The Bryce 7

Tyler's Graduation

2011-09-20T09:31:00.003-07:00

So here are a few pics from Tyler's Graduation almost a year ago! HEE HEE! We were so proud of him. It was no small task to arrive at this day! Fun times, fun times.

The next few pictures are from the religious ceremony before graduation that is impossible to say and to spell. Jeanne and I went together because Nathan had to work. I am so thankful for all the support she gives to me personally and to my family!

Blogapalooza....say what?

2011-09-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

Ummm...yeah. So I guess that I kinda checked out of the blogging world for a while.....so I am gonna try to catch up a little. Get ready for a blogapalooza baby!

Highway Robbery...

2010-11-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

like for realsies! We went this past weekend to spend a couple of days in Mesa before the football playoff game that Tyler and Garett were going to play in on Saturday. On the way there, we stopped at Devils Canyon and got out. Nathan is always telling us that there used to be a cool campground back there and that they closed it off because the pull off was so dangerous. Well we took some cool pictures and only spent about 10 or 15 minutes there....and left all our clothes bags, my new Uggs and Nathan's laptop in the bed of the truck! I know right? Not too smart. Needless to say, when we returned, the laptop and the kids clothes bag... GONE! Consider this a lesson learned! Savannah, Ethan and Ryan were pretty sad because their Friday Night Thatcher Eagle Football shirts with Tylers name and number on the back were stolen as well as Savannah's favorite lime green converse! I guess at least no one was hurt and we were still able to enjoy our weekend. (Pictures to follow later...)

Twilight Canyon with the Jensens

2010-11-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Over the summer I invited everyone I knew to come and go camping with us up on Mt. Graham for a week. The only fools who took the bait were the Jensens! What an amazing time we had. We read books, played games, watched movies outside, took hikes, played in the water at Snow Flat...Oops...and played lots of badminton. It was a total blast and I hope we can do it again!

The big kids in the raft at snow flat.

My budding photographer friend Hannah posed these pictures of me. She would tell me how to make my face and hold my hair...BEAUTIFUL...or something!

Goofy Girls... Hannah and Mariah

Ryan and Hannah...making goofy faces...

Ryan taking a go at making "crazy eyes..."

Hannah takes the cake for the CRAZY EYES face!

Zo and Tommy... looking thoughtful...

Riah and Jane

I do love me some girls who are not afraid to make musties! BOO YA!

Nathan taking a leap...

And Bowen...

And Ethan...

Ranger Rides

Ryan gets his crush Lexi some flowers. So sweet!

Before our hike...

Tommy with the biggest wishing dandelion EVER!

It is amazing how many people you can fit into a Ranger! We did some fun geo caching and discovered some awesome trails! What a blast!

Eat more Chicken...

2010-11-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Can I just say this cow was a perv...thank goodness Garett was there to kick him in the udder if he got too inappropriate! This cow had wandering and very strong hooves...who woulda thought?

I fought the dog and the dog won...

2010-11-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

So my top 3 scary things:
1. Dogs
2. Mice
3. Snakes

I had not been running in a while and had had a particularly bad day. So I decided to take it to the pavement. The run was great until this piece of crap dog came out and bit the shiz out of my calf while I was running. Luckily I finished my run and the dog ended up being quarantined for a week, just to make sure I wouldn't end up rabid. Lets just say...faced my fear. Next time, I will kick him right in the baby maker.

Traditions from the past

2010-11-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

One of the Bryce traditions I love best is getting everyone together and bundling up warm so we can pile in the back of Grandpa's truck and go look at Christmas lights. It is so much fun...freezing, which I hate, but it is a blast! Here we are last year!

The crew

Me and sis

Ryan found this hat at Grandma's house and thought it was awesome! I thought he looked so cute!

Grandma and the big boys

Nathan and Tyler... so sentimental!

Can you tell that Savannah likes to be cold as much as I do?? :)

2008

Me and my sista Chelsea

Nathan and Ethan

The crew

Devin

Ethan

Central Ward Primary Christmas Program 2009

2010-11-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

So these are pics from last year. It was so nice to move here and immediately have something for the kids to be involved in and feel like part of the ward. It was a blast and totally cute! Now I have the privelege of being in charge of fitting all the primary kids for their costumes this year! AWESOME! I will let you know how it goes!

Savannah and Christianna Johnson...my little...ummm yeah...Angel! :) She was thrilled to have her picture taken!

Two cute shepherds and one "sweet" angel!

The boys with their buddy Javan!

This time last year...

2010-11-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

my house in Queen Creek was virtually empty and we were having a blast partyin' it up every weekend. Looking back, I should have been worried that people were having parties because we were moving...at any rate, it was a great time to visit with friends and the kids were free to run wild. Needless to say, I did not take these pics. So fun! Great times, great friends, great memories!

Box Airplane

2010-11-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

When we first moved here, we were all a little blue. I thought it was awesome that the boys found happiness in the little things. Like how our super big boxes made awesome forts, airplanes, sleeping fortresses, cars.... you name it, they invented it! Oh to be young and inventive again!

For Real?

2010-07-28T21:41:00.000-07:00

So I had to laugh as I was getting ready to have a "blogapalooza" and upload all my pics from the last year. I found these of Ryan and I don't think I posted about them before. Made me laugh that he had a cut on the same eye as Ethan did a while ago. I think we were visiting for the holidays last year when this happened. What are the odds right? All I know is they must have one heck of a mom!

"Ummm Mom...."

2010-05-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Any story that starts with those words, I only really half listen to. I know that might make me a crappy mom. On Friday morning, with one eye open, I was washing dishes, making lunches and trying to encourage the little boys to hurry and get dressed after their shower. Then, Ryan comes out of my room and starts with "Umm Mom..." and proceeds to tell this elaborate story. As I said before, I was only half listening until at the end of the story I hear "...and then there was blood..." I don't know what else he said. I walked into my room where Ethan was sitting on the floor in his skivies with his eye all bloody and it was dripping onto his leg. Ryan is giving me this really sad look and he too is only in his skivies. So I tell him to tell me what happened. Long story short...Ryan is laying on the ground, Ethan steps on his leg and tells him if he wants him to get off, to yank his arm as hard as he can. So he does and pulls Ethan right into the corner of my bed. KerSplit!

So I tell Ryan to go get his clothes on and then get Nathan out of the shower to look at Ethans eye. Nathan has to go to work and so we get Ryan and Savannah on the bus and head to the ER. 2 hours and a day off school with a McDonalds breakfast later....here is Ethan!

Such a sad face, but I think he would take a split eye for a day of Xbox and take out any day of the week. Gotta love raising boys!

Growing Up

2010-05-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

Savannah has recently had a birthday (11!!! ALREADY!!!) and also had the opportunity to participate in a show with her gymnastics group. She is pretty amazing and is always making up plays and routines with anyone who will let her boss them around...her brothers, the neighbor kids...you get the idea. So it was no big deal when she had to make up her own routine for the show. All I can say is that pride filled my heart as she performed. She was so graceful even though she was a bit nervous. I cried because I was so proud but also because the routine was so beautiful. My sis in law recorded it and I am hoping to get it posted soon. Until then, here are some pictures of her (had to steal one from Grandma Whipples blog cuz it was such a great shot! Thx Grandma! :) She had great support from Grandma and Grandpa Whipple who came from Mesa, Grandma Bryce and Grandma Priscilla. Aunt Jenni and Aunt Chelsea were there too with some of the kids. Ethan and Ryan came but RyRy didn't last through the whole thing! We just all love her so much and I am so glad that she is finding things she excels at and tries hard to get better and better. I love her so much!

Here are some pics of the little party we had for Savannah for her birthday.

OREO PIE!!! YUM!

Amazing Women

2010-05-05T10:23:00.001-07:00

I was priveleged to spend a whole week with women who inspire me and lift me up and just make me want to be a better me. I am still running on the high from last week and happened to run across this video on another friends blog. I am constantly amazed by the women in my life. Though I do not know the woman in this video, I found this video touching and really beyond words. Our influence as mothers is always more far reaching than we think. To all the "lovely ladies" in my life, especially on this weekend dedicated to mothers, know that I am grateful for your influence in my life.

Four score and seven years ago...

2010-04-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

Ok... maybe not that long ago but it has been a while ago that we started reading the Book of Mormon as a family. We did not finish it in one year, or two, or THREE... but somewhere after that we finished and we are feeling pretty groovy. Now its on to the PGP and then a restart of the BOM. The taste of progress is DIVINE. :)

God Bless America... Land that I Love.

2010-02-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went for a walk with my sis in laws to try to avoid eating 6 more of Jeanne's homemade sugar cookies...(AMAZING) As we walked down the streets, there were flags everywhere. I thought about all the things that we enjoy because of the simple fact that we are U.S. Citizens. I am so thankful to live where I live and to have the option of choosing my religion, my place of residence, the person I want to spend eternity with....So many blessings are ours. I love my life and the freedoms I enjoy. Now if I could only tackle my lack of will power!

Snowin' on Ladybug Saddle

2010-02-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

So when it got really cold and the weather was crap, we had the great idea to go play in the snow with the kids on MLK day. We got some donuts and hot cocoa and headed up the mountain. Ryan has only seen snow 2 times, once was in the back of Micah Woods truck. So all the kids were stoked. I hate to be cold but it ended up being a blast. When we first got out at Ladybug Saddle, we all were so cold that no one was sledding. Next thing we know, Jeanne, Nathan's mom, is at the top of the hill and headed down. You can't see her very well in the pics but she was the first one down the hill and went down every hill after that. She keeps us young and having fun! I love her to death. It was SO cold and it took my butt a while to unthaw. But was totally worth it. Mom even made homemade stew for dinner. YUMMY!I only got 3 pictures cuz it made my hands so cold to get the camera out!

Just getting started...

2010-02-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

My sis in law Jenni and I spent an afternoon a couple of weeks ago canning chicken. We checked out the Central Ward Pressure Canner and have dubbed it "The Beast!" It is so heavy but we canned 32 pints of chicken in one go round. It was awesome. We had to do it on a camp stove in Jenni's garage but it was fun. I have big plans to have an amazing garden down here and possibly can some of the harvest. Maybe this chicken is just the beginning...

Nice Rack Babe!

2010-02-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

You didn't think this was gonna be a post about Nathan huh! I'm a good tricker. :) I had to post these pictures on here because I am always complaining about not having a bike rack for the kids. So the bikes spend their lives in the walking distance between the house and the car. Nathan looked online for racks...for the bikes...and the cheapest one was like $200. A few more searches and a stop at the local hardware store and we end up with this...

Ethan assisted Nathan the whole time, measuring and marking the pvc so Nathan could cut it. It was awesome! The kids love it and mom is happy!

Keeping the road hot...

2010-02-02T10:40:00.001-08:00

Ethan just participated in the Central Ward Pinewood Derby. He chose the "model" car he wanted and told Nathan that he wanted me to paint flames on the car. I am not the best artist, but Ethan was happy with the turn out. At the race, all the boys kept saying "that flame car hasn't lost yet!" Ethan had his hands in his pockets and sauntered down to get his car after every race...looked exactly like his dad. Only difference...that huge smile on his face. He was super proud of his car and even covered his face for some of the races cuz he couldn't take the suspense. He ended up coming in 2nd place. Way to go E!

Ryan was super proud of him and they hung the ribbon from their fan in their room! AWESOME!!

Skidoosh.......

2010-01-28T06:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a better Master Shi Fu? This is what you call IMPRESSIVE IMAGINATION! That is a newspaper bag on his head folks! Oh yeah! That is my son!

Turkey Trotters

2010-01-28T06:09:00.000-08:00

So I am very behind on blogging... but wanted to post this pic because it is so flattering of Nathan and I and our athleticism. Actually, it was just a really great experience for me to run a race with Nathan. This was back when I could run and my ancient knee wouldn't weep and wail and knash it's teeth. I am so thankful for a husband who still wants to do things with me. It was fun to run together. It was stinkin cold but so great to cross that finish line together. There were times that he was in the lead and I was struggling to keep up. Then others where he would tell me to go ahead. But we stayed together and I couldn't help but think how great it was that the most important thing to us was staying together. We didn't care what place we came in only that we kept challenging eachother and finished the race TOGETHER. It will have been 10 years this year and I have to say... there is nowhere I would rather be! I love you Nathan!

Anyone for a Quickee? I mean Quick Trip?

2010-01-20T21:19:00.001-08:00

I am usually pretty private when I post things about Nathan, and about our family life in general... yeah...so anyway...he has been working out of town for about a week and a half. After talking about it, we decided that is the longest he has ever been out of town. I have talked to several of my friends and Queen Creek during the past week when he has been gone and I must have sounded down right desperate and pathetic. I was trying to find my game face and be a big girl even though I was missing my husband like crazy and trying to find my "routine" in my new town.... and then, like magic, I come home to get ready to go to Garett's basketball game and Brooke, Laura and Sherree were at my house... IN THATCHER...WITH DINNER! I know, right? I was so excited to see them and even more excited when they told me to pack a bag that they were kidnapping me and taking me to see Nathan. I am not gonna lie... I cried a little. Wierd I know. So kidnapping really means saving me by delivering to my sex god... and Quickee well yes... it really means quickee. Is that even how you spell it? I stayed the night with Nathan (BOO YEAH!) and then did some shopping while he had class the next day. Then we headed home. It is so great to have him home and all I have to say is that I have some of the best friends in the world. They listened and we laughed and then they had the guts to tell me to buck up and start making friends. I am so thankful for honest friends and a sexy husband who doesn't care all too much about hairy legs. Life is good.

Honey it's cold outside....

2009-12-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

Well we are officially moved to Thatcher and freezing our booty's off! Nathan loves it, I am hoping that Santa brings me some warm slippers. I don't have a way to upload pictures yet, but have some fun ones to post of the kids decorating the tree and enjoying the new place. Just wanted to take a minute to say... THANK YOU to all our awesome friends in Queen Creek who helped us move and who we fondly think of during this holiday. Also so glad to be here with lots of family and doing fun stuff together like eating and playing and visiting.

Most of all, I have received every gift I could have wanted this year. I am together with my hubs and ALL my kids. I have missed my boys so much...more than I even thought. It is so fun to sit down on the couch next to them and realize that at the end of the day we don't have to say "See you in a couple weeks." Time is such a gift. I am blessed and lucky.

Here's hoping that you are all having a happy holiday filled with good food, good company and good memories!

Stay warm and cozy!

...The fabric of our lives...

2009-12-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

So we only have 2 days until we move. The countdown never officially started because it has been so bittersweet for all of us. We cannot wait to be all together as a family. But it will be so hard to leave our "family" that we have here. I don't think that Nathan and I could have known how amazing the past 6 years were going to be. I am so thankful for friends that have encouraged us to reach our potential and strive to be better every day.

Having said that, there are sometimes that I think that my body is too old to do what my mind thinks would be "fun!" Enter Laura Woods...

Usually when she says she has and "idea" we all smile cuz we know it is going to be awesome. She has been wanting to climb a cotton bale for awhile now. I am so glad that my husband is super strong so he could lift me on top of the bale. It was pretty hilarious to see him almost fall off when he tried to jump from the truck to the top of the cotton...good times people.

I would do just about anything to see Laura as happy as she was after we climbed down the cotton bale. She reminds me that it really is the little things that matter. Not saying she is short or anything...

Love all these girls and glad that we have made the time to make lasting memories. This is what life is made of.

With Honors

2009-11-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

All of the kids got awards last quarter for Honor Roll. Ethan actually earned high honors for Honor Roll and for reaching his reading goals. Awesome mom that I am only knew of the time for Ryan's because I have a fear of kindergarteners getting "F's" in homework (Not because that has ever happened to one of my kids. Ever.) so I look in his backpack daily. Anyway, I am so proud of all my kids for working hard and staying on top of their game. Someday, I will be on top of mine!

CONGRATS...Garett, Savannah, Ethan and Ryan. Mom and Dad are so proud of you!

Funky Fashion

2009-11-03T07:58:00.001-08:00

Last week for Activity Days, I was invited to go to a mother daughter Fashion show. We were supposed to have one funky outfit and one modest cute outfit.... yeah...uh huh. I am awesome at fashion... as long as it involves comfy jeans and a tee shirt. So anyway, we pulled out some of Garetts old jersies and did our hair funky for our funky outfit and then under our jersey wore black shirts and put on cute scarves for our cute modest outfit. It was fun to walk the runway. She wanted me to carry her down the runway for our cute outfits. She was worried that I wasn't strong enough... I have to admit I worried about my....ummm... grace. Luckily I didn't drop her. We had a great night together and Ana and Daniella Nava (Two awesomely cute and fashionable young women in our ward) came to talk to the girls about modesty and how it is easier for the spirit to be with us when we cover our bodies. I love those girls. And I love my girl. She is amazing and beautiful and pushes me to my limits... it encourages me to stretch, to be a better mom and better example. I am so blessed and lucky.

Rocko Taco and Bobo China

2009-11-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

Rocko has been the topic of lots of conversations at our house lately. He and Ethan are best pals and so lots of songs and skits(thanks to Savannah) have been made up about how friendship can stand the test of time. Ethan is pretty sad to move to Thatcher but is excited that Rocko's grandma lives in Pima so we are guaranteed a visit every once in awhile. Last month, I took the boys to Bobo's China to eat and Rock came with us. He is always great company. I hear that boy laugh and can't help myself... I have to laugh too. We had awesome chinese food and watched creepy chinese television... some soap opera (literally singing opera) The boys had a blast and I enjoyed watching them. It was great.

Look what we can do! Aren't we awesome?

Funny Faces

Ryan was sitting next to me. This is his signature funny face.

I'm A BOBCAT! Booo Yeah!

2009-11-02T08:48:00.001-08:00

I know that all my brothers and sisters thought that I was gonna blog about being a BEAVER CREEK BOBCAT... back in the day when we were "creekers"... but no! This post is about Ethan. He has loved being in Scouts. He has a goal to get his Wolf before we move... High aspirations. I love it. At the last pack meeting he got his Bobcat. They branded him with the bobcat paw and he got to "pin me." This is my favorite part of being a Cub Scout Mom. I am so proud of Ethan and his determination. Plus he was pretty brave when they branded him! I am such a great mom that I forgot my camera so special thanks to my friend Louisa Child for sending these pics!

Getting pinned... proud moment.

P.S. To those of you who have yet to be pinned by your son... it is a good idea to wear layers. Avoids awkward poking in the boob. Just sayin'...

I love this boy...

I think I was more scared than he was. He loved that he finally got to be branded. Now if he can just gear up for drinking the Wolf blood when he gets his Wolf...

Just have to add also that he has the best Den Leaders ever! Sandie and Todd Snider ROCK! He loves being in their den. They have gotten him really excited about scouts and I love that! Way to go Sniders! They are in the background of the pics with our Scout Master, Cameron Heath... a real trooper as well. Have I said that our ward rocks? I love our ward.

The Boys

2009-11-02T08:06:00.000-08:00

So Garett is officially moved down to Thatcher... only about 6 weeks before we get there. As you can see by this picture, these two are pretty close. Garett looks up to Tyler so much. He is going to live with Tyler in an apartment behind Grandma Priscilla's house till we move to Thatcher. I told Tyler yesterday that I would be surprised if they didn't throw down before we get there. He laughed and said... "Oh, we will!" If for nothing else, it will be over cleanliness. Garett has a little of my OCD... Tyler... not so much! I am so excited that Garett is gonna get to play basketball but cannot stand the thought of not having both of the boys living with us. It is not the same without them here. I remember when Garett turned 12 and I was so excited that 2 more men in our home held the priesthood. There is a different feeling in the home when priesthood holders are there... it was wierd for me to call on someone to say the prayer this morning. Garett usually does that when Nathan is gone. SO ANYWAY... I just wanted to say that I am so thankful for my boys... They are so handsome and are turning into amazing men! I love them and am so grateful for their example to their little bros and sister. I can't wait to be together again.

Can you dig it?

2009-10-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

So a group of us girls decided to dress up as roller derby girls for the ward Trunk or Treat. We are the newest Roller Derby Team... CB Derby DIvas... nevermind that only a couple of us can skate and nevermind that I only ate crap once. It was fun to dress up and to act like we could be tough if we needed to.... The highlight of the night was Cami's mohawk and her sponsored by Birkenstock shirt. I am gonna make her dress up again and get some good pics of her. Then I will post the story about her shirt... maybe. In the meantime, if anyone wants a derby shirt, sorry to confess... Coolness unfortunately can't be bought.

Sonda Bryce...Derby name... Titanic Coconuts... Lightning Bolt for intimidation sakes.

Look out! If only I could stay upright on my roller blades!

Laura (AKA Glitter Phoenix) is one of the only other people that I have met that loves fake lashes as much as I do. I wear them every Halloween. Our lashes this year had rhinestones on them.

Some of us trying to look ferocious. Derby Divas... Bambi the Bombshell, Titanic Coconuts, Hurricane Hottie, Sparklin Jade and Crushalicious.

The whole team... Glitter Phoenix, Titanic Coconuts, Hurricane Hottie, Bambi the BOmbshell, Spike D, Crushalicious and Sparklin' Jade.

Free Family Fun Night... Monday after Halloween

2009-10-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

All Neighbors and Friends are Welcome... This is a public event. Get the word out and feel free to contact me if you have questions!

FREE FAMLY FUN NIGHT Sponsored by Carter's Angels

Come on out and ENJOY the FUN!

8 is Definitely Great!

2009-10-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ethan with his best pals... Rocko Woods and Gavin Bryce. (Cart Dog is squeezin' in too!)

Aunt Aisi gave the Holy Ghost talk. Ethan and Aisi have a special relationship and so this was especially awesome to have her there. Uncle Scott was missed!

The Proud Parents... I am so thankful to have awesome men in my life...

Ethan's biggest Fan

These three were baptized together. Ethan Bryce, Hailey Garner, and Caden Anderson.
They are such good kids. I am thankful that Ethan has good friends.

Ethan was baptized on the 26th of September. It was an awesome day that I know we will never forget. We had tons of family and friends here and Ethan has been so excited for this day. Right before we left to go to the church I sat down on the side of the tub with Ethan and told him how proud I was of his decision to be baptized. I am constantly amazed by the strength of my children and the quiet understanding that they exhibit at such young ages. He is so sensitive to the spirit and I hope that he keeps that trait as he gets older. I am lucky to be his mom.

San Tan Tri...Carter's Angels Ride Again

2009-10-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Today we did another tri in the name of love... for Carter. Nathan had Youth Conference and so Savannah was my transition coach. She was there at every swim lap cheering me on (even though I am pretty slow) and made sure I had my towel and stuff when I was done. She was there at the finish line and I just have to say I love my little girl. Nathan surprised me and made it to the last portion of the bike and watched me finish the race. Too bad I had to embarrass him by wiping out a couple of times and sorta (is there such a thing?) peeing my pants in the run! What a guy to hug me and love me anyway. I am the luckiest angel on the planet!

Scouts Honor

2009-09-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

Ethan turned 8 in August and has recently started scouts. With the help of Grandma Bryce and Grammy Hall, he was able to get a full scout uniform. He was so excited to wear it and I believe that a boy in full uniform acts a little different...more respectable. I am so proud of Ethan. He will be baptized in about a week and I am so thankful for his sweet presence. He is a good boy and a great example.

Speaking of scouts... has anyone seen that movie with Gary Coleman called "Scouts Honor?" I wonder how old he was when he made that movie... I used to love watching that show and yes... I cried. Classic!

How will you know if you never TRI?

2009-08-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, one of my crazy friends suggested that we quit being "lame moms" and do some things that were physically out of our comfort zone... one of those things being a triathlon. I have never thought of doing one... and wondered if I really could seeing as I never had formal swim lessons. Laura talked me into it and I started training. I have not only learned how to swim (HUGE shout out to my niece Victoria for schooling me in the mechanics of freestyle...Couldn't figure it out till she helped me!) but have learned that probably one of the reasons we fought so hard in the pre existence to come down and have a body is because maybe we would find out how amazing that body could be. My body is not perfect by the worlds standards. But it amazed the heck out of me this past weekend! Also got to do it with some of the most amazing and inspiring women I know. I learned so much from them through the whole process and my friendship with them was strengthened cuz we did this together. Here is Brooke, Laura and I at the Pima Pool before the race.

Nerves maybe starting to kick in a little at the reality of what we were supposed to accomplish!

Brooke lovingly called me condom head...U all know you are jealous of my swim cap. Had to keep my mop out of my eyes just in case I started swimming fast!

Couldn't swim before we started... now I love it! I am not fast but I can do it!! Here I am starting the race.

Here I am trying to transition to the bike after the swim. I thought the bike was gonna be the easy part...

I have to say that the bike portion killed me. It was the hardest part of the race for me. I cried alot during the bike. All of our husbands and kids were at various points in the race to cheer us on. I could see all of them ahead of me and knew that I had to quit crying and pedal hard at least for the 10 seconds that they were watching. The other time on the road when I was alone, I cannot explain the thoughts in my head. But I wondered if I could finish the race. There was a particular part of the bike race where I looked down at my speedometer and realized I was going about 6 mph...usually I can comfortably bike at 15 mph. Up in the distance I saw Mike and Mandy Ajeman.In that moment in the race, I lost it. I started bawling and couldn't breathe and couldn't believe that I have been blessed with such awesome friends. They were there from start to finish along with the rest of my family. It was definitely those moments of making eye contact with Nathan as I was DYING and hearing him say "You can do it! You are doing great!" that made me somehow keep pushing.

I hate this pic of me. But it shows the reality... I was dragging booty!

Brooke and I started in the same heat and so she was waiting for me under a tree when I crossed the finish line. I have a better pic of us than this but this shows how I really felt...

Laura started in the heat after us so Brooke and I walked a little ways up the trail to wait for Laura and run in with her. We thought it would be awesome for her photos if we ran behind her and made it look like she was kickin our trash. This was one of the most emotional parts of the day for me as Laura stopped, looked at Brooke and I and said, "I can't run. I got nothin' left." We encouraged her and then Brooke said, "You can do it. Do it for Carter." (Look for upcoming post about Carter's Angels for explanation.) Laura pushed through and finished. I thought it was freakin awesome that she puked 4 times! I don't knoww if you can zoom in on this pic. She would puke, spit and run a little more. Rocko and Ethan are looking on in this pic.

Here is us at the Finish Line. SO AMAZING!

It was the hardest and best thing I've done in a long time. My kids were all there (including Garett who was there start to finish... he even watched me swim!) my mother in law, (Thanks Jeanne) suprised me and showed up at the finish line. Mike and Mandy Ajeman were there along with all of Laura and Brookes families and parents who cheered for all three of us! We couldn't have done it without them. I didn't get a pic of me with Nathan so this old one will have to do. Let me suffice it to say, his belief in me pushes me to do things that I think I can't do. In his quiet peaceful way, he turns my head and tunes my heart in the right direction. Until I rediscover that I can do all things through my Savior. How on earth did I get so lucky? I LOVE THIS MAN! He rearranged work schedules and helped take care of kids and was my "transition trainer", and cheeerleader all on 5 hours of sleep during a 50 hour period of time! He is amazing! Thank you Nathan! xxoo

Updates coming soon.....

2009-06-15T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the delay... SO MUCH has been going on... beach trips, Savannah's Birthday and Ryan's birthday.....It has been crazy around here so don't quit checking... Updates coming to a blog near you... hopefully it will be my blog! :)

Double Digits Baby!

2009-04-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Savannah Turns 10!! We had a very low key but fun day on Savannah's birthday. She had one of her really good friends, Cambree come over and we went to Peter Piper Pizza. It was really fun!

10 reasons we LOVE and ADORE Savannah... we are so glad she is ours!

1. She is so good with little kids
2. She has an infectious laugh...
3. She is great at sports and gymnastics.
4. She can sing and dance with the best of them.
5. She is pretty organized.
6. She is a great student.
7. She has a great memory and can remember lots of things I say that I have no recollection of ever saying.
8. She reminds us to do the things that are right. Loves Family Home Evening.
9. She knows how to make others feel at ease.
10. She is my only daughter and I am so thankful to have a little girl to dress up and do girl things with. I am the luckiest mom on the planet.

What do you remember about the Easter story?

2009-04-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Found this in my old drafts... shoulda posted it then but never got around to it.... wierd. Thought it was too funny not to share. I promise not to tell on the parents whose kids made these AWESOME comments.

Nathan teaches the almost 6 year olds in Primary. (CTR 6) He had to work Saturday night before Easter and so I told him I would teach his class. After reviewing the pictures and the accounts from the scriptures about the Easter story, we passed an Easter egg around and asked everyone what they remembered about the story. One little boy said, "... I know the erection!" We had to practice saying RESSURECTION several times after that! Another little boy remembered that the three women took stuff to put with Jesus' body so it wasn't smelly. When I asked him if he remembered what "stuff" they took, he said... "Ummmm... Pepper?" I think that was the only "spice" that he could think of!

"It's a chumbucket bucket hat!"

2009-04-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

My kids were getting ready for bed the night before Easter after coloring eggs. We had bought these cool sand buckets for Easter baskets thinking we could reuse them in Mexico later. So my creative kids put them on their head and Ethan came up with the name "Chumbucket Bucket Hat" I am sure that it is Spongebob inspired... I don't know. But they thought it was hilarious and I couldn't quit laughing. Garett was not thrilled to take the picture but is always a good sport. Hope everyone had a great Easter.

Cousin Time

2009-04-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

My little sister Molli is prego and has had some kidney issues during her pregnancy. Crappy for her... fun for me! I got to keep her two kiddos while she was in the hospital gettin hopped up on some sweet stuff. It was a blast and my kids were thankful to get to spend some time with Brynlee and Brennan.

Playin' out in the backyard

Harriet Potter

Peace My Brutha

Like a mom on crack...

2009-04-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

So I think it is the white trash in me that loves to hit the Dollar Tree Store every time I pass it. It is like a drug... Even if I have been there in the last 12 hours, I think to myself that there could be something new and totally in the "that is an amazing deal" catagory. I also love the library... I love to read and I love books! So my friend Laura and I went a couple weeks ago and combined the library trip with the Dollar Tree trip. We thought it was fun and so the next week we invited our friend Brooke. On the morning of the trip, we all ended up with extra kids. It was funny to see all the car seats and all the other kids sort of thinking about buckling up... I know, I know! I am a stinky mom. It was totally my kid unbuckled in the back of Laura's van. It was still pretty funny when we made them pose for a pic outside the library.

Then we talked about attempting the lure of the Dollar Tree and decided that we could handle it...It was still kinda funny when we loaded all of them in 3 different carts and headed in to the store.

There was no amount of caffeine that could cure how dumb I thought we were to take 13... read the numbers people... 13 kids into the Dollar Tree. Ahhhh...the memories!

Are you worthy of the "Black Shirt?"

2009-04-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

This post is way late, but when I took the picture, I knew that it would be something I wanted to blog about because I was so proud of Garett. On his football team this season, the players had an opportunity during practice to earn the "black jersey." It was just a plain black jersey that they wore over their regular practice gear. It could be earned for showing great dedication, hard work, hard hits, always hustling... you get the idea. Well, the guy who earned it got to keep it until another player stepped up and showed crazy awesomeness. Garett was one of 4 players to earn the black jersey and held it for the most consecutive days! He is a total stud! At the awards ceremony at the end of the year, the 4 players who earned the black jersey were presented with these cool black shirts to signify their hard work and dedication to the team! I am so proud of Garett. He is a great kid and I LOVE HIM TONS! Way to go Garett!

Homemade Crayolas

2009-02-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

My little sister Sunshine made these with her kids awhile ago and we came across some old and broken crayons. I love to peel off the wrappers and so does Ryan and so he helped me peel most of the crayons. He used his "super sharp shark teeth" to take the paper off of some of them and so before we melted them, quite a few of them had teeth marks in them. I don't know if you can see that in the pics or not but I thought it was super cute. They turned out great and the kids love them. So if you need a rainy day activity...

Peel all paper off crayons.
Break into small pieces.
Load into muffin tins... Cute shaped ones would be cool.
Bake at 200-250 till melted.
Cool and pop out of tins.
NO LINERS NEEDED!

What the H*#@? Who left their toupe' on my kitchen floor?

2009-02-03T19:50:00.000-08:00

PS... how in the h*#@ do you spell toupe'? I spell checked it and it looked like toupee... which just didn't look right and sounded like something worse than it was... anywho...

I can cut hair. With clippers. And scissors. But I HATE it. Garett begged me to cut his instead of making him go to Great Clips. This is the leftovers from the top of his head... plus a few extra scraps from the kitchen floor. We could totally clothe the top of some poor gentlemen's head... like Doug Roche :) ... (Love ya Doug) Or at the very least make an awesome Chia Pet. I told Garett that was his new name... Chia. He then proceeded to sing the song... Ch Ch Ch CHia! I can hardley look at the picture without being totally grossed out and amazed. WOW!

Londons Run 2009

2009-02-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

I love to run. I am not very good at it but I love it. I have been training for awhile with my friend Brooke Garner to do the 10K. We went on Saturday morning and ran our first one. When we first showed up at 7am so I could register, I told Nathan that it felt a little like the State Fair, there was a DJ and food and everything and I didn't know if I was gonna like it. I was a little intimidated. But I wondered if I would feel different in the end. We finished the 6.2 miles in exactly 60 minutes! I was so proud of us for reaching our goal. Not to mention that the race itself was for such a good cause. All along the race trail, there were pictures of London and other cancer victims and their families and friends with sayings like "YOU CAN DO IT!" and "CANCER IS HARD, RUNNING IS EASY!" I have to admit I had a hard time keeping my emotions in check. It was awesome to finish the race but made me think of the fight that those kids faced. I will run this race every year. ALSO... On February 14th there is another benefit race, (I think there is a 2 mile fun run/walk, a 10k, and a 1/2 marathon) for the Bailey's. They are a family in our stake with conjoined twins. I am running in this race as well and would encourage anyone who can to come out and support this awesome family to do so. Information about the event can be found at twosisters-oneheart.blogspot.com.

Before the Race! 10K or Bust Baby!

Freezing our cajones off!

The Finish Line...

We saw it and race to cross it...

We did it! Ah... Sweet Victory!

Dippin Balls...Lots of em! Peanut Butter Balls that is!

2009-01-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is making peanut butter balls. They are to die for but take a freakin long time to roll and dip. We didn't have Garett and Tyler here to help us out this year and so it took longer than usual. However, everyone had their job and did it well. We found these cool Coke bottles that were shaped like an ornament and so everyone got their own. We did a scomps after the balls were done. In one of the pictures you can see Ryan telling me that we should have a burping contest! It was a ton of fun!

Promised Family Pictures

2009-01-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

My Girl

He is something else...

8 years and counting... :)

Ryan Nolan

The Girls

Tyler wanted the boys to all do a "GQ Shot" So funny!

I love this one!

Tyler

The Bros

Garett

Most important peeps in my life...

Ethan

The Dudes

Nathan did not want to take this pic. We were cracking up cuz he kept opening his eyes. We tried to tell him it was freaky! We finally got it right but it didn't make the blooper shots!

Here are some of the pictures from our shoot... SO FUN! Love this crew!

Tis the Season...

2008-12-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Thatcher this year with Nathan's family. If you haven't noticed by now, my camera died.. therefore, no pics and no posts. However, I did change the background on my blog and wanted to take a minute to say... I AM BLESSED. I don't know if it was the emotion carry over from watching Twilight the night before Turkey day or what, but after I ran my own personal Turkey Trot :) I was overwhelmed with thankfulness for my husband. I try not to brag on him too much on the blog cuz than you would want to bite his neck too...:) On a more serious note, he is so good to me and puts up with so much! He is amazing with the kids and really tries to make sure that I am happy. I LOVE YOU NATHAN!

We also had the chance to take some family pics together while we were with Tyler. (Thank you, thank you to Aunt Jenni!) When she was done, I totally lost it. It seems like every time that we are all together now, I just feel so thankful for my kids and husband and I miss the crap out of Tyler! The kids and Nathan and I could hardly get a good pic because we were laughing and messing around so much! There is nothing that brings me more happiness than being with my kids and seeing them happy. It makes me so thankful for the gospel, for the reality of forever families. Because what can I say... we are a pretty fun crew! Forever is going to be a blast! I will post more pics of the family later! There are some freakin hilarious ones!

Little Kicking Bird...

2008-11-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I was sitting by Ryan on his bed so that he would think about maybe sleeping in his own bed when Ethan whispered..."Mom? Mom? Am I Native American?" To which I smiled and quickly answered "Nope." Ethan countered with, "Darn it."

My life flashed before my eyes...

2008-11-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

Nathan said that his life did not flash before his eyes, but that is the experience that I had when I got the call from Rural Metro Fire Dept. that my husband had been in an accident. It was not Nathan's fault and he is doing better every day... just has a bad case of whiplash and a sore knee. The bump on his head makes it hard to wear a hat... the point is... I am so thankful that he is ok. All I could think about on the way to the ER is "what am I gonna do if he is not ok?" I cannot imagine my life without him in it. It made me so thankful that I had a rare "nice day" the day of the wreck. We had taken Ryan golfing and just enjoyed each others company. Made me think that I should have more of those nice days. Poor Nathan! As it is, we are gonna be a one car family for awhile.

Shoulder Surgery

2008-11-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

Tyler just had surgery on his shoulder about a month ago for a labrum tear. He told Nathan and I before the surgery that he would be doing push ups afterwards. Here he is before going under all egotistical and such...

Here he is after waking up. I almost didn't take a picture but wanted to prove that we are all human with limitations. He was a champ and is recovering nicely. Still no pushups though!

Ty has been through alot this year and we are so glad that the surgery went well. We love you buddy!

Monkeying Around...

2008-11-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad have this huge monkey laying around the house that the grandkids love to play with. Chelsea found Tyler all snuggled up to it and couldn't resist taking a pic. I am sure he is gonna kill me when he sees this but it was too funny to pass up.

Nifty Sixty...

2008-11-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

Nathan's dad just turned 60 this past month. We all went to Thatcher to celebrate and do some of the things that Brooks loves to do. We spent the weekend making sugar cookies, shooting guns, looking for rocks out in the hills and cooking out, riding the rail and enjoying each others company. There are few people that I admire as much as my father in law. If I am able to adopt his tolerance and patience as a parent, I will feel like an accomplished adult. Maybe it will happen by osmosis since Nathan possesses those same qualities. I keep telling Brooks that the more time I spend around him, the more I see his qualities in Nathan. Especially his "sense of humor". We love you Dad and are so thankful for all you do for us!

When all the kids are looking for rocks, the boys will test their swing and play "baseball" with an old shovel handle. I was proud this last time that we were there when Nathan "broke the bat"

Randy and Jenni on a four wheeler ride!

All the kids checkin out Grandpa's rock collection. Ethan is an avid rock collector and thought this was pretty stinkin cool!

Every time we go home, the boys talk mom into baking something. Sugar cookies is not her favorite thing to make cuz she usually ends up doing them by herself. But because they are Dad's favorite and because all of the boys were willing to help, she did it. I don't think I ever see her happier than when her family is together.

We were crackin up becuz the last time we were home we went to church in mom and dad's ward. Alan went with us and had a toothpick in his mouth the whole time... well except during the sacrament. If you look close in this picture you can see the toothpick in his mouth. He is so funny!

2008-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

Mexico is always a blast! It is even better to take someone for their first time. Devin and Chelsea and their little girl Tyla had never been and so we got to stay in Chelsea's aunts condo. Could it get more confusing? Anyway... long story short it was really hot and we had to come home early but it was still super fun!

Sisters Day Out

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

We came home from Mexico early so Nathan and Devin let Chelsea and I go for the day to do some shopping and hanging out together. We got pedis and had lunch with Chelsea's little sis, Shawnee. I am so glad that my sis in laws are my friends too. I love Chelsea and am so thankful that she puts up with me. There are days that I would not make it through were it not for her! Love ya Chels. This day was a blast!

8 years and counting...

2008-11-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

I don't want to get all mushy and stuff, but in light of a few conversations that I have had lately and the state of affairs of some people in the world, I have to say how thankful I am for the second chance that I was given when I met Nathan. Our marriage has not been without its struggles and trials, but we have made it through and somehow there are certain times during each day when I wonder how in the world I got so lucky. He has put up with me this long, I pray that I can give him a few good reasons to stick around for at least 8 more years... hopefully longer!

Sassy Savannah

2008-10-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post pictures of Savannah on her first day of school because she didn't get back from Texas until 2 weeks after we started school. She came back with a cute new haircut and she looked so adorable on the first day of school!

Thou shalt not hateth the Xbox...

2008-09-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

So I really don't like the Xbox. But this morning while I was working on a project, I let Ryan play. He was singing while he was playing and I thought to myself..."maybe the Xbox isn't so bad." He just happened to be singing "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission."

He followed true Bryce nature by rockin' out to the tune! It is at the very end of the next clip but had me cracking up! I love this boy and the way he reminds me to take things in stride.

Today, today, work with a will...

2008-09-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

About a month ago we had the opportunity to help clean the temple grounds on a Saturday morning as a family. The morning started out early... had to be there by 7 and this is how all the kids looked till we got there...

This is a shot of Savannah and Ryan before the work started.

Before we were assigned a job, the temple president and his wife came and talked to us and bore their testimonies. It was awesome to see them! We also sang some opening songs and had a prayer. Ryan got to help some of the kids lead the songs.

We were the trash crew. Here is Nathan pulling the cart that eventually held all the trash. I think this was the happiest Ethan was all morning!

Ryan was so happy the entire morning. He loved that we all got a pair of gloves so we didn't get gross stuff on our hands. His didn't stay on too long but he was pretty thrilled initially.

I love this picture of the little boys. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your children serve together. Ethan was very good to help Ryan steer the cart the right way.

There is no greater way to teach children than by our own example. Nathan was very serious about the work we were doing that morning. He told the kids that we should take extra care because this was the Lord's house. I am thankful for a husband who quietly leads with a strong example of what is right. All the kids wanted to work by him.

Savannah loved this part. She literally "dug" right in!

Ethan muscled through it but was glad when we were done!

Little Trooper! :)

Here is a shot of Garett, much like his dad, who worked quietly and diligently through the morning. With only a minor mishap in front of the baptismal entrance. Everyones kids fight... right?

Lead me, guide me...

Ryan and Garett... Sharin' the love!

All my kiddos minus Tyler. I couldn't stop thinking about him this whole morning and wishing he was there with us. We miss him so much.

A pic of the whole family after closing remarks and prayer. What a great opportunity and I am so thankful we could go. It gave us a greater appreciation for the feelings we have when we are on temple grounds. Those feelings are in part produced by the cleanliness of the grounds. That we were able to contribute was a humbling experience. I would love to go back!

Ethan turns 7... a month ago...

2008-09-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

I usually make whatever the birthday boy wants for breakfast and dinner. Ethan requested pancakes and I made one in the shape of an "E" and one in the shape of a heart.

Ryan called this the smallest pancake in the world!

Ethan wanted to go to Peter Piper Pizza for his party so we took the family and went. It rained really hard on the way there and then Ethan was playing this ball game and hit the jackpot. Here he is with his winnings... nearly 500 tickets!!!

My brother in law, Scott, gave us a recipe for an ice cream cake. I tried it and it turned out so good. I think I made two more that week! Super yummy! All in all it was a great celebration of our Ethan boy. We are so proud of him and can't believe he will be getting baptized next year! Happy Birthday Ethie!

Get that "soft" feeling...

2008-09-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

So I have to tell you that the greatest thing that has happened to me since sliced bread is SOFT WATER!! Our friend, Patrick McCabe, just started his own Plumbing Business and installed our soft water unit about 6 weeks ago. Here are the things I love most about soft water...

1. Our skin condition has improved 1000%! I no longer get out of the shower and have to immediately immerse myself in a bathtub full of baby oil.

2. We only have to use about 1/10 of the shampoo, laundry soap, dishwashing detergent and bath soap... in the words of Patrick "You literally have to pick up the soap and touch it to the places that need soap. Then you should put the soap down or you will never be able to rinse it off."

3. My hair is softer and more manageable.

4. If you opt not to put the soap down right away, you can get really slickery....:)

5. NO MORE HARD WATER SPOTS!!! YEAH! Nuff said.

6. My dishes actually get clean in the dishwasher.

The list could go on and on. The point is... I love the soft water system and we think he is the best plumber ever. We have had to call him over to fix other emergent plumbing situations and let me tell you... He is sheer plumbing magic! He is super trust worthy and honest and we would highly recommend him to anyone who may need a plumber or who just wants to join the cool soft water club. You can contact him at: 480-250-1801 or check out their website at: www.camcorplumbing.com. We will have a link to their site on our blog. Happy Softening!

What the...? I have the worst luck!

2008-08-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

So I have to explain....

My friend Lori and I have a standing date every Wednesday night to watch Project Runway. So I had to run somewhere real quick and I haven't been driving the Excursion much lately. Needless to say, her car was behind the Excursion... she wasn't really hurt, but this makes for a great picture!

So I didn't have a flashlight at the house and we needed one to check out the real damage. I had initially been on my way to my friends house anyway (Brooke and Eric Garner) so I figured I would inconspicuously borrow a flashlight from them. They came to help remove the last thread of bumper that was hanging on and thought it would be funny for Nathan to come home to this.

I am honestly wondering if my luck will ever change or if I will keep finding bullshit ways to spend $500 every few months. I need to figure out about 500 ways to say "I'm sorry... " really quick!

I am, I am... I think I am...

2008-07-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

Do you remember that song from Nacho Libre??? I love that song. I saw this post on my friend Laura's blog and thought it would be fun to do it.

I am: a night owl
I think: family should always come first
I know: that sometimes it would be better for me to not say anything at all
I want: to start running again
I have: great family and friends
I wish: I took the time to enjoy each moment
I hate: stinky things
I miss: my sisters who live far away
I fear: getting the crap beat out of me by some random person cuz I like to flip the bird
I feel: like chicken tonite! JK My real answer is HAPPY...tired but happy
I hear: our dog Slim snoring. It makes me not miss Nathan so much! :)
I smell: Lemon Lavender Scentsy! YUM!
I crave: Dark Chocolate and a mango on the beach
I search: for new cleaning products that smell good
I wonder: if I am ok mentally
I regret: I had to agree with Laura on this one...Saying stupid things trying to be funny
I love: my husband and kids and a good hard workout (sit ups included!)
I care: about sticking to my convictions
I always: tap the top of the soda can before opening it.
I am not: a fluent speaker of the Spanish language, but I wanna be.
I believe: in second chances
I dance: terribly, but do it anyway cuz it makes me happy
I sing: to the radio and turn it up loud
I don't always: flush the toilet... only pee and only if Nathan is sleeping.
I fight: cuz it is fun! I do like a good argument.
I write: lists, cuz I like to check things off. It makes me feel productive.
I lose: My temper about once a month for a week straight...weird
I win: when it means the least.
I never: watch the news
I listen: to everything! I have sensitive ears so I am a really light sleeper.
I can usually be found: at home or on the beach! I know I am LUCKY!
I am scared: of big bodies of water
I am happy about: life! naps, kids starting school, having Garett back home, less than 2 weeks till Savannah gets home, hot fudge sundaes and good friends! I LOVE MY LIFE!

Back to School

2008-07-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids on the first day of school. They started pretty early this year. We moved them to the school across the street and are hoping for a great year. Ethan is so excited that Garett and Savannah will be at his school. Savannah is still in TX with her dad but we will post pics of her first day when she returns. Ryan posed for his own school picture too. I think he thought it was funny to hide. We will just have to call him Waldo.

My favorite song right now...

2008-07-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

SO I am behind on posting and I didn't post about mothers day. Let me just say this... There is something so rewarding about having people who know you... I mean really know you. I had been looking for new running shoes for several months and had not found any that fit all the specifications. Nathan came home with these...

and they were better than any shoes I would have picked out! I LOVE THEM!

Then, Priscilla, Ron and Jacki sent me flowers on Mothers Day. This is the boquet they sent.

So the thing is, TULIPS are my FAVORITE! It is nice to know that someone remebers my favorite things. And it is nice to be appreciated. I love being a mom for 6 huge reasons...

1. Tyler
2. Garett
3. Savannah
4. Ethan
5. Ryan
6. The man and the process that made me a mother... AKA NATHAN!

I have my own mother to thank for the fact that I enjoy being a stay at home mom. She was the best at it. She can make a mean loaf of homemade bread! There was never a doubt in my mind that she knew me and loved me just the way I was. I love her more than anything and hope that when I grow up... I can be just like her. So a few days late... (as usual) Happy Mothers Day Monsie! I LOVE YOU! XOXO

Busy little beavers...

2008-07-21T01:12:00.000-07:00

yep that's us! We have been so busy and have had no time to post. So make sure you go back about 20 pages to see what we have been up to! MUCH LOVE....

Tribute to Tyler

2008-07-21T00:41:00.001-07:00

Can you tell that he took this picture of himself? He is so amused!

So I have debated about whether or not to blog about this because even though it is pretty much public knowledge that Tyler is moving to Thatcher, it is just a really emotional subject for me. But by his leaving, there are so many aspects of my life that will change that I felt I had to at least try to put into words some of the things that my heart feels when I hear his name...

Little Shit is probably the first words that I think of. :) Tyler and I have really been through the ringer. We are so much alike and sometimes, that makes communicating very difficult. But for the past 8 years, he has been so patient with me as I learn how to be a parent. And despite the fact that we have gone head to head more than once, (thank goodness for door locks) when all is said and done, we have learned that "step mom" and "step son" have no place in our vocabulary. I love Tyler like my own flesh and blood and he pretty much has a personal space in my heart.

I love that Tyler loves life. He lives his life to the fullest taking "no prisoners of regret" as my dad would say. He looks at his mistakes as a means of making him a better person. I love to see him smile and the way that he kind of wrinkles his face when he laughs really hard. He's got a great smile that is contagious and warm. And any of you that know Tyler know that he is funnier than hell. Sometimes inappropriate, but that must be why I secretly love his sense of humor!

He is an AWESOME athlete! It is so fun to watch him play football, basketball, whatever because he makes it look so easy. He has natural ability like his dad and a temper like... well like Tyler! Maybe he got my temper through osmosis!

Tyler's younger siblings love him! He doesn't ever have to say much to them but they are on cloud nine when he compliments them or spends time with them. I can't even talk about the look on Ethan's face today when he realized that Tyler might not ever move back. BROKE MY HEART!

Some of the most spiritual experiences I have had have come as I have prayed about Tyler or fasted as he had gone through struggles. The day that he recognizes his spiritual greatness and his capabilities ... WOW! He teaches me through his example and reminds me that we don't stop making mistakes just because we "grow up"

Basically, in a nutshell, I LOVE THIS BOY! I love my other children too, but I don't think I was prepared for the emptiness I would feel at his being gone. There were days that I wished for distance and space between us. Now that it is here, I don't know what to do with the silence. Between the both of us, it was rarely quiet. Enter Savannah into the equation and you got a whole lot of noise. I guess the good thing is that I will be a little better prepared for him leaving for his mission and for college.

So, Tyler...

for all of the fears you helped me face, for the fights you made me fight, for all the nights I had to wait on you and for all the times I wondered and worried about you, for all of the times I felt disappointed and for the numerous others I was filled with pride, for the times I bored you with lectures... for all the laughing and learning together, for all the funny stories and long, loooooong talks about "whether or not she liked you..." for all the good and all the bad, you have made me a better person because of your presence in my life. I knew when I met you and you were 7 years old that my life would be different because of you. You make me want to be a better mom and make me so proud that you are my son. Know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I love you Ty.

Earning her Wings...

2008-07-21T00:40:00.000-07:00

Savannah flies to TX every summer to see her dad. Our friends, Rich and Lacee Herbert have been so awesome to fly out with her for the last couple of summers. It has helped Savannah to not be so anxious about flying with an escort. Oh and if you want to know why Rich's hat is so low on his head, you can call him and ask if you can get your hair and eyebrows cut completely off by his little 4 year old boy too!

This summer, Savannah got to fly out with Lacee. Lacee let Savannah get a teenie bopper magazine and they talked girl talk the whole time! Savannah had a total blast! I am so thankful for AMAZING friends. And Rich is so entertaining.! Love you guys!

While Lacee flew out with Savannah, I got to stay at the Ronald
McDonald house where her son Carter is receiving treatment. Ethan, Ryan ,Austin and Carter had so much fun! My boys fought over who got to sit on Ronalds lap. We opted for the face shot!

Life's a Beach...

2008-07-21T00:35:00.000-07:00

Or at least it has been for us this summer! We are so lucky to have a dad and husband who works so hard so we can kick it on the beach all summer. Well not all summer, but we were beach bums for most of it. Here are some pics showing the happenin's!

Going, going, back back to Cali, Cali

2008-07-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

Those are the words to an old rap song. And for a view like this, why would we not go back?

Actually here is the real reason we went back!

TJ is one of Nathans really good friends and he and his wife Vanessa are moving to New York at the end of July. They invited us to go on their family trip last year and we had so much fun that we came back for more. We had so much fun and we are going to miss them so much.

Surfer dude

2008-07-21T00:12:00.000-07:00

Tyler rented a surfboard while we were there so he could learn how to surf. It only took him a couple of tries. What a pro. Actually this is not Tyler. It is one of the locals. The waves pretty much kicked Ty's butt, however he did get up on the board for about 10 seconds or so. But dang! he rocks the wet suit eh?

Topher

2008-07-21T00:09:00.001-07:00

These are pictures of TJ and Vanessa's little boy Topher. Ryan can't say the "f" sound so he was calling him "Tosa" the whole time. I just started calling him "Tosa" too cuz I thought it was so cute. Ryan LOVED Toph and would take any chance he got to try and make him smile. Not hard to do! Topher is a sweet and happy boy!

Chillin in Cali...

2008-07-21T00:04:00.000-07:00

Random pics in San Diego

He's got the whole world in his hands...

2008-07-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

So this is Drew holding the sun up for a few more seconds. Not bad eh?

All the kiddos...

2008-07-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Watchin' the sunset in Cali. What an awesome bunch!

Everbody's surfin' now...

2008-07-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

How do you not love this? It was so funny to see him shake his little booty!

Squirrel Mania...

2008-07-20T23:53:00.000-07:00

In San Diego, there are squirrels all over the camp ground. Alecc decided he was going to catch one. So he rigged this green crate , which he propped up with a stick and put some sunflower seeds underneath. It only took him like 10 minutes to catch one. You can't see it very well but there is a very pissed off squirrell underneath the crate. Alecc just made a hat of it. (Not really but he did a freakin hilarious dance in that hat!) He is great and cheap entertainment!

I would be my brothers keeper...

2008-07-20T23:50:00.000-07:00

Whether Ethan is taking Ryan down to the ocean to pee or taking him for a swim or showing him something cool in the water.... This is a sight I never grow tired of.

Sharin the love...

2008-07-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

I always think that we will get an awesome family picture together on the beach. Yeah. Well anyways... I love my kids and my hubby. Some day we will rock the family pic on the beach!

What about your friends?

2008-07-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

The kids love going to Mexico cuz we go with some of our closest friends. Some days that means family and other days we are glad that other people bring their kids across the border! The kids love to have their pic taken!

Pedi's on the beach...

2008-07-20T23:37:00.000-07:00

So it did cost $20 bucks and I was slightly nervous about my foot fallin of after I got back to the States and the selection of colors of nail polish was limited to neon shades,but there is nothing like having someone rub your feet while you listen to the waves.... love it!

A face any mother could love...

2008-07-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

Of course I think my kids are cute... but there is something irresistable about them when they are totally relaxed and away from the cares of the world. (Only reason Tyler is missing from the bunch is he was still in school! :( I hope I look this good relaxed... What do you think!?

Ode to Chugs...

2008-07-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

Some of our favorite people in the world go to Rocky Point with us... the Ajemans. They have the best dog in the world who is constantly watching and protecting my kids in the event that I am napping or stuffing my face on the beach (which accounts for like 50% of the time). HE ROCKS! Plus, he hasn't peed on any of my beach gear for like a whole year! WE LOVE YOU CHUGGLES!

Pure Bliss...

2008-07-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

I think the pictures say it all. It is nice knowing that someone loves the beach as much as I do. His shorts are about a size too big. Hence the next picture...

Gotta love little buns....

Does the Tooth fairy know the way to MEXICO???

2008-07-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

So while we were in Mexico Ethan lost a tooth. GO FIGURE! He asked me if the tooth fairy knew the way to Mexico or if he would just have to wait till we got home to put it under his pillow. I convinced him to give it a try. On the first night, the tooth fairy must have been hopped up on Dos Equis because we woke up to a disappointed little boy. But she redeemed herself the next night leaving a whole dollar and some pesos. What a lucky little devil!

Happy Birthday Ryan Nolan Bryce!

2008-07-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

So Ryan turned four this year... yeah about 2 months ago! It has been a crazy fun summer! So we usually celebrate his birthday down in Mexico. He woke up that morning and got on the four wheeler with Ethan and was ready to ride! He is so much fun and I have always said that he is the perfect caboose. He made it really easy to decide to be done having kids because he is so easy going and funny! So here are the top 4 things I love about my Ry-Ry Roo!

1. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way he talks. It is even better when he sings. I love to hear him try to tell me that someone "sarted"

2. He makes the funniest faces.

3. Even when he is a little turd, he is quick to apologize... most of the time.

4. He loves his brothers and sisters. They don't have a hard time returning the favor!

Faces of Ryan:

One, Two, Skip a few, 99 One Hundred

2008-07-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Did any of your siblings ever say they would race you to see who could count to one hundred fastest? Yeah, I grew up in the sticks! Anyway, a while ago one of my good friends (Cari Shields) tagged me with the "one hundred things about me" tag. I am just barely getting around to it. Here we go...

1. I love summer time.
2. Summer means vacation, swimming, and popsicles.
3. My favorite popsicle is a Bullet.
4. I love to lay in the sun and read a good book even though I know it is bad for my skin.
5. I think that being tan and fat is better than being white and fat.
6. I love the smell of sunscreen. Sometimes I put it on in the winter just so I can anticipate summer.
7. I finally learned how to boogie board this summer.
8. I would like to learn how to build an amazing sandcastle.
9. I am only 30 years old and I have wrinkles.
10. I embrace those wrinkles cuz most of them are "laugh lines". Either I am pretty damn funny or I know some hilarious people.
11. I have a little birthmark on my left leg.
12. I think freckles are cute.
13. I think all of my kids have amazing eyes.
14. I love being a mom.
15. I figure I am pretty lucky to be able to stay at home with my kids.
16. I never went to college.
17. I went to beauty school for about 3 months... Yes that does make me a beauty school drop out and Yes it gets old when people sing that song to me.
18. I have taken a couple of online courses.
19. I love learning, but I stink at math.
20. I would love to get a degree in something... Right now I am thinking about nursing. I think it would be cool to be a labor and delivery nurse.
21. I love to watch movies.
22. I love the movies that are series... Rambo, Rocky, Star Wars...
23. I love to watch the Food Network.
24. I never cook new things, I just like to think that someday I might.
25. I love hiking.
26. I love camping... especially now that I have a trailer.
27. I like to work outside.
28. Like mowing the lawn.
29. and pulling weeds.
30. I love the smell of rain.
31. I have almost been married for 8 years.
32. This is my second marriage.
33. My husbands second marriage too.
34. If we added up all the years that we spent married, it would add up to TOO DAMN MANY!
35. Just kidding. Nathan has spent alot of years married.
36. Sometimes I feel bad for him... like I should be a little nicer.
37. It is just so hard when he is so fun to tease.
38. I am so thankful for Nathan.
39. He puts up with a lot of crap.
40. He can dish it out pretty good too.
41. I would like to be more patient.
42. And limit the number of times in a day that a cuss word comes out of my mouth.
43. I love living in Queen Creek.
44. I wish I had a pool in the back yard.
45. I have been to 10 states.
46. I would love to travel and see the rest of the US in an RV.
47. I love doing puzzles
48. And playing any kind of game.
49. I love bowling.
50. I won the spelling bee in elementary and junior high.
51. My 8th grade year I lost on purpose because I didn't want to study.
52. I love playing sports.
53. I am not super competitive because I pretty much suck.
54. I love to do laundry.
55. I hate to put it away.
56. I love having a clean house.
57. I love naps...good 2-3 hour naps.
58. One of my favorite things in the world is clean sheets and shaved legs.
59. I sleep best when Nathan is home.
60. I am a bit of an insomniac.
61. I love food.
62. Anyone tried the new Nilla Cakesters? 'nuff said!
63. I love music and like to sing... not a good singer but like to anyway.
64. I love that Nathan can name the song and the artist to almost every song on the radio.
65. I would pick the beach over the mountains any day of the week.
66. I wish I was a good diver.
67. I hate shopping for clothes.
68. I am not much of a collector.
69. I would move every two years if Nathan would let me.
70. I hate painting but love the smell of fresh paint... Hmmm.
71. My sisters will debate this one, but i have not peed my pants for the last 25 years.
72. They have... sometimes more than twice a year.
73. They keep telling me that if I keep making fun of them, it is going to happen to me too.
74. When I was 10, I pooped my pants in public.
75. I think I would rather do alot of things than to repeat that experience.
76. I think farting is funny.
77. I hate it when someone farts at the table. That is the only time I can disipline my kids or husband for doing it.
78. Or if they do it in my face.
79. All other times, I lose it when anyone breaks wind.
80. I love soda. I know it is bad for you, but I LOVE IT.
81. I love baby feet.
82. And the smell of a clean baby.
83. And the smell of breast milk poop.
84. I loved being pregnant.
85. I love the sound of my kids singing.
86. I am thankful for the temple and for a husband who honors his priesthood.
87. I love flowers.
88. My favorite flower is tulips.
89. My favorite late night snack is Honey Buns.
90. I like to run.
91. There is nothing like a good cry.
92. The last time I cried was when my sister Aisilyn moved to Holbrook.
93. I never thought I would be a dog person, but I love my dog slim.
94. I hate the smell of dogs
95. Can't someone come up with a rememdy to stinky dogs?
96. I don't mind my age.
97. I like jumping on the trampoline with my kids.
98. ... wearing about 4 sports bras.
99. I would love to get a breast reduction.
100. I think Nathan is gonna die that I put that on the blog.

There you have it. 100 useless pieces of information about me.

Here comes the sun... do do do do....

2008-05-23T23:21:00.001-07:00

I love this song.... And can't wait to be in Mexico where the sun is shining. I so need this vacation. I will be back in 8 days and will be a NEW WOMAN! Nothing like a good vacation and gaining 5 or 10 to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! :) See you all on the flip side! XOXO Sonda

High degrees of mutual toleration...

2008-05-12T21:24:00.001-07:00

I have a friend that posted this quote on his blog and I loved it so much I had to snatch it and put it on mine... Although I don't think we say "snatch" do we? I think I meant steal... Anyway...

President Gordon B. Hinckley said:
“I have enjoyed these words of Jenkins Lloyd Jones, which I clipped from the newspaper some years ago. Said he:…
“Anyone who imagines that bliss…is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.
“[The fact is]… most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise…
“Life is like an old-time rail journey- delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.
“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”

I love Pres. Hinckley because he is just honest. He says it like it is and I LOVE HIM!

Seriously...

2008-05-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

I know it has been forever... That is why I spent 4 hours updating the blog. I actually had to break for meals. Life is catching up with me and I needed to get current. I miss you all and hope there is less madness in your life than in mine!

Weekend for the Bryant Family

2008-05-09T11:56:00.001-07:00

This weekend, my brother in law, Kendall was ordained and was able to bless his two little darlins... Brynlee and Brennan. (He is gonna kill me for callin 'em darlins) I was so proud of him and it is always so much fun to see family. We missed Sunshine and Patrick and their kiddos and also Aunt Julia and new little baby Cardston. Love you all and am so glad... we are family!

Chillin' at Grammy's

Muscle Madness... Dallin and Raydon

Aunt Jolan and Aisi... Bonding in the kitchen

Bubba Lou

The Girls

All the cousins

Grillin' it up... Scott and Kendall

Quality time... Coltin, Ais, Brennan and Papa

Let the good times roll...

Aunt Jolan and Britnee with little Pablo... I mean Paulo :)

Churro Stop...

2008-05-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Someone told us about this place in Rocky Point where they make fresh churros. We went as a fam... minus Tyler who was shopping with the Ajeman's. It was great! The kids loved it. What is not to love about a long sugary donut?

Imagine finding you here...

2008-05-09T11:47:00.001-07:00

It was fun to be in Rocky Point at the same time as Savannah's Grandma and Grandpa Whipple. We had lots of time to visit and relax and share treats! Savannah even spent a few nights in their trailer. Good times!

In Celebration of Cinco de Mayo...

2008-05-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

a few days ago... I will finish posting pics of our last Rocky Point Trip. We are getting ready to go again. I feel like most of the pictures on our blog are of Mexico. If nothing else, it is an attempt to get some of you to visit down there. How many ways can you say... RELAXING!?

Savannah and Dad playing catch on the beach...

Ryan and Pops

The Boys

My kiddos

"Big" drink for a "big" boy

Mike and Mandy Ajeman at the Hut...Life is good

Triple Push Pops

2008-05-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

If you have ever had a push pop you know that thrill that would come with a TRIPLE push pop. These puppies cost a pretty penny. But the look on the faces makes it all worth it.

Savannah May

2008-05-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Savannah just celbrated her 9th birthday. It is crazy to me how in these landmark moments like birthdays, you seem to really see how fast time is going. She is getting so big and is so full of life. I love her so much! She had a little celebration at Barro's (none of the rest of the family complained) with just our family and a few friends. It was fabulous and she had a blast! Here's to you sister sue!

Top 9 Things we love about Savannah....

1. She is great with kids. She knows how to play and how to include everyone. She is going to be a great babysitter.

2. She has an infectious laugh... It can be annoying in a cramped space but some people would say the same thing about my laugh! :)

3. She loves a good challenge.

4. She loves to play sports and her brothers love that!

5. She is very aware of my feelings and moods. I don't know that I am proud of this but she does usually know when it is best to just play outside!

6. She loves to perform... sing, dance, gymnastics. You name it she can do it and would love to show you!

7. She is very aware... of her situation, of other people and of uncomfortable situations. From the time she was a baby, she has been able to sense things and bring a gentle peace wherever she is.

8. She is pretty dang funny! I think she gets it from me.... Don't laugh, I am serious.

9. I think she is the best of me and the best of Todd all rolled into one. What a gift she has been in my life. She has been with me through some of the hardest times of my life and has proven to be a light and reminder of why we are here and where we are headed. I love you my girl! XXOO

Learning to let it go...

2008-05-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

So sometimes I guess I am a little uptight. I like things the way I like them and am a much happier person when things are in order. In the eternal scheme of things the things that bother me don't matter much. So today, I am going to start letting go of those little things. I think I will start here...

My Name is What?

2008-05-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Before you listen to this... I just wanted to say that my kids do know Primary songs too! I don't know where they picked this up?! :)

How 'bout no you freaky deaky dutch?

2008-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

This is the video of Ryan that I promised a while back of his imitation of the Austin Powers movie. There are a few other impersonations that we think are funny but maybe no one else will. Everyone in my family makes fun of me because I find myself humorous at times. It is a gift to be able to laugh at yourself... no? It sure makes you feel alot better when you make a royal a_ _ of yourself!