Windy Corner Cottage

just chillin'

2011-12-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

I have had such a great weekend so far! My wonderful and amazing Mother came up Thursday evening on a whim to spend some time with us. We spent the whole night watching the cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies we so love. Friday we made candy and dipped chocolate and watched more cheesy movies, all the while muting the commercials or turning the channel away from them because they are so offensive. You would think the Hallmark channel would have decent commercials since their movies are mostly good with religious messages and family values! My Mom left this morning. I am sad to see her go but will get to spend the whole Christmas weekend with her and my baby sister. Can't wait! Not only did my momma leave me but she stole my two biggest household helpers when she left!! That's right, Little Miss and Lucy Lu went to spend a few days helping Grama make her Christmas goodies and tidy up her house for the partying that is going to happen in six days time. We are so looking forward to it! I am not sure what I will do without my girls though. Little Miss always watches Baby Bird and Lucy Lu helps me in the kitchen. With them gone Baby Bird will most likely spend her time staring at the lightening fast computer My Boy just built himself. I am sure Master will help tend and Baby Bird will be a pro at video games when they are done with her. Speaking of Baby Bird. She really took quite a liking to her Grama Wendy.

Over the weekend...

2011-11-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

...we had a baptism. Lucy Lu was baptized by her big brother, My Boy. That was an awesome experience. Really! One of the best of my life. We took a picture of all the cousins that were able to come. Some of them were happy about the photo shoot...some of them not so much!

After the baptism everyone came to the house for food and fun. It's always good to visit and race around the house in Grama Wendy's popcorn bowl! Baby bird doesn't look so happy but she wouldn't get out. What does that tell ya?!

These Girls...

2011-10-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

...are two of my favorites! It was so awesome to see them play against each other in a high school region match! They did so twice this season and, since Little Sis graduates this school year, it won't ever happen again. We enjoyed both games so much, took lots of photos and some video as well. Good Luck and Congratulations to Little Sis as they go on to State after taking Region! Good Luck and Congratulations to Little Miss as her team goes on to State after placing 3rd(we think, maybe fourth) in Region! Love you both so very much!

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

"I was my father's daughter...He is gone now and I am a grown woman and still I am my father's daughter...I am many things besides, but I am daddy's girl too and so I will remain..."

I love you Daddy!

2011-04-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

Our Father's Depart,
But Never Their Love
And Never The Lessons
They've Taught Us,
Never Their Guidance,
Never Their Blessings,
Never The Joys
They've Brought Us.

a family of seven

2011-04-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

Isn't she the most adorable baby ever! Baby Girl made her arrival on February 7th at 11:23am, weighing in at 10lbs. 2oz. and measuring 22inches long. We all love her to pieces even though she is a fuss budget. Of course, she might be fussy because we have had the flu and various other sicknesses at our house since she was 1 week old. She is not yet 2 months old and has already had the flu and now has a terrible cough. Makes us all sad just to hear it. I would be exhausted out of my mind with taking care of her if not for the fact that I had this baby the proper way. "What is the proper way?", you ask. The proper way is to have a 13 year old daughter first. Yep! Little Miss is amazing with her. She bounces her and shush shush shushes her when everyone else gives up. It allows me time to rest, prepare meals and even(GASP!) get a shower. So, a little piece of advice to all you moms-to-be out there...before you have babies, have a 13 year old daughter first!!

First Date!

2011-04-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

My Boy is growing up. He turned 16 last month and went on his first date last night. Last night was his school Prom and the day before that he finally asked a girl. I know! I know! He is a major procrastinator! I had been trying to get him to ask someone for awhile but I think it was all the peer pressure from the guys at school that finally got him to ask Sarah. Luckily for him there are more girls than there are guys at his school so there was still some girls without dates. I didn't get to see My Boy before the big date so he let me go to the reception hall and take pictures of him and his cute partner. She was a very good sport about it, as was he. I mean, how embarrassing to have your mom come and take pictures of you AT the Prom! Bad enough to have them make a fuss and have you pose for pictures at home, right?!

Look who just turned 7!

2010-10-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Lucy Lu! You are such a joy to have around. I am not quite sure how I ended up with a little girl that loves make-up, fingernail polish and jewelery. I can always count on you to pick the laciest, frilliest outfit at the store. And when it comes to shoes, the higher the heel the better. Not to mention the fact that I'll have a fight on my hands trying to keep you from getting your ears pierced at too young of an age. But, it's all worth it!! You bring so much love and sweetness and hugs into our home. You love to laugh and you make others laugh with you. Don't ever change. Most importantly, don't ever become a teenager! Love you!

Would you believe...

2010-10-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

...these two people(old couple at the bottom) created this beautiful mess!! That's right. Twenty-seven grandchildren and counting! It was so fun to get together with the family on Daddy's 62nd birthday. All the grandkids were there and we got some great photos. I love this next one. It's typical of what goes on at Grama and Grampa's. Grampa makes everyone laugh, especially all of his grandkids. Some of my kids favorite memories are of Grampa making jokes.
We took this picture of Mom and Dad and their nine kids a couple of months ago. Now we need to shoot for a full family photo. That should be fun! Mom, Dad, nine children, two sons-in-law, six daughters-in-law and twenty-seven grandkids! That is a GRAND total of 46 people. Maybe we can do it at Christmas. My favorite time of year! Did I mention I have already watched It's a Wonderful Life this year. I've also already broken out the Christmas music. I just can't help myself.

Big Day for Cousins

2010-05-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Landon and Joshua were blessed on the same day in Fillmore about 8 years ago. Joshua was born three days before Landon so it made sense to have them blessed together. The extended family members wouldn't have to travel to two baby blessings one right after the other.
About a week ago, Landon and Joshua were baptized on the same day in Fillmore. Once again, it just made sense. Born three days apart and best buddies ever since. There isn't anyone Landon would rather share a day with.

happy april fool's day

2010-04-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is the trick Mother Nature served up this morning. Snow! When will it be over?!

On a brighter and more cheery note, Liahona beat Maeser yesterday 4 to 0. My Boy had a goal from a PK, an assist and a great corner kick that led to a goal. Would you believe he found his way out of this mess with the ball still at his feet? Amazing!

And then there is this chick, Little Miss. Who do you think wins this ball?

Was there ever any question in your mind? C'mon! Who's little sister is she?

proud mama post

2010-03-13T09:36:00.000-08:00

I've got to brag about My Boy a little. He had his first high school soccer game yesterday. It was so much fun despite the loss. He plays for a 1A team in the 2A division. The region we are in has the top 4 teams in the state in it. Needless to say, we will probably struggle. But, I still love to watch My Boy tear it up. I took about 100 pictures but I'll be kind and just post my favorite sequence. This was taken during the first half of the game. My Boy kept blowing by this guy.

Going Green!

2010-03-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

We finally got the girls room painted over the weekend. The girls can't believe they ever liked pink. We'll put up pictures once all the shelves are hung and everything is put away. If anyone has an old dressing table they want to get rid of let me know.

Happy Birthday to you!

2010-03-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

We celebrated My Boy's 15th birthday yesterday. He doesn't especially like to eat cake when there is ice cream around. That worked well for me because Lucy Lu was so sick the last couple of days I didn't have time to bake a cake. We just bought Ding Dong's, stuck candles in them and voila!...birthday cake! Thank you to our friends the Maddox's for introducing our family to Ding Dong's.

I tried to get a nice picture of My Boy with his new birthday toy...

...he just wasn't cooperating!

But, never fear, our Buddy, Bill, was there. He managed to coax a little grin out of My Boy. Thank you Bill. What would we have done without you.

Lucy Lu perked up enough to eat a Ding Dong.

Who needs Ding Dong's and ice cream when you can have kisses from Laurie?

I felt so blessed to get a hug from My Boy when the night was over. Of course, I had to threaten him to get it but it was a hug none the less! Oh! Why do they have to grow up?
(The marker all over his arm? Apparantly, on your birthday at Liahona they have marker wars! You should have seen his tummy!)

secret to long life

2010-03-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

"He lives long who enjoys life and who bears no jealousy of others, whose heart harbors no malice or anger, who sings a lot and cries a little, who rises and retires with the sun, who likes to work and who knows how to rest."

I love this quote. I happened upon it the other day in my reading. It is attributed to the 166 year old Russian centenarian, Shirali Mislimov. Isn't it beautiful. I keep thinking about it and I have decided that even if Mr. Mislimov's advice doesn't help you live longer it will certainly help you live happier. So, I am going to attempt to apply his advice to my life.

date night

2010-03-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

My Hero rented a movie for US to watch after the kids were in bed.
Star Trek. So... yah... here I am on the computer while my guys are watching the movie My Hero got for our date night. hmmmm...

My Boy's Last Game

2010-03-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

Well, it's his last basketball game anyway. Now soccer season starts. My Boy and Little Miss should be a lot less busy. Of course, I always say that and it never seems to happen.
Here's My Boy in his last game of the season.

And here is Lucy Lu performing at halftime of the varsity game. She participated in the cheer clinic that Little Miss and her cheer group put on as a fundraiser. It was super fun and they actually got to perform.

Little Miss at that same halftime. Everyone I talk to in the family seems quite surprised that Little Miss would be a cheerleader but not a soul was even phased when we mentioned Lucy Lu aspired to follow in her big sisters footsteps.

Here they are together.

Honestly, I do have the cutest nieces on the planet. This is only one of them. There are 12 others and all just as cute!

twister, flying, basketball and a cutie pie

2010-01-28T07:59:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening twister was a hoot. The kids laughed and cried and cheated. My Hero realized he is getting old and we were reminded, once again, how sensitive Master can be, especially when tired. Me? Somebody had to spin the little thingy!

Who knew Little Miss could fly?

She is such a tiny little thing that she makes a great one to lift.

My awesome sister-in-law went a million miles out of her way to pick me up and bring me to the game and then drove a million miles out of her way to bring me home after it was over because I am still without a vehicle! Ugh! Love Coach Leatham's stance in this one. (I have no pictures of My Boy playing because he was injured after being in for a couple of minutes and sat out the rest of the game.) But, how is this for cute?

must watch

2010-01-26T10:07:00.000-08:00

I got this beautiful video from my sister-in-law. Thanks, Signe. I hope you all enjoy it.

Family Reunion

2010-01-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone in the Leatham Family go to our family website to see info about the upcoming reunion.

blah...

2010-01-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

That one word pretty much sums up my existence right now. I didn't just have a beautiful new baby girl as did a very dear friend of mine. I don't have a pregnancy to announce as does my sister-in-law. Congrats Signe! I didn't just return from a trip to Hawaii as did another good friend of mine. I really can't complain, though, because as boring as my life is right now, I wouldn't want it any other way. My munchkins are all healthy. My Hero has work. My van will eventually be repaired. My vacuum part is on order and as soon as basketball season is over I will have time to clean my house. That's right basketball season. Who ever would have thought I would have a son on the JV basketball team and a daughter on the JV cheer team. My Boy and Little Miss have practices every day and travel all over the state twice a week for games. Last week the game was 3 hours away. It is quite fun though. I went to their last game and watched Little Miss cheer on the sidelines as My Boy played point guard. No pictures though because my memory card was FULL! Aaaah! Oh well. Here is a picture of New Year's Day.

Grama and Lucy Lu sledding at North Park. Now who can feel blah when they have Lucy Lu's adorable face to look at every day.

America Rising

2010-01-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Bucket List

2009-12-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

Place an X by all the things you've done!
Not too bad, I've done 40 out of 54....so far!

(X) Shot a gun

(X) Gone on a blind date

(X) Skipped school

( ) Watched someone die

( ) Been to Canada

( ) Been to Alaska

(X) Been on a tropical island

( ) Been to Europe

(X) Been to Las Vegas

(X) Been to Mexico

( ) Been to Florida

(X) Been on a plane

( ) Been on a cruise ship

( ) Served on a jury

(X) Been lost

(X) Been on the opposite side of the country

( ) Gone to Washington , DC

(X) Swam in the ocean

(X) Cried yourself to sleep

(X) Played cops and robbers

(X) Played cowboys/girls and Indians

(X) Recently colored with crayons

(X) Sang Karaoke

(X) Paid for a meal with coins only

(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't

(X) Made prank phone calls

(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose

(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue

(X) Danced in the rain

(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus

(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe

(X) Watched the sunrise with someone

(X) Blown bubbles

(X) Gone ice-skating

(X) Gone snow skiing

(X) Camped out under the stars

(X) Seen something so beautiful that it took your breath away

(X) Married or have been married

(X) Have children

(X) Had a pet

( ) Been skinny dipping

(X) Been fishing

(X) Been boating

( ) Been water skiing

(X) Been hiking

(X) Been camping in a trailer/RV

( ) Flown in a small 4 seater airplane

( ) Flown in a glider

(X) Been flying in a hot air balloon

( ) Been bungee-jumping or sky-diving

(X) Been zip-lining

(X) Gone to a drive-in movie

( ) Done something that should have killed you

(X) Done something that you will probably regret for the rest of your life

I Love This Video. Go Watch It!

2009-12-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.nragive.com/ringoffreedom/index.html

Sweet Park City

2009-12-13T00:32:00.000-08:00

My Hero took us all to Park City for a couple of days this week. We swam in the indoor/ outdoor heated pool. We went window shopping at the outlet stores. Everyone begged for at least one item which we didn't get them! We watched the snow machines on the slopes cranking out a light white powder that floated up and up and never seemed to land. Master and Little Miss thought that had to be the most boring activity ever. For My Hero, however, who was longing to hit the slopes, it was fun to watch and daydream. Then we took the Munchkins to a lovely little candy shop where for $3.00 each they got to fill a little paper bag with sweets of their choice. Actually, I shouldn't say "fill"! That would be an overstatement. They got to put a 1/4 pound of yummies in their tiny little bag. A quarter pound is not very much but they had fun picking and choosing what they wanted to put in their itty bitty bag that had an even ittier, bittier bit of candy in the bottom of it when all was said and done. I think that was Master's favorite 'activity'! Anything having to do with food...well, you know. Why didn't I get pictures of it all? And who knew that there was such a thing as a gourmet marshmallow wrapped in caramel! Now that's what I call 'Sweet'.

Rally For Rafe Auction is OPEN!

2009-12-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Please go to rallyforrafe.blogspot.com and bid on something. Remember that ALL of the proceeds to go to help a family who's Father has been battling cancer for over a year. They are friends of ours who we absolutely love and want to help all we can. Thank you in advance.

Rally For Rafe

2009-12-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

Hey all you family and friends! Please check out rallyforrafe.blogspot.com and see if you can donate to an auction on behalf of a good friend of ours who is battling cancer. You can also check for auction items and bid on something. Who knows, you might find just the Christmas gift for that hard to shop for person on your list.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

2009-11-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Hello Futsal!

2009-11-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Yeah! Futsal season is here for My Boy and he is loving it. Every time I tell someone that he has a futsal game they say, "Football?". No, My Boy does not play football. It is called futsal and it is just soccer on a hard court like basketball. Little Miss's games start next week so I'll get pictures of her up then.

My Favorite Veteran!

2009-11-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran's Day, Daddy! I sure do love you!

And Thank You to all who have sacrificed to protect our Freedom. Thanks, Kord!!

(And, you better take care of her as well as you have taken care of our Country!)

Bridal Veil Falls

2009-11-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

On the way to Bridal Veil Falls a couple of weeks ago Master and Lucy Lu had to pose for pictures in front of every tree, rock, hill or stump along the way. They were helping me to break in the new camera.

We had a great little walk to the falls and took some fun pictures. Little Miss and My Boy were not in very good moods and wouldn't let me take many pictures of them. I did get a few of them but they absolutely forbade me from posting them on Facebook if I was going to tag them. I told them most of them would go on the blog and no one looks at the blog anyway, right? I had to snap the next two photos when the munchkins weren't looking!

My Boy finally gave in and posed for a few photos because he loves his Momma so much. The fact that I promised him ice cream later had absolutely nothing to do with his change in attitude!

Of course, Little Miss is way too smart to fall for such traps!

hmmmm???

2009-11-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged for 2 months and now I can't get pictures to upload! Could it be, perhaps, that Blogger is feeling a little neglected and trying to get revenge?

Happy 09/09/09 Everyone!!!

2009-09-09T14:31:00.001-07:00

Labor Day Hike

2009-09-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

We stayed home all weekend. The Munchkins said it was boring. My Hero and I thought it was very relaxing and peaceful. To make up for the 'boring' weekend, on Labor Day, we took the munchkins on a hike to Stewart Falls and then out to dinner. It was so much fun. They are all old enough now to hike the whole way alone and to do it rather quickly. Unlike the time we went to Timp Cave and Master started complaining about how tired he was after the first 10 steps on the trail and Lucy Lu had to be carried most of the way.
Here are My Boy and I on our way to the Falls.
The whole clan in front of the falls. We made it!
Little Miss and I at the top of the falls. She was very nervous about the steep climb and cliff on the other side but she was a trooper.
My Boy, Master, Lucy Lu and I at the top of the falls. Lucy Lu has absolutely no fear. She charged right up that steep climb.
It is such a fun family hike. The littlest munchkins were so proud of themselves for going 4 miles all by themselves.

First Day of School

2009-09-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

It came and it went and I survived it! I am getting better at finding things to keep me busy. I have my ipod on a lot just for noise.
Here they are at the Elementary School. This picture was relatively easy to get.
Here are Master and Lucy Lu with their teacher, Sister Drake. She is amazing. Master is so happy to have her for another year.
This picture was extremely difficult to get. I had to threaten a months grounding if they wouldn't let me take a picture. I also had to threaten some of My Boy's friends that they would have to be in the picture if they didn't leave My Boy alone long enough for me to get the picture. That got rid of them. I'm such a nice Mom I didn't even ask for a picture with their teachers.

Summer means...

2009-08-14T13:20:00.001-07:00

...swimming pools...
...soccer games...
...sweating after a great run...
...and beautiful, blue skies!
It's so sad that it is all about to end. School starts in 2 weeks. With Lucy Lu being in 1st grade I will be home alone ALL day. It seems so...odd. What will I do with myself? I'll probably have the TV on all day just for background noise. I'll leave my socks laying around the house so I have someone to scold for being sloppy. I'll start having full blown conversations with myself. Wait...I already do that!

MLS All Star Game

2009-08-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Can you see My Boy in there with his flag for the MLS All Star Game pre-game ceremonies?
My Boy and his buddy, Jacob, were intent on the game(or maybe just their ice cream!). I'm not sure what Nathan is thinking!

So, what shall our next big party be? Somehow, bowling seems boring after this night.

Babies and Thunderbirds

2009-06-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't signed in for a while and now I have 2 more nieces with one on the way. Chelsey(Nolan's wife) had baby Brinlee on May 9th. She is beautiful! Crystal(Eben's wife) had baby Lily on June 14th. Of course, anyone born in June is adorable. Jill's(Walker's wife) little pink bundle is due in about 2 months. I will work on getting pictures. No time right now. Girl's camp next week...lot's of prep to do.

Our last big excursion was to Hill Air Force Base for their air show. It was hot and crowded and I got sunburned but in the end we got to see the Thunderbirds. We sorta got a picture of them. They are my favorite part of the whole show. I wait all day to see them and hear them!
Here is Lucy Lu with My Hero! Don't they look cute!
Here is Little Miss with her best friend Myley. You can tell they loved the show!
After the way My Hero drove to get us there in all of the traffic I am afraid Myley's mom will never let her go anywhere with us again.

Hog Heaven!

2009-05-27T09:47:00.001-07:00

Grandpa came for a visit and gave all the kids a ride on his Harley.
I think they had a blast. Especially Master. He loves to ride on motorcycles and keeps bugging My Hero to get his out of storage. Of course, it's not a Harley, but for Master any motorcycle will do.

School's Out for Summer!

2009-05-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last day of school. Lucy Lu graduated from Kindergarten and will be moving on to first grade with Sister Drake. She will miss her awesome teachers, Brother Broch and Sister Millie. Luckily they will be one door down the hall next year. She can visit them anytime.
Master is moving on to second grade. He jumped from K level reading to 3rd grade 4th month level in 8 months with Sister Drake. He'll miss her this summer but will have her again in second grade this August.(Yes, it is 1st/2nd grades combined. Poor Sister Drake! Master and Lucy Lu at the same time!)
Little Miss will move on to 6th grade and is mostly thrilled that she passed her final math exam and can move on to 6th/7th grade math. I guess she was worried about it because she got a big bad B+ in math and to her that is close to an F. That mean old B+ ruined her straight A status. Little Miss is sad to see Sister Rowley leave and hopes the NEW 5th/6th grade teacher will be as sweet as the OLD one.
Of course, I couldn't get My Boy to pose with his teachers so here he is with Grandma and Grandpa on the last day of school. Can you tell he is completely embarrassed by us dropping in on him during yearbook signing? What good are parents and grandparents if they don't embarrass their kids and grandkids once in a while! My Boy's big accomplishment this year(besides the fact that he didn't fail! he is a smart boy who hates homework!) was being voted 'Most Likely to be Better than Beckham' by his schoolmate's. Watch out 9th grade! Here comes HE-Man!
(OH! NO! I'm going to be mother to a high schooler!)

A Little Bit of Summer!

2009-05-20T10:09:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like playing in the sprinklers with buddies to help hasten the arrival of summer!
Here is Lucy Lu with best friend Mia.
Master with his pal, Adam(notice the plugged nose! Too cute!).
Getting warm afterward. After all, it IS still officially Spring.
Tanning? At 5, 6 and 7 years old!
What a fun day we all had and the weather was beautiful. I went out to my garden this morning and the asparagus had grown at least 6 inches since Monday evening. It was all of that wonderful sunshine.

"Mom, what's that little green thing?",...

2009-05-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

...says Lucy Lu whilst pointing! And guess what! The corn is up!

The carrots have been up for awhile.

As have the radishes.

And the peas.

The strawberries are starting to look promising. Hopefully the birds stay at the bird feeder and don't invade our box of deliciousness.

The blackberries (aka-Daddy's pets) are looking very much alive.

Birdie central is a hopping place. I refill both feeders every other day. The little birdie's wouldn't mind if I refilled the feeders every day, but let's not be greedy!

Our home and yard are really coming together this last little while. We are getting better at gardening this year. We are thinking about getting honeybees. Wouldn't that bee wonderful! My Hero will be working on phase 3 of the 'massive rock wall project' this summer. Maybe by next year we will have our water feature and sculpture in.

Happy Birthday Little Brother! Sure Do Love You!

2009-04-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

We Found It!!!

2009-04-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! So, we planted...

...and went for a very long walk among the tulips.

Merry Christmas!

2009-04-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Wait! It's April 16th! What is going on here? Where is the Spring? This is what we woke up to this morning.

This is my van before I scraped the snow off so we could go to school. On APRIL 16th!!

Aren't these guys cute! They usually sleep in their own beds but Master got up in the night after having a bad dream and relocated himself. My Boy does not look too upset about having an intruder in his bed.

And here My Boy is at his FIRST PROM! No, that's not his date. It's his aunt, Little Sis! Don't they look great!

An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ

2009-04-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

soccer season is here!

2009-03-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Soccer started last week. Our schedule is hectic and I'll only make it to half of everyone's games. That's life when four kids play soccer and two of them are competitive players. We have between 6 and 8 games a week and 7 to 8 trainings a week. My Boy is playing for the Champions Division 1 team and his junior high team. Little Miss is playing for the Champions premier team. Lucy Lu and Master play on recreation teams. They are not quite in to soccer like My Boy and Little Miss are. I am looking forward to games which start next week. They are so much fun. I love to cheer for My Munchkins! The picture in the header is Little Miss when she used to play on a boys team that was a year older. She held her own, believe me! The picture below is My Boy's team that went to the Utah Summer Games and brought home the gold Medal. This picture was taken right after the Gold Medal match. I can't wait to take some pictures this season and get them posted.

where in the world are we?

2009-03-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a snapshot of My Hero and I. Can you guess where it was taken?
If you recognize this small strip of beach I will be truly amazed! It is Manhattan Beach. We only spent one full day in California but we sure had a blast. It was a nice little vacation from the Munchkins and dishes and cleaning and kid noise. Thanks to Mom for filling in for us while we were away.

toothless!

2009-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

I just got a tooth pulled. I thought about taking a picture and showing you all. Nah! Better not! Amidst tooth pulling and house cleaning and the shock of finding out that My Boy has a "girlfriend" I managed to get these done...Well, I got 30 of them done. I need to make 6 more for another order I have. I think they turned out very nice. I even packaged them.

beading day

2009-01-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

I've been making bracelets today. Or at least trying to. I am about out of everything I wanted and didn't have some of the colors I need. I am trying to design a bracelet to go along with the young women theme. It is difficult to get beads in eight different colors that are all the same or similar styles and shapes.Anyway, this is what I came up with so far. Of course, they will be beautiful...ONCE I GET THE RIGHT COLORS!!!

a little something for moi!

2009-01-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

I took My Boy shopping for new shoes yesterday(he needed them desperately) and got a little something for myself.(I didn't exactly need them)So tell me, What do you think? I am completely fashion challenged. I loved them as soon as I saw them and instantly thought they must be the wrong choice until My Boy said, "Yah! Get those." Then I thought that maybe they were okay to wear in public.
Oh! I have to show you all this picture of my little bank robber with her friend(sometimes) Abs.Isn't it a hoot! Don't you just love Lucy Lu's outfit. I guess I am not the only one who is fashion challenged!

say cheese!

2009-01-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

This is Lucy Lu and her buddy(sometimes), Abs! They are playing with"Peter Rabbit"(to use Abs' term). I am not sure Miss Tuffy would like to be called a boys name. But then again doesn't Tuffy sound a little boyish? Maybe she's a Tom Bunny and won't mind!

THE LIST

2009-01-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Yep! I have started the list of RESOLUTIONS. They are a little different this year. I saw a blog where a woman had a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. Brilliant! I have decided to make a list of 36 things to do in 365 days. It is a lot harder than I thought. Coming up with 36 things I want to do.So far I am up to 20 things on my list. Some of them are small things like finish My Hero's pillow that I started 2 years ago. Some are bigger like hike Timp with My Boy and My Hero this summer. About 3 of the things on my list are actual resolutions about life changing things. One thing I already do but need a constant reminder so, on the list it goes. The rest are just things I've wanted to do for awhile and haven't started yet because they weren't on my to-do list. Sad, I know! I let lists run my life. So now, learn to crochet and crochet three items is on my list. Maybe it will get done this year. Maybe I'll post THE LIST when I am done writing it. Maybe I won't.

twister anyone?

2009-01-05T19:10:00.001-08:00

My Hero realized he is well into his forties after playing this game with Master and Lucy Lu. They sure had fun with Daddy. He is so much better at having fun than I am. I try but don't always succeed. There is always something else that needs to be done. Like right now, for instance. Dinner dishes are calling my name. We had cream of broccoli soup and cheddar scones from one of my favorite blogs. The soup was good but the scones were delicious. My Boy and Master had a terrible time getting their soup down. I thought it would be easy since the broccoli was all blended and they wouldn't have to chew it. I was wrong. I usually am these days. Oh well. Little Miss ate it without complaint. She didn't ask for seconds though. She just went straight for a bowl of rice crispies!

I DID IT!

2009-01-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

I finally did it! I finished reading The Portrait of a Lady. It took forever and seemed very difficult for me. I'm not sure why because I enjoyed it. I didn't LOVE it. I just enjoyed it. The ending was very good. Now, for some odd reason, I am jumping into another long book. Bleak House by Charles Dickens. 881 pages! Why would I do that? Am I insane? Normally, after a 628 page, difficult to read book, I would opt for something shorter and more entertaining. I have been dying to read Bleak House, however. It has been staring at me from my bookshelf while I sat in my chair and read The Portrait. Perhaps this is why I had trouble getting through it. I wouldn't let myself start Bleak House until I was done with the one above. I knew I would like Bleak House better and never finish The Portrait of a Lady. So, I did it! I'm finished and I can move on. I can't wait, and just in time to start the New Year. Happy New Year everyone!

too much fun!

2008-12-30T14:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas was soooo much fun this year. Of course, there was lots of baking.New Pajamas!Favorite gifts!Sledding!And the best part of all. Getting together with family to watch 16 of Grandma's 21 grandchildren act out The Nativity.

last minute lovelies

2008-12-23T18:48:00.001-08:00

What kind of Mom would I be if I was not making last minute gifts for my Munchkins? These have been so fun and easy. I did them in a couple of hours today while the girls were off with friends. I'll get pictures of Little Miss and Lucy Lu wearing these on Christmas Day. The house is so full of excitement. The kids can hardly wait until bedtime just because the time goes faster when you are asleep. Master asked me if Santa is real or if Dad and I just pretend. Now, why would we do that?

snow, snow, snow...

2008-12-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

We had major amounts of snow today! All day long. My boy and I shoveled our driveway as well as three of our neighbors driveways, 2 times each. I finished up all of my Christmas shopping this morning. Little Miss and I went early before the snow started and before the crowds were out. We had such fun. When we got home 2 hours later there was 6-8 inches of snow in our driveway and we had to shovel to get in. (I am really bad at driving in the snow.) The rest of the day I stayed in and did some house cleaning. I fixed some yummy Potato Soup for our dinner because My Hero called from work and said he thought he was coming down with the flu. We are paranoid about Lucy Lu getting sick and so My Hero brought a mask home from work and is staying away from all the Munchkins. It's not hard to do because he is watching Monday Night Football and they avoid it like the plague. All the Munchkins have strict orders to wash their hands constantly and not touch anything Daddy has touched.
Master and Lucy Lu bundled up and went sledding. We enjoyed some picture taking. I wish I were better at that. The Munchkins enjoy it, though, and always want to see the picture right away on the little screen. It's funny how kids now are so used to everything coming quickly. When I was younger you didn't see the picture right after it was taken. It took a while. Sometimes months or even years! Depending on if Mom and Dad had the money to develop film.Master thought this was a snow jungle and had to have his picture taken inside. And what Master does...

...Lucy Lu does!
Anyway, it was a beautiful day. Just what the 22nd of December should be like. Snowy, cold outside, warm inside, hot cocoa after sledding and shoveling, BOILING potato soup, and a little housecleaning in preparation for Christmas Eve and Day. My Hero getting sick! Now, that I can live without!You still can't see the mountains!

winter wonderland?

2008-12-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

This mean puppy just blew in.It's not really a puppy. It is yet another winter storm. Okay! So I am not a professional photographer like my sweet sister-in-law, Crystal. You can't really see the snow blowing in this picture. Note, however, that where once there was a mountain there is none. Just behind that line of trees in the background you should see a mountain. A really big mountain. It is alright though. We are inside cozy and warm. The boys made it home from the sledding hill just in time and are now drinking hot cocoa with mini marshmallows, and eating english muffins. What could be better.Notice the scratch on Master's forehead and nose. They are from his last sledding trip. He face planted after going off a jump.

My Boy and Tal, slathering butter on a hot english muffin.

The Hurrieder I Go, The Behinder I Get!

2008-12-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy getting ready for Christmas that I have hardly had time for anything else. That includes the internet. However, the last day of school for the year was today and the kids are home now and I do not have to drive carpool anymore! Cause for celebration! Don't get me wrong...I absolutely love the Munchkins school and it is totally worth it to do all the driving to and from. It does mean that I spend at least one hour in the car Monday through Thursday. Some days even more. Now that they are home for a couple of weeks I can spend that time doing something else, like blogging!
I have taken 138 pictures over the last three weeks that I kept thinking I would post. I never did and now they are stored up on my camera busting to get out. I shall set a few of them free now so that you can see some of what we have been doing.

The Munchkins saw Santa and Mrs. Claus...
...as did Grandma and Grandpa. Do you think they will get their Christmas wish?
My Hero and Little Miss picked out a beautiful/Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
My Boy launched his rockets for his Astronomy class project. (With the help of Uncle's Aaron and Eben. Thank you!)
What Fun! They actually went up really high, too.
We all got a little messy with my Beehive's, hand dipping chocolates, Grandma Great style.
The Munchkins and I rode the train...(whilst My Hero was working hard late into the night.)
...to Temple Square to see the lights.My Boy is not in this picture because he was off with friends. Typical teenager.

Most recently, I sent My Munchkins out to build themselves a shelter from the storm for when Mom gets sick of them over this two week vacation from school!
Ohhh! But, who could get sick of these faces!

Ugh!

2008-11-25T19:08:00.000-08:00

I'm not feeling well. This means I can spend some time reading and not feel guilty about it. I am getting lots of rest so as to be better for traveling and family fun at Mom and Dad's. I am sad, though, because I missed our mutual service project at the food pantry tonight. The Munchkins and I tended Deegy today. He is a cutie pie. What a beautiful smile. Also, tended a friends girl yesterday. I asked My Hero if I have a sign on my forehead that says, "Ask me to tend your child! Please!". It's okay if I do have such a sign. I love tending all the nieces and nephews. Especially with no babies of my own. Well, back to the lives of 'Ralph and Isabel'.

More Company!

2008-11-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

Look at these adorable faces.

Brook brought the girls over on Wednesday night for dinner and a visit. Myley was here to eat dinner with Little Miss and so we had quite a full house.

It was such a nice evening. We do love to have Brook, Brielle and Paige over. We get to have them most Wednesdays as that is Brook's day with the Girls.

Shelby was here too. We are watching her for Trin and Angie while they are up north at an EMT conference. She and Lucy Lu are having lots of fun together and getting along most of the time!
The Munchkins are looking forward to Thanksgiving at Grandma Leatham's. Their vacation from school started yesterday after school. They don't go back until December 1st. They love to go to Grandma's house and especially look forward to her Thanksgiving dinner and the trip up the canyon to get a Christmas tree. Most of the family will be home this year. My Boy is happy that Austin will be there and of course, Little Miss can't wait to see Amber and Caitlin. We all can't wait to get togther with all of you. I hope everyone has lots of down time to visit and play games this year. It has been so long since we've done that with all of you.

Company

2008-11-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

But, not just any company! Grandma is everyone's favorite company! We visited My Boy and Little Miss at school.
Grandma took Lucy Lu and I out to lunch. Yum!
Then we visited Lucy Lu's classroom...
...and picked up Master from school.
The Munchkins and I had a great time with our Comp'ny.

excitement!

2008-11-18T08:13:00.000-08:00

My Hero took me out on a date Saturday. It was a blast! Dinner and a soccer game. We lost but it was an exciting match. Of course, I only thought to get one picture...

HAPPY 9th ANNIVERSARY!

2008-11-16T09:55:00.001-08:00

Yeah for you two, Eben and Crystal!

what we've been doing...

2008-11-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

I have been doing lots of this!

Master and Lucy Lu have been doing lots of this!
My Boy gets one of these out every year when the weather turns cold.
Habit learned from Grandpa Great!

Where is Little Miss you say? Well, with a new ten year old girl on the block there has been lots of friend time. Late nights and dinner out.

"Chagrined and surprised!"

2008-11-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

"...they pursued their way against the wind, resisting it with laughing delight...when suddenly the clouds united over their heads, and a driving rain set full in their face." Jane Austen

This is what it has looked like all day.
It was a beautiful drive to pick up the kids from school.
The smell, look and feel of rain reminds me of the best parts of my childhood.

all my little monkey britches...

2008-11-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

...HERE'S MASTER!
...HERE'S LUCY LU!
...HERE'S LITTLE MISS, MY BOY AND LITTLE SIS!

Veteran = Hero

2008-11-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day Daddy! Thanks for keeping us FREE! We love you!