36 hours before ringing in 2010, Daren decides to do a sprint at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas so he doesn't get caught on the wrong side of the aircraft door.
He was running late, started to run, heard a pop, couldn't walk, made the flight, came home limping and in pain. I told him we could go to the ER but we decided to wait for Dick Clark to drop the 2010 Waterford crystal ball , then head to the ER so we won't have to pay the insurance deductible twice. I rented him some "CRUNCHES" as Camille calls them. I feel so bad for him because he doesn't like walking around on the "crunches" and is in a lot of pain.
Fortunately, our neighbor is an orthopedic surgeon and is coming over to check out Daren's knee.
What a great way to ring in the new year, right?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
Here are a few memories of the girls from Christmas:
The girls singing recital. I loved seeing both of them sing in their white dresses.
Camille's Christmas Dress. I had so much fun shopping for their dresses this year.
Abby's Christmas Dress
Christmas 2009
We made A LOT of these cinnamon rolls
Camille's Christmas Wish-A Gourmet Cake Maker. (See video below)
Camille's Christmas Breakfast-A Gourmet Cake!!
The girls singing recital. I loved seeing both of them sing in their white dresses.
Camille's Christmas Dress. I had so much fun shopping for their dresses this year.
Abby's Christmas Dress
Christmas 2009
We made A LOT of these cinnamon rolls
Camille's Christmas Wish-A Gourmet Cake Maker. (See video below)
Camille's Christmas Breakfast-A Gourmet Cake!!Abby was excited that Santa brought her Zhu Zhu Pets. Thank goodness he did because her mom couldn't find them anywhere except if she was willing to pay double for them.
(I put these videos on backwards. Check out the one on the BOTTOM FIRST and then the one on the TOP)
OPENING PRESENTS CHRISTMAS MORNING
Monday, December 14, 2009
THE TRADITION CONTINUES
Last month, it was Abby's turn to go on a Daddy-Daughter trip. She was SO excited to fly on an airplane with Daren to San Diego.
This picture of Camille with her jealous face cracks me up. I had to remind her that her trip was last year and it was Abby's turn. 
I was glad to see that Abby wasn't eating lollypops for breakfast like Camille did last year.
While at Sea World, Abby wanted to sit in the SPLASH ZONE during the Shamoo show. She sat alone in the SPLASH ZONE while Daren sat rows back in the NON-SPLASH ZONE.
So Abby spent the rest of the day like this:
And LOVED this ride:
And REALLY LOVED spending time with this guy:
This picture of Camille with her jealous face cracks me up. I had to remind her that her trip was last year and it was Abby's turn. 
I was glad to see that Abby wasn't eating lollypops for breakfast like Camille did last year.
While at Sea World, Abby wanted to sit in the SPLASH ZONE during the Shamoo show. She sat alone in the SPLASH ZONE while Daren sat rows back in the NON-SPLASH ZONE.
So Abby spent the rest of the day like this:
And LOVED this ride:
And REALLY LOVED spending time with this guy:
Monday, December 7, 2009
DENIAL
1. A river in Egypt, i.e. Da Nile
2. Refusal to believe a doctrine, theory, or the like, i.e. I can't believe I've slept in my house for 15 days with a snake on the prowl.
3. Disbelief in the existence or reality of a thing, i.e. The snake is not in my house. It has decided it would rather live outside in the cold and snow. Even though I have always tried to prove a warm and comfortable home for all those who enter.
Denial is a WONDERFUL place to be!
2. Refusal to believe a doctrine, theory, or the like, i.e. I can't believe I've slept in my house for 15 days with a snake on the prowl.
3. Disbelief in the existence or reality of a thing, i.e. The snake is not in my house. It has decided it would rather live outside in the cold and snow. Even though I have always tried to prove a warm and comfortable home for all those who enter.
Denial is a WONDERFUL place to be!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
MY LETTER TO SANTA
My friend Pam sent this to me and I thought it was funny and SO true!
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years. Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog. If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,
MOM
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years. Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog. If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,
MOM
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
LIFE
13 years ago this week, my LIFE changed. When it was determined that my LIFE was in jeopardy due to my liver swelling, an emergency C-Section was preformed and I became a mother for the first time. A 3lb. 11oz. baby boy was placed into my arms 6 weeks ahead of schedule. Much pleading to my Heavenly Father began on my part for his LIFE to be spared and healthy. Those prayers were not only heard but answered. The NICU nurses called him a 'Miracle Baby' - no ventilator, no feeding tubes, no colic. He was a healthy, bald baby boy who was my miracle.
Every year about his time I remember the beginning of his LIFE. Those difficult days of leaving my first born in the hospital, being so sore from recovering from a C-Section but refusing to leave his incubator, even if it meant that I sat on a stool next to him while other mothers used the only few available rocking chairs. I remember longing to hold my baby but only being able to do so when it was time for him to eat so he wouldn't use extra energy. Having 2 miscarriages before his birth, I remember pleading and begging in prayer that he would be healthy and grow to be a strong man. I remember holding his tiny hand while I fed him and imagining where those tiny little hands would take him in his LIFE.
Now those hands are busy doing things like texting, homework, playing the piano, playing lacrosse, scouts and doing typical teenage things.
I thought it was ironic that on his birthday this week, he received his LIFE in the Boy Scouts of America. My mind raced back to those days of the NICU at St. Vincent's Hospital in Portland, Oregon when I worried if he would have a healthy LIFE.
Every year about his time I remember the beginning of his LIFE. Those difficult days of leaving my first born in the hospital, being so sore from recovering from a C-Section but refusing to leave his incubator, even if it meant that I sat on a stool next to him while other mothers used the only few available rocking chairs. I remember longing to hold my baby but only being able to do so when it was time for him to eat so he wouldn't use extra energy. Having 2 miscarriages before his birth, I remember pleading and begging in prayer that he would be healthy and grow to be a strong man. I remember holding his tiny hand while I fed him and imagining where those tiny little hands would take him in his LIFE.Now those hands are busy doing things like texting, homework, playing the piano, playing lacrosse, scouts and doing typical teenage things.
I thought it was ironic that on his birthday this week, he received his LIFE in the Boy Scouts of America. My mind raced back to those days of the NICU at St. Vincent's Hospital in Portland, Oregon when I worried if he would have a healthy LIFE.
I then immediately thought of HIS LIFE. I am so grateful that not only was I preserved but that my son was preserved to have a healthy LIFE. I know that HIS LIFE was one that I try to emulate in my daily LIFE but fall short. I know that HIS LIFE was perfect and full of love for mankind. He is the source of all that is good and wonderful in my LIFE. 
I love celebrating both of their LIVES this month!
I love celebrating both of their LIVES this month! 
Monday, November 30, 2009
TURKEY DAY
Thanks to my sister-in-law Lanette, we had a great Thanksgiving turkey! She has a recipe from The Food Network for an amazing turkey. When Camille found out we were using a recipe from The Food Network, which is her favorite channel, she woke up early with me to prepare the turkey. She stayed in the kitchen most of the day helping prepare for Thanksgiving dinner. This girl is going to be an AWESOME cook someday!
Thanks Lanette for the recipe. It turned out GREAT!!
Thanks Lanette for the recipe. It turned out GREAT!!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
HOLY WAR
From our neighborhood (who has WAY too much time on their hands) to yours....
GO COUGS!!!
Items that camera couldn't capture...There is a UTE gnome in my yard and the peaks of the Christmas lights have been changed to red.
GO COUGS!!!
Items that camera couldn't capture...There is a UTE gnome in my yard and the peaks of the Christmas lights have been changed to red.Tuesday, November 24, 2009
WANTED-DEAD OR ALIVE
DAY 3-Snake is still missing!!
We have taken EVERYTHING out of all rooms, closets, storage, etc. in search of the snake. We have gone through every bed, every sleeping bag, every blanket. If this doesn't work, we are SO moving! I've decided to offer a $100 dollar reward for the return of the snake-DEAD OR ALIVE!!
This is the LAST thing I want to be doing 2 days before Thanksgiving. I haven't done 1 thing to get ready for Turkey Day, including buying a turkey. The snake has totally consumed me!
We have taken EVERYTHING out of all rooms, closets, storage, etc. in search of the snake. We have gone through every bed, every sleeping bag, every blanket. If this doesn't work, we are SO moving! I've decided to offer a $100 dollar reward for the return of the snake-DEAD OR ALIVE!!
This is the LAST thing I want to be doing 2 days before Thanksgiving. I haven't done 1 thing to get ready for Turkey Day, including buying a turkey. The snake has totally consumed me!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
SNAKE ON THE LOOSE
I think I'm going to pull all of my hair out and put my fingers through my eyeballs!
The snake has been out of it's cage for over 24 hours now.
I have spent 7 of the last 24 hours looking for the snake.
I have called it almost every swear word (in my mind, of course.)
My basement looks like a tornado has gone through it.
We have turned the house (especially the basement) upside down in search of the snake.
I told Daren if we didn't find it by sundown I'd be going to sleep at a hotel. But now that sundown has happened hours ago, I find myself still in my house obsessed with finding the *#!&@* snake!
I've had friends, neighbors and Tanner's Deacon's Quorum help in our search.
Still no snake.
I missed the first 2 hours of church today in search of the snake.
I've even started saying, "Here Snakey, Snakey. Come out, PLEASE!"
We've set traps with dead mice on plastic in the middle of the basement floor, complete with grocery sacks and a baby monitor to alert us via sound if the snake came to eat the mouse.
Still no snake.
We have prayed several times to find the snake.
I've called animal control - they are closed on Sundays AND they only come out if a human's life is in danger. NOTE TO ANIMAL CONTROL-I'M GOING TO DIE IF I HAVE TO SLEEP IN MY HOUSE WITH A SNAKE HAVING FREE REIGN!
We've done Google searches of how to capture a snake in your house.
They say to put flour on the carpet and doorways so you can see its trail. That's great if you live in an APARTMENT! Just what I want 3 days before Thanksgiving, a house full of flour!
I feel like I'm going insane trying to find this snake.
It is going to haunt me in my dreams.
It's still not too late to get a hotel, right?
To all of you who told me over and over again, "You are NUTS having a snake in your house, etc." You were SO RIGHT! Sure wish I had listened! When I find that snake, he is as good as DEAD!
The snake has been out of it's cage for over 24 hours now.
I have spent 7 of the last 24 hours looking for the snake.
I have called it almost every swear word (in my mind, of course.)
My basement looks like a tornado has gone through it.
We have turned the house (especially the basement) upside down in search of the snake.
I told Daren if we didn't find it by sundown I'd be going to sleep at a hotel. But now that sundown has happened hours ago, I find myself still in my house obsessed with finding the *#!&@* snake!
I've had friends, neighbors and Tanner's Deacon's Quorum help in our search.
Still no snake.
I missed the first 2 hours of church today in search of the snake.
I've even started saying, "Here Snakey, Snakey. Come out, PLEASE!"
We've set traps with dead mice on plastic in the middle of the basement floor, complete with grocery sacks and a baby monitor to alert us via sound if the snake came to eat the mouse.
Still no snake.
We have prayed several times to find the snake.
I've called animal control - they are closed on Sundays AND they only come out if a human's life is in danger. NOTE TO ANIMAL CONTROL-I'M GOING TO DIE IF I HAVE TO SLEEP IN MY HOUSE WITH A SNAKE HAVING FREE REIGN!
We've done Google searches of how to capture a snake in your house.
They say to put flour on the carpet and doorways so you can see its trail. That's great if you live in an APARTMENT! Just what I want 3 days before Thanksgiving, a house full of flour!
I feel like I'm going insane trying to find this snake.
It is going to haunt me in my dreams.
It's still not too late to get a hotel, right?
To all of you who told me over and over again, "You are NUTS having a snake in your house, etc." You were SO RIGHT! Sure wish I had listened! When I find that snake, he is as good as DEAD!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
In the next few days, the Christmas light guy is coming to hang our Christmas lights. This makes me very nervous because my Ute neighbors across the street use the same Christmas light guy. Last year, they were so mad that we had blue and white lights and they had just white lights. I sure hope with Rivalry Week quickly approaching that they don't pull a fast one and I end up with red and white lights on my house.
In the Christmas light spirit, my dad sent me this funny picture about Christmas lights. Maybe if the 'Ute house' ends up like the one of the left, we will have to be like the one of the right.
In the Christmas light spirit, my dad sent me this funny picture about Christmas lights. Maybe if the 'Ute house' ends up like the one of the left, we will have to be like the one of the right.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
HEAD OVER HEALS
One thing I love about my husband...he makes the BEST anniversary, birthday, holiday, vacation, etc. plans!
We went to Las Vegas to celebrate our wedding anniversary this week. Daren had some work there so I tagged along and he took me to my FAVORITE restaurant....Morton's. I love that place. They have the BEST steaks. They even printed our name on the menu.
Then he totally surprised me with this beautiful anniversary necklace.
How awesome is Daren? Seriously, I am SO happy to be married to him and I am head over heals in love with him! He is such a great husband and father. I feel so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man.
We went to Las Vegas to celebrate our wedding anniversary this week. Daren had some work there so I tagged along and he took me to my FAVORITE restaurant....Morton's. I love that place. They have the BEST steaks. They even printed our name on the menu.
Then he totally surprised me with this beautiful anniversary necklace.
How awesome is Daren? Seriously, I am SO happy to be married to him and I am head over heals in love with him! He is such a great husband and father. I feel so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. HOWEVER, our babysitter got sick and all 3 kids got sick while we were gone. I frantically flew home early to tend to my little brood. One is really sick, hopefully sans Swine but that is still yet to be seen, the other is sick but on the mend and the third one was SO tired that I think she just wanted sympathy. Five minutes after the babysitter left she started sobbing. I asked her what is wrong and she said, "I miss... (I think she's going to say I missed you) but she says, "I miss Sydney (the babysitter)! Gee, I wasn't missed much around here! But hopefully everyone will be on the mend soon. I'm just hoping so bad that we are Swine-free around here. Guess we will find out soon.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
SURPRISE, SURPRISE
Thanks to our wonderful neighbor Michelle, Daren surprised the girls with tickets to Disney Princess On Ice. He gave them the tickets just hours before it started. They were so excited! We had a wonderful evening. Check out the video when they open their BIG surprise!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN
Abby's trip 2 years ago with me to Maryland and PennsylvaniaI know they are going to have a lot of fun and I heard Daren whisper in Abby's ear, "I am going to spoil you dirty rotten!" I can only imagine the amount of sugar, amusement park food, and soda that will be consumed. Not to mention, the souvenirs that will be brought home!
No wonders why everyone wants to go on a trip with Daren!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
MAKING US LAUGH
From the time Camille was a baby, she has always said and done the FUNNIEST things. We have laughed and laughed through the years with some of the things that have come out of her mouth. This past week, a few funny things have happened.
1. We were watching her favorite TV show, Challenge on the Food Network when a commercial for Lindor Truffles came on.
The announcer on the commercial said, "Do you dream in chocolate?"
Camille who loves chocolate more than anything exclaimed, "Oh yes I do!"
That's my girl!
2. Recently my friend was watching her. My friend has a baby named Mitch. Camille asked my friend, "Is the baby's name Mitch or Bitch?" I about died of embarrassment when my friend told me this because I have NO IDEA where she heard that word. My friend reassured me that she did not know what she was asking when she was wondering what the baby's name was.
3. Tonight at dinner, I was telling the kids how I wanted so bad to go up the canyon this fall and see all of the beautiful leaves. They all looked at me like I was from Mars because none of them had any desire to go look at the fall foliage.
Camille said, "Yeah the only thing I like to do in the canyon is drink." We all burst out laughing. Tanner had to clarify what exactly Camille likes to drink in the canyon. She said, water of course.
4. Then we had to remind her of when she was a baby/toddler. I had to tape her clothes and PJ's together or she would take all her clothes off and her diaper. She would make a mess with #1 or #2 in her bed if she could get out of her clothes. That is why she would have no bedding and nothing on her walls and the crib would stay in the middle of the room. It was one of the most disgusting things! Our babysitters would think we were nuts because before we would leave, I would tell the babysitter, "PLEASE DO NOT FORGET to tape up Camille's pajamas before she goes to bed!" Now Camille laughs and laughs at those stories. I would go through so much tape when she was a baby. So glad those days are over.
But she is still making us laugh! Even the boys in Tanner's junior high carpool said the other day, "We LOVE Camille! She is SO funny and says the funniest things."
1. We were watching her favorite TV show, Challenge on the Food Network when a commercial for Lindor Truffles came on.
The announcer on the commercial said, "Do you dream in chocolate?" Camille who loves chocolate more than anything exclaimed, "Oh yes I do!"
That's my girl!
2. Recently my friend was watching her. My friend has a baby named Mitch. Camille asked my friend, "Is the baby's name Mitch or Bitch?" I about died of embarrassment when my friend told me this because I have NO IDEA where she heard that word. My friend reassured me that she did not know what she was asking when she was wondering what the baby's name was.
3. Tonight at dinner, I was telling the kids how I wanted so bad to go up the canyon this fall and see all of the beautiful leaves. They all looked at me like I was from Mars because none of them had any desire to go look at the fall foliage.
Camille said, "Yeah the only thing I like to do in the canyon is drink." We all burst out laughing. Tanner had to clarify what exactly Camille likes to drink in the canyon. She said, water of course.
4. Then we had to remind her of when she was a baby/toddler. I had to tape her clothes and PJ's together or she would take all her clothes off and her diaper. She would make a mess with #1 or #2 in her bed if she could get out of her clothes. That is why she would have no bedding and nothing on her walls and the crib would stay in the middle of the room. It was one of the most disgusting things! Our babysitters would think we were nuts because before we would leave, I would tell the babysitter, "PLEASE DO NOT FORGET to tape up Camille's pajamas before she goes to bed!" Now Camille laughs and laughs at those stories. I would go through so much tape when she was a baby. So glad those days are over.
But she is still making us laugh! Even the boys in Tanner's junior high carpool said the other day, "We LOVE Camille! She is SO funny and says the funniest things."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
SPUDMAN
Daren's dad brought us several boxes of FRESH IDAHO POTATOES. They are so good. We have way more than we could possibly eat. If anyone wants some, let me know. He is truly our SPUDMAN because he always brings us Idaho potatoes every fall and they are SO yummy!
My kids would appreciate it because I think they are sick of having them every night with dinner.
My kids would appreciate it because I think they are sick of having them every night with dinner.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
OCTOBER
I have totally neglected the blog this month so here's a little bit of what we've been up to:
Fall has definitely arrived in Utah County. It is so beautiful with the crisp air and fall foliage. We carved pumpkins and the kids are all ready to go Trick-Or-Treating on Saturday.
We have new wheels. VERY excited about these! We decided to buy American and I hope that isn't a mistake. I LOVE having the 4-wheel drive for the snow.
It was a bitter-sweet day leaving the van at the dealership. We bought our van brand new when Abby was born. It has been between Las Vegas and Utah more times that one could count, especially when we were moving to Utah. It has made numerous trips to Disneyland. I have changed more diapers than I'd like to admit to on the floor of the van. I can vividly see in my mind 2 little girls strapped in their car seats watching Dora The Explorer or Elmo sipping on juice cups. One thing I won't miss-when I go to church and try getting into the EXACT same van, thinking it's mine. There are 2 other identical vans to mine in our ward. I can't tell you how many times I have attempted to get into them, by mistake of course. It usually isn't until I see how neat and clean those vans are that I realize that I'm at the wrong van.
I have really missed these guys this month. This past week the Japanese students from Sotaro's school came again for a week. Since he is in high school now, he didn't come. We didn't host a student this year because frankly, we had too good of an experience with Sotaro. We felt like it wouldn't be fair to the student that stayed with us because we would always compare him to Sotaro. But maybe we will next year we will be a host family again. All week I kept seeing them around town and in my neighborhood and at church. It made me miss The Iinuma Family. A few weeks ago, Sachiko (Sotaro's mom) called me from Japan. It was so wonderful to talk to her on the phone. I love them so much and I sure wish we didn't live half a world apart. So, hugs via the blog to the Iinuma's.
I went to a holiday boutique earlier this month. I bought this cool watch that Daren hates. He says it looks like bubble gum. I said, "I LOVE bubble gum so what's the problem?" It has other bands that switch out so it's a lot of fun.
Tanner is doing so well. I am SO proud of him and the wonderful young man he is becoming. He is doing such great things in his life. He had straight A's this term and is applying to be on the National Junior Honor Society. Way to go Tanner!
Fall has definitely arrived in Utah County. It is so beautiful with the crisp air and fall foliage. We carved pumpkins and the kids are all ready to go Trick-Or-Treating on Saturday.
We have new wheels. VERY excited about these! We decided to buy American and I hope that isn't a mistake. I LOVE having the 4-wheel drive for the snow. 
It was a bitter-sweet day leaving the van at the dealership. We bought our van brand new when Abby was born. It has been between Las Vegas and Utah more times that one could count, especially when we were moving to Utah. It has made numerous trips to Disneyland. I have changed more diapers than I'd like to admit to on the floor of the van. I can vividly see in my mind 2 little girls strapped in their car seats watching Dora The Explorer or Elmo sipping on juice cups. One thing I won't miss-when I go to church and try getting into the EXACT same van, thinking it's mine. There are 2 other identical vans to mine in our ward. I can't tell you how many times I have attempted to get into them, by mistake of course. It usually isn't until I see how neat and clean those vans are that I realize that I'm at the wrong van. 
I have really missed these guys this month. This past week the Japanese students from Sotaro's school came again for a week. Since he is in high school now, he didn't come. We didn't host a student this year because frankly, we had too good of an experience with Sotaro. We felt like it wouldn't be fair to the student that stayed with us because we would always compare him to Sotaro. But maybe we will next year we will be a host family again. All week I kept seeing them around town and in my neighborhood and at church. It made me miss The Iinuma Family. A few weeks ago, Sachiko (Sotaro's mom) called me from Japan. It was so wonderful to talk to her on the phone. I love them so much and I sure wish we didn't live half a world apart. So, hugs via the blog to the Iinuma's.
I went to a holiday boutique earlier this month. I bought this cool watch that Daren hates. He says it looks like bubble gum. I said, "I LOVE bubble gum so what's the problem?" It has other bands that switch out so it's a lot of fun.
Tanner is doing so well. I am SO proud of him and the wonderful young man he is becoming. He is doing such great things in his life. He had straight A's this term and is applying to be on the National Junior Honor Society. Way to go Tanner!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
BETH
This past week the kids had Fall Break at school. We went to Idaho to visit Daren's family and his beautiful 88-year old grandma. Abby is named after this wonderful grandma and they are a lot alike. They are both very artistic and creative. Abby wanted to draw grandma a picture and spent ALOT of time making her the perfect picture. Grandma is slowing down these days but it was wonderful to see her.
When Abby was born we wanted to name her after her Grandma Beth. I am so glad that Abby has BETH as her middle name and is named after such a wonderful woman. Camille is named after my grandma, who passed away over 15 years ago. As we were travelling to Idaho, Camille said, "Abby you are SO lucky that you get to know the grandma that you are named after." She is so right! After Abby was born we called Grandma Beth to tell her about her namesake. She was so excited that we named her Abby because unknown to us, Grandma's favorite aunt was named Abby. It was the perfect name for our family.
When Abby was born we wanted to name her after her Grandma Beth. I am so glad that Abby has BETH as her middle name and is named after such a wonderful woman. Camille is named after my grandma, who passed away over 15 years ago. As we were travelling to Idaho, Camille said, "Abby you are SO lucky that you get to know the grandma that you are named after." She is so right! After Abby was born we called Grandma Beth to tell her about her namesake. She was so excited that we named her Abby because unknown to us, Grandma's favorite aunt was named Abby. It was the perfect name for our family.
Monday, October 12, 2009
MY HERO
The wait is finally over!! After months and months of fighting with Camille about braiding her hair, having ponytails, or making her hair look like "a spoiled baby" (that's what she calls it if you curl it), she is FINALLY someone's hero.
Camille cut over 10 inches off of her hair to donate to Locks of Love. It is an organization that collects hair to make wigs for cancer patients. She has said for months that she is doing it so she can be "someone's hero."
Well Camille, you are definitely MY HERO because I know how much you have HATED having long hair!
BEFORE
DURING
BUNNY WITH THE LOCK OF CAMILLE'S LOVE
AND...AFTER!
VIDEO (I love watching her face when she gets it cut off)
Camille cut over 10 inches off of her hair to donate to Locks of Love. It is an organization that collects hair to make wigs for cancer patients. She has said for months that she is doing it so she can be "someone's hero."
Well Camille, you are definitely MY HERO because I know how much you have HATED having long hair!
BEFOREDURING
BUNNY WITH THE LOCK OF CAMILLE'S LOVE
AND...AFTER!
VIDEO (I love watching her face when she gets it cut off)If you would like, please leave a comment for Camille. She has been SO excited for me to do this post about her and LOVES to read to comments on the blog.
UPDATE: As I mentioned over the weekend, tragedy has hit our community. We live in such a close-knit community that even though I personally didn't have a child on that bus that rolled, I know many students who were either on the bus or travelling in other buses that saw the crash. The teacher that died was a true hero is grabbing the wheel when the bus driver passed out. She gave her life to save the students on the bus. Church was extremely sad yesterday and I hope we can all heal soon from this tragedy. ksl.com has more information. Thank you for all your prayers!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
PRAYERS REQUESTED
An accident has rocked my neighborhood and city tonight. A bus carrying high school students from American Fork High School crashed after the bus driver passed out. The bus was coming back to American Fork from Idaho after a band competition. Many of those involved in the bus accident are from my ward and neighborhood. I can only hope and pray that they are each okay. Latest word so far is that 1 person has died. She was a band teacher at American Fork Junior High. She was the band teacher of several of Tanner's friends. Tears are flowing through my neighborhood as we await word on the condition of ward members and friends who were on that bus. Please join our community with your prayers.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE
The first weekend of April and October our church holds General Conference. It takes place in Salt Lake but is broadcast all over the world via television, Internet, radio, etc., and in numerous different languages. It is one of my favorite weekends of the year. We rarely plan anything on these weekends. We stay in our pajamas most of the weekend as a family to watch conference together. Since we don't go to our normal Sunday services or meetings, it is such a nice relaxing time we can spend together as a family and hear inspiring messages from our church leaders.
If it is General Conference weekend, you must have a fort.
And cinnamon rolls.
But this year things went a little different than expected. Sunday morning, about 45 minutes before conference was to begin, our power went out from the storm. I was in the middle of making cinnamon rolls and I think my neighbors could hear me scream, NOOOOOOOOOO! Timing plays such an important role in the roll making process and this was definitely an inconvenience. Well, since the power didn't come on when conference started, we listening to it on the Internet, compliment of Daren's battery operated laptop. Well, it was bugging me listening to it on the computer because it kept freezing so I went in the car to listen to it by myself. When President Monson started by saying, "We'd like to welcome all of those listening via Internet, radio, television, satellite, etc. I think he forgot to say and those listening in their car in their pajamas! About half way through the Sunday morning session, the power was restored and thankfully we were able to watch the rest on television and the cinnamon rolls turned out too! I did NOT like experiencing conference the "Pioneer" way.
But most of all, I love the messages that were shared. They inspire me to be a better person and be a little kinder. When President Monson was talking, he was sharing a scripture from Matthew 25:40, which talks about serving other people. There is a part of it referring to the Savior that says, "When saw thee naked and clothed thee, when saw thee a prisoner, etc." Camille blurted out, "President Monson was in prison?" We all started laughing.
If it is General Conference weekend, you must have a fort.
And cinnamon rolls.
But this year things went a little different than expected. Sunday morning, about 45 minutes before conference was to begin, our power went out from the storm. I was in the middle of making cinnamon rolls and I think my neighbors could hear me scream, NOOOOOOOOOO! Timing plays such an important role in the roll making process and this was definitely an inconvenience. Well, since the power didn't come on when conference started, we listening to it on the Internet, compliment of Daren's battery operated laptop. Well, it was bugging me listening to it on the computer because it kept freezing so I went in the car to listen to it by myself. When President Monson started by saying, "We'd like to welcome all of those listening via Internet, radio, television, satellite, etc. I think he forgot to say and those listening in their car in their pajamas! About half way through the Sunday morning session, the power was restored and thankfully we were able to watch the rest on television and the cinnamon rolls turned out too! I did NOT like experiencing conference the "Pioneer" way.
But most of all, I love the messages that were shared. They inspire me to be a better person and be a little kinder. When President Monson was talking, he was sharing a scripture from Matthew 25:40, which talks about serving other people. There is a part of it referring to the Savior that says, "When saw thee naked and clothed thee, when saw thee a prisoner, etc." Camille blurted out, "President Monson was in prison?" We all started laughing.Then Abby asked later if the choir lip syncs. Some of the things they think of just totally make me laugh!
What a fun and relaxing weekend!
What a fun and relaxing weekend!
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