How do you say "Cheese" in Sign Language?

We were in Thatcher a while ago and went looking for Apache Tears one afternoon with my sister Aisilyn and her family. There have been so many times that my kids have taught her kids some outlandish saying or about an obsenity of sorts. Well it was really cold that day and I went and sat in the car with Alannah. When I told her I wanted to take her picture this is what she did and smiled and said... "CHEESE!" Of course I was laughing like crazy and thought to myself that she would fit in just fine at the Bryce House!

I looked out the window and what did I see?

Popcorn kernels were just popping out of me! Makes you wanna blow a snot rocket huh? Made me snort and cough a little... But Ryan was thrilled and even ate the popcorn after removing it. Don't be sicked out. You might have done it without thinking too.

Saddle up ole' cowboy.....

My dad has horses at his place and the kids love to ride when they go to Papa and Grammy's house. Here are some of my favorites of them during Christmas. It was cracking me up when Ethan and Trey were on Caleb (I think it is a mule or donkey or something. I think jackass will cover both!) They were fighting over who got to "drive". They all did great and I always admire anyone who is brave enough to get on a horse... Yeah... I'm scared. In the pictures of Nathan... is there any question as to why I love this man? :)

Grandma and Grandpa Whipple

We had the privelege of having Grandma and Grandpa Whipple out to our house for Christmas breakfast. It definitely stands out as one of my favorite Christmas memories in 2007. Chris can make a mean batch of Biscuits and Gravy and Pete was great to let all the kids show him their new toys. It was great to visit with them and I am so thankful for their encouragement and support of our family! We love you guys!

Wanna tickle the strings a bit?

Whoever invented Guitar Hero is a genius! I love this game almost as much as I love Bret Michaels. Needless to say I can play "Talk Dirty to Me" pretty darn good... when I can get the guitar out of Nathan's hands. This was Christmas day and he is actually really good at this game. He was totally rockin' out. You all can have Bret! I found my Guitar Hero!

Who is your Secret Angel... Wait don't tell me, I already know!

Growing up, one of our favorite Christmas traditions was to draw names and whoever we got we had to secretly do acts of kindness until Christmas. Then we got to buy them a gift and surprise them with our identity. So honestly, the fun has always been for me to figure out who has who. I don't think I am ever right but it is pretty funny to annoy everyone by letting them think I know who they have. Some of our only Christmas pics were of opening Secret Angel gifts. Gotta love Christmas morning hair!

Valentines Day...

So I have been reading all these posts on other blogs about how they love Valentines Day and then got to hear all the great things about thier significant other. While I find it endearing... There are so many unspoken expectations for V Day. (My little brother Jake usually sends a text to all the siblings saying Happy VD... He thinks the play on words is funny... which I would have to agree with!) ANYWAY... the point is that Nathan and I have been married now for almost 8 years. I love that Valentines Day means bringing home a liter of Dr Pepper. I love that we can go bowling together and still have a blast... And that I only lose by one... Even if he did throw a couple of bad ones on purpose:) I just love knowing that at the end of the day... who and what I am is enough for him. There is no peace like knowing that. He makes me smile and after all these years... The flame of love is alive and well. I love you Nathan! Happy VD!

Take me back to... the 80's

I love good music and the song featured on my blog still makes me wanna hop on a BMX and dance! For all of you oldies out there, this one is for you!

President Hinckley

"In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." Gordon B. Hinckley

We got an email from our Bishop telling us about this Book of Mormon Challenge. We feel it a great way to pay tribute to our sweet Pres. Hinckley. He will definitely be missed but we are up for the challenge. I posted a little graph at the bottom of our blog to show our progress as a family. We have been reading the BOM all year and hope to finish by the deadline. You can check out the challenge at www.hinckleychallenge.com.