Merry Christmas Everyone

Our Family

Holiday baking

Banana Bread


Chocolate Cream cheese Pie

White chocolate chip cookies

Texas Brownies

Reeses Kisses Cookies

This week I took on baking for everyone, except for own family. Cody needed cookies for 12 co-works for a Christmas party on Friday. Riley needed brownies for school, Jacob needed a chocolate pie for a fundraiser at school, and I baked 5dz cookies for the cookie exchange on Friday. Seems everyone needed something on Friday. Oh, Cody asked me to bake banana bread for the party too. Well I just finished it all. Glad that all of that is behind me. Next week I'll just cook the usual sugar cookies. Oh what we Moms do doing the holidays. I do enjoy baking, just not so much at one time.

Christmas Party

Last night was our ward Christmas party.

It was so much fun, and a lot of people attended. Since Cody is in the bishopric I didn't see him much. The kids loved all the food, which was Turky,Ham, mashed potatoes, greenbean cassorole{which Blaze loved},and yummy homemade rolls. Of course there was dessert, many varities.

They kids seem to enjoy themselves. Blaze was tried and had a hard time. But he was a trouper.

Santa came too. Blaze was excited when he came out, but when it came time to sit on his lap, well lets say he is his old self, no one touches me. Dylan was to old, So I only have pictures of Riley and Jacob with Santa, two out of four.

Cody sang in a group. They sounded wonderful. I just had a relaxing night.

I just love this time of year. I truly wish people would be kind all the time, not jst at christmas.

Trip down memory lane

My friend came down for Steve Bowman funeral. We are both friends with Amy. She stayed her for two days. It was a big treat for me. We talked and talk about everything. Cody gave me all of Monday off to spend time at the funeral and time with my friend Meredith. After the funeral, we went to the cheesecake factory for cheesecake, yum. Then just talked. It is so nice to see your friends. Since they move a way, some times you think you will never see them again. It was a delightful weekend. She is a very specail friend who has taught me alot about laughter. She will always have a special spot in my heart.

We have even plan to get together next summer in Nauvoo. More memories to create, fun, fun ,fun.

Family update

We have been really busy lately. I'm looking forward to thanksgiving break. It is always a time to relax. Also we get the house all decorated for christmas.
I want to say how proud I am of Dylan, my oldest. He is half way though recieving his Merit Badges for boy scouts. He has done alot in the last year and half. He wants to get his eagle by his 14th birthday. So we are helping him out as much as we can. He should finish up with 3 more in the next 3 months. He is a hard worker. He is getting good grades in school and seem to know what he wants.
The other kids are great too. The give me such joy. This time of year I want to spoil them with christmas gifts, but we have to be smart with our money and buy wisely. Lets just say for now that there won't be much under the christams tree. Santa has a big surpise for them.
I hope this time of year finds everyone in good spirit.

Halloween pictures

Don't you just love Halloween time. My kids enjoy getting dressed up, but I think they like getting the candy more. Jacob was the only supposed to have blue hair, but Riley thought it was cool, so blue haired pirate. Blaze well lets say when he realized they put candy in his bag he was excited. Dylan is handing out candy this year. He says he is too old to dress up. So I think next year I'll throw a teenager halloween party. Can't wait.

Riley turn's eight

Riley just turn the big eight. Why is it big well for one reason he is now able to get baptized a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is good son. I always say he is going to be the one who gives me gray hair. He never liked being kicked out of being the baby in the family. Had the hardest time adjusting to getting in trouble. We love our Riley. He is into all sorts of sport and keeps us busy. He is always willing to try new things. He like to add spice to his food thanks in part to his dad. He love to go to school and has lots of friends. We are sure proud of our little RiRi. His baptizem is on November 1, 2008 at 3pm. We will have it at the Allen Stake center. Mostly family will attend. This is a day of celebration.

Pumpkin patch

We took Blaze and Riley to a pumpkin patch here in Texas
Blaze loved the animals and wanted to pet them all



He couldn't stop pointing at all the animals


Taking a hay ride. we ran in to the Hopewells, so they offered to take a picture for us.

It was hard to keep him still


He loved this trackor, as you can tell by his smile.
My older boys did not want to go. I guess some things are not for everyone. Oh well we had fun.
Blaze loved it and Riley well I think he had a good time.

One last blog before I go

Boys at a soccer game, Jacob's dream.




Game in Action



Okay I want to watch the game stop
taking my picture


The game ended in a tie, sorry guys.

I'll be out for awhile so when I'm back I'll keep you updated.

Tagged by Amy Whetten



Thanks!!



link person who tagged you

mention rules on your blog

tell six quirks about yourself

tag six fellow bloggers

leave a comment to let them know



1. I love a clean house and everything in its place. I'm always picking up toys behind the kids I babysit. I've learned over the years to let some things go or close the kids door.



2. I can't sit still for to long. I always have to be doing something.



3. My toes are always sticking up. Cody tells me to relax them I don't know how. It's apart of me.



4. I have lunch at 10 am. It all started when I work a morning shift at Shonney's 5am to 2pm. Break was 10 am. So it stuck and now my kids eat lunch at 10am, well when they are home.

5. I don't like a dirty floor, goes with the house needs to be clean. I can't wait to get wood flooring.

6. I take a bath ever evening, and it's hot. Its my end of the day routine to wind me down for bed.

Okay since most of my friends have done this I tag six people who read this(that hasn't done it) and you know who you are.

week in review

My weeks have been really busy. Having a small day care keeps one very busy. I can't imagine having the max of 8. Though Cody say the money would be great, but I think I would go crazy.
Kids are adjusting to school, Dylan still trying to firgure out all his assingments in all 7 classess.
Like last night he forgot he had a two page paper due for a class. So I spent an hour helping him come up with writing ideas, Thats what Mom's are for. Got it done, thank goodness.
Jacob loves being back in school and he has improved alot, he is ahead in Math, but that is okay.
Blaze is keeping me busy. He gets into everything. The other day he unrolled a whole toilet paper roll when I was busy with something else. He just smiles at me and laughs. Ahh kids.

Well I did it . I cut my hair. Thanks Sister Browning for doing a great job. I just need to mess with it more. These picture are of it when it was cut and air dried. So I'm excited to see what it will look like when I style it. Blaze just thought I was funny. He kepted grabing my hair. He just was laughing and laughing. I didn't know I could be so funny.

leave for school 6:40 am

It's been awhile since I've published a post. I have been really busy. I took last year off from daycare in my home due to having Blaze. So this school year I decieded to start back up again to help pay off debt and have some extra money for those unexpected things that kids throw your way. I have three girls that I watch. Heavenly father has truely blessed us. You see I have never advertise or even mentioned to anyone. I keep getting phone calls and yes I've had to turn away people. So with a household full of little ones during the day I'm vey busy. The oldest one is three. Youngest is my Blaze who is 15 months. It's a good thing the play well together.

Now my older Boys just started school. Dylan is now a big 7th graded. Here in Melissa the JR High and High school are toghter. Small town carm.He seems to like it. Says he has to many classes. But he will get used to that. He is taking Honers Math and Science. Way to go. Getting some High school credit as well. So maybe when he is a senior his load won't be as hard.

Jacob is in 4th grade loves being back in school. Last year he was homeschooled. Got him back on track and has improved. He is ahead in math and reading is alot better. Just need to watch out for his social chatter that he likes to do.

Riley is in 2nd grade. Loves to be back to school. Did I mention that they go to a new elementary. So high tech and nice. Better then when I went to school.

Cody is working hard to finish up our debt. We should be debt free by next summer then work on our 6 months of income and then our house. We have a five year plan. Should be able to do all this. Cody is doing very well with his business. Very impress with all that his does and his success with his business.

I'll post some pictures of our family.

Blaze is still growing. He loves to help me around the house. Here are some pictures of him helping wash the van. He thought it was fun.

Playing the WII

Okay cody has been giving us a hard time. He thinks if we were to get the fun game WII that we would waste so much time on it. Well my parents let us borrow theirs for two weeks. So who has a problem with time mangement, Cody. He stayed up late playing and wants to beat everyones score. We love you honey.

We love to go to the lake. Every year we go to lake Ray Roberts. It has a lovely beach and if water bores you they do have a playground. Lots of shade and picnic areas if you like to make the day of it. The boys love to make holes and fill them with water. Don't get the point in that because you can swim in the lake, but hey they are having fun. We plan on going again in september one weekend. Fun.

Trip Report

A great shot to open up our log of the trip. Riley and I climbed up to the "Y" in Provo our fist day in the valley. The night before we climbed up Rock Canyon and watched the "Stadium of Fire" fireworks display from the mountain. When the F16's flew by we were about level with them. Very cool perspective. In the background you can see Mount Timpanogos! Riley and i had a great time!This shot sums up our victory treat from the "Creamery on the 9th". I am pretty sure this cone was bigger than Riley's head when we started licking! It was HUGE!This is a shot from the Timponokee trail in a small meadow. We had a great picnic here!I love these trips with my boys. I have grown closer to each one of them. I am glad however that I will be able to focus on whole family trips. Being away from the family is tough.Here we are bowling at the "Y". Yes he took me out...boy has no mercy!!!Another great highlight of the trip...Temple Square!



Last pictures of us conquering the Green River at Flaming Gorge! My brother is steering us through the class 5 rapids...really just class 2's but still great fun! These father son Adventure/bonding trips are great!

Since everyone is talking about growing stuff I figure I would post some pictures of what our friendly neighborhood birds left for us. We have a bird feeder and birds are very messy eaters. Lucky for us we were left with some beautiful sunflowers.

Blaze has been helping us with our garden. Cody was weeding and Blaze was watering, can you tell?

Blaze is one

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Father's Day

To all the men in my life Happy Father's Day. I want to express my thanks to my Dad who put up with my stubborn streak when I was young and still loves me. Now I call him to ask how to fix my van. What a dad. I want to express my love to my sweatheart who loves me dearly. He is always making sure that my needs are meet. he never complains and still he keeps on smiling. I have been lucky to have him. To the bishop in our ward. Thanks for leading our ward with a warm and generous heart. Father's are so special. Heavenly Father here is a big hug.Thanks for the life you have given me.

Big Bike

Blaze loves to be outside. At my Mom's house she has this big trike. Blaze had to give it a try. He is so cute.