Our 4th...a little late.

The 4th of July,

We had an awesome time.

The pictures tell it all.

We Were In McCall...

Sorry for the picture filled posts...but we have been busy!

Can I just say that I'm pretty sure my kids love McCall as much as I do!?

'Cuz they totally do.

We have a blast there.

Going up...

...almost back down...

...crash.

We couldn't get Bristol out of that tube. She L.O.V.E.D. it.

And Big T. slept. Boats do that to kids!

He even slept on the tube! Not kidding!

Pretty sure we had a blast. 

P.S. Didn't someone explain to me once where to make the picture collages?

Ya, I forgot.

The Hunter's Wife.

Hunting Widow.

All of you with a husband who likes to hunt

knows exactly what I'm talking about.

We partially dread it, and partially look forward to doing whatever we want.

While the hubs is gone during...

HUNTING SEASON.

Its approaching.

Fast.

It's been on my mind lately.

Trying to coordinate family events around hunting season.

*Sigh*

So, with that in the back of my mind I say this this morning.

"Ty, my back is sore in a place it never has been."

Silence. (Not sure if he is really listening.)

Pointing, "Right here. Ya know. My backstraps."

Ty quickly looks at me. "Backstraps?"

"Ya know, like on a buck."

Silence

Ty, "Ya, that's the best part to eat."

Silence

Well...at least he heard part of it!

Hahaha. I just had to laugh.

Then I realized I just spoke in hunter's terms.

What has happened to me?

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

The Armor of God

I don't care what religion you are, or if you don't have one, but we all need it.

The Armor of God...that protection against the daily 'grime' of society.

Literally, the grime. That nasty stuff that makes us feel depressed or sad. Makes us mad at someone, or people in general. That cruelty that eats at our hearts, and chases away innocence. 

There is something in this world that we can all live without. 

Crime

Drugs

Fowl language

Cruelty toward others, even animals

We all need a barrier of protection against those things that we could live without the influence of. What is that barrier?  For me it is the Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:11,13-18

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand,

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye s1all be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

I can't live without this. It gives me an eternal perspective, and the hope to go out and face the world. The world is and can be a good place, even when things seem to be going so wrong. We can put on the armor of God to defend ourselves against evil, and notice the beauty all around us.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

We are in Idaho this year for the 4th.

It's been a long time. 

Our day will be full of family, fun, food, fun activities, and fireworks!

Here are some pre-4th of July pics of the kiddos. (unedited)

They are just so cute, I went a little camera giddy...and couldn't pick a favorite!

Which is yours?

REDNECK MILK SHAKES

Yes, that is what we are doing. Making milk shakes. 

I believe I have shared this before.

It just never gets old.

This last year my dad made somewhere around 240 milkshakes in one hour.

One hour! Amazing!

He made 23 in about 10 minutes here.

Items needed:

1 cement mixer

5 gallon bucket

a lot of ice cream

a lot of milk

a little vanilla

mix-ins of your choice

Baby Fish....

Bristol found a new "wave" of confidence in the water.

She kicks herself all around the pool...with someone close by (for our peace of mind, not hers).

Completely impressed.

Which reminds me.

Please please please keep an eye on your little's this summer. Water is so dangerous when they/you don't understand it's power. So many drownings occur each year that could have been easily prevented. I have grown up in and around the water. Hours on the lake, and on the river. I was even a certified rafting guide for a few years. I not only have a great love for water sports, but I have a deep respect for water. Never underestimate a slow current, or shallow water. It doesn't take much to sweep a toddler away, or take a big "breath" of water to fill their little lungs. Play it safe. You can never be too careful. Bristol usually has a life jacket on in the pool, she can't swim on her own. These were just a few minutes of highly supervised fun in the pool without one. I was a nervous wreck the whole time. I have pulled a couple of kids off of the bottom of pools. It happens so fast. Water wings...pointless. They aren't the same as a coast guard approved flotation device. And I recommend ones with the flap on the back. It's purpose is to roll a baby on their back if they go in face first and can't flip over themselves.

Anyway...Have fun in the water! And be safe!

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

I have been thinking a lot about my ancestors lately. 

Do you ever do that?

I am always thinking about my roots, where I came from, 

and how I came to be right where I am.

The more I learn about my ancestors, the more I want to know.

What were their struggles, what was life like for them, 

and how did they get through hard times.

I have ancestors that traveled west as LDS pioneers. 

I have ancestors that encountered Indians, and made peace with them.

I have ancestors that went through terrible times.

Times that I couldn't imagine going through.

But I am always reminded that they were preserved for that time,

and I for this time.

I'm sure that some of my ancestors shutter at some of the trials people face today.

We can learn so much from our ancestors. 

Don't be afraid to dive into learning about them.

It is so much fun!

Family Home Evening

Monday night for Family Home Evening we went on a bike ride.

Thanks to our awesome neighbors, the kids trailed behind...

with super smiles the whole time.

I, not pictured (for good, diaper butt road bike pant, reasons) still have a bruised butt.

I do love my road bike however. I miss my road biking days.

So this FHE has re-kindled a little flame!

In My Genes.

my Nana gets 'em.

my Mom gets 'em.

I get 'em.

MIGRAINE!!!

1 migraine + 2 active kids + a broken television = a movie on the computer

heaven help me it was a long day.

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

Wow. I used to do my Sunday "thoughts of spiritual uplift" all of the time. Speaking of time, where has it gone! These are some  of my favorite posts. It is such a good way to reflect on the week and put into words all of the feelings, thoughts, and emotions that I have experienced.


A lot has happened this week. To begin with, TyRell was out of town. To all of you single mothers I have only one thing to say, "I love ya." It hasn't been easy.


With the hubs being out of town I decided to decorate a few spaces in the house. A new kiddy table, a new beadspread, etc. With those decorations came a fat lip for Big T. (his first, but probably not his last bloody experience), and some puppy problems. But it all worked out.


Most of all, while the hubs was gone, there was an accident that shook up our little community. I didn't know them personally, but knew quite a few people related to the little boy killed. I was weepy for a couple of days. I went with a friend to visit a family closely related to this little boy. Talk about testimonies built on a sure foundation. They were so strong. It strengthened me. 


While teaching in church today we talked a lot about how our Saviour, Jesus Christ wants nothing else than for us to obtain eternal life. He is there to hold our hand and help us there if we let Him. 
Alma 36 verse 3 in The Book of Mormon reads, "...I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day." 


I am so grateful that I have a family who has been sealed for "time and all eternity" that we might live with our Heavenly Father again. There is life after death, it doesn't end here. 

***To learn more about The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, or eternal families, visit    here or here.***

Thinking Outside of the Car...Saves Lives.


I remember when I got my license. I was completely "stoked". The terminology I believe I used at the time. I drove home and then had a nice talk with my parents. 


"Be careful when you have friends in the car."
"Don't listen to your music too loud. It's distracting."
"Keep your eyes on the road at all times."


I felt so limited! But, I followed the rules and have never been in an accident.


12 years later it is so much the same, but with so many more "limitations."


First. Cell phones. Not exactly "Outside of the Car," but a large cause of accidents. We all have 'em. We all can't live without 'em. I too feel "naked" when I don't have mine with me. They are great! Just not when it comes to texting, web surfing, etc. If I'm on a short drive through the city I leave mine in my purse. If it rings or buzzes, so what. I'll check it later. If I'm on a long drive it's in between my legs. But no texting. 


Second. Pedestrians/Cyclists. Watch out! They are everywhere. Share the road, don't try to beat them through the intersection. Be careful of children playing. They'll dart off into the road. Cyclists. I could rant, but I am one. It's different when all you have between you and a car is your handlebars. They have to be defensive and make sure others see them. It's too easy not to see them.


Sorry for the rant, and bit of information.We have had a couple of close calls. One of them just today. People not paying attention to the road and the others around them.  I drive a lot living out in the country, and it gives me a lot of time to think about things. And, my babies in the backseat are a constant reminder that everyone out there is somebody's baby. It's not worth the phone call or text, updating your status, or passing a car to get there 1 minute earlier. Those aren't worth somebody's baby.


***On a lighter note. I took two little kids to see "Brave" today in theaters. So good!***

DIY Baby Shower Gifts

I'm not much of a crafter, but for my cousin's baby shower, I tried out some skills...and had a good time!

Pretty proud of the end result too!

Diaper Carriage

Nursing Cover
Love that print!

Bristol's 3 Yr. Photo Shoot

Too cute to boot! I love this girl!

When I Went on a Cruise I...

Enjoyed some movies under the stars...

with New York style pizza, ice cream, and pop corn...

 Enjoyed some breath taking views...

snorkeled every chance I got. I love doing that!

                            

 and had some great time with family! 

The family fun never ended. 

*And I took over 2,000 pictures...It was great!

Fathers

"A family needs a Father to anchor it."

Elder L. Tom Perry

 I am so blessed. My family was anchored by a loving Father.

He showed us by example the things which are right,

and loved us through and through.

I am also blessed that my beautiful babies have a wonderful Father.

He loves Bris and Big T. more than anything.

Happy Father's Day!

Catch.Up.

I love blogging. 

Really, I do.

Until life gets uber busy, and I fall way behind.

So, lets play catch up!

Check back.

Look forward to cruising, swimming, the "blob", some Utah, etc.

Visiting Teaching Tales...

I am a Visiting Teacher. In The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, all women have a special privilege to be a Visiting Teacher, and to be "visit taught." As a Visiting Teacher we watch over other Sister's in the church, help them when they need it, and share a gospel related message with each other once a month.


This month was like any other. I was off with my Visiting Teaching Companion to visit two ladies. Unlike other months, I brought my two kiddos. *Sigh*


Our first stop went ok. Bristol whispered in my ear the whole time "Mom, there is a swing outside." In which I would stroke her face and nod while still trying to direct my attention to the two other women I was with. After telling me this a few too many times, she finally decided to make herself at home by climbing up to the table and coloring.


Not bad....


Then we were off to stop #2. Tytan was screaming, and Bristol was a bit agitated. So upon her request, I rolled Bristol's window down. I had never had a problem with this before. But there is always room for something new to happen! We were driving merrily along when all of a sudden my companion yelled "Bristol just dropped Belle out the window!" *Sigh*


I pulled over, turned around, and we looked for Belle along the road and canal. But to no avail, we couldn't find her. I said a little prayer in my mind...well it was kinda a prayer. "Heavenly Father, I'm doing my Visiting Teaching, which is what you would have me do! Please don't let Belle be lost forever!" I returned to the car to find Bristol screaming as my companion explained that she would buy Bristol another one. *Sigh* 


We kept driving, but the sign that said "road closed" really meant "road closed" and we had to take a detour in which we found Belle on our way back! All in all Visiting Teaching was a success, and another prayer answered!

Happy Birthday Dad!

We have had some great times! You have been there for me through thick and thin, taught me just about everything I know, and played hard through it all! 

Here's to many more years of having a great time together!

Love ya!

The Moment I Cried: My Mom Loves Me

I remember those days all too well.


In 2002-2003 I suffered from extremely painful ovarian cysts. I would wake up in the morning around 5 AM and jump in the shower. If I had a cyst, that is when it usually let me know of it's presence. I would get out of the shower sopping wet and soap still in my hair, just enough to open the door to lay on the floor and scream for my mom. Her presence calmed me just enough to get back into bed or head to the hospital...yet again. It was always the same tests, and the same diagnosis. 


Not this day. 


I actually made it to dance practice on February 24, 2003. We were conditioning really hard and the pain stabbed my lower abdomen like a knife. I ran into the locker room and screamed while thrashing on the floor. (Ya...the locker room floor. Gross I know.) My coach was there, and then I was in the nurse's room. Then my mom whisked me to the Dr. for the final time. I was in so much pain, the memory is jagged and incomplete. This was it. Surgery, tomorrow. This cyst was big, it wouldn't pop, and it had a conspicuous fluid inside that was concerning. 


February 25, 2003. My mom's birthday of all days, she spent the day in the hospital with me. It was a long day. I honestly don't really remember too much of it. But this isn't the reason I'm telling you this story.


About three or four years later I get a call from my dad really early in the morning. I recognized the noises of the ER in the background and began to panic. He said "Your Mom is in the hospital. She insisted I call you. She has an ovarian cyst. She is in so much pain. On the way over all she could say was 'I can't believe Stephanie went through this. Tell her I'm sorry. I love her.' "


I have felt the love of my Mom all of my life. I have always known that she loves me and would do, and often does do everything for me. But in that moment, I cried. My mom loves me. 


My Mom Loves Me.

Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you too.

We met...again. FINALLY!

We made a sign. And we waited!

I am the worst at waiting. We got to the airport 45 minutes early. And I got teased about it...

Hailey(sister), Annie(sister), Natalie(cousin),
Summer(cousin),Heather(cousin)

 Ashley came running from a distance. You can see my dad in the background carrying all of her bags. It was the cutest reunion I have ever seen. She was excited, and then saw all of us and became a bit overwhelmed. She hugged us all.

Among my many favorite moments, wast this. See the very tall guy standing in the back, right in the center? That us Uncle Ernie. The beautiful people of Cambodia thought that he was President Monson when they saw him in pictures! So funny!

The whole gang that came!

 Ashley arrived in Boise at 11:53 PM. It was late, and we (they) were so tired. They had been traveling for 24 hours, and lost 12 in the process. So, the next day our immediate family got together. And more importantly, Ashley met a new niece and nephew, and was reunited with Bris and Jeffie.

And now Bristol thinks that
Ashley lives at our house!

The "Queen of Play" is back and I am so glad. I feel so blessed to have her as a sister. She is a great one, and an even better person. Her mission was amazing. My heart aches because I know that she will be missed, and even more so because I know that she will miss the people of Cambodia. I know that her love for them runs so deep. 

Feelings...

My emotions have been running wild with me today. Crying. Laughing. Nervous. Anxious. Repeat. I feel as though my stomach is in my throat. That "don't say anything wrong to me because I don't know how I'll react" feeling all day. It's been kinda hard.

Ashley comes home today. *Sigh*

She has been serving an 18 month mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and the surrounding cities. My parents left to pick her up, tour the area, and bring her back. They get in tonight at 11:45 PM. I am so excited I could just about wet my pants, or cry, or...ya.

I remember writing my "18 Months and Counting" post like it was yesterday. On that day, I thought that today would never come. And here I am! Those 18 months are over. All of those things I said would happen have, and more.

We moved to Middleton, Id.
Ty has a great job.
Baby Hazel was born.
We got a dog!
I have started a few new hobbies.
I have made great new friends.

The list could go on. Which reminds me, I have a lot to update on!!!

Come back...I'll let ya know how the reunion went!

Sneaky? No. Smart? Yes. Getting What I Want? Maybe...

I just sent my Mr. an e-mail that went something like this.


"So...Mother's Day is coming up. Ya, it is. Not sure if you had something in mind already, but I have an idea for you. That is, only if you want to get me this. I have been wanting one for a while now...but you don't have to get it. Only if you want to."


It has to be his idea or forget it...hence the emphasis on you. 




Then I gave him specific directions to this website, and exactly what I want. I love this website! You should check it out!

Aren't they fun? Go see some more!

Your Children Want YOU!

A friend posted this on Facebook today. It totally hit home! Some days I do feel under qualified by pinterest, blogger, "world" standards. Only some days. I'll work on that! Check this article out!
Your Children Want YOU!

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift: Easter

The water works have been turned on today. Tears just magically fall down my cheeks. I am so grateful for today, and so emotional about the thought of what Easter truly means in my life.


Today I spoke in church about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I know that He lived, was crucified, buried in a tomb, and rose to live again on the third day. He conquered this "thing that men call death." Adam fell that men might be, and Christ died so that we might live again. This is the center of beliefs in The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, that we might all return to live with our Heavenly Father again through our Saviour. It doesn't make sense in my mind that the great Designer would create Earth and Heaven, light and darkness, plants, animals, and last of all man to have dominion over all of these things; Man, in His own image with intelligence, deity, and ability to love, and only allow us to experience life on Earth. I don't fathom only believing that we won't love those we love here on earth for this short time, and never see them again after we die. Eternal life, that is what I believe in. I know that I will see my sweet Great Grandparents, my friends, and a sweet infant cousin again. I will see all of those whom I love, and live after my death, in Heaven.


Yes, that is all a mouth full, but it's true. And it is what I have really been contemplating a lot lately. This is Easter.


On a lighter note...


Yes, the Easter Bunny did make it to our house! Hope he hopped to yours too!


Happy Easter!


For a great video on Easter, go here.