Livin' the Sweet Life

Year in Review

2012-01-25T16:20:00.007-07:00

So I failed bad this year in keeping up with blogging. Oops. So I will give a review of the year and try to do better this year. Try being the operative word.

In January we moved about 20 minutes west of Safford to Pima. Big move I know. We now our living on almost 5 acres of land. While we upgraded the size of our land we downgraded the size of the house. It has been a challenge trying to find places for things. But we do love having tons of space to spread out on. Branden also got a new job. He has been so incredible busy that I sometimes wonder if in last year if I had a husband. He truly is working hard. His hours are insane. He gets up at 3 in the morning and heads to work around 3:30ish. Some nights he doesn't get home until close to 7pm. But the best part is when I need him to be at something it is no problem for him to take off for it. Oh and just for fun we had a litter of puppies. That was planned before the move happened.

In February Carsen turned 8 and was baptized. It was such a wonderful time. Branden's mom and younger brother with his family came down for it. The kids had a blast spending time with their cousins. It couldn't of been a nicer weekend.

In March Emmy turned 5. She is growing like crazy and I no longer have a baby. Spring Break was pretty uneventful and school went on.

April brought us Easter and Branden's and mine 12th anniversary. Major excitement. As Branden says it feels more like 50. Good thing I love him.

Then came May and Adriana turning 11. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!! She is almost a YW. She can't wait. And she is going to be in Jr. high. Craziness I swear I just had her.

June brought wild fires that surrounded us and made it look like there was a cloud ring over the horizon. The kids and I also headed to Utah to see tons of family. It was a great trip, but I sure missed my Honey!!!!!!! And we may not be going this year if gas gets as high as they are saying. Which makes me sad. I did actually post about our vacation and I was only about 2 months late.

July we returned and begin preparations for school. I hadn't decided where I was going to put the kids for school, but did finally put them in Pima. We did the 24th celebration here in the Gila Valley. It was a lot of fun. For a little town they do pretty good with it. Our kids were in the float for our ward and I think they loved it. I might of taken a picture, but I have no idea if I did and really there wasn't much to see. I had to make Carsen's costume (which the thought of that is scary.) He was a founding father and well I don't think I did that bad, but one of my kids said he looked like a blue leprechaun. Whatever.

August brought school. My baby started kindergarten, while my oldest started her last year in elementary school, while Carsen was just glad to get to recess and play some ball. Funny, I didn't cry sending my baby to kindergarten, instead I broke out in hives. Some of my friends say that I took sending my baby to kindergarten harder then I let on. Who knows. I will say that they all looked super cute. And so far are having a lot fun and loving school, except Carsen is tired of the learning cutting into his recess time. What a hardship!!!

September was pretty uneventful. Just trying to stay on top of things. Keeping the kids caught up on school work and trying to get Webelos stuff done. The end brought soccer and went till November. It was a little busy these months with scouts, soccer, and piano. Sometimes I was sure we lived in our car.

October was of course Halloween and of course I didn't get pictures posted, but now I will. The girls looked really cute. Adriana and 4 of her friends all dressed as ladybugs. Apparently it is in to match. They all looked really cute and they even got noticed when they decided to ride the barrel train at the Pima Trunk or Treat and caused it to come apart. Unfortunately Carsen was sick the Sat before Halloween when they have had the trunk or treat, but was all better for Halloween. We decided to make his costume at home and well I got carried away, but I had fun. He was ready for me to put down the spray can. We still are not sure what he was, so we call him the zombie, ghost thing.

November was Thanksgiving and this year it was just the 5 of us. It was nice and we had fun. We went on a hike as a family after dinner to work off all that yummy food and to make room for pie. I hiked so I could have more then 1 or 2 pieces.

December was Christmas of course and this year was the year of the shoes. The kids got cowboy boots from Santa. Emmy's weren't exactly that, but really cute boots. Adriana got all sorts of shoes, 6 pairs in all. That is what she wanted. She is becoming quite a fashion diva. Emmy got a Lalaloopsie doll that she loves. Those are some strange looking dolls. I have to say the best gift though was from my husband to me. He gave me a Bosch. I love it. I have been wanting one forever, but really didn't want to spend the money yet. Well he spoiled me as usual.

Overall this year has been a good year. We have been blessed with good health and a good job. I don't think I can express how grateful I am for everything the Lord has blessed us with and continues to bless us with.

Summer Vaction

2011-08-19T19:11:00.017-07:00

Once again I am right on top of things. The kids and I went with my mom and sister to Utah for about a week and half during the beginning of July. Branden didn't get to join us due to his new job as of Jan. Branden's boss is a real slave driver and won't let Branden do anything but work and train dogs with him. (The odds of the situation can only happen to me.) Anyway, we started on our trip on June 29th and headed to Moab. The kids were so excited when they saw the slide in the pool. That excitement turned to tears when the lightening storm moved in. That was the biggest indication that we were in Utah. Arizona had had no rain and Utah was close to flooding stage in most of the state. So after I consoled the kids we went to sleep. The next morning we got up and headed to Arches National Park. We had a lot of fun hiking to the different arches. The real fun though came when we headed to the last 2 arches. The pictures we got were great. But as we were finishing up it began to sprinkle. The clouds were moving in all morning (and they were dark). By the time we really started heading back we were running in an all out down pour. I was hunched over the backpack trying to protect the cameras. When we got back to one car we all jumped in. We were soaked. My mom, sister's and my make-up was not where it started. But I think that this turned out to be the kids favorite part.

We then headed to Salt Lake. We parted with my mom and sister and headed to Layton, UT. That is where Branden's next older brother lives with his family and the boys mom. We hung out with Branden's family through July 4th. We spent time watching one cousin playing in his All-star games. He was the star pitcher (and the best in my knowledgeable opinion) and overall player. I am not just speaking as the aunt. He was plain and simple the best. His team did a great job, especially since this was the first year that this group of boys has played together. Most of the other teams have been playing together since tee-ball. We also watched and did fireworks with the cousins. Of course the kids had the best time ever. I am really bad, but I did not take one picture. I know what the heck. I am just use to my sister or Branden taking the pictures and neither of them were there. Bad me.

On the July 5th we went to my grandma's to join up with my mom, sister and grandma. We then loaded up and headed to the cabin. I love that place. It was beautiful and lush. In fact across the highway from the community where the cabin is there is another cabin community and the river that runs through it was out of control. While it is was cool to look at, I was really worried about the cabins that were right there by the water. We went on hikes, and drives and picnics. Most every year Richelle and I go shopping at the Park City Outlets. Over the past couple of years Adriana has joined us, this year Emmy was invited. I really thought that I would spend my day trying to keep the tantrums at bay. But she was amazing. Never complained (until the very end) and when we past a playground she looked at it and said, "I would love to play there, but we are shopping so that would be a no." I almost past out. What 5 year old does that. She was told because she was so good that she would get to come the next time. We also found some horses at the other end of the community and so the kids pet them and then we came back the next day and fed them old apples. They loved it (the horses and the kids). We went back to my grandma's house Thursday evening. Friday we went to temple square. The kids had fun and we got great pictures. We had a very spiritual experience there and I am very grateful for the priesthood. It works miracles. Sat. we headed for home. The thought of being home made me beyond excited. We stopped in Parowan at my daddy's grave. Well of course it was raining. That was the theme going into Utah, so why not going out? Richelle and I took care of the graves (lots of family there). The kids stayed in the car. The pictures are amusing and will not make it in the blog. Heaven knows I don't need anymore flattering pictures of me out there. The kids and I made it home on Mon. We stopped in Vegas and then stayed the night at my mom's. It was so good to be home. I missed Branden tons and kids missed him. He missed us too. He said it was just to quiet after a few days. Here are a few pictures from our vacation.

P.S. I have been trying to get my slide show to attach itself to my blog. It is not. so I am giving up. I am only putting the 3 pictures from Arches National Park up. Maybe one day I will add if it will ever work.

My Stance (Forest Fires)

2011-06-09T08:51:00.005-07:00

I am sure most of you have heard about a very large wild fire in Arizona by now. It is the Wallow fire. There are at least 2 others burning right now and it is only the beginning of June. As a family we are praying and fasting for the much needed rain here in AZ. Almost everyday over our Safford mine mountain (I don't know the name of it so that is what I refer to it as) which is to the northeast of us we see a plum of smoke rise over it. There has been a haze for awhile now. He is my issue with the whole thing.

First, to all who go camping or day trips--DON'T BE STUPID! This fire was man made because someone thought that their campfire wouldn't hurt anything or just plain didn't care. Either way they have cost people everything. They might even cost lives (we are praying that won't happen). How people can be so stupid as to have a campfire when the warnings are everywhere. Fire danger is at the extreme level, but you don't need Smoky the Bear to tell you that just look around.

Second, this fire didn't have to get this bad. For years our forests have needed to be thinned out. Due to the bark beetle and dry conditions. Thanks to people who say that nature needs to be left alone (aka environmentalist) this is the end result. I have strong beliefs about religion. Our Heavenly Father told us to take care of the land. Tend to it. Leaving the dead trees and not fighting the bark beetle is not tending to it. There will always be forest fires, but they could be so much more manageable and less devastating if we learn that the land needs help. I don't don't hold any stock in the whole carbon footprint crap, but I will say that the way the earth should be taken care of is by up as people cleaning up our trash and thinning forest so that new growth can grow.

I know this one rambles and probably doesn't make sense, but I am tired of seeing some of the most beautiful spots in Arizona ruined because one group of people have blocked the way to save them.

This is the view of the Wallow Fire.

Cooking

2011-06-09T08:35:00.003-07:00

Believe it or not I love to cook. What I hate is the clean-up. If I didn't have the clean-up I would spend most of the day cooking and baking. (It is even more of a clean-up due to the fact that our house doesn't have a dishwasher other then me.) Sometimes I love to cook more extensive things, but most of the time I just love to do practical things. By far my favorite cook book is "The Fat Sisters Cookbook". It is practical and perfect for family cooking. That is not the only cookbook I own (in fact my husband has band me from buying anymore.) Ok so I have a few, but I love them all and could never live without even one. But if you want a cookbook that will answer any question you could have about anything cooking or baking and really good recipes too then The Fat Sisters is the by far the best cookbook. And just to let you know that real whipped cream goes with anything (it has to be made from whipping cream). It makes those really long days just a wee bit shorter.

www.thefatsisterscookbook.com

My Stances

2011-06-01T10:35:00.002-07:00

I have decided to take Glenn Beck up on the fact that we need to stand up and make our voices heard. So I am going to try to remember to once a week give my opinion on something that I believe in. I will say that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but on my blog if you don't like it please don't comment. I will only allow comments that are do not contradict mine. This is not because I don't think other people should have a voice, but because this is my place to voice my opinion.

Our Weekend

2011-05-31T08:15:00.003-07:00

Most people do family fun things for Memorial Day weekend, but we did other things. We were together as a family, just doing things that needed to be done. On Sat. we took met the owners of one of our puppies in Globe. That puppy is going to be super happy. After we got home we dug holes to put posts in for the gate for a pasture. We used a backhoe so for the weekend we had 8 grave looking holes at the side of our house. I should of taken a picture, but well I didn't. If it was October we would of had a lot of fun with it. On Mon. we put cement in them and then filled them in. We put up the wire and ta-duh we have a fence. We still need to put up the gate, then Sweet Cream our goat can wonder free. We then will get her a "friend". We are contemplating if we should try to start digging a well. People have told us that if you want a well you dig it yourself. I'm a little nervous at the thought, but we need water in mass quantities, so we'll see. We are having fun with this land and are working to make it even better. One of these days I am going to post pictures.

My Stance

2011-05-26T19:30:00.002-07:00

I read an article a few days ago that really bothered me and so I want to counter it with my testimony of the importance of human identity. I don't just believe, I know that my Father in Heaven created each and every one of us. He created us male and female. He does not make mistakes. Those born a woman or a man where meant to be born a woman or a man. There is a difference between the sexes and we should embrace them instead of try to "overcome" them. We should teach our children that our Heavenly Father created them to be what they are. He loves each of us. He needs His sons to be men and treat His daughters as princesses. He needs his daughters to feminine and encourage His sons to be good gentlemen. He does not intend us to come to earth and tell Him we know better about who we should be. I am proud to be a woman just as proud as I am of my daughter Adriana, my son Carsen, and my daughter Emmy. I am trying to raise my daughters to be feminine ladies and raising my son to be a tough gentleman. My view is becoming the minority and is called "close minded." I do not dislike or begrudge someone with another point of view, but just as they are entitled to their opinion, I am entitled to mine. I just want the world to know where I stand and where I teach my children to stand.

My daddy

2011-05-26T18:24:00.005-07:00

So I am posting this on June 3rd, but have been writing it for a couple of days.

It has been 10 years since I lost my daddy. Yes, I still call him my daddy. While some days it seems like just yesterday, there are other days were it seems like he has been gone much longer. I have to remind myself that I was blessed to have the world's greatest day for almost 25 years (don't do the math), I sometimes have that little bitter feeling of not having him for 25 more years. But it is not my right to question the actions of my loving Heavenly Father to take him when he did. Knowing the wonderfulness of my daddy, I think maybe some babies needed to be held. (One of the few men that liked to serve in Nursery.) To know my dad was to love him. He never met a stranger and never made anyone feel less then a child of God. I know he has been with our family many of times to share in our joys of some very special spiritual experiences. I love knowing that someday, if I do the best I can here on earth to following the Savior's teachings, that I will get to have one of the sweetest reunions ever. I miss so many things about him, but most I just miss being with him. I might even drink a Dr. Pepper in his honor (although just a sip, I don't know how he could drink that).

I don't hate this date, because it was the day that my daddy finally got to be freed from a body that trapped him the last year of his life. He was stricken with a horrible disease called ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. I do my best not to think of how this disease took him but instead think of the great times we had over his life.

Thank you daddy for leaving the best legacy a father could leave. I love you.

Crazy ending to a crazy school year

2011-05-26T17:59:00.002-07:00

This past week was the last week of school for the kids. The year started out with Carsen breaking his arm. It didn't end that way, but it did end with heavy hearts. First all this week I have been helping Carsen's teacher with some classroom things and moving her room across the hall for next year. She also happens to be a good friend. But on last night as I was getting the kids to bed and I laid down to do some reading, Carsen got up and got a drink only to say that there were police across the street. I had heard one siren earlier, but it was quick so I really didn't think anything of it. Well, I went out to investigate and what I saw broke my heart. Our neighbors house was going up in flames. I have never witnessed a house burning only the aftermath. It was one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever witnessed. Barb and her bird were out in her shop to the side of the house when the fire started. What a blessing that she wasn't asleep. Her husband is a truck driver and is currently on the road and trying really hard to get back. It was a trailer and if you know anything about them they go up very quickly. I love living here because neighbors all came to the rescue and let her cry and scream and just cry. At about 11:30pm I got to lay in my bed and have never been so grateful to have a bed that was mine. The fire was reignited twice since last night. You can imagine that the house is a total loss. My dear sweet children knelt together and prayed while Branden and I took over some chairs and water so that Barb and others could sit until things were figured out. We again said another prayer today that the firefighters could figure out what kept reigniting. We are now a little fearful of the wind and the extreme dry conditions. So today I hug my children a little closer and am so grateful for a house and a bed and my purse. Think about losing your purse in a fire (better then being stolen I guess, but still devastating).

So today was the kids last day of school. I always try to take pictures before we head out, but this morning I was barely awake to get the kids ready to go school. But we made it and they had a good day with their friends eating sweets and signing shirts and "yearbooks". Now to survive the summer. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Webelos

2011-05-25T18:29:00.001-07:00

So it took about 2 months to receive a calling in our new ward. I just figured I would be doing some kind of music or nursery. Imagine my surprise when they call me to be the Webelos leader. They must have not gotten the memo that Branden is the scouter (he is an assistant scout master over the 14-15 yr. old) and not me. So I got about 3 weeks to panic before I got officially called. The first thing you have to do is watch a video on safety for the boys and then take a 25 question quiz. By the end of the quiz I had missed 5 (don't get me started) and was having a melt down. I never was around scouting growing up. With a sister and a dad that was only in YM once as a sect. and I think it was on a stake level, scouting was never something I thought about. I have watched Branden do it for years and he does it perfectly. I have to say that 10 year old boys are so funny. They do make me laugh and I am having fun. I am learning very quickly how to do scouts. It is not that bad, but I have been thrown out of my comfort zone big time. I may even be enjoying myself. (ssshhh, don't tell anyone.)

Smile

2011-05-25T18:21:00.003-07:00

My husband is not the real romantic type, which is good for me because I don't do real sappy. But every once-in-a-while he does something that just makes me feel like the his world revolves around me. Last summer while we were driving around the song "Smile" by Uncle Kracker came on the radio. He told me that when he hears this song it reminds him of me. Up until that I had never really listened to that song other then just like the beat. I paid attention after that. The song has since become our families theme song. We all love it and sing along as loud as we can when it comes on. Every time I hear it, it is my reminder of how my husband views me. I love that man and love his surprise romantic moments. I never know when they are coming, but when they come they truly take my breath away. Love you babe!!!!!!

Check out this great MSN video: 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2' Trailer

2011-05-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

Check out this great MSN video: 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2' Trailer

Easter

2011-05-02T07:31:00.002-07:00

Easter this year fell on our anniversary. Which worked out great. The kids had Fri. and Mon. off so my mom and sister took them for the weekend. The Easter Bunny still found them and they loved the weekend. So did Branden and I. Like every other year our anniversary was not a huge deal. We went to dinner and then after working outside we pretty much sat around and enjoyed the quiet. Really love it. I don't have any pictures of the kids in their Easter outfits, but my mom and sister do, so someday I will see them. But I'm told that they were few smiles considering they had to get back in the dresses and suit. Should I be ok with the fact that I didn't have to deal with the attitude. I guess once again this year I'm out of the running for Mother-the-Year award. Maybe next year I'll be that mom. Yeah, to much work. I think I'll just stick to being the really mean mom who doesn't get it. Yeah for me.

Life as I know it

2011-04-20T21:09:00.002-07:00

It has almost been a moth since I really have thought about blogging. And really I can't come up with a lot to write about. Spring break was uneventful, but good. We went to the Tucson Zoo on Tues. and then to the park right next door to it and saw some friends from Safford. The kids got to play with them. They did get to go play with friends one day, but the week overall made me realize how important a schedule will be for summer. When your kids are in school you forget how quickly they can become bored. So with about a month left I have started on getting the schedule down. Branden is working tons. I have to remind myself that it is only for a time and this job is such a blessing. The kids are wish he was here more, but I tell them this is only for a short time while he is working in Morenci. Our little bit of land is coming along. We have had to put things on hold until Branden has more time. I have started planting squash, strawberries and onions. We now have rabbits and hopefully by the end of next month 2 more puppies will be gone. They are sold, but they want us to hold on to them for a little bit. Today one of my worst nightmares happened. A scorpion was in my house. A little one that I took a picture of and then killed with my shoe. It did put up a fight and tried to sting my shoe, but I won and then I feed it to our chickens. I normally have low blood pressure, but I am pretty sure my blood pressure shot up higher then it has ever been (woman higher then that wonderful doctor's visit we are suppose to have each year.) Needless to say I get the hebe jebes just thinking about it. Yucky!!!!!!!! Well I have to make our bed now so there is a glimpse into my exciting life.

Spring

2011-03-29T13:23:00.005-07:00

I love that spring is upon us. But I will admit that I have a bitter/sweet relationship with it. Spring means so many wonderful things. New beginnings being the biggest, but in Arizona it means just around the corner is the ever so dreadful on heat, but the other thing it means is all the critters waking up from their winter long naps. The first things are already out, those pesky little ants. All I have ever heard them called are "piss ants". Now I know that ants serve a purpose in the wilderness, but in my yard (even though it looks a little wild still) they are nothing but a nuisance. And they are a sign that worse things are to come. The other night as I was pulling out of our yard I saw a mouse run across the entrance. I am not a fan of those either, mainly because they are filthily. But if those are out then the things that eat those are coming out. I am not a fan of anything that has less then 4 limbs or more then 4 limbs. But we will carry on and enjoy the beauty that spring has to offer. Namely the cardinals and other red birds that have flocked to our yard. Red is a great color for birds I have decided.

Happy Birthday Emmy!!!!

2011-03-14T19:47:00.002-07:00

Right on time as usual. Emmy turned 5 back on the 9th. Here I am on the 14th talking about and I am not even posting pictures. I really trying to for that mother of the year award. I should be getting the call any day now. Oh well. She is such a bundle of energy and loved being 5. I love that she is 5, cause that means she is off to school in Aug. I love having her during the day with me, but I am tired by the end. I think her big deep brown eyes have gotten her to this point and will continue to get her a lot. I never would of thought that I could have a brown eyed girl, but I do and they are beautiful. Well happy birthday my Emmy girl. I am glad you came to us. I love you!!!!!

Family

2011-03-02T16:30:00.002-07:00

Branden's little brother (in age definitely not in height) and his wife and 2 kids and his mom came down last Thurs. for Carsen's baptism. It was so much fun to see the kids play with their cousins. They spent most of their time outside exploring. Their cousins have been couped up for the winter. So they played and climbed trees and played with puppies and did tons of other things. It was so fun to see the kids have so much fun. Bobby helped Branden finish our chicken coupe and it is really great. It was fun to watch the 2 of them work. They rarely spoke, but never got in each others way. They knew what their job was and didn't need constant instruction like I do when I "TRY" to help Branden with projects. It was wonderful to have Merilee and Maria here too. They kept me sane helping me cook and decide where to put pictures. I still haven't settled into this house, but they came and in and just went with the flow and got everything going. We love them and are sad that they had to go home, but look forward to when we visit them and when they come back. Love you guys.

Baptism Day

2011-03-02T16:26:00.002-07:00

Saturday Carsen was baptized. He was so excited and told me on Sun. evening that he did it. We are so proud of him. I tried to sing at his baptism, but you could of just played a tape from Adriana's baptism it was the same. Me crying from the moment I opened my mouth to sing. Oh well. At least if I messed up no one could notice. It was really a good baptism and I am grateful to my wonderful husband who did the baptism and confirmation. I saw a glimpse of heaven and look forward to being there someday.

Carsen

2011-02-18T10:12:00.004-07:00

Our only boy and middle child is turning 8 toady. Branden gave him a great gift call the FLU! Branden came home from work on Tues looking not quite a corps. He wasn't running a fever but cold and calmly, back to the corps thing. So he went to bed and did his best not to throw-up. By Wed. morning he was fine and back at work, well yesterday Carsen went about his day and did his piano lessons. As we were driving home he kept saying he didn't feel good. Being the great mom that I am I said buck up because you are going to do your chores. (I really just thought he was trying to get out of them. I know I am in the running for mother of year.) Well I told him to go clean the bathroom since his clothes were all over it. I go in there a few minutes later and he is laying on the floor by the toilet. And then a few minutes later well you can guess. So luckily today he is better, but school rules say that he has to be throw-up free for 24 hours, so he gets his birthday off. I am grateful that Carsen was sent to our family. He keeps up laughing and his determination is unmatched. He teaches us so many things including how important the gospel is in our lives. We never miss church unless there is an illness or we are traveling. When there is an illness those that aren't sick still go. But if we tried to "ditch" Carsen wouldn't hear of it. He is determined to be worthy to have the Priesthood. I wish I could say that Branden and I are the ones that did that, but I know he came with that light. We have just been honored to help mold it. We love you Carsen and continue to look forward to seeing you grow.

This picture was taken on New Year's Eve at my mother's house. He is not drunk just really tired. They stayed up until midnight so they could ring in the new year.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T12:10:00.002-07:00

Valentine's Day is over, thank goodness. I have never been a fan of this day. I would rather my husband throughout the year do random acts of kindness then get me something that will make me fat (although I love chocolate), die or cause more debt. But having said that, it is really hard to go through the day and not think about it. (Do to all the advertisements.) I do believe that I have the best husband for me. Not overly sappy, but surprises me with little sappy things every now and again. So here is my way of saying I love my "honey" and am grateful to have him forever. I will now go and throw up over my own sappiness. Love you, Branden.

Our wonderful Scout

2011-01-27T06:41:00.002-07:00

Wed. was not a great day. At about 9am I let 2 of our dogs, Scout and Jessie out to go to the bathroom. Jessie made it back in, but Scout took off for the birds that are all over here. As I tried to call him back he just kept going. All day between things that I had to do I would call for him and drive around looking for him. Needless-to-say prayers were being said all day. I had no idea where to go or what to do. I started up a dirt road, but a sign was posted saying "State Trust Land--Written permission need to use." I know I did not have written permission so I didn't take it. Branden later informed me that I was aloud there, that just meant that you need permits to hunt or cut down anything. So last night after tension were high (because I was so upset at myself for all this) so at about 7:30pm I went for a drive. I wish I could say that I was going off mere inspiration, but storming out of the house does not count, but I did know I needed to go for a drive. As I drove the thought came to drive down that dirt road I started down earlier and so I did. About a mile into the road low and behold there was Scout standing in the road looking tired, shocked and scared. All the emotion of the day came flooding out. He is sore and has some cuts from barbed wire but should be ok in a few days. I found out today that our dogs are more then just dogs, they are part of the family. They don't rank as high as our kids (ok depending on the day the kids could end up in the dog house), but we love them. Dumb animals. If they would just be mean and dumb and obnoxious then maybe we wouldn't care so much.

Step-back-in-time

2011-01-25T15:12:00.004-07:00

In our new (new to us) house I feel as if I have stepped-back-in-time in some areas. Let's start with washing dishes. I have always been very picky about how my dishes are washed. They kinda go in the dishwasher clean. Well now they get scrapped off in the garbage can, cleaned off in the sink and sterilized in the dish water and dried on the counter. If you haven't guessed we have no dishwasher and no disposal. We are on a septic tank and as I found out, most people don't like to have a disposal on septic. We also have yet to get our microwave out of the box. That would be because we have nowhere to put it. So I have gone back to my early childhood when microwaves were a novelty and not above every stove. My stove is the old type from my early childhood also. Since day one of 2004 I have been spoiled to have glass top stove, microwave over my stove and a good dishwasher and disposal. To tell you the truth it really isn't that bad. Although when we have company it will be paper plates, cups and plastic wear. It may be fine now, but I am not going to go to extremes. I will say that I am ok giving those up because in return I have timed heaters in both bathrooms and a heat lamp in the main bath. That is my most favorite thing ever. I doubt though in the summer they will get much use, but now they are being used and enjoyed.

Our new life

2011-01-24T09:58:00.003-07:00

Sat. was the first day of clearing overgrown land. The land has a corral and a shed and tons of trees oh and did I mention crazy amounts of tumbleweed and dead plants. I have done yard work before, but nothing like this. We may of gotten a quarter of an acre done. We did clear enough to have a spot for our dumb chickens that are not producing eggs. Stupid chickens. But as Branden was putting the coop in it's place he kept running into one of the million trees (which may or may not be dead). So he got the chainsaw out and started getting rid of the massive amounts of overgrowth. Mind you it was after dark and the only light was from our 4-wheeler and the flood lights. (Side note Emmy just said, "Mom, look what I can do." And proceeds to like her shoulder. I'm not sure what to say to that.) Well the chainsaw ran out of gas and we haven't had a chance to fill the gas cans so he brings out his sawzaw. It did the trick very well. I say what ever works. I just started pulling branches down. The are many dead branches cause heaven knows I am not that strong, but apparently in need of going on a diet. The one thing I don't think I will ever get tired of is looking out our big windows and seeing quail running around and eating. I am just waiting for our brittnay spaniel to go through the windows. He is constantly on point. Poor thing. I thing I can count 7 right now. I love it. I'll let you know when it turns into snakes. There will be no loving it just a lot of screaming and phone calls to my Branden.

Big Changes

2011-01-06T19:59:00.007-07:00

2011 has brought many changes for us. All of them blessings beyond what we truly deserve. Branden was able to get a great job which meant we needed to find another house and we found one over in Pima (2 towns west). The house sits on 4.71 acres. The house has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. We couldn't be more excited. Are only sadness comes from leaving the ward we are in now. Our new ward will be great I'm sure. We should all be moved by Feb. 1st. First though bug bombs must be let off. When we walked the house in one of the bathrooms there was a spider that looked like a decedent of Aragog (the huge spider from Harry Potter). That can not happen. I don't do things with less then two legs and more then four. On Jan. 2nd we also had puppies. Jessie had 7 little cute puppies. Four girls and three boys. It is amazing how noisy little puppies can be, but their are so cute and cuddly. Life is a little busy right now, but so very exciting. We have been so blessed to start off 2011. Our health is good, I get to go back home and be a full time mom, Branden gets the opportunity to further his skills and get his license and we get our dream of living on land and start our little farm. We are so grateful for all of our blessing and for trials that have made us more appreciative of our blessings.

2010 In Review

2011-01-06T19:55:00.006-07:00

Since I have done so well in keeping up my blog (sigh) I think I will just do a quick first 3 quarters of 2010 year in review and then I will cover the last quarter of 2010 since that is where I dropped the ball. This year was wonderful in so many ways and trying in others. But life would be boring if that weren’t the case. So Carsen turned 7 this year, Emmy turned 4 and Adriana turned 10 (in that order). In May we got a temple in the Gila Valley and I was able to sing in the Dedication Choir. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. And being able to work with such incredible talented people was amazing. The kids got to go to San Diego with my mom and sister for a week. They had a blast. The best part for them was the beach, not Sea World or the Zoo or all the other places they visited, just the beach. They really did like the other places; they just really like the beach. I’m not sure how my mom said it was around 65ish degrees. Too cold for me. We were then able to spend a lot of time in Utah with family. We hiked Mt. Timponogas. The cave was beautiful, but I think I’m good and won’t need to do that again. The hike is paved the whole way, but that did not make it easy. It is a steep climb all the way. The view was gorgeous, but my legs have not been the same since. After that school started with a bang or break. Carsen broke his arm within an hour after getting out of school. He was a real trooper and even insisted on going to school the next day. I wanted him to stay home so I could baby him. Oh well. We were very blessed that his arm healed so well. I began working in Oct. and that is when everything fell apart. I have determined that I am not so good with the working fulltime and still being a housewife/mom fulltime. My hats off to those women who can do it and keep their house together. Of course we had Halloween in there and my kids looked great. My mom and sister got Emmy’s costume, which made my life a little easier and Branden made the other two. Yes, Branden made them. Really sad when the husband is the one who sews and can the crafts. Most outdoorsy men cannot claim that, but that is what happens when his mom only had boys and loves to craft. Sewing, well for him it is just another blueprint to build. Carsen was Draco Malfoy and Adriana was Hermione Granger.

November brought Thanksgiving which is always a good time. We went down to Gilbert to be with my mom and sister. Branden and I saw Harry Potter and the kids went and saw Tangled with my mom and sister. I then returned to work the following day. December brought Christmas and more crazy times. Christmas was great. My mom and sister came up to us, since I refuse to spend Christmas from home. Maybe when the kids are older I will consider traveling again, but not while they are little. It's just way too much work. I love being with family for the holidays, but I will travel on the afternoon of the 25th or the 26th. The kids then went home with my mom and sister and had a blast of course. They love being spoiled and they are there. So that is 2010 in a nutshell. We have been incredible blessed this past year to be able to continue to have an income and to have a roof over our house. We have wonderful family whom we love and are grateful for and wish all of our friends and family a wonderful prosperous new year. We are every so grateful for belief in our Heavenly Father and in His Son and our elder brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have been so blessed with that knowledge and that of the knowledge of their unconditional love for us. I love the Christmas season where we get to stop and remember the most precious of births in the most humble of places. Without that birth there could have been no atonement or crucifixion and then no resurrection. Every event was of the utmost importance.

Harry Potter Mania

2010-11-14T22:20:00.002-07:00

I know it is really bad that I have a Harry Potter background instead of something centered around Thanksgiving. So maybe this will make up for it. I am very grateful that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is finally coming out. And I will be really grateful when the 2nd instalment comes out.

Pictures

2010-09-03T07:42:00.016-07:00

So I am finally getting to pictures. I am getting these up before the 1st quarter of school is over. I finally took pictures of Carsen's broken arm a couple of weeks before it came off. What a great mom I am, he has the cast on for 3 weeks and I only take pictures with my phone. I'm not sure having a camera phone is productive for keeping a photo log of things. To top off Carsen's overall look he lost 4 teeth over the next week of breaking his arm. I really do not beat him. Craziness!!! The kids are doing great in school and having fun. Carsen got his cast off 5 weeks and 1 day after breaking it. That would be a week early. Which is truly a blessing considering that the bridge was taking its sweet time forming over his bones. But when we went in at the 3 week mark the doctor said it looks great and is healing fast. Funny at the 2 week mark the bridge was not forming as it should of been. Gotta love those father's blessings (and neighbor). So here are all the pictures that I should of posted over 6 weeks ago. (The pictures of Emmy
show how quick happiness can change to madness.

First Day of School

2010-08-12T17:37:00.003-07:00

Pictures will follow soon. My computer is being fixed. Nothing big, just a check-up. So I am using another. I don't' want to download pictures onto, but enough has happen that I feel the need to write it down. The kids went back to school on Wed. They had a good day and have great teachers. Carsen's problem was that the recesses were shorter then last year. He thought that was the worst thing ever. And for a 7 yr. old active boy he was almost accurate. So when he got home he decided to take our dog on a walk. That is his stress reliever. He straps the leash to his scooter and lets the dog run. The dog loves and it and he gets to get out. Well, at about 3pm Branden and I were in the garage. Branden went out front because he heard a truck drive up. He just thought it was one of his trades coming to talk to him. Well it wasn't. I heard the crying and went running in the house and out the front door. (I didn't go out the service door because I had no shoes on and rocks and my bare feet don't mix well.) I got out front and saw why Carsen was crying so loudly. His arm had a large unnatural bump. If you have seen Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the part right after all the bones are removed from his arm and right before they pick it up to look at it, that is what Carsen's arm reminded my of. Not good. I was able to stay calm. We are still overly grateful to our neighbor who saw what happened and got Carsen back to us. He kept the dog and the scooter at his house until Branden could go get it. So Branden made a sling really quick (one more reason I married that man--he knows his first aide, good boy scout) and I loaded him in my van and off to the emergency room we went. Branden went and got the dog and scooter and met us at the hospital. Usually when the kids get hurt we look at the problem and only take them in if duct tape or super glue will not fix the problem. Well, they got him into x-ray stat ;) (I know I've lost it) and then wheeled him straight to a room. And with in 30 mins of being at the hospital they had him on morphine. Branden says that is some good stuff, I really didn't care I just wanted to get my boy some relief. It helped and then they began working on him. They decided that since he was saying that a couple of his fingers were numb that they would bring in an Orthopedic Surgeon just to make sure that there would be no real issues. Once he got there they explained what needed to happen and then put Carsen under. Now those are some good drugs. I have had some from the same family of drugs. You don't remember a thing and don't feel a thing. While I know it was better for him, that is finally when I lost it. Nothing like seeing your son totally unresponsive. But it gave me enough time to get it back together and be ready for when he started waking up. Which he did and that was the real entertainment. I know not nice for a mother to be entertained by her stoned child, but really it was funny. Quote of the day, "Trying to get my numbers back." He is doing great. He even went to school today. Tuff kid, I think I would of milked it a little. Not him. But today presented a whole set of new problems. Nothing to do with Carsen or his arm. No this time it was Adriana and a back-pack with a scorpion in it. ALIVE. I will be forever grateful to her teacher who came to the rescue and dumped her backpack out and then realized it was alive and killed it. One more thing to ad to the reason teachers are great list. They are willing to sacrifice their own safety for their students. I'm not sure as a mom I could of done that. If this is how school is going to go, it might be time to have myself committed. Oh well. Never a dull moment.

Utah, Part 2

2010-08-04T11:28:00.002-07:00

We got back from Utah. And now are preparing to start school in a week. It was a fun trip, but it is good to be back home and get the kids back on a routine, kind of. It has been a nice summer. Not a lot of time for the kids to whine about nothing to do. They were gone all but 3 weeks worth. But I'm not sure I can do it again. While I didn't hear the whining, I don't feel a whole lot got accomplished. Oh well, maybe when school starts.

Utah, Part 1

2010-07-12T20:58:00.006-07:00

So I am home from my first trip to Utah. The kids and I went up on the 28th of June with my mom and sister. My mom insisted that we go to the south side of the Grand Canyon. Believe it or not I have lived in Arizona all my life and have never been to the Grand Canyon. My mom felt like she failed in some way. It was truly inspiring. What an amazing sight. A little unnerving with a 4-year-old and a fearless 7-year-old boy. But nothing a paranoid grandmother can't deal with. We then drove to Kanab and stayed there for the night. The kids went swimming with Aunt Shell. The next day as we were driving down Parowan Canyon I lost my back breaks. Not a good feeling. Apparently I ride my brakes. Branden was relieved that I was ok, but very irritated at me for not pumping my brakes. Oops. I am grateful for modern day miracles. Once my brakes cooled I was able to ride down the rest of the canyon (my sister took the kids in her car and my mom insisted that she stay with me). It was wonderful to stop in Parowan and see my dad's beautiful resting place. There are few cemeteries that can match the beauty of that one. After that and visiting with my Aunt Margret we headed for Beaver, UT. We have to get our curd and ice cream. The kids got "Superman" ice cream. From there we made it to my brother-in-laws and his wife's house. By-the-time I got there, Branden had already called and the brothers were on alert to check my brakes and the rest of my car. It is nice to have a husband and brothers that know what to do. Thank you Jeff for giving my van a check-up. (He is a diesel mechanic) It got a clean bill of health (if a car can get that). Branden figured it would, he knows me a little to well. The kids were very excited to see their cousins. They have played and played. They have been swimming over at Papa's and grandma Brown's. They have gone to the park and the school playground. We went and saw Toy Story 3. I actually thought it was really cute. We went and saw fireworks at the old Granite High School. Emmy's response to the loud fireworks was "Turn them off." She has never liked loud noises. She is getting better about though. We also did fireworks at the house. And we were under blankets or them. It was chilly. Something that we don't ever have to worry about in AZ. On the 8th Emmy and I headed home with my mom and sister. We went through St. George and visited the temple. Every time I see that temple it takes my breathe away. Emmy loved it. We stayed in another hotel that night and then headed home on Friday. I was glad to be home and glad to see my hubby. I don't regret taking the kids up to UT to be with their cousins, but boy did I miss my hubby. We will be headed back up to get the kids in about a week. I'll be home long enough to do some laundry, clean up and back again. Ahhhh!!!!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-21T08:12:00.007-07:00

As usual I am right on time. (This time I am only a day late, impressive for me.) But in my defense yesterday was not exactly a day of rest, well at least the morning part wasn't. I think Branden's best Father's Day gift was that he didn't have to speak, that honor fell on me. I got to be the High Councilman's companion speaker. I played for the choir (one of my callings) and then I did my next calling which was teach Sunday School. After that I got to fill in in R.S. and do my third calling play for R.S. I have to say that I was beat by the time I got home. And since I am married to the sweetest man on earth, he let me go lay down for awhile. He got to watch the kids and get them lunch and off for quiet time. Not much of a Father's Day for him. Good things those holidays aren't readily celebrated at house. I am not completely heartless he did get his favorite cookies made from scratch. (Something else I don't do a whole lot.) But I will defiantly brag about having the world's greatest daddy and being married to the world's greatest daddy for my children. Yesterday I was very careful in my talk not to honor my dad (I didn't need the water works to start so early in a long church day). But in R.S. I did and of course cried in the process. I just want to say that I grew up in utopia. I was privilege to have wonderful parents who loved me and loved each other and only had eyes for each other. I had really no idea that being married was hard, they made it look so easy. My dad was the best example of what a worthy priesthood holder should be. He treated my mom as if she was a queen and expected that from us. He also treated my sister and I like the princesses that we are. He was kind and almost perfect (not quite, he did have faults, but few and far between). I have missed him dearly over the past 9 years and look forward to the day when I will get to see him again and am grateful for that knowledge and for his and my mom's eternal marriage. There is no better gift. The other daddy I am going to honor would be my wonderful husband. My husband is a wonderful father to our 3 children. He does so much for all of us. He is one of the hardest workers. Our children love when daddy comes home and they tackle him to the ground and the wrestling begins. It has been wonderful over the past 2 1/2 years for us to live in the community he works in. Emmy has loves being able to be with daddy while he works. He has taught Carsen about working hard. And I can walk out my front door and usually see him within a mile of our home. Thank you Branden for being a great father and husband to us. It nice to know eternity is going to be a wonderful time. (I don't have a picture of my dad. I am not that organized that I have old pictures scanned into the computer so I'll just post one of Branden.)

Wonderful, Crazy May

2010-06-17T17:55:00.006-07:00

So here is a run down of the last month and half. Adriana's birthday was fun and sad (for me). End of the year things with the highlights being the 4th grade play, Cinco de Mayo performance, and talent show (that went on for 2 days, long story and rather irritating, but oh well). Adriana and Emmy had their gymnastics show. Adriana's was the older groups and looked very painful for this unfit body. She is very talented and looking forward to the day when she is doing the flips crazy things that will make this mom hide her face and be glad for insurance. It was her second year in and is really progressing. Emmy performed earlier in the evening with the younger groups and needless to say that was entertainment. Just imagine 3&4 (there were other groups that were older and better) doing somersaults across the stage running into each other. Which made for some very unhappy little gymnasts. Carsen did coach pitch baseball and did really well. We are just trying to get him to use all his strength in his swings. Once he learns to follow through on his swings the balls will be out of here. Our beautiful Temple was dedicated. What an absolutely wonderful experience. I had the opportunity to sing in the dedication choir. There are no words to describe that experience. It was truly one of the most spiritual events of my life. I am so grateful for the talent I was blessed with that lead to this opportunity. I was wonderful to be so close to Pres. Monson, Pres. Eyring and Elder Holland. I stood right behind Elder Costa from the Pres. of the Seventy and Elder Walker from the First Quorum of the Seventy. Just maybe a little intimidating. Those men are truly wonderful men. It was a very busy month, but an absolutely wonderful month. I do have to say that I was glad to breathe.

Really bad mom, belated birthday

2010-06-10T09:02:00.011-07:00

Adriana had a big birthday this year and I didn't even post anything before and am over a month late for posting her birthday stuff now. Let's just say life has been busy, but I should never be so busy as to forget to acknowledge something so important. My baby girl (not really, she is my oldest, but will always be my baby) turned 10 this year. Yikes. It sounds cliche to say that I remember when she was born like it was yesterday, but I do. She had a great birthday and I had a nostalgic one. I love how much of a help she is with her little brother and sister, but I look back at the baby pictures and have to say I miss that fat, big baby. And she was fat. She was born fat and just kept getting fatter as she grew. But at about 3 years old the fat started to disappear and now she is just perfect (she was perfectly perfect as a fat baby, too). I am really quite proud of who she is and of her potential in life. I realize that my time is getting shorter and shorter with her. In another 8 years she will be able to go out on her own. I keep hoping time will slow down, but it keeps just getting faster. She is a good friend to all. I love my girl!!!!!

Just a little sensitive

2010-04-29T18:46:00.002-07:00

For some reason "The Man From Snowy River" has been on a lot lately. So we have been watching it. Well it was on again tonight. The last of it is the rounding up of the mob of wild horses. Well Emmy loved watching it. The show ends(with him riding away on his horse) on a happy note. Not in Emmy's eyes. I look down at her and realize that she is crying. She was very upset that he rode away from the girl. Not sure what to do with her. A little over sensitive apparently. I don't think I will be letting her watch "Beaches" or "Fried Green Tomatoes" any time soon.

Twilight--Crap

2010-03-26T11:29:00.006-07:00

Well, I finished the Twilight Series late Wed. night. I started it the Fri. before. I only started it because my girls wanted to go to the park and I wanted something to read. I was convinced that the hype around the series was just that hype. For some people it is, but unfortunately it wasn't for me. I got sucked in and couldn't put them down (crap). So for the next 5 days it consumed me. I have never considered driving and reading, but I had to drive back to Safford from Mesa and was on the 2nd book and thought that I might know the canyon well enough to do it. I DID NOT DO IT!!!! Just to make it clear. At that moment it would of been nice to have the ability the Cullens had and a car that was fast. A mini-van just doesn't have the speed that that Volvo has. Although I really like my mini-van. Anyway I think I lost some the last of the left over baby weight I had from baby #3. I thought it was great weight lose program. I might have to start over and finish off that weight, although Branden is about to launch himself through the ceiling so I think it is time to focus on my responsibilities of being a wife and mom. And I really think I could use some sleep. Now I have to watch the movies. I thinking Branden is going to put off setting up the DVD player. I will just have to do it myself. I hope I don't screw up the cable. Wait maybe I do?! I do think that I would love to have a vampire around. My house could be clean all the time and in such a short amount of time. Oh well. I just wish should finish the book about Edward. It is kind of nice to hear the thoughts of a guy. Guys might be just as obsessive as women. On second thought I don't think so, they would explode. Such in life.

Emmy's 4!!!!

2010-03-09T07:25:00.005-07:00

My baby is 4 today. I am realizing that I no longer have a baby and it is not a fun reality. She is ultra excited and loves the gifts. For Family Home Evening we celebrated her birthday. She got a new bike, which she has yet to really get off of. She also got another Zhu Zhu pet a little FurReal cat and a Fairy Pool for summer (my personal favorite since I got it on clearance back in the fall for $5, originally it was over $25.00). We are hoping now that she is 4 that she will be on the down side of her explosive personality. She has presented a challenge in raising her to this point, but we have enjoyed her and can't imagine life without her. We love her tons and look forward to another year with this fabulous child.

Temple Excitement

2010-03-05T21:58:00.003-07:00

So in a little over a month the open house for the Gila Valley Temple will begin. The excitement is so thick you could really cute it with a knife. So many wonderful things will be happening over the next 3 months. From the outside it is absolutely gorgeous. I can only imagine that the inside is even more beautiful. I am truly proud to get to be a part of all this. My dad's family came up from the colonies in Mexico years ago and lived in Duncan, AZ/Virden, NM. (Duncan and Virden are about 45 minutes east of Safford.) My grandma and grandpa (and many other family members are buried in the Virden, NM cemetery. My dad always loved this area and felt a special bond for this area. I feel as if I'm here for my grandparents and my dad. I know they will be there. I feel truly honored to get to sing in the dedicatory choir for the temple. It is such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We have had one official practice and WOW!!!! The talent in that room was overwhelming. I felt a little out of place. But am so excited. What a blessing the temple is. I can't wait for everything. YEAH!!!!!

Wickedly Funny

2010-02-20T09:25:00.003-07:00

I really like the musical "Wicked". I have yet to see it. When you live in a small town, trying to fit in a show in either Phoenix or Tucson can be problematic. Well, I listen to the soundtrack a lot and tend to sing along--helps me keep up my voice. In the song "Defying Gravity," in the beginning, both witches say, "I hope you're happy." Well, my almost 4 year old Emmy, after hearing it, will walk around the house and yell at anyone, "I hope you're happy." It is really quite funny. I have to believe that I think in a way she would make a really good Elphaba. Good intention (I think, I'm hoping so) horrible results. Gotta love her. Those huge brown eyes just make anyone melt.

What is really meant

2010-02-19T16:08:00.004-07:00

I can't take credit for this but I laughed. Branden has never had to deal with any of this. ;) (OK maybe 1 or maybe more). My sister e-mailed it to me and it was e-mailed to her by a co-worker and I think came from someone before that.

1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

He's 7

2010-02-18T09:02:00.003-07:00

My baby boy is really not a baby anymore. He hasn't been one for awhile. He is 7 today and beyond excited. I can't believe that 7 years ago he entered our family. He was a big boy at 9lbs 9oz. I still remember that night all too well. While waiting for him to come Branden and I watched the start of a new season of American Idol. And when he was born the nurses and doctors all said "Oh, big baby." I knew that was not a good thing. Then they weighed him and he was a big boy. I think the dark hair on his head weighed at least a pound or more. Unlike his older sister his black hair never fell out it just grew out blond. When he was about 9 months old a teenage girl asked me if I had dyed his hair. I think to this day that is the strangest question I have ever had. His whole life most common question I get about him is "does he ever not smile?" And I can say yes, but he really does smile a lot. He is definitely his father's son. He love to hunt and fish. He loves to go and do dog training with his dad. He loves sports and all kind, but especially soccer, football and little league. He has always been my little snuggle bug. He talks about when he will get to go on a mission and gets upset when we talk about the Gila Valley Temple Dedication, because he won't be able to go. WE are so proud of him and feel so blessed to have him in our eternal family. WE LOVE YOU CARSEN GARY BROWN!!!!!!

Forgetful Mother

2010-02-14T21:45:00.006-07:00

So Valentine's Day has really not been a big deal between Branden and me. When we were dating he got me a gift and then our first year after we were married he got me Sapphire earrings and necklace. (Which I love and still were.) Since then we just decided that (more me, but no argument from him) we really didn't need to do anything. I find it a token holiday and would rather he did something sweet randomly and not because he has too. We do do a little something for kids. Under $10, but they love it. Well I had their stuff all ready this year by last Monday. As I was sitting on the couch at 9:30pm (today) having sent the kids to bed I realized that I had not giving them their gifts. So they got them at 9:30pm and not in the cute way I wanted too. Oh well. Isn't it the thought that counts? Chocolate isn't bad at 9:45 at night, right? I really need to start taking something for my lack of memory. That would require me to remember to do that. Maybe it is good that there is not another child, I don't think I have any brain cells to spare at this point. Oh well.

Christmas

2010-01-28T11:42:00.008-07:00

You would think it wouldn't take me a month to post about such a great Christmas, but it did. We went to Utah for Christmas this year. It worked out that Branden only had to take off 4 days from work with Christmas and New Years falling on the end of the week. I will say that it was bitter cold. I think the Fri. or Sat. before we came home it finally got up to the high twenties. I'll complain now, but come summer I will complain about the 105+ weather here. I know I can't be pleased. The drive home was really cold. I didn't like to look at the thermometer and see 12 or more below. I was glad to be in a truck with heat. And of course I got stuck driving the stretch that was filled with fog. I shouldn't complain Branden did drive the whole way on the way up. And there was a lot of black ice. He did amazing. He personally thinks it is fun to drive in that kind of weather. I had white knuckles all the way. One more thing my wonderful husband does well. I got a great one. The kids had a blast and didn't want to come home. They got to sled and go out and shoot Adriana's new 410 shotgun. (Not really new, just to her.) Branden got some hunting in with his younger brother. I just tried to stay warm. We were able to see our good friends Jason and Alisynn Dickson and their kids. So here are a few highlights from our almost 2 week vacation. (That I needed another 2 weeks to recover from.)

Really, we're just that boring!

2009-12-10T08:53:00.003-07:00

I wish that something really exciting has happened, but truly nothing has. I am pretty much done with the Christmas shopping and most everything is wrapped. We are waiting on a couple of things to come in the mail, but other than that we are done. It is quite exciting. Now I just have to get ready to go to Utah for Christmas. That will be the challenging part. I have to transport everything up and then transport everything back down. Yippee!!!

Carsen has a new favorite word, "disturbing." He tends to go through jeans very quickly. He get holes int he knees within the first couple of months. We have tried all sorts of jeans, but he seems to wear them out in the knees quick. (Maybe he is just that spiritual :)) So Branden put a patch in one of them. I told him to put them on and finish getting ready for school. He said, "I don't' like these pants, they disturb me." I had to do a double take and have him repeat that. And yes he said that they disturbed him. It was all I could do not to laugh. That just isn't a word you expect to hear out of a 6 yrs. old mouth. He has really come to like it and uses it a lot.

Emmy still has her fun moments and still does things that make us laugh. Then when we laugh we get in trouble for laughing. "Not funny!" I can't believe she is going to be 4 in 3 months.

Adriana is doing well and is just as sweat as ever. Nine year old girls are a barrel of fun as long as you don't look at her crossed-eyed. She just might start crying. Branden loves all the emotion in our house. Growing up with 3 brothers does not prepare you for emotions of daughters. He is learning to cope.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Branden's younger brother, his wife and 2 kids along with Branden's mom came down. The kids had a blast and cannot wait to see them again at Christmas. It was a lot of fun to have Maria and Mom S. here. They unfortunately had to cut their visit short due to the death of a friend. Maybe some day I will post some pictures, but I haven't really edited them and have been really busy. Oh well. Maybe in the new year. I will do a holiday recap.

Christmas Choas!!!!

2009-11-21T07:27:00.003-07:00

I never understood why my parents didn't get a Cabbage Patch Doll when they were huge that one Christmas years ago. I now understand and apologize for being such a brat about it. Adriana wants the big toy of the season Zhu Zhu pets. They are out and will probably be out until Jan. I am trying to explain to her that we are sorry, but it just won't happen. She said that Santa could make them. I had to explain that Santa doesn't make those kind of things and can't get a hold of anymore. We tell the kids that if they stop believing in Santa, Santa stops coming. Problem solved, except when Santa can't get the gift they want. Can we just not do gifts this year?

The Preserve

2009-11-12T19:00:00.004-07:00

Branden told me that I needed to explain what The Preserve was since I have mentioned it a couple of times. Living in a rural place gives some interesting opportunities. This would be one of them for Branden. For those that don't know him he is an avid hunter/fisherman, just an all around outdoorsy guy. Several months back got involved with someone who was starting a hunting preserve in the Gila Valley. Branden's dream come true. He gets to be a guide on it. He is getting some great experience and has now moved into training hunting dogs. He is very good at these things and loves to be able to have an excuse to hunt. Although he really hasn't done much of it. So in a nut shell that is what it is. Some day he hopes to be able to do it in Utah. We'll see.

End of the Day

2009-11-12T18:42:00.005-07:00

I feel that today has been a semi-successful day. Our den is looking better and better. To be truthful it isn't just a den, it is also a place that puzzles and board/card games are stored. I have neglected my responsibilities of keeping our bills all organized. You would think I would be better at that since that is what I do for people. But just like the home builder's home is the last one on the list to be fixed up (I know this first hand) so is the bookkeepers personal books the last on the list. But it felt so good to shred so much stuff. Over the past 2 days I have shredded 6 Wal-Mart bags full of junk mail, old bills and just stuff I think needs to be shredded. Sometimes I get shred happy. I have also almost found all the pieces to all the games and all the cards to all the card games. That is saying something. I am still missing a few, but I think it will take moving to find everything. I have also gotten to throw a lot of things away. I love when I get to do that. Adriana has caught the bug. She is cleaning out her and Emmy's room of as many toys as she can in hopes that she will get better ones for Christmas. I told them all that they couldn't have anymore toys unless they got rid of alot. D.I. get ready they'll be coming. We have family coming for Thanksgiving and are very excited to see them. I just have to have the house all clean. Branden cleaned the garage yesterday and I am impressed. I wasn't sure that would happen. Now the backyard is next. When you have 4 dogs (one is being trained to be sold) manure is not in short supply. Good thing I like dogs. It is sad that we have more dogs then kids. Sometimes if Branden brings one of the Preserve dogs home we have just as many dogs as we do people. Something is definitely wrong with that.

Are ya kidding?

2009-11-12T08:49:00.003-07:00

So I wanted to be ultra productive on Wed. because I didn't have to worry about taken kids to school, no work and the kids could watch Emmy so i could get some really good cleaning done. Well, by 9:00am Branden was on kid duty and I went to the store for a breather so children would live through the day. Emmy decided that she wanted a "Dum-Dum" so she crawled up on the counter to reach up on top of the refrigerator. Well that was when she decided that counter toilet what's the difference. Yes she wet on the counter. So I wasn't planning on doing a Clorox cleaning in the cleaning, but apparently the cosmos had a different idea. So I cleaned it up and went to the store for some cool down time. Well while at the store Adriana called and said that her head, throat, and stomach hurt. So my down time got cut short and I went home to a 100.6ish temp. If the thermometer worked I could of gotten an accurate temp. Oh well. I did give her some meds. and sent her to bed. I did get some cleaning done, but not nearly what I wanted. We are really hoping that the fast illness doesn't effect anyone else, because we are suppose to head to Mesa on Fri. so Branden and I can go to the temple. If I didn't know better I would say that Satan really doesn't want us to do that. If only I could swear and call him a really bad name. Use your imagination. Thurs. is a new day and so far it is going better. I just have to remember 2 things. This to shall pass and Come what may and love it. I am really trying Elder Wirthlin. Not sure who to credit this to shall pass, but whoever, I'm trying to keep that in mind.

11 Years

2009-11-08T20:26:00.003-07:00

I'm not normally a sappy person, but today I kind of am. It was exactly 11 years ago to the date and day that Branden and I met. What a huge amount has changed in those 11 years. We now have 3 children, at the moment 4 dogs and as Branden pointed out bigger butts. I said I had an excuse, I have had 3 large babies. He has yet to come up with his excuse. I will say that I am grateful that 11 years ago Branden and I decided that he needed to be somewhere we really weren't planning on being. Our mutual 2nd cousin was having a mission farewell. Neither of us really planned on going, but because family has always been important to both of us we both ended up going. Neither one of us was going to go to the open house afterward, but circumstances made it such that we both ended up there. And low and behold the whole family conspired to get us together. I am really glad they did. Now before you all think that we have one messed up family tree we don't. We are not related, but we have 2nd cousins in common. My great uncle is eternally married to his great aunt. (I say eternally because she has passed on.) So I say thank you to the whole family, especially Uncle Homer, for being inspired to make sure we met and talked. Come this Friday the 13th it will be 11 years ago that we had our first date. Our second date came the next day (Branden will argue and say it wasn't) and then our third date came the following Monday and then our fourth that next Saturday. After that we rarely were apart and were married less then 6 months later. Thank you Branden for a great 11 years. I love you.

Skunk?

2009-11-02T18:37:00.002-07:00

Branden came home from the preserve and a smell came in with him. I really couldn't tell what it was, but it was pretty strong. He took off his shoes and sure enough the smell was on them. It was definitely a skunk, but not as strong as what I smell when one has been hit nearby. But then he put it right under my nose and I about died. I really hate those things. The funny thing about it is that Branden saw one, but doesn't remember it spraying. Well it did and his boots got it. I am just glad that it was just the boots and not his whole self or a dog. Oh well. You would think that I would be used to it considering that there is usually one killed on the highway by our house at least every other week. That is a smell you just can't get used too.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T21:11:00.007-07:00

One major holiday down 2 to go. Which until I had kids Halloween never seemed like a major holiday. Oh the production of it. They turned out cute and they got plenty of candy. They had fun and we were home by 7:30pm. Yeah. Adriana was a "Twisted Witch", Carsen was Dark Vador and Emmy was a Pirate Princess (I guess). I didn't do as much make-up on Adriana as I have in the past just because it scares me how more beautiful it makes here. Branden stayed home with horrible allergies so the kids and I went to ward trunk or treat party. They had fun and I wasn't worried about a car hitting them.

Sleeping Beauty

2009-11-01T16:24:00.004-07:00

So a couple of weeks of ago Emmy wasn't going to sleep. So she stayed out by me for awhile and then I sent her to bed. Well when I went to bed I went in to check on her. She was not in her bed or on the floor or bed with Adriana. For a split second I was a little nervous then I looked at the dresser and this is what I say.

This dresser is about 10 years old. We got it right before Adriana was born for her room. This has been through 3 children and it looks like it too.

She is just too cute. A handful, but beautiful. She keeps me on my toes. And yes I did move her to her bed. I am just glad that she didn't fall off before I checked on her and I listened to the prompting (for once) to check on her.

Out of the Mouths of Babes!

2009-10-13T09:19:00.003-07:00

The other day we were driving as a family and we were passing the temple. I said "Look there's the temple, what a treat to get to drive by it." Carsen replied with all the wisdom of a 6 year old (which in some cases far surpasses an adults) "It isn't a treat to drive by the temple, it's a treat to go in it." I was sufficiently humbled. I wish I could say that Branden and I are just that good and doing that well in teaching our children, but I am sure that my children came that way. As stubborn as they are I don't think the veil is as thick for them. It truly takes a child to remind you what really is a "treat".

Addendum

2009-09-23T22:11:00.005-07:00

Branden read the post entitled "Three Year Olds" and informed me that I told the story wrong. So sorry, I can't be expected to remember the minor details (ok, these were the whole story, but same gist.) They were not at the preserve, they were at a friends house and it was not acorns, but pine cones. Sorry, my bad. I never really have been a good story teller. But whatever. There the story has been corrected, but it takes away the cuteness of it. Oh well.

19.2-Pound Jumbo Baby

2009-09-23T21:04:00.006-07:00

Indonesian Woman Births 19.2-Pound Jumbo Baby.
http://www.lemondrop.com/2009/09/24/indonesian-woman-births-19-2-pound-jumbo-baby/

I will try not to complain about giving birth to 9lb+ babies anymore. OK, let's face it, I will still complain, but I am grateful that they have stayed in the single digits. There was a picture of the "little" guy and he is fat, but in a cute baby fat way. They did not show the mother. I am thinking she preferred it that way. Although, where the heck did she put him. I think I would be done. The article gave other items that weigh this much and here they are:

--One of those gigantic sacks of potatoes that are so big you wonder who buys them.
--A car tire. That's right. An actual car tire.
--If you had four 5-lb. bags of sugar, and your neighbor borrowed about 2 cups, the remainder would equal Gigantor Child.

I buy flour in a 25lb. bag and I have to say I can barely carry that around for any length of time. I can't even imagine carry him around. My youngest didn't weigh that on her 1st birthday. The worst thing about it is that he doesn't hold the world record for being the largest baby born. That baby's weight is 22.44lb according to the article. If I'm going to have a big baby I want to break the record, not that I'm hoping to break that record.

Finally Eggs

2009-09-23T13:18:00.004-07:00

Finally after 5+ months of having chickens (they started as chicks) and finding out we had mostly roosters we got some eggs, 2 to be exact. Our lives are that boring that this is overwhelmingly exciting. (Sad, huh.) Now if we can just get them to lay golden eggs.

Temple Excitement

2009-09-22T21:02:00.008-07:00

Today was very exciting for a lot of us living in the Gila Valley. Our beautiful temple (the most beautiful if I say so myself) got its Angel Moroni. It is beautiful. I think it is the most beautiful Angel Moroni has ever looked. The ground breaking was back in Feb of this year. So the workers are moving forward at a rapid pace. It has been such a thrill to drive by and watch the progress that is being made. The kids look forward to it every time we head that direction. They have it lit at night and it just makes me happy. Of course from what I am told lots of people showed up to watch the event. I don't blame them, this really doesn't happen that often, although lately it seems to happen more and more, which is really fun. My mom and sister are a little jealous since the temple in Gilbert just barely got approval to even be built. I just keep reminding them that they have a temple within a 45min drive. We on the other hand drive 3 hrs. one way. But I won't complain because there are some that have to travel that long just to get to church and a lot longer to get to a temple. So here are just a couple of the pictures. It is amazing how fast pictures were put online.

Three Year Olds

2009-09-04T22:26:00.003-07:00

So, Branden had Emmy with him out at the preserve. Well, Emmy picked up an acorn and said, "Look dad, it's a squirrel nut." Branden told her (trying not to laugh, because you don't laugh without permission) that it was an acorn. She responded with, "no, it's a squirrel nut." Over the past 3 years of getting to know Emmy (well she is actually 3 1/2) we have learned that there are some things you just don't argue about with her. We pick our battles and to Branden this was not one to argue over. So, just to let the world know (because heaven knows Emmy will take on the world) they are not acorns but squirrel nuts. Welcome to our world.

Maggots or Magnets, You decide

2009-08-25T09:47:00.003-07:00

Yesterday Emmy colored (in highlighter) a pretty picture. She was so proud she wanted to hang it on the refrigerator. So found a magnet. It happens to be a mug with the coco-cola color/logo on it. Well because it had a handle she called it a purse (such a girl). I told her it was a mug. She promptly turned to me and said, "No mom, it is a maggot." So we officially have maggots on our fridge. I wasn't sure whether I needed to clean my fridge with Clorox or just laugh. Truly neither is going to happen. You don't laugh at Emmy or she will respond with, "NO FUNNY!" That is our life with our sweet, brown eyed, full of life child. Never a dull moment.

Kickin' in the Rain

2009-08-25T09:11:00.013-07:00

Carsen has officially started soccer. And of course we have had a really dry past couple of months so why wouldn't the rains return on his first game. Nature really is against me. It knows the 2 things I hate are being in the rain and the wind. I love to watch the rain from inside, but I don't like to be all wet. Oh well, the things we do for our kids and pictures. He of course seems to be a natural at soccer too. I have to say he got his talent from his dad, while I can get by if everyone doesn't know how to play I couldn't even play with these kids (unless I scared them all or made them cry). The outfits are bright orange. Branden says he can just take him from there and they can go hunting.

I don't think there was an official score, but this mom was keeping score and well I won't reveal the score, but HE WON!!!!!!!

This is just at halftime. He is just a little muddy.

This is the aftermath of playing in the mud. I am so glad we don't have to still wash things on washboards. We took him home and had him start stripping (cool parents, huh we encourage stripping) and Branden sprayed off each bit of clothing one at a time. Poor kid was pretty cold. We made him go take a hot shower. I think I should have too. I am the one with the sniffles this week he is fine. Which I would rather have them then him.

Gymnastics Fun

2009-08-25T07:00:00.005-07:00

We enrolled Emmy for gymnastics. Her first class was last Tuesday. I am not too far behind. She had a blast. I am hoping I get to leave this week. Keep your fingers crossed. I tried to get some pictures, but with a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds running around it was really hard. Here's what I got.

First Day of School 2009

2009-08-14T19:26:00.012-07:00

School has started and non-to-soon. They were ready to go back. I was ready for a schedule and for a house to stay cleaned longer then 10 mins.

This really captures the reality of our life. And I really do love it.

Unwanted visitor!

2009-08-05T20:13:00.003-07:00

Well at least it wasn't a rattler! Last year around this time (maybe a little earlier in the summer) we found a King Snake in our front yard. I acted like a grown up and locked the door and called over to the house Adriana was spending the night at and said that she couldn't come home for anything because I was not opening the door. Well we have had our first encounter this year. The kids were out back letting our female dogs out of their kennels to run. Well, Adriana came running in the house screaming, "yuck it just went over my foot, snake, over my foot." Branden hates snakes as much as I do, but nothing is allowed around our children. So Branden and I go running out back. First was to get the dogs in their kennels (dogs and snakes don't mix, although our dogs are snake broke), second was getting Carsen from trying to see it, then Branden got a shovel and went to find it. Not knowing what kind it was a little unnerving. We know it wasn't a rattler and are thinking it was a Gardner Snake. Needless to say Branden flung that thing quite far. He didn't kill it, unless the land killed it. I am so grateful that it turned out to be just an everyday snake that is yucky as opposed to dangerous.

Harry Potter

2009-07-22T07:54:00.003-07:00

Yes, I am blogging about Harry Potter, but it is the one movie that I go within the first 2 weeks of it coming out. Movie 6 was really good, but probably the one that varied from the book the most. I am re-listening to the book so I can remember how different it was. I love to listen to the books on tape. (The reader is Jim Daley, he is fantastic.) Some people say it's the best one so far. I don't think so, although it was really good. I think that goes to book 4 (my opinion). Other people have complained that it differed from the book too much. Any one who has read a book and then watched the movie form of it is usually disappointed in the differences, but it doesn't mean the movie isn't good. I would have liked to have seen more similarities, but once again in a book there is no budget or time restraints and so on. In a movie you have to try to keep it to around 2 hours (it was longer) and try not to break the bank. I am glad I just get to enjoy the finished project. A lot has been said that the Christmas segment didn't need to be in the movie. While I agree that it didn't add anything to the movie, it was nice to not know exactly what was going to happen. Having read all the books there really isn't much surprise in the movies so when that unexpected thing happens it is kind of fun. I knew no one of importance was going to die, but was someone going to get hurt or something else. All-in-all I really liked to movie and can't wait for the DVD to come out.

Wonderful Youth Trek

2009-07-22T07:43:00.004-07:00

It has almost been a month since Branden and I went on our pioneer trek with our stake, so I am right on time recording about it. It truly was a wonderfully spiritual event. So many of our stakes youth are strong in more ways then one. I won't really go into lots of details or it will take up pages and pages, but know that the experience was wonderful. We had 8 wonderful "children", 5 girls and 3 boys. Each one made our family great. I was thankful that none of our children ever gave us any problems. They all got in there and did their part. If Branden or I asked them to do something, they were right there doing it. Thank you to their real parents for raising them to be respectful youth. I wish I could figure out how to make my real children at home do that. It is great to see that it is possible. It was hard to be away from my own kids and was so glad to see them when we got home. It took about a week to recover my sleep. Sunday was truly a day of rest in our home. I think I was only awake for church and that was it. Over all I would do this again in a heartbeat. That is saying a lot for me. I wasn't overwhelmingly excited to go. The biggest reason was because of the lack of sleep. I also can't wait for my own kids to have this opportunity. I hope that they will get to experience some of the miracles that we did.

The Fourth

2009-07-04T10:50:00.003-07:00

I have always loved the 4th of July, but in East Valley of AZ you don't really get to participate a whole lot. Unless you want to enjoy the heat. Some of the years we have been in UT and been in Prove and SLC and it has been a lot of fun. This year we stayed in Safford and attended the parade. It only lasted about 30 mins. It is not too hot yet and so it was great. Emmy still doesn't like loud noises, so the fire engines from the 3 towns around here was not all that fun. Daddy would cover her ears and she would wave. The big group of motorcycles were not all that fun for her either, but she has gotten a lot better. She doesn't bury her face in you anymore. I hope someday she will be able to just be fine with it.

I would like to thank all those who have served or are serving our country so my children can enjoy the freedom all year round. There is no better country on this earth. We as a nation need to make sure and keep it free so that our posterity can enjoy days like this. This is truly a blessed nation and we should never forget that.

THANK YOU TO OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN FOR ALL YOUR SCARIFIES ON OUR BEHALF!!!!!!!!

A DOG, YARD AND AN ANT

2009-07-03T17:14:00.010-07:00

We added a new dog to our brood. He is a 6 year old Brittany Spaniel. He is fully trained as a bird dog and an inside dog. He is ultra sweet and adjusting as well as can be expected. His previous owners love him tons, but since they had a baby 18 months ago he hasn't gotten the attention they think he needs. He hasn't hunted in awhile and they really felt bad. It was so hard to take him, but we are really excited to have such a great dog that can be inside and hang out with the family at night. The kids really like him and Carsen keeps wanting to walk him. I know the excitement of a new dog will wear off, but I think they will still really like him.

We also finished our backyard today. The grass is in, the last step. In a couple of weeks we will have a backyard that the kids can go out and play. It has been a long day, but a great day. Almost perfect except for the fact that I got bit by a fire ant. I always heard their bite was the worst, but I had no idea until today. I have been bit by many an ant, but nothing like this. The pain was really quite intense for about 5 mins. After that I didn't want to cut off my foot anymore, but it still hurt for another 3 plus hours. I guess on the bright side there has been no itching. My mom said that fire ants were listed in the top 10 most painful bites. I think they should all be set on fire. I have yet to figure out a good purpose for those things. I am just very grateful that it bit me and not one of the kids. I would've hated to have to watch the pain in them. Other then that today was a great day.

Harry

2009-06-20T11:19:00.002-07:00

Yes I love Harry Potter. Yes I am probably to old to be a big fan, but deal with it. Just a side note that it actually comes out on the 15th, but for some reason all the countdowns are set for the 17th. I found a couple that are right, but you can't download them, or I am not smart enough or patient enough to figure it out. So take off 2 days and it is right.

Can it get any worse?

2009-06-08T18:32:00.004-07:00

You know you are in for a day and a half when 2 kids are in your bed by 5:30am. I would have thought by now that they would figured out that it was summer. And within 20 mins. my point was proven. Branden came in and said, "Get up. There are ants all over the kitchen." Those are words that you don't want to her at 5:50 in the morning on a Monday. I just cont. to lay there in hopes that when I got up I would of found out that I had just had a nightmare. It wasn't a nightmare it was a morningmare. There were ants. One of our favorite treats during the summer is Otter Pops. Well the kids sometimes don't get the wrappers in the garbage. Really how do ants smell/sense that. I am sure the science world has figured that out, but really should they be able to do that? The rest of day went fine until around 3:30. I decided I had better start making bread. I needed to get the flour out of our deep freezer in the garage. When I opened it up I noticed that there was no ice on the walls or the lid and it just wasn't that cold. Well, back to the Otter Pops. We had kept the boxes out there for a while because the inside freezer was a little full. So the kids would go get them, well at some point one of the kids tripped over the cord and unplugged the freezer. In their defense they didn't know that that could happen. Needless to say the bottom stuff was still frozen, but the meat on the top was not. It was cold and so I have spent the rest of the afternoon cooking. (Branden and I had kept saying that we really needed to clean out the freezer, but just kept putting it off. Here is the lesson to be learned, if you think you need to get something done, do it. Life has a way of making you do it.) Mind you that I had to finish the mixing the bread dough, but had to let it rise. So the bread had almost risen to the ceiling before I could get back to it. But you would think that would be enough, no I decided I needed to be in pain also. I hurt my thumb in the freezer, really don't know how I accomplished that, but I did. I then found the sewing needle in the carpet (didn't know I needed to look for one). Well the side of my foot did. So I had to stop to put a band-aid on it. Not because I am a wimp, but because I didn't need to clean anymore blood. Among the meat that had to be cleaned were some steaks. Branden was a a side job and so I got to light the grill. I really don't do that. We have a charcoal grill. The first go around didn't take, so I started the process over and put the lid down and threw in the match. Bad idea. For those who do do charcoal grilling I think you know what happened next. I am still alive and nothing burned down. These are the days I am glad that I wear capris or pants all the time. I was on the cell phone with my mom and she thought I had died. The scream I let out was a scream you let out right before you die. Fire came out from everywhere and there was a boom. Branden also told me that should not of used so many charcoals. Who knew? Needless to say bedtime could not come soon enough.

Next Blog

2009-06-06T18:30:00.003-07:00

OK. So I have never done this, but maybe lots of people do it. But at the top of the blog it has a tab that says "next blog". I decided to see what happened. Well, the first site was in a Middle Eastern language and so I clicked the back and arrow and pressed it again expecting to get the same site. I didn't. So to amuse myself I would hit the button look at the blog and then go back to mine. I came across some really cool ones. One was of a photographer with some beautiful nature pictures. Another one was of some one's house renovation. There were also some in different languages. I think one was french, but hecked if I know. I came a across a Japanese one (once again hecked if I know, for all I know it could of been Chinese). But I did get part of one of the blogs. These are the words I got. Susan Boyle, Britain's Got Talent and I Dreamed A Dream. I have no idea if they liked her, but they blogged about her. My opinion is she has an incredible voice. Nothing more on that. So if you are bored, want to laugh or just want to waste time try it. I would suggest not having children around due to the fact there are no guarantees of what people might put up for the world to see.

Memorial Day

2009-06-01T22:00:00.025-07:00

We had a great day on Memorial Day. We loaded up the kids and went up to Fry Mesa. If you don't look down while you are driving up or down from it you do alright. We had a great time back in the water at the slides. The kids and Branden got in. I took a change of clothes for the kids, but didn't do it for Branden, but nothing keeps the daddy from having fun with his kids. He dove in after a little hesitation. He is a better person then I. The kids had a blast, but I think the best part was when Branden chased a cow. They thought that was a hoot. Needless to say it was a great day. After all that swimming we went over to our friends and the kids did more swimming. It must be summer.

This was a little friend we found. Of course Branden wouldn't go near it, but the kids did hold and it and pet it while I held it. The women can hold and move the lizard, but the man runs away.

End of the School Year

2009-06-01T21:49:00.009-07:00

I am only about 2 weeks behind with this one. It is the end of another school year. While I am sure within a month I will be ready for school to start again I am glad to get a break. Having one more child in school made it so much busier. The last day was a great day. I made the kids look good so I could take pictures. Normally I don't make Adriana do her hair, but I was mean and wanted pictures. Carsen had kindergarten graduation so he had to look really cute for all sorts of pictures. When we got there the part of the decorations said "Class of 2021." The thought of my baby boy graduating from kindergarten was hard, but to see that and realize how fast it will go was heartbreaking. They sang some cute songs and were just cute. The kids had awesome teachers this year. Carsen loves school thanks in large part to the best kindergarten teacher ever. Mrs. Smallwood is a top notch teacher. I am just hoping that she will still be teaching when it is Emmy's turn for school. Adriana's teacher is also a phenomenal teacher and helped Adriana do great things. She is a great person and does a great job teaching. You know they have good teachers when they really didn't want the year to be over. That night Carsen wanted to start his summer homework. (The homework is really not much, just keeping a journal and keeping up on what he learned.) Thank you to all the teachers that do such a great job for crappy pay. This mom is very appreciative. His picture isn't very good, but he is cute no matter what the picture quality is.

Birthday

2009-05-21T08:44:00.008-07:00

I'm only a month behind. Hopefully by the end of the year I will be caught up. Everything about her birthday this year was not good. Branden got really sick (we went to the ER, no doctors are taking new patients here, and come to find out he was dehydrated.) So we kept having to put off her family birthday and her friend birthday. I think she was fine once she saw her new bike. She had a blast at her birthday. She all is well. Adriana is officially 9 years old. I can't believe that she has been in our family for 9 years, although I don't really remember life without her. She is growing into a really great young women which she will be in in 3 years. :( She is a big help and really good with her brother and sister (most of the time, she has her moments of wanting to be left alone). She finished off her 3rd grade year with A's & B's. She is nervous about going into 4th grade, but we tell her as long as she works hard she will do great. Here are the highlights for her birthday.

T-Ball

2009-05-19T17:47:00.006-07:00

Carsen did T-ball this year was very good. We got a lot of compliments on his abilities. He has a great arm and really has good focus. He had tons of fun and can't wait for soccer to start and then do coach pitch baseball next year. He has great athletic abilities. We are very proud of him and how hard he tries. Way to go Carsen.

Easter

2009-05-19T17:26:00.012-07:00

We had a very nice Easter. We ate our Easter Dinner on Saturday because we were with my mom and sister. The kids decorated Easter eggs on Sunday. They did a really good job and they turned out quite cute. (Easter came before our camp out, but whatever.)

Camping fun

2009-05-18T07:14:00.016-07:00

We went turkey hunting (it was more camping for us) in April and had a complete blast. The kids were so excited and had a fabulous time. We got up there on a Thurs. and it was cold. It even starting snowing a little. My first thought was I want to go home if it is going to be this cold. Friday and Saturday were so much better and warmer and it was a wonderful weekend. We went to Canyon Creek. We were able to fish and took the kids up to the fish hatchery. They loved it. They got to feed the fish. The kids thought it was really funny to see them jumping like crazy for the food. Each of the kids caught a couple of fish and I even caught a few. (I usually get skunked.) We went on lots of hikes. We found a horny toad and I picked it up and let each of the kids hold it. Adriana was the only one that just touched it. Emmy is our little fearless child. She held it with no hesitation. Branden on the other hand was a quite a few yards away. It is ok. We have a running deal. I take care of the lizards and frogs he takes care of the spiders. Living in Arizona the spiders can get really quite big. (In Safford it seems that there is a never ending supply of Wolf spiders.) The best part of camping was the fact that earlier in the month Branden's Uncle Jack gave us one of his old trailers. It needed some work, but wow it was so nice to not have to tent it. And it has a bathroom a real working bathroom. A girl's dream. Thank you Uncle Jack!!!!!!!

One of my favorites pictures

3 Year Olds

2009-04-13T13:54:00.004-07:00

You know you spend too much time at Wal-Mart when your 3 year old comes to you with the Children's Benadryl and says, "it's almost empty, we need to go to Wal-Mart and get more." We give it to her to relieve the itching from her eczema. Oh well.

I didn't think I lived in the Windy City!

2009-04-04T11:00:00.003-07:00

I am beginning to think that Safford should be called the Windy City. I haven't ever been to Chicago and so I don't know how bad it is there, but for the past week or longer (I've lost track of how long) the wind has blown and blown. Not a breeze, but at least 30-50mph winds. If you drive by an open field you can't see through the dust. There truly is no point in trying to do hair. And the allergies from all the blowing dust, pollen and just random people (OK a little dramatic) flying through the air. Half the time wearing contacts is a big mistake. I have to keep telling myself that wind serves as a very important purpose. When it does stop it does make it clear and the mountains around here almost look not real because of their clarity. I just hope our tree outside can hold up to it. I am just glad it isn't hot outside. It has kept us cool and held off the hot temperatures. I keep trying to find the good things about it.

Sweet Emmy

2009-04-04T10:44:00.003-07:00

We have been trying to potty train Emmy for about a month. I really don't know where she gets her stubbornness from. Surely not me. She has the concept down very well, just doesn't find it convenient. Frankly I don't blame her. Who would want to stop playing with play-dough to go potty? I do think she is finally getting it. We have also been dealing with Eczema with her. She is truly a trooper. We have been trying find what will work for her. We may have found it, but not without it being painful for her. Some friends of ours who also have a child with it said they tried everything, but found one lotion that seems to work. We are trying it. We have done it 3 times and it seems to be working, but it is very painful due to the medicine in it. She still stands there and lets me put it on her. What an example of faith to me. I have explained to her that this could help her skin and so she lets me apply it knowing it will hurt. I wish I could say that I would be that willing. She has her 3-year-old moments, but she is just a great daughter and I wouldn't trade her in for all he money in the world. Her personality is one-in-a-million. Her expression are hysterical and she is always trying to make you dance. One of my favorite moments was when the Elders were over for dinner and she decided to strip and dance (One of her favorite pass times). Luckily she is beginning to have a desire to keep clothes on. She keeps us laughing and keeps me on my toes.

Spring Break

2009-03-17T13:23:00.007-07:00

Spring break has come and gone and I can't say that I got the rest I needed. Mon. was Emmy's birthday. On Tues. I finished cleaning the house (some days it would be nice to have a maid). When I got done we headed for Grandma and Aunt Shell's. We finally got off about 1. It normally is about a 2hr and 45min. drive, but when you have construction in the canyon well just add a lot more time on. While we were sitting and waiting Adriana and I cleaned the dashboard in the van. It really needed it. It looks pretty dang good. Can't say the rest looks that good. When we got there we did another little birthday party for Emmy. On Wed. we went to the Mesa museum and did somethings in town. Thurs. we had a picnic and played at the park. That evening Branden traveled down and went over to his aunt and uncle's house. The kids got to play with their cousins Hunter and Christopher. Fri. they had a blast with their Aunt Shell for the majority of the day. Branden and I had a funeral to attend and memorial service. They had a blast at Freestone Park where Grandma and Branden and I met up with them. I always climbed trees when I was little and it didn't bother me at all, but my kids doing it terrified me. I had to turn my back a couple of times. Friday night we went back over to Aunt Jan and Uncle Jack's where the kids got to play with their cousins and feed the horses. They have 6. The kids love going over there. On Sat. Branden and Carsen went and hung out with Branden's dad and cousin Chase at Bass Pro Shop. The rest of us had a girls day and went to lunch and did some shopping. That evening we went over to the Queen Creek Equestrian Center to see Aunt Jan. She runs the barrel racing for the state and they were having a barrel racing rodeo last weekend. The kids loved to get to see all the horses that were there. They are learning how to deal with them. Overall the week was a lot of fun and busy.

I should of posted this awhile ago, but like most things put it off. And then our computer crashed. And like most things I had put off backing it up. I have a few pictures, but a lot were lost. Luckily I have this and had sent some to family. Yeah for families. I am now trying to remember the code or our wireless. Me trying to remember anything is a joke. I usually have to go through all 3 children and the dogs names before I get the right one. The joys of ageing and having children. Both of which are wort the sacrifices. I have gained far more then I have lost. I will post the pictures when I figure out that code. (I can't even find that box to get the factory settings. AAAAHHHHH!!!!)

Another Birthday

2009-03-17T13:06:00.013-07:00

It's official, I'm a bad mom. I forgot to change the background to celebrate Emmy's birthday. I am glad that she is only 3 so there might be a chance that I have yet to mess her up to bad. It was a lot of fun though. She got to have 2 birthdays. One in Safford and the other at Grandma and Aunt Shell's. Here's her cute pictures and try not to fall for her brown eyes.

Fishing Fun

2009-03-03T20:08:00.007-07:00

For FHE this week we went to "Cluff Ponds." It is a place that is about a 30min. drive from our house. The fish were nibbling, but not really biting except for Emmy and Adriana. The trout were the ones that everyone said were biting, but of course Emmy has to be different and reels in a blue gill (that is what Branden called it, I'm really not up on my fish species, I only care that they are edible). This was her first fish ever so we were really excited. She was ready to catch another one. She didn't like the waiting and became cranky when it didn't happen after about 30 seconds. Carsen was disappointed that he didn't get one and the girls did, but we did remind him that he is the one usually reelin' them in and the Adriana hardly ever gets one. Branden and I got skunked, but that happens when you are running around after children and when Branden is trying to keep the lines from snagging. The highlight was the ground squirrel that came out of its hole about 10 yards from us. I was relieved it was only a ground squirrel. Emmy loved the mud ducks and referred to them as uack, uacks. (No that is not a typo, she just can't say her "qu" sound yet.) Adriana was fascinated to learn that ducks go under water for period of time looking for food. We had lots of fun. The kids are ready to go again. Give me another few days and I might consider it. Love fishing, don't love 3 year old around water and other things. Emmy had no problem holding her fish, but Adriana well her face says it all.

Too much for a mom to take

2009-02-24T10:16:00.004-07:00

Ok, it is one thing for your baby boy to turn 6, but when he loses his first tooth not even an week after that my heart breaks. He is officially no longer a baby. My sister noticed that his tooth was a little lose on Sat. She is a second grade teacher so she sees her fair share of lose teeth. She estimated it had about another 2 weeks. (That is what she would of told one of her students.) But we are talking about Carsen. This child taught himself to tie his own shoelaces by sitting and doing it over and over for between 1 to 2 hours. So when he is determined to do something it doesn't matter what the normal time frame would be. By Sunday afternoon the tooth was out. He wanted it out so he kept playing with it until it did. I am really glad he is ok with pulling his own teeth. Neither Branden nor I like this part of having children. To Branden teeth gross him out (yes my macho man is grossed out by teeth, he can gut out an animal, but don't brush, pick, touch your teeth in front of him). As for me it is just a painful thing to watch. If I have to do it, then I will, but I avoid it at all cost.

Six Years Old

2009-02-14T15:27:00.002-07:00

Carsen will be turning six on Wed. He is way too excited. For about a month now he keeps asking if his birthday is tomorrow. I can't believe that it has been 6 years. I love watching him grow and watching him turn into a young man, but boy do I miss my little baby boy.

More Snow

2009-02-10T10:56:00.009-07:00

It happened again. Arizona is under a winter storm and we got hit. It snowed. I have never seen the kids get ready so fast. Normally they can't get enough food in the morning. I even made pancakes. They both only ate 3 and were off to play in the snow. It is funny how quickly they realize that we are not equipped for snow. (No snow gloves) They did have fun for a little while. They had a snowball fight with Branden and they built a snowman on the electrical box out to the front side of our house, not sure that was the best place, but no shocking or loss of power so it's all good. Emmy was done with the whole thing a lot sooner then Adriana and Carsen. It is very pretty and nice to know that there isn't ice on the roads as I drove them to school. It is now 11:00 and the snow is almost gone, but the wind is really bad. It sounds so bitter. These are the fun pictures from the fun.

My sweet Carsen!!!

2009-02-03T19:28:00.002-07:00

OK, this may only be a mom's best moment, but that is ok. Carsen who will be 6 in about 2 weeks got the dinner tonight. It was one of those cereal nights, so dinner wasn't complicated. I was trying to help Adriana with her homework. It was a packet due by Friday. I don't want to wait until then, so we were trying to finish it tonight. (We did get close.) So he got tired of waiting. I told him to grab the cereal (the kids love these nights) and to get the bowls. He is not tall enough to reach the counter so he placed the bowls on the floor and poured the cereal in. Then he got the milk and poured it in. He then served it to us. It isn't a big thing, but a much appreciated thing on a day that has consisted of taxes and bill paying and all the fun of that stuff. He is such a cute boy. He has been out digging holes in the backyard. (We don't have grass just dirt.) He can't sit for very long watching tv or playing video games. I am very glad about that. He would much rather be out playing or doing something that his dad would do.

Just another day

2009-01-25T17:19:00.002-07:00

So I really suck at this whole blogging thing. But sadly our lives are just that boring. We did have fun last weekend when Branden's 2 brothers and 2 cousins and a friend came into town to go upland bird hunting. They had a blast and were very successful. I have been busy do my very part time job. To the family though it has seemed more like a full-time job. This week it should go back to normal. That means I can actually clean my house. I do have to say that I am glad that today is over. Branden and I had to speak in church, which is never one of my favorite things. In fact I felt sick all morning and still do. That could just mean I am sick or the fact that our family just can't kick that crappy winter cold. It is now just coughs the kids have. I really hope that they can get rid of it. I hate having to go to the doctor just for a cough. Yesterday was exciting we got a bunch of new (new to us--but used) furniture, because we have so much room. Adriana said to me, "Why every time someone is getting rid of a couch we take it?" I think I have a problem. Oh well. I like furniture, shoes, clothes, or I like to shop. But I did not buy it new and it was a really a good deal. (I know I am justifying--I do it well.) Emmy is still singing "Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat. If you don't I don't care I won't come tomorrow." I just can't believe she still remembers it. But don't laugh when she is saying it or she will say to you very seriously "Not funny!" She is so cute, but still very much a 2 year old and acting more and more like a 3 year old, which is a lot worse.

2009-01-16T13:23:00.003-07:00

Well the first illness of 2009 has hit the family. Emmy started it and I followed. It is a not so bad cold, but nonetheless a cold. Which I hate them. I'm not really feeling sick, just can't think. (Which is normal for me, but now it is even worse.) I have to say that Emmy yelling right now is actually cute. She has a scratchy voice, so it is just cute. Give it another couple of days and it won't be cute anymore.

Almost 2 weeks ago she decided to cut her bangs. The bright spot is it really shows off her big brown eyes, bad part I am not a hair dresser and have yet to come up with a solution. We tried to put clips in, which works for about 2 mins., then she pulls them out. It isn't the greatest picture, but you get the idea. The yellow highlighter in this picture isn't really bad. She has decided she needs a uni brow. This time it is in the middle of her forehead as opposed to right over the bridge of her nose.

Sorry about the picture she wouldn't stop eating her snack. She is very passionate about her snacks. We have a lock on the pantry door. Between eating anything she can dumping my flour and baking mixes on the carpet we have to keep her out. I wish that I could say that it kept me from eating any sweets that were in there. It doesn't. Oh well.

Let It Snow

2008-12-31T19:22:00.012-07:00

The Friday night following Christmas we had a wonderful surprise. We had a so-called blizzard. In about 15 mins. we had a sort of white out as I am told. So the kids got to have a little fun in the snow Saturday morning. This was the amount of snow. By about noon the next day it was gone, but that left enough time for snow angels and a snowball fight. This was the aftermath.

The girls made snow angels. Do not be deceived, Emmy may have made one, but there should be a pitch fork in her hand also. She is a little bit angel and a lot (how do I put this) devilish. If it weren't for her big, dark brown eyes she would probably have been kicked out by now.

We had a snow ball fight and this is the end result. The kids had a blast until they went inside and started to defrost. They soon got a science lesson on how hands hurt when warming up after basically being frozen.

Let it Snow

2008-12-26T17:39:00.002-07:00

It got cold enough. It snowed although it was to warm still to stick, but it was really pretty. It snowed about 1 hr. The kids loved it, they thought it was great. Branden was excited also. If another storm comes in tonight it might just stick. That is what the kids are hoping for. I just want pictures.

2008-12-26T09:14:00.008-07:00

We survived!!! Yeah. We now have to brave going to Wal-Mart today. Not to return anything, I am not that crazy. I would of done some kind of Happy New Year background, but my honey is more important. His birthday is the 31st. Yeah for him. I try to help him like it by telling him that everyone celebrates his birthday. And for us we don't stay up late enough to see the ball drop. (We are old.)
On another note, I know we are not as cold as let's say Utah, but the wind is blowing here and making it bitter. I never understood the whole wind chill factor, I do now. It changes the temperature in a way that should not be allowed. The kids are really hoping for snow, I really don't think that is going to happen.

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T14:48:00.013-07:00

Well after a long night of the older two kids getting up and down morning finally came. Santa had made it. Scooters and a skateboard were the big gifts from him. Carsen got his long anticipated football. He didn't know he was getting it, but a couple of times I almost told him that his dad and I had gotten him one. I thought I might go mad if he mentioned it one more time. Adriana loves her MP3 Player. She is dying for it to get changed. The reindeer made a huge mess on a walk way. We left them some oats and they are sloppy eaters the kids found out. :) Emmy got this skip-it type thing called HoneyBee Hop. Little did I know that it would play "Flight of the Bumble Bee" over and over. Next year I will read better. It has only rained here a little unlike what our family is getting up in Utah. I would love a light white Christmas not a foot or 2 of white. Hope everyone is having a wonderful time. Merry Christmas. Branden made Adriana a bed for her American Girl doll. I have to do the bedding which means there is sewing to be done. If you hear me swear please don't tell anyone. He did a really nice job. Emmy opened up one of her presents that I had wrapped in an oatmeal box. She loves oatmeal very much and when she saw the box she screamed in excitment "OATMEAL!". Hence the reason Adriana is laughing so hard.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T20:54:00.009-07:00

Today has been crazy. We went to Mesa with Branden. He had is Christmas Party for work. So while he was doing that the kids and I went and shopped. What else do you do on Christmas Eve day (along with all the other million shoppers). Never shop at Trader Joe's on Christmas Eve. Love the store, but the crowds were unbelievable. We left at 8 this morning and got back at 5:30. Needless to say it was a long day. We were very blessed to have some friends invite us over for a Christmas Eve dinner with their family. Thank you Thompson's. I didn't have to cook. That is always a blessing. The kids were ready to open their 2 gifts. The first is the annual pajamas and the second was from their Papa and Grandma Brown. They loved them. I am just glad it is almost over for the day. Carsen is trying really hard to stay up for Santa, but I am pretty sure he is more tired then he thinks he is. Merry Christmas everyone.

Another Christmas Party

2008-12-21T20:27:00.016-07:00

Last weekend Grandma and Aunt Shell came up to celebrate Christmas. They will be in Utah for Christmas so the kids got yet another early Christmas celebration. They think this is the best Christmas ever. It forced us to get the tree up. We were a bit slow this year.

Adriana got to put the star up on the tree. She also thinks we should leave it up all year long. I'm thinking of just relocating it to the garage all put up. I don't think Branden will go for that. They had a blast.

Yummy Thanksgiving

2008-12-18T19:32:00.007-07:00

Ok, Thanksgiving was almost a month ago and I am now just getting to it. I think I am ahead of schedule. We all had a blast and especially the kids. Branden had fun despite the fact that he got skunked chucker hunting. The week was so busy we didn't have 2 seconds to really sit, but I did it anyway. I was on a vacation. (I really don't know what that means now that I'm a mom.) On Thanksgiving we spent it with my family in Lehi. Yummy food. One of the things I am grateful for. We all got sufficiently sick. (What you are suppose to do on Thanksgiving.) We then went over to Branden's dad's house for more pie. Because the 2 (or 3) I had already eaten wasn't enough. Friday we had a lot of fun at Grandma Sorenson's Christmas Party. The kids were ecstatic that they finally got to go to grandma's Christmas Party. Then Saturday was the big finale. Morgan was baptized and then we had another Thanksgiving dinner with all of Branden's side and Amie's family. It was a lot of fun and yummy again. The only thing better then Thanksgiving is 2 Thanksgivings (more pie). It was hard to come home and the kids were very sad. We love to spend time with all the family. We are so grateful to have such a big and great family. We miss them, but love the fact that we have something to look forward to as often as possible.

Thanksgiving Week

2008-11-23T20:09:00.004-07:00

We are very excited to be in Utah for the week of Thanksgiving. Although I have yet to get warm. The drive up was long as usual. We left Friday around 4:30pm and got to Bobby & Maria's (Branden's brother) between 6 and 6:30 Sat. morning. We brought the truck so we could bring the hunting dogs (all 3). Branden drove most of the way, but I did help. And without fail the stretch I was driving I almost hit a deer. Every time we drive through the night and it is my turn to drive there is a deer that almost becomes (for lack of a better word) hamburger. This time the deer was out for a leisure walk in my lane. I was very blessed that no one was coming in the opposite direction and I was able to get around out. It took about five minutes for my heart to stop racing and another 10 for my hand to not shake. We were very tired, the kids weren't though. Go figure. There was no time to sleep. We had to load up the truck at 9:ooam for Jacob's (our nephew) birthday party another hour away. Branden drove and I fell asleep. My mother-in-law was driving behind us and said that Branden was having a hard time staying in his lane. I had no idea. One of those times that not knowing was a good thing. On the way home we were fortunate to have Bobby drive the truck home and I drove with Maria. That night we had all 9 cousins for a sleep over at Bobby's. So really sleep was once again not an option. But I really enjoy that being the reason. Although Aunt Christie got pretty grumpy by about 9. By 6:30pm today we dropped down to 2 children. The 2 youngest. Our 2 oldest and Caleb (another cute nephew) our having a sleep over at Uncle Jeff and Aunt Amie's house. I wish them luck and a possible sedatives for each child. :)

Halloween

2008-11-17T09:21:00.010-07:00

Halloween was a lot of fun for the kids. Branden has determined that Adriana will not be allowed to wear make-up for a long time. She is very luck to have natural beauty, but you put make-up on her and look out. Emmy has down Trick-or-Treat, smell my feet. Didn't know she knew that. And to this day she still says it. She also sings Happy Birthday. I am really afraid of what she is going to say next. But they were all so cute. For clarification Adriana was a Vampiress and Carsen was a Ninja. The worst part of it was the cany was gone in a little over a week(Thanks mostly to Branden).

Skate Boarding Gone Wrong

2008-11-17T09:18:00.004-07:00

So Emmy tried to skateboard. Branden was right next to her talk on the phone. Needless to say We were lucky it was just the chin and bottom gums. I am going to have to make a picture folder stickily for injuries. We have enough around here.

Graham County Fair

2008-11-17T08:58:00.010-07:00

The fair was a blast and we were very lucky to have Richelle there to take pictures. The kids had a wonderful time. They loved the fun houses and we had a lot of fun in the spinning bears (like the Tea Cups at Disneyland). Adriana and Carsen also loved the another spinning one. It swung out like swings, but it also spun like the Tea Cups. Needless to say they didn't want Branden to stop spinning it. I was feeling a little sick. We also went on a ride that is like Gravitron (whatever it was called at the Fun Dome). Carsen loved it. Adriana was not liking it. Which helped me because I hated it, but I was focused on keeping her from crying that I forgot how sick it was making me. Branden got in trouble for trying to defy gravity. Surprise, Surprise that it would be him to get in trouble. They had the agricultural area and I had forgotten how fat pigs are. They are truly fat. We also saw roosters and pigeons that would give Jeff's 50lb+ turkeys a run for their money. Had no idea they could get that big. I am thinking there should be steroid testing on some of them. Overall we had a lot of fun.

Graham County Fair

2008-11-17T08:50:00.005-07:00

So even though it has been well over a month I finally got the pictures. Every year Graham County has its County Fair. It is everything you would expect from a county fair. They give the kids the Friday off to boot. They have a parade Friday morning and this year it was a long one thanks to the election year. Every political candidate submitted to be in it. While we were waiting for it to start they had people entertaining the crowds. Carsen got to help the juggler. He loved it.

Cute Emmy

2008-09-23T10:42:00.007-07:00

Emmy and I took a drive after we dropped Adriana and Carsen off for school. We ended up at what is called Gila Box look out. It is a beautiful view of the river and just nature in general. Emmy love it tons and these pictures looked so cute. She liked it so much that when we had to leave she threw a tantrum for about half of the drive home. I have to look at these pictures to remind me how cute she is.