The Beardall Family

Courtney - Homecoming 2010

2010-12-23T14:33:00.003-07:00

Courtney went to Homecoming with Braden Gull. He lives a couple of houses away from us and is in our ward as well. They have been friends for a long time. He is such a great guy and they had a really fun time together. A group of them went to SLC to the Dew Tour during the day. They had dinner at Michael Haskell's house that night and then went to the dance. What a fun time of life and what great kids

Going on their day date to the Dew Tour in SLC

Braden, Court, Cole & Bethany

At the Dew Tour

All the beautiful girls...

Bethany, Jerika, Jamie,Court & Kiley

Braden, Court, Cassidy & Michael Haskell

Court and Braden

Putting on her beautiful wristlet

Courtney singing the National Anthem with the Concert
Choir at the Homecoming game.

Life in the fall...

2010-12-23T14:23:00.001-07:00

Alec graduated from Cub Scouts in November - they do a great ceremony where he crosses over a bridge and joins Boy Scouts. They don't remove his Cub Scout neckerchief until the new one is in place. My boy is growing up! Congratulations Alec - Good job!

Putting my mothers pin on.

Going through the graduation ceremony

Receiving his awards

Crossing over the bridge and being welcomed by his new troop.

I'm Back!!

2010-12-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I thinks it's time I got back to blogging. There have been some changes in our family over the past few months. In no particular order... I have gone back to work part time. I'm working for Nebo School District at Salem Elementary School as a tutor and Skill Building Coach. Without a doubt this has been the main reason I don't blog much. I miss my quiet time at home but also really enjoy my job. Tim lost his job in November due to downsizing & cutbacks. He is actively looking for work and we are hopeful that something will happen soon. It's very scary to live on unemployment and my part time wage but we are finding that through trials we grow stronger and our faith increases. I know that without my Heavenly Father and the faith I have in his plan for me that I would be a desperate mess. Over the Christmas break I will post pictures of our life over the past few months...so nice to be back!

Camping at Lodge Pole 2010

2010-08-25T16:30:00.001-06:00

We decided to go camping the weekend before school started and amazingly, pretty much the whole family was able to come for either all or part of the trip. It was beautiful, peaceful and so much fun to play cards, read and just spend time together. It was a great weekend and a nice way to end the summer, so to speak.

So glad everyone was able to come! (I have converted to the "new" publishing format and now can't figure out how to move my photo's around or add captions - It will let me add a caption on some but not all photo's, so bear with me. When I try to move a picture or delete one it bumps it to the bottom. Grrrr! It's ticking me off! This post looks all messy and I'm getting too frustrated to mess with it! If anyone has some pointers let me know!!)

Grandpa Larry teasing everyone without his teeth!

Oh - the difference some teeth make!

Madi, Court and Jerika

Trey, Matt, Alec, Corbin and Ellie

Cynthia painting her face...

Courtney getting hair washing...

All rolled up...

My Sorry Picture Taking Butt...Summer 2010

2010-08-05T20:15:00.003-06:00

First and foremost I must confess that I have been the most lousy picture taker this summer! I have carried my camera with me every where I go and I take next to nothing. I am in a slump and just can't get into blogging these days. Thought I would post the few pictures I have taken and some that Courtney has. I think it corresponds with the fact that I don't want to be in any of the pictures because I'm a fat butt again and we haven't done hardly anything this summer!! I really need to find my energy...I know if I would exercise I would have more energy but I'm too tired to exercise!! Whine, complain, blah! Okay enough of that nonsense!!

Playing a game at Girls Camp on Bishop's Night.

Notice the giant bandage on my elbow! I was

the Stake Camp Cook this year and burned myself

a good one on the oven door.

Courtney at camp...

Courtney, Amanda Hill & Amelia Weight

YCL's (Youth Camp Leaders) Kiley Williams,

Shelby Ainge, Courtney and Bethany Holmgren

I laughed at the mustache! Oh such funny girls!

Mormon Handcart Pageant - Nephi, Utah

Las Vegas trip with my siblings and parents

to celebrate my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Love On!

Tim and Brian

Amber, Me, Mom

Dad trying to win it big!

Cynthia & Sterling at the pool...

Mom, Brian and Jason

Dad & Tim

Dad and Brian ALWAYS carry their Backgammon

Board...

Jason & Amber relaxing

Sterling & Cynthia

Chit-chatting about this and that...

Courtney's First Date...PROM!

2010-04-24T23:07:00.001-06:00

Courtney was invited to prom by Hayden McClellan. He attends Maple Mountain High School so of course that is the prom they went to. As I write this she is having her first date and making fun memories. I'm waiting up for her anxious for all the wonderful details! Here are a few of the pictures of Prom...

Hayden delivered a box to Courtney at school...inside was a puzzle she had to put together.

The Answer...

Courtney and Hayden

At the school going into Promenade

Pictures outside...

Their prom group - what gorgeous modest dresses! Well done girls!

Courtney was the first girl to be picked up. She got in the Excursion and she was the only girl nestled in between these guys. It was a little weird to watch them drive away with my girl...

These aren't your mother's prom shoes...

Nice and flat so she wouldn't be taller than Hayden!

Pretty Princess...

Getting the up-do!

Hayden sent me this text right after we left Promenade. He is a gentleman and such a respectful and nice young man. A great boy to take my daughter to the prom.

Courtney's Surprise Party 2010

2010-04-24T22:39:00.001-06:00

Courtney's girlfriends planned a surprise party for her 16th birthday. They pulled it off without her suspecting a thing - which is amazing! While Shelby took her to dinner everyone gathered at Shelby's house. They hung out around the fire pit and lots of friends came and went all evening. What a great bunch of friends to make it an awesome 16th birthday! Thanks to the Ainges for letting 25-30 kids hang in their back yard!

Surprise! Court's face turned bright red!

Courtney Turns 16!

2010-04-24T22:24:00.001-06:00

It's official! My baby girl has turned the ripe old age of 16. A right of passage in so many ways...dating & driving of course are the most exciting at the moment. (At least for Courtney) It has been such a delight to watch her grown into such a beautiful young woman. She is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. It scares me to think she could be out on her own in just a couple of years! It has really made me think about how quickly time passes and that we really must make the most of every moment!

A new Ipod Touch...

Happy Birthday Court!

The marquee at Fast Gas!

Jerika, Court and Brooke. Some of Courtney's guy friends decorated her room with balloons and brought her treats for her birthday!

Activities with Alec...

2010-04-24T22:01:00.001-06:00

Pine Wood Derby time again! Tim and Alec had a good time making another car and racing it this year...

The Green Goblin...

Kayson Oss and Alec

All the 4th grade classes held a dance festival at their school where the girls dance with their dad's and the boy's dance with their mom's. They taught us all kinds of different dances. It was such a fun time with by boy!

Mom and Alec -

Dancing the Virgina Reel? I can't remember!

Matthew's Kindy 500

2010-04-24T21:37:00.001-06:00

Matthew's Kindergarten class had their first ever "Kindy 500." They each made their own kindy car and then they got to go on a tour in their car. They visited the Statue of Liberty, Mt. Rushmore, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, just to name a few stops. Grandpa Larry agreed to play Abraham Lincoln and did a great job! Matt thought it was great to have grandpa be a part of such a fun day at school.

Grandpa Larry as Abe

Matt and Abe...

Tubing at Soldier Hollow 2010

2010-01-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

We went tubing at Soldier Hollow again this year - what a blast! If you haven't ever gone, you really should! Watch the paper for coupons, it's a bit pricey, but oh so fun! We got up there and starting getting our warm clothing on and of all things, we forgot Matthew's coat! How did that happen?! So Alec took the lining out of his coat and Matt wore that to keep warm, then I took the lining out of my coat and gave it to Alec. Good times!

Matt playing on the tubes

Nate playing peek-a-boo

Alec

Up we go...

What a cutie!

Me and Court

Court and Tim

My boy Alec...

Matt and dad...

Me and Court

Trying to look mad - good try Court!

Riding up the hill in style!

Alec and his friend Nate Lemon

Tim and Matthew

One day your eyes are going to stay like that!

Yippee!

Me and Matt just finished a ride down...

Here she comes...

Up you go...

Courtney's Room Re-do!

2010-01-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

We re-painted Courtney's room over the break and re-decorated it as well. Tim painted all her furniture black and we went on a trip to Ikea for some accessories. She picked everything out and had an idea for zebra print. I wasn't sure at first but I must say, I'm really happy with the way it turned out. The best part is, she is keeping it SO clean! YIPPEE!

Snowboarding on Christmas Break 2009

2010-01-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Alec and Matthew tried out their snowboards on the hill at their school and then headed over to the BIG hill by grandma and grandpa's house. They had a fun time!

Alec

Matthew giving it a try...

Woo Hoo a jump!

A visit to Iona, Idaho 2009

2010-01-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

The day after Christmas we packed our bags and headed to Idaho to visit Jason & Amber. We had a great time letting the kids play, playing cards and just spending time together. Thanks for feeding us all and letting us crash at your house guys!

How high can YOU wear your pajama pants? :-)

Jason with his twins - Brigham and Brighton

4 little boys snuggling with grandma and grandpa

Playing cards and trying not to die from the

emissions...ha ha ha

Martinelli's does a body good...

Jason and Amber

More emissions...

Matthew and Alec ready for church in their new

Christmas sweaters. Handsome boys.

Brigham, Jaden, Matthew and Brighton. Or it

could possibly be Brighton on the other end and

Brigham at the other end. I can't tell them apart!

My "Little" brother Jason

Waiting, waiting, waiting

Mom, Jason and Dad

Campout!

Jaden and Matthew

Amber and Mom

Wrestling...

Jaden's new ski's - Jason is anxious to get him

on the slopes.

Playing on the jungle gym

Alec shooting his BB gun at some cans.

Matthew giving the ski's a try

Christmas Eve 2009

2010-01-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve was at Cynthia's house and was such a nice evening. We had our usual menu and enjoyed every bite. After dinner we always have a little program where the kids perform their talents and then we watch a video about the Savior. This year we did something new, thanks to an idea from Jodee, our hair stylist! We talked about gifts and what gifts we could give the Savior in the coming year. It was to be something personal that we could each work on - we didn't share what those things were, but everyone thought about it for themselves. Then we each took a red balloon that represented our gift and went outside to send our gifts to heaven. We then let the balloons go and sang happy birthday. Next year we will talk about those gifts and what difference it made in our lives to work on them. I'm so grateful for a family that loves each other and wants to improve each year. We help each other to do our best. We are so blessed!

Our family...

Trey, Corbin and Ellie

Cynthia and Michael playing a duet...

Letting our balloons go...

Kyson and Avery playing

Brittany (Tyler's fiance) and Tyler

Grandpa Larry giving a Christmas message.

Brad and Kyson

The teenagers...Dakota, Madison, Courtney, & Michael

Madison & Courtney

Cute boy cousins...Corbin, Trey, Matthew & Alec

Tyler, Brittany and Kyson

Tiffany & Melissa

Avery & Steve

Scott and Ellie

Larry and Brian

My bearded wonder Tim

Cynthia

Logan and Sterling

Mom and Dad (Charleen & Larry)

Gingerbread Houses 2009

2010-01-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

We have a tradition to make gingerbread houses each year for Family Home Evening. I actually thought we would skip it this year, but the kids had a fit, which surprised me because I didn't think they really cared about the activity that much. I was happy to know they enjoyed spending time together, so off I went to buy candy and graham crackers! It is always fun to see everyone's creations!

Christmas Party with friends - 2009

2010-01-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

As always, we had a fun evening with our dear friends. Good food, great company and laughing. It just doesn't get any better than that. Also we played a fun new game called "What?" It was a very fun evening!

Me and Tim

Shaun and Candy

Mike and Jelene

Peggy and Ken

Don and Nicole

Sitting around visiting...

Mother Daughter Trip 2009

2010-01-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

In December for the past 22 years I have been blessed to go on a weekend trip with my mom and sister. It is a trip paid for and planned by my mom - we stayed at the Inn at Temple Square for years until it was torn down and now we stay at Little America. We shop, dine out, attend the Kurt Bestor concert, and then end on a spiritual note as we attend Music and the Spoken Word on Sunday morning. It's the one time each year we go away together, just the 3 of us. We are just sisters & daughter's together with our beautiful mother. We look forward to this trip each year to spend quality time together. We laugh, eat, talk, shop, and have the most wonderful time! Thanks for a another fabulous trip mom - I love you both! (and thanks to my Tim man for taking care of everything at home!)

Sunday morning after the mini concert at the

Conference Center with the Tabernacle Choir.

Natalie Cole was the special guest at the broadcast.

She was truly fantastic!

President Monson on stage afterward to

present Natalie Cole with a gift.

Natalie hugging President Monson

Cynthia and mom at the Conference Center

So beautiful!

Mama in her nightgown...

Me after the Kurt Bestor Concert - a book & snack

what more could I want...Yes I have two black eyes.

Cynthia always elbows me in the night. HA HA HA

Not really - I tried to fix the red-eye and this is what

I got - I found it rather funny.

Put the damn camera away Christine!

A quick power nap before the concert - we work

so hard on this trip! :-)

Like mother, like daughter...

Before...

After...

This is what we looked like the first morning...

What the hell happened to us?

Look what a little paint and spray can do for a

girl - thank heavens!

My beautiful sister and her new orange bag!

Mama Mia

In the lobby of Little America - checking in.

And a grand time was had by all!

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-01-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

This year we went to Hurricane for Thanksgiving and had wonderful time! We stayed with Tim's sister Ann and her husband Bruce. They were so generous to open their home to us, as well as the rest of the family for Thanksgiving dinner. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful and warm. We actually ate dinner out on the patio! Tim's parents and siblings had a family picture taken (which I will post when I get it) on Thanksgiving morning. They haven't had a picture with everyone together for more than 15 years. I honestly don't think I've ever had one to display in our home. So that was a real treat and it was also very nice to see everyone together. Thanks again to Ann and Bruce for hosting - we love you so much!

Ann & Bruce's Hurricane Home

The Hanger

Matthew playing in the dirt - fun!

Our niece Kenzie playing too - she is growing up so fast!

Nephew's Tanner and Karter - too cool to play

in the dirt anymore. :-)

Courtney relaxing...

Alec in heaven - dirt heaven

Building a city...

Sister-in-law Teresa

Tim's brother Barry

Tim's sister Karen

Nephew Jason and Tim's sister Genalee

Grandpa Bernie

Tim's sister Ann and Courtney

Tanner with his mom Becky (Tim's sister)

Brother-in-law Leonard, Jason and Tim's mom

Carol

Leonard filling his plate - delicious!

Matthew playing croquet

Jason and Genalee

Alec and Karen

Alec whipping the cream...

Matthew, Grandma Carol and Tim

Tanner and Courtney playing Rockband...

Playing cards later that night with Leonard and Karen

Matthew got tired and went in the bedroom and

built a tent. He crawled in and went to sleep.

Brings back memories doesn't it!?

Sister's - Becky, Karen and Ann

Matthew, Courtney and Alec with Grandma B.

Mr. Bruce - sometimes known as Skid :-)

Table all set

Bernie

Tanner

Leonard

Alec turns 10!

2010-01-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

Alec is now 10 years old! I can't believe the time has passed so quickly. Alec has always had an extraordinary amount of energy and our challenge has been to channel it in the right direction. As strange as it sounds, the boy LOVES to work. He can usually be found outside shoveling, raking, building, hauling, or mowing. The neighbors hire him for different jobs, and so does Grandpa Vest. Money talks with Alec and he is a saver! He usually has a wad of money hidden somewhere until I find it and take it to the bank. He loves to skateboard, snowboard, ride bikes and hang with his friends. He is doing well in school and is in the 4th grade. Happy Birthday Alec!

Waking up and getting ready to open his presents!

oooh - What could it be?

YIPPEE!

Birthday Party!

(Kayson, Connor, Dylan, Nate and Alec)

Eating pizza after laser tagging

They worked up a sweat!

Dylan and Connor

Nate

Kayson

Tim laser tagging with the boys...

Waiting to get their gear

Smile!

St. George with "The Club" 2009

2009-11-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of year again...YIPPEE! Once again I headed to St. George with my girlfriends and had a great time! We stayed in a beautiful condo and enjoyed lots of shopping, eating, laughing, movies, bingo, and especially each other. Thanks for another great trip my dear friends!

Getting gas and a drink at Fast Gas in Salem

before we hit the road - can you tell it was a

bit windy? (Shellie Jensen, Alison Peterson,

Cindy Nelson, Jennifer Hanson and me.)

First stop...a pedicure - aaahhhh!

The results...

Dinner on Friday night...delicious!

Alison getting jammied up...

Cindy getting ready in the morning - she will

hate me for posting this picture! :-)

Jen getting her hair done...

Surprise - me ironing - yes even on vacation!

Pretty ladies, all ready for the day... (Shellie)

Cindy - with dry hair!

Shellie, me, Jen and Cindy

Me...

Cindy and Silly Shellie with her sunglasses

on upside down...

Allie and Jen - do you notice the sick thong in

the background? If you know about this trip,

then you know my friends buy a nasty thong

every year and hide it in my stuff and just wait

for me to find it. I try not to react but I just can't

help it! I usually end up finding it when we are

in a public place! Some of the old ones find a way

of showing up on our trips for some laughs...

just for the record I do not and will not EVER wear one!

Jen making us laugh in one of the thongs from

years past...

Shellie trying on the thong they bought this trip!

(and hid in my wallet - which I found as I went

to pay for my dinner at a mexican restaurant!)

The hilarious thing was we didn't realize the window

right behind her was a window into the restaurant.

We thought it was a little shop that was closed

because the windows were dark, not the overflow

room for the restaurant! Then we noticed people

laughing from inside! I guess you had to be there,

but it was very funny!

One of our fun stops...

Jennifer and an interesting statue at TJ Maxx

hmmmmm...

Trying to pose like the statue...but I couldn't

bend like that...try it!

I dared Jen to get in this giant pot...she could

have gotten all the way in and hid!

Another dare...Shellie and the geisha woman!

We met up with Cindy's mom Connie and her

sister Jill. They came to dinner with us...

Oh the snacks...we won't go hungry that's

for sure!

Watching a movie at the condo - Shellie and Alison

Jen all snuggled up in her blanket...

Getting ready to head for home, the final pose!

Loaded down! Alison bought us all a cute big

bag to keep our purchases organized, but we

over-flowed even those! But we got a lot of

Christmas shopping done!

Awww - it's over so soon?

Jen our driver...

Thanks for a relaxing and fun trip my dear friends!

And thanks to the great hubbies we left behind to

take care of all our kids! You're great!

New Family Photos...2009

2009-11-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

We had some new family picture taken - they really turned out great! Thanks to Amber for sharing her talent and being willing to take our pictures. What a great looking family if I do say so myself!

The whole fam dam...

Larry and Charleen with their 5 kids

(Brian, Jason, Bradley, Cynthia & Christine)

The Tim & Christine Beardall Family

Christine and Tim

My beautiful Courtney girl...

My handsome Alec boy...

My sweet Matthew

Reflections Contest 2009

2009-11-04T13:29:00.001-07:00

Alec and Matthew both submitted projects in their school Reflections Contest. Alec did 2 projects and took 1st with his 3D clay project. Both received free tickets the the Clarke Planetarium and a certificate. Alec's project will now go on to the district level...we will see how he does. Good job boys!

The theme was Beauty Is...

Alec with his certificates

First Place project...to a boy, beauty is a good

game of ball!

The eye is made of beads - it didn't place but

he did a great job.

Matthew made an awesome rocket!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T12:50:00.001-07:00

Well - Halloween as come and gone once again. It seems like I just posted pictures from last year! It's always fun to see the costumes, but a pain in the rear to come up with them! Here are a few pictures of the fun...

Matthew at his Kindergarten program -
telling about the letter B... B is for boo in a
scary scene, you will hear it on Halloween!

The Red Power Ranger without his mask...
no masks at school - it might scare the
Kindergarten kids!

Alec and his friends Nate and Kayson - all dressed
up like girls this year - too funny!

Kayson Oss - seriously a cute girl/boy!

My slender ballerina boy Alec...

I thought this picture was so funny - they all

had boobs and just couldn't stop poking each

other - nasty little boys anyway! :-)

Oh My!

On G'ma & G'pa Vest's porch with the scary stuffed man!

Alec - notice the pink painted fingernail!

Our ward Trunk or Treat produced some great

costumes - here are a few of my favorites.

Jason Stewart (our Elder' Quorum President)

as "Dog the Bounty Hunter" cuffing Tim...

Clay Cushing as the Wheaties Man

Alyse Cushing as a wicked witch -

quite glamorous too!

The McEwan Pirate Family!

Sister Sean Weight - from bare chested

Nacho Libre' last year to totally covered up!

The porch and pumpkins...

Tim and his sister Karen - I took this Halloween

morning as they were going over some papers.

They both had to wear a pair of reading

glasses to see anything...geez it stinks to get old!

My Release...

2009-10-25T20:08:00.000-06:00

After 3.5 years I was released today (Sunday, October 25, 2009) as Young Women President. I have loved this calling with all my heart and then some. It has given me the opportunity to strengthen my testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ and has blessed me with the opportunity of serving with the most amazing women. I have learned so much from them through their examples. And best of all I have had the pleasure of knowing and loving the most spectacular girls. They are strong and beautiful and give me hope for the future! It has been the busiest calling I have ever had and has brought the most joy as well. I will miss my weekly association with everyone and feel a bit lost. It's hard to remember what I used to do before my time was consumed with planning and attending weekly activities, organizing meetings, attending meetings, girls camp, youth conference, and having so much fun in the process! Jan Anderson, my former 2nd Counselor is the new president. She will be fantastic and I know the girls are in great hands!

I have loved being so close to Courtney and so involved in everything she does with the YW. It's hard to believe that she will be 16 and a Laurel in April - she turned 12 a month after I was put in the YW in March 2006. I have been hoping for a change for a while and know it's the right time, but now that it's actually happened my heart is a bit sad. Tim and I have been called to be the Activities Committee Chair people - basically planning the ward parties and some other activities. I'm looking forward to working with Tim and having a bit more free time to pursue the things I love to do.

I am so grateful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have grown from my opportunity to serve the YW and for that I'm so blessed! Thanks to all those in my life that have helped me the past 3.5 years. Like they say...it takes a village. I couldn't have served without so many people to help with my children when I have been gone for days at a time during the summer months, for Girls Camp and Youth Conference. Between my family (my sweet mom and my Tim-man in particular) and friends they have given countless hours over the years. So, thank you so much!

It's been quite a ride and life is good!

My Presidency - Alyse, Jan, Me and Neely
How I love these ladies - we have had such fun
together!

Alyse, Cindy, Me, Neely and Jessica

My many sweet and beautiful girls...

Our last activity together - Laser Tag

Having fun after laser tagging -

Gonna miss you!

This and That #2

2009-10-11T21:45:00.000-06:00

Grandpa Larry took Alec, Matthew and Tim fishing a few weeks ago. It's always a great time to go fishing with Grandpa and the boys love it! Especially the snacks...nippy cheese, sweet pickles, green olives and a nice salty cracker. A breakfast for champions!
G'pa with Alec and Matt

There were some Salmon spawning that the
boys watched - they thought it was cool!

Riding in the fishing boat! I like your pink life
jacket Matthew!

Timmy giving us his best smile! Ya goof ball!

Grandpa Larry waiting to catch "The Big One"

or have his pole pulled in by it - which did happen!

My boys...

Sitting around the camp fire - it doesn't get

any better than this!

Beautiful Country...

Catching craw fish - yum!

*********************************************

This year Alec played flag football for the first

time. He had a great coach, learned a lot and

also had tons of fun. They took 2nd place overall

after the other team scored with 12 seconds left in

the championship game! It was a painful loss

but still a good experience!

Alec sweating after running during the game!

Good Play!

Huddle...

A little blurry, but shows Alec's strength - he

is a big kid and the tallest on his team!

Clipping on their flags.

Grandpa & Grandma Vest watching the game.

*******************************************

Alec earning his Bear award in Cub Scouts!

He has been working on this for almost a year

and finally got it accomplished - we are so proud

of him!

At Pack Night - Tim is the Cub Master and was

able to present him with his award. Good Job!

*******************************************

These are some random pictures that I thought were cute - Courtney loves to mess around with her camera and I thought I would post some of these cute pictures!

Courtney and Matthew -

How lucky can you get? Matt doesn't

give these out easily! I hope it stays

that way!

My Pretty Girl...

******************************************************

Next is...The Dew Tour! Alec has begged and begged to go to the Dew Tour for a couple of years now, so Tim took the boys and spent the day in SLC seeing all the sights. The boys are still talking about the great day they spent with dad. For those of you not familiar with the "Dew Tour" it's a big skateboarding, BMX bike competition. Total testosterone!

Inside Energy Solutions Arena watching the

skaters warm up.

Monster Trucks...

Autographs with skaters who hope to be the

next Ryan Scheckler!

Rides on dirt bikes...this was the highlight! I

think Alec was about to burst he loved it so

much! He wants a bike so badly!

Even Matt got to ride!

I think this is Matthew trying to ride alone -

he later crashed and had to have a little help as

you can see in the next photo.

Getting some instructions!

****************************************

Next random picture is my new very short haircut...

**********************************************

And last of all...Tim building the club house this

summer. It's a work in progress and the boys have

really enjoyed working on it with Tim all summer.

I think they will still be working on it next year too!

Shingling...

You can't see it, but the club house is raised 6

feet in the air on posts. The kids have to climb

a ladder to get up into it. They love it!

YW Leadership Retreat - Park City

2009-09-12T17:24:00.001-06:00

After a long and busy summer, we decided we needed a Young Women Leadership Retreat! I am so blessed to serve with women whom I love, admire and also really enjoy spending time with.

We have served together for 3.5 years...which means we have been together through 4 Girls Camps, 4 Youth Conferences, 4 New Beginnings Programs, 4 YW in Excellence Programs, approximately 200 weekly activities and 200 Sunday meetings. Whew! As you can see we really spend a great deal of time together! These women have become my dear friends - they are great leaders and the young women are so blessed to be able to look to the example these women set.

We stayed at the Westgate Resort in Park City, had dinner at Baja Cantina (and had the displeasure of sitting next to a table full of girls having a bachelorette party. It took a minute for us to realize that they were drinking their drinks out of penis straws and the bride-to-be was wearing a headband with bobbing penis's on top. Needless to say it made for an entertaining dinner! We were actually amazed they would have such a public display with no regard for the families and people dining.) After we hit Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory we went back to the condo and played a game, watched a movie and talked until about 2:30 AM! It was so much fun to laugh and have fun without the regular everyday pressures.

We were up at 7:30 AM, got ready and headed out for breakfast. (The highlight of breakfast being a trip to the restroom and noticing while I was washing my hands that there was a urinal on the wall!!! What the?! Then it hit me..."Oh my gosh, I'm in the men's bathroom!" I heard the door open while I was in the stall and then who ever came in quickly left. There was a man and his wife whispering as I walked by and he said" That's the one..I recognize her toes!) Oh my how embarrassing!! I really needed more sleep I guess! Then we did a little shopping and headed to the Alpine Slide and Coaster.

Sadly, our advisors and assistant camp director weren't able to make it, but Karen Weight, our camp director came with us. She had to head home a little early on Saturday to take her daughter to a soccer game, that's why she isn't in any of the slide and coaster pictures.

Thanks ladies for a wonderful time...whew, I need a nap!

Riding the Coaster...I loved this ride! Next time
Jan needs to go in front of me. I like a nice
easy ride and she's a WILD woman with a need
for speed! She bumped into me and told me to
get the lead out! LOL
(back to front: Neely McEwan, Alyse Cushing,
Jan Anderson, Me.)

Jan getting ready to ride like the wind baby!

Neely at the end of the Alpine Slide...She did it!
She was so nervous that it would be a wild ride
but it was just great!

Me, Neely, Alyse & Jan

Riding the ski lift up the mountain...

Alyse, Jan, Me and Neely at the condo.

Neely getting ready for the day.

Karen Weight and Alyse Cushing

Playing the Cowgirl Game...really fun!

Alyse, Neely, Karen and Jan

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-10T15:07:00.001-06:00

We spent Labor Day Weekend in Park City. We started the weekend out by attending the Sheep Dog Competition with our game group friends, at Soldier Summit - They had all kinds of booths and activities for the kids. Courtney and Bethany weren't to into the whole thing or we might have stayed longer, but it was fun to see the training that goes into the sheep dogs. We didn't really do anything spectacular the rest of the weekend, we just relaxed by the pool, browsed the shops, and rode the Alpine Slide. Tim & Alec rented some bikes and went on a long ride on Monday, we also went to a street fair that was really great - live music, craft booths, activities for the kids, etc. It was really great to get away and spend some time together! The best part was...it wasn't camping! YIPPEE!

Courtney, Bethany and Me waiting while Alec

and Matthew played on some blow-ups.

The boys got their arms and faces painted everyday!

Alec got a snake...

Matt as Blue Batman!

Alec with a baseball and Matt with a spider-web.

The condo has a pool house/activity center that

has a Wii, toys, dress-up stuff, books, puzzles,

games, basketball, shuffle-board, as well as

daily activities every few hours. We really had a

fun time spending time there - Here is, Alec with

one of the hats on!

Matthew - what large horns you have...

Building a tower with the blocks!

Courtney and Bethany relaxing in the hot-tub.

Alec playing the Wii

Matthew playing with the toys

Riding up the mountain on the ski lift to ride

down the Alpine Slide

Me and Matthew coming down...it was so much

fun! Matt was SO scared at first, he cried and

pitched a fit until we got going and then he loved

it!

Court and Bethany

Alec

Courtney and Bethany

Goofing around...funny girls

This is one of about a dozen pictures of these

two laying around watching TV on the bed!

Geez...

More face or arm painting in the case...another snake!

Coloring at the Sheep Dog Festival...you got a

free ice cream if you colored a picture and

turned it in...to bad you had to be 12 or younger

girls! Awww!

Getting painted...

Mr. Tim relaxing...

Everywhere we went, Courtney and Bethany

would disappear. When they came back they

would have a new picture of themselves on

a roof - here is one roof photo!

Not the roof, but the upper window!

And a good time was had by all...

First Day of School

2009-08-26T13:20:00.001-06:00

Okay...The first day of school for Courtney and Alec was last week on August 19th. Court started high school at Salem Hills and that is bizarre! How did she get that old? Alec started 4th grade. Both went out the door happy and excited - Mom was a little sad, but no tears were shed. THEN...one week later, Matthew starts Kindergarten. Oh my, I thought I would be just fine, but my heart felt heavy and I could feel the tears coming. When Matt is nervous he puts his little hands in his pockets and slowly walks into the situation he is nervous about. So off he goes with his hands in his pockets. He is so brave and I'm standing there like a big boob! This is my baby!!! I'm holding it together until I see my neighbor who's wife passed away a couple of months ago. He's bringing his little girl to Kindergarten too - His little girl is having a bit of a hard time letting go of dad. At that point I'm headed to the car...talk about losing it! I talked with the dad in the parking lot and we cried for a minute together. I'm so grateful to be here to take my baby to school with a mostly happy heart, and I'm grateful for good dad's who carry on when it must be ever so hard at times!

Matthew my baby boy...how handsome!

My little Happiness...

He didn't ride his bike to school, but Alec had
his picture taken on his bike the first day, so
Matt wanted a picture just like his big brother!

Sitting at his table...

Big Al ready to head out the door...

My Sunshine Boy...

Riding to school...

My beautiful girl Courtney

Our Sweet-Pea & Princess...all grown up!

Lake Powell with Best Vinyl 2009

2009-08-25T09:43:00.001-06:00

We went on the annual Best Vinyl Lake Powell trip this past week. It was an awesome trip! We went to see Rainbow Bridge, hiked to some Indian ruins, hiked "The Crack," played cards, relaxed, jet skied, water skied, surfed, tubed and just had a great time. Of course I didn't do all those things, but I did have the option if I was adventurous enough! What a great way to show appreciation to their employee's. We are so blessed to have Tim work for such a great company and also with such great people!

We stayed on Vance Barrett's house boat -

Me and Tim at Rainbow Bridge

Dave & Loni Thorpe, Natelli & Dave Johnston

Me & Tim & Gaston Lazarte

Working up the courage to jump...

Hitting the water...not sure who it is!

Notice the guys in the corner - how small they

are in comparison to the rock above!

The kitchen

Dave Barrett and Brandon Brooks playing

Guitar Hero

Brandon concentrating...

Playing a balancing game where you bend down

on one foot with no hands to pick up a paper

with your mouth...pretty fun to watch! In this picture

Natelli Johnston.

Jerron Johnson, one of the young

bucks on the trip - I gave him a hard

time about his 3 tattoos. This is his

newest one. A mother's horror! :-)

At least this mother!

Vance Barrett trying to pick up the paper.

The guys also played a stick game where you

balance and twist your body around in different

ways. Again, fun to watch! Dave Thorpe in this

photo.

Dave Barrett

Quen Hawkins

Jerron

Me and Tim

Brandon Brooks and Gaston Lazarte

Vance

Tim's boss - Dave Morrison with wife Christine

Emily & Greg Freeman

Quen

Brandon

CEO - John Morrell and Tim

Dave Barrett, Mark & Lindsey Stubler

Tim with Natelli and Dave Johnston

Loni & Dave Thorpe, Zack & Carrie Clayson & Jerron

Cary & Margo Kaeding

Summer Hightlights - Camping with Friends!

2009-08-24T16:27:00.000-06:00

We went on our annual camping trip with our "game group" friends over the 4th of July. There are 5 families: The Wilson's, Van Ausdal's, Robison's, Martin's & Beardall's. Between us we have 18 kids - 28 people in all. We have a great time together! The kids all have friends to play with, they hike, ride the 4 wheeler, play cards, explore, eat and get REALLY dirty! We are so blessed to have these friends in our life. We hope that we will still get together when we are old and gray and the kids have all moved away! (The Van Ausdal's weren't able to make it this year and we really missed them - thus no picture of them!)

Home away from home...

oooh! What the heck kind of bug is this?

Court, Me and Tim

Matt on Court's lap - Megan & Don Wilson in

the background.

Jelene saying don't take my picture! Whitney

and Paige.

Sydney, Nicole, Megan & Don Wilson

The teenage girls having a bite to eat...

Colton, Matt and Sydney playng on the wheeler.

Heave Ho...If we can't ride we'll push!

Having a chat...

Don, Shaun & Zack getting ready to shoot some

clay pigeons.

Go Paigey!

Beautiful Whitney

Don, Shaun and Courtney W.

Me shooting for the 1st time...didn't like it at all!

Scared the crap out of me!

Boys will be boys...

The ladies going for a walk...

Candy, Jelene, Nicole and Megan

Court and Me

Candy, Christine, Jelene and Nicole

That's my girl...

Don Jaun

Shaun

Mike and Tim

Megan taking the little ones for a ride.

My Matthew

Paige thinking about...something!

Miranda and her new puppy.

Wyatt, Zack and Alec - aren't they cute!

Alec

Chopping wood the easy way!

Candy

Coco, Matt and Syd

Courtney W., Tiffany Cain and Megan

Pagie, Courtney B., Miranda and Megan playing cards.

Whitney

Jacklyn and her mama Nicole

Mike and Jelene relaxing...

7 Peaks - Summer 2009

2009-08-11T22:54:00.000-06:00

We spent the day at 7 Peaks as a family on Monday, August 10th. We had so much fun going on the rides, playing in the water and just spending time together. We were there about 7.5 hours and it felt like 2 hours! The time just flew - I guess it's true - Time flies when you're having fun!

Even Kyson spent the day with us...What a little

sweetie!

Me going down one of the slides you're

supposed to lie down on. But I sat up so

I could go slower! I was forced by Tiffany

and Melissa to go on this scary dang ride!

Talk about a wedgie!!!

Melissa dragging Courtney to go on the scary slides!

They look like they are hugging - but actually

Melissa wouldn't let go, in case Court ran away!

Tiffany is holding onto me as I take the picture!

Crazy Sister's!

Scott - whew, what a ride! Hi Matt!

Ellie and Matt playing...

Cynthia, Ellie, Melissa and Avery

What fun all these boy cousins had together!

Alec, Corbin, Trey & Matthew

Little Miss Avery

Kyson taking a little nap.

Matt & Ellie

Courtney braiding Melissa's bangs.

Grandma Cynthia and Kyson

Grandma Char and Court

Salem Days - Summer 2009

2009-08-11T18:15:00.000-06:00

It was Salem Days this past week and they have various activities throughout the week. The youth of our ward participated in the "Cardboard Duct Tape Regatta." They give you 2 sheets of cardboard, 2 roles of duct tape and one long 1x1 stick. You have 2 hours to make a boat. Then you race your boat on the pond against all the other boats. It is very fun to see all the boats and the idea's people come up with. Tim and Alec also participated and had a great time!

Tim & Alec working on their boat...

Here they go...

Still paddling and not sinking!

Faster, Faster. Faster...

They made it! I think they came in 2nd in their heat.

1 of the YW boats. Courtney with Mikalyn,

Amanda & Sam.

Racing against the boys...they won too! Yeah!

Some of the YW leaders - Alyse Cushing, Cindy

Lundell, Me, Neely McEwan & Jessica Linde

I love these ladies!

Summer Highlights - Girls Camp 2009

2009-08-11T17:27:00.000-06:00

Another great year at girls camp...Courtney was a 4th year, which means she goes on an overnight hike with all the other 4th years. They leave as soon as have opening ceremony and we don't see them until day 2 late in the afternoon. It's always so fun and a little emotional to see them come into camp after their hike. For some reason I always cry when my girls come back. This year was worse since it was my own daughter. They hike in to their camp, drink water from the stream, (filtered) eat dehydrated meals and actually have a great time! The funniest part was the night they returned, a mouse had gotten into their tent and in the night started to nibble on Kiley's fingers. That sent them out screaming and all the leaders woke up with a start to see what the heck was going on! Good Times!

6:00 AM - Day 1 - Here we go...

Sam, Courtney, Bethany & Kiley getting ready

to head out on their hike.

Striking a pose on their hike...

Bethany, Kiley, Courtney & Sam - aren't they

just beautiful? They are such fun!

Coming into camp after the hike..hot, dirty & tired.

Glad to have my girl back...

We did it!

Where are the showers?!

All fresh and clean after the hike - ahhh aren't

shower's wonderful?

Jan, Me and Neely trying to stay warm!

A few of my girls...Sam, Bailey, Court, Dacia & Kiley
My funny girl!

Summer Highlights - Youth Conference 2009

2009-08-11T13:42:00.000-06:00

Youth Conference was held in Spanish Fork Canyon at some ranch property. It was VERY primitive (my favorite kind of camping - he he he) It was held on a stake level this year and the youth were divided into "Liahona Families" with a couple at the head of each group. Tim and I were invited to attend and were assigned 9 kids. We were then divided into cities, with 3 families to a city. We were in "The City of Nephi." The whole conference was centered around the Book of Mormon. One of the things that was really great was Tim being able to go with us! Usually it's just me and Courtney, so it was a lot of fun to be invited to go as a couple. Courtney was in our city, but not our family, so we did get to see her a lot but she wanted to be with someone other than her parents. Which I don't blame her...I've been in the YW since she turned 12 and came into YW. The poor girl! It was really a wonderful experience and we had such a great time!

Courtney with some of her friends...

Braden, Bethany, Court, Kiley & Cole

Tim & I giving the archery class a try.

Courtney about to hit a bulls eye!

Bethany, Court and Kiley having fun!

Tim showing Courtney how to shoot a sling-shot.

This is my favorite picture of Court - it makes

me laugh every time! She is soooooo funny!

Taking a rest after setting up camp...

The kids thought it was really funny to see me

in my muck boots (it was muddy from the rain,

not to mention the weeds that were thigh high

and wet!) so they thought a picture was in order.

Not my best look!

Court about to go down the zip line.

Brother B.

Courtney being thrown in the air from a mat,

it was a trust game and really fun. The kids

loved it!

Court and friends trying to get into their tent

just as the heavens opened up and dumped

some serious rain!

Tent city - home sweet home.

Watching "The Testiments" on the big screen

in the meadow.

Time to go home...what a great weekend!

Our Liahona Family...

Me, Wyatt Nicosia, Caden Christensen, Jacob

Holmgren, Adam Jensen, Chrissy VanAusdal,

Miranda Martin, Hailey Anderson, Paige Robison

(Missing - Bryley Christensen)

Palisades 2009

2009-07-25T21:34:00.001-06:00

Every other year we try to go on a vacation with my parents, my 3 brothers, 1 sister, plus all the grand kids. This year we opted to do something simple and less expensive by going camping at Palisades. It is a beautiful little place with a lake, golf course, walking trails and showers! It was great to spend time visiting, playing games, and watching all the kids play together. It rained almost every day for a little while and then it would clear up and be nice. It was a little cool but I didn't mind that at all! Better to put on a sweater than sweat in my opinion!!

The tent trailer we rented - our home away from home!

Courtney, Dakota & Madison - Dakota doesn't

even know what to think of these crazy girls!

Courtney and Madi - the photographers!

Lindsey looks delighted doesn't she? Madi &

Courtney are goofs!

Jason, showering one of the twins - you can only

do this for so long...then you get arrested!

My Matthew boy

Trey & Jaden - you can't slow these boys down,

even with a broken arm!

Alec - he searched all over and found enough

golf balls to fill a 5 gallon bucket. He thought

that was awesome!

Dad, Tim and Alec playing a game I don't know

the name of!

In the tent playing...Jaden and Brigham or Brighton

(I can't tell them apart!)

Brusha, Brusha, Brusha - Jason

My Brother Brian

Tiffany and Ellie

Corbin and Scottie

Sterling and Logan

Baby Kyson - only a week old!

Melissa, Avery, Kyson and Steve

Cynthia puttin' on her face...

Brittany & Tyler

Brigham or Brighton...

Amber in a rare photo - she is alone!

No kids on her lap! Yippee!

Grandpa Larry and the twins...

Brian taking a snooze...

Sitting at the beach - Jason, Mom & Brian

Melissa, Avery & Cynthia

Cousins playing and having a ball!

My Matthew - what a grin!

Jason in rare relaxing moment...it won't last long!

Grandma Charleen and the twins...

Ellie - the bathing beauty...

Courtney and Madi on the paddle boat!

Court, Dakota and Madi

Lindsey, Madi and Court making friendship

bracelets...

Briggy and Bright -

Courtney, Charleen, Amber and Cynthia

Court, Mom, Me, Amber and Lindsey

Amber taking picture of her babies...

Jaden riding his bike...

My brother Jason

Matthew riding his bike and loving it!

Spring Rainstorm!

2009-06-06T15:56:00.000-06:00

The other day we had quite a rainstorm! The kids
were out playing and running through the sprinkler
when it started. It was warm enough that they just
kept playing in the rain! They had a great time!

Matthew and Joseph jumping on the tramp

with the sprinkler.

Matthew, Hollister Hogle & Joseph Anderson

Alec was at his friend Cameron Dickson's

house when the rain started. They had

a fun time playing in the rain too! Cam's mom

took these photo's of them having a soaking

good time!

Cameron and Alec soaking wet!

Playing in the gutter!

Worm anyone?

Later that night Courtney and friend Kiley Williams

were laughing and having a heart to heart on the

tramp. It brought back fond memories of similar

times. Hanging out on the tramp, sleeping on the tramp,

laying out on the tramp. Friends and a tramp, isn't summer

time great?!

Then...Matt played so hard he fell asleep in the tub!

He let the water out first, but it still scared me!

Girls Cabin Trip

2009-06-06T15:45:00.000-06:00

We went to my friend Peggy's cabin at the end of May - it was a girls only trip. We had such a great time! We went for a bike ride from Midway into Heber, stopped for a treat and rode back to Midway. It was so enjoyable to visit, play cards, eat, watch a movie and enjoy the beautiful scenery. All that and we were only gone 24 hours! Whew!

Me, Nicole, Candy and Jelene - Yup I'm the one
without a helmet. (unless you consider my hair-do
a helmet, which sometimes does look like one!)

Candy, Jelene, Nicole and Peggy

Jelene and Nicole

As we were driving up to the cabin, there in

the road was a baby moose! The pictures are

a bit blurry but it was fun to see it! We are

just happy we didn't see the mama. I'm sure she

was close by just watching.

Courtney's Last Day of Junior High!

2009-06-06T15:27:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures of Courtney's last day of school at Spanish Fork Junior High. She has great friends and they have such fun together. They are wonderful kids on the inside and out!
Court writing in yearbooks

Court and Jerika Durfey

Courtney, Jerika & Bethany

Courtney, Jerika, Bethany & Lissa Hanks

Courtney and Madi Frame

Court, Bethany, Jerika and Kylee Wolf

Madi, Courtney, Bethany and Kylee

Court and Jerika

On the bus headed home - Courtney, Derek Sorensen,

Jade Hall and Jerika Durfey

Courtney and Braden Gull

Matthew's Preschool Graduation

2009-06-06T15:16:00.000-06:00

Matthew graduated from Little Steps Preschool this year! He had a great year of learning all he needs to know to start Kindergarten in the fall. It's hard to believe that he will be going off to school!

Matthew and teacher Carrie

Teacher Joan

Waiting to begin and lovin' it! :-)

My little happiness!

Getting his certificate!

Mother's Day 2009

2009-06-06T14:44:00.000-06:00

Mother's Day 2009 was a beautiful, sunny day. After church we all gathered at Mom and Dad's house for a BBQ. What could be better than food, family and fun? I am so grateful for my mother and all she has taught me. She is a beautiful, kind, strong and giving mother and friend. I don't know what I would do without her! Love you mom!

Cynthia, Mom and Me

Melissa, Cynthia & Tiffany

Avery

My boys - Matt and Alec climbing the stump in the front yard!

Alec, Michael & Dakota

Mike on his hot new sweet 16 car - His girlfriend left him

this note. Love makes us do the darndest things!

Dakota

Corbin

Trey and Matt climbing

Sterling and Tim

Dad, Ellie and Cynthia eating the good grub!

Brian, Logan and Mom

Scott, Tiffany, Melissa, Steve, Tyler & Brittany

Isn't this classic? Men gathered around the grill -

Tyler, Sterling, Brian, Dad, Scott & Tim

This and That

2009-04-23T17:32:00.000-06:00

This is sort of a random "this & that" entry. Just wanted to share a few of the activities we've been doing this week. Courtney turned 15 on Tuesday and of course she insisted that we rush right over to the DMV to get her driving permit. We arrived with her social security card, small laminated birth certificate card and proof of address only to discover that the little laminated card isn't accepted. We had to drive all the way back to Spanish Fork and get the original copy out of our safe deposit box. Back we went to Orem for the test. Well....two flunked tests later we were on our way home. With me driving. (yeah!) You can only take the test twice in one day, so she went back to school with her head hanging low - Oh the shame! :-)

The next day I picked her up from school and off we went again. She took 3 practice tests online the night before and scored 90% so she was feeling confident! Needless to say she passed! (3rd time's the charm) She drove us home - on the FREEWAY! She is doing quite well, but I'm not really sure about always being the passenger now! Oh the control I have to give up! aaah! I'm thinking I really should have a brake installed on the passenger side - just for my comfort!
Ha Ha Ha!

The Proud Moment!

"The Permit"

Alec's Pinewood Derby was on Wednesday - He and Tim have been working on his car for a few weeks. (or truck in our case) Alec was disappointed that his truck didn't do better in the competition but he still had a great time racing and looking at all the fun cars. Here's a picture of a few of our favorites!

Our cute "Cub" Scout!

"The Pink Flame"

Looks good enough to eat!

Pretty unique - and it did very well too!

This is my favorite - it didn't do well in the race

but it sure looks awesome!

The man that does our derby has a computerized

program that clocks the cars and posts the times

on a big screen. It also tells who is on deck - It is

a fantastic setup and the kids love it!

Also on Wednesday (just a little later) we went

to our Young Women activity and made chocolate

covered pretzels. We were at Jessica Linde's home

and enjoyed making the goodies and then delivering

them to some ward members. We always have a good

time together even when we do something simple.

Some of my girls!

Neely, Me and Jessica

Kiley and Courtney

Kiley, Courtney and Amanda

Courtney and Amanda goofing off!

Easter

2009-04-12T15:49:00.001-06:00

We started a new Easter tradition last year of having a family breakfast on the Saturday before Easter and holding our own Easter egg hunt. The city egg hunt is so barbaric! It's like vultures on a carcass! So we hold a nice friendly egg hunt for the kids and then have a great breakfast. Last year Sterling cooked made to order omelets and it almost killed him! We have too many people! It was nearly midnight when we finished - ha ha ha. This year we went with 4 types of breakfast casseroles and they were really delicious! It is really wonderful to spend time as a family and take time to celebrate the blessings of the Savior. Mom and Dad were in Idaho visiting Jason and Amber and their boys so we missed them but are glad they could go and spend time with Jason. Everyone else that missed all the fun - we hope you get your sorry butts out of bed next time and join in the fun! Ya big party poopers! Thanks to Cynthia and Sterling for hosting yet again - they are so generous to open up their lovely big home to accommodate our ever growing family!

I am very grateful for my Savior and all he has done for me - my life is very blessed! At this time of year, as new life is blossoming everywhere I am so thankful that we too can start fresh anytime we want to improve and do better. After the winter comes the spring - I stand all amazed! Happy Easter to all...

Corbin, Alec, Trey, Matthew and Ellie - getting

ready for the big egg hunt!

The teenagers - Michael, Madison & Courtney

Aww - too old to hunt eggs!

Steve and Miss Avery - ooh - she is so cute!

Melissa - feeling rotten with an

ear-ache and 7.5 months pregnant!

But she looks great!

Mr. Sterling Rees - hanging back and watching

the festivities!

Tiffany & Scott

Me and the Timoteo

My sister Cynthia

Counting their loot!

Miss Madi - no one else from her house came!

We are so glad she did!

Avery - yummy!

You gotta love the glasses! We couldn't leave

them alone - put them on and your world changes!

You turn into a goof-ball!

Scott and Steve

Cynthia and Me

Beautiful! :-)

Alec

Madi and Court

Tim and Sterling

How about a little kissy-poo!

Matthew holding one of his prizes!

Alec picking from the prize table!

Matthew and Alec coloring eggs!

Cabin Trip at Oxford, Idaho!

2009-02-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

It started out with a bang! We picked the kids up from school early...or at least we tried to. Courtney was not happy about going away for the weekend. She wanted to stay behind and go to the Salem Hills High School basketball game. I actually had to go into the lunch room and find her because she ignored the note to come out. We almost had a little scene! So after that, we got on the road and made our way to Oxford, Idaho (about 3 hours away). Our friend Shaun knew of a great cabin to rent that would hold us all! We are quite a crowd too - between the 5 couples we have 18 kids! This cabin is nestled on the hillside all alone with fields and fields to snowmobile in. The cabin had 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, kitchen and 2 sitting areas in addition to a giant loft area- it was 3 levels in all. We had plenty of room for everyone to play, read, nap, eat, visit or do whatever! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends that we enjoy spending time with. On Valentines Day we set the kids up with pizza and a movie projected on the wall and off the adults went to Downata Hot Springs for their "Steak & Soak" special- it was so fun! The funny thing was, some of us ladies didn't bring our swimming suits, but no problem because they rent them. Sick I said - NO WAY! But guess what...I rented and so did my friends. We didn't like our suits, but we still had fun and thank goodness it was dark! What a fun weekend! We had an awsome time - hopefully we will make this a new tradition!

And so it begins...Courtney is happy!

Matt is happy to go!

So is Alec!

Our posterity - at least 12 of them!

Jelene, Mike, Zack & Emily eating some soup.

Shaun & Candy

The Ken Man.

Jelene & Mike - we are so tired! Fakers! No really!

The Ken man playing in the snow with the kids.

I am Mike -

I think this is Jacklyn - what a good-lookin' girl and sled!

Alec Lovin' Life!

Spencer possibly?

2009-02-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

Don Juan - lounging about...

Having some lunch and a little conversation

Tim & Alec - ooh, yummy soda!

Geez - we are a trashy bunch aren't we? Ha!

Breakfast on the final day...

Tim and Alec -

Shaun - What are you thinking?

Courtney & Whitney

Peggy and Chrissy having a mother-daughter chat!

Actually it was Peggy trying to avoid having

her picture taken!

Sitting around...

The Martin's (Colton, Miranda, Wyatt & Candy)

winding down after a fun day of play!

The Robisons (Paige, Mike & Zack) time to

go to bed!

You can't see it very well, but we are all in the

Downata Hot Springs swimming pool. We went

for their Valentines "Steak & Soak" special! It was

about 17 degrees outside, but we were toasty

warm. We left all 18 kids back at the cabin!

Playing cards - Don, Tim, Peg, Candy, Nicole & Mike

The girls sitting around reading...even my Courtney

WOW!

Nicole all bundled up for a ride!

My Alec boy

Courtney and Whitney

What a crowd!

I think this is Megan -

Me - getting ready to go out for a ride!

Why did I do my hair?!

Alec and Me

Shaun and his 10 lb. candy bar!!!

All the teenage girls hanging out...Miranda,

Whitney, Courtney B., Courtney W., Paige &

Chrissy. (Megan is missing!)

The little girls - Sydney, Jacklyn & Emily

Some of the boys - Wyatt, Alec, Spencer & Zack

Jackson the cutie...

Matthew playing with his Transformers!

Megan reading a good book...

Kenny creating with the Magnetic Mosaic...

Matthew's 5th Birthday!

2009-02-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

My baby turned 5 today! I can't believe it has been five years. Is it okay to have some baby weight still on? Ha - the sad thing is, I lost it all and have gained it back! Matthew is such a great little boy - I call him my "Happiness" because he truly is such a happy little boy. He is very funny and has a wonderful sense of humor, even at age 5. He has a great imagination and in content to play with his Transformers (latest craze for him) or Bakugan balls (weird to me since my other kids didn't ever get into that stuff) for long periods of time. He loves to watch those same shows on TV too. He loves to snuggle and read books with me too. We did the cake and ice cream thing with the family on his birthday and he wants to go to "Jumpin' Jacks" with his best friend Joseph this week. Happy Birthday my little Matty boy!

Snow day at preschool! A few day's
before Matt's Birthday!

Matthew & Trey on Matt's Birthday!

Nephews Michael & Dakota

Little Avery

Visiting with the family.

Ellie & Avery (Great Nieces)

Girls with Steve - Avery's daddy

Blowing out the candles!

Opening Presents

Courtney and niece Madi

Brother Brian, Sister Cynthia & Niece Melissa w/ Avery

More Presents!

The mess...it was time to get ready for church!

Opeing a few presents in the morning - can you

tell what his latest obsession is?

Happy Birthday!

I'm 5!

Alec Playing Junior Jazz

2009-02-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Alec is finally old enough to play city league Junior Jazz basketball. They wear matching arm bands to teach them who they guard and they don't officially keep score but these kids play hard! It's fun to see Alec learning and having fun with his team. It seem like just yesterday it was Courtney out there learning the basics - how time flies!

Our #1 Alec!

Courtney on the Team!

2009-02-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

Courtney made the 9th grade girls basketball team this year. It has been so great to watch her team play. They practice every weekday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Their coach is Cory Morgan. He has worked them hard and conditioned them well. They have had a great season only losing to Mapleton Junior High. I have loved going to watch the games every Tuesday and Thursday and actually feel sad to see the season end. Courtney has made some great friends and learned so much. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that I have a daughter that likes sports! And to think she came from me the ultimate non-athlete! She is a great player and a good shot! This week they finish up their final tournament in Alpine. Way to go Girls!!

Courtney and best friend Bethany warming up!

Making a shot!

Friends - Kiley Williams, Bethany Holmgren & Courtney

#14 - That's my girl!

Super Bowl Party!

2009-02-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Every year on Super Bowl Sunday we have a family get-together. My dad or Grandpa Larry started the tradition several years back and planned the best party food spread you've ever seen! We used to have it at his house but our family just keeps growing and now Cynthia has the bigger house, so lucky her, we all gather there. I know it's supposed to be about the football game but for me it's about the food. Wings, shrimp, Mexican dip, salad, little smokies, jalapeno poppers, desserts and the list goes on. We hang out till the game is over - usually the men end up downstairs in front of the big screen and the gals stay upstairs and visit. Sometimes we do a big puzzle or play games too. We all look forward to it each year and love Grandpa for starting this tradition. This year Tiffany made sure we all had 3-D glasses for the half time show. We had a big laugh looking at everyone with their glasses on. I have a great family!

Grandpa Larry - the party animal!

Getting ready to eat the spread of fabulous food!

They were singing...who can remember what?

Ellie coloring - you have to stick out your tongue

to be this good!

Beautiful Tiffany

Melissa in 3-D

What?

I can't see!

What a show! (Matt, Ellie, Tiff & Trey)

Having fun as a family...

Ice Skating

2009-01-19T21:46:00.001-07:00

It was my great-nephew Corbin Harrison's 7th birthday today! We were invited to go ice skating at Peaks Arena to celebrate his special day. It was fun to see everyone having such a great time together. Corbin is my niece Tiffany's oldest child. My kids have such a fun time with their cousins and enjoy every minute they are together. Who would have thought that I would have kids young enough to play with Tiffanys kids?! That's what you get when one starts having kids when they are older and one starts when they are younger. Tiffany & Scott will still be young when their kids leave the nest. Tim & I will be in wheelchairs! Lucky us! We went to Tiffany and Scott's house afterward for pizza and dessert! It was a really fun afternoon.

Me & Cynthia

Alec & the birthday boy - Corbin

Tiffany & Trey skating

My Cynthia, Melissa & Avery

Michael & Cynthia

Tyler, Melissa, Avery & Cynthia

Tyler & Michael helping their mama on the ice!

Aunt Cynthia helping Matthew skate!

Alec on the ice...

Ellie & Matthew

Weekend Cabin Trip

2009-01-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

We have a group of friends that we have been getting together with for many years. Each year we have a weekend trip to a cabin in Midway canyon where we hang out and play games, watch movies, visit and snowmobile, we eat pretty darn good too! We have such a great time and look forward to it every year! Here are a few photos of our quick trip. The whole group consists of 5 couples (Tim & I, Shaun & Candy Martin, Mike & Jelene Robison, Don & Nicole Wilson and Ken & Peggy Van Ausdal) We missed Mike, Jelene, Shaun & Candy this year, but are looking forward to another trip with everyone in February - even the kids! (28 of us in all - Oh boy!)

My sweet friends Peggy, Nicole & me

Ken & Peggy Van Ausdal

Don and Nicole Wilson

The Tim Man and the woman with her eyes closed!

The Ken Man

Donny Boy

The Tim Man

Don & Nicole out for a ride...

Ken & Peg out riding...

A beautiful day in Midway Canyon!

Tubing at Soldier Hollow

2009-01-04T15:32:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we went up to Soldier Hollow in Midway and went tubing. If you haven't done this it is SO MUCH FUN!!! It's a bit pricey but in the end worth it! You have to call for a reservation because they only let so many people on the mountain at one time. They schedule in 2 hour blocks all day and into the evening. We went from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and the weather was just perfect! Sunny and bright and even though it was cold it somehow felt warm! When we got there we checked in and then bundled up and walked over to the tubing hill where there are chairs set up for spectators and chose a tube and got in line to be pulled up the mountain. Once at the top you can choose from 6 runs and down you go - SO MUCH FUN!!! Once at the bottom, get in line and go again and again until you can't stand it any more or until your 4 year old has a melt down - he he he - This is a great family outing, one I think we will do again!

This is the way to tube! Lay on your tube and
the the cable pulls you up!

Courtney, Alec, Matthew & Dad before the
fun begins!

Matthew on his little tube - he is not happy
or excited about our adventure!

Waiting in line - such hard work to go tubing!

How about a snack...

Tim the tuber!

Courtney talking on her cell phone - she needed

a break from her tube rides!

Matt asleep - he had had enough of this!

Courtney asleep with Matt

In the car on the way home - tubing is so much

work!!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

Christmas this year was really great! After the shopping is done and all is wrapped and loose ends tied up, it is so wonderful to spend time as a family and reflect on the wonderful blessings we have enjoyed during the year. We are so blessed as a family and are so grateful for the abundance we enjoy each day... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I put all my pictures in backwards and I'm too tired to re-do them all so....they go from bad to good! :-)

Alec's Gingerbread House on it's way to the trash!

Pre-Garbage - He did a great job!

Sterling, Tim and Brian eating on Christmas Day

Tim snuck away to take a little cat-nap at

Mom & Dad's on Christmas day

Brian and Dad playing Backgammon - as always!

Yummy, yummy food - cracker anyone?

Brittany, Tyler & Brad

Matthew on my Shiatsu massager

Tim making the Yummy Patotoes!

Getting ready to film Santa's delivery....

Tim, taking a turn on the massager

Courtney's pile - Good morning Sweet-pea

Matthew made the "nice" list

Alec did too....

Annual SLC Christmas Trip

2009-01-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

Twenty years ago my Mom started a tradition during the month of December. She takes my sister Cynthia and me to Salt Lake City for the weekend to Christmas shop. It started out as just an overnighter but grew into a full weekend event. We leave early Friday morning and return late Sunday afternoon. We always go to the Kurt Bestor concert on Saturday and then to Music and The Spoken Word on Sunday morning. It is a treasured time for us to re-connect and spend precious time together - without kids or husbands. The past few years we have invited our daughters to join us for dinner and the concert and then they are quickly sent on home. :-)
I truly love this weekend with my dear mom and sister. It is really the only time we spend time
together with just the three of us. It becomes even more dear as the years pass and our families change - as life gets busier and children grow up, sadly we spend less and less time together. Mom puts us up in a beautiful hotel - it was always the Inn at Temple Square until it was torn down a couple of years ago, now it's Little America. Momma Char treats us right and we have the greatest of times, laughing, eating out, shopping, movies, the concert and we finish up with a wonderful spiritual morning on Temple Square. I so love and enjoy this weekend each year!

Cynthia & Mom

Kamie, Melissa & Courtney

We stopped at Mike's swim meet while on our trip

Macaroni Grill before the concert

Me and Mom in our room at Little America

Courtney & Grandma waiting to eat at Macaroni

Grill before the Kurt Bestor Concert

Me and my Sis

Cynthia and Mom - what a lovely room!

Me, Courtney, Kamie, Char, Melissa, Tiffany,

Cynthia at the concert

Jonas Brother's Concert

2009-01-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

Several months back I decided I wanted to surprise Courtney with an early Christmas present and take her and a friend to Las Vegas to see the Jonas Brother's in concert. Courtney has been begging to see them for a couple of years but I just kept telling her she was too young to go to a concert. The day I was on the computer buying the tickets she came into the room and I told her I was Christmas shopping online and that she couldn't see the screen. I told her she was going to love what I just bought, then she said "well unless it's Jonas tickets it's probably not that great." I then said "Oh you're probably right, it's not quite as good as that - he he he."

We told the kids we were going to California the day after Thanksgiving for a little trip, but actually we were headed to Las Vegas. I thought that if I told them the truth Courtney would figure it out. We told her she could take a friend and she invited Bethany Holmgren. So off we went and stayed at the Planet Hollywood Hotel - the newspaper's were full of news about the concert, so I tucked the tickets in the newspaper and handed it to Courtney and told her there was a great article about the Jonas Brother's in it. When she opened it (or actually when Bethany opened it, because Court was messing with her Ipod) she just stared at the tickets and and "WHAT THE HECK!" Then she said "I need a new outfit!"

I took them to the concert after nearly getting squished to death in the t-shirt line. 12,000 teenage girls is quite the sight! It was so much fun to surprise her and come to find out, Bethany knew all along (she was going to back out of coming when their basketball coach called a practice over the Thanksgiving break. Her Mom had to tell her of the plan so she would still come with us) but didn't spill the beans. Way to keep a secret Bethany! The only one that felt ripped off was Alec, he really wanted to go to California! All in all it was a fun trip, the girls also had fun going to Madame Tussaud's Wax museum while Tim took the little boys swimming. They took lot's of fun pictures and definitely made some memories.

At the MGM Grand right before the concert

Right after we surprised them with the tickets

Bethany and Courtney watching TV in the hotel

Courtney watching the Jonas Brother's

on TV on Thanksgiving day...little did

she know, she would be at their concert

2 days later!

Need I say more...

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum

2009-01-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

Another sighting...

Hey there cowboy...

Zac Efron - High School Musical

Cameran Diaz, Bethany & Courtney

On our way to the wax museum