The Claseman - Cooper Family

Fall Craft Projects...

2010-10-23T14:31:00.001-06:00

This week I caught the fall craft bug and here is what I ended up with!

Homecoming 2010

2010-10-07T21:42:00.003-06:00

Mikie's last Homecoming in his High School Days!

Cell Phones vs Scriptures

2010-09-23T09:41:00.002-06:00

I just had to share our Young Women activity that we had last night.
A couple of weeks ago this poem Cell Phones vs Scriptures was read during a talk in sacrament meeting and I knew exactly what I wanted to use it for....

THE CELLPHONE VS THE SCRIPTURES

I wonder what would happen if we treated our scriptures

like we treat our cell phones?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we spent an hour or more using it every day?

What if we used it to receive messages?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to other kids as gifts?

What if we used it as we traveled?

What if we used it in case of an emergency?

This is something to make you go....

"Hmmm..Dude.. where is my scriptures?"

Unlike our cell phones:

One Plan does fit all.

Unlimited usage.

No roaming charges.

You always have reception.

You can use it in the mountains and in a tunnel.

It's free with no hidden costs,

AND you don't ever have to worry about your scriptures

being disconnected because

CHRIST has already paid the bill!

Lately, my scriptures have a spot
in the Family room
sitting on the back of the chair
that I sit in for family Scriptures.
On Sundays, they get moved to
my church bag and then later that night
Back to the chair.

Since I installed the scriptures as
an app on my phone,
I use it for most of my personal reading.
But, for the last few weeks I have been thinking
that maybe I miss things
that normally may stand out.

When I thought of this idea, I got really excited to
PUT MY PHONE DOWN
and pick up my Book of Mormon....

Maybe the Young Women would like one to...

Mod Podge Book of Mormon!

All of the girls paired up and made one to give away
with their testimonies written in the front cover.
Then they each made a personal one
and put the poem in the front cover.

Now, they each have a Book of Mormon that they
can keep in their car, back pack or purse and
take it with them wherever they go.

It was a really fun activity, I wish I would
have taken pictures of everyone's
finished products to share.
they all turned out unique, just as we each are!
I love to see every ones different
personalities come out in the things we do.

It's here...

2010-09-21T22:51:00.002-06:00

I am so very excited about this!!!

I have been waiting for {MONTHS}
for the new online Personal Progress to be activated,
and Finally it is {LIVE}!!!

I hope that the Young Women will
be as excited as I am!!

I am excited that any {sister}
can work towards earning a medallion,
just sign in and away you go.
If you haven't registered, all you need is
your membership number & date of birth.

Then, click here....
Don't forget to bookmark the site to your toolbar
for easy access!

Easy, {EASY}, Easy!!!!

I {LoVe} Technology!!!!

Senior Pic's

2010-09-14T13:57:00.001-06:00

While we were in Elmo at the beginning of the month for
Deer Hunt, Maria decided to take the rare opportunity
and have a photo shoot with Mikie.

These are a few of my favorites that I put into a collage.

All she had was her Fuji digital camera!
I think that she did an amazing job!
I bet that this was just the first of many
photo shoots for her!

Thanks SIS!!!

The Hunt is over...

2010-09-07T09:32:00.003-06:00

This last week (almost - 5 days) George took time off for
{THE HUNT}
With Bow,arrows and the rest of the 'gear' in tow
we headed to Elmo, Utah on Thursday night.

George spent the morning sighting in his bow,
so that when the time came he could make 'the shot'!
Then for the rest of the day he hung out with
Mikie, James, Maria & I.

{THE HUNT} - DAY 1

5 AM - George & Pete wake up and get ready
to head up Huntington Canyon.
7 AM - Start 'The glorified Hike'
(Maria's nick name for the days events!)
See a Buck and a few Doe in the morning hours
No shot available
3 PM - Meet up with Mikie, James, Shane,
Thomas, Maria & I for a quick sandwich.
3:40 pm - Head back up to take the
first 3 mentioned boys for a 'hike'
5 PM - Meet back up with us and head down the Mountain

{THE HUNT} - DAY 2

5 AM - George & Pete wake up and get ready
to head up Huntington Canyon.
7 AM - Stop at the top of the canyon and hop out
to scout around for a few minutes.
7:30 AM - The Spot was made!
Hike around to get a shot!
7:45 AM - Take the Shot
Hike down to see if it was a hit!
Definite Hit!
8 AM {THE CALL}
ring, ring... We won't be making it back for church...

Now for the hard part -
getting the deer back UP to the truck!
{BIG SHOUT OUT} to the sheep herders
for loaning the guys a horse!

2 PM Back home in Elmo...
Grab a quick bite at the Family BBQ that
everyone is at and then after the help
of Peggy making a few phone calls,
head Back to Huntington to drop
the deer off for processing.

The smell of Sweet Success for George,
is a bit nauseating to me!
Thankfully we decided to have someone else
do the processing this year, and we borrowed
Pete's Echo for the drive home.
(The inside of George's truck
was still a bit stinky
Monday afternoon,
when we left for HoMe!!!

Thanks Pete, Maria & Gang for a Great Weekend!!!
We Love you!

This is the face of a HaPpY Man!!!

Twelve Years old and in Seventh grade...

2010-08-25T08:33:00.001-06:00

We are two full weeks into school!
{YAY!}

This year Jenni has chosen to NOT carpool.
She wants to ride the bus.
I was {STRONGLY} considering over ruling this decision
when on the SECOND day of school she missed the bus!
(I need to mention that I always take her on her first day!)
NOT necessarily a great start!
I let let her know that if I was going to have to drive
her to school,
I might as well be driving a car load of kids
and not just her alone.
That she needed to make sure she was up and ready for the bus
otherwise... CAR POOL!
So far, no missed bus (we are only on the second week!)
So far there has not been much homework.
(thanks to the schools "real" time, two days a week!
LoVe this!!)

If we can judge from past years, Jenni is going to continue to
love school and her teachers and this year will be a breeze!

We Survived... (part 1)

2010-08-16T12:54:00.002-06:00

We have officially {survived} summer
and the first week of school!
Mikie is a senior this year!
Where did the time go?
I still remember when he was in kindergarten,
having a police officer knock on my door
checking to see if he was at home
because he was MIA in his class!
Fortunately, he had walked in less
than five minutes before that knock on the door
and was in the middle of having the discussion of
"Why it is NOT okay to leave in the
middle of the school day!"
Not to mention that there was a college
in between our apartment and the elementary school,
that he marched right through!

Mikie is pretty excited to get
through this year of school.
He is the Stake Representative for Seminary
this year and has been working on themes,
and getting to know the other Stake Rep.'s
the last few weeks.

He is also the Vice President of the FFA,
(last year he was the Historian!)
There will be one more year of competitions,
leadership meetings and fun!
He has been raising about 15 chickens
at the school over the summer.
Last year we were told that our house is
NOT zoned
for agriculture and we could not raise
any type of livestock!
"OOPS!"
(Jenni isn't very happy about that
,she really wants to raise a pig.
She says our yard is just as big as Amanda's
and she was allowed to raise TWO pigs!!!)

As the school year drew near and started
I couldn't help but reflect on the last 18 years.
The places we have been and the strides that we have made.
The fact that this is the last year that my boy will be {HOME}
for all of the holidays and all of the days in between.

A year from now Mikie will be waiting on that
big white envelope
with LDS Church as the return address.
Full of anticipation on where he will be spending
the next two years of his life.

He is such an Amazing Young Man,
and I love him so Very much!
He has made this 'mama' proud!

If anyone has a secret recipe on how to slow down the next year,
I sure could use it about right now!

Wish I was here...

2010-05-08T22:26:00.000-06:00

Last September we made a quick trip to California.
We were able to make an even quicker trip to the beach!
It wasn't near long enough.
I {LOVE} the beach!
I think I was suppose to live in a beach house.
There is just something soothing about listening to the waves.
Right now I wish I was here!

Easter Weekend...

2010-05-08T21:18:00.001-06:00

Easter 2010 brought The Johansen Family home!
We used to {ALWAYS} alternate Easter with Maria, one year they would come to Southern Utah, the next year we would go to Elmo. The kids loved to spend the weekend together and teh Easter Bunny would always find who ever was away from home. The last several years we have not been making the trip, and either has the Johansen family.
This year at the flast minute The Johansen's decided to make the trip! It was GREAT, we loved being able to spend time visiting, the kids enjoyed running and playing, we even fit in a family BBQ! I hardly ever have a camera with me anymore so I didn't get many pictures. I did pull out my phone and capture a few of the kids playing ball!

Family...

2010-05-08T19:43:00.003-06:00

In February, George was home for a whole week and we went on this hike. It was an amazing day, the whole week had been rainy and cold and on this day then sun came out and was a more typical February day in Southern Utah! I have been meaning to post the pictures that we took with our phones, and 2 1/2 months later.... Here they are!!!

2010-05-04T09:38:00.001-06:00

The Annual Cotton Days Festivities had their Big Kick Off last night with a great Fireworks Display. The kids and I were watching a movie when all of a sudden it sounded like we where in the middle of a war zone! I got a couple of good shots with my phone.

Leroy and Anne aren't to fond of fireworks, the loud booms and all of those flashing lights are a little unsettling to them. They sat by Mikie for a few minutes at the beginning for some comfort (he was inside, not a firework fan himself!) Then they took off towards the back of the house. After the excitement was over I went in search of the two little pooches and this is where I found them................

(one of Leroy to come.... Cant find Jenni's camera!)

11 Years....

2010-05-03T10:00:00.001-06:00

Sunday was George and I's 11th Wedding Anniversay! I came out of my bedroom that morning after getting ready for church to find theses.....

I wasn't expecting anything at all, with it being Sunday & having George on the other side of the continent! Thanks mom for being our personal flower delivery service!!! George was in Virginia, he was able to come the week before and spend 5 days at home! To us that is A LOT of time! He tried to take me out a couple of times, but between spending time with the kids, helping with a ward service project, having unexpected family show up from Michigan, a Sunday and then a Monday Family Night we were never able to break away! It was great to just be together as a family. It is amazing to me how much some take for granted just being together everyday. We are very thankful for the fact that George HAS a job and for the sacrifices that he makes for our family, but we can't wait for the day that he will be home with us all of the time!

I LoVe Bountiful Baskets!!!!!

2010-04-24T07:42:00.002-06:00

I keep meaning to take picture's of my Bountiful Basket Treasure's and post them, but I AlwAys forget until after I have stowed them away into the fridge! Today, I remembered! My family usually isn't able to go through All of this Bountiful goodness in one week. I usually buy in for two weeks & then take one week off.

For those of you who have never heard of Bountiful Baskets, lets just say (in my opinion) it is the greatest thing invented since sliced bread! It is a food co-op, using collective purchasing to get high quality food at prices reserved for grocery stores and restaurants. Cutting the middle man out saves TONS of money! The cost to buy in is $15-$25 each week. There is also a $1.50 handling fee each week and a $3 first basket fee. You never know what you will be receiving (just like opening a present each week!) You receive 50% fruits 50% veggies, and there are usually add on's that you can purchase. Such as bread, Asian Packs, Italian Packs, Mexican Packs. These include items that are generally used when cooking those types of meals.

If you are living in Arizona, Utah, Idaho or Washington chances are there is a pick up site near you! Click Here to see if there is one close, if not you can open a site and all of your friends & neighbors will LoVe you for it!!!

It is even worth giving up sleeping in on Saturday morning! Do yourself a favor & check it out!

Blessings...

2010-01-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last night I was privileged enough to attend the temple with the youth in our ward. I watched in amazement as these Young Women and Young Men took time out of there crazy busy schedules to serve their Lord and those souls that have been waiting for so long on the other side of the veil for their work to be done. Those that rode with me then went to the Visitors Center and walked through the Reflections of Christ Gallery. To have the opportunity to be with these wonderful daughters of God and feel His spirit so strongly is such a blessing to me. I am so grateful for the things that they teach me and for the privilege of getting to know them better.

Christmas Dance Recital...

2009-12-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

Jenni had her Christmas dance recital tonight. It was great fun and she danced her heart out!
Thanks for coming Grandma & Grandpa! Good Job Jennifer Dawn!

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

2009-11-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.

Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

moving on....

2009-11-21T14:41:00.002-07:00

from this...

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

to this...

a little slow.....

2009-11-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Jenni informed me that i "NEEDED" to post about Mikie's answer to SADIES. Since the actual dance was almost two weeks ago, I guess she is right! So, even tho I am a little slow..... Here it is......

Block #1

2009-10-18T12:58:00.000-06:00

I started a new group this last week, I am really excited about. It is a Block of the Month Club. Each month we make a new quilt block and at the end of twelve months we will have a completed quilt! I have never quilted so this will be a new experience for me and I cant wait to feel that satisfaction of completing something new. It is a rag quilt, after it is all put together and it is washed for the first time all of the edges will fray, it is so cute I am so excited! Here is my first block...

Update...

2009-10-13T22:28:00.000-06:00

My bad! I guess that Mikie knew all along that it was a Sadies invitation! Jenni woke up to the dogs barking and sat in the front room and watched them saran wrap Mikie's truck! She thought it was pretty funny that when she flicked the porch light off and on that they all scattered pretty fast! Mikie said that they had woke him up as well but he wasn't about to interrupt their plans, and needless to say he was a little upset that Jenni almost interfered!

He has been thinking up some pretty creative ways of answering her, I will let you know what he decides to do...

Well it happened...

2009-10-13T12:20:00.001-06:00

Mikie has been patiently waiting to be asked to Sadie's. He woke us up this morning at 3:30, (as he was leaving for his FFA trip to Snow's College) saying, "She did it again!"

Several weeks ago on a Sunday night, George and I were up later than normal and as I walked down the hall towards my room I caught movement in the front yard out of the corner of my eye. I went & looked out the window and there were several figures huddling around Mikie's truck. I couldn't figure out what they were doing, but I could tell it was kids. I went to Mikie's room and he was still awake so I told him that there was someone messing with his truck, he hopped up and was going to run outside, thankfully the door was locked & that stopped him. They had heard the noise from the door and all took off running. After a few minutes they came back and we just watched them for a few minutes. Mikie was sure that it was a someone asking him to go to Sadie's with them. He got up the next morning and went out to check it out... Saran Wrap everywhere, but No dance invitation. Needless to say he was disappointed, and when he found out that it was just a few friends that were bored he just shook his head. George was trying to get a little rivalry going, but Mikie said no.

I think he changed his mind on that this morning, however as soon as he realizes that it wasn't just bored friends and there is a Sadie's invitation connected to the Saran Wrapped truck, he will change his mind once again. Thinking that it was the same friends as last time he didn't give it a second thought and go check things out. He wasn't planning on driving today anyway, because he was low on gas. I had told him that he could take my van and if I needed it I would have George run me over to get it. (I didn't want to wake up at 3:30 am!!! Although I did anyway, but I didn't have to get out of bed so as Martha Stewart would say, "that is a good thing".) I thought about texting him and telling him that it was a Sadies invite, but then thought No I don't want him to be distracted during his competition. Knowing Mikie that would be the only think that would be on his mind for the rest of the day! (all of those kids on the bus with him owe me BIG TIME!!! He would be driving every one crazy!!)

I couldn't figure out who it was, so I went to Mikie's Face Book wall and looked up his friends list... Now I know! But I will keep that to myself until he actually finds out that he has been invited! :)

Next up, what will he come up with to answer....

Our Week...

2009-09-25T16:51:00.001-06:00

George, Jenni and I headed out on Tuesday morning for Southern, Cali. We stopped in Las Vegas to pick up George's brother Mike. (Mikie choose to stay home so that he wouldn't miss school.)

We headed to San Diego for the Memorial Service of George & Mike's Aunt Mary. She was diagnosed with simple cell cancer three years ago. She had many ups and downs. Although it was sad not to see Mary & her smiling face. She was always so welcoming to our family. We will all miss her terribly. We are thankful that we have the gospel in our life and know of our Heavenly Fathers' plan for us. We are thankful that her pain and suffering is over and the knowledge that she is now in a much better place. It was nice to see George's Uncle Tim & Cousin's Lindsey & Krista. Even though we weren't able to spend much time visiting with them (they had alot of people vying for their attention!) We enjoyed the moments that we did have. Our thought and prayers will be with them as they adapt to the changes in thier lives.

Before heading to the memorial we took a drive to the beach. It was 9:30 in the morning and completely foggy! The visibility was probably about 1/8 of a mile. Jenni and I took a short walk along the coast line, snapped a few pictures and then headed out.

After spending the afternoon at the memorial and visiting we decided to head the few miles back to the beach. Jenni had a grand time along the shore and it didn't take her long to head further out to the waves. She was making her mom nervous with how deep she was getting, but being the good sport she is when I waved her in she simply came without complaint. She was able to find a deeper hole right along the shore that kept her occupied for quite some time. I had to persuade her that it was dinner time (actually way past) and she was pretty good about it she only asked for 5 more minutes!

We love the Beach... But I for one LOVE the dry air and Washington City even more! Even Jenni said (as we came into St. George) It is good to be home!

Tomatoes!

2009-09-21T11:44:00.000-06:00

I was fortunate enough to have a friend give me a ton of tomatoes over the weekend. This was my first attempt at canning tomatoes and I have to say it wasn't near as bad as I thought it would be! I should have attempted this years ago!!! (Lets just say it has taken my many many years to begin to be domesticated, I was to busy working. But, I do enjoy it!) And I know that I will defiantly enjoy these tomatoes later in the year!

New Chapter... Oh wait! It is a new BOOK!!!

2009-08-30T14:41:00.002-06:00

I will be starting a new book in my life. (After all if it where a new chapter I would kinda know what to expect!) I kept thinking that maybe they would change their minds or decide that somebody else was really suppose to be called to the position. I was called into the Bishop's office almost a month ago, It was kind of like being called to the Principals office, only I was pretty sure I hadn't done anything wrong this time!
I tried to tell our Bishop that maybe he should take some more time. I hadn't realized that he was one for practical jokes, but he assured me that he was making the right call, & that I would come to know that also. (I haven't hit that point yet!)
Up until about an hour ago, I figured he could go back on the whole thing. So what that they had released me and others from our callings and called and sustained us in sacrament meeting to these new positions, Who cares that I had to bare my testimony at the spur of the moment (every one knows of my fear of people right!). We hadn't been set a part so it wasn't really 'official' yet right! But that time came and instead of the Bishop getting up and saying "Just Kidding!" he actually did set us all apart for our new callings. WOW! Every one is very supportive and says that we will all do a great job, I am glad that everyone has so much confidence in me, I will be pulling it from them time and time again through out the next few years. I have made all of the calls and am going to TRY to get my Sunday Nap in before I have to preside over my first Young Women's Presidency Meeting..... Oh My, Heaven Help me!!!

Blog List...

2009-08-25T16:34:00.005-06:00

Ok... I found this new site with cute blog backgrounds {leeloublogs} ! So I thought, "hey, I might not post anymore, but I can at least change my background..." (I know stupid!) I should have just posted, because when I changed my background I lost ALL of my Blog List!!!! I have spent the better part of my day trying to fix and add things back! {UGH!} It will take me a bit to get all of the blogs back on my list, but if I don't have yours there {PLEASE, PLEASE} leave me a comment!

Maria's House

2009-06-05T22:11:00.003-06:00

This week and last week I have been with my cousin Amanda. My mom kept asking me if I was tired of her yet and I kept saying NO!! It was all fun except for the part where the boys kept asking "Can I play Can I play??" I just wanted to play with Amanda when they were asking. I got really bored of riding to the pigs and back to the pigs and back. I had a really great time going to the Elmo Library during story time and making a drum. There were free books so I maybe grabbed a few of 20 or so books for my mom and I. I had much fun at Grandma Shuanas house helping her make those cute little baby silk blankets for friends and family. We went to the DINO mine and car stores (boring.) And now my ankle is sore form riding the bikes every day. Well I'm tired and so I'm going to bed. Jenni (P.S. Maria I was not tired of you yet...)

I Love Shopping!!!

2009-06-04T20:59:00.006-06:00

The hubby got paid today so I went out to blow some cash...

Here is what I got...

Albertson's...
1st Transaction
(2) Finish Pwrball (on sale B1G1)
$8.99 -$1 MC - $1 Dbl=$6.99 (OP) ($3.50 ea)
(4) Kraft Cheese Slices (on Sale 4 for $10)
(spend $10 & they take off 3) $7 - $2.50 MC - $2.50 Dbl=$2.00 (OP)
Transaction Total= $10.67
Savings=$25.95

2nd Transaction
(3) Kraft Mayo/Miracle Whip (on sale 3 for $10)
(spend $10 & they take off 3) $7 - $3 MC - $3 Dbl=$1.00 (OP)
Transaction Total= $1.12
Savings=$11.87

3rd Transaction
(5) Kraft shredded cheese (on sale 5 for $10)
(spend $10 & they take off 3) $7 - $2.50 MC - $2.50 Dbl=$2.00 (OP)
Transaction Total= $2.13
Savings=$20.45

4th Transaction
(1) Planters Walnuts (on sale 3 for $10)
(2) Crystal Light (on sale 3 for $10)
(spend $10 & they take off 3) $7 - $3 MC - $3 Dbl=$1.00 (OP)
Transaction Total= $1.13
Savings=$14.86

Total Out of Pocket=(OP) $15.05

Target...

(3) Hersey's Bliss Candy Bars .99 - .99 MC=FREE
(1) Oxi Clean Laundry $2.49 - mail in rebate up to $3.49=Free after rebate
Transaction Total=$3.27
Total OP after rebate=$0

Total Spent=$15.05
TOTAL SAVINGS=$79.40

That is what I call a successful shopping trip!

November may as well be FOREVER!

2009-06-02T13:13:00.000-06:00

Farm Life...

2009-05-29T13:36:00.002-06:00

Mikie went to spend a few days with Maria and Pete. These are pictures of some of his 'activities'. They tagged, branded & castrated cows one day. He also plowed and planted corn out on the farm.

Albertson's Trip

2009-05-26T12:39:00.004-06:00

OK... Here is what I got at Albertson's this morning, for {$2.75}!!!

I love Albertson's Doublers!
Here is how I did it....

Wheat Thins (on sale)
$1.47 - $1.00 Coupon (.47 OP)
Triscuits (on sale)
$1.47 - $1.00 Coupon (.47 OP)
Kraft Salad Dressing (on sale)
$1.50 - $1.00 Coupon (.50 OP) x3 (1.50OP)
Touch of Honey Corn Flakes (on sale)
$1.99 - $1.00 peelie on box - $.99 Albertson's Doubler X3!! (FREE)

Total Out of Pocket (OP) was $2.75
(I didn't need any of it but I have been following a few couponing blogs and just HAD to give it a shot!) Not bad for a newbie if I do say so myself!!!

Coop's Chicken Coop!

2009-05-22T18:45:00.008-06:00

(click on picture to view larger format)

Mikie has been out of school for 2 days and he has already successfully completed one of his goals for the summer. He is a member of his schools FFA and Agriculture Biology program and they hatched chickens a couple of months ago. With summer coming and the chicks getting bigger some of them needed a new home. (Mainly the baby boys!!! School is in a residential area and I guess they are worried abot the noise in the mornings?) I guess this is a good time to appologize to my neighbors!

First and foremost on his mind has been building a chicken coop! As soon as payday came around he ran to collect his check and cash it, then he drug me to Home Depot for supplies. We worked most of the day on Thursday, even driving to Hurricane to get grandpa in on it. (Thanks for the help with the ply-wood & use of the table saw.) He finished nailing it together and stapling the Chicken Wire on at about 12 am Friday morning.
(He is a slave driver!!!)

Of course he was up early wanting to finish up so he could bring the little guys home, ASAP! He recruited a few helpers for the morning and finished the nesting beds, moved it off of the porch and into the yard and stained it! (he does still have a bit to paint, but apparently he is going to wait for another day for that.)

Mikie anxiously called his teacher and made arrangements to run to the school. He needed me to go with him, after all he spent his check builing the 'coop', I was needed for food! Off we went to collect our charges. It was quite humorous to watch the guys try and decied which ones were roosters and which were hens, I do believe that they decided they were to young to tell and we may have to do some swapping of chickens when they get alittle older. After gathering 3 unknown birds, food & hay we arrived home with the callenge of introducing the little guys to the 'puppies' who are the ones that really run the roost! They are both very curious and we will definatly have to keep a close eye on them for a bit.
I had a really great time (even in the 94* heat on thursday)
helping Mikie plan and execute this adventure of his.
With summer just starting there is alot of time for more adventures to come!

Staying busy!!!

2009-05-16T22:41:00.000-06:00

Jenni has been busy this week, between 5th grade graduation (will post pic's soon!), pool party for earning the Eagle award (she had to memorize all the Presidents, States & Capitals, Gettysburg, Preamble to the Constitution, the Star Spangle Banner, Declaration of Independence, participate in the school History Fair, the 3 branches of the Government, all the information on the Flag, symbols of Old Glory and write The Pledge of Alegiance in her best cursive!) dance practice, dance dress rehersal, a quick trip to the school she will be attending next year.... and last, but not least her dance recital! {I am tired just writing it all!}
She IS NOT looking forward to getting out for summer break! She is one of those that would go to school all year long, she is going to miss her principal, Mr. Staheli and is working out a deal with him to come back next year and work with the Kindergarteners that need help with sight words and reading, she must be working on that scholorship application info already!! :)
Unlike Jenni, I am looking forward to summer starting at the end of next week just so I can recoup from the last two weeks!

An afternoon at Quail Lake...

2009-05-08T22:14:00.000-06:00

While George threw a line in around the bend Mikie & Jenni played on the shoreline with Leroy and Anne. It was Leroy & Anne's first time going to the lake and they both loved it. Leroy was a little chicken and stayed close to the shoreline, it turns out that Anne is quite the swimmer (& alot braver than Leroy!

and a Cherry on Top!

2009-05-04T16:21:00.004-06:00

My husband being home for our Anniversary was definitely the icing on the cake.
We had a grand day sleeping in, going to lunch, a movie and in general just bumming around all day long! I know it doesn't sound to glorious huh! But, when you never get to see each other it is the small everyday things that you really miss doing together! I really enjoyed spending the day with him.

We were finishing off the evening with desert at Red Robin! We had neglected both of our children all day long. Mikie was at work and so we took Jenni along with us. While sitting at Red Robbin I received a text from my great friend Lori telling me that Roberts craft was going to be doing Give-A-Ways for National Scrapbooking Day! At this point I thought I had about 45 minutes to an hour and that would be perfect! Well, about 5 minutes to 7pm she sent me another text and said they were starting at 7 NOT 7:30!
{eeks!!!}
To go or not to go... This was the question!
Well being the die hard crafter that I am.... of course it was
To GO.....

and this is what I walked out with.....

{What a WONDERFUL Day!}

It's all about the 1...

2009-05-01T16:46:00.003-06:00

We made it!
10 years ago today George and I headed down to Las Vegas for some shopping, (or so I thought!) Little did I know all of my complaining and nagging had broken through the thick skull of the amazing man I know call my husband. 10 years ago we had no Costco around, George and I would leave the kids (they were so little then) with grandma & grandpa and make trips to Las Vegas to hit Sam's Club and stock up.
I don't remember what was going on that weekend in Vegas, but town was packed and so where the hotels, we found a little cider block dive north of town to stay for the night. That should have been the 1st clue, it was
{The Hitchin' Post}.
We headed the rest of the way into town and headed to the Excalibur for the motion picture rides down in the arcades. After arriving in Vegas, George told me that he had really brought me down to get married. (I didn't believe him - AT ALL!) I told him, I wouldn't believe it until after it really happened. That was the truth, I was in shock for weeks before I snapped out of it and realized I wasn't dreaming! George's dad had remarried earlier that day and we really didn't want to share our anniversary. After going and getting our license we sat at the court house until Midnight, and were the 1st couple to be married May 2nd 1999.

>>>>>>>>Fast Forward>>>>>>>>

We made it!
1 year ago tomorrow... May 2nd 2008
George and I walked out of the St. George Temple as Eternal Companions.
It was a long road to the Temple for us but, thankfully for all of the
amazing family, friends, neighbors and examples in our lives we did make it.
In the sense that {REALLY} matters it is our 1st Anniversary tomorrow.

Baby Gracie

2009-04-25T19:20:00.005-06:00

Check out the following blog:
http://utsomniumsumptusnusquam.blogspot.com/

This is a family in our area. Andrea is a Kindergarten teacher at the school and was in the dinner group I belong to until just after finding out baby Gracie was going to be joining the family. Baby Gracie is so tiny. Our prayers are with her and her family.

BUMBLES DESIGN GIVEAWAY......

2009-04-20T21:31:00.001-06:00

BUMBLES DESIGN GIVEAWAY......

I am so excited about this drawing. I love Bumble watches. They are so cute and trendy...

Since 2004 Bumbles Jewelry has been creating unique interchangeable watchbands and other handmade jewelry. We have interchangeable watch bands, which are our specialty, but they also carry earrings, bracelets, necklaces, childs bands, child bracelets, child necklaces and more.To view all products visit our website at http://www.bumblesdesign.com When completing purchase, please select Natalie Delight as your Consultant.

GIVEAWAY: Bumbles Design has decided to giveaway a watch band and watch face of your choice. To enter simple go to http://www.bumblesdesign.com check out their awesome jewelry. Then go to http://www.simpleexpressionsllc.blogspot.com/ and post a comment with your email telling Natalie what your favorite band and watch face are. It's that easy. Also, let her know that you have blogged about this giveaway and you will be double entered to win.. Good Luck!!

"American Idol" ~ Washington Elementary Style!

2009-04-17T13:37:00.007-06:00

The annual School Talent Show was this morning and it was pretty exiting. Of course Talent shows are always great, all of the singing and dancing!!! We also had a juggler, break dancer, piano player and a couple of comedians...(and I am talking about the kids, not Mr. Bateman & Mr. Hogan!)

Jenni's class performed High School Musical's,
We're All in this Together.
They did a great job and got the crowd going pretty good.

The real talent for the show came over from Hurricane as a special treat. It was Taylor Vaifanua, (The 16 year old American Idol contestant ) She was great and started the Talent show off right with 3 musical numbers for the kids! It was a great mini concert in an unlikely place! (Glad I didn't skip out on the Talent Show this year!)

(***I realized something else today, my camera SUCKS...***)

Salt Lake City Here I Come!!!

2009-04-16T09:45:00.003-06:00

I am so..... excited!!! I didn't think that I was going to be going to the Stampin' Up! Convention this year, but............ I am!!!!

I can't wait! My mother-in-law is going to fly into Salt Lake City to attend with me, it is going to be so much fun {ALWAYS!}

Cousins!

2009-03-28T15:39:00.003-06:00

We had a few cousins come spend friday night and saturday with us. I was awoken to the plea to eat the breakfast that they had prepared for me in bed! (Not being much of a breakfast person and on a diet, I declined...) We all got dressed and walked over to Grandpa Henry & Grandma Lynnetta's house for a visit. On our walk home we stopped at the Brand New Washington City {LIBRARY} that opened last night. We are so excited and greatful to have a new and beautiful library within walking distance in our wonderful town. The kids (Sharp cousin's) call it Dad's Library. I guess in a sense they are right, thier daddy was the super... over the job. Here are a few pic's of the activities that they chose for the afternoon...

The two older girls sprawled out on the trampoline and read, while the boys played video games. Kylie was a little misplaced and wanted to "craft" I talked her into helping me clean the kitchen in trade. She made a cute little post it note key chain...

The New Erkel...

2009-03-23T16:06:00.002-06:00

I got this picture in an email from my sis today and knew I needed to share it!

Good Times...

2009-03-22T22:45:00.002-06:00

ok.... I know that the last post was when George came home for a visit, I don't mean to do a repeat BUT, I just wanted to share this story with you.

I have been wanting to go see the movie BRIDE WARS, I missed it when it came out and was totally bummed. So you can imagine how excited I was when I saw that it would be playing at the Flood Street Theater ($2.00 show, Oh, YEAH!) I sent a text to a couple of friends to see if they would like to go with me and then I decided that I would send out a mass text to all the "girls" in my phone inviting all to join us. {I figured it it was the end of spring break and some moms might need a little breather!} The movie was Great, it was funny and it is always great to get out with girlfriends. After the show a few of us ran out to the Bloomington Walmart, we had gone to the {TWILIGHT DVD RELEASE PROM PARTY} the previous night and needed to go pick up our free picture.
George had called me a few times on and off throughout the day and I knew that he was picking up a load in Salt Lake City and heading to Portland, Oregon at about noon. It was now about 6:30 pm, I was just about to drop off a friend and close to home when he called again and told me that he was going to stop for the night and get dinner. (I did think this was a little strange, it was early to stop when he had picked up so late, but I didn't give it a second thought.) We only talked for a minute and I asked him if I could call him right back... After dropping my friend off I was driving the 3 blocks home and decided that I would wait to call him until after I got into the house and all of the "walk in the door, need your attention NOW conversation" was out of the way.
So, you can imagine the surprise and shock that I felt as I pull up to the stop sign to make the turn to my house and see a Knight Truck pass by... In a split second I was thinking, "I wonder who else drives for Knight that lives around here? Why are they home and not my hubby?" Then I look up through the driver's side window and see {My HUBBY} turn, look at me, grin and wave! I just couldn't believe it, he was in Idaho...
I asked him if {IDAHO} was now code word for "I am almost home"?

After being up [ALL] night the night before, {Twilight DVD viewing / scrapbooking party, I got home at 5 am and decided I wasn't all that tired so I put the DVD back in and listened to it while I cleaned house!} getting to sleep at 7am and back up at 11 am. I didn't think that it would be 'smart' to go to another dark movie theater and suggested dinner... (no cooking, it's a good thing!) Then the kids suggested bowling! George hasn't taken me bowling since our EARLY dating days (he didn't like getting slaughtered by his date I guess!) I will tell you he did beat everyone this time, he claims that I let him win so that he would take me back again before another 12 years pass! We all had alot of fun and Jenni is already asking to go bowling again.

I am so very thankful that I had my {wonderful husband} home for the night and at my side during church before he had to leave again this afternoon...

HOME!

2009-03-09T13:27:00.001-06:00

George gave me the best birthday gift ever! He came home! It was at about 3:00 pm on my birthday (Thursday) that I heard him pull up, I was so excited! Just like it was Christmas morning. It has been a challenge to fit everything in 3 1/2 days isn't very long. (Unless of course you are wanting it to end and then it lasts forever! But, I was wanting this to last forever and it blew by!)
There was church ball on Thursday night that had to be played! We managed to fit in a movie date, a visit & BBQ with my parents and brothers in Hurricane, Tons of errands that needed tbe done, of course there was church on Sunday along with meetings to go to afterwards. Our weekend visit is winding down, with a load headed to Kansas City. As much as I am not ready to let him leave again, I am so very Thankful for the time that we were able to have over the last few days, and I am praying that he will be returning home for another visit very soon!

Weekend Visit...

2009-02-22T19:25:00.004-07:00

I am not very good at taking pictures to share! I had every intention but every time I thought about it I was with out my camera. I was able to snap a few with my phone, but they aren't the greatest.

We had all kinds of fun at our sleepover with Jocey, we didn't have much time but we did manage to fit all of the important things in! Like play with the puppies, Jocey just couldn't believe how excited they were to see her and how much they love her. They kept giving her kisses and kisses and more kisses! She say, They love me so much! Jenni wanted to play the Wii but Jocey would much rather get puppie kisses! She was also able to fit in Cinderella III (but only because we couldn't find Cinderella), eating cake, jumping on the trampoline, and going to church. She was a trooper for not knowing what to expect, I think she really enjoyed primary, expecially the goldfish that Diane kept slipping to her!!! There was no hesitation on going to sit with her class during sharing and singing time or going to her very own class. (Much to Jenni's dismay. Jenni was really wanting Jocey to go with her.)

We had a wonderful visit and I am so very thankful that we were able to spend some time with Savanna and her family.

Blogging...

2009-02-21T19:55:00.003-07:00

Savanna and Tory decided to come 'home' to Hurricane for the weekend. (Savanna is my sister that lives in Phoenix.) I was so excited when I found out, we haven't seen them since just after Christmas! We got up and headed to mom's to visit and yes, yes I "forced" her to start a blog! (Once she got started on her playlist there was no forcing involved!) She says not to expect much, I told her that it would take less than five minutes to post now and then, but after all of the time that it took to set it up she doesn't quite believe me. (of course the time it took doesn't have anything to do with changing the background half a dozen times, or making that playlist!!) Jocelyn had so much fun playing with her cousins, it was so cute when she said to her mommy, Thanks for letting me go to the park so many times with my cousins Mommy! (this was as they were heading to the park 2 blocks away for the third time!) We are having a sleepover at our house with Jocey tonight and taking her to church with us in the morning, os I am off to borrow a dress for her from a friend! I will post pic's of our visit soon!

I also helped Ashley (with her dad's permission) to start a family blog so now we just need to work on Mom and Lester's Fam!

On the Road

2009-02-19T13:05:00.002-07:00

After spending 5 days in Salt Lake for testing, training and orientation George hit the road last Friday afternoon (13th) headed for Reno. Unfortunately the weather was not very helpful and once he reached Reno he was stuck for 4 more days! They had closed the roads to California and that is where they wanted him to be. Finally, yesterday he was able to head out, he made it to his destination last night and unloaded this morning. Now he is on his way to load up and make a trek to Tempe, Az.
George and I both have sisters in that area, so I am sure that there will be no layover time and he will have a load waiting to go out as soon as he hits town!!!! LOL... Isn't that the way it always works. (Maybe he will get lucky and have an evening that he can spend visiting, and be able to get some time away from what I call his "studio apartment"!
As much as I hate him being away I love him that much more for the sacrifice that he is making for our family.

Bitter Sweet

2009-02-08T22:06:00.002-07:00

Today has been a bitter sweet day in our household. George has headed to Salt Lake to go through some training and orientation for Knight Trucking. He is hoping to be officially employed and in a truck by Thursday.
I keep trying to remind myself that it is a good thing to be employed, but I am unable to convince myself that any employment that takes you away from your family is good. There have been a boatload of tears shed, and I am sure there are more to come. I am thankful for a busy week ahead of me. I will be tending kids at the beginning of the week and helping mom at Lin's with Flowers for Valentines Day towards the end of the week. The next week will be the challenge when life as normal resumes (or so to speak). I will be grateful to not have any bill collectors ringing and the mailman to not be dumping past due notices at our feet. (So far we have been blessed to be able to stay on top of everything). So I say to myself.... One step at a time, One Day at a time and before we know it this will all be a distant memory.

New Blog!

2009-02-04T09:55:00.004-07:00

Ok, not that I have been keeping up with the TWO blogs I already have, but.... I am adding another to the list! "What's Four Dinner?" www.whatsfourdinner.blogspot.com

It is a shared blog with the Dinner Group that I belong to. There are four of us and each is assigned one night (Mon. - Thurs.) Each of us cook four meals on our assigned night and the rest of us kick back, (yeah right!) more correctly we concentrate on all of the other tasks that always need to be done! My night is Thursday!!! So, I cook 4 meals on Thursday and take around to the three other families. I have been a "member" of this Dinner Group since right after school started and let me tell you I would not want to change it anytime soon! I Love not only the convenience of it but also the new variety of meals that we are experiencing!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!

We are now venturing in to the blogging world with our meals and recipes of the week.

Life's Challenges

2009-01-09T09:33:00.002-07:00

Just the other day I was thinking how great life was and what an amazing Christmas season we have been blessed with. I know when you get to comfortable and things are going so great there is bound to be some type of obstacle placed in your path. And it is not about the actual obstacle that has appeared but what you do with it and how you handle the challenge. As most of you know I have always been a worker, and deciding to stay home with my wonderful children a year and a half ago was a challenge in itself. In October I decided to go back to work part time and was enjoying that, (although it was a big adjustment). That was short lived and I was layed-off the first part of December. We all know how the economy is and how many people are out of work. This wasn't such a shock to us as I had not been working for a while up until this point. Almost a month later is when the shock came... George calls me and says that he had just had a visit from his boss and that he was being layed off. Everyone knows how George is a prankster and I just waited for a minute waiting for the "Just Kidding" (It wouldn't have been the first time for this prank!) But, it was the first time that the "Just Kidding" didn't come! To say that I was in shock after our call ended would be an understatement! We are only a few days into our "New Life" and we are very optimistic. Things happen for a reason and when looking back too this point in a year I am sure we will be able to have a much clearer picture of the things that we were able to learn by going through this challenge. I am very thankful that we are privileged enough to have the gospel in our lives, a loving Heavenly Father to turn to at anytime, a temple close by to attend and feel so much Love and Peace, Family to be our emotional support, and an amazing set of friends to constantly remind us that they are here. I know that I may not always be able to see the bright side while we are waiting to find which way our path is going, but I do know where and to who I can turn to during those dark times, and I am hoping that if need be I will have this post to look back at and remind me of how I am feeling right now. "That everything is going to be Alright!"

Playing at the park

2008-12-29T16:06:00.004-07:00

I thought that everyone might enjoy a
few clips I took at the park!!!

Phoenix Visit

2008-12-29T15:38:00.002-07:00

Christmas afternoon we all loaded up into the van and headed out to Phoenix. My baby sister Savanna and her family and George's sister Tina and her family both live there. As a bonus Vickie and Mark were there from Michigan also. Vickie (George's mom) has been staying with Tina and her husband Brett tending thier new baby, Addison. She will be leaving soon so we figuered that we had better take advantage of everyone being so close and get a visit in! We ran into some nasty weather on our way down, wind and rain right out of Mesquite Nevada, and snow right about Kingman Arizona, so we didn't arrive until about 1 am. YUCK!!! Long trip, but well worth it! We hung out with Savanna and Jocelynn our first day, playing with Jocey's new toys and making a trip to the park. Later we got to visit with Tori after work and fit a visit to the Mesa Temple in. The lights and nativity displays were amazing. On Saturday we went to Brett and Tina's and spent the day with George's family, I helped Vickie with a new blog and loved on baby Addison while everyone else had a hayday playing on the kids's new Wii, and Rock Band on Brett's PS2. It was great to be able to spend time with everyone, although the time flew by so quickly. We took our time getting on the road on Sunday and didn't leave until about 1:00pm. Thinking that we would make a stop in Vegas and see Mike (George's brother) for a couple of hours and still make it home by 10. Well, we did make it home at about 10:00 pm, but our visit with Mike was limited to about 10 minutes. George decided that we should take the Hoover Dam route and we were priveliged enough to be one of thousands that partook in about a 2 1/2 hour traffic jam! Oh yes, it took us 2 1/2 hours to drive about 6 miles. Thankfully I had a good book with me, the kids had the dvd player, and George and the puppies were plain patient! It was a long trip once again... as we were leaving Savanna says, "come back soon". I am hoping to see them really soon, I am also hoping that the trip is alot shorter!

2008-12-27T17:36:00.005-07:00

Here are some pictures of our visit with Savanna and her family yesterday. We took Jocelynn and Jenni to the park, it was a little cool but they both had tons of fun!!! My favorite so far is when Savanna ask Jocelynn if she picked up her playdough this morning and she said "yes, my little cousin helped me!" As we all know Jocee is the "little" cousin, it was priceless! I am very happy to report that Jocelynn is actually talking to me and she will let me play with her! This is a huge step, over the summer when they came to southern Utah to visit, she would ignore me and run the other way whenever I would get close! I am really enjoying our time with The Borden's, it is coming to an end very quickly though.

Party Time!

2008-12-20T22:10:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Let it snow Let it snow Let it snow!!!

2008-12-18T16:17:00.002-07:00

It started snowing around 9:00 am yesterday and didn't stop until sometime after I went to bed this morning (after 12 am). I was surprised that there was this much snow still left on the ground this afternoon at 3:30pm. Usually anything that we do get is long gone by noon, but not this time, they closed the schools (silly!) and all of the kids (big & little) had tons of fun in the snow! I did check the School District website and school is on for tomorrow!!!! I am sure that everyone will not be remembering there snow day when they are making it up during spring break!!!

And next comes Dating....

2008-12-13T21:49:00.007-07:00

I can't believe how {fast} time passes! I could swear that just yesterday I was wiping his nose and helping him climb the stairs! Yet, here he is already dating.... {WOW!} That is pretty hard to swallow. Mom always told me that years would pass in a {blink of the eye}. I keep thinking that in the next blink I will be sending him off on his mission.
As I am typing this post Mikie is at {MORP} with {Aubrey}, a girl he goes to school with. They started off this afternoon with 'brunch' and decorating {Gingerbread Houses} with some friends. (Major {brownie points} earned on that one! We all know how I love gingerbread houses!) George and I were both gone when she picked him up, but Jenni was home and she gave Aubrey {2 thumbs up}!
Thankfully Jenni's recital was a short one and we were able to be home before they met up again this evening for the {dance}. It was pretty funny when she asked us if she needed to have him home by a certain time!!! LOL... When I asked Mikie about their {'Day Date'} he mentioned that they had gone to the St. George Town Square and taken some {pictures}, he assured me that I will get copies. (More brownie points!) Rest assure, I will share when I get them!

Christmas Recital

2008-12-13T21:30:00.004-07:00

Jenni had her Christmas {dance recital} tonight. There are 9 classes starting with 3 year olds up to 16 year olds. Jenni's class danced to {Santa Clause is coming to town}. It was a great recital, each class danced one dance and then they all danced in the finale'. Last year they all danced 2 dances and needless to say it was a tad long! It was great to see how she has {improved} from her last recital last spring.

Ward Christmas Party!

2008-12-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

Another year has successfully come and gone!!! George and I are on our ward Activity Committee and one of my favorites is our Christmas Party. It was so much fun! I started at about 10 am assembling Gingerbread houses. Last year I put them together at home and transported them to the church, I decided to assemble them at the church to eliminate the stress of transporting them. It worked great, I will definitely do it this way next year if we do the houses again. There were 32 all together and I love to see the excitement in the faces of all the children as they pick out what candy they want and take their houses to the tables to decorate them. After decorating houses they were able to have a family picture taken with their masterpieces. We had a dinner of roast beef, dutch oven potatoes (thanks to a few our wonderful priesthood members), green beans, salad and an array of desserts brought from various ward members. Yummmmmmm..... After dinner we ended the evening with the Nativity put on by our primary children. This is the 2nd year we as a Primary have done the Nativity and this year Jenni was selected to be the Inn keeper, she practiced her heart out to get it just right. The senior primary children have speaking parts and the junior primary children are all members of the Angel Choir! Let me tell you that it is a sight to see and I hope that this is one tradition that we continue with for years to come. There were not many dry eyes in the room.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2008-12-01T13:38:00.004-07:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break, although we missed those that couldn't be with us.
Maria and her family were able to come down for the weekend and as their last night was upon us it dawned on me that I had not taken my camera out once. So, of course I grabbed it and snapped a few shots.

Mikie

2008-11-24T09:44:00.004-07:00

I am so very {PROUD} of the young man Mikie is becoming. He is a shinning {example} in so many ways for our family. Mikie was ordained a {Priest} yesterday at church. He is a {Amazing} and I love him, oh so much.

Twilight

2008-11-24T08:20:00.014-07:00

I didn't go to the midnight showing on Thursday night, but a group of us did go to the matinee on friday afternoon. I went knowing I would be disappointed! I mean how can you cram so much info into a {two hour} movie? Seriously, there is no way! So I walked into the theater knowing everything would not be there and that I was going because {I JUST HAD TO}!
(Not knowing is WORSE than knowing right?) Coming out of the theater there was a clear knowledge that there are
NO {FENCE SITTERS} on this one, no one was saying, "Oh, it was ok. I didn't Love it, but I didn't Hate it either." You either {LOVED} it or you {HATED} it. I wasn't disappointed (like millions were) that they didn't fully explain all of the Cullen's backgrounds, the kitchen wasn't the same color as in the book, or that Edward's room wasn't large enough. I mean COME ON!!! I am sure that future movies will go into more detail of the {Cullen's} history and who know if they are reading all of the comments out there they may have a kitchen makeover where they paint those cabinets and Edwards room may suddenly seem larger the next time we all go visit. (I can't even remember the {color} of the kitchen, but apparently it was the wrong one!) Honestly the thing that surprised me the most was how many people loved Jacob. My perception of him was positivly different than most. I know he hasn't {changed} yet, but he seemed awfully small to me! I can't wait to see how they manage that for {New Moon}, oh yes I will be one of the firsts to see that one as well. Jacob was my only 'disappointment' and can't really say dissapointed. For what my opinion matters to anyone, I for one {{{LOVED}}} the movie! I am planning a return trip to the theater very soon, and it is a definate DVD purchase. So, if you haven't gotten out and watched Twilight yet, get off your duff and go! If you come out disappointed you can {yell at me} then.

Ginger Bread Houses!

2008-11-23T21:29:00.003-07:00

We finished off this crazy weekend with our
Annual Tradition of decorating Ginger Bread Houses.
Every year we get together with friends and decorate a family Ginger Bread House. We started off with a great lunch of soup, salad and scones with honey butter (this year was Turkey Soup, YUMMY!) if we start with full bellies more candy actually ends up on the houses!!! George usually does most of the decorating with the rest of us wandering in and out to help out. We display our house in our family room until the first of the year and after that it is fair game.
This is a tradition that every family should have...
it is better than the Christmas Tree!!!

Jenni's Day Spa & Salon!!!!

2008-11-23T20:28:00.005-07:00

First off I have to tell my friend Kim...
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!! I couldn't have done it with out you!

Jenni had her 11th Birthday Party on Saturday afternoon, it was Great Fun!!! We held it in the cultral hall and the kitchen at the church. We set up foot spa's in the kitchen (close to the water!) for Pedicures and a Parfin Wax Tub for our manicures. Then in the cultral hall we had 4 tables set up.

1 - Hair
2 - Mud Masks & Cucumbers
3 - Nail Polish for our hands and feet
4- Our Craft Table of course!!!

(Our Mud Mask & Cucumber Table turned into our Make Over table for make up after we cleaned and moisturized)

First we took before pictures of each girl, then we split the girls into two groups. One group went into the kitchen for pedicures and to wax their hands. The other group went to the mud mask and cucumber table. I have to share this picture it is my favorite!!! This is one group of girls chillin' with the mud masks and cucumbers. After both groups had thier turns with soaking their feet and cleaning that green stuff off of their faces we moved on to hair/makup and our craft. The girls did their mak up and a craft while waiting for their turn to have their hair curled by Kim & I. After curling each girls hair they had cake and Jenni opened her gifts. Then we took a after picture of each girl and Finished it off with a couple of great Group photo's.
Our craft was a two page scrapbook page layout. I came home and printed pictures... for hours!
Each layout has a spot for individual 'before' & 'after' pic's, two "action" shots and a group photo. I have all of the pictures printed and about 1/2 of them trimmed and mounted. As soon as i get them all done Jenni will take them around with a thank you card and bath salts!
Here are the pages that I made for them to go off of...
they are 8 1/2 x 11, I do 12 x 12 so I will build ours up to that.

They each made changes and came up with unique pages!
It was a great party, I think that all the girls had a great time!!! I just have to say, it is Kim & I's turn for a spa day, and thank goodness birthdays are only once per year!!!

Jenni's Birthday

2008-11-21T16:39:00.002-07:00

Hey everybody this is Jenni and I can't wait for my birthday to be here!!!!!!!! I will be 11 years old making Mike be 5 years older instead of 6. My mom will put pics of the party and they will be great!! Sometimes I wish that I was already 11 because then I will only have a year till my ears can be pierced. That will be a happy moment for me. W

Thanks Trista

2008-11-16T18:59:00.004-07:00

I have been tagged!

This one is called 6 on 6's (or something like that)...
6 TV shows I like to watch:
1. The Biggest Loser
2. Amazing Race
3. Survivior
4. E.R.
5. The Mentalist
6. Samantha Who?

6 Restaurants I like to eat at:
1. Olive Garden
2. Chilli's
3. Red Lobster
4. Sub Way
5. Famous Daves
6. Brazilian Restraunt at Jordon Landing

6 things that happened today:
1. Church
2.Played in Nursery!!!
3. A Great Nap
4. Eating Fresh Home made Donuts
5. Realized Jenni's Birthday is in ONE week!
6. Got Tagged!

6 things I am looking forward to:
1. Maria & Family coming for Thanksgiving!
2. The Cool Air!
3. Christmas
4. Ginger Bread Houses
5. Soup Season!!!
6. Getting used to Mikie having his Driver's License

6 things on my wish list:
1. Have Mikie sealed to us
2. Be Debt Free
3. Go to the Stampin Up Convention '09
4. A Cruise
5. House Payed Off!!!
6. A Stamp House

6 people I Tag:
1. Bobbi
2. Kacey
3. Peggy
4. Maria
5. Emily
6. Kim

It is Official!

2008-11-13T16:50:00.003-07:00

Well it is official! Mikie has received his Driver's License! It was a close call, there for a bit we thought that he was going to have to wait until next week. Just as we walked into the DMV the state's Computer Server went down! OH NO!!! The state of Utah has adopted a 4 day week, they are opened Monday - Thursday 8am - 6pm. With this being Thursday we figured that it just wasn't meant to be. The oh so friendly workers at the Washington County DMV let everyone know that they didn't know when the computers would be up and regardless they would be closing at 6pm tonight and not open back up until Monday morning. We were all welcome to wait, but there were no guarantees that they would be back up today.

Given the option to leave and come back or sit as long as 3 hours for the smallest chance that the computers will be back up and running so that they can get the long awaited Driver's license...... Can you guess what a 16 year old would choose. Now, if you are waiting in line for more than 10 minutes at the pharmacy for a life saving prescription, or sitting in the Emergency room for a siblings broken arm, they would say "Let's Come Back Later". But this is Life ALTERING, Time honored and of course 3 hours is well worth the wait!

Thankfully..... It didn't take 3 hours! The Computers were only down for about 30 minutes. (ALOT of people chose not to wait!) So when the workers said to form a line Mikie was the FASTEST and got in spot Number 1! It took about 2.2 minutes from that point and we were out the door. We left the house thinking it would be at least an hour if not two, arrived to think it would be even longer and more likely than not we wouldn't even accomplish anything, but it turned out that we were really only there for about 45 minutes Tops!!! Now you can't beat that!

New Adventure!

2008-11-08T11:52:00.001-07:00

I am once again "On Someone Else's Time!" I started working again this week after taking a year and a half off to be with the kids. I am working at Swiss Bank Storage Fort Pierce. It is almost a 20 minute drive (15 if it is IDEAL traffic!) across town. I am thankful that it is 85% Interstate and I don't have to deal with in town traffic. I will be working most mornings until about 1:00 pm. It couldn't be more perfect, I will be home in the afternoon when the kids get home. How lucky am I!?!?!?! I am also thankful for the fact that I have a job! I have been "out of the loop" for so long that I was pretty unaware of the unemployment problem in this area. I have worked for the family that owns this facility and am happy and excited to be blessed to work for them once again. So... wish me luck on my new Adventure!

Get Out and Vote!

2008-11-04T09:18:00.001-07:00

I Voted!

2008-11-04T09:17:00.003-07:00

Deer Hunt

2008-10-25T23:01:00.003-06:00

George and Mikie arrived home from a week of deer hunting in Roosevelt, Utah. Mikie shot his deer opening morning (Saturday, October 18th). He was very excited that it was bigger than the one he shot last year! I have Maria to thank for the picture above. George says he took some, but he still loves his "film" camera so I will have to wait to get them!

George didn't bring the big one home this year! I am sure that he will be planning next years trip before the month is over!

Crazy Day!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-09T21:00:00.003-06:00

Well..... What we thought would be an uneventful day ended up to be a pretty eventful one after all. I got a call from Washington Elementary School at about 3:00 this afternoon asking me to come over. Jenni had tripped and hit her head on a desk in class and was bleeding pretty bad! Panic mode hit and I rallied up the 3 kids that I was tending. (Remember, Jenni is my baby and she will be 11 years old next month) I am not the fastest at grabbing and loading and unloading, it is kinda like a circus and I am trying to juggle! Thankfully Mia was already dressed for dance practice, it is at the school at 3:30. Once me and my crew made it to school it was about 3:15 and Jenni was not bleeding anymore. Mrs. Jolley had taken wonderful care of her, squeezed the gaping hole in her head together and put a bandage on it. We were lucky, our friend JoLene was sitting with her when I arrived and offered to wait with Mia until dance started and take Noah home with her (lifesaver!). I ran Lilly across the street to her grandma's house and headed to Instacare. Jenni wanted to see her dad first, so I called him and he had gotten home since I had left. We turned around and went home, Jenni cuddled with her dad for a few minutes while I ran around the neighborhood and dropped dinner off to my dinner group, then we headed out. Dropping Mikie off at work on our way we got to the Instacare at about 4:00pm. We got lucky once again and only had to wait for about 5 minutes to go back to see a Dr. He came right in and got to work. Jenni was pretty scared, she has probably only seen a Doctor about 5 times in her life including when she was born. But no fear, dad held her hand the whole time and even made her laugh a little with his corny jokes! We were out of there by about 4:35-ish, (that is a miracle in itself!) with six stitches in her forehead. Thanks to our wonderful neighbor Kurt, (for coming and getting dinner in the oven) we weren't to far behind schedule for such a crazy afternoon! Of course, Jenni had to call and ask her BFF to come over and hang out for a little while, she needed support! Of course they had to walk around the neighborhood and show off her soon to be scar to everyone. I for one am very happy that the afternoon is done, Mikie is home from work, we are all settling in for the night safely at home and this crazy day is almost over!

Way to go Mikie!

2008-09-27T13:17:00.004-06:00

Mikie brought his grades home yesterday. I was a little surprised, (we are still 2 weeks away from the end of the quarter). I would say he was a little proud of himself, (otherwise why bring your grades home early!) I was completely blown away, how excited am I that he has had a fire lit under him this year. I don't know exactly who or what struck that match, but let me tell you I am extremely grateful. Mike is really getting into different things this year, things that are surprising to me. He is on the block schedule, so 4 different classes every other day, 8 classes total. He also has taken Drivers Ed, and is participating in Men's Choir during the lunch hour, (this allows him to receive 10 credits instead of just 8!) He is taking the usual Math and English as well as Concert Choir, 2 fitness classes, Agriculture Biology, a Study skills class and Landscaping. He has also joined the local FFA and loves that! He will be traveling to SUU in Cedar City next week for his first competition and is determined to do well. Mike is One month and Three days away from his sixteenth birthday and his driver’s license! He drives me around wherever he needs to go, (and where ever I need to go if he is around!) Any way, are you ready for this he had TEN, (yes that says 10) A’s! His highest being a 106% in Language and his lowest being a 95% in Driver’s Ed! I would say that is a great start to the school year! Not bad, not bad at all! WAY TO GO MIKIE!

Jenni's School Fundraiser

2008-09-22T18:03:00.003-06:00

Jenni's school annual fundraiser with Innisbrook has begun. Innisbrook Wraps has beautifully designed gift wrap printed on quality recycled paper, coordinating gift wrap accessories, gourmet foods and fine Helen Grace Chocolates that make great gifts, Time Inc. magazine subscriptions, and more.

For every item that is purchased, Innisbrook donates up to 50% of the purchase price to her school. She will also earn a prize credit for every item purchased except school supplies. The more prize credits she earns, the more prizes she wins!

Please consider visiting the Innisbrook website and making a purchase on her behalf. A link is included below. The sale will be over soon, so don't wait. Place your order today.

Thanks for your help!

Seller: JENNIFER D Seller ID# R108396D
School: WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL P
School Number: 110777

Click the link below to visit Innisbrook.com and they will recognize Jenni and her school automatically.

http://www.innisbrook.com/index_students.cfm?id1=R108396D&id2=&id3=

If the above link does not work:
1. Click below
2. Enter the Seller ID# R108396D
www.innisbrook.com/id.cfm

Peaches...

2008-09-17T08:57:00.002-06:00

I had my first experience with peaches this year. That is a little suprising even for myself, since peaches are my all time favorite! This year the kids and I went out to the church orchard and picked a few (4 five gallon buckets) and over the last week I have slowly been processing them. I wasn't brave enough to try bottling them by myself so I froze 90% of them. I left one bucket of the greener ones sitting for almost a week and decided yesterday that the time had came, I had to get them done! I got alittle braver and made peach preserves. They were SOooo Yummy on my toast this morning and the bottles look so pretty on my counter! I only used about 1/2 of the ones I processed yesterday for preserves, I saved the other 1/2 for Mikie, he was going to dutch oven us some peach cobbler, but that rain storm that came through put an end to that! I am really hoping it will be nice tonight, I can already smell and taste it, Mmmm...

School Pages!

2008-08-28T10:47:00.003-06:00

Here are the scrapbook pages that I did of Jenni's first day of school! I still have to do the journaling on the empty mat, I am also planning on adding a picture of the adorable lunch box that I am planning on making here later this month. Jenni was so excited on her first day. It was brought up that it was the first day of her last year at Washington Elementary, next year she will be off to Intermediate school!
These pages are also the pages that we will be doing in our September Stampin' Up! Club. You can view the other projects that we have planned on my sassEstamper blog.

Stampin' Up! Convention 2008

2008-08-12T14:08:00.002-06:00

OH MY!!! Where to begin! Kim and I headed to SLC on Tues morning July 28th with Stampin' on our minds! It was a whirlwind of activities from the moment we left until the moment we got home on the evening of Sunday July 29th.
We took a detour to The Mount Timpanogos temple on the way to SLC. It was beautiful! Then we headed to Oak's home (Kim's sister in law). We happened to pull up as Oak and her daughter Jenn where headed out for a dinner of ice cream! We managed to persuade them to a Brazilian restaurant at Jordan Landing (OH MY, we found this restaurant last April while attending the Scrappin' USA Expo in SLC) Yummy! Then shopping!!!
Wednesday we headed to the Salt Palace to pick up our convention goodies and visit Momento Mall. We changed our minds on Momento Mall when we realized that the line was a million miles long already! We decided to meet Oak and Jenn for lunch downtown, BIG mistake as there are a million other stampers that are hungry too. (And I thought that they were at in line at Momento Mall!) We drove out of downtown alittle bit and found a quiet Thia restaurant. Then went on a visit to the Salt Lake Temple. After the Temple, getting into Momento Mall and a little bit of confusion we met up with our favorite Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Susan Adams for a Stampin' Up! 20th Year Birthday Bash! Food, Stampin', and great conversation What more could a girl want!
Thursday, we headed to the first full day of convention fun. General Session was amazing as always! Then classes and make and takes to fill the day. Awards Night was awsome, so many accomplishments and Great entertainment! Loved It!
Friday General Session, OH MY!!!!! The partnership with Sizzix!!!! Can you say excitement! I thought that women got excited about Black Friday Sales! Nothing compared to the Sizzix Big Shot for Stampin' Up! with exclusive dies!!! WOW! The remainder of the day was a blurr after that! Well, up until midnight and the Breaking Dawn book release! Did I mention there was not a lot of sleeping going on! I did tell Kim that if we could go get the book, I wouldn't stay up all night reading, I did pretty well.... only a couple of chapters! Friday and Saturday we rode Trax into SLC, so you can guess what I did on Saturday morning! 45 minutes of uninterupted reading!! Morning classes and more make & takes before the Closing Session. I didn't think I would see the Sizzix enthusiasm two days in a row, but I was wrong! The whole of America probably wouldn't understand why we were so excited to see the UPS guy show up, but hey, who said we were normal! The session closed after UPS presented all convention goers with the Ronald McDonald House Stamp set of the Fall Winter Catolog, (Say it with Scallops). Stampin' Up! Donates $2.00 from each set sold to the Ronald McDonald House Charity.
An exhausting week , but well worth it! We are both ready to be home with our families, but to tired to drive to get there! So we stay one more night and head home Sunday! Not to tired to say we wont be back again NEXT YEAR!

1st day of school!

2008-08-12T13:24:00.003-06:00

The day has come! Summer vacation is over and school is starting! Jenni has been ready for this moment since about two weeks after school got out! She is so excited that I thought she would burst! She is proud to be able to say she will complete her elementary school years with a female teachers (not counting a few subs). She is very excited about this school year, her last at Washington Elementary School. She has said she will be very sad to be leaving Principal Staheli.

You may notice that there are no pictures of Mikie. It has happened! He said he would rather 'ride' the bus today! The first time I was forbidden from driving him on the first day of school. I guess I shouldn't feel to bad. He is starting 10th grade and after talking to other mom's they were surprised that I was 'allowed' to take him las year! Maybe I will try to sneak a few pictures after he gets home today!

Cedar Mountain 7/27/08

2008-07-28T18:30:00.003-06:00

We attended Syrus's homecoming in Cedar City today, it was amazing! He spent the last two years in London on his mission. We decided to drive home over Cedar mountain. It was a refreshing drive, I forget how much cooler it is. The meadows were still green, I was surprised not to see more golden hues with it being almost August. We were able to take some great pictures, I hope you enjoy them.

2008-07-22T23:21:00.006-06:00

Countdown Clocks at WishAFriend.com

Summer Vacations!

2008-07-22T19:06:00.020-06:00

Oh O.K.! I guess I will give this a shot! My friend Peggy will be so proud! I have been spending numerous hours (should I be admitting this) reading blogs over the last few weeks. You read one and find someone else's, it is like the domino effect, eating Pringles, or in my case opening a new stamp set! Once you get started there is no stopping!

The kids have started the countdown for the First Day of School! Of course, now comes ---> I need this, I need that! Jenni (now 10 1/2) asks to go buy school supplies every day, I think a week summer break would be enough for her. Mike is trying to hang onto the last days of summer and not think about his first year in High School! I keep thinking how impossible it is, I just got out of High School, didn't I?

Myself, I have enjoyed the summer. This is the first year since Jenni was a baby that I have spent the summer home with the kids and not working every waking hour. We have taken some elaborate vacations this summer if you count the College Road Trip we went on this morning, or the the trip we are planning to Greece (Mamma Mia), Oh yeah Mike took a quick jaunt to Gotham City yesterday! I also went to Scottland with my friend Kim (Made of Honor) and we had several Speedy (Speed Racer) adventures with our good friend Indiana Jones, & our visit to Nim's Island, we visited the creepy house around the corner (Spiderwick Cronicles)! Honestly, the best was that trip that I started to Tuson, and all of the great friends that I met in the Arizona desert. The Host, my new cave family is unforgettable. Next week I do plan on a Twilight visit with my old friends Bella & Edward, (Breaking Dawn)
Jenni has her close friend Hannah Montana stopping by on the 26th (3-D Disney) If that isn't enough traveling for the summer, (no wonder I am so exhausted!) I do leave for SLC to attend the 20th Anniversary Stampin' Up! convention next Tuesday. 4 days of stampin'. George played softball in the Cedar City Summer Games, and is playing in another tournament this weekend.

Who could ask for more?