is so sturdy and fun for the kids to be up so high. He will top it off with some swings, and a slide. I've been so impressed with these projects. They seem to just come out of his head, but end up looking so nice. He really has a knack for it. So now i'm thinking I better make a request for the next project. I'm thinking a deck.

Luke and Colby.

2009-10-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Luke with his new friend Colby. They are a cute pair. On this particular day Luke spent the whole time wanting Colby's hat.

braces and a new haircut.

2009-10-10T20:27:00.001-07:00

Lindsay with her new cute haircut. She is so happy the snarls are gone

Right before the haircute

Lindsay with friends Meg and Sanora

Lindsay at activity days.

Lindsay and cousin Chloe

So proud to hold the chicken

Modeling new braces.

I feel like my daughter has grown up over night. Her life is picking up speed without my consent. Each stage is new and exciting. She got braces in August right before school started. It was a blessing to get them on so early. She had a bad cross bite, and over bite. The ortho. said we needed to get a head start. Within a week her teeth were mostly straight. It was amazing to watch.

Lindsay and I have been having terrible morning hair battles because of snarling and just ragamuffin desires on her part. I think too many tears had been shed because one day last week she just broke down and demanded her hair be cut right NOW! She gets that from me, once I decide to get my hair cut I can't wait a week for an appointment. So the next day after school I had an appointment. She glowed from ear to ear before and after. I think she made the right decision. The only problem is she looks to grown up now with braces and an aline.

Lindsay is a wonderful presence in our home. She is almost always happy and easy going. She plays so well with her brothers. I'm always amazed at her versitile play. She can go from lego star wars to princess without skipping a beat. We are so blessed to have you.

Luke is three!

2009-10-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Mommy's first attempt at a birthday cake. It got stuck in the pan and fell to pieces. Luke was happy I left him alone with it for awhile.

It was worth the wait, because the second cake was a dream come true. He stood on this chair for a 1/2 hour just staring and being so good not to touch. But temptation took over to drive the cars through the frosting as soon as Mommy left the room. Luckily Granny did a quick fix before the party.

If you look closely you can see the spit that shot off his lips as he blew the candles out. The adults steered clear of this side of the cake.

Lindsay and Jacob anxiously helped Luke open his gifts.

His grand prize gift from Mom and Dad was a beautiful yellow 12" dirt bike with training wheels.

Today was a great day. We had so much fun with Luke today talking about, preparing for, and then partying for his birthday. I love three because it is the first birthday they really know what is going on. He was so happy all day. We had Grandma and Grandpa, and Granny as special guests at the birthday party.

Thank you Mom and Dad for making the journey down to our home. Sorry I didn't get any pictures of you here. We loved having you.

Cousins

2009-10-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here is Clayton with 3 out of 4 of his cousins who are close to his age. From left to right we have Sadie, Clayton, and Annie. I love how him and Sadie ended up holding hands. This quickly ended when Clayton found Annie's ponys.

Clayton 11 months.

2009-09-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

Mommy's love. What a sweet dear. My love heart. Sweet face. And don't forget my little puppy love. Just a few things I say to this sweet face daily.

Clayton is crawling everywhere. Pulling up, climbing stairs, and getting into everything. He puts everything in his mouth no matter what the taste. He says momma, da da, and waves hello and good-bye. He is known at church as the happiest, and most smily baby ever. Last Sunday he was smiling and waving at everyone sitting behind us. I love his peaceful, and loving personality. He is starting to interact with Luke in more physical ways. He'll give his hair a good yank to get his attention. Luke will wrestle him down, and Clayton's getting better at escaping. He loves sissy Lindsay and will crawl up to her and reach up to have her pick him up, like she is one of his Mommy's. He gets the most excited when he sees Jacob though. He knows Jacob will always be nice and fun. When Daddy comes home is his favorite time of day. He'll just dive forward the second he sees him. We just all love this little guy.

Early Birthday gift to myself.

2009-09-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Last night I stayed up late looking at different cameras. I spent a few hours looking and getting more and more confused about what I wanted. I knew I was ready for a little upgrade from my Kodak easyshare. I read many reviews, and decided on what i wanted. More zoom, wide lens, and easy to use. In a few days I will get my new Fuji film fine pix. Don't even tell me if you know anything bad about this camera. I can't wait to take some pictures of these kids who are changing daily in front of me.

Sheep.

2009-09-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

We have some new pets around here. My Mom gave us three of her sheep. I was excited and nervous about getting them knowing how much my Mom loved them. I took care of sheep when I was a kid, but It had been so long. My parents are preparing for a mission so this is part of the preparation. I know how hard it was for my Mom to give up her favorite hobby. I knew I liked sheep, but didn't know how much I would LOVE having them around. They are sweet as the sweetest puppy, and so lovable. But I like that they don't lick me or get under my feet. We all love going out and taking care of them. I plan on learning how to take the wool, and turning it into beautiful yarn, pillows, blankets, and whatever. (someday). I'm also excited for my children to experience the birthing process this spring. In Manti we can have animals in town. So they are in a little orchard up against the sidewalk. So I guess they are a new part of the neighborhood. So far no complaints.

Lukey boy!

2009-08-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Luke helping Dane build a play fort.

Luke, my baby whose almost three in about a month. To me three is a big birthday because they are coming out of toddlerhood, and into childhood. He's not babies anymore. And for a mother that can be sad and exciting all at the same time. Luke is a total Daddy's boy. I now understand the definition of that term. He does put up with me during the day, but constantly asks "when is Daddy coming." Luke is in heaven on the weekends working outside with Dane, and for those of you that know Dane, know that that is not just a few hours but all day until dark. Today I walked out to the front to find Luke because I hadn't seen him for awhile. He was laying under the van (scary) holding a stick pretending to change the tire. Anything with cars and their wheels is totally amazing to him. When we go on our daily walks we spend a lot of time talking about all the different wheels that he sees and often have to get out of the stroller to examine. That is a conversation we have been having since he was able to say wheel at about 12 months old. When he gets tired in the afternoon he will beg me to be a race car which I finally figured out that , that means that I'm to lay on the floor on my stomach while he lays or sits on me. He likes it best if my feet are touching, then he will gather some toys up to put in between my legs. (which isn't much room if my feet are touching, actually no room at all.) My boys at this age seem to be very particular about how they want things. He will also bring me a toy and say "play me". Then when we play the first sentence out of his mouth is "Hi. wanna go shopping?" "okay." "lets go get some gum." He'll say. Luke loves his little brother Clayton, and has a manic relationship with him already. One minute he's kissing and smothering him with love, the next they are fighting over a toy. It terrifies me that Clayton is old enough to fight with Luke, but the moment has arrived. I can only hope and pray that they will be great friends in childhood and life. Luke is the first to arrive at the scene if one of the siblings is hurt or sad. He is quick to give hugs and offer words comfort. My happiness right now in my life comes from being around my children and observing all the small things they do that are so precious.

Family Reunion

2009-08-19T22:05:00.001-07:00

This year the whole family met in Park City for our annual Clayton reunion. Here is a picture of the whole gang. We all had a great time. I loved the new coaster they have by the Alpine Slide. Wow what a ride! It is always fun to watch the kids making memories and friendships. It was great not to have anyone missing this year. Thanks Mom and Dad for the wonderful gathering.

Something So Wonderful!

2009-08-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Each baby that comes into the family is a wonderful treasure and so exciting. Sadie is no exception. My sister Amy and bro. in law Rob have adopted Sadie. With great anticipation we have been waiting for her to be ready to come from Etheopia. It has been so exciting and nerve racking as they made the journey to go get her. I waited on pins and needles as they were gone, just feeling a feeling of unrest having a sister, brother, and nephew on the other side of the world, let alone Africa. She is so beautiful, and familiar to us, and we are thrilled to watch her grow with the other cousins. She is the 4th baby in our family this year, so it will be fun to have them so close. Etheopia is going to be part of our family heritage now. My heart has been full of compassion and sadness for the life her parents must have led, and the turmoil of the people there. We have so much, and I can't help but think the last few day, "where much is given, much is required." I doubt our family will ever be the same. Welcome baby Sadie. We love you.

Jacobs turn.

2009-08-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of Jacob taken by my Dad. He looks so happy in the back of Grandpa's truck with Bert. Having a great boy moment. Jacob is going to be in first grade next week. What? My first boy is starting to be so grown up. Jacob is such a joy to have around. My hardest child has turned into my easiest child. He's so smart, creative, happy, and complex in so many ways. Nobody understands Jacob like me. We have a special bond, and I've always been his advocate in life. I understand how his brain works, and I'm grateful I do. He has a strong stubborn personality and he is extremely aware of the details going on around him. He is very affectionate and kind to his family and friends. He is always up for a hug and kiss whenever I need it. He also has the best smile in town. Jacob started piano at the first of summer, and although he says he hates it, he is very good at it. His technique is very different than Lindsay's, and I want to pull my hair out when I help him practice. But all around it has been positive. I love my sweet Jacob, and will cherish each moment that he stays that way.

P.S. I'm halfway back into the blogger world. Computer is back, but my camera is not working now. So i'm at the mercy of other peoples pictures right now. But I'm so glad to have the computer at least.

blogger pause

2009-08-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hi bloggers. I miss you all. My computer has been a real piece of hummm.... pooh latley. I'm unable to blog from it. Taking it to the shop on friday though. I'm still checking in on you all when I can, but not as often as I like to. Love you all.

memorial Day fun.

2009-06-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

This year for Memorial Day weekend we took a family bike ride (our first official one outside our neighborhood) to the Big Rock Candy Mountain trail. It was so much fun for all of us. The trail is 10 miles long or so. Luke and Clayton rode in the trailor, and Lindsay and Jacob did great on their bikes. Only minimal complaining. We rode mostly downhill, then our wonderful Daddy rode back up to get the truck to pick us up. We packed a lunch and stopped by the river to eat lunch. That is where Clayton got to stretch out on his blanket. Luke was so excited to go he crawled in the bike trailor on his own to wait for us to be ready to go. I think it is a place that we will go again. It felt fun to be a little bit adventurous.

Clayton's crawling!

2009-06-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

My little goomer bottom started crawling yesterday. He has been up on hands and knees for about a week and going in reverse. But yesterday he discovered drive. And he is so curious and excited that he can get to the things that have been teasing him for months. I'm sad because he doesn't even sit up yet. So once again we skipped that beautiful stage where they sit up and play with toys without going all over creation. But I'm also excited to see my little guy growing up. He just melts my heart all day long with his sweet personality. Clayton just turned 7 months, and I can't believe it. I still feel and treet him like he's a newborn. He's my constant companion and my best little friend. He is always anxious to catch a glance and a smile from any willing participant. He has so much love and sweetness in his eyes I can hardly stand it. I know before long he will be joining the pack so I'm determined to eat him up until then.

Miss Utah

2009-05-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

Kayla Barkley came to speak to the Activity Day girls in our Stake. She talked about how girls at their age can make a difference in the life of others, and also modesty. She is an excellent example of modesty and beauty. She wore a one peice swim suit in the miss usa pageant this year, which wasn't a popular choice. She brought all her dresses for the girls to see, and also let the girls try on her crown. Lindsay was jaw dropped the whole time. She thought Kayla was such a beautiful princess. This is not a great picture, but this is Lindsay and her friend Kaylee having some one on one time with Miss Utah. Who by the way is from Manti.

family jewel

2009-05-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

I was sorting through some pictures and realized that I don't think I documented that Dane gave me this beautiful ring for Christmas this year. This opal belonged to Helen's (Dane's mum) father Dudley. He wore it throughout his simple life in Australia. When he died the ring became Helen's and a few years ago she gave it to Dane. It was in a masculine setting but still stunning. Dane and I kept the ring in a safe and I forgot about it until... Christmas morning I opened this amazing ring in a new setting. It is so sentimental and beautiful I love it. We thought it was a family treasure (money wise) until the jeweler told Dane the actual stone is worth about $20. Doesn't matter it me. I love it!

The best nine years.

2009-05-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Nine amazing, intense, exciting, exhausting, happy, fun, busy years. Just a few of many words to describe the last nine years of my life as a married woman. I feel like i've just experienced the best nine years of my life. I got to fall madly in love with Dane, then look into the eyes of four beautiful, perfect babies. How lucky can I get? I'm so blessed to have married a man with the same vision as myself. Dane is a fun, unique, smart, hardworking, MAN. I've had a few people tell me lately that I married a real man. And it's true. I'm so lucky, and so in love! Happy Anniversary honey!

Where have I been?

2009-05-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

Where have I been you might ask yourself? I don't know, I have blogger blockage. I think i'm ready to start again. I'm so overwhelmed with how far behind i've gotten that i don't know where to start. We took a trip to hawaii this month so i have lots of pictures from that. I also print my blog every July so I must catch up this month.

Lindsay's recital

2009-05-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Lindsay and friend Brooklyn
Lindsay and teacher Brittney

orphan Lindsay

Lindsay has loved her music and dance class this year. For her spring performance they did a few songs from the musical Annie. She couldn't have been more pleased. She had a solo in the song "It's a hard knock life". She was so amazing at belting out "don't it feel like the wind is always howling, don't it feel like there's never any light............" She just glowed on the stage. She also recently tried out for the junior music theatre company and found out today that she made it. It will be a little bit of a commitment, but seeing how much she loves it I don't think it will be too hard. We're proud of you LIndsay!!!

american idol

2009-04-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

I thought I wasn't going to do it this time; faithfully watch american idol. But a few weeks ago I saw Adam Lambert sing, and I was very intrigued. But on Tuesday way I saw him sing mad world now I'm hooked! I'm feeling like an obsessed teenager all of a sudden waiting for the next time I can hear him sing. So I guess i'll be watching the rest of the season. I really like Allison too. Who do you like?

Officer Thurston

2009-03-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Dane and sparring friend Ryan from post. They did all their self defense practice on eachother. I thought Dane was big.
I'm proud of you Dane, and glad to have you back!
Dane taking Oath
Class Number

Congratulation Dane we are so proud of you.

The ordeal is over! Dane has retuned! Dane works as a PA in a prison. In order to work in a prison he has to be a peace officer. He took a 12 week training course in Draper to become a real officer. We had stressed so so much that he would not be able to complete the training because of his back ingury. Not only did he complete the training he did awsome. The physical training was very intense, plus over 500 hours of class and P.T. He had to be away from the family for three months coming home on the weekends. This was so difficult on all of us. I got a small taste of how it would be to be a single mom with four kids under 7. To say the least our evening routines were all buisness and a little caotic. We all learned a lot and appriciate eachother even more. The kids are so happy to have their Daddy home every night. Luke missed Dane the most. He really had seperation anxiety on the weekends, and wouldn't let Dane out of his sight for a second. Dane really enjoyed the course and I think it has opened up a whole new avenue of interest for him. Yesterday we went to his grauation. Today we feel so happy! I'm so happy for his accomplishments and feel like we were both blessed so much through the process.

A day in the life of me.

2009-03-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick day! My day started bright and early with Jacob sitting in the chair while I slept. (kinda). "Mom, I have to home school because I don't have a green shirt, and the leprechauns are going to pinch me." "Don't worry Jacob, let mommy sleep and we will find a shirt later." same conversation happened 3 or 4 times before I finally just got up to start the day. We had a fun day playing and walking outside. The weather was beautiful. A welcomed treat after a long cooped up winter. Lindsay wanted to have a photo shoot with me and Clayton. She did a good job I thought. She was also very proud of her hair today. She slept in braids, and poof! The next morning she looks amazing. Luke and Jacob also spend many hours of their lives running with these trucks in our house. It is a very dangerous highway most of the day. Today though Luke had a "blowing off the stink" run.

Ummm, is it just me or is Clayton just delicious!

Lindsay's baptism

2009-03-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Lindsay was baptized with her cousin Chloe on Feb. 28th. It was such a special day for all of us. She was the closest thing to an angel. She really was glowing with excitment. She wasn't nervous at all. She was just so calm and happy. I am so impressed with how much she understood the commitment that she is making with her Heavenly Father. She is a very spiritual girl and always want to do the right thing. She is a wonderful example to her brothers, cousins, and friends. I'm so grateful to have her as my oldest child. It meant so much to Dane to be able to baptize her. Lindsay fully trusted her Daddy to take care of her in the water. It was so specail to share the day with cousin Chloe. Afterward we had a brunch at Mom and Dad's with family. Lisa and I made food until late friday night in preparation. We are so proud of you Lindsay. I didn't take any pictures of the actual ordinance but shortyly before and after. Might of broken the rules, just couldn't resist the sweet shots.

Lindsay's 8th birthday party.

2009-03-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

Lindsay had a wonderful friend party this year. Because we are new in town I didn't put a limit on how many girls she could invite. I let her invite her whole school and church class. I didn't know how many would come considering I don't know many of the moms. Surprisingly out of 12 invites we had nine girls. Parents just dropped there kids off and drove off. I was surprised by the trust. I also found out that around here the parent hosting the party is supposed to drop off the kids when they are done. I was wondering after 3 hours why many of the children hadn't been picked up. Live and learn. I'm still learning the ins and outs of living in a differnt culture. But besides that we had a total blast. I let the girls decorate cupcakes, then we adjourned to the upstairs for a wild karaoke, and dance freeze competition. The girls literally rocked the house. I loved seeing them have so much fun. Lindsay got everything Hannah Montana that China could ever think of manufacturing. Turning 8 is a big deal and we made the most of it! I got most of the party on the video camera, so not many still shots. Baptism post to come.

kiss

2009-02-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

This is the new member of the band KISS. Luke loves watching me put on my make-up and he put on some nice eye make-up tonight. I also added a picture of him looking at the family calendar. He also did an art work number on the calandar. I just can't get mad at this little guy. He's also a lefty! I love you Lukey!

Clayton's blessing day!

2009-02-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

2009-02-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

about a week ago we got a big snow. I thought it was so beautiful when I woke up that I had to snap some picutures. This is also the image I get everytime I look out my back door, these two little white kitty's looking at me. You might think it's cute, but it actually drives me crazy because they are looking at me waiting for me to do something for them. Thier little eyes follow me around as I walk about the kitchen. Poor little kitty's.

Oh, my little pup!

2009-01-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

I've noticed that this time around many of the little boy clothes have puppies on them. I'm not the only one then that is in puppy love to the max. Our little guy is finally showing some signs of growth. Yesterday one of my favorite things of all time happend. His first laugh. Any the cutest part was that Luke made him laugh while singing to him and rocking him in his car seat. For some reason it made him crack up a few times. Probley because it was borderline scary!

welcome cute little Annie Elizabeth Engler!!!

2009-01-27T07:42:00.001-08:00

On Saturday we welcomed a new member of the family. My sister Lisa had her baby Annie. She weighed 9lbs 4oz. and was 20in long. The delivery went very well And Lisa is glowing with joy and relief! I couldn't stay away so on Saturday Lindsay, Clayton and I went to the hospital to take a peak. Lindsay was so captivated by this new little person. Now we are just waiting for my sister Emily to deliver any day now!

2009-01-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

It is my Grandpa Clayton's 115th birthday! He died in 1985. I regret that I never knew him outside the nursing home. We would frequently visit. He was very hard of hearing and had suffered some strokes. I know from my Dad that he was a wonderful man. He lived in Iowa and raised my Dad on the family farm there. My Dad was the youngest and born when my Grandpa was 50 years old. Because my Grandma died when my dad was 13, my Grandpa raised my Dad alone. It was just the 2 of them for all those years. They had a special bond. He was a very good Father to my Dad. My Grandpa was never a member of the church or religious man but very honest and hardworking. He was a mason, and a farmer for his occupation. I look forward to the day when I can get to know my Grandpa better.

Mapleton homestead!

2009-01-24T20:30:00.001-08:00

This is the home I lived in from age 14-23 on and off. We all loved this old house on 5 acres. Mom and Dad put so much work into it and made it a very nice place. We used the barns for chickens, horses, goats, and a pig or cow here and there. You can see the hamock and swingset in the yard. Dane and I had our wedding reception on the east side of the house. I remember the beautiful bridal wreath flowers were blooming. The house was surrounded in cherry trees that we would make ourselves sick from during the summer months.

Deep thoughts by Beth

2009-01-21T21:41:00.001-08:00

I thought this was a very cool picture from space of the inauguration yesterday. Over 2 million people in one place is hard for my brain to comprehend. All the people look like little ants. Yet each of thier lives are so important. It is hard to understand how one person can make a differnce in a sea of people on the earth. I know God is aware of the details of our lives ,He just has so many children. How does He do it? It's like looking up at the stars. It gives us more of an eternal perspective rather than our little worries and stresses of our day.

Luke at 2years, 3month

2009-01-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

Weighing 35lbs
length 37 inches
he was in the 90th percentile for his age, which doesn't surprise me a bit. He is so full of fun and games. He keeps us all laughing. He is also still very affectionate. We call it kitty loves because he will come up to you meowing and want to cuddle in your hair and hug. He has also recently become attached to "the soft" which is a fleece superman blanket that mom let us borrow one day. Sorry mom I don't know if we can give it back for a few years. He hates being dirty, and also hates if one of his car or train wheels has dirt on it. He's talking non stop. My favorite that he says all the time is "Hi Hun what you doen?" It has a New York accent attached to it. Or he says "bye hun". He said that to the check out girl the other day. It was so cute. He is a very cute two. We love you Luke!

School Christmas Program

2009-01-19T20:53:00.001-08:00

Lindsay and Jacob with thier friend Hope.

I'm really wanting to catch up on my pictures from the holiday. This is Lindsay and Jacob on thier way to the school Christmas Program. They both did great singing Christmas songs. I have to admit though didn't tell them that I could not see them at all. We were too far back. They did all the grades together. So next year We will know to get there early. Lindsay felt like a Princess. I thought she looked like one too. After we got a hamburger and saw some friends.

2009-01-19T20:52:00.000-08:00

don't worry, I did the shots. Were still alive.
Clayton weighing in at 12lbs 4z and 21 inches long.
Doubling his birth weight.

2009-01-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

2 months for my cute little Clayton bug. He is fitting into our family beautifully. Luke is getting much more adjusted. He will even pretend to eat his little head then say yum Chocolate. He is still tiny. But growing. His appointment is Monday, I'll post his stats then. I just can't do the dreadful shots this time. I think I'll be criminal in the medical world and wait a few months. He just seems so small to put measles, mumps, and rubella in his little system. Just Love this little man.

Christmas Day 2008!

2009-01-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day was perfect. We are so blessed to be healthy and happy this year. Santa was good to us too. We loved just being together as a family. To me Christmas magic has returned watching my kids have so much fun with the joys of Christmas. I was really excited and counting down the days myself.

Christmas Eve 2008!

2009-01-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

Curious Grandpa.
Amy and Clayton
Luke checking out the gifts with cousin Mckay.
My cute pregnant sisters. No they aren't twins.
5 gallon bucket of chips gone!
Christmas Eve with the Grandma, Grandpa, and cousins. What could be sweeter? We feasted on Mexican food. The kids did a wonderful nativity. We had a fun gift exchange, and a talent show. We drove back late to prepare for Santa coming to our house.

6 weeks!

2008-12-16T13:23:00.001-08:00

Clayton at 6 weeks!
We are enjoying him beyond words. We feel special if we get a smile from him. He smiles a couple times a day now. Can't wait to get that first giggle. He has gained a few lbs and is wearing 0-3months instead of newborn size. still pretty tiny! He does look a little different to me everyday. He is such a sweet cuddly baby.

must of been bored.

2008-12-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14.Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a 1/2 Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run. 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone. 78.Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee 100.Made amends with someone who offended you 101. Flew in a small Cessna plane with just you and the pilot 102. Ran out of gas 103. Eaten fried okra 104. Swam in the Caribbean Sea 105. Peed in a swimming pool 106. Stayed in a beach house 107. Hosted an exchange student 108. Been a Secret Santa to a family in need 109. Worked on a political campaign 110. Coached a sports team 111. Baked bread from scratch 112. Driven from coast to coast 113. Paid off all of your debt 114. Roast marshmallows over a campfire 115. Cut up a credit card 116. Drove a car through a flood 117. Been on t.v 118. Had braces 119. Been to the top of the twin towers in NY. 120. Have played in both the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans 121. Been to ground zero 122. Bite my fingernails 123. Likes to scrapbook 124. Hates pie 125. Visited Mexico 126. Seen a Tornado in person127.visited all 50 states.
copy and paste then add one of your own.

Christmas Tree and one crazy hubby.

2008-12-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

This year was exciting for us because we cut our own tree down up in the mountains. Dane stood in line for 2 hours to obtain a permit to do so. It was worth it though because the permit was only $5. So we set out for a fun family activity. Sorry no pictures my hands are so full these days. After a short drive up the road we started looking for the perfect tree. It is hard to choose when there are 1000's to choose from. After driving around for awhile we decide to get out and walk around to choose the perfect tree. I zipped little Clayton up in my coat and bundled up the children and we headed out. Unfortunately it was so muddy! It wasn't cold enough for the mud to be frozen. And it had snowed/rained a day before. Our boots were getting so heavy, but there was no turning back. We had to find a tree! Luke started falling down and was unable to get up by himself because he was so bundled. He was totally covered in mud. Then I realized even if we did find a tree we would have to drag it through all this mud. So we headed back to the truck to go with the original plan. (Find one on the side of the road). So after nursing and changing and getting everyone clean enough to get back in the truck we started again. Finally Dane just pulled over and said stay here I'm not coming back until I have a tree. We were going on 2 hours of driving around. Getting ridiculous. So sure enough I hear the chain saw going, and going, and going. I was wondering what was taking soo long. Dane decided to cut down a 40 foot tree and use the top as our tree. It just looked too perfect way up there. Once he cut it he realized it wasn't so perfect it was very bare and strange! But it was too late. We were committed. The kids were as excited as could be and that is what matters right? The tree ended up being all muddy anyway so Dane style took the tree to the car wash before bringing it home. lol. We brought the tree in and put it up and just felt a little disturbed by the lack of branches. I have to say I was quite impressed when Dane pulled the drill, and pocket knife out and started grafting branches into our humble tree. It worked beautifully and now our little tree is a bit strange but we all love it because of the experience we had together obtaining our tree top. Our lives would be so dull without Dane's crazy ideas and ingenious skills. He makes me smile!!!

bath time

2008-11-21T13:59:00.000-08:00

I told you that you would be floaded with baby pictures. I had to document the calmness! Everyother time i've given Clayton a bath he acts like it is the worst experience thus far on earth life. But last night he was so calm and really enjoyed himself. After I layed him by the wood burning stove and he just soaked up the warmth. Here he is showing his cute muscles. He looks so much bigger in the photos than he really is.

We are proud of you Jacob!

2008-11-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

Jacob has accomplished a big milestone in Childhood. The training wheels finally came off on Saturday. There was a lot of pressure and a little embarrassment that most of his peers at school were zooming up to school without the training wheels. He was so proud of himself he still can't stop talking about it. Now, 3 days later he looks like he has been riding for a month. Now him and Lindsay have been riding home from school together on their bikes. I still follow them in the van like a over protective parent. Maybe in a few more days I will trust that they are actually looking both ways.

oh and Lindsay took all these pictures about 50 in all while I was in feeding little Clayton!

Clayton 2 weeks old

2008-11-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

Clayton is doing wonderful. He has become more bright eyed and alert in the last few weeks. Just a few more pictures!

Tolerance?

2008-11-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

I don't consider myself a political person mostly because I have a hard time standing behind a person or candidate. It is hard to know what to believe and trust what they are saying to be true. So I stick to supporting issues. I have been disturbed by the news lately of the response to the Mormon Church for the passing of Prop 8. I thought when the voice of the people was heard, the religious intolerance would stop. I think it is so important to stand for something even if it is unpopular, but the puzzling thing about this is; it is popular (52%). I found it interesting to read about who is responsible for the passing of prop 8. The mormon vote was less than 5% according to what I read. The majority of the vote came from catholics, blacks, and latinos. Then why aren't' the protesters vandalizing and disrespecting cathedrals and marching in downtown LA? I actually know why. Mormons are a safe and easy target. Mormons fundraised and marched with signs. We are accustom to persecution. We made ourselves visible. We stood for something! I do feel like crying though when i see pictures of the temple and churches vandalized. Way to show your true colors folks! How quickly the mob has returned! Where is love and tolerance? I think this is a wonderful opportunity for Mormons to hold it together and show patience and love to our brothers and sisters who have different views. It is an opportunity to do what the Savior would do if he were here. Turn the other cheek, pray for those who persecute us, love those that hate us. We must continue to show compassion and love no matter what. The motivation behind voting yes wasn't hate and intolerance. It was love for our own families, and a knowledge of God's plan for all his children. Knowledge that the union between a married couple is the most sacred thing on earth, and that our families are eternal.

Okay I'm done for now. I like having a place to express my feelings. A place to get things off my chest. A soap box!

Can't stop kissing this baby!!!

2008-11-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

I'm a little bug

Trying hard to open my eyes!

My Mommy seems tired for some reason.
Big binky or little face?
Sister wants to hold me every spare second.
Just a few more pictures of every angle of Clayton's face. I was lucky to capture some pictures of his eyes wide open. He's been a little sleeper. (well that is during the day of course). Clayton's being such a little precious soul. Just can't get enough of his little face!

I'm proud to be an American today.

2008-11-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

I've had very mixed feelings about this election. I think it is because I'm a republican and have conservative views on government. But I can't help but be happy for the outcome of the election last night. I don't feel scared about the outcome like I did when the Clintons were elected. Regardless of policies I love the energy, excitement, and hope the country is feeling right now. I think that can only be a good thing. I like that Obama is fresh blood in the whitehouse. I like his wife. I like that he is black. I like that he is young. I like the way he talks. I've hated the way the President has talked for the last 16 years. I never wanted this election to be about black, women, and mormon. But I am really happy for the black people that they are feeling progress has been made. They feel hope for their children. I can only imagine if you told a black slave that their would be a black president in a little over a century they would be blown away. I am glad he can be a good example for other black men who may not be carrying out their parental responsibilities. I hope after all the excitement that he does well. And that he is considered a good President in history. I love being alive during a historical moment. It will be something to tell the Grandkids about!

Welcome Clayton Lee! Born 10-31 6lbs 14oz.

2008-11-02T19:07:00.001-08:00

Write more details later. Here are some pictures.

Vote YES ON PROP. 8

2008-10-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Proposition 8 is a California proposition about marriage and the family. Sunday the church has asked that we fast for this to pass. It must be very important for everyone not just Californian. It is a wonderful time to take a stand and defend Heavenly Fathers most important organization. The Family. I don't believe it is a human rights issue. I have a compassion for people and their lifestyles, but it must not infringe on our way of life and our rights. There could be very serious consequences for churches and schools if prop. 8 does not pass. Having said that, I can't vote on it and I can't fast on Sunday. I hope my California friends can!

Bed rest!

2008-10-29T09:20:00.001-07:00

I'm officially on bed-rest this week until this weekend when I will be induced on sunday at 3:30. At first bed-rest sounds like a big relief when your 9 months pregnant, but I've found it to be very frustrating because it feels close to impossible. I'm not sure how it is suppose to work with a 2 year old and 2 kids in school, but at least it's only a week. Keep you posted. Prepare for a flood of baby pictures! Can't wait to change the subject from pregnant to baby!
P.S. You have no idea how tortured I feel to post these pictures. I did it purely for posterity sake.

Winter

2008-10-23T21:52:00.001-07:00

Some people have asked if I'm going to be able to handle a Utah winter after years of California winters. I did love the winters in California and never really missed the snow. But as the weather cools down i'm reminded about my roots and how i've spent the majority of my life during the winter. My Dad sent me these pictures of a winter in 1979 in Illinois. Winters in the midwest are very harsh and cold with lots of snow. My Mom had the theory that kids should play outside everyday no matter what the weather. It is the healthy thing to do. We would bundle up so just our eyes showed. I remember my eyes even feeling cold. But we had fun and had some of the best times in our snow forts made from just digging a hole straight into the drift. Let me tell you too that there are no hills in these pictures. This is just snow from plowing and blowing. Utah winters are very mild compared to the winters of my childhood. I'm going to try to remember this when i'm thinking of my warmer friends in California this year.

Pumpkin time!!!

2008-10-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight for Family Home Evening we decided to carve our pumpkins. While Lindsay and I are carving our traditional triangles. Dane and Jacob look more like their pumpkin is on the operating table. Looking up and seeing this enormous drill somehow did not shock me too much. Very typical for how Dane would think of doing things. Jacob was very impressed and pleased with the drill method. Poor Lindsay was left to my elementary carving skills. But somehow everyone was very happy in the end especially when we lit them up with candles. I love the tradition of the pumpkin. Next year I want to grow our own so we can have an abundance of pumpkins until Thanksgiving. Does anyone know when to plant the seeds in Utah?

flashback!

2008-10-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

This is me after my Mom gave birth to my sister Emily 25 years ago. I was seven years old, exactly Lindsay's age. I don't remember this hug, but I remember that day well. I remember staying home with my Grandma awaiting the call that my mom had the baby. When my dad called my Grandma yelled out "it's a girl". We were all so excited. I also remember that we didn't have to go to church that day because of the big event. I was excited to have a new baby sister. My sister Lisa and I were very close and I remember telling her that now that Emily was born she was no longer my favorite. Sorry Lisa! That was very mean. Lisa and I continued to be close then and now. I was very helpful to my mom in caring for Emily. I would hold her when she cried and dance with her around the living-room. Which I dropped her when she was 2 weeks old trying to comfort her. Luckily she was okay. I also remember changing her cloth diapers. I got very good at not poking her with the pins. I know Lindsay is going to be very helpful as well. She is so excited for our new baby to arrive. When my patience is running low with the help, I will try to remember how I felt when Emily was born.

First Snow

2008-10-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

Well the kids have been anxiously awaiting the weatherman's predictions today. Lindsay woke up early and put on her winter gear awaiting the storm. I reminded her again that sometimes the weatherman can be wrong, and sometimes he's right. Well this time was a little of both. He predicted 2-4" of snow today, and we got a small wisp maybe 1/4". But enough to make the kids happy, and to make a snowball. It is very exciting for them since they have spent all the memorable winters of their life in California. Luke wasn't sure about the cold. He put his coat on, but didn't venture out. Next week we are back in the 70's for awhile. Just a sneak peak of what is to come!

sunshine after the rain.

2008-10-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Just a little note that I have a definite light at the end of this torture that i'm in. I get to meet my new baby on November 3rd or 4th. Walk into the hospital at 3:30 on the 3rd. I am being induced a week early due to the size of previous children at a week early and elevated blood sugar. Physically I'm ready but I still have to paint the nursury!

Lukey Love Heart! Happy Birthday!

2008-10-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today was Luke's 2nd birthday. What a cute, fun, happy boy he is. I've decided I love little boys, and how their minds work. He notices everything around him. He finds joy in all the little things in life that we don't notice anymore. Like the leaves on the trees, big wheels on Daddy's truck, bubbles, kitties, and anything that has wheels at all, especially Thomas the train or LIghtning McQueen. He is so affectionate one minute and the next is looking for something hard to hit you with. He has learned that biting and scratching are effective too. But if you make a high pitched kitty noise he comes running to run his fingers through your hair and give you a hug. Mommy meow is his favorite. And I love when he calls me mommy kitty. His second favorite is Jacob meow. Sometimes Jacob isn't up to kitty loves and it really upsets Luke to be denied the pleasures of his kitty obsession. He has grown up so much in the last few months. I used to feel frustrated that he wouldn't play with toys, just follow me around wanting me to hold him. Now all he does is play with toys. I love it that his little imagination is starting to kick in. He is also saying so many new words now I can't keep track. But I have to say my current favorite word is "boof". He lets me know when he has gone pee or boof. It is a great word for it and it might stick around for generations. So tonight we had a lightning McQueen birthday celebration. It was very simple but a blast. We had pizza for dinner and of course cake and ice-cream. We had about 5 gifts for him to open. He loved everyone of them and played with them until he couldn't keep his head up anymore. He is sleeping tonight with his Mac truck and "Quee, Quee" car. Jacob went to bed in tears because he also wanted to play with all the new toys. Luke wouldn't even let him touch them. It is always hard for the sibling not having a birthday I've noticed. Luke we Love you so much and love having you in our family. You are a very specail and amazing little person in our lives.
I was mad tonight that 90% of the pictures I took turned out blurry. By the end of the night I figured out what the problem was but it was too late. So i might post some blurry pictures because it is better than nothing.

cozy weekend.

2008-10-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

I thought this weekend was quite cozy with the cooler weather, rain, and conference. The rain forced Dane not to do any major outdoor projects that he has been obsessed with lately. We spent most of the weekend curled up under a blanket being spiritually uplifted by our spiritual leaders. Don't let me make it sound to calm. Of course the kids were jumping on us, playing loudly, fighting, and making me get up every 5 minutes for something. But usually settled down when the choir sang. We would make them sit and listen every-time the prophet spoke and be reverent. I don't know if you all are able to get your kids to sit reverently through all 8 hours but we haven't reached that level of achievement yet. I loved President Thomas Monson talk about finding joy in our lives of raising children. To our loved ones in our lives, and enjoy the moments with our small children. It was a good reminder made me look at my kids a little differently. There were many amazing talks, and I feel grateful to be able to have such an amazing spiritual boost. I'm grateful to be a member of the church. It brings our family so much purpose and peace during hard times. It strenthens our testimony of the Saviors sacrifice for us.
By Sunday night we were getting a little stir crazy so we decided to go on a drive. Dane was good and brought hot chocolate and the propane stove. We drove until we found a nice place for the kids to run around. It was a a bumpy drive. I was in a constant contraction by the time we arrived. Dane hiked with the kids while I heated up the chocolate. It was cold but nice to be out in the crisp fall air.

Twilight!

2008-09-29T22:31:00.001-07:00

Okay, I finally gave in. Just starting book one. Thought I better read them before the movies come out. Also needing some good books to get me through these last few weeks. I feel less guilty laying around if I'm reading a good book!

High School Graduation

2008-09-28T19:01:00.001-07:00

Angie, Beth, Heather
I'm going to bore you with another flashback because I need to have these pictures documented for my own history. This is me with my two dear friends Heather and Angie. I cherish the memories I have with my highschool friends, and feel grateful for their positive influence they had on my life. Having good friends is so important at that formative age. We spent hours hanging out, laughing, singing, going to shows, doing church activities, going out to eat, and spending our lives at eachothers houses. As I look back having moved to Utah in 7th grade could have been disastrous for me. I could have made the wrong friends that would have changed my future. I'm grateful for these girls who accepted me into their groups even though I was different from them. These girls are the best of the best and so beautiful inside and out. I love you forever. B.B.F.L.

way to go Lindsay!

2008-09-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

I think as a parent one of the hardest things is watching your child suffer in anyway. You just want to reach out and rescue them immediately even if its necessary suffering. I'm sure this lesson becomes more intense as your kids grow older into adults. When LIndsay first started this new school from day one made two little friends. She was so happy and glowing with excitement. I thought "wow that was easy." But about 2 weeks into school one of the little girls decided that she didn't want Lindsay to be her friend anymore. Not only that but she turned into a brat teasing Lindsay and isolating her from the other girls. It is amazing to me that in 2nd grade little girls are capable of such manipulative behavior. But it's possible, and to my horror LIndsay was devastated. You also have to know Lindsay. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She is sweetest girl, and has always had the ability to think of others first at a very young age. She has never had a soul be mean to her. She has always been surrounded by many good friends. She did everything she could think of to make it right with this girl. Even giving her gifts, and drawing pictures. Everything she did made it worse. I kept encouraging her to play with other girls away from this girls circle of friends. But She seemed to monopolize the girls on the play ground. I was doing daily spying of her on the playground to try to get an accurate picture of what was happening. It was heartbreaking to see Lindsay wandering around alone kicking dirt. I felt like it was so unnecessary. I was mad that she was feeling like something was wrong with her. She said she had more friends in California because she was prettier there. That was hard for me to hear. So after a few weeks of this I talked to her teacher, and very close to calling this little girls mother. This hero teacher took me very seriously. She hadn't noticed anything, but was now on the lookout. She taught special lessons in class, and had all the students write papers about what it means to be a good friend at school. She rearranged the seating chart. I was so grateful that she didn't brush me off, or say "Oh that is normal, she'll be fine." I'm sure this is a necessary experience for Lindsay's Life experience. She has been so strong and hopeful. This last week we are finally seeing a breakthrough. I'm so happy, because I was starting to look into private schools etc. Lindsay has overcome this little trial in her life so well. I'm so proud of how she handled herself. She still doesn't have a close friend, but the isolation has gotten a little better everyday, and she has her confidence back. In the end I realize this experience was more traumazing for me than Lindsay. We both learned something!

I've been tagged.

2008-09-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

10 Years ago I was:
1-riding my bike around sweaty Mississippi teaching the gospel
2-having the time of my life
3-adjusting to home life after mission
4-going to UVSC
5-being the Relief Society president in the Mapleton singles ward

5 things on my todays to-do list.
1-dishes, pick up house, organize the bedrooms
2-homework with the kids
3-make a yummy dinner for Dane
4-take a nap (didn't happen)
5- call JcPenny, and costco and ask where my online order it?

Snacks I enjoy
1-Icecream
2-fresh fruit like peaches or strawberries
3-toast with lots of butter and homemade jam
4-cereal
5-anything sweet

Places I have lived
1-Sycamore, IL
2-Van Meter IA
3-Mapleton, Ut
4-Kingsburg, Ca
5-Manti, Ut

Jobs I have had
1-Slice a Pizza
2-Michaels Craft
3-Northern Reflections Clothing
4-House of Blinds
5-My Sister's Closet

Pet-Peeves
1-stepping in water with my socks on
2-mean, grumpy people
3-getting a huge splash on my pants while the kids are taking baths
4-skipping dvds
5-making something clean and sparkling only to walk in minutes later to have it in a disaster.

Things that bring me joy
1- Dane walking in from work
2- Watching the kids do something new or a saying a new word
3- Spending time alone doing anything!
4-being in Hawaii smelling flowers and soaking up the sun!
5-spending time with my family

I tag anyone who reads this!

Amanda and Jeff

2008-09-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

almost married, Amanda and Jeff
Heidi and Beth
My emtpy dessert plate.
Dane and Beth

My cute friend Amanda got married this weekend! Congrats! I know Amanda because she served her mission in our ward in California. We quickly realized we were great friends. She is someone who has many friends because she is so capable of showing love to people. She is a great example in that way. She always so complimentary, and fun to be around. Dane and I went to Salt lake for the day, then attended her wedding dinner that night. We also saw other friends from California. We sat by Heidi and her husband chris. Heidi and Amanda served together. Our family just fell in love with both these girls. A fun night out with Dane, and a elegant dinner. Best wishes Amanda! We love you, and look forward to getting to know your new husband Jeff better.

Kitty.

2008-09-16T00:45:00.000-07:00

We inherited this adorable little kitty from Sarah and Family. We've been looking for a cat for awhile since we tragically moved without our Kena. We have been having horrible pet luck for awhile and really hope this cat sticks around. I think this ones name is snowflake cloudy. He is a pure white fluff ball with peircing blue eyes. The kids spend hours holding and cuddling him. He is very sweet and loves the attention. Stay with us little snowflake!

I'm a Liar!

2008-09-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Just thought I should confess that after my motivating no sugar post I'm still eating sugar! I didn't start when I said I would. I'm not blaming all you wimps of course, just trying to gear up some more oomph. The main reason I lost steam was that I took the 3 hour blood test for gestational diabetes and past with flying colors. I really thought I would fail. So I'm happy about that. It makes the last few weeks a little less stressful. I still want to do it though, just might not be announcing it to you.