peace

Blast From the Past

2012-01-20T22:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight Ella performed for the East High Men's basketball halftime with the "Little Leopards" cheer squad.

It was a huge group of little girls doing some cheers and a dance they had practiced all week long. She had so much fun and didn't want it to end.

As we walked into the school and sat down for the game I started having all of these strange emotions and memories flood over me. I am OLD and things have changed quite a bit at EHS but there were still a lot of things that hadn't. I saw my basketball coach, JoAnn Orr, and Coach Marguets. I watched the girls basketball team get killed and I remembered running plays on that same court. I saw the different groups of kids and who was interacting with who. What a night! So fun and I am excited for my kids to experience high school and at the same time I don't want them to experience it at all. What a crazy place. Fasten your seatbelts!!!

Resolutions

2012-01-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

It is said that we should write down our goals, I thought this might be a good place to remind myself of what I want to be doing. Life is crazy, tough, confusing, and joyful. Sometimes I feel I need a good jump start to remind myself of things and a new year always seems to do that. Why is it that a date can make us feel like we can do the thing we've been struggling with for the previous 365 days? I don't know but it does for me. So here it goes...I am going to be more POSITIVE, OPTIMISTIC, & HOPEFUL.I am going to go to the gym.I am going to read the Book of Mormon and MANY other books.I am going to speak kindly to and of others. (This includes my children)I am going to work hard.I am going to save.I am going to LOVE!

Bang in the New Year!!!

2012-01-17T22:18:00.000-08:00

Well, instead of trying to catch up...I'm going to keep up. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We rang in the New Year, or banged in the New Year with our Richards family. Since we have some little kids, we decided to celebrate at 8 p.m. Why didn't we think of this sooner???

We banged pans, popped pops, blew whistles, shot confetti and had lots of fun.

In fact, it was way more fun than the "real" new year where everyone was sleeping. (or playing Words With Friends)

Anyway...Happy 2012...I can't wait to see what you bring!

Hebgen 2011

2011-10-30T20:15:00.001-07:00

Father's Day 2011

2011-10-09T16:07:00.001-07:00

Ragnar Relay

2011-10-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

June 2011Provo Fire RetroJosh ran the Wasatch Back Relay with a group of guys from the fire department. On their way home they got a flat tire and had to be picked up because the bolts on the spare were so rusted. It looked a bit like a clown car.

Happy Birthday Ella Bo Bella

2011-10-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

My little girl has grown up this year. It is amazing to me how much she is able to do for herself and others and she is a very kind, loving sister. She takes great care of her baby brother and she plays really well with Preston and Luke. This year for her birthday she wanted a "Wild West" theme. (Thanks Katelyn for the horse influence)

We invited family and a few of our favorite friends to celebrate.

Flag Day Fishing

2011-10-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

June 14, 2011My kids have the best uncle Keven. He has a passion for fishing and has shared that with them. We went up Provo Canyon and fished with Papa and caught tons of fish. I think the kids are going to have an unrealistic expectation the next time they go fishing.

While we were there, we noticed a group of firefighters doing swift water rescue training in the huge Provo River. Then we noticed that one of them was aunt Meggie. Awesome!

Orem Summerfest

2011-10-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

June 11, 2011Every summer Orem City has a great carnival and parade called Summerfest. We love to go and watch the parade because Papa dresses up like a firefighter clown named Cinder Britches. This year we got to be a part of the parade. Luke, Beckham and I rode on the tuk tuk with Papa and uncle Keven.

Ella and Preston rode in Kara's Land Rover as part of a float called Coming to America with uncle Jonny. They dressed as immigrants coming to the United States. It was quite the experience.

Summer Hair Cuts

2011-10-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

I decided to give the boys a summer buzz hair cut. When I told Luke he was super excited to get a Buzz. (I think he thought I meant a Buzz Lightyear toy). Before:

After:

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-10-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

After visiting the cemetery we headed up to Woodland to sleep over. We headed over to the Kamas Rec Center and got certified to climb on the indoor climbing wall. Ella loved it and climbed to the top a few times. Dad and Josh also climbed quite a bit and I helped belay them.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-10-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

The Cook Family has a tradition of visiting the cemetery where Grandpa and Grandma Cook are buried.

Work Day May 25, 2011

2011-10-09T15:08:00.001-07:00

We had a truck that we were filling with yard waste and Luke decided that he wanted to help. He went and found his work boots, his hard had and his cute smile. He spent all day outside working along side Josh.

Ultra 5k athon

2011-09-18T15:07:00.001-07:00

For my dad's birthday all he wanted was for the family to run a 5k together. We all have such crazy schedules that we couldn't find an official race so we decided to surprise him and we organized our own race. We made T-shirts, and we ran through the neighborhood. It was super fun!

Nature Club

2011-09-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

My cute dad has created a play area for the grandkids in his backyard and somehow it go the name Nature Club. It is under the trees tucked away from the world and next to the creek. It reminds me of the book Bridge to Terrabithia. The kids play all kinds of make believe and lots of animal games. The best part of all is that Grandpa plays there with them for hours on end. Thanks for being there and creating priceless memories!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-09-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is a great day. I love the tender notes and homemade gifts from the kids and the extra attention from my hubby.

We decorated cookies and licked the frosting off too!I love being a mother more than anything in the world. It is so challenging and yet so rewarding all at the same time. Just when you think you're going to lose it, someone will say, "Mommy I love you." These tender little faces keep me going and I love them to death. I also love and appreciate my mom and J's mom so much more now that I'm doing it!Happy Mother's Day to all those who are mothers to me and my family!

Happy Mother's Day Nanna!

2011-09-04T21:50:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Nanna! We love you so much and really appreciate all your hugs and kisses!

2011-09-04T21:43:00.001-07:00

Miss E played soccer this spring and it was a riot! I don't think they won a single game but we had such a great time. There were fun friends, new gear/uniforms, yummy treats and an excuse to be outside. GOAL!

To Infinity and Beyond!

2011-09-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

We had the best Buzz Lightyear party ever! L turned 3 and so we had both families over to party. Toy Story is his very favorite and it was fun decorating and making his cake. He has the best extended family ever.

B getting bigger

2011-09-04T21:28:00.001-07:00

This was the end of April...yes I am playing catch-up.

Easter

2011-09-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

Easter is such a funny holiday. I love the religious side of it and the eggs are so fun to make but an Easter Bunny?

Well luckily he did come!I do love the Easter outfits! It is so fun picking them out and even better with these crazies in them.

The New Adventures of Hansel and Gretel

2011-09-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

E was in a school play called "The New Adventures of Hansel and Gretel". It was a modernized version of the classic fairy tale. She was in the Jail Choir.

A few more Disney pics

2011-05-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

One of the kids favorite rides was the Jungle cruise. The couldn't decide if the animals were real or not but they went on it a bunch of times.

I loved the Peter Pan ride.

We rode Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and the carousel. Ella wouldn't get off her horse.

Disneyland

2011-05-24T14:08:00.001-07:00

We ate lunch where the characters went in and out of the park. We ran into Chip and Dale and played charades with them for about 1/2 an hour. It was so much fun. This is Dale.

We had so much fun with the Gees. Our kids wanted to do whatever the Gee boys wanted to do. In fact I was surprised that Ella and Preston wanted to go on the Matterhorn. Ethan convinced them it would be awesome!

Beckham. This is about all he did the entire time. Ate his socks and smiled!

A few people told us that it would be fun for our kids to "trade pins". We bought lanyards, pins and got the kids excited about it. Well they didn't want to wear them after about 10 minutes. (Actually Josh was just super into the pin trading!)

Princesses. This was totally worth the 45 minute wait. We saw Belle, Ariel and Tiana (Princess and the Frog). My favorite part was when the boys met Belle. She was gorgeous and I think they were a little overwhelmed. She asked them to come and talk to her and they couldn't decide what to do. They practically froze. I guess that is what a beautiful woman does to guys.
Ella loved that she got to see her favorite princess, Ariel.

Toon Town Fire Department

Tarzan's Tree House. I took the two younger boys while Josh took Ella and Preston to a "fast ride". It was awesome. The tree house is the old Swiss Family Robinson tree house but it has been updated.

California here we come!

2011-05-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break we decided to take the kids to California. We packed up and drove to St. George. We stayed the night and then the next day we drove to Culver City where my cousin's family lives. Chris and Rachel were sooooo generous and let us camp out in their home. Did I mention Rachel was 8 months pregnant? Yes she really is a trooper!

This is Ventura Beach where we went to see tide pools with the Gee family. It was a pretty overcast day but the kids were super excited to finally see the ocean. This was their very first time. We found sea stars, and lots of great sea life. There was even a cave like the one in Peter Pan where Captain Hook takes Tiger Lily. The tide began to come in and we had to leave the cave because it was filling up with water.

The Gees were wonderful to let us overtake their house and we piled into their darling home for a few days. The kids were in heaven. The tiny turtles were quite the show and all the boys to play with were just what our boys needed.
We had a great Sunday dinner out in the yard.

Happy Birthday Josh

2011-04-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Can't sleep

2011-04-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

Any ideas???

Sad eyes

2011-04-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

B was born with a clogged dear duct and so he has a lot of discharge around his right eye quite often. Some mornings he wakes up like this and we have to clean it off so he can open his eyes. Sad!

Birthday boy

2011-04-04T22:09:00.001-07:00

Josh turned 33! We hung out in the morning before school and then Josh and I went to dinner that evening. Josh, I am soooo glad you were born! I love you!

All dolled up

2011-04-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

Ella came out of her room the other morning looking like this. She LOVES to get decked out. It doesn't really matter what she is wearing, she just loves to "imagine" and be dressed up.

I love this! Makes me wanna dance!

2011-03-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Blue eyes

2011-03-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

He is soooooooo much fun!

Future Engineer

2011-03-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

Josh has been working to get his certification to become an engineer at the fire department. An engineer is the person who drives the fire truck, takes care of it and regulates the water pumping and ladders at a fire. It has been so fun to watch Josh come home from his classes and talk about water pressure, ladders and crab mode (that is when the fire truck drives sideways). He's like a little boy playing with his toy truck. I guess that's where Luke gets his love of trucks from. Like father like son!

Taekwando

2011-03-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

Preston tried out the martial art of Taekwando. We signed him up, got him the uniform and he went for about a month and a half. It was pretty intense and he was the youngest one in the class. Master Vo, the instructor, told us that he usually doesn't take students until they are at least 6 years old. Well it was worth a try. Preston decided it wasn't for him but he did learn how to do a push-up, kick, yell, and say "yes sir". It was really fun to watch him in this new experience. He needs something of his own to do. Hopefully we can find something to replace Master Vo's TKD. If you have any great ideas let me know.

Valentine's Day

2011-03-02T13:10:00.001-08:00

Wow! Who knew that this holiday could need so much prep? We spent an entire day making Valentine's boxes and cards.
Ella anted a barn for her box and she made her own cards to hand out with sheriff badges on them. It said, "Howdy Valentine! Will you be my deputy? Love Sheriff Ella" I got to help out with her school party where they had a chocolate fountain. She got a few extra special valentine's from some boys who "like" her a lot. I don't know if I'm ready for all this!
Preston's box was a zoo and Luke's was a fire station.

And look at my Valentine! Thanks again Josh!

Beckham is 7 months old!

2011-03-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

Everyone who meets him says, "He's such a happy, mellow, content baby." It is true. He is super easy going and unless he's hungry or being attacked by his older brothers, he is happy. We love you Beckham!

Red Rock Relay ZION

2011-02-12T22:58:00.001-08:00

TIME TO START RUNNING.

Did I mention I love these?

2011-02-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

Cinnamon Lips

Staying optimistic

2011-02-02T20:05:00.001-08:00

This picture has given me a new challenge. Life is hard and it is so easy to let all the hard things just drag you down. It is easy to complain and get grumpy. I feel like I needed a reminder that things are good and I can look for the happy, positive things in life. Beckham teaches me that daily. He has been really sick and still he smiles and is very pleasant to be around. Thanks little B. I love you.

Blog issues

2011-01-31T08:56:00.000-08:00

Anyone have good ideas to spice up my blog background. I'm having troubles. Do you have background sites you like?
Let me know. I need a new look!

Tooth

2011-01-30T22:26:00.001-08:00

The other night, Josh decided to have a little snack before bed. He poured himself a bowl of Raisin Bran Crunch cereal and began to enjoy when crunch, he broke his tooth. This tooth has been having problems for quite a while and he has chipped it at least 2 or 3 other times before but this was the worst ever. Don't worry, it is fixed and he is back to his handsome self again.

Great Cookie we miss you!

2011-01-30T22:21:00.000-08:00

When my Grandma Cook passed away I brought home this dress that she used to wear. It reminded me of her so much. Ella put it on and I had a flood of feelings and great memories of my sweet grandma. I miss her advice, kisses, and loves.

Sledding

2011-01-30T22:11:00.000-08:00

My dad, sister (KIm), Ella, Preston, and I went sledding to bring in the new year. It was a beautiful day and the sledding hill was hoppin'. Moe, Kim's dog, even had a blast. There were tons of other dogs for him to chill with. At first Preston was really hesitant to go down the hill but after one run he had so much fun. He would yell, "Faster mom, faster!" Thanks Kim for the pictures.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-30T22:08:00.000-08:00

This was my best New Year's Eve since I've been married. For some strange reason we have had really dumb, lame, New Year's Eve celebrations or the lack thereof. This year we hung out together and Josh was even awake for midnight. Yes I got my New Year's kiss!

Beckham beginning the journey of solid foods

2011-01-30T22:01:00.000-08:00

It doesn't really matter what is happening, Beckham is happy. He is a very content baby and I am really grateful for that. He is easy going and loves to smile. Look how happy he is to be eating rice flakes in lots of water. Yummy!

Family Pictures

2011-01-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

Since everyone was in town my dad decided to arrange family pictures. So much fun!!!

We love our cousins.

2011-01-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

We loved having cousins in town over the Christmas break. We had tea party after tea party and non stop dress ups! So much fun!

Look at Luke playing the princess part. He looks like he should be the evil dragon that carries away the princess instead. Good thing.

First lost tooth...FINALLY!

2011-01-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

Ella has had a "wiggly tooth" for quite a while now. She was the last one in her school class to lose a tooth and was really anxious. Tears were shed because she was so anxious. Well it finally happened and she was with a bunch of cousins and family which was perfect. She even waited to put it under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy because she wanted to take the tooth for Show and Tell at school. Growing up...what an adventure!

Christmas morning

2011-01-30T21:24:00.000-08:00

Santa came!!!
Pillow Pets, Batman, Dart guns, Thomas the Train, horses, art supplies, and clothes.

Christmas Eve with the Richards

2011-01-30T21:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve with the Richards is always full of tradition. We eat a great dinner, act out the Nativity, and then Santa makes an appearance. This year was another great celebration. We ate "shepherd stew" for dinner. Eric, my brother, coordinated the Nativity and we focused on the shepherds.
Ella was a very angelic angel.

Beckham was a sheep with his uncle Dave as a shepherd who took great care of him.

Luke was a very somber, serious shepherd.
Preston was Joseph who led "Small One" the donkey with Mary (Annie) on its back.

Josh was also a shepherd and taught us the importance of the men in our families who act as shepherds.

A very familiar Santa came and gave everyone PJ's. It's too bad my dad misses seeing him every year. It is a strange coincidence.

Christmas with the Forsyths (a little early)

2011-01-30T20:35:00.001-08:00

Since all of Josh's siblings are workaholics and had to work on Christmas day, we got together a few days early to celebrate. We had a great time. Josh got a really creative gift card to REI and a ham from his mommy. Foosball and was another favorite we got to bring home. Even better we had the entire family together. That is becoming a rare thing.
I got a new hoodie. Purple, which according to my sister, is really in. Did I mention i love hoodies?

Ella was in heaven with her new horse stable set.

Preston got a Nerf basketball hoop set that he wasn't so sure about but once we set it up in his room, let's just say he's dunking like Jordan.

Luke loved his screwdriver/drill set.

Beckham got his very first Christmas gift, a teething toy.

My Birthday

2011-01-23T19:40:00.000-08:00

Birthdays are kind of a funny thing. People are so kind and wish you well and it is really sweet. Facebook is a great way to remember someone's birthday and when yours comes along you feel like a superstar. As a mom the kids do funny things to celebrate and you try not to feel too old. The kids still cry and they don't exactly pamper you all day but they are only kids so what can you expect.
Well this year was busy as usual trying to get ready for Christmas and I was feeling like I wanted to do something "special" so we decided to ride TRAX downtown to see the lights at temple square. After a fabulous dinner at Noodles and Co., we drove to the parking lot by the hospital to catch the train. We got out of the car, bundled up, and ran to the ticket booth. I paid for the tickets and as they were printing the train came and went. We missed it by seconds. Waiting is not something kids do well and waiting in the cold by train tracks is even tougher but the next train came and we hopped on. On our ride I decided to feed Beckham and discovered that he had had a complete blowout of his diaper and I didn't bring a change of clothes. We were headed downtown and couldn't just turn around. We decided to stop at Gateway and buy him something to wear and trudge onward. Finally all dressed in his penguin onesie, we hopped back on the train to see the lights. Oh by the way we were supposed to meet Lindsay (my sister-in-law) and her girls who had just arrived from Portland. By the time we got to the lights, Lindsay's girls were done and ready to head home, our kids were tired and cold and Josh and I were stressed.

The great thing about all of this is that the picture we took shows none of the stress or drama. It just looks like we had a great time seeing the lights and the kids probably won't even remember we went so we can show them the picture and they will have fond little memories of Christmas time. What a night!!!

We celebrated with our families after Christmas so that things weren't so crazy. My mom and Lindsay both have December birthdays and so we had a fun dinner with them and then Nate, my bro-in-law is 10 days younger than I am so we celebrated with the Forsyths on his birthday at a great little Italian (cafe rio type) restaurant. All the sisters were wearing boots so we had to pose for everyone. I got some fantastic gifts and had a great birthday celebration. Thanks to everyone for making me feel special!!!

Santa's visit to the fire house

2011-01-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

Nativity

2011-01-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

There is a growing tradition of a "live" nativity that is presented near my parents' neighborhood every year at Christmas time. We hadn't ever been and so my mom and I decided to take the kids and check it out. Well it turns out that there are thousands attending now and it is an amazing experience. It takes place in an area called Bonneville Glen. They ask for food donations for the food bank and as you enter there are Roman soldiers standing guard. There were luminaries places all along the pathway. We walked down into the marketplace of Bethlehem. There was bread to eat and hot chocolate along with live chickens and geese for sale. (not really for sale) It was really realistic. Then we passed a live camel, buffalo, goats, sheep, donkeys and more sheep. There were many people in period costume and they had the Nativity story all acted out and it just repeated over and over again. It was a very cool experience.

What do Snowmen do at night?

2011-01-22T21:34:00.001-08:00

Good question. Our kids think they have a dance party and sweat really bad. That is why they melt and get all crooked. They're tired.

Notice Luke's sweet boots. It is a little challenging when we started with a girl and now have 3 boys. Pink is just sprinkled all through those hand-me-downs.
The best part about it was that he was totally oblivious to the fact. How would it be to not care about silly things like pink boots.

Decorating our Christmas tree

2011-01-22T21:26:00.001-08:00

We chose our "real" Christmas tree and decorated it for Family Home Evening. Josh and Beckham were very supportive onlookers. Grandma and Papa Forsyth surprised us with a visit so they got to watch the technique that goes into decorating a tree.

Thanksgiving at the cabin

2011-01-22T21:17:00.000-08:00

We went to Woodland and spent a few days with our Forsyth family. Josh cooked the turkey and we had a fantastic time. It was about 10 below outside so we stayed in and snuggled by the fire.

This is a typical "Forsyth Family Picture".

Playing catch-up

2011-01-22T21:09:00.001-08:00

Since this blog is the closest I get to scrapbooking or journaling I'm going to do a quick update of some of the things I missed during the craziness of the holidays. I should really be getting ready for my church lesson for tomorrow but this is way too much fun!
University of Utah vs. TCU We didn't win but it sure was fun to get all the kids decked out in their new U shirts. The sad thing is that the entire day the kids were chanting "Go BYU" Josh has a strong influence, and the fact that they know what a cougar is and are clueless about a "ute". Oh well. Someday they'll see the light.

Fall has arrived. And so have the leaves!!!

good for body and soul

2011-01-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

You know how sometimes you get caught up in all the miserable things that are going on and you forget to enjoy the small moments that are simply brilliant? Well I do. I have had sick kids, a hubby who's working super duper hard and a lot to be responsible for and I have to admit I have not been very pleasant about it. I have been grumpy and not very fun to be around.

Well Beckham was finally old enough to go to the daycare at my gym and I decided to try and "start" exercising. I took the kids 6 days in a row and I felt like a new person. It is true...EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR THE BODY AND THE SOUL! I have to admit i haven't been as diligent since that first week (probably because my kids are sick again) but i have a new found drive to get me to the gym. Mommy is happier therefore everyone is happier!

Provo Tabernacle Fire

2010-12-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

Josh went to the Fire Department for work on Wednesday morning. In the early morning hours on Thursday his crew received a call to the Provo Tabernacle. It was burning and had been for several hours. This building was built by the pioneers in the 1800's and Josh's Grandfather Forsyth's funeral was held there.

It is a beautiful structure and it is a sad thing to see it burn. The firefighters are torn because the building is so special and important but they all LOVE a good fire and this was a huge fire. The guys who weren't working are pretty jealous that they missed it.

There was a picture of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ hanging inside the tabernacle and as the building burned it slowly was damaged but it is interesting to see the way it burned. The roof had completely collapsed and pretty much everything was damaged.

Firefighter

2010-12-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

25. I'm thankful for Jesus Christ

2010-11-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for a Savior who loves me and who knows me so well. I am grateful for His example and for the peace that I feel because of my belief in Him. At this time of year, I feel so blessed and I know that all of these things come from Jesus Christ.

24. I'm thankful for a warm home

2010-11-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

After a really cold Thanksgiving weekend, I am super thankful that I have somewhere warm to stay. I love to be inside all cozy on the couch and watch the snow.

23. I'm thankful for Amanda (and all the other in-laws)

2010-11-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for all my in-laws. It has been so fun to watch my siblings and Josh's siblings choose companions. Each has done so well in finding fun people to hang out with. It's fun to get together with the Forsyths and compare what it's like being married to a Forsyth with Megan's hubby Nate.

Or let Keven take my kids fishing.

Ginger is great to just chat with and we are the two girl in-laws on the Forsyth side.

Lindsay, Wendy and Amanda are brave souls to be married to my brothers. I practically raised those boys and I know what they're like. These girls make the best parts of my brothers shine.

And then there is Dave. He is part of the BIL or (brother in law) club that Josh created. What else can I say?

22. I'm thankful for holidays

2010-11-28T20:44:00.001-08:00

I love holidays, birthdays, spring break, fall break, etc. Any day to have an excuse to have a party or get together with family and friends. I love planning and even more I just love being together with the people I care about the most. It was great to celebrate Thanksgiving and to have some time to get away from the daily grind. Happy Thanksgiving and bring on Christmas.

Apps

2010-11-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Amy

So my phone has an app that my kids like to use to color. It is like using neon markers. During the BYU/Utah football game Ella was bored so I let her draw and we tried to email her picture to my email account so we could save it. Somehow it ended up on my blog. I believe this is her rendition of a Christmas tree. Gotta love technology!

21. I'm thankful for the first snow

2010-11-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

I love the feeling when I wake up to a beautiful new snow cover. Everything is so fresh and clean looking and all I want to do is get into my sweats, find a book and sit inside all day and read. It also makes it feel like it is time for the holidays which mean family, yummy food and traditions. My kids on the other hand get so excited to build a snowman. They woke up today and were ready to head out in their pajamas. Josh is probably thinking, "How can I get up to the lift or use my new gear?" There are so many great emotions or feelings connected with this first REAL snow.

20. I'm thankful for college football

2010-11-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

What could be more fun?

19. Im thankful for date night

2010-11-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Josh and I are in a crazy time of life. We have 4 kids, 6 and under. Three of them are boys. Josh works hard and somewhat odd hours and so our time together is limited. We decided that it was important that we go out once a week, just the two of us. It is my favorite part of my week. I get his full attention and we have so much fun together. We don't always spend money or even leave the house but it is my "Josh time". I love it and can't wait for next week!

18. I'm thankful for cartoons

2010-11-18T07:58:00.001-08:00

The only way I can get anything done these days is to turn on a cartoon for my boys. I'm so glad someone took the time to make one that actually teaches and is fun too. They are learning science, letters and social skills while I mop or do dishes. I know TV isn't the best but sometimes it is absolutely necessary.

17. I'm thankful for treats

2010-11-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

I love candy! If you know me at all, you'll know I almost always have Hot Tamales somewhere hidden in my car, purse, basement, kitchen, bedroom, etc. I don't know why they are so good, but they are! Gummy candy is a close second and licorice is pretty amazing too. It seems that these treats just make my day just a little bit sweeter!

Just another day on the job

2010-11-16T22:29:00.001-08:00

Thanks for being a hero.

16. I"m thankful for a hot bath

2010-11-16T22:23:00.000-08:00

A hot bath is the fix all! No matter what is wrong, a bath can make it better. Josh teases me because I like to get in the tub and I always say that it makes this or that so much better, but it does. Maybe because I sit and just relax, take time to myself and get my heart pumping. Well whatever the reason, I'm thankful for a hot bath.

15. Im thankful for family

2010-11-15T11:49:00.001-08:00

Who loves you no matter what? Even when we have opposite personalities, are living in different stages of life, have different ways of handling stress, and choose different ways to spend our time, we are still connected. I love being with these people more than anything. Sadly I don't see some of them as much as I would like to but I'm grateful for the efforts we make to stay connected.
I love you all!

14. I'm thankful for gardens

2010-11-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to post a pic of my garden because it was kind of sad this year. A new baby is a little time consuming, but the moments I did get out in the yard were so renewing. There is something about being outdoors, in my "own" yard, getting my hands dirty. I love the thoughts that flow through my mind while weeding and the proud gratification when a plant is thriving. I do have to say that dying plants don't really boost my self esteem but I love to try and make things better for them. I am a total beginner when it comes to gardening but I really do enjoy it and I am thankful for flowers. They just make me happy!

13. I'm thankful for Lukey

2010-11-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

I used to say that the Lord gave me Luke because he knew I had Preston. Preston is a high maintenance child and from birth until 2 Luke has been so laid back. Well as you can see, Luke turned 2. I love him to death and we have a lot of great conversations. He loves words and wants to learn them all. Yes, all of them. He counts, says colors, letters and phrases. He is super snuggly and loves to hug. He is shy around people he doesn't know but once comfortable he will be his true self. Luke lets you know EXACTLY how he feels. Lukey, I love you.

12. I'm thankful for books

2010-11-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

I love love love to read. It is one of those things that can really help you get away from stress and to experience things you would otherwise never even imagine. I love the true stories in non fiction, the adventures and romance in fiction, and I am coming to really love reading the Holy Bible. I'm spending a lot of time with this book lately and it has so much to offer. Stories, teachings, and a spirit that touches the heart. I love to read!

11. I'm thankful for Preston

2010-11-11T14:56:00.001-08:00

Preston keeps us all on our toes. I love his hugs and every once in a while he'll say, "Mom, we need to have a talk." I'll say, "What to you want to talk about?" and he says, "I just needed to tell you I love you." He is very sensitive, tender and at the same time full of enthusiasm and passion. Lately he's into Batman and Scooby Doo. Great combo. I love you Preston!

10. I'm thankful for grandmas and moms

2010-11-11T14:48:00.001-08:00

Today my wonderful mother-in-law drove to our house from Orem to pick up Preston and Luke. She took them overnight so I could have a break and get better. She also came bearing a Cafe Rio salad. She will drop anything to help me out and I am sooooo grateful for her love and concern for me and our family.

The kids ask daily, "Mom, can we go to Grandma's house?" They love their grandmas and when we've gone to the house and Grandma isn't there they say, "Mom, it's lots more fun when Grandma is here."

My mom takes good care of me too. She calls to check in to see if I'm surviving 4 kids and she also offered to take the kids overnight last week. I don't know how I'd survive without either of them.

9. I'm thankful for public servants (firefighters/police/EMS/etc.)

2010-11-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

Today Josh called me and said they had a call for a 1 week old baby not breathing. I haven't stopped thinking about how scary something like that could be and what a comfort the people who came to care for that baby could be. I feel grateful every time I call for a police car to come check things out in my neighborhood that they come and resolve the issue. These men and women do a lot for our communities and I include my OB and all the medical personnel who have helped me deliver 4 healthy babies.

I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

I've been writing down some things I'm thankful for and decided that I want to remember them so I'm going to add them here in my "journal" of our family. I'm trying to think of something each day until Thanksgiving.
1. Joshua. He is my greatest blessing. I love him so much and we are great friends. There is no one I'd rather hang out with.

2. Freedom. I am so blessed to live in a country where I can worship how I want to. Where we can feel safe and where we can have great opportunities. The founding fathers sacrificed so much for this freedom and I hope we can protect it.

3. Fresh fruit and veggies (especially tomatoes and strawberries) They are super yummy and make me happy!

4. Hoodies. I've collected them my entire life. What is more cozy than climbing into a hoodie?

5. Ella Jane. She is my "girl buddy" in our family full of boys. She is beautiful, smart, athletic, talented, shy, creative, and stubborn. I feel sorry for her that she is stuck as the big sister, but I wouldn't want it any other way. She is my helper and I barely survive when she is at school.

6. My beliefs. I'm thankful to know that my family can be together forever and that Jesus Christ lives. I love reading the Book of Mormon and the Bible and really do enjoy going to church. It gives me a boost for the coming week.

7. Beckham Joshua. Beckham is my little buddy right now. He snuggles with me and having a tiny baby is such a good feeling to me as a mom. I know he knows me and I can comfort him when no one else can. There is an amazing connection between a mother and child and it starts so young.

8. My health. I am sick right now writing this post and would give anything to feel better. I was trying to explain to Ella today why we get sick and how being sick helps us be grateful for our health. She said, "mom, I'm just a little kid. I don't get it." Well one day I know she will but I am grateful to be healthy and to have a body that works. (most of the time)

Josh's new love

2010-11-07T18:02:00.001-08:00

Josh just found a new piece of gear. His new road bike!!! He got a screamin deal and was so excited he almost went out to ride with his surgery boot still on. Notice the crutches in the background :)

Utah vs. TCU

2010-11-07T17:47:00.000-08:00

We got all dressed up for the big game and went to take a picture by Grandma Richards' neighbor's Utah flag. As we were sitting on her stairs the kids yelled out, "Go Cougars!" The neighbor heard and came out of her house to say, "You cannot say that on my porch! I'll give you a treat if you say Go Utes!" Needless to say they changed their tune.
Unfortunately they should have stuck with the cougars after watching the U get pummeled by TCU.
Oh well, GO UTES!

Super Halloween fun

2010-11-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

We were all super heroes this Halloween. Josh had foot surgery three days before so he was "Mr. Injury". Some people thought it was all a costume and some thought it was all real. I was "SuperMOM" with a special utility belt that included a diaper, umbrella, cell phone, keys, duster, measuring spoons, a binki, and a spatula.

Preston was Batman

Beckham was Robin

Ella was Wonder Woman

Luke was Superman

1st grade Halloween program

2010-11-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

Ella has been singing Halloween songs all October. Even Luke has learned parts of the songs just from hearing her sing. We finally got to hear them put together with actions and even black lights at the Halloween program.

She had to say, "We must get our special Halloween brew ready. Halloween is coming soon." in a spooky witches voice.

Carve a pumpkin, oh what fun. Have a Jack-o-lantern when you're done!

2010-11-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

For family home evening we carved pumpkins.

Ella and Grandpa did a squiggly smile jack-o-lantern

Great grandpa even carved his own pumpkin and Grandma held Beckham (of course).

Preston and I did the Batman emblem

Luke and Josh did a piggy faced vampire. Oh what fun!

Go Utes

2010-11-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hazel's Birthday

2010-11-07T16:32:00.001-08:00

Hazel is our only Forsyth cousin right now. She is beautiful as can be and my kids adore her. We just can't wait until she can run around.

Fall Break at the cabin

2010-11-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

It is strange, we haven't really had anything keeping us from going on a vacation, as long as it worked out with Josh's work schedule until now. Ella is in school and we have to wait for the "breaks". Last minute we decided to head to my parents' place up near Kamas. We hiked around near Josh's Grandmother's cabin.

The leaves were beautiful, the temperature was perfect and we had a great time.

The kids did pretty good as long as we called it a walk instead of a hike.

Then Preston decided that it was a hike since we were in the mountains. He also was nervous about going into the "darkness".

I can't imagine trying to get my kids to walk and walk and walk and walk like the people who crossed the country to move here to Utah from back east. Josh ended up carrying Preston and Luke.

We had a hotdog/marshmallow roast and the kids loved climbing around and getting stickers all over their clothes.

Josh had to go to the fire station so I stayed with my parents. My dad tried to organize a game of T-ball. We're going to have to practice that. He also took them on a "raventure" (according to Preston) to explore the river, the haunted house (the shed), and he fitted them with swords (sticks) to kill the ghosts. They looked for clues to find treasure and had a great time. He is a fabulous grandpa.

My mom brought all the fixings to decorate Halloween sugar cookies with bugs, spiders and all the creepy crawlies you can think of.

B is 3 months

2010-11-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

Three months old and happy as can be!

Ribbons Open House

2010-10-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

It's time again for the annual Ribbons Open House!
My darling aunt holds this boutique at her home featuring gift wrap essentials (hence the name Ribbons).
But there are also tons of other great gift items.
If you need something fun to do, stop by.

Dutch Oven Cooking

2010-10-17T21:29:00.001-07:00

Josh has been talking about getting into dutch oven cooking and he had a gift card to Sportsman's Warehouse so he went and got some "tools" to help his cooking. He decided to make Lasagna. It was so fun to watch him get so excited about it and Ella even said it was way better than the frozen Stouffers that we eat sometimes. I can't wait to see what else he cooks up for us!
Luke stood by in his fire truck just in case the coals got out of hand.

St. George

2010-10-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

We went to St. George for the Marathon/Conference weekend. It was so nice to take a break from reality and sit by the pool.

Ella spent most of her time diving for rings. She also convinced Nicole to buy her tons of "silly bands". (The latest craze. They are jelly bracelets but have shapes to them.) Thanks Nicole!

Preston loved the pool as long as he had on both his lifejacket and his floaty tube and goggles. At least we knew he wouldn't sink!

Luke had fun jumping off the edge saying "to infinity and beyond" (Toy Story)

This was Beckham's first time in the pool.
We ate at the Pizza Factory so Jeff could carb load for the marathon and so the kids could get the "twisty" breadsticks. Yummy

We stayed by our friends the Wises and had so much fun with them and their extended family. We feel adopted by them. We swam, ate, hiked, ate, and played games. Jeff made Mexican Goulash and Josh cooked crepes for us. Hooray for good friends.

Conference was wonderful as usual but I do have to say that young kids can make it hard to pay attention. Josh said he got a lot out of it but I think I'm going to have to go back and read some of the talks I missed. Thank goodness they print them.

My little angels

2010-10-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

School Carnival

2010-10-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

Ella's school had a carnival and the kids got their faces painted. Ella got a unicorn.

Preston was Batman.

Luke was Spiderman.

Papa got NEA meaning North End Alliance. (some inside joke at the Orem Fire Department)

Dirty Dash

2010-10-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Josh and our friend Jeff Wise entered a race up in Midway called "The Dirty Dash". It was a 10K up at Soldier Hollow full of obstacles. The start was up a gradual hill of mud for about 100 feet and then up and down hills, jumping over hay bales, dodging water balloons, sliding down a huge inflated slip n slide and wading in waist deep mud. This was one of the more interesting races to watch. The runners had mud everywhere!

Yuck! Josh said this was one of his favorite races EVER!

Fire boys

2010-10-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

I found these awesome firefighter costumes at Costco. Just like Dad! Look at their muscles.

Everybody Sleeps...well, almost

2010-10-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

I thought this was great! I loved the guy tossing and turning, and the baby in the carseat (if you want to call it that).

New Opportunity

2010-09-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Recently I was asked to teach the Gospel Doctrine class in my church. This is a class that studies the scriptures and this year we are focusing on the Old Testament in the Bible. This has been a really interesting, challenging, and time consuming commitment. I am really enjoying studying the Bible, but getting up in front of lots of people isn't really my favorite thing. It is stretching me to have this responsibility and I hope I can do it well. I'm actually glad to have a challenge like this and I hope to be able to be up to the challenge. If you have any tips...Please share!

Beckham turns 2 months old!

2010-09-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Beckham is such a good baby. We are really lucky and we love him so much. Luke feels that he always wants to sit about 2 inches away from Beckham's face and if I don't let him get that close he says, "Can't see Beckham". I'm glad he's looking out for his baby bro.

A friend of mine gave me the idea to buy a stuffed animal when you have a new baby and take pictures with it and your baby monthly to see how much they are growing and changing. I have gotten each of my kids an animal and have intended to take the pictures but somehow the months are creeping by. I was pretty good with Preston, horrible with Luke, and so far I'm ok with Beckham. So here is his 2 month picture with his toy elephant.