Beauty and the Beast

2 Months in a Nut Shell Part B

2011-07-05T21:13:00.000-06:00

And now for the good part. Maybe you have an idea? If you don't follow my blog, you won't and that's ok. I will brag anyway.
I Made My Goal! Amazingly enough it was accomplished while I was flat on my back too! I am now 144 lbs. I am a solid size 6 and a small shirt size. I have lost a total of 97 lbs and 50 inches. My BMI went from a 37 to 22. And baby...........I am H.O.T.! Well, I think so at least! The bummer deal? I did it while in the midst of back problems. I have yet to celebrate or reward. I kept saying it will happen but the first time I felt like I celebrated was when I asked a friend of mine to do our family pictures. He offered to do model shots of just me! He knows how hard I have worked and new I needed that special day to celebrate. (I am also helping him to make his goal weight too!) I plan on going dancing in a few weeks when my back is better to move my boo-tay. In October, Andy and I are going on a vaca together as my reward. I am about to show you my before and after. And you are about to pick your chin up off the floor...........

Yep! That's me! And yes there are Three after pictures cuz I just can't pick my fav. Yeah Me!

2 Months in a Nut Shell Part A

2011-07-05T20:43:00.000-06:00

Mind you I didn't specify what kind of nut shell but I will give you the shorter version of my past 2 months. First the crappy part and then on to better news.

This dates all the way back to Good Friday......that would be the Friday before Easter if you don't have your calendar near by. Uhhhh yeah.....that is a long time ago.......I know.......I am living it. I woke up and could not get out of bed. Darn you stupid back injury! I thought it had flared up again, called the chiropractor and set up an appt ASAP! It is my first day off since getting a full time job and I didn't want to spend it in bed! Well, I did anyway. I saw him again on Monday with no help. I called my MD and went to see him. Long story short..........a week later I had an MRI that showed a herniated disk in my L5 and he was referring me to a back specialist. 10 days later I had my first of 2 injections at the hospital. Mind you I was working part time on full pain killers this whole time! Yeah pretty much sucked.

The injection was more painful than I ever imagined! 8 shots into my lower back between my L5 and S1. I was only sedated. I remember hearing the nurse tell me she was putting the pain meds in my IV but never did she say my sedative. It all happened quickly luckily because I remember the whole thing! I wasn't tired or spinning or anything! My worst fear had happened. I was in hysterics as they rolled me to post-op. I asked the post-op nurse if she could tell me if they even gave me the sedative. She said yes and that I most likely was not with it enough to remember it being administered. I can remember everything! Does that sound like I was sedated? Not to me.....

The next few days were brutal. Not only was my back in pain but now I had to also recover from the injections too. Two weeks later was when I finally felt about 60% better. I had my second shot on June 18th. This one was better. I asked for more sedatives. I am for sure they went into my body this time! I was crying by the time I got on the table but when I asked for someone to hold my hand someone did. The shot will always hurt but this time there was a little more compassion. Today I would say I am about 80% better. I see the doctor on July 18th. I pray for a clean bill of health or there will be a 3rd shot.

Tall Drink of Water

2011-03-26T18:22:00.000-06:00

I am so freakin excited about this post! I have waited for a long time to be able to share this with y'all. When I started my weight loss, I picked a certain number that I thought that I would be able to achieve. That was 175. My reward was a new pair of heeled shoes. I haven't been able to wear heels for so long. My knees hurt constantly and worse when I put them on 1+ inch heels. I love shoes! I love to see a nice pair of legs in a pair of hot shoes! It sucked to not be able to wear or feel like I could pull off a pair of sexy heels. Well, you all know that I made that 175......in fact I am down 25 more! Gosh! Maybe I should make good on that reward.

I called upon a very cute friend to take me on this adventure. She was amazing! We went to her favorite spot (DSW) and there was a sea of beautiful shoes as far as the eye could see. I was completely overwhelmed. She lead me down each aisle, we made some choices, and she even carried the boxes for me! We cat walked. We spun. We tripped. We laughed. What a great time! I bought two pairs and am so glad that I finally rewarded myself. I sure hope that I won't take so long when I make my final goal (5 lbs baby!!)

Countdown from 10

2011-03-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

I know that most of my blogs lately have been about weight. If ya hate it, sorry but it truly is what defines me. It has for so many years been what makes me happy, sad, depressed, mad, and angry. Truthfully......it still does......but with one exception. That one exception is what has made me so successful this time around. That exception is I AM IN CONTROL OF FOOD not the other way around.

It has been 7 1/2 months since I started my weight loss journey. I once hated that sentiment.....weight loss journey. Really........what does that mean anyway! I can honestly tell you I know exactly what that means. To me anyways. It would be different for you. It is what gets you from the start to the finish. It's what gets you through your day/week/month. It's what tells you it's OK that you just ate that 6 pack of mini coconut crumb doughnuts because you have tomorrow......no wait...............you have the rest of your life to fix it.

So the results. Today I weighed in at 155 lbs. I have lost 86.5 total and over 45 inches! I am in a size 8 pants and a medium shirt (from a 20/3XL) My BMI was 37 and now is a 24. (I started my new job and lost 12 pounds the first 5 weeks! Yeah it's that active) But the thing I really want to get out there is that I finally decided my goal weight. My first goal was 175 lbs. I had done WW before and got down to that weight......surely I could get there again. I thought there was no way that I could ever be smaller......it would be enough for me. I got closer to that goal and found myself thinking it WASN'T going to be enough. There was still so much more "excess". So the goal changed. It was set for the highest weight that WW suggested I be for my height. It got closer to that one and still "excess". 10 more down......nope......keep going. The number 145 lbs came to mind. Yeah.....haven't been there since I was dating my husband. There is no way.........or is there? That's it! My final goal.

Call me crazy but it will happen. I don't even care how long. I have a final goal and I feel at peace with it. 10 more......................the countdown is on!

(pictures to come)

Workin Mom

2011-03-06T09:21:00.001-07:00

I have obviously not blogged for over a month. There is a very valid reason though. I have no time what so ever because...............(drum roll please)...........I am a working mom! Things are a little slow for Andy and instead of sending him back to h*ll (aka-Alaska) I said I would get a job to help out. I have looked before but with no education and not a lot of skills my choices are limited. I totally thought I would be at McDonald's or something. That doesn't make a happy mommy.

One day, I got a friend request on FB and it was an old friend from my home ward. I accepted the request and no sooner than I did he sent me a message asking if I wanted my old job back at Beehive Clothing Mills. He was half kidding but I was not! He was one of the last people that I trained in the cutting room before I left to have my second baby. He told me of the openings, I applied, and got a job sewing. Hmmmm.....not what I really wanted to do but at least I was working. I promptly went to my old supervisor and told him to keep me in mind if he had an opening.

I sewed for a week...............HATED IT! That Friday, HW came to me and offered me my old job back! I was so happy I thought about kissing him! The work is still hard but I am not confined to a chair and can be social with my fellow crew. I know the work and didn't need a ton of training. I have been there a month already.

My schedule is 6 AM to 2:30 PM. Fits perfect for my families schedule. I am home when the kids walk in the door. That does mean I have to be up at 4:30 in the morning. Yes, that is early but surprising the hard thing is getting to bed before 9! As a mom there is always one more thing to do before I hit the sack.

I am so happy with my new job. If I have to work, there is no better place than for the church. I can see the path that my Heavenly Father has placed before me. (Even my weight loss is part of it. Being heavy would make this job harder to do.) I am continually in awe of the blessings He gives me. He knows me and my needs and then holds nothing back!

Things that Make me Feel OLD

2011-01-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

I am totally copying from a friends blog. But, she and I must be on the same brain wave because I have been thinking this exact same thing. I thought that 2010 was a bit much as way of growning old. I am now looking down the 2011 yellow brick road and am thinking......holy crap!

My eldest offspring will turn 14 this year. With that age brings a ton of OLDNESS. She moves up a class at church and will be a Mia Maid. This also gives her the "chance" to go to stake dances. I say "chance" because she has to convince her daddy-o first. After this summer she will be going into the 9th grade. If we didn't live in Utah this would be first year in High School---------> a Freshman if you will. Can you remember when you started as a Freshman? I can! She also starts Seminary....sheesh! Stop already!

The middle child is not much better. He turns 12. That makes him a true "Tween" according to his dad. Next year in school he will start Middle School. He will also receive the Priesthood. This gives him the chance to pass sacrament, collect fast offerings, and other special privileges. He will start going to YM. He already goes on mutual night so this Might not be so hard......but it also tells me that he will go to summer camp that is a week long! Having helped a past scoutmaster with summer camp, I know all the "grown-up" things he gets to do. Again OLD.

The youngest is probably the smallest offender. He only turned 9 this past month. I look forward to the double digits in 2012 with this child. He moved up in cub scouts and is now a Bear. Funny thing about this is that the Bear leader is the same person when Drew was in! (Thinking that this fact is worse for the leader than me but still....) He will be in the 4th grade.....no more baby stuff at school like show and tell and student spot lights. This also makes it possible for me to have a child in each grade school. OLD.

All though these things have been milling around my head for a few weeks I do have to say that I love being a mom. I love the three children that my Heavenly Father has entrusted me with. They are good kids and each bring a special spirit into our family. I guess if they have to grow up (and make me old) I couldn't ask for three better kids than the ones that call me Mom.

(Such a bad picture of me. That is not what I look like anymore)

Victory is Mine!

2010-12-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

I did it! I can't believe I did it! Holy CRAP I did it! Three months ago I blogged about my weight loss goals. I bragged about my 30 pounds loss. That was about my halfway point. I am so excited to be able to blogg once more of my success. It has been a long 8 months but I have stuck too it like a booger to your finger! I set many goals along the way and acheived everyone of them. Now a little more detail (or shall I say bragging). I started out at my heaviest at 241.5 pounds(and yes that .5 sure is counted!) I am now 175 pounds. That is 66.5 pounds lost in 8 months! I have lost a total of 38.25 inches! I have lowered my BMI from 37 to 27! I went from a size 20 to a 14 and a shirt size of 3X to L! I used to have chronic knee pain that kept me from being active. I started out slow and now I can walk a 12 minute mile! I love the new me!

Celebrate with me because it will be a short party. After further thought, I have decided that I need to keep going. I want to loose another 10ish pounds. Thank you too all that have already acknowledged my hard work. Thank you to those who walked with me over the summer and to my new partner in crime who has me up at 5:10 AM to take me to the gym! I have awesome family and awesome friends! Oh! I almost forgot the best news ever.........I weigh less than Andy!!

Christmas Hope

2010-12-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

You might remember back in August a post about a special event that was coming up that our family was going to participate in called the Festival of Trees. My sisters and I had decided to donate a tree in honor of Mom. It was to be called Christmas Hope. Since then we made plans on what kind of tree decorations, went shopping for them, and put them all on the tree to make sure it was exactly what we wanted. We had so much fun doing all this knowing it was in honor of a fantastic lady and for a great cause.

November 29th was decorating day and the excitement grew even more. We spent a good 4 hours making the tree structurally safe, wiring all the ornaments and other decorations on, and sometimes just goofing off. So there it was......the last three months of planning, shopping, crafting, worrying all done. And it was beautiful!

On opening night, the first thing we wanted to do was see Mom's tree. It sold! We were so excited.

Later that week I took my cute little family back to Festival so they could also see the tree. By then, they had posted who was the purchaser of the tree. We wondered if it might have been a friend that knew about our donation. It was a complete stranger which surprisingly made it even more special to our family.

I was told that donating a tree to the Festival would help bring our family together even more during this hard time. It would bring the Christmas spirit deeper into our hearts. If you have never donated a tree to the Festival, you might not understand the feelings that surround the whole idea. I was not expecting what I learned and felt.

Christmas Hope....what does that mean exactly. When we decided on the tree, the meaning was dual. The best present that Christmas could bring was a cancer free mother which brought our family hope. Many people hope for a Christmas all to together. We submitted a story about our tree. It stated how Mom had hoped and survived many things in her life. Even now with her battle with cancer she believes there are only two things that can get a person through.....Love of family and faith in God. She says, "if you don't have faith in God, is it worth the fight?"

My final thoughts came to me yesterday while enjoying and listening to testimonies being said at my church. Christmas hope started before our decision to donate this tree. Christmas hope started before my mom was diagnosed. Christmas hope started when Christ came to this earth as a baby with the plan to become our Savior. My mothers hope to survive cancer came from this baby boy. My hope that she will live a long happy life comes from this same baby boy. Our life on this earth is given hope through the baby Jesus.

Never-Slowing November (family)

2010-11-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Carina, you just finished the hardest year ever without a husband! What'll you do next?

I'm going to Disneyland!

Come on....you can't be surprised....we are addicted to DL.
Our thought process is as follows----->
Do we really want to remember 2010 as the year Andy was always gone, that Mom/Grandma was diagnosed with crappy cancer, and we were all really lonely and sad? H*ll no! We need a vacation! We left for DL the Friday after Andy got home. We drove all day and stayed in Ontario, CA. A word to the wise. Ontario is the hood. While trying to get settled for bed, we heard this really loud noise and our room started to shake. I thought maybe a car driving by with a stereo? Nope....we were right next to a car stereo installation store! It was 10 PM! What are ya thinkin! We demanded a new room and called the cops. Good thing we were only there one night.

We spent Saturday, Tuesday , and Monday at the park. It was never very crowded. We walked onto most rides. By Tuesday, they weren't even giving out fast passes. Couldn't have asked for better weather! It was anywhere between 75 and 80 the whole time (sorry Melissa).

We went to Huntington Beach on Sunday. We try every time to make it to the beach but run out of time. I am so glad we did! That was the day it was 80 degrees. We had lunch at a quaint little surf side shack, ate under straw umbrella's, and soaked in the Cali atmosphere. They had a surf contest which brought in a fabulous people watching crowd. We even saw a pair of dolphins!

Tuesday was my birthday.....I know right! How awesome is that to spend your bday at the happiest place on earth! I wore a button saying it was my birthday. Complete strangers wished me happy birthday all day. I had an enormous hand dipped corn dog for lunch. I shared a piece of mile high chocolate cake with the fam while watching the fireworks. Perfection!

Enjoy the slide show (watch for the hidden mickey's!)

Never-Slowing November (Andy)

2010-11-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

The next big event with the start of the new month was our daddy was finally coming home! He had decided to stay an extra two weeks so his plan was to fly home November 8th. That made it 8 weeks total this time that he had been gone. That's 2 months people! Ugh....hard Mim. But, we fought on. We also decided that this would be his last time in Alaska.....at least until the spring. He gave his notice and said that he was going to try to find something at home but if not he would be back if they would take him. They really liked Andy and had no problems with that.

Good, a door left cracked.

We never got a bad feeling about giving notice. We felt like it was right. That Heavenly Father had things to help us at home. That it was time to have our daddy back. And sure enough......with a little faith and prayers we have found some things to keep us busy for a bit. Isn't the spirit awesome! We are still praying that more will come.

Andy did have a heck of a time getting home. Alaska is an Arctic tundra and we thought that weather in November might have an effect on Andy's travels. It was the right thought. His plane leaving Barrow, Alaska broke down and he had to take the later flight to Anchorage. His flight from Anchorage was delayed because the pilots were on another flight that was delayed by weather. He missed his flight home and had to stay the night in Seattle. He finally arrived home the morning of November 9th!

It has been so great to finally feel like a real family again. To send Andy to work, kids to school, and we all come home in the evening to have dinner together at the table. To have a second person to set and maintain rules. To not have to schedule when I can talk to my own husband. To have someone to fix things right away. To not be lonely. To have my best friend back.

I have always said that I have been blessed to be married to a person that takes pride in providing for his family. He has worked seconds jobs, long hours, and in harsh weather. This last year with him taking out of town work has made me realize even more how amazing he is. He lived in places with terrible weather, lived in houses that were filthy, worked two weeks straight without a day off, left his family for weeks, sometimes didn't have a familiar face around.......all for US. His family.

Thank you Baby.....you are one AMAZING HUSBAND.

Never-Slowing November (Mom)

2010-11-24T13:57:00.003-07:00

You all have heard of March Madness? Well let me tell you about my Never-slowing November......(And I will be splitting into parts as to make it easier on the reader.)

After that dreadful holiday Halloween, it was the final count down to many exciting things! Firstly, Mom had finished her chemo and the next step was surgery. We did celebrate her end of chemo with a lovely dinner at Sizzler and a round of mini golf .......adults only. We sure were excited to have Mom finally feel a little better! Her surgery was scheduled November 5th. She did amazing and was home from the hospital by Saturday afternoon! In fact, I had a Sunday dinner at my house and they came! She is such an amazing and strong person! They told her that the pathology results would take to till the end of the week. It took till Thursday November 11th to hear that they got all the cancer in her breast, the perimeters were clear, and only 1 of the 9 lymph nodes taken showed cancer in it! Wow! What a fantastic day.

Mom is cancer free!
She fought like a girl...........kicked cancers ass................
She is a survivor!

Right now she is gearing up for the holiday season. Thanksgiving is at her house. She's been Christmas shopping. She will go with you to do errands. She is alive again! Her hair is growing back, she can taste things again, and has so much more energy. They will decide next month about radiation but for now......All I can say is she is one AMAZING WOMEN!

Do I Really Have to

2010-11-04T09:58:00.000-06:00

"Do I really have to do Halloween?" This was what played in my head for the whole month of October. Halloween is more of Andy's holiday anyway.....he's not here so I have a "get out of Halloween free" card right? Well the guilt crept in and soon SOME of the Halloween decorations went up. I drew the line in putting new batteries in the talking skeleton! We did a few traditions that there was no way out of like the corn maze and the cousins Halloween party. This is what you get in way of pictures for Halloween.....

My attempt of making the corn maze fun. We finished it in a half hour! Guess we need to find a harder one next year.

I love how boys can take a very nice and pleasant costume and add gore and death to it! Poor Mario and Luigi never new what hit them.

Janae made a self portrait in her cookie decorations.....so clever

As you can see, no pictures from Halloween. I did take them. One of Drew and one of Zach. Lost them while downloading! Why am I not surprised!

My Inner Most Debate

2010-09-24T19:35:00.006-06:00

As the title states, I have been having my inner most gut wrenching debate for a couple of days now. Many know how much I loath posting pictures of myself. My self image lands pretty much somewhere between zero and zilch. I mean really.....my weight loss doesn't have to be public knowledge.

But, after a very not-appreciated comment made from unnamed silly man, I feel that if I leave my "horn tooting" to only be heard by him, I will never get what I need. Plus, I have this deep down fear about "public horn tooting". I fear that I will jinx myself and there won't be enough wood in the nearby Wasatch Mountains to knock on to dig myself out. But here it is......in full color .........for all to see.

Before

After

I've been working my arse off for the last 5 months and have dropped 30 pounds! I am almost half way to my goal and I finally feel like it should be noticed. I have even dabbled in a little jogging and played volleyball for the first time in three years! I am down two pant sizes and can wear a normal XL shirt (not a plus XL). What kind of prize would you give? Unnamed man got it all wrong.

p.s. I think I am in love with the brunette seeing it side by side with the blond.

p.p.s. Please humor me and knock on some sort of wood after reading this post. My skinny jeans thank you!

Bringing the "A" man home

2010-09-17T20:38:00.001-06:00

Yes!!!!!!!! We made it through yet another 6 weeks with dear old Dad being gone. And I use the word "made" loosely. It was definately harder this time then last. At least the first time he was gone we had no idea what it was going to be like. This time.......we knew it was sucky!

With the kids in school, we didn't plan a trip but did do things around town. We went to the zoo, the movies, swimming, mini golf, to lunch, to dinner, hung out with friends (which we didn't do last time), went to the BYU home opener, BBq's, bottle rockets (with only two near car misses,1 saved life when Drew sacrificed himself by taking the blow from the falling rocket, and 1 Grandpa hit!), and a trip to Pocetello for a family reunion. Still, it went by way too fast. He is gone again and might even be staying 8 weeks/2 months this time. Uggghhh-------------> Miss him already.

New School Year 2010

2010-09-13T09:34:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, I know! They have been in school for two weeks already and I am just getting up their first day of school pictures. That doesn't label me a totally lame blogger does it? I can't get over how "grown" up Janae looks! And this year Drew was too cool to have a picture with his little brother!

One Proud Mamma

2010-09-13T09:22:00.001-06:00

Can I just tell you how much I love my Janae! She is the best daughter anyone could ask for. She is a great helper, kind, funny, never gets into "real" trouble, knows who she really is, and has a firm testimony of the Gospel. It was no surprise to any of us that she was called into the Beehive Class Presidency as the Class President. She choose her counselers with prayer and careful thought. Her totally awesome Grandparents offered to be apart of her special day. I know that she will do a fantastic job! She is ready and willing to serve her Father in Heaven and her "sisters". She is a special blessing to our family.

Burley.....THE summer hot spot?

2010-08-26T21:42:00.006-06:00

I was born and lived a few years of my younger life in Burley. I still have family there. My mother's parents are there and are always happy to have a visit. They are the best hotel in the city! I took the kids the last weekend before school started to visit. The Cassia County Rodeo and Fair was in town so I picked us up some tickets. The kids have never been to a rodeo before. The night we went was "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" night. Everyone was encouraged to wear pink to show support for Breast Cancer. My kids loved that idea and so we searched for pink shirts to wear. The cowboys, cowgirls and even the horses were dolled up in support.

During one of the event changes, they called attention to these pink balloons. The MC for the rodeo asked for a moment of silence as they released the balloons into the sky. The balloons represented the prayers and wishes of breast cancer patients. They flew to heaven in HOPE of answers and a cure for this terrible disease. Very touching to me....I did cry a little.

Zach said he'd bet there was going to be some pink chaps and sure enough there was!

The rodeo royalty-----> in pink!

Janae was in awe to see an actual tractor moving. She has only seen ones standing still or broken.

Grandpa asked if we would care for some red potatoes to take home. Drew offered to help dig them up from the garden. A first!

I took them to the Burley pool to swim. I told them this was the same pool that I took swimming lessons in 25 years earlier. They were actually impressed.

The Bee's Knees

2010-08-26T21:28:00.004-06:00

At the very beginning of the summer, the Salt Lake Bee's offered half price tickets for any games the whole season. I love going to the games and at half price, I jumped on that band wagon. My parents love the games too so I invited them to go along. We bought three games together. Carpooled and everything! I think they won only one game of the three but still a nice distraction for the summer.
It never failed that Zach would ask for four things while at the games.
1-can I ride the train.
2-can I have a snow cone.
3-can I go home.
4-can I have a balloon
So the one time I said OK to the balloon....this is what he brought back! THE biggest "A" balloon hat ever! We made him sit in front of us so we wouldn't get hit.

Drew didn't sit far enough apparently.

Christmas HOPE

2010-08-25T09:23:00.003-06:00

August 25, 2010

Dearest Family and Friends,

As most of you know, our mother was diagnosed with cancer in May of this year. We have had many offer their prayers, fasting, and help. For that we thank you.

We are proud of Mom and her continuous bravery and strength. After much thought, we have decided to donate a tree to the Festival of Trees. This not only will honor our mom, but the proceeds for our tree will go to Primary Children’s Medical Center to provide a better opportunity for patients there.

The name chosen for the tree is Christmas HOPE. We continue with HOPE that Mom will win her fight with cancer. We HOPE the money donated will help another in need. We HOPE you will contribute what you can to help us decorate the greatest Christmas tree to honor the greatest woman we know.

We have an event deadline of November 1st, 2010 so; please send donations before then to:

Carina Both
2446 Jordan Meadows Lane
West Jordan, UT 84084

We are excited to support our mom and to help families at Primary Children’s Medical Center. If you want to know more about this charity and/or information about coming to see the tree, log onto http://www.festivaloftreesutah.org/

Thank you for your love and prayers,

Carina, Heather, Heidi, and Stephanie

The year of the Yellowstone

2010-08-17T18:51:00.004-06:00

We havent been to Yellowstone for 9 years. I was prego with Zach last time we visited the National Park. We went twice this year and within two weeks of each other! Over 150 pictures taken. I narrowed it down to 41. We spent two days with Andy and slept in a cabin. We spent three days at our family reunion and camped. The weather was beautiful both times. We saw more animals with Andy including 7 bears!

Fourth of July 2010

2010-08-11T19:16:00.002-06:00

Better late then never.....

Lovin this weather!

2010-08-11T19:05:00.004-06:00

I am so lovin this weather! Almost three weeks of overcast skies and scattered showers. You may think this weird to like but have you ever spent a August in Utah. H.O.T. hot! with the cloud cover and little rain showers it keeps it under 90 baby and that is ok with me. Besides the cooler weather for August, we have had some beautiful skies! Heavenly Father has great artistic abilities.This was a FULL rainbow! I dont think I have ever seen a full rainbow and it was on display for all to see at the Bee's baseball game.
The kids liked this because there is this lonely little white cloud amoung all the grey and blue.

Sweet Brinley's Grand Stand | Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

2010-07-29T20:29:00.001-06:00

This is for a very good friend and neighbor's daughter. Please support if you can!

Sweet Brinley's Grand Stand | Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Knowledge (or dumb facts) I have learned over 8 weeks

2010-07-20T23:04:00.002-06:00

1. Life at some time might throw you a curve ball. If you're lucky it might be a screw-you ball.

2. Fasting works

3. My laundry decreased by 3-4 loads a week when my family numbers decreased by one!

4. The average bar of soap will last an average sized person on average 6 weeks.

5. Sunday ended up being the worst day of the week

6. Cancer sucks!

7. I must be braver than I give myself credit for cuz if I wasn't I would never have gotten outta bed.

8. The commercials claim that Hughes Net is faster then dial up. They are liars!

9. Your food budget can cut itself almost in half when you serve corndogs and Mac and Cheese for dinner.

10. The two weeks home should go as slow as the six weeks away.....it's only fair right? But it doesnt.

11. Sending him away for the second time was NOT any easier.

Brunettes are Sexy

2010-07-20T22:05:00.004-06:00

Hey that's not my opinion. That comes straight from the horses mouth (horse=Andy) So what do you think? I LOVE IT and it might have to be permanent

Watch out world....I'm 13!!

2010-07-20T21:48:00.003-06:00

Yep, that's right! Janae is a teenager. Can't really believe it myself. She loves to be out doors so we went back to Millcreek Canyon for a bon fire and hot dogs. Andy's sister Sheila (her fam) and Grandpa and Grandma Both were is town to help celebrate.
Janae and Jannelle bought matchy outfits. First time in years these two have been together. Friends at first text
The spread is always so yummy!
This cake was amazing again this year. A big thanks to Heidi at Perfectly You Catering and Cakes for the mountain side trail cake.

Love you girlie forever!

We Got One More!

2010-06-24T09:19:00.001-06:00

I can't believe that we got one more year with this.....

End of 7th grade

2010-06-22T14:50:00.004-06:00

The last days of school are always with packed activities. This year we also sent our Daddy off to Alaska so this post should have been done already. Only 5 weeks later do I feel like I have time to make it, sorry! Janae was in 7th grade choir. She loves to sing (yeah!). She is usually the only person singing with me in church....well Zach is trying. Grandma gave her flowers. It was a fun performance Janae also was given an award for Lion of the Quarter. She had already been awarded the Lion of the day and month....two honors she can receive again. But, this award students can only receive once while in middle school. Throughout the year there are only 3 boys and 3 girls chosen and they are chosen by the staff. It is not only based on academic but personal attributes that are considered. It was no surprise to Andy and I that she was given this award. Janae is awesome!

Last Hurrah

2010-05-24T15:10:00.003-06:00

As many of you know but for the ones that don't, Andy took a new job in Barrow, Alaska. He was offered the job a week ago and we decided that he would take Thursday and Friday off to prepare for the trip and to spend time with the family. We wanted to make some good memories becuase he will not be around this summer to make them with us. After the boys got out of school on Friday, we signed Janae out of school early and headed to American Fork Canyon. It has been many many many years since Andy and I hiked the Timpanogas trail and did the tour. So many that we didnt have kids then. They thought it was an amazing cave tour. We spent time at the Aquarium in Sandy, played games on the Wii, watched movies together, and ate a lot!! I think I wanted to make sure he was well fed since he's gonna have to do it on his own now. It was a very sad departing on Sunday which I dont think will get any easier. I have an amazing husband......I ♥ you!

The heart of Timpinogas cave
Skinny up people!

You've Had a Birthday...

2010-04-19T16:48:00.002-06:00

This crazy kid was actually born on Easter 11 years ago and is celebrating it again on Easter. Plus, it was General Conference so we were pulling triple duty this year. We tried to make it special and took him to Golden Corral for dinner on Saturday followed by ice skating at the Kearns Olympic Oval, dyed Easter eggs at 10:00 pm, and finaly crashed at midnight.

Blue and Gold (Last and First)

2010-04-06T15:55:00.002-06:00

A big Blue and Gold banquet for the Both family. This is Drew's last and Zach's first. Drew has turned 11 and now is in Scouts. He has done and earned almost everything there is to do in Cubscouts. He has had many great leaders to help him on his way. He is REALLY excited to move on with the older scouts.

Saying the cubscout moto before "crossing over"

Crossing over and being greeted by Bro. Crosby

Saying the Scout moto
Zach finished his Bobcat and had the traditional face painting done. He is liking his den leader and the fun things he gets to do
Way cute placemats! Had to take a picture and maybe use this idea for something else. They had dinner in a pie plate and corn dogs were the main dish!

It's Spring! Lets Shoot Something

2010-04-06T15:36:00.003-06:00

The title says it all. It was the first day of Spring and the first real nice day outside. We asked Grandma and Grandpa to take us shooting. We drove out to "no mans land" and did a little target practice. First time for the kids to ever shoot a gun. First time I had ever shot a shotgun. Andy said, "It's a shot gun! You can't miss!" I hit one pigeon. It was a blast! What has Andy done to me....a few years ago I would have said no to a gun. He now owns a shotgun and has taken us shooting. I am posative that this is not the end.

FHE at the ESA

2010-03-16T08:49:00.003-06:00

Got a screaming deal on a Monday night family package to see the Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards. They were pretty excited about getting to go again as a family. The seats were 8th row right over a portal so there weren't any people in front of us. We made t-shirts that each had a letter on the front and back. Also a poster. They wanted so badly to get on the jumbo tron. The jazz "wizzed" on the Wizards killing them 112 to 89! They were up at one point by 30 points! (Never made it on the big screen...BOO!)

GO JAZZ!

They're off to the Races

2010-03-16T08:39:00.002-06:00

Boogidy, boogidy, boogidy! Let's go racing! Yep thats right, derby car racing agian. Drew's second time and Zach's first. It was a feat in itself to make one car but two!! Thanks Andy for all the help (phew)! We were combined with two other wards and had over 30 cars. Lots of people and lots of fun!

Yes Drew is not smiling. He was mad that his little brothers car beat his. My tip for the day....make sure siblings are not racing next to each other.

The Great Salt Lake Council White Buffalo District Award of Merit

2010-02-23T09:29:00.003-07:00

Andy received a letter a month or so ago. It was a letter to tell him that he was nominated by his peers to recieve the District Award of Merit in recognition of his dedication and service to youth consistent with the ideals and principals of scouting. It is the highest honor given by Districts in the Great Salt Lake Council. After Andy took a new job that took him out of town, he was sad that he was released from his Scoutmaster position. He often says how much he misses the boys and the activities. I am proud and pleased that he was nominated. He did a lot for the scouts and put his heart and soul into the calling. Along with him, his friend and fellow scout master over the priests, Dustin also was awarded this honor.

Love ya babe!

Zach's special day

2010-02-12T09:34:00.002-07:00

We are so very proud of our Zachary for making the decision to be baptised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is a very special little boy who is growing way to fast for my liking. We love having him a part of our family and know that he will do great things. His Father in Heaven is proud and loves him too! Thanks to all the family and friends that came to be a part of Zachs special day and helping to make him the person he is today.

ps-
ask me the funny story about Zach and Audrey someday. It'll make you LOL

Been a long wait.....

2010-02-12T09:26:00.003-07:00

With turning 8, the boys get to start Cub Scouts. Man has Zach been waiting a long time to start going. He has gotten to go as a sibling for 3 years with Drew. Now it is his turn to enjoy the fun stuff! They welcomed him into the Den and he got to take the Den flag around the gym with his fellow Wolves behind him. Interesting fact.....I currently have the oldest and youngest boys in Cub Scouts in our pack!

Zachary's 8th Birthday

2010-02-12T08:53:00.007-07:00

Turning 8 at our house means a friends birthday party! Zach constantly asks to go bowling but man is it pricey! So he chose to go for his birthday. We had pizza and drinks. Cake and ice cream after. Notice that there was only one other boy invited to this party. My Zach....the ladies man!Zach with his home boy William
Zach and Keri. Someone should teach this kid how to put his arm around the ladies!
That's a little better....Zach and Bailey

He finally got his Zhu Zhu pets that he has been asking for since Christmas, lots of Legos, and Hot Wheels. Love my Zachie and gotta love birthdays!

Disney Land for Christmas

2010-01-04T10:20:00.001-07:00

Zach's Recital

2009-12-07T09:35:00.004-07:00

Zach has been taking piano lessons from Grandma Ramona for a few months. Grandma decided to have a piano recital and boy was Zach excited! He would practice his recital piece about 5x's more than his regular lessons for the week. He memorized it and did a wonderful job. The whole affair was wonderful! WTG ZACH! And thank you Grandma!

These are all of Grandma's students. Notice all boys but one! Thought that interesting...

Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-11-17T08:29:00.003-07:00

So, here it is! The exciting finish to a long wait! The pictures from the Terri Clark Concert. It was a lot of fun to go to the concert and eat good food. Not so much to do in Wendover since I don't care for gambling. The venue was small and the crowd was pleasent. Not to loud and annoying thank goodness. She did a great job singing and getting the crowd into it. I got her to autograph my t-shirt and got to wear a cowboy hat without any complaint from Andy (he said I looked cute in it). An Awesome Weekend!

Nebo Loop In the Fall

2009-10-19T09:17:00.004-06:00

One of those few and far between pictures with me in it!
They nicknamed this "little Bryce Canyon" but what you see is all the red rock there is.

Nebo Mountain

Earlier this year, we took a trip to Nebo Loop. You might remember me blogging that the kids were crying when they saw the snow begging their Dad to turn back. Well, we figured the snow would be gone and decided to try again. Plus, all the leaves would be beautiful this time of year. The kids really enjoyed the colors and picked out their favorite ones. We went to Devils Kitchen which no one had ever seen before. Love those mini road trips and the kids were surprisingly nice to each other!

I am so Stinkin Excited!!

2009-10-12T13:41:00.005-06:00

I am so stinkin excited! This weekend I booked a weekend getaway for me and my hubby! We have not gone out just the two of us for an overnighter for almost 7 years. When our anniversary or birthdays come around, there never seems to be any money for celebration. A bit ago, I told Andy that all I wanted for my 33rd Birthday was to go somewhere....anywhere with just him. He decided to take me to the Terri Clark concert in Wendover November 14th. We will stay overnight at the Peppermill. I love spending time with my hubsband and lately it has been little things like a mug run or to the Red Box for a movie. To leave the state (even if it is only 130 miles) is heaven to me! I updated my playlist so I can be ready to sing my heart out and maybe even dance a little. Question is, should I get a cowboy hat to go with my cowboy boots?

Bloomington Lake --Drew

2009-09-03T21:41:00.003-06:00

This is Drew's second time I think....The first time Andy was at the bottom of the shore ready to use his life saving skills he learned in Scouts.

Bloomington Lake---Andy

2009-09-03T21:39:00.005-06:00

Andy on the rope swing....scary if you ask me!

Bear Lake 2009 Family Reunion

2009-08-31T15:08:00.003-06:00

Managed to put in a family vacation this summer. Had all the Merlin Wilson Family to Bear Lake. Hadn't been there for 3 years! Camped two nights, Made bottle rockets, took the boat, hiked to Bloomington Lake, and did all the other fun camp stuff.

School Days 2009-2010

2009-08-31T09:13:00.003-06:00

A new school year and a lot of new things to celebrate! Janae has graduated to the Jr. High and seems to be coming into her own element. A friend of mine commented that she was the most outgoing Beehive she has ever met! Janae talks to anyone and loves to have lots of friends. Drew and Zach went back to the 5th grade and 2nd grade. No more bossy big sister to bug them. They are like two bachalors doing their own thing. Zach thinks his teacher is pretty. Drew has the meanest teacher in the school (that is what everyone told him when they found out who his teacher was) but said that he liked her. That is what I like....a positive thinker!

Thanks to Aunt Stephanie that made the nerves fly away with the biggest ring-o- sugar Janae has ever seen. Made her day!!!

King's Peak

2009-07-30T18:13:00.002-06:00

A family in the ward organized a hike to King's Peak. For those of you that don't know, King's Peak is the highest peak in Utah. It is an eight mile hike to the base camp which is done the first day. Then the second day is a 7 mile hike to the top and 7 back to camp. Then the same 8 mile hike back to the cars. This is all done with packs filled with all the things you might need to live for three days. The average weight is 40 pounds. They didn't make it to the top because there was still snow on the ground and a few scouts were not fully prepared. But there were memories made and I'm sure many will return to try and finish.

A Story 12 years in the Making

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

When Janae was a little girl, there was one thing that Andy and I didn't agree on. Oddly enough it was at what age Janae could get her ears pierced. I wanted 8 because that was when I got mine done. Andy insisted on 16! Whatever! We compromised at 12Does she look a little scared?
.

New Doo

2009-07-21T13:19:00.003-06:00

Janae has wanted a hair cut for awhile now and I was in need of a change too. So, one Saturday we went to the Cutting Crew Salon and asked Gina to help us out. Janae had brought two pictures of different ideas. She really didn't know which one to choose. I went first to give her some more time to decide. She went with the more dramatic one. I love it and so does she! Gina did a fabulous job.

Can Someone Help Me Find My Toof

2009-07-20T08:18:00.002-06:00

It was a normal Thursday. Like any other Thursday would be. Andy and I were getting ready for a temple night. Janae asked Andy to look at a loose tooth. He promptly pulled it out. Drew asked him to look at a loose tooth as well. With the help of some pliers, he pulled that one out too. Wow! Two kids with lost teeth. Upon our arrival home from the temple, Zach comes tearing around the corner to tell us he had pulled out his own tooth. Funny ...I didn't know he had a loose tooth. So there ya have it! Three kids-Three lost teeth!

Girl's Camp 2009

2009-07-15T20:28:00.003-06:00

Janae's first ever girls camp happened this year. They had a week long camp up at Heber. They stayed in cabins and had a full kitchen. She actually had her birthday on the second day of camp. The girls did special things for her like beads, decorations, and singing every chance they got. She is going to love Young Womens!

Is that sunshine I see.....?

2009-06-29T11:46:00.002-06:00

It is official! Summer is here! We spent the first 90 degree day at the water park with cousins and sisters. We had a Classic Summer pass last year and really liked it. We got one again but recruited more friends! There has been so much rain we thought the hot weather was never gonna come. See ya there!!

And we shall call you 12!

2009-06-23T21:30:00.002-06:00

Yeah! I have a 12 year old, a young woman, a tween! Wow, life comes at you fast. Before Janae went to girls camp, we decided to get her in the campfire mood. We invited all family and had a wieny roast....wait...I can't say that anymore...she is 12 ya know! Ok, so a hot dog roast in the mountains. Of course the weather threatened to ruin the fun but it held off until we were packing up. I know I have said this before but I love the mountains and the peace the great outdoors brings!

Memorial Day Scenic Byway

2009-06-17T14:07:00.003-06:00

Ahh...Memorial Day. What to do on the first day off since New Year's Day? Better make it something special because the next holiday is in July! Let's go for a day drive to see all the beauty of this land! We took the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway and can I just tell you how much I love this state! Utah is so very pretty and peaceful...well away from the city it is. We didn't get to go all the way over the mountain because there was still snow on the roads. Andy tried to anyways busting through the "road closed" sign. He had everyone in tears.....Daddy please turn back, please! He did but called us a bunch of wimps. Sorry but a minivan Vs. snow is never a good thing.

Both's / Horsley's

2009-04-26T17:33:00.002-06:00

A new updated picture of the Both and Horsley kidletts. We have taken a picture like this since Adam was a wee baby. They wanted to make funny faces and not smile. This is the best one.

Easter 2009

2009-04-20T12:06:00.001-06:00

Decade Mile Stone

2009-04-20T11:40:00.002-06:00

Drew turned the two digit and hit the decade mark! I made sure that I had the camera at every event we did. I am so bad at forgetting when it comes to pictures of Drew. We went to dinner which we haven't done in months so that was a treat for him. After dinner, we had cake at our house and watched Bedtime Stories. Very cute movie by the way. Love ya Drew!

Three, two, one...... GO, GO, GO!

2009-04-16T10:22:00.003-06:00

Space Derby time! Pack meeting this month was the space derby. Drew made his rocket all by himself and was very excited about it. One thing happen though, we were missing a part. A very important part. A plastic piece that buffered the metal ring and the elastics so that the elastics didn't break. His elastics keep breaking. We thought it was that he was winding it too tight. He was very sad. I think he had a good time anyway

This is Zach playing one of the little kids activities. I'm glad they have these to keep the other entertained.

Yeah a new post!

2009-04-14T09:01:00.004-06:00

Many of you already know what is happening to my family recently. Andy and I have both become unemployed. We have amazingly made it through 3 weeks of "what ifs and what nows." We have never felt like all is lost. And here we are with about 8 weeks of a steady job. Not sure what will happen after but we are so excited about what has been put in our laps. I know without a doubt that my Heavenly Father loves me! He has never let my family or I be without. We may have been tight and even "poor", but we always made it through. I know that He has a plan for me and my family and I will continue to have complete faith and trust in what is in store. At the end of this 8 weeks, there may be more trials...I don't know. What I do know is that I have fabulous family and friends that watch over us and a Heavenly Father that loves me. Thanks to all of you that have given concern, help, and prayers. My prayers include that you all will be blessed for your kindness. LOVE YOU!

Speaking of Bball games....

2009-03-10T13:21:00.002-06:00

We were lucky this year to go in 3 ways on Jazz Basketball season tickets. We got 14 home games. Andy and I decided to use three of those games and take each of our kids to one game. I took Janae and Zach. Andy took Drew. They enjoyed getting to do something different. Zach was the only one I worried about. He looses interest in things quickly. A 2.5 hour game would be pushing it. And sure enough, after the first half he said he was ready to go! Andy didn't take the camera so there are no pictures of Drew sorry.

6th Graders Vs. Staff

2009-03-10T12:58:00.002-06:00

The 6th graders every year play a game of basketball against the staff and dad's. Anyone that comes to try out makes the team. There were 11 teams of 5 kids! The staff scored 1 point for a basket and the kids scored 2 points. They played really hard but allas they lost 32-35. The whole school was there to watch and they chanted "let's go 6th grade- let's go!"

World Conservation Badge

2009-03-05T09:57:00.004-07:00

Since Drew finished his Bear so quickly, he decided to work on a certain patch called the World Conservation Patch. He would earn it in Weblo's but wanted to be the first to earn it as a Bear. There were a lot of tasks to pass off (15 I think). His den leader Sister Hill was a great help. Most of the last months activites have been to help Drew earn this patch.(she only has one more Bear)
Congratulations Drew!

This is Ben one of Drew's buddies. He is already a Weblo but Drew only has a month left and he will be joining him!

D.A.R.E. Graduation

2009-03-03T08:43:00.003-07:00

When you are in the 6Th grade here in West Jordan, the city invests in a program called D.A.R.E. The students meet with a police officer for several weeks and he talks about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and other bad things that they might have to face in there lives. They have a booklet to complete and an essay to write. If they complete the tasks required they get a certificate and recognition at a program. The Chief of Police, Principal, and Mayor attend. They also get free lunch later next month. We are so proud of Janae and that she has made this commitment to say "no" and keep her body clean just the way her Heavenly Father would like it to be.

Are you NUTS!

2009-02-24T12:42:00.002-07:00

Andy and Dustin planned a snow cave camp out with the scouts this past weekend. They went up to Cottonwood Canyon. When I heard that he was doing this I thought he was NUTS! Who would want to sleep under a pile of snow! They had a fun time and I think they stayed warm. It took them 5 minutes of jumping (scouts included) and poking holes through it to make it cave in.

They piled the snow that they dug out on top of the cave. It measured 4 feet high and ten feet around.

View from the inside.

Andy couldn't touch the walls with his ape like arm span.

This Post is being done with much protest!!!!!

2009-02-21T17:41:00.003-07:00

So there I was showing Andy this wonderful and fun hobbie that I so enjoy called Blogging. Really proud of myself. I show him the memory lane post and how cute it was to see the kids so small. He then proceeds to ask me why I am not in a "now n then" photo. Seriously!? Are you that dumb (bless his heart) Everyone knows that I hate pictures of me. He continues to pester me and here is the end results. But I must warn you....they will not be posted long so take a good long look!
Carina 2008

Carina 2003

You've got Talent

2009-02-19T22:20:00.004-07:00

I told Janae I wouldn't post the video I have of this but I never promised pictures! Janae is in her 4th and final year of Activity Days (she's not counting realy). The girls have wanted to do a talent show for a little while. They held it in January. There were a few piano solo's, poem readings, and some singing. You would think that Janae would have sung because of her taking voice lessons but no. Not my daughter! Let's go for something different. Her talent was animal towel folding. A fold here.
A roll there.
Add the eyes and you have yourself an elephant! She's so tricky! Yeah for Nae!!

Memory Lane

2009-02-15T21:27:00.008-07:00

I recently found some older photo's of the kids. They were on some CD's and I saved them to my computer. I showed them to the kids and they couldn't believe how little they looked. I can't believe how little they looked! These older pics were Christmas 2003.....5 years ago!
Andy 2008

Andy 2003

Janae 2008

Janae 2003

Drew 2008

Drew 2003

Zachary 2009

Zachary 2003

My how the time does fly....

Twilight Girls Night

2009-02-10T09:43:00.004-07:00

After long discussions between Andy and I, we finally decided to let Janae read the first book of the Twilight series. Many people gave testimony that it was ok to let an 11 year read it. I suggested that Grandma Both buy it for her for Christmas. Janae had it read in less than 3 weeks! My sisters and Mom decided that they wanted to take Nae to see the movie. I did not go. I am deathly afraid of vampires. I think Nae liked it that way. No mom to cramp her style. Thanks everyone for showing Janae a fun time

.

Carina needs...

2009-01-29T15:01:00.002-07:00

My sister in law did this on her blog and I found it kinda fun. What you do is google your own name with needs after it. Write down the first 10 things that come up and post them. Have fun!

Carina needs...
1. love
2. no contact
3. tons of props
4. a Menshed (???)
5. everyones numbers
6. to replace my oxygen sensor
7. help to steal a diamond
8. to have better competition
9. to be more aggresive
10. more compliments

Zach's Birthday

2009-01-27T08:36:00.004-07:00

My sweet baby boy had a birthday. We had a great time celebrating is 7th. His birthday was on a Tuesday and with Andy having scouts we decided to do most of the activities on the weekend. On Friday, after school the "scuzzin's" went to Artic Circle for a treat and to play. Saturday the family went bowling which is Zach's favorite! We had cake and ice cream on Tuesday after scouts. Zach is a wonderful and fun lovin boy. Happy Birthday!

When you know you've done good Part 1

2009-01-16T13:15:00.005-07:00

This post is a little like the ones that my sisters have put on their blogs before. Their stories are about the funny things that their kids have done. I think that because I have older children the funny innocent things that have made my sisters posts don't happen at our house. So, I decided to go a different route. The past few months I have been very impressed and proud to be the Mother of my three little darlings. You know you've done good when...

-Drew saves all his allowance and even cleans with me doing toilets and mopping Grandma's floor so he can have enough money to secretly buy not only a Christmas tree for himself but one for his little brother.

-Zach in turn takes his measly allowance and buys his brother a smencil from school.

-Janae offers to help with a new sunbeam who is having a hard time with the new format at church. She does this because the little girl knows Janae from her babysitting. The crying immediately stops.

Our Christmas Story 2008

2009-01-11T13:27:00.006-07:00

I have to apologize to Drew. Unfortunately, this was his year to not have pictures of what he got for Christmas. We lay blame to the evil camera witch who manages to make my camera not work properly at least once during an important event. Which in turn makes me mad. The battle is lost and someone in the family suffers for it.

What! There is snow in Utah!

2009-01-11T12:58:00.004-07:00

It has been so long since I last posted anything on my blog. I have been so busy with the holiday season, birthdays, and life. Nnfortunately my hobbies are the ones that suffer the lack of time they need. I haven't even scrap booked for a month! When I went to see what pictures I could put in a new post, I found that they were very sparse.

We have been totally dumped on the past month with about as much snow as I can handle. I think that the statistic people on the news say it has snowed 17 out the last 20 some odd days! My kids have decided that sledding is the ultimate thing to do in the winter (probably because they haven't been skiing or snowboarding). It even snowed all day on Christmas.

The snow was so deep at my parents house. We did push it off the driveway but for the most part it was deep enough for Janae and Drew to make a snow cave.

Temple Square FHE

2008-12-08T17:31:00.002-07:00

We went to Temple Square on the first day of December to see the lights and nativity. We went early this year in a feeble attempt to help put Andy in the Christmas spirit. The lights were beautiful just like every year and it wasn't too cold. I was in a hoodie and hat only! Andy said that it just wasn't the same though because there wasn't any snow! I guess he has to freeze his butt off for him to feel like it's Christmas. Lame...

Happy Freakin' Birthday Mom

2008-11-24T15:34:00.002-07:00

I know that all of you are going to drop, but your eyes are not deceiving you! Yes, I have posted pictures of me on my own blog. I apparently had to have a birthday this year. I was none too excited about it. But, my family did very good despite my somewhat bad attitude. 32 feels strangely like 31 to me. How does that Primary song go...One year older and wiser too...we'll see.

And down goes the Bear!

2008-11-20T13:48:00.002-07:00

We are so very proud of Drew. Just this month he finished his Bear for Cub Scouts. He has only been working on it since May. That is amazingly fast for him! He also earned a gold arrow point too! He loves to be in scouts and can't wait to be with his dad in the older scouts. (Andy hopes he is not in his calling for another two and a half years!) Good job Drew!

Yah, Yah, Yah!

2008-11-20T13:31:00.004-07:00

I know that Halloween was like 21 days ago. I just haven't found the time to post these but they are too good to pass up. This was Janae's last year to trick or treat. We let her go out with her friends Haley and Tera. I took the boys out this year and Andy stayed home. We only went around for an hour or so and they were done. I definitely spent more on candy than what was brought home. Oh well! After the ghouls and ghosts went home, we went to the Elmer's to watch a scary movie on their movie screen. We had a great time.

Crazy Hair Day

2008-10-30T19:25:00.004-06:00

Every new school year my kids can't wait for Red Ribbon week. During that week they usually have some fun things that the kids can participate in. Their favorite by far is the crazy hair day. They really get into it!

Kudos to Janae!! She had the craziest idea this year by far!

Zach wasn't going to do it but then saw how fun his sisters was. Drew had his with business in the front and party in the back (no it wasn't a mullet!)

Halloween party-Goobers Welcome!

2008-10-27T14:32:00.003-06:00

I don't know what got into me this year! I really can't stand Halloween. But, Tirsa and I decided to throw an adults only Halloween party. We enjoyed having our friends over and they were great sports to dress up in costumes. We even had a photo opportunity for them. Andy was slipping me a dollar spot like in the commercials but missed my back pocket
Man Dustin needs this haircut bad!
These guys may look sweet and innocent but he's brewing up some trouble I just know it!
Who ever said that Santa's Elves were nice didn't meet these two!

Have your Kids Heard This Song!

2008-10-17T08:49:00.001-06:00

My kids just love this song! We wait to here it come on the radio. It's kinda catchy. You will have to pause my music to here it.
Enjoy

Where Going On A Witch Hunt!

2008-10-15T09:14:00.003-06:00

I took my kids to the Witch Hunt at Gardner Village last week and they loved it. So, I thought that their cousins might like too. I asked the Mom's if I could borrow their kids for the night. We had a list of witches that we had to find and if we did we got cookies!! They enjoyed it I think.

I'm not sure why but everyone wanted to have a picture taken but they didn't want to smile! They all wanted to have funny faces. Kids are so funny!

Even Bennett came out to play for a short while. Wil was there but refused to have pictures taken.

My little baby girl is no more...

2008-10-13T15:28:00.004-06:00

This is a picture of my baby girl Janae taken in June 2006. She was 9 years old.

Now look at her! She's all grown up. She doesn't look 9 anymore! She will go to Young Womens in June 2009. I know that seems a long time away but for a mom that somehow has no idea where the time has gone for my only daughters life it will go by so fast. And there is nothing I can do about it...

I love her so!

SNOW!

2008-10-12T08:59:00.008-06:00

They said it was coming all week long! SNOW
It was in the 80's all week and over night dropped to the 30's. We usually get snow in October but not until Halloween! Are we ready for this Utahian's? I'm just greatful for fuzzy socks to keep my piggies warm...

More and more Babies

2008-09-18T13:31:00.003-06:00

My sister Heidi and her husband Ben had their new addition come to their family on September 7, 2008. They named him Seth Andrew. We wondered if they named him after Andy but we were mistaken. Ben has a Grandpa named Andrew and that is who Seth is named after. But hey, now the Andrews out number the Bens 3-2!! We are so excited that he is here and can't wait to get to know him!

Camping with Grandma and Grandpa

2008-09-15T15:37:00.002-06:00

Sorry guys for all the slide shows but there are so many great pictures and this is the best way to show you all of them! We go on an annual camping trip with my parents every year. It's usually in September when all the fun is had for the summer. We went to Deer Creek Reservoir this year and we had the best time! It has been a dry summer this year (when has it not been dry, we live in the desert for Pete's sake!) so we were not aloud to have a fire or use coals. Funny thing is that both dinners that we had planned for involved one or the other. So we did what anyone else would do...went to town for a hamburger! We hiked to Bridal Veil falls and did a little fishing. It got cold at night but the weather during the day was fantastic!

Trip to City of Rocks

2008-09-15T15:11:00.005-06:00

Our family recently went to Almo, Idaho to climb the City of Rocks. It was a really nice day to climb and the park has so many climbs that there is something for everyone. The climb that we did for the day was called Practice Rock. The name held true. There are not climbs that are higher than a 5.7 to do. The one that the kids did the most was a 5.0. Andy and Drew did the 5.7 and Drew even made it to the top. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and then went back to Grandma Allred's house in Burley.

Raingutter Rigatta

2008-09-11T13:38:00.003-06:00

For cub scouts this year, they put on a raingutter rigatta. I think Drew enjoyed this more than the pinewood derby. The derby cars are so technical! Of course there are no winners or losers but Drew did have the best looking boat. And I'm not saying that just because he is my son...he really did! His leaders handed out to all the boys a piece of wood shaped like a boat, a straw, and a piece of paper that sort of resembled a mast. Not quite sure what happened to the keel and rutter, we went to the Scout Shop and purchased a kit. I truely thought that Drew had lost some parts..so long story short, Drew's boat looked nothing like the other boys.

That was a BIG dog!

2008-09-10T08:29:00.003-06:00

While at Grandma Petersen's birthday party, cousin Corey brought over his great danes for us to meet.

This dog is about 150 lbs! That is one and a half times the size of Janae!

When she came to stand next to you, she would lean on you. She almost knocked over Drew!

I'm really sad that I don't remember their names but this black one wasn't as big but still BIG compared to our tiny Astro. It was so much fun to meet them.

Lake Day in Eden Utah

2008-08-26T18:21:00.004-06:00

On Saturday the 23rd, we took a day trip to Eden, Utah. It was Grandma Peterson's 90th Birthday and they were throwing a party for her. We went to the beach before and it was really crowded! There were also a lot of boats out that made the water rough. The kids enjoyed it anyway!

So, there we were playing in the water when Andy turned around and found Gavin digging all around himself.

Andy asked him what he was doing and he said he wanted to bury himself in the sand. Andy asked him if he wanted any help. Little did he know what he was in for....

Introducing the Perfect Black Mail Picture of All Time!(yes those are boobies)

First Day of School 2008

2008-08-26T15:55:00.004-06:00

It has finally arrived! The lazy days of summer are over! Janae, Drew, and Zach are back in school and I am so happy. (I am doing the dance of joy) Janae started the 6th grade and has her first "boy" teacher. The first things she said about him was that he lets the class have food whenever they want and he let them have a 2 minute nap today. I'm wondering if Janae might get a construded opinion about "boy" teachers. Drew started the 4th grade. He's not much of a story teller. He told me that the friend he thought was going to be in his class isn't and that was about it. Zach started the 1st grade. He told me he had three recesses and got locked out of the school today because he wasn't in the right spot playing and didn't here the teacher when she said it was time to come in. Can I just tell you that I thought that this day would never come. All my kids in school and I have my days to myself. Lately I find myself thinking that I should of had more kids....but after today....I think I am happy right where I am at!

I tip my glass to the public school system...Thank you!

We love the Babies!

2008-08-24T21:51:00.003-06:00

Drew just loves to hold the newborns

Zach held him long enough to get the picture. He would put the hand sanitizer on and go back for more if he wasn't ready to hold him. He said that he had to wait for his hands to dry!

Future baby sitter!

My sister Stephanie and her husband Ben have successfully produced yet another handsome baby boy! We love the babies and it's all because our family is complete and we will not experience the joy of a new baby. But, we have it better! We can enjoy and then send home. (Kinda like renting movies) Welcome to the family Bennett Ira Harding!

Girls Camp 2008

2008-08-24T21:36:00.003-06:00

Our pretty face

Our scared face

Our sleepy face

This year I was called to be the West Jordan 57th Ward Assistant Camp Director/Camp Cook.(Wow what a title!) I guess word got out that I was a decent cook or something. It was a lot of hard work and I enjoyed getting to know the girls and leaders. The funny thing is that these are the only pictures that I have and they weren't anything about the girls! They sure are funny though! This is Erica the Director and one of my good friends. We have the same warped minds (notice the same color shirt planned ahead of time) and thought it funny to take obscure pictures of ourselves riding the chair lift.

Traditions

2008-08-24T21:31:00.003-06:00

This cute little photo is one tradition that my sister Heidi and I have started. Every year since little Adam was born, we have taken this shot of all of them. When Heidi has her new little one, we will be sure to make room!

BEWARE! The Insanity has Spread!!

2008-08-04T17:08:00.000-06:00

Water Skiing at Utah Lake

2008-08-04T15:25:00.008-06:00

Our family has found a new interest in Grandpa Wilson's boat. We took it out a few times last year but this year it seems like twice a month since summer started. Janae and Drew tried the starter water ski's and got up on them pretty easily. This was Randy's first time wake boarding. I think he really likes it! He didn't have any trouble getting up either. Of course Andy knows how to do everything well whether he has done it in his life or not. Zach is our water baby. All he wants to do on the boat is drop anchor and swim! The pictures that I took are very far away so these were the best up close ones.

Saturday Fun in the Sun

2008-07-14T13:49:00.006-06:00

I can't decide on which of the videos I took on Saturday

I like the best to upload so here are my favorites.

The kids just love the water slides.

Drew is floating on his mat! I thought that was

so cool. What a prefect way to cool off on a hot

Summer night!

The Climbing Fool

2008-07-11T21:52:00.008-06:00

Andy has picked up a new hobbie this summer. He has gotten into something crazy...rock climbing. Not just your run of the mill rock climbing. I mean with ropes, harnesses, and something called a belay.I think he is completely nuts but he's going every week.The problem with taking pictures of this hobbie is that you get to see a lot of butts so I appologize in advance. This climb that he is doing is 80 feet tall. The highest he has done yet. Crazy I tell ya! Crazy!

What's All That Buzzing!

2008-07-07T19:30:00.009-06:00

For my mom's birthday, the family went to a Bee's baseball game on July 5th. It was too bad that our team lost (badly I might add!) but at least the fireworks after were spectacular!! We enjoyed spending time with Grandma and all the cousins. This is what we love about the summer. The time we spend with our loved ones.

Summer! Summer! Summer!

2008-07-07T19:12:00.002-06:00

Summers here and we are so busy!! There are many birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays that we are so excited to be apart of. I try to take the kids to do something special on my day off. I work 4 days a week and they don't usually get to do anything on those days. I would hate for them to have a boring summer! We got summer passes to Classic Skating and Water Park so we went to the water park already a few times. I don't think I saw them all day except when they got thirsty or hungry.