We're drinking up the last few days of summer and getting ready for Kindergarten and Preschool. This is "Black Licorice" Max's best friend.
Lately Max has been teaching Black Licorice new tricks- like coloring with markers-

luckily black markers.

Grace got a fancy hairdo when we made our annual trip to Cookie Cutters.
She just got a trim on her hair, but she walked out with glitter, braids, and buns.
This girl could not be happier than when all dolled up.

Swimsuits and sidewalk chalk are a summer favorite for Max. . .
oh yeah and of course Super Hero Popsicles.

I don't know what it is this summer, but I've really been missing her:

It could be this time of year when cancer was diagnosed and life so quickly and dramatically changed.

It could be my kids growing up and anticipating school days and Oh how I wish my mom was here to see them.
It could be that my very first memories of school was my mom taking me to Kindergarten on the first day of school.
It could be because a lady spoke in church Sunday that reminded me so much of my mom- how she loved her grandkids and they and we were her whole world.

After that talk on Sunday I talked to my dad on the phone and he mentioned a window shopping trip in Jackson with Jos and her mom and I felt a twinge of jealousy and wishes that I could do the same thing with my mom.

I wonder, when am I going to stop missing her?

When does the loss get easier?

I can't wait for the day I get a big hug from her again and we talk all about our experiences and how it's funny they all connect together and that there is a plan even when the unexpected happens.

I know I will be forever grateful for what she can do on the side and it will be worth far more importance than anything left to do here- cause it was clear her work here was done.

I love her lots.

I miss her tons.

It's bittersweet losing someone.

There is hurt but there is also a lot of good memories and peace.

In the meantime, there are a handful of other people that miss her like I do and they are so good to me and my kids.

From a back to school shopping trip and stitched up Black Licorice overnighted in mail, to an unexpected package with a Rock Springs return address full of buttons with my mom's picture on them, and a few tears and memories shared over the phone with a dad that still loves her-

these are things that are sweet reminders and tender mercies the Lord places in my life everyday by loved ones who have felt this loss as I do too.

What more is there to say?

Families are forever and I'm grateful for a mom who already made it to heaven and the family I am blessed with here on earth to be a mom to.

Really, life is good.

Sometimes I just have to get it all out.

"Give us a Pitcher- not an underwear snitcher!"

We randomly went to a Bees game last Monday night.

It was the kid's first baseball game.

Thanks Daddy (and Usana) for the great night out and treats!

We had a good teaching moment with Grace.

Long story short a little girl gave her a fly ball to bring home as a souvenir.

I love looking at the grass stains on the ball and my kids smudgy prints all over its crisp whiteness, it reminds me these guys won't be little for long-

got to enjoy these moments.

Meet Hunter:

Hunter is our new little guy we babysit a couple days a week.

I say WE because Grace & Max LOVE him and are HUGE helps.

It's fun having a baby around the house.

It's a good change of pace to stick around home a little more.

As cheesy as it sounds, I really feel like this opportunity is a blessing for me in a lot of ways.
Funny how Heavenly Father knows what little things to bring into our lives as they seem so unexpected sometimes.

Kindergarten starts next week.

Crazy. Exciting.

Our life is getting more and more scheduled, but it's a good thing.

Laurin and I already have some projects in mind to start crafting on while the kids are at school (of course I have to have her there to hold my hand in the crafting department).

Life is good.

Holy Smokes! Summer has been jam packed and full of travelling and fun. Once July hit we've been on the road and having fun and wearing everyone out and then some. I vowed once August began we would slow down, but here we are on the 17th and finally the kids and I are on day 3 of staying home and being 'normal'. I love summer. I love fun. I love being with family and friends. I love being busy. This summer I have loved taking the kids around everywhere as they are both a little older and potty trained and easy to take for adventures.

ANYWAYS- I want to catch up a few things from the last week. The Boot Barn pulled through again and Grampy furnished the grandkids with a new pair of kicks for the year. My kids LOVE their boot- in fact last year they actually wore right through them. It's fun. My mom started it all when 3 years ago about this time she bought Chloe and Grace a pair of pink cowboy boots and they has loved them so much that is has just stuck. I love things like that we still have from my mom. It makes me remember some really good memories I have of her that happened about this time 3 years ago- Max was a brand new baby then and come to find out, it was our last late summer/fall with my mom.

The boots were a perfect addition for the kids to get ready to go to the Summit County Rodeo with my dad and Jos. We gussied up Grace (at her request) and pulled the boots on then dropped them off with Grandma and Grandpa for a night out. Adam and I were kidless for a couple of hours and already in Coalville so we went on a date- to. . . . EVANSTON, WY. You heard me. Growing up in Rock Springs all my life and living in Coalville for a year never brought me on a date to Evanston- ever. Adam and I went up and Adam got some boot (which was kindof fun cause I love to buy him stuff but he never wants it- this was different) and we went to dinner at Bon Rico's. Bon Ricos is a steak house we've heard lots about but never had any reason to go there. It was a nice change of scenery, super 'fancy' which translates to laid back and casual in Wyoming terms. We enjoyed a nice dinner and found ourselves asking what the occasion was- usually we don't go somewhere that nice for no reason. The clams were to die for and everything else was great too. It was nice to be 'out of town' on a date and somewhere that feels like home. The night ended with picking up tired but happy kids and driving back home late. All we heard about on the ride home was how funny one of the rodeo clowns was when he tried to BBQ a rubber chicken- go figure.

Mt. Timpanogas Hike

The first weekend in August Adam and I went camping with some friends and hiked Timpanogas the next day. It was SO MUCH FUN! We had dinner and hung out around a smoky fire with some new friends we're getting to know better. Adam and I brought our 2 man tent, which hasn't been used for well. . . about 6 years since Grace came into our lives. I love being outside in the mountains and I was really needing a break from the terrible 3's (no names mentioned) back home. Camping is way easier when you only have to worry about yourself. The next morning we got up early and attempted to hike Mt. Timpanogas. Adam has done it, but none of the rest of us have. One couple ended up going home because the wife wasn't feeling good, but we still went forward.

We've gotten so much snow this year that A LOT of it hasn't melted when you get higher in the mountains. We crossed a big snow field thinking that was it. NOT. We kept running into slippery snow banks but we really wanted to keep going so we did. It was a lot of fun. The scenery was beautiful! I felt the whole time that 'this has been missing' from my life. I love hiking in the mountains, it's like a natural high for me. We crossed a super slippery and steep patch of snow and after getting scared to death, Alex and I said no more snow! We hiked a little further, had lunch and then turned around. The saddle up to the summit was all super slick and scary and we didn't have crampons or an ice pick- which was recommended. On the way back down, I slipped and took a bumpy ride down a steep mountain slope for about 75 yards. Luckily the sun That could have been bad if it would have been ice. Needless to say we didn't summit so next year- watch out Mt. Timpanogas we'll be there at the top! The wildflowers were awesome and we did some sledding in our shorts on the way down which was fun. It's fun starting new traditions :).

As I can get things pulled together and back into the swing of a scheduled life again, I'll be catching up on our summer. A lot of good times we don't want to forget.

May 2011

May always brings lots of fun spring time things and birthdays in my family.

May 1st- Jessica's birthday
May 7th- Race for the Cure with Jessica, Chloe, Floyd, and Laurin.
That afternoon we went to Hayden Wilde's baptism and had dinner with Adam's side of the family. We spent the next day- Mother's day together again at Alison's house.
May 11th- JoAnne drove to Coalville to decorate my mom's grave for her birthday. It meant a lot! JoAnne is so good to us. She brought some fun things to decorate with. Dad came along too and then we all headed into Park City for lunch. We got some pictures, but I think they are on someone's iphone!

May 14th- Adam and I took the kids to the Aquarium for the day. Good thing we went cause it began pouring rain all afternoon. Max learned how to make his first funny faces when watching an older boy pose for a picture.

Alan Campbell came to visit! We decided it's been 6-7 years since we've seen Al. He was in town for some business meetings so he stayed with us for a couple of nights. It was really good to him and his family doing so well. They live in Pennsylvania, so we haven't seen them much. Adam and Al grew up together and Alan was also a roommate with Adam when I first started hanging around my freshman year in college. We hit In and Out burger and then Adam and Al made a super crazy fast trip down to Zion national park to hike for the day (the Wasatch Mountains were still too snowy). I'm glad they got some time together and an adventure in.

May 25th- My dad's birthday. We celebrated at Sugarhouse BBQ for dinner. Jos brought a homemade german chocolate cake that was to die for- did I mention she is an excellent baker?

A move to the High Council- Adam was released from the bishopric and put into the stake high council. We were really surprised and kindof sad at first, but I have really know that Heavenly Father knows best for us. The time we have together now is awesome! It's been a blessing to serve and have Adam in the bishopric and it's been a blessing to have him now at the stake level.

Preschool Graduation- Well, she did it! Grace graduated from Write Start Preschool. She is rarin to go to kindergarten. Her program was really fun to watch. The day before the graduation, we had a preschool picnic at McDonalds due to bad weather. The end of the year stuff is always fun and kindof exciting. Adam and I are proud of this girl, she's grown a lot in this last year and I'm excited for her and the future. Mrs. B and Grace
Caitlyn and Grace

Crazy pics at the aquarium.

Peeking over the fence at Grace and Daddy planting seeds for summer.

April 2011

Conference weekend: Last minute and awesome trip to St. George with the Rob, Michelle, and their kids. We loved going. Rob and Michelle took the kids down early so Adam and I rode down together after Adam got off work. It was a laid back trip and really fun. We visited the sand dunes, the water park in the middle of St. George city, and did a little hike. Weather was beautiful and just right. The condo was so fun and easy with the kids. We sure love the Prestons!

Easter- A busy Saturday celebrating Easter. We drove down to Spanish Fork to Aidan's baptism. Angela did a great job on everything and I'm glad we were invited and able to make it. Next stop- Coalville. We had dinner and an egg hunt at Josie's house. It was cold for Easter! We were freezing! Jos made some incredible Easter baskets for us and the kids with homemade soaps and candies in them. It was a surprise and really sweet. We finished the afternoon off with some of Jos's made from scratch cake, Easter style.

Sunday we went to church and then celebrated Easter at home with our little family, just the way we like it!

Trip to Rock Springs- Jessica and I packed the kids into the Sequoia and went to Rock Springs for a visit. Really, we were supposed to be cleaning some stuff out of the house, but it was a rough time for all of - we were missing my mom- so we didn't get a lot done besides a trip to Herberger's and a lot of hanging out and eating out. We stopped by Susan's and she showed Chloe and Floyd how to knit. I love Susan. She feels like a piece of my mom still. It's nice having a place that doesn't change much. Grace and Max found my Coke bear collection from when I was a kid and they were all over them. Oh yeah, Dad took Floyd, Max, and I up in the airplane too and it was fun. Max did really well in the plane. Grace still has yet to go up.

End of the Month- Grace, Max and I met Ami, Lucy, and Simon at Kneaders in Draper for lunch and a good bye! Ami and her family moved to Denver, CO. It's weird knowing she isn't just a drive away anymore. It was kindof sad but I'm happy for them.

Danni and Jason came to visit at the end of the month too. We love them. They have turned into really good friends. They are always so good to our kids and they put up with our crazy kid and church goin' lifestyle. It's always fun to be around them. Max and Jason played non stop the whole time. We call Jason 'uncle Jason' now. Of course, Danni and Jason spoiled Grace and Max rotten with time and some fun activities. I'm glad for friendships that last through life.

Two of my favorite things- my Max and the desert canyons.

It was a sand day!

Grace and Reese

March 2011

Grace and Maycie at Disney on Ice.

Nate and Grace at the Phoenix aquarium.

Papusas date with the Egans and Wrights.

Free day at the zoo with the Loosli's.




March is always busy for us and every year it surprises me- don't ask why.


First week in March- Free day at the zoo with the Loosli's!

March 8th- Adam turned 31 years old! Wow.


We celebrated with the Prestons again since Adam and Rob share the same birthday. We celebrated with some good friends- the Egans, Smith's, Houston's, and of course Rob and Michelle and their family. Michelle and Reese pulled off a pretty gnarly pinata for all the kids, let's just say there was tons of candy and nobody went away empty handed. We also celebrated with way too much dessert, as usual! Happy Birthday boys!



Disney on Ice- We went with Grandpa and Grandma J, Jessica, Chloe, Floyd, and Maycie got to come with us too! The girls loved getting dressed up.



March 17th- 2nd annual family roadtrip to Phoenix, AZ to visit Charity!

* Max totally barfed in the car within the first 3 hours of driving. Adam and I felt like we were being officially 'inducted' into the family roadtrip and stinky car phase of life with a hurling kid. We were the family pulled over on the interstate cleaning things out with bottles of water and flashing their kid's nude bum to everyone, while tryin get unpack and change clothes. Luckily we got it all under control with one stop.

*We got to see Charity's new house- which is so awesome and comfortable!

*Adam, Charity, all the kids, and I went to the aquarium in the mall for the afternoon.

*We made it to the Phoenix zoo with everyone, which was a really cool zoo and fun new thing to experience.

*We enjoyed the sun and warm weather Phoenix has in March! The kids loved the trampoline and neighborhood pool.

*Two date nights in a row with Charity & Spencer- out to eat at some fun new places.

*Charity and I doing a 'super speed' shopping trip together. I love shopping with Charity, we have so much fun! We got some 'matchy' stuff and did really good for the time we had. Charity convinced me to buy some skinny jeans, which I love on her, but now that I'm back home I'm a little self conscious to wear them! We both love our new afganistanis :).

*We love this trip and the time we get to spend with the Archibalds and our own little family.

*I didn't really take any pictures so hopefully I summed it up well enough for this year!

Starting over & Catching up!

Wow- I've got my work cut out for me! I've been purposely and not purposely avoiding all the catching up I would like to do on this blog. Crazy how fast time goes. I'm also re-thinking my blogging ideas too. Ultimately, this blog is to journal the things we do together as a family, special events, and the memories I want to keep alive for us. Also, I'll get impulses to use this as a much more personal journal entry type blog. I'm still figuring out how personal to be for myself and for my kids as hopefully they will be the ones to reflect on these times. And there is the need to 'create' aspect that sometimes calls me to write or post something and to expound upon it as well.
I'm working on it.
I'm going to try and do a quick list/catch up of events over the last few months.
I want to be real.
Our life is good and we keep busy-
but there is also emotion behind the pictures, things going on in my life, things we are going through and/or reflecting on, and how I view these events.
I'm still finding my balance because what is important is the record I can leave, but also the learning and experiences I am going through on this road called life.
Good, bad, beautiful, ugly- life is full of all sorts of things and I am learning and appreciating a wide spectrum of experiences I have had in the past and that I'm working to create for me and my family.
Wanting to be open, honest, but strong and finding myself after an 'internal makeover' is leaving me in an interesting spot in life.
I am in a much better emotional place than I was a year ago- for sure, and through my struggles and experiences over the last year I am different and changed and it's good.
Goals are still waiting to be obtained and life is in a constant state of work/effort to stay balanced, new, and fresh as I tackle my challenges.
Blogging is a good outlet for me to write and expound and really it's just for me-
I don't want the pressure of readers, or feeling like I have to justify how I live my life, or feeling guilty because I'm not a super organized mom that is on the ball with everything I need to be-
SO. . . I'm making the decision right now-
Moonpies is all about us and the way we live and that is good enough for me!
Now I need to get started again.

Back to the catching up (after that little rant). . .