8 is GREAT!

Kamary celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago. Even though she turned 11, she says that she's mature for her age and feels like she's 15. She's too old for Disney shows, too old for Primary, too cool for anything that might seem cheesy or childish and she is the queen of rolling her eyes. Luckily for me, she still thinks I'm cool (although all I have to do is start to dance and she hides in embarrassment). Kamary planned her birthday party. She was very particular about everything. This by far was the longest birthday party we've ever had (4 hours) but for Kamary it wasn't long enough. She loves getting together with her friends.  We had pizza for dinner. Little Caesar's is Kamary's favorite.  We painted nails and beaded bookmarks. Here is Kamary opening presents. She got some good stuff including a fashion sketch book, art supplies, a stuffed animal, fingernail polish, a gift certificate to Claire's and Barbies.  Her friends know her well.  Ka...

Hey everyone, I made a post about my experience at the ANWA writer's retreat this past week. It's on my other blog... http://myliteraryescape.blogspot.com/ Check it out!

Well, Jason is now over the hill and rolling downward as we celebrated his 41st birthday a few weeks ago. Here are some fun pics.  Getting ready for the party.  Jason the King!  Lighting the candles. Even after these years, he still blew them out in one try. For dinner we had a full blown turkey dinner with all the fixings. Instead of pumpkin pie though, we had cheesecake (a birthday tradition). For his birthday he got money (with which he bought drum accessories), a book on tape, the game Taboo and a CD (he teased me...saying that I really got the CD for me--which might be true, but in my defense I really did think he'd like it). I usually spotlight my kids for their birthdays so I'll do the same for Jason Fun Facts Favorite Food : Lobster and King Crab Favorite Color : Green Favorite Activity : Drumming Favorite Movie : What About Bob Favorite TV Show : Whose Line is it Anyway (when it's clean) Favorite Band : Chick Corea Electric Band What He Does in Hi...

 We love the 4th of July! We celebrated by listening to patriotic music, watching documentaries and movies about America, making sugar cookies, having a BBQ and of course...fireworks!  This year was really fun because Kamary learned about the Revolutionary War in school this year so celebrating July 4th took on a whole new meaning for her.  Here are some of our patriotic cookies. More patriotic cookies.  We started our morning with a pancake breakfast at the church.  They had water games outside to keep nice and cool.  Here are Lauren, Brynlie, Alyssa & Kohler playing outside.  The kids are lining up for the parade. Kamary was a candy thrower.     Lauren carried the flag during the parade.  Even though the water games were for the kids, the "big boys" had the most fun, starting a huge water fight.  Alyssa, my tree climber.  Here is a game we played with the guys on one side...  ...and the kids on the oth...

I was blessed to have a wonderful father. So, since it's 2011, I thought I'd share 11 reasons why my dad is great! 1- My dad is a great example of learning. He finds something he's interested in and learns all about it. 2- My dad is a people person. He's not afraid to walk up to a complete stranger and start talking to them. 3- My dad is a righteous man. He is such a great example of one who serves the Lord. 4- My dad is a funny man. He is the world's best punster and although I roll my eyes, it's endearing. 5- My dad loves the outdoors. I love camping and hiking with him. 6- My dad loves children. My kids feel his love for them whenever we're together. 7- My dad is a hard worker. He spends many hours helping my mom around the house. 8- My dad is an explorer. He loves to travel and experience the world around him. 9- My dad is a peacemaker. He tries to keep family relations close. 10- My dad is a worthy priesthood holder. I have benifite...

Today, Jason and I are celebrating our 14 year anniversary. In some ways I feel like I've been married forever. In other ways the time has completely flown. I look back at our pictures and think, "We were so young...and naive." We really didn't know each other at all! Now here we are 14 years later...with 6 kids, 2 dogs, a lot of bills and even more love. It's been a crazy roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs. Of course no one wants to focus on the downs, so...I'm going to write a favorite memory from each year that we've been married. Warning: this could get kind of sappy. : ) 1- The look! You know...the look that Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy gives to Elizabeth Bennett. The look that makes women swoon...Well, I remember getting ready for the reception on our wedding day by playing the piano and I turned around to see Jason, giving me "the look". That moment is burned into my memory. 2- This was the year that our roles were reversed...

 We have a new addition to our family!  She's a Chiuaua/Maltese mix. Her owners gave her the name of Jessica but we'll probably change it. We just can't agree on the name. So far we have Jesse, Jessita, Daisy, Droplet, Blossom, Little Smokie....     She's pretty feisty and holds her own with Minnie. (Sorry about the blurry picture. It's hard to get 2 dogs to hold still for a picture). They actually have a lot of fun together and Minnie is very gentle with her. Just because of her size she gets privledges that poor Minnie doesn't. I mean a 120 lb. dog just can't fit into our bed or laps. She's full of energy and snuggles. We love to having her in our family!