Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful white Christmas this year. We had my parents in town and had white snow on the ground. This was Justin and the kids first white Christmas ever. We didn't have to wake up to early. Grateful that the kids are getting older and will sleep in a little later each year! We were able to video (skype) conference with Justin's whole family on Wed.(that is when they all could be together). It was really neat to talk and see everyone there. I took a few pictures of the kids enjoying some of their Christmas gifts. We had a lazy day after the presents were opened. We enjoyed a nice dinner later that day. We were really grateful to share this Christmas with both families this year. Looking forward to the new year too!!

Braydon and his shoes

For those of you who know Braydon, you know that he quite frequently loses his shoes. He manages to kick off any pair that we put on him. We got him a pair of hiking boots this spring and we were so excited that he could not get them off, or at least not as easily. We had gone downtown to see the Christmas lights and then we walked around the 16th street mall Monday night before Christmas, while we were getting in the car I noticed that Braydon had kicked his shoe off while Justin was loading him in the car. I said, "Uh Oh Braydon kicked his shoe off"(which in my mind was telling Justin he needed to get the shoe after he put Braydon in the car). Apparently in Justin's mind the acknowledgment of me seeing the shoe be kicked off, meant I would grab it. Well as we got home and I asked, "Justin did you bring in his other shoe?" Of course the immediate Oh NO! we left his shoe downtown!! We both felt really bad, but knew if we went back that it would be gone. We have to park in paid parking lots and the areas are a little transient, so we just figured it was gone. On Christmas Eve my parents came in and we decided to drive them down to see the lights too! We drove them around the 16th street mall area and didn't get out of the car(mind you it was windy and barely 10 degrees with snow on the ground), somehow we ended up driving by the same parking lot we were in earlier that week and you could see that the snow plows had been in there and made nice hills out of the snow. I looked really close and I saw Braydon's shoe!! I yelled "Oh! My Gosh it is Braydon's shoe" Justin pulled over as soon as he could. Kaleb and I got out and ran over to the parking lot and sitting right there on top of one of the piles of snow was Braydon's shoe. Someone had placed it there. It was hard to believe we found it! It had snowed the previous two days, which would have covered the shoe and then for someone to place it on top of the plowed snow? I would have thought it would have been buried in the snow as it was plowed. We were grateful to have found it!! It was our own little Christmas Miracle.

Downtown Christmas Lights

We went to see the lights dowtown this year. We tried to do this last year, but didn't know where to go or what we were looking for. Glad we knew a litte more this year. It was beautiful. The County and City building is decorated with over 600,000 lights. We also went to the 16th street mall and enjoyed their lighted display too! Weatherman is predicting snow the next two days, looks like we may have a white Christmas!!

An Elbow??

About two weeks ago I was called to come pick Braydon up from school because his teacher didn't feel comfortable sending him home on the bus. She told me "Braydon was in PE and got hit in the head by someones elbow and has a nice goose egg on his head." So of course I rushed over to see what she was talking about. I get in his class and he is surrounded by three TA's (teacher assistants) his para, the teacher and the nurse. I looked at Braydon and he has a HUGE! golf ball size knot on his head. I ask his para "An elbow, my goodness who's elbow hit him and did they break it?" She replied, "There where so many kids around him I couldn't see who it was." After a few minutes of discussing this and possibly taking him to the pediatrician to check him out, I head on out the front. As I am leaving one of the sweet little girls in his regular class says good bye to Braydon. I tell her he really isn't too excited right now because he got hurt today and she says "I know he fell out of his wheelchair and hit his head." I felt like I was standing in a tornado being sucked out of the room and I couldn't breath or think. I turned around to see the assistant principal standing there and I told him the situation of two versions of the head injury and leave the school. Thirty minutes later the principal is calling me and letting me know that she had called a meeting together with all the staff involved. Long story short the para panicked and lied. Braydon was being pushed around the gym by one of the kids in his class and it tipped his chair over. She couldn't apologize enough. The following days were filled with police reports, human resource investigations and termination of staff (one) involved in the lie. It is very unfortunate that this had happened. I know Braydon was enjoying every minute of being pushed around by one of his classmates. I would have understood that it was an accident and all would have been fine. I was very pleased with the way the Principal and Assistant Principal handled this situation. Braydon was fine, no concussion, just an ugly knot that is slowly going away. I am glad for that sweet little girl being in the right place at the right time. I could only imagine if Braydon hurt his neck, arm or had a severe concussion and I just thought he had an "Elbow to the Head". It is very hard when I think about the future and can only hope and pray that my son will find a way to have a voice for himself. He was sitting in the room this entire time with this look on his face, the nurse had commented on how he just didn't look normal. After the day was over I had thought, "He was listening to everyone talk about getting hit by an elbow and all he could think about was what are they talking about??"

Jacob is 13!!

Boy! Jacob turned thirteen on November 16th. We will always remember when we moved to Denver, because we officially were in Colorado on his birthday. Jacob is really growing up over this last year. He is in the 7th grade and does great in school. We are really grateful that he loves to learn and never have to worry about missing assignments, unfinished projects(Wish they all were like this). He really strives to get everything done(sometimes to hard) on his own. He really is responsible. We love his caring, big-hearted spirit in our home. He still enjoys writing stories(Love looking at his notebooks full of stories and drawings) He has really challenged himself to finish reading the Book of Mormon this year. We Love You Jake! Happy Birthday!!!

Update!!! Where have I been???

Boy! I really need to keep up! It has been awhile since I have blogged. A lot of things have been going on since the last update. The main thing is that we moved(YEAH!!!). We really needed the space went from 3 bedrooms to 6 and I LOVE THE HOUSE!!! Nothing like moving twice within a year??!! We didn't change schools or wards. We really like the area. We were really lucky to move over a little at a time and then we did one big move the weekend before Thanksgiving. I had so much help in getting the house ready. (Thanks Sari and Joni for the painting!!!) Jacob had his 13th birthday(I will post for him too). After my mom left after Halloween, Sam and Diane came for a week, followed by Justin's brother Tony, sister Sarah and nephew Ryan for Thanksgiving. Of course we did "Black Friday" starting at 3:30am. Tony stayed on with us this last month and has helped us a lot with moving and organizing the new house. He thinks he is leaving this weekend, "THINKS". Justin's youngest brother Darren came in on Thursday and will leave on Tuesday, while my mom and dad will arrive on Thursday Christmas Eve and then on the following Tuesday Kaleb's good friend, Jon, will be coming for the week too!!

Halloween

The kids got to dress-up 3 times this year. They had a school and Ward Trunk R Treat and Hallween night. After a million mind changes, Madisyn decided to be a Ladybug. Braydon chose to be Woody again this year. Cayson was a skeleton alien. Jake was a Cool Ghoul, this was his last year to really dress-up and he didn't go around the neighborhood trick r treating, he was invited to a friend's house for Scary movies and goodies. The kids really didn't mind the snow. Braydon was so excited everytime we went up to a house where there was something that would jump out or the homeowner would open the door and spook us. He would still be giggling all the way to the next house. It was fun to have my mom here to walk around with the kids.

Grandma Kathy came to visit

Last Thursday through Monday my mom came in town. She made it in gratefully through our Halloween snowstorm! Who would of thought snow?? It is practically melted now. We had a great time. We of course had fun in the snow the day she arrived. Justin was glad to get the Rhino out and use it finally. What better way then to pull the kids in the snow? Friday night we went and bowled and had a lot of fun. We also took her to Estes Park on Halloween. We thought it would be neat to go to the Stanley Hotel and take a peak inside. After all it was the inspiration for Steven King's "The Shining" and it is known to be haunted. Other than the costumed Wedding party there, we didnt see any "Spooks" around. We ended the evening with our ward Trunk R Treat and going around the neighborhood Trick R Treating. This was the first Halloween in a long time since I had to walk in snow!! She left on Monday and will return soon enough. Christmas she and my Dad will be coming.

Fall Colors of Change

Since we moved here in mid-November, we didn't get to see the beautiful colors of fall. With the cool air and the beautiful tree's changing color it really makes you feel like the year is going by so fast. Time to pull out the Halloween decorations and get ready for a fun, cool(Possible snow??)fall. They say it happens every so often, the snow on Halloween that is. I guess I need to look into more mask related costumes this year, just in case the kids have to Trick or Treat all bundled up. I took a picture of some leaves from our front yard. Gathering these colorful leaves brings back an old childhood memory of when I was in Massachusetts and we made fall place mats with leaves we found around the school. We placed them between wax paper and our teacher ironed them for us to take home and use as a place mat. Sounds like something I just might have to do for my younger ones. So glad to WELCOME FALL!! Can't believe we are coming up on a year in Denver soon.

Cosmic Bowling

Cayson wanted to have a friend party this year and we went "COSMIC BOWLING". He invited a few friends and had a great time. We had pizza, chips and salsa and of course CUPCAKES!!

Happy 10th Birthday Cayson!

Today Cayson turns 10 years old! We are so proud of you! We love you and are very blessed to have you in our family. You continue to amaze us everyday with how smart you are! In honor of your birthday we want to let you know TEN things we love about you:

1. You love to build Legos and are great at it!

2. You amaze us with how much you know and want to know!

3. You pretend to be the quiet child, but when the conversation begins you certainly can talk!

4. You are a great help with your younger brother and sister!

5. You are a daredevil! Anytime you can find time for a new challenge you are up for it!

6. You are an example to those around you!

7. Your favorite food is pizza, but are willing to eat or try anything!

8. You love reading books about bugs, snakes, and other creepy crawly things!

9. You have a wonderful attitude towards life!

10. You are amazing video game player!

We love you Cayson! You are amazing! You bring a wonderful spirit into our home! Hope you have a wonderful birthday today! LOVE YOU LOTS!!!

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

We took the kids to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National park. We had a really good time. We had to get back to a couple of commitments so we didn't get to spend as much time as we wanted to, but that gives us another chance to go back again. We had lunch in Estes Park and saw the famous Stanley Hotel(It was in the movie "The Shining"). I guess you can go on "GHOST TOURS" and stay in some haunted rooms. We also went strolling down the storefront streets. I could spend the whole day doing this. Lots of old buildings made into stores. We headed into the Rocky Mtn Ntl park and enjoyed the uphill descend. We are really close to the elk season, so we were really hoping to see a few. On our way down we saw a few, but weren't able to get a close enough picture of them. They are huge!! We didn't go up all the way to the top, but stopped at about 12,220 feet and looked out at the beautiful mountain range. The area we stopped at can get gusts of wind up to 100mph! There is a glacier lake up further, but the younger two determined that would have to be on the next trip(To many "How much longer are we driving?" questions). It was really beautiful seeing all the mountains and just getting away together as a family.

Vegas Vacation

I spent the last two weeks in Vegas with the kids. We had a great time. The first week we spent at my parents house. We had our usual get together with friends at Peter Piper Pizza(Alex wouldn't let us forget that place :) !) Got to go to my old ward, had a picnic at Butterfly Park, met with some old high school friends at Macayo's and ended the week with a bbq at my mom's. The next few days we headed off to Disneyland. I love going there I forget about the stresses of life and enjoy the fun with my kids. Uncle Tony got to go with us, since Justin had to work?!? We headed back to my in-laws for the rest of the week. We had fun swimming, celebrating Sarah's birthday and just hanging out. Justin and I have never been apart for more than five days since we've been married, so the past few weeks were really difficult for the both of us. Especially since we celebrated our 17th anniversary apart! He surprised me and the kids by flying in Friday night! I was really surprised and for those of you who know me it is very difficult to surprise me and he really pulled it off. We had a wonderful anniversary night out Saturday! My mother in-law planned family pictures while we were there. This is the first time in about six years that all of Justin and his siblings had been together in one place! We really had a great time and we were sad to leave. Braydon cried for the first fifteen minutes out of town!

Happy 17th Anniversary

THEN-1992.............. NOW-2009

August 1, Justin and I celebrated our 17th year together. Wow! I can't believe how time goes by. I could not be any luckier to spend these last 17 years and the road ahead with a more amazing guy! He is everything to me! I couldn't do it without him. We have seen many challenges over the years and I am glad to have had him by my side. In honor of our anniversary I am going old school.

J-joyous of our time together

U-unbelievable,undeniably great,unselfish

S-supportive,smart,strong and sexy

T-trustworthy,tough,terrific,thankful your mine

I-intelligent, Incredible, Inspirational, Important to our family

N-Nice to all, and very Needed!

Justin, I love you! I am very lucky to have someone like you. I look up to you! I am proud of you! I am grateful for your example to me and the children. I am so glad I get to spend the rest of eternity with you!!! Here is to the road ahead, bumpy or smooth I will be sitting next to you no matter what!! Love Ya!!

We are a proud farming family!

Madisyn was really excited to show me that we have a garden growing in our very own front yard. She wanted to show me the corn we are growing in our grass. Next season we will be growing some money trees, can I have any volunteers to come help pick the crop? This is why I love doing this blog, because I am able to easily keep a record of those times when your kids make you laugh.

Back to School Already?

Today Cayson and Braydon started back to school for the new year. It was strange sending them off to a new grade after only finishing the last one two weeks ago. Cayson is in the 5th grade now and in his own words the "Kings of the school". The majority of the kids from his 4th grade class are now in his 5th grade class unless they changed tracks over the break. He said he only has 4 new kids in his class. Braydon is now in 2nd grade and was really excited about going to school today. He will have a majority of the kids from his 1st grade class, but because there are 2 different second grade classes on his track, he will have new friends to meet. With a tear in my eye and a smile on my face I also sent off my baby to her first day of Kindergarten too. Madisyn was very excited about finally going to school and now when we drive by the elementary school she is proud to say, "Hey there is my school" not just the boys' school anymore. Justin had to laugh listening to her talk to me last night before she went to bed and picked out her outfit. She wasn't quite sure if she chose the right outfit and after trying it on and having all of us tell her how cute she looked, she then decided that was the outfit she would wear. She went on to question, "How should I wear my hair tomorrow?" and her dad's response to that was, "Boy are you a girl!" To all you mom's out there with girls HELP!!! I of course could not miss taking pictures of each of them on their way to school. Madisyn had a little different schedule today so she was not awake yet when I sent the two boys off to school. Once Braydon got on his bus and headed the 2 second drive to school, I walked Cayson and his two friends over to the school and was able to get some pictures of Braydon being taken off the bus. It was overall an uneventful day for them all! They all will be in school for the next three weeks and then off for three. We will head home to Vegas for two of the weeks. Hope we all can take the heat!?