We'll always be YOUNG

Cub Scouts

2011-10-09T09:25:00.002-06:00

Brock got to start scouts after he turned 8 this summer. They didn't have any meetings during August so he had to wait an extra month and he wasn't too thrilled about that. The scouts meet once a week and Brock is loving every minute of it. He is so excited to put his uniform on and see what new things they are going to do at that meeting. He is also loving "scout bucks". They earn "Scout bucks" if they wear their uniform, neckerchief, and bring their books and once a month they get to shop at the "scout store". I'm glad Brock is loving scouts and look forward to the many adventures it will bring into our lives.

Scout flight

2011-10-09T09:18:00.002-06:00

Dustin had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to go with the boy scouts who have been working on an aviation merit badge on a little flight over Pocatello. These are pictures out the window of where he works and of the plane they got to ride in. There is also one of the fire that was right above his work this summer. The boys were really surprised when they thought they were just going to see the planes at the airport and their scout leader had arranged for them to take a little ride. Dustin went along to support their leader and got ride as well. It was a fun night for all.

Back to School

2011-09-01T10:50:00.003-06:00

I know this post is only a week old. School started here last Monday but hey at least I took the pictures that day :-)

Ok so it's not really Gracie's first day of school til after labor day but she couldn't miss out on having her picture taken with all the other kids.

Brock began 2nd grade and he was so excited to get back to school especially now that mom doesn't have to go with him to help test in the morning he can ride his bike with his sister.

Meggan was more concerned with who was in her class then who her teacher was. She began 5th grade and is supper excited to spend all her extra time with her friends.

MaKady started the first day of school at cheer practice at 5:30 in the morning. She really didn't want this to be her first day of school picture so we took another one when she came home. MaKady started 8th grade and yep they rule the middle school.

Here's to another fun FILLED(filled with preschool, scouts, piano lessons, Young Women's, activity days, dance lessons, cheer, soccer, PTO, baseball, wrestling, and lots lots more...)year and with lots of great memories to.

Brock's Big Day!

2011-08-14T10:30:00.004-06:00

Last week we had the opportunity to celebrate one AMAZING BOY!!! It was Brock's birthday and he got to have a huge water fight with his friends, a party with cousins, baptism, and family luncheon. It was a great weekend. We are so proud of the decision he made to be baptized and join the church. We love you Brock!

Inkom Ward Youth Conference 2011

2011-07-17T07:44:00.008-06:00

It seems when I take too much time between posts I'm not even sure where to begin.

MaKady, Dustin, and I had the opportunity to go to Youth Conference. We had an amazing time and it was wonderful to spend time with the incredible young men and women in our ward. Our theme for the year is "We Believe..." We used that and the 13th article of faith in each of the things we did with the youth. We went to the City of Rocks and to American Falls Reservoir. We did rock climbing, geo-caching, team building, had a testimony meeting and had a lot of fun playing at the reservoir. We had some spiritual moments and some really fun moments and sometimes they were the same moment.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T18:41:00.018-06:00

It's Memorial Day. We went to the cemetary in Inkom and then we also visited family grave sites in Soda Springs and Grace. We wish you could all be here on Memorial Day. Love and miss you all.

Happy Birthday & Happy Mom's Day

2011-05-24T12:28:00.004-06:00

May is always a great month. How could it not be? It's my birthday, mother's day, and our wedding anniversary. My birthday I got a new swing in the back yard, shoes, and a purse. It was a great day. Dustin was supposed to pick up a "small" package of shrimp from costco to go with dinner. He thought we should get the party pack. I don't think our kids have ever eaten so much shrimp in one setting. It was a great night. Dustin also made my favorite pound cake. It is so yummy. The kids made domino signs all over the living room floor for me. I also got books, plants, and a necklace for mom's day. For our anniversary we went to dinner and it was really nice to just go for a drive after and reminisce about the past 17 years, where we've been, where we are, and where we are going! I'm so grateful to be married to my best friend.

My Grandma Myrna Larson

2011-05-21T15:19:00.002-06:00

I thought I would post this for those of you who don't get the local paper. She was an amazing woman!
Myrna T. Larson
DOWNEY - Myrna Taggart Larson, 87, wife of the late Roy Larson, was happily reunited with her husband and son on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. She passed away of natural causes at "Our House" assisted living in Sandy, Utah, where she had resided since November of 2010.
Myrna was born October 25, 1923, a daughter of Fredrick and Eulalie Ardella Leavitt Taggart. She was the eighth of nine children. She attended school in Lewiston and graduated from North Cache High School in Richmond.
She married Roy D. Larson from Downey, Idaho, in the Logan LDS Temple on April 22, 1943.
She lived most of her life in Downey, where she was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in every organization. She also served as a temple ordinance worker for several years along with her husband. She was a member of the local Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, the Downey Study Club, and sang with the Madrigal Choir. She was known for her beautifully decorated wedding and birthday cakes.
Myrna is survived by six children, Marjorie (Ron) Batson of Nampa, Idaho, Fred (Sue) Larson of Sandy, Utah, Louise (Eugene) Webb of Downey, Idaho, Betty Ann (Mike) Wasuita of Mountain Green, Utah, Eddy (Theresa) Larson of Magna, Utah, Sandra Dee (Scott) Averett, of North Pole, Alaska; 41 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren; a sister; LaRee Scott, and a sister-in-law, Juanita Taggart, both of North Ogden, Utah. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters, her husband, Roy D. Larson and a son, Rex T. Larson, and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 23, 2011, at noon in the Downey First Ward Chapel, with Bishop Rex Nielsen officiating. Friends may visit with the Larson family on Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Downey Church, and on Monday at the church prior to services from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Burial will follow in the Downey City Cemetery.
Friends and family are invited to share condolences by visiting www.horsleyfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Horsley's Marsh Valley Funeral Home.
The family wished to thank "Our House" and their staff for taking care of Mom. She was a wonderful mother. We appreciate the lessons she taught us of love, forgiveness, service and endurance. We will miss her.
Published in Idaho State Journal on May 21, 2011
I'd like to add she was also proceeded in death by her son-in-law Roscoe Stuart. We love you and miss you grandma.

Talent Shows

2011-05-06T08:07:00.003-06:00

It was grandparents day and Middle School Talent Show day. These are Meggan's and MaKady's performances. Meg did the Cha-Cha Slide with a group of friends and MaKady sang "Waiting outside the Lines" I'm so proud of both of them. Brock performed as well but I wasn't there because I had to get to MaKady's performance. He's going to do his again in a couple of weeks so I will add it then. okay for some reason I've waited all morning for these video's to post and it won't do it. So check out my facebook page or the youtube videos on the right of the screen to watch these cute kids.

Easter Morning!

2011-04-24T19:19:00.004-06:00

With the convenience of texting we sent a message to the Easter bunny and had him deliver the kids baskets and hide some eggs while the kids were helping mom make dinner. I love technology. I also love how the Easter bunny knew just how different our kids tastes are in clothes. I have one who refuses to wear pink. (Bet you can't guess who?) Dad has early morning meetings on Sunday and we didn't want him to miss seeing the kids find their baskets and eggs, so Saturday evening it was.
Today was a beautiful day. We went to church, bbq'd with some great friends, and now the kids are on such a chocolate and sugar rush they are outside still playing. I'm grateful we get to celebrate the wonderful gift our Savior has given us and that we have family to celebrate it with. Happy Easter to you all!

Saturday Easter Activities

2011-04-24T07:55:00.003-06:00

We decided to color eggs tonight after dinner. MaKady was gone with a friend, we missed having her help. I'll add pictures in the morning of them in their cute easter outfits. Happy Easter!

They tried to look like their eggs!

Look at those cute faces.

Our Easter creations!

I know, I know, I know

2011-04-10T18:42:00.002-06:00

I know it's been a long time since I last posted. We've gone through and done a lot in the last six months and I missed out by not blogging about it. I know it's been a long time because my background was a Halloween theme :-) So here's to trying to catch up on what's been happening in our little family and little at a time through the next week or two. Love to hear any of your comments if there is anyone still reading this. Jen

What is Meggan up to !?!

2010-10-24T10:03:00.006-06:00

Meg's team Jayden, Tirsten, Whitney, Meg, Cheyanne, Isabelle, Josh, Mallory, Sam, Jason, Kendalyn, and Coach Smith.

Meggan is an amazing girl! She just completed her first season of soccer and loved every minute of it, well maybe not the ball to the face, but the rest was great! Meggan loves to play with her brother and sisters. She is looking forward to Halloween and her birthday!(look out it's double digits) She is now trying to figure out what she wants to do next, basketball, tumbling, mini-cheer, or piano. Meggan is going to be a vampire for Halloween and she loves doing things with her friends. She loves going to activity days and she has memorized the articles of faith. She has a new bedroom that she so graciously shares with her little sister. They are working on designing the space and Meg wants everything blue and Gracie wants it pink so I think we are settling on periwinkle. We're grateful for Megi and that she is a part of our family.

What is MaKady up too !?!

2010-10-19T15:26:00.012-06:00

So i thought I would take a minute and do a post about what each of the kids are up to these days. I thought I would start with MaKady. MaKady is a straight A student. MaKady is a middle school cheer leader and she is loving it! She gets up at 5:00a.m. twice a week to go to practice and cheers at games that are after school so it can make for some pretty long days. They also do pep assemblies for each of the sports and get together to make signs and do all sorts of fun things as a team. MaKady is involved in her class at church. She was just called to be the beehive class secretary. She is getting excited about upcoming Halloween parties and the first dance at school. MaKady is almost as tall as mom and she now has bigger feet, even though she still tries to squeeze into mom's heels. MaKady is taking piano lessons and is a wonderful help around the house. We love you MaKady!

Back to School

2010-08-29T07:00:00.003-06:00

We've completed our first week of school and I figured I better get these pictures posted. MaKady is going to the middle school and gets to ride a bus now. Meggan is in the 4th grade which means she's in the upper grade hall. Brock is in 1st grade so he goes to school everyday all day long. And Gracie is starting preschool this week. I can't believe how quickly the summer went by and I'm sure the school year will pass just as quick. They had a wonderful first week! It's the standard mom thought I can't believe how quickly they've grown. It's great to see them progress and I'm grateful we get to be a part of their lives.

a little ps. Brock picked out his own outfit. Of a closet with new clothes in it, he picked his favorite things of summer to wear the first day, can you have too much camo?

Brock is 7.

2010-08-29T06:53:00.003-06:00

Brock turned 7 in August and he is the biggest star wars fan I know. So it's a given that his cake is two light sabers. He wanted me to attempt making the millenium falcon like they did on ace of cakes but I don't think this mom is that brave just yet. Brock is an amazing son! He is great with his sisters and loves to play with them as long as they want to do boy stuff, none of that sissy girl stuff for him. He loves to build things, play ball and he love the computer and wii! We love you Brock and hope you have an amazing year being 7.

Family Pictures

2010-07-23T17:06:00.007-06:00

We had the opportunity to take some new family photos and here are a few previews. Our friend Mohna took the pictures and you can check out her photography blog on my blog roll under Explore Photography. It was a great night, thanks for the wonderful pictures Mohna!

Marching in the Parade

2010-07-04T07:37:00.002-06:00

This is MaKady's first parade as a cheerleader and she had a ball! She gets to do 3 more this summer. I'm sure she'd love to see you all.

The 4th (3rd) of July in Inkom

2010-07-04T07:31:00.002-06:00

Inkom chose to celebrate Independence Day on the 3rd of July this year. We had a wonderful time celebrating in our small home town. Tradition is in our family to take a picture before we head off to the parade. The kids who were going to catch candy decided to bring their Halloween buckets and backpacks to stash their goodies in. This was also MaKady's first parade to march in as a cheerleader. I'll try to post a video of that later. The kids are growing up so quickly and it's fun to compare pictures from previous years to see just how much they have grown and we can't let the opportunity pass to get a silly picture in as well.

MaKady's birthday

2010-07-04T07:28:00.002-06:00

With youth conference and all the other things going on in MaKady's life we got to celebrate her birthday a little later this year. She wanted a cupcake tower with a giant cupcake on top. Her and her friend Hanna and Meggan, a Gracie made all the little chocolate flowers to decorate the cakes. It was a really fun night decorating.

Pop-eye pancakes

2010-07-04T07:25:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure why these are called pop-eye pancakes at our house. My kids love them and these were so amazing they needed a picture. I used to be able to make a single batch and that was enough now we make a double batch and inhale every bite.

Dustin and Brock "date" night

2010-07-04T07:23:00.002-06:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post Brock loves to climb. For date night this month Dustin took Brock and they climbed the "I" hill near our home. Brock loved every minute and I'm sure Dustin enjoyed hauling home all the amazing, beautiful, cool rocks they found on the way.

Official Young Woman

2010-07-04T07:19:00.002-06:00

MaKady is now an officially a young woman. These are pictures of her first Sunday in young women's and of course we needed a picture of her incredible hair. She is loving everything about youth conference, girls camp and going to mutual. I can't believe how fast she has grown up. I love you Miss MaKady!

Dustin's birthday

2010-07-04T07:13:00.003-06:00

I try to learn something new when it comes to making a cake every time I get to make one. This year Dustin didn't want cake and who can blame him, we have 3 birthdays plus fathers day in that week. He got double thick Brownies not quite done so they were still gooey, marshmallows and fudge frosting, with coldstone sweet cream and cookie dough ice cream with homemade hot fudge. I've never done homemade hot fudge and let me tell you it was worth it. It's a fun new thing to add to my cake making skills. So yummy!!! Happy birthday sweetie! I love you!

Baseball 2010

2010-07-04T07:07:00.002-06:00

This is the first of many catch up posts. Brock played baseball again this year. He absolutely loves it. You can see when he isn't playing on the field he's busy climbing anything he can find. I love his enthusiasm for life.

A new toy and a new look!

2010-06-11T17:15:00.005-06:00

A couple of new things to post about. A couple of weeks ago we got a fun new toy at our home. A flip video camera! We were still using a big old camcorder that didn't transfer to the computer and we had to do quite a few steps to even save it to a video we could watch later. So tada a new way to save those important moments. Hopefully we can add more to our blog. The first video I am going to share is a before of Meggan's hair. She has been trying to grow her bangs out all school year. It was enough to drive a mom crazy. For dance she had to have a french braid with a side pony tail so after her final competition and recital she wanted it cut really short. The second video is her after. She had 10 inches cut off and donated it to locks of love. I think she looks pretty cute! Love you Meg!

My Sister's Birthday!

2010-05-30T06:53:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Kristy! I made a new cake for my sister Kris. It's a 4 layer chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ganache poured over the top and pirouette cookies around the outside it was so yummy! Kristy's blog is the ashbyarchives.blogspot.com you can check out what an amazing woman she is. She is an incredible sister, friend, daughter, wife, and mom... I love you sis and hope you have an amazing day!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

2010-05-09T07:25:00.003-06:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!! I'm so blessed to have my mom. She is an incredible woman who has faced many challenges in her life and has taught me many important things. I'm grateful for every lesson I've learned from her. I'm grateful for her testimony and devotion to the Gospel. I'm grateful for her wonderful hugs. I'm grateful for her unconditional love and most of all I'm grateful for her wonderful example. Love you mom!

2010-04-15T15:32:00.003-06:00

We had the opportunity to spend Spring Break in Arizona with some of Dustin's amazing family. Dustin got to spend some quality time with his brothers, they golfed, played softball, and went to a Diamondbacks game. Jen got a pedicure and did a little shopping. The kids swam in the pool, played with cousins, did a little shopping, and went to Amazing Jakes a fun buffet arcade place. We wish we lived closer we had such a great time. We can't wait to go again. This little slideshow is some of the pictures MaKady and Mom took along the way. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to an Amazing Sister!

2010-03-07T07:53:00.003-07:00

This last week my sister Shelley celebrated a big birthday. One that ended in a zero!!! (To protect the innocent we won't reveal which birthday it was besides the fact that she's my younger sister it would just make me seem older.) I had the opportunity to try making a new cake. The cake was 8 inch round chocolate fudge layers and I split the layers and frosted in between them. So it was 4 layers of chocolate and frosting. Then I frosted the outside and poured chocolate ganache all over the cake. The top is the chocolate play dough flowers in Shelley's favorite color purple. I've never attempted the whole chocolate ganache thing and I think it turned out pretty cute, not to mention delicious! Hope you had a wonderful day Shelley! Love you tons!

A fun hobby

2010-02-03T17:56:00.002-07:00

Last month was MaKady's friend Shelby's birthday and we made her a really cute basketball cake. The basketball was a 6 inch cake covered in chocolate playdough set on a 10 inch cake. The letters and shapes were chocolate as well. Shelby really liked it and we had fun doing it.

Christmas Morning!

2009-12-27T16:21:00.003-07:00

It was a great morning! The kids stayed up late and so they slept in a little Christmas morning! We had a wonderful day in our jammies making great memories. Hope you all had a great day as well.

December pictures

2009-12-27T16:14:00.004-07:00

For those of you who haven't been following along on my last post, I updated every day the things we did each night to celebrate Christmas feel free to check that out :-) Here are a few pictures of the highlights. Decorating sugar cookies. The real kind shapes and losts of frosting and sprinkles.
MaKady get's to celebrate her half birthday in December so we made peanut butter fudge with chocolate flowers on top for her to take to school and share with her class. They turned out pretty cute.
The annual picture of frosting on everyone's tongue.
This is decorating our gingerbread house.
It's been a great month making lots of memories.

Christmas Countdown!

2009-12-02T15:05:00.022-07:00

Last year we started a new family tradition so this year is the "second annual Young family Christmas Countdown!" Every night we do something together as a family centered around Christmas. We sat down with the kids on Monday night and came up with a list of 25 different things. This way Christmas lasts the entire month not just a couple of hours on Christmas morning. I'll try to keep updating this list with all of things we've done this month. Somethings we already have scheduled others we'll decide that morning from the list what we are going to do that evening and the kids seem to look forward to doing the activity all day long. Here's to making great family memories the whole month long.
1. Watch Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer in front of a cozy warm fire.
2. The girls dance at the Festival of Trees. We also enjoyed all of the I spy and look & find Christmas books. Something fun about finding hidden snowmen, and Santa faces.
3. The elementary school Christmas program. We read Moosletoe.
4. The girls danced at a friends Christmas party. Mom sang a solo at the relief society dinner. We read The Christmas tree.
5. We made peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge(2 kinds), and dipped pretzels, a good start to the treats we give our neighbors. We read the legend of the Christmas Spider.
6. Made Cream cheese cherry candy and cream cheese mint candies to add to our neighbor plates tomorrow night. Watched the First Presidency Devotional. It was filled with wonderful reminders of what the season is all about. Check it out at www.lds.org.
7. Made chocolate chip cookies and delivered almost all of our neighbor gifts.
8. Read the story "The Three Tree's"
9. Watched "Christmas with the Kranks" Made a gingerbread house (pictures to follow) and read "Merry Christmas Biscuit"
10. The Ward Christmas dinner. The kids slept by the Christmas tree.
11. MaKady and Mom finished Christmas shopping while Dad hosted a late night party for the other kids.
12. Young Family Christmas party.
13. The twelve days of Christmas have begun ;-) We read "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer."
14. On the second day of Christmas...I can't list the fun things we are delivering because the family we are surprising may be reading this at some time. We also read "Twas the night before Christmas" and "The gift of the Magi".
15. On the third day of Christmas...we listened to our favorite Christmas Carols.
16. On the fourth day of Christmas...We went to the big city to look at Christmas lights. There is one home here in our little town that out shines any of the ones in the big city. I'm glad it's not our power bill :-)
17. On the fifth day of Christmas we ate popcorn and watched ABC family channel's Christmas movie "Snow"
18. On the sixth day of Christmas we watched the movie "The Santa Claus 2" and completely dejunked the playroom, it's now all ready for new toys.
19. On the seventh day of Christmas the girls had their Christmas dance recital. We also watched ABC family channel's Christmas movie "Snow 2" We found some fun Christmas movies to watch on www.hulu.com
20. On the eight day of Christmas, we made real sugar cookies, the cut out kind with lots of different colors of frosting. Everyone had a smiling, sticky, good time.
21. On the ninth day of Christmas, we played holiday bingo!
22. On the tenth day of Christmas, we finished wrapping and delivering gifts.
23. On the eleventh day of Christmas, we went with the Stuart family to Lava Hot Springs. The pizza was good and pools were great. This should be an annual tradition.
24. On the twelth day of Christmas we ate sorts of yummy food, hung out in the basement in front of a roaring fire, read the Nativity Story, and watched movies till the kids got sleepy.
25. Because the kids stayed up so late last night it was a wonderful morning. We didn't get up til after 7. We stayed in our jammies all day and a great time playing games, watching movies and eating yummy food. Til next year...Merry Christmas To you all!!!!!!!

new recipes

2009-11-17T10:59:00.001-07:00

I just added some new recipes to my other blog we-cook.blogspot.com There is a recipe for black bean brownies and one for crustless pumpkin pie. I had both of these this weekend at my sisters. They were delicious! Let me know if you try them and what you think.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-08T18:42:00.002-07:00

I know it's been over a week and I'm finally getting around to posting about Halloween. It has been one of those weeks. Gracie was a ballerina, Brock a knight in shining armor, Meggan was Dorothy, and MaKady was another fabulous ballerina. It was a fun night for all.

My Grandpa Roy Larson

2009-11-04T22:08:00.003-07:00

My mom's dad, Grandpa Larson, passed away Tuesday morning. I don't have any recent photos to add so when I get one from my mom I'll add it. Grandpa will be missed and we are grateful for the knowledge that families can be together forever. This is the obituary that will be printed in tomorrow's paper. He was a great man and I have a lot of fun memories of the time we spent at their home. This is the second grandparent I've lost this year. As you can tell from the obituary they have an amazing posterity and I'm grateful to be a part of this family.
Roy D. Larson
DOWNEY - Roy D. Larson, 85, lifelong resident of Downey, Idaho, passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, in Sandy, Utah.
Roy was born June 15, 1924, in Downey, a son of Archie W. and Annie L. Denney Larson. He was the third of five children. He had two brothers, Henry and Reed Larson, and two sisters, Ivalue Packard and Glenys Edwards, all of whom are deceased. He grew up and attended school in Downey.
Roy married Myrna Taggart in the Logan LDS Temple on April 22, 1943. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year. They lived in Downey all their lives, except for the past couple of years, while they resided in North Pole, Alaska with their youngest daughter, Sandra (Scott) Averett, who took very good care of them.
Roy served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippines during that time. After the war, he was sent to Korea for a short time. He was proud to serve his country.
When he returned home, he farmed and raised cattle. He also worked for the railroad at Pacific Fruit Express in Pocatello for many years. He enjoyed his retirement years.
Roy was a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities through the years, including the Cub Scouts, high priest quorum presidency, and a member of the ward bishopric. For many years, he and Myrna served as ordinance workers in the Logan LDS Temple.
He enjoyed four-wheeling, cutting firewood, and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed working in his large vegetable garden, which he shared with his neighbors. He had a well-kept yard and beautiful flowers.
Roy is survived by his wife; Myrna; and is the father of three sons and four daughters, Fred (Sue) Larson of Sandy, Utah, Rex (deceased), Eddy (Theresa) Larson of Magna, Utah, Marjorie (Ron) Batson of Kent, Washington, Louise (Eugene) Webb of Downey, Betty Ann (Mike) Wasuita of Mountain Green, Utah, and Sandra Dee (Scott) Averett of North Pole, Alaska. They also have 41 grandchildren and 69 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at 1 p.m. in the Downey LDS Ward Chapel, Bishop Rex Nielsen officiating. Friends may visit with the Larson family on Saturday at the church from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Military rites will follow in the Downey City Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Horsley's Marsh Valley Funeral Home. You are invited to share condolences by visiting www.horsleyfuneralhome.com.

New Blog

2009-10-12T18:41:00.002-06:00

A couple of friends here in our little town have started another little blog with healthy things our kids will eat. Feel free to check it out under my other blogs on the right. Or www.we-cook.blogspot.com. If you have any recipes to add feel free to send them to my e-mail and I'll add them to the blog.

New Me!!!

2009-09-16T11:34:00.003-06:00

I decided to stop fighting mother nature. I went to the beauty supply place in town and asked them to help me match my roots and tada!!! I'm a brunette! No more fighting the dark roots and trying to hang on to being a blond. Of course come spring time I'll probably be ready for another change who knows. For know I like the new look. Let me know what you think.

PS You have to love the self portrait :-)

Summer Flowers that survived the flood.

2009-09-13T17:01:00.003-06:00

These are a few of the summer flowers that survived the flood. The rose is from the bush that was planted in when my dad passed away and the lily is a gift from Dustin last year. I really enjoy gifts that keep giving so instead of bringing my a vase of flowers he brought me a lily that was blooming and after it was done he planted it in the flower bed and I get to enjoy it year after year. I sure do love that man :-) We also have a huge sunflower. It was 2 feet high when the flood came and now Meggan can look out her bedroom window into the flower.

These are my plants from Mother's day they were in pots up on the stairs so there were spared in the flood.

I love watching how things have grown throughout the summer.

One last Summer Highlight-Swimming Lessons

2009-09-06T12:39:00.003-06:00

The kids took swimming lesson this summer at Lava Hot Springs. They had a great time. By the end of the week they were climbing the rock wall and jumping off the diving board. They seem to be picking on the basics so next summer I think we will spend that swimming lesson money on just going to the pool as a family 6 or 7 times. I'm already looking forward to next summer. This one went by just to fast.

Summer Highlight-Missoula Children's Theater

2009-08-27T14:55:00.004-06:00

The last week in July, MaKady and Meggan had the opportunity to participate in the Missoula Children's Theater Camp at our local performing arts center. The company sends two people in their "little red truck" with all the props, costumes, make-up and accessories and within a week they pull off a production with 50-60 local kids. They auditions were on Monday and Meggan was chosen to be a River Runner. MaKady was a Snow and Sleet Smoother and a Phony Princess. After practice each day they all did workshops and MaKady got to participate in the make-up one. Notice the fake bloody wound in the first two pictures. They had a great time and I'm sure they will want to do it again next summer. *The MCT company has a documentary titled "The little red truck" that talks about this incredible program. Check it out if you get a chance.

BACK TO SCHOOL!

2009-08-20T10:19:00.002-06:00

I still have pictures to post from the summer but I thought I would skip ahead and post about yesterday. It was the first day of school. Brock started kindergarten, Meggan is in 3rd grade, and MaKady started 6th grade. It was a great day! They all enjoyed spending the day at school and the homework wasn't too bad the first night. Hopefully they all stay just as excited through out the year. Gracie gets to stay home with Mom this year she's to little for preschool just yet but that's OK. We'll just have to find some fun things to do with out the other kids. Going to lunch, shopping, making cookies and all those fun things like cleaning the house, dishes and laundry. Here's to a great year.

Summer Highlight-Baseball & Softball

2009-08-09T13:04:00.004-06:00

I thought I would blog a couple of times about some of the fun we did enjoy this summer. First off the camera baseball. Brock played tee-ball, Meggan coach-pitch, Mom was the town rep again, MaKady & Gracie the cheerleaders and snack servers. Dad was also Brocks coach. Last but not least Dad got to play softball. It's been 12 years since he played on an official team and he got his chance this year. It was great and it was a lot of fun to go and support each of them.

Happy Birthday Brock!!!

2009-08-06T07:34:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Brock's 6Th birthday! It was a great day with lots of playing and cake making. He wanted a baseball field cake and he was very specific on what was on the cake, the number of players, a back stop and what the score was, he even knew which player he was and who everyone else on the team was. He wanted a big pillow from Costco and "boy stuff". He got a batman costume with mask, an army set with walkie talkies, handcuffs, plastic animals with a little farm set. And Grandpa and Grandma Young surprised him with his first real gun a Red rider BB gun. Could it get anymore "boy stuff" then that. We are so grateful Brock is an amazing part of our family and look forward to many more boy adventures with him. We love you Brock!

Can you see the bat?

The Pitcher with glove and ball.

2009-07-26T18:36:00.004-06:00

I've had a little conversation going on my facebook wall about the benefits of a kitchenaid mixer and a Bosch mixer...The results are in I am the new owner of a kitchenaid. Actually during the back and forth debate my aunt mentioned to my mom that there was a kitchenaid sitting at grandmas that no on was using and I was welcome to give it a go. Here are the results. I have a recipe I learned from a great lady at church that makes 2 loaves from grinding the wheat to coming out of the oven in about and hour and a half. We've made bread twice this week and my kids love it. Who am I kidding I love it. There is nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread. Forgive the pictures I haven't figured out how to make pretty bread, but boy is it yummy and that's all that matters right. Now, to see what else I can create.

The half and half wheat bread recipe
3 C. Whole wheat flour. We grind it our selves.
1/3 C. Gluten (bulk section at Fred Meyer or Winco)
2 T. instant dry yeast
1/3 C. brown sugar
3/4 C. Powdered Milk
2 C. warm water (I put cold water in the microwave for 2 min.)
2 t. salt
1/3 C. vegetable oil
2 1/2-3 C. White flour

Place 3 cups whole wheat flour, gluten, yeast, brown sugar, and powdered milk in bowl. Mix together and add warm water. Mix thoroughly. Let dough sponge for 10-15 min. (sponging makes lighter bread and reduces the kneading time.) Then add salt and oil and mix well. Gradually add the white flour 1/2 cup at at time until dough forms a ball and cleans the side of the bowl. The amount of flour needed may vary. Knead 5 minutes using a mixer. If mixing by hand, knead at least 10 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. Preheat oven to 150 degrees during this time. Lightly oil hands. Divide dough into two equal portions. Shape into loaves and place in greased bread pans. Turn off oven. Place bread in oven, arranging pans with space between to allow heat to circulate freely. let rise until almost double in bulk, approximately 20-30 minutes. Leave bread in oven and turn heat to 350 degrees. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from pans immediately and cool on wire racks.

New Lessons to Learn

2009-07-13T16:13:00.003-06:00

I have a new opportunity in our church. For quite awhile now I've been involved in our children's group (Primary), I've led the music and also been an activity day leader (it's like cub scouts for girls) and now I've been asked to teach in our women's organization (Relief Society). I'm a little nervous but it will be a great opportunity to learn and grow. My first lesson is this Sunday, wish me luck. I've also removed the primary helps on the side of my blog and have created a new blog list with some of my sisters newest obsession couponing blogs. I haven't ventured in to it like she has but just maybe I'll give it a try. Let me know if you have any other favorite coupon blogs.

The Inkom Flood

2009-07-04T23:39:00.003-06:00

This was a 4th to remember... We had a great morning, enjoyed the parade and time with family. (Happy pictures to follow in a later post.) We went to soda to spend some time with Dustin's dad on his birthday and we got a call from a neighbor saying our street was a river and our home was flooding. There was a freak storm it rained for less then 15 minutes with golf ball sized hail. It caused awful damage farther up the creek and the culvert near our home was just one to be filled up with junk. We hurried home as quickly as possible and these are the pictures after the flood receded. We are so grateful for the wonderful friends and neighbors we have. Luckily we replaced the windows this spring and only one let some water in. We have a little carpet to clean and we'll see what happens with the yard in the days to come. We are really blessed no one was injured and hopefully everyone will sleep well after all of the excitement we had today.

Happy Birthday Week!!!

2009-06-18T15:36:00.007-06:00

This week we have 3 birthdays in our immediate family. Sunday would have been Braxton's 13th. I can't believe I'm old enough to have a teenager.

We went to the cemetery with cake and balloons. I was a great day to remember a very special son.

Monday was Dustin's Birthday. He choose to have chocolate cream pie. This is his mom's recipe and it is so yummy. He is an incredible man and I'm so grateful he is a part of my life.

And last but not least. MaKady's 11th birthday was yesterday. She put in some suggestions for what she wanted for a cake and this is what we came up with. It was massive. I joked I was decorating my first wedding cake because it was so big. I got the opportunity to practice the chocolate roses I learned last week, and the daises and name are made with starburst fruit chews. It was a lot of fun to make. I can't believe MaKady is growing up so fast. She is turning into this incredible young woman and I'm really grateful she is a part of our family.

Cookies! Cookies! and more Cookies!

2009-06-10T11:32:00.004-06:00

I had an awesome opportunity to get together with a friend from high school, we met up again through facebook. She had posted pictures of the most amazing sugar cookies and I was privileged to go to her home yesterday and have her share some of her serious cookie skills. The roses are all made of chocolate. I can't wait to try these on my own. It was a great day and look forward to doing it again sometime soon. Thanks Mary!

Time Out

2009-06-07T12:27:00.003-06:00

I received the most wonderful gift from my amazing husband for mother's day. The chance to not be the mom for the day. He bought me a ticket to "Time Out For Women." It was an amazing Friday & Saturday. The theme for the weekend was Sweet Assurance- The certainty that comes when you know life's truths. We were challenged at the end of the conference to share with those we love and those around us what we know, no matter what. What are the things you know, with out any doubt, no matter what else happens? I know my Husband loves me. I know my kids love me and need me. I know that we will be an eternal family, we have one that is already in Heaven. And I know that even on those days that I don't like myself very much my Heavenly Father still loves me. Take a minute after you read this post and think about what you know, if you like leave a comment I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The Actual beginning of Summer Vacation

2009-06-02T07:50:00.003-06:00

The last day of school photo. They have grown so much this last year. I know school's been out since May 21, but in our house the real break didn't begin til yesterday. Yesterday was the beginning of the bookmobile coming, the summer reading program, free lunch started at the park, and the mean mom that I am got the kids workbooks for the summer and the kids started those as well. So yesterday felt like the beginning of our summer routine. I used the free lunch in the park as an incentive for the kids last summer. If they got their things done in the morning we could go to the park and have lunch with their friends. We made it most of the summer. Here's hoping this summer goes as well.

Spring Flowers

2009-05-31T08:28:00.003-06:00

I love Spring when everything comes back to life and it's just so green and pretty. These are just a few of the flowers we planted last fall. I think we'll plant more bulbs in the fall it was a lot of fun to watch them come up as the snow melted. I thought I would post these even though we've moved on and planted some summer flowers now. I'll post pictures of those later. Spring is such a hopeful season, don't you think?

Memorial Day

2009-05-26T06:50:00.008-06:00

These are a few of the graves we were able to visit this weekend. I really do enjoy the peace we feel when we go to the cemetery. I thought I would post these for those in our family who weren't able to come visit this memorial day, maybe next year.
This is our son Braxton's I can't believe he would be 13 this summer.

These are my dad's, another I can't believe moment...it's been 5 years this summer.

These are our grandparents.

This is our niece Kaili. Her family lives far away and we thought they would enjoy getting to see all of the things that were left in memory of her.

And finally a little family picture these are all of our kids.

It's all gone!

2009-05-17T14:37:00.002-06:00

Why is it you don't realize how much hair you actually cut off til you're in the shower the next day and you pour way too much shampoo? Time for a new look. I had 6 inches cut off last night and then decided to try and figure out what my real color just might be. It's kind of a light to medium brown now. I guess I should be grateful that every time I've colored this last 6 months it's come in darker not grayer. So I guess we'll give this color a chance and see how it goes. Maybe brunette can have more fun:-)

Preschool Graduation!

2009-05-06T20:16:00.002-06:00

We had the opportunity to be part of a parent ran preschool program this year and it was great! Brock had a wonderful time, mom got to help and Gracie tagged along. The pictures are of some of the kids that were involved this year. We celebrated the end of the year going bowling and to McDonald's. What more could a kid ask for? I can't believe he is heading to kindergarten this fall. Time sure flies when your having fun.

New Hobby~New Friend

2009-04-27T20:46:00.004-06:00

I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with a great new friend and learn a really fun new craft. Elizabeth and her sweet family moved to Inkom this year and her little girl always has the cutest bows in her lovely hair. I asked Elizabeth where she got them and she said "I make them, do you want to learn how?" and I jumped at the chance. So it was a play date for all. It was a great afternoon and I don't think my first attempts turned out to shabby. I can't wait to get to the craft store and try a few on my own.

Intense Playdough

2009-04-08T20:04:00.003-06:00

Okay no pictures read the previous post to find out why...Last week was spring break and the weather was awful. So the kids played board games, drove each other crazy, and any other thing we could do to find things to play inside. We had a huge batch of play dough and the kids were having a great time creating when all of a sudden Gracie reached a little too far and fell off her chair hitting the table, Meggan's chair, and then the floor with her head. We ended up going to the children's clinic and they said it was to close to her eye for them to deal with, so we ended up in the ER. They used conscious sedation and that was a little weird to see a drunk 2 year old. Anyway, 6 stitches and a couple of hours later she is a good as new. The stitches came out on Monday and she is doing great and loves to show everyone her scar.

Way too long.

2009-04-08T20:01:00.002-06:00

I know it has been forever. I've used the excuse that I just didn't have anything to blog about and the card on my camera was full so no new pictures. No more excuses. I cleared the card last night yes I'm waiting for an order from snapfish of over 350 pictures to put in the 2008 album. (Maybe we bought too big of a memory card) I only empty it once a year. Anyway look forward to some new pictures soon.

My Grandma Ada Irene Stuart

2009-01-21T08:00:00.003-07:00

Warning! This is going to be a long post.

My dear sweet grandma, GG to my kids passed away on Monday! She is incredible! I love her and miss her already, as do our kids. We've had the opportunity the last couple of years to take her to church with us and spend some really great time building memories that I hope my kids never forget her and what an amazing woman she is. She shares a birthday with one of my girls and they loved to celebrate every year that they were birthday sisters. She taught me so many things mostly how to love and serve everyone! Tonight is the viewing and tomorrow the funeral so we have a couple wonderful days ahead of us to spend time with family and friends. I thought I would post a couple of pictures and her obituary from the local paper.

Ada Irene Stuart, 87, a long time resident of Inkom and formerly of Tyhee was reunited with her eternal companion, Monday, January 19, 2009.
Ada was born June 17, 1921 in Rose, Idaho to John Oscar Chaffin and Veda Irene Matthews. She was the oldest of six children. She had 2 sisters, Vera and Alice, 3 brothers, Roscoe, Fred, and John. She attended school in Henry, Lavaside, and Blackfoot, Idaho.

She married her sweetheart, Claude William Stuart, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 21, 1942. They lived in the Tyhee and Pocatello areas until 1960 when they purchased a dairy farm in Inkom which they operated until 1975. The farm was later developed into the Stuart sub-division and the Stuart Sports Complex.

Ada was the proud mother of 3 sons and 1 daughter. Stephen (Wende) of Pocatello, Argina (James Swenson) of Fort Collins, Colorado, Roscoe, (Betty Ann Wasuita) Mountain Green, Utah and Dean (Treina) of Chubbuck. She cherished her time with her 18 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.

Ada was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she served faithfully in all of her church callings, touching the lives of many through her service in Relief Society, Primary, Young Women and approximately 8 years as a set-apart temple worker in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.In 1978 Ada and her sweetheart served an honorable, fulltime mission to the Hawaiian Island Mission which included the island of Yap.

Ada was known as a great comforter through her service and love to others. Known not only for her acts of kindness and comfort but for the many “Grandma blankets” that she and grandpa made which continue to comfort her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to this day. As a little lady she was a giant of a worker. She and Claude worked side by side, farming, milking cows, picking raspberries, canning fruit, raising a family and creating a beautiful yard. Later in their retirement years, they worked for several years for Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.

Ada was famous for her rhubarb pies which she would often give to those who stopped to visit. Until health issues made it impossible, Ada and Claude would attend any important activity that involved their family whether it was in Idaho, Colorado or Utah.

Ada was preceded in death by both parents, her siblings, her sweetheart Claude, her son, Roscoe, and great-grandson, Braxton Young.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Quality Home Care and Creekside Hospice for the incredible support during the recent few weeks.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January, 22nd at 11 am at the Inkom Ward Chapel, Inkom, Idaho with Bishop Gordon Lish of the Inkom 1st Ward officiating. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 21st at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel 510 N. 12th Ave. from 6-8 pm and also on Thursday, January 22nd, from 10-10:45 am at the church. Interment will be in the Inkom Cemetery. Visit www.pocatellofuneral.com for online condolences.

We love you GG (great-grandma)

It has been one SICK!!!! month.

2009-01-13T17:46:00.003-07:00

I don't have any pictures to go along with this post, then again, I don't think you really want to see the blood, pus, scabs, and stitches that went along with the last month in the Young family. We started our excitement with Meggan having double ear infections in early December. (antibiotics) Gracie was next with ear infections as well. (antibiotics) Then the week before Christmas Dustin ended up in the ER which resulted in having his appendix removed. (antibiotics & pain meds) MaKady had a scheduled surgery the week after Christmas to have her tonsils and adenoids removed. (antibiotics & pain meds) I woke up the morning of her surgery with a massive head cold. Then to wrap it all up Meggan got strep throat last week. (antibiotics again.)We joke that our house has become the Young hospital and pharmacy. Mom had to keep a chart on the fridge as to who needed what drugs and when. Everyone was finally well to go back to school yesterday. YEAH!!! Lets hope we've had our turn for awhile. Hear's to a healthier 2009. PS Dustin wanted me to add we will be taking donations to help cover all these wonderul medical bills. Maybe that is the picture I should post when we get them all.

Christmas the entire month!

2008-12-19T07:31:00.002-07:00

Christmas morning can sometimes feel like a let down...that was all it's over and done is less than an hour. So I've tried really hard this year and last to make Christmas last the entire month. We've done something every night together as a family. I probably should just post the entire list but here are a few of the things we've done.
*Put up the Christmas tree
*Read our favorite Christmas books
*Attend the kids school program
*Make treats for the neighbors
*Decorate a gingerbread house
*Church dinner
*Listen to favorite Christmas songs
*Lights at temple square
*Secret Santa
*Write letters to Santa
*Go to our friends Christmas party
*Watch our favorite Christmas movies
We still have a few more days til the big day and we are looking forward to the time we spend together each night and I think that's what I want my kids to remember most about the holidays.

Meggan's Big Day

2008-12-03T13:51:00.002-07:00

Saturday was Meggan's Big Day. She became the newest member of the church in our family. She was baptized by her amazing dad. One of Meggan's best friends Megan was baptized as well. It was a great day and we had lots of family and friends come and support her. We are so proud of her for making this important choice and glad she is ours.

Time with the girls

2008-11-25T11:51:00.002-07:00

Last Saturday my sister-in-law Britney and I drove to Salt Lake to see the movie Twilight with my other two sisters Kristy and Shelley and Mom. It was a really fun day. We saw the movie, I liked it, didn't love it and I'll probably see it again with my husband. We went to lunch and then did a little shopping. It was a really nice day and we missed having our other sister-in-law who lives in Pennsylvania with us. Maybe she'll get to come to the next girls day out. I'm thinking Mother's day weekend sounds good.

I know it's not Christmas yet, but play along...

2008-11-24T14:32:00.003-07:00

This is a fun little getting to know you Christmas style TAG! Hope you enjoy and if you read this feel free to play along.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both, mostly paper at Christmas.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree? It varies usually the first week of December.

4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day if I can get Dustin to hold off that long sometimes its December 26.

5. Do you like eggnog? Not really unless it has sprite in it and then just one cup is plenty.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My dad and grandpa made me a bookcase that I still use and another year a desk I still have.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My in-laws, it's hard to buy for those that have pretty much everything they need.

8. Easiest person to buy for? I enjoy shopping for my kids.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes - a lot of them I guess you could say I collect them. My favorite came from my in-laws last year and it is the white porcelain one my husband remembers growning up with.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail I love getting Christmas cards as well. So I send a ton.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? It would have to be some really weird white elephant gift from the Stuart Christmas party.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I don't really have one.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I'm a huge day after Thanksgiving fan. I love to go and get great deals that day and who am I kidding I love to watch the crazy people.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes, those white elephant gifts from the Stuart Christmas party and the next Stuart Christmas party. I think we had a necklace and earring set that got passed around for a couple of years.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? all the treats the neighbors bring by.

16. Lights on the tree? yes

17. Favorite Christmas song?Oh Holy Night. It's been done by a couple of great artist and I enjoy each one.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes

20. Angel on the tree-top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? 1 on Christmas eve, the rest in the morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? I love it all. We really try to make it last all month long not just one morning.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I love unwrapping each ornament and reminiscing about where it came from.

24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Isn't it a tradition to have ham and funeral potatoes.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I have a list that I keep going through out the year when I think of something I would enjoy using or having around the home.

Merry Christmas and feel free to play along.

Meggan's Birthday

2008-11-23T06:53:00.004-07:00

Meggan's birthday was last weekend and she got to invite 8 friends to a birthday party. She had a great time. When the girls arrived they each made a bracelet. Then Mom hired 2 young women to come help do make-overs on all the little girls. We did hair, make-up, & nails. We ate pizza and cake, opened presents, watched a movie and played pin the crown on the princess. The girls all went home with a goody bag that had candy jewelry in it, bubbles, & bubble gum. Mom also made hair flowers for each of the girls. They all wanted up do's so we put a flower in their hair and then there was another color flower for them to take home as well. It was a great night. Meggan's birthday present from mom and dad was to get her ears pierced and she was so brave. She didn't flinch and when they were done she was amazed it didn't hurt at all. Meggan's cake was a purse with a little coin purse in front of it. I couldn't figure out how to make a cake that looked like make-up so she settled for this. I think it turned out pretty cute. We hope you had a great day Meg and we're looking forward to your baptism this next week. You are a lovely young lady and we're glad you're part of our family.

Boy meets Girl TAG!

2008-11-19T10:48:00.002-07:00

This from my sister who tagged me. I have so many other things I need to blog about and I promise I'll get to those a little later. But first...The man in my life. Hope you all enjoy.

This is all about my sweetheart...hope I remember it right. It has been over 14 years so my memory might be a bit fuzzy.

This tag is called "How I meet___."

1. Where did you meet?
We were in a music appreciation class at ISU. His dad told him not to bother taking this class it just filled a general requirement.

2. What was the first thought that went through your head when you met?
I was a big flirt and I wondered when he would get around to asking me out. I did my best to hint that I'd like to see him outside of class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but it still took him almost a month to ask me out, and then it was to have something to eat before we did homework for the class. Later I found out he was waiting to see if his friend was going to ask me out first. What a gentleman.

3. Do you remember what he was wearing?
I don't remember what he was wearing when we met, but in the back of my closet I still have the shirt he wore on our first date.

4. Where was the first time you kissed this person?
He says I kissed him first, I say he kissed me. It was while we were watching the movie Aladdin on our second date.

5. Where did you go for your first date?
We went for a walk around the track. Our second date was the next night we went to dinner and attended a concert for our class.

6. How long did you know this person before you were a couple?
We went to class for a month before we went on our first date. After that we were together.

7. How did he ask you out?
So would you like to get something to eat before we go to this concert for class.

8. Has this person ever purposed to you?
Yes, actually twice but that's a story for another day.

9. Do you and this person have kids together?
Yes, 5, 4 living and one angel in heaven.

10. Have you ever broken the law with this person?
Not that I'm going to admit to.

11. When was the first time you realized you liked this person?
I was interested in him the first time he smiled at me. He's got great eyes.

12. Do you get along with his family?
Yes, but we don't get to see them very often.

13. Do you trust this person?
Absolutely!

14. Do you see him as your partner in the future?
For at least the next million years or so...

15. What is the best gift he gave you?
Another story for a different day...He gave me a pearl ring for the Christmas after our first son passed away.

16. What is one thing he does that gets on your nerves?
He really doesn't get on my nerves.

17. Where do you see each other 15 years from now?
Enjoying growing older together.

18. What causes the most arguments?
We don't really argue we mostly pout at our house and then we talk about whatever was bothering us and we move on.

19. How long have you been together?
We have been married for 14 1/2 years.

20. Are you married?
I sure hope so.

21. Who do you tag?
Any girl who has a boy to talk about.

Happy Birthday Gracie! or in other words how mom spent Saturday night!

2008-11-03T08:59:00.005-07:00

Our little Gracie turned 2 yesterday and she absolutely loves Barbie. In fact when we asked her how old she was she would say one and then we'd ask how old are you going to be on your birthday and she would energetically say she was going to be Barbie. So mom spent Saturday night making a Barbie cake. I think it turned out pretty cute, especially for my first attempt. Gracie got Barbie movies, a cute little jacket, and money to go buy more Barbie. It was a great day. We love you Gracie.

Halloween Night!

2008-11-02T05:57:00.003-07:00

We had a great Halloween week. We had a school carnival, Preschool party, Class parties, Trunk or Treat, and a great party for the whole family at some friends of ours. It was lots of fun and we look forward to doing it again next year.

Anxiously Awaiting Spring

2008-10-26T18:58:00.004-06:00

I know it isn't even winter yet, but I'm ready for spring. I think it is my favorite time of the year. Maybe it's the thought we made it through another winter. Any way, we cleaned out the flower beds and planted lots of tulips and daffodils and I'm excited to see them in the Spring. I'll post an after picture then.

2008-10-16T15:37:00.002-06:00

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General Conference

2008-10-12T10:04:00.003-06:00

We had the opportunity to take the family to Salt Lake last weekend. We had a great time staying with my sister and her family and visiting with my other sister. It was a great weekend and on the way home we got to visit and have dinner with my mom and Mike. On Saturday morning Dustin, MaKady and I stood in the stand-by line in the pouring rain on temple square but it all paid off. We got to sit in the conference center for the Saturday morning session. It was wonderful to watch MaKady's sweet face as she experienced conference in person for the first time. I will never forget the immediate silence that occurs just before the prophet walks in and how reverently everyone stands as he enters the room. It is a testament to him being the prophet of God and I'm so glad MaKady got to witness that. We will definitely stand in line again as each of our children are old enough to attend conference in person.

A Great Weekend!

2008-10-10T20:04:00.002-06:00

Sorry it has taken me forever to blog about this.

My mom and I had to opportunity to go to Time Out For Women in Logan this year. It was amazing. We went on Saturday and listened to wonderful speakers. The messages were all about joy and hope. Kenneth Cope was the host and he sang through out the day as well. What an amazing voice. I always leave days like that feeling like I'm doing OK and I can always find things I can to better at but the speakers make you realize you can do anything with the Lord's help. I think we are going to try to plan a Fall '09 trip. The tentative schedule says there is going to be a Time Out in St. George next fall so I'm thinking I'll pick up my mom and sisters and maybe we'll all crash at the Tyler & Jenny's. We'll have to see what we can plan.

New family picture

2008-09-26T14:26:00.001-06:00

We had a great time doing a new family picture with some friends of ours. The top of the page is just one great example of her work. Feel free to check her out at capturedmomentsphotography.blogspot.com

Brock"ism"

2008-09-26T09:40:00.002-06:00

Just thought I would share one of Brock's cute moments he has plenty but this one made my day...
"Mom, you are the BEST mom in...our whole family."

The best Living Will

2008-09-25T10:19:00.003-06:00

This is another one of my finds on a blog of a friend of my sister's. I thought it was just too appropriate following this morning's post. Enjoy!

I,__________, being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means. Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead politicians who couldn't pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it, or lawyers/doctors interested in simply running up the bills. If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:
Chocolate
Pasta
French Fries
Chocolate
Chicken Fried Steak
Mexican Food
Chocolate
Cream Gravy
Chocolate
Pizza
Ice cream
Chocolate
Chocolate
Chocolate
It should be presumed that I won't ever get better. When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes, let the 'fat lady sing,' and call it a day!

Really, do you want to keep going if there is no chocolate to look forward to?

Amazing Neighbors!

2008-09-25T06:57:00.004-06:00

I don't have a picture of our great neighbors, but I have a picture of the gift they brought last night!

Yep that would be 8.5 lbs of chocolate cake!!! I have the priviledge of watching their little guy for a couple of hours a week. He is a joy to have in our home and the kids love to have him come play. I told you they are amazing neighbors. If you want to check out some great pictures you can find their blog at capturedmomentsphotography.blogspot.com. You can see what a cutie their little one is. You can also see some of the great photos she did of our family!

A day for remembering

2008-09-23T21:22:00.002-06:00

I haven't posted in quite awhile and I have a lot to say and I will get to those things in the next few days. Today is a day for remembering. Our first son Braxton passed away 12 years ago today. He was born with breathing problems. We spent a week at the hospital here and then 12 weeks at PMC in SLC and then 4 days back here. He ended up with a secondary infection of pneumonia and passed away from complications of that. I can't believe how quickly that time has gone. They were never able to completely diagnosis what he had. He was just a one in a million. This is the day that I listen to all the songs that mean something to me. I think sad thoughts and think about how much I miss him. My kids know all about their big brother and we look forward to being a forever family. Tomorrow is another day. And one more year passing brings us one more year closer to being with him again.

I thought this was funny!

2008-09-14T09:14:00.002-06:00

I'm a Ford Mustang!

You're an American classic -- fast, strong, and bold. You're not snobby or pretentious, but you have what it takes to give anyone a run for their money.

"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

This is absolutely my favorite car and always has been. Funny that the survey put us together.

I'm such a thief....

2008-09-09T11:13:00.003-06:00

OK maybe not a thief, just a really good imitator...I love to lurk and see all of the fun ideas out there in blogs and sometimes, once in awhile I go, huh...maybe I can do that. So I saw a really fun idea for curtains on a blog my sister follows and I thought I really would like new curtains in my kitchen and I have a box of scraps in the basement let's see what we can create. Voila!!! new curtains didn't cost me a thing. If you can't tell in the picture it is a chocolate brown and white check. The above the sink is cute pleats and the large window is just one pleat in the middle. The two pieces of fabric were the same size and this is what I came up with. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

Let the games begin

2008-09-06T10:47:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year FOOTBALL!!! Dustin and I had a "friendly" wager last season. Each week we would go through the list of games and decide who we thought would win each game. Sometimes we only had 2 or 3 different but other weeks it was more like 9 or 10. The winner was the one with the most correct. The loser had to plan that weeks date. It didn't have to be big or extravagant just they had to do all the planning including finding the sitter if needed. Let's just put it this way I only had to plan 1 date. We also kept a cumulative total and I got a home made delicious steak dinner after the super bowl. Dustin didn't like the way I picked my teams I based it on who had the better record and who was the home team. I tried to convince him to spot me one win each week before we started but he said no way. It looks like I didn't need the help. We printed out the schedule last night and each chose this weeks winners...So let the games begin.

Another adventure with family!

2008-09-05T08:15:00.002-06:00

My amazing sister Kristy came to Pocatello to run the 10k in the Pocatello Marathon last weekend. I didn't get any pictures of her running or crossing the finish line instead I have pictures of our 2 boys camping out in the tent they made in the living room. They had a great time together and didn't want to go to sleep. Imagine that! We really enjoyed having their family come stay and if you want to see pictures check out her blog the ashby archives. I'll run with you next year, I promise.

The last first day this year!

2008-09-03T20:51:00.001-06:00

Today was Brock's first official day of parent run preschool. It is an awesome opportunity for a group of mom's to work together to help our kids have a great preschool experience for $5 a month and 2 volunteer days. It is great. We did it with Meggan one year and her second year I ran it. We did it with Brock last year and this year I'm organizing it again. I don't have to do as much this year because we split up the duties. One mom is dealing with the schedule, one the money, one the shopping, one the field trips, one the class parties and on and on. I'm doing the curriculum and the crafts with another mom. He had a blast and is looking forward to his next school day on Monday.

Things my mom taught me or maybe I'm teaching my kids

2008-08-27T08:06:00.003-06:00

25 Reasons I Owe My Mom (I found this on another blog and thought it was too cute)

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
’If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.’

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
’You better pray that will come out of the carpet.’

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
’If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!’

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
’Because I said so, that’s why.’

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
’If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.’

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
’Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.’

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
’Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.’

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
’Shut your mouth and eat your supper.’

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
’Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck.’

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
’You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.’

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
’This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.’

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
’If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!’

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
’I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.’

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
’Stop acting like your father!’

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
’There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.’

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
’Just wait until we get home.’

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
’You are going to get it when you get home!’

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
’If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.’

19. My mother taught me ESP.
’Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?’

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
’When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.’

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
’If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.’

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
’You’re just like your father.’

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
’Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?’

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
’When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.’

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
’One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!’

Update!

2008-08-20T09:31:00.001-06:00

Along with all of the back to school stuff I updated the kids info down the side of the blog. Just thought I'd let you know incase you wanted to read it. Have a great day!

First Day of School!

2008-08-20T09:21:00.002-06:00

It's official school has begun! MaKady is starting 5th grade and Meggan is in 2nd. Brock won't start preschool until next week and Gracie gets to spend her days running around with mom. It's amazing to watch them grow. It all happens so quickly. Here's hoping we all have a great day.

Cinderella's

2008-08-18T18:51:00.002-06:00

For some reason our family must love Cindrella. We've collected a Cinderella dress up outfit in 3 different sizes, and the oldest and youngest discovered that the other day. They had a "ball" playing. The middle one was having a moment and didn't want to do what the others were doing at the time so I missed having her in this picture as Cinderella too. Oh, well maybe another time.

So grown up!

2008-08-17T16:57:00.000-06:00

She wants so much to be like her big sisters. She found MaKady's DS and was playing just like they do. Kick backed and relaxed having a ball.

End of Summer

2008-08-17T16:52:00.002-06:00

I noticed today that with all of the other posts I had been adding to our hair blog I had neglected this one a little so two posts today. WOW! Actually harvest is in full swing and Dust doesn't get home till dark and I let the kids take over. They built this huge tent all the kitchen chairs and tons of blankets and we left it up for two days. That is so unlike me. I usually make them put their creations away before we move on to the next activity. But hey nothing is normal during harvest. We ate lunch in it, played games and they had a great time.

No harvest isn't over

2008-08-11T07:21:00.003-06:00

No harvest isn't over but I was tired of looking at the tractors on my background so I thought we would celebrate summer with flip-flops in the background for at least one more week. We start school next week so I'm sure I'll change it then as well. Hope you are all having a marvoulous day!

A new calling

2008-08-10T16:37:00.002-06:00

This is Dustin trying to sneak in a little nap between meetings. He was called a couple of weeks ago to be the new second councilor in our bishopric. He has meetings before church and after church, which means Sundays have officially become the longest day of the week for mom. Actually we are all very proud of him and know that he will do an amazing job helping the members of our ward.

Happy Birthday Brock

2008-08-07T10:16:00.003-06:00

Brock's birthday was a couple of days ago but with the end of summer being so busy I haven't had a chance to blog about what an amazing kid he is. Brock wanted a skate board for his birthday and we settled on a skateboard cake and a new bike. He spent his birthday money on a play double barrel shotgun and a classic scooby doo movie. He also go spiderman pj's and a magnetic set. He is such a sweet boy who loves to wrestle with his dad, play with his sisters and love on mom. We are so grateful he is part of our family.

Hair-New Blog

2008-08-05T12:52:00.001-06:00

So my girls have developed a new passion for letting me play with their hair. We thought it would be easier to just create a blog to share all of the fun things we've tried. Feel free to check out the link in the right column and let us know what you think.

Candy, Candy and More Candy

2008-08-03T07:50:00.002-06:00

We took the kids to the Caribou County Fair last night. They have a great parade that goes down main street then turns around and comes back. The kids made a haul! They got Frisbees, footballs, necklaces, otter pops, water bottles not to mention the candy. We came home and weighed the bag of candy after they had kept there mouths full the entire parade and it weighed in at 8.5 pounds. WOW!!!! They are taking a gallon bag to church today to give the bishop to use in the candy dish in his office and we still have way too much here at home. I'm sure well find a way to share it with all the neighbor kids.

Preschool Projects

2008-08-01T08:18:00.003-06:00

Brock and Mom participated in a parent ran preschool program at school last year and as one of our projects in the spring we planted sunflowers. This variety is supposed to reach a height of 4-6 feet and have lots of flowers on one stalk. We did it before spring break so these little seeds had almost reached the top of my kitchen window before it was warm enough to plant them outside. They are doing really well and Brock is really proud of his plant. We are doing the preschool program again this fall and I think next year we'll find another place to plant sunflowers at home. They've been fun to watch grow and bloom...just like our kids are.

It has finally begun!!!

2008-07-30T13:17:00.002-06:00

As you can tell by the new background harvest has officially began!!! For those of you who don't know, Dustin is a grain inspector and any time grain is bought, sold or transported it has to be inspected. And at this time of the year I get to be a grain widow, at least that is what I lovingly refer to harvest time as. Dustin is gone as long as the farmers are working, usually sunup to sundown sometimes later. Harvest usually starts around the 24th of July and goes til Labor day, but because we had such a wet spring everything is running a little later and we don't know if that means harvest will last longer or just be more intense. I'm not sure which to hope for.

She's gone!

2008-07-28T07:32:00.003-06:00

MaKady is gone on an adventure with Gammy and Grandpa Mike. MaKady wrote a report on Couer D'alene, Idaho in school this year and Grandpa Mike and Gammy said they'd never been there so they all planned a trip to go visit. They left on Friday morning and will be back this Friday night. They stayed in Dillon, Montana; Couer D'alene, Idaho; and are now in Seattle, Washington visiting my aunt then they will go to Boise, Idaho before coming home. I told MaKady on the phone I don't know if I miss her or I'm just jealous and wish I could be with her. I hope she is having a wonderful time and I'm sure she'll have lots to blog about when she gets home.

Meggan's been tagged!

2008-07-22T10:27:00.004-06:00

From the mind of a 7 1/2 year old.

1. What is something your mom/dad always says to you?
Meggan: Please watch your sister.
2. What makes your mom/dad happy?
Meggan: When I do my funny nose trick.
3. What makes mom/dad sad?
Meggan: If I don't do what they say the first time.
4. How does your mom/dad make you laugh?
Meggan: Dad does by his funny voices. Mom does by tickling me.
5. What was your mom/dad like as a child?
Meggan: I don't know I wasn't there.
6. How old is your mom/dad?
Meggan: Mom is 33. Dad is 37
7. How tall is your mom/dad?
Meggan: Mom is taller then me. Dad is taller then her.
8. What is your mom/dad's favorite thing to do?
Meggan: Go on a walk.
9. What does your mom/dad do when you're not around?
Meggan: Talk a lot.
10. If your mom/dad becomes famous, what would it be for?
Meggan: For being funny.
11. What is your mom/dad really good at?
Meggan: Exercising and making cookies.
12. What is your mom/dad not so good at?
Meggan: Mom is not good at being the dad and Dad isn't good at being the mom.
13. What does mom/dad do for a job?
Meggan: Mom watches on the kids and Dad does the Grain.
14. What is your mom/dad's favorite food?
Meggan: Dad's is ketchup. Mom's is ice cream.
15. What makes you proud of your mom/dad?
Meggan: They tuck me in at night.
16. If your mom/dad was a cartoon character, who would they be?
Meggan: Dad would be popeye and Mom would be Sleeping Beauty.
17. What do you and your mom/dad do together?
Meggan: Hang out together. Go camping and ride bikes.
18. How are you and your mom/dad the same?
Meggan: We both are blonde and blue eyed.
19. How are you and mom/dad different?
Meggan: I can burp better then either one of them.
20. How do you know your mom/dad loves you?
Meggan: They tell me.
Now we tag: MaKady, Paige, & Kenidee

Cousins!!!

2008-07-21T06:27:00.002-06:00

Who better to get into trouble with then a cousin? My sister Kristy and I have kids that are stair stepped. I had one, she had one, I had one, and so on. We have our little one that passed away, then 2 girls, a boy, and a girl and she has 2 girls, a boy, and a girl. They just happen to have built in playmates when these cousins come to visit. The pictures are of our youngest two and the mud puddle they discovered when the Ashby's came to visit this weekend. By the time they were done they were both covered in mud and ready for a bath, although it was tempting to just send them through the sprinkler to get clean:-)

Vacation!

2008-07-20T07:44:00.001-06:00