Finding Joy in the Journey

Hawaii 2011

2011-05-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

Keith and I just spent an AWESOME week in Oahu with our good friends Jason and Emily! The trip was planned to celebrate Jason and Keith's 40th birthdays. They were mission companions and have been great friends ever since. We love to vacation with them as families, but this time, it was just the adults! Everything was perfect - the company, the resort, the food, the relaxation, the entertainment, the beach, the weather... I could go on and on. Here are a few of our memories in photo...
First, Jacuzzi time...nice!!! There were several jacuzzi's and they were never crowded. We could be frequently found in them:-)

We saw a couple of seals beaching it... that was kindof cool!

One of the highlights was swimming with sea turtles. We were told this particular cove was a great place to snorkle, and the fishes were great, but the sea turtles were awesome! Loved that!

(I meant to put this picture at the end :) This is our kids after we returned, wearing their new Hawaii t-shirts and necklaces... We took surfing lessons on Waikiki... it was so fun!!!

The landscaping was so pretty!

"Pirates of the Caribbean" ship - the movie was filmed on Oahu and we had a view of the ship from our room balcony. It's really cool looking!

The four of us at the end of sunset.

During our trip we celebrated our 15 year wedding Anniversary! Perfect!!

Another sunset photo on the beach...

The Polynesian Cultural Center! The night show "Ha - Breath of Life" was phenomenal! Look at that beautiful temple! There's nothing like being on temple grounds.

Pearl Harbor- It was sobering to be there and I was really glad we went.

We tried Fresh Pineapple Icecream at the Dole Plantation! Yum!!!

So much of our time was spent just relaxing on the beach. It was so so nice! Our trip was definitely a memory we will always cherish. Thanks Jason and Emily!

Weekend at Lake Roosevelt

2010-06-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Our time at the Lake was so much fun. Tyler enjoyed fishing with daddy and his cousin Carter several times...

We also enjoyed a little hiking...

...and A Lot of boating and tubing! It was so much fun! The kids and adults alike had a great time on the new tube Russ and Katie just got!

See Conner trying to do his "thumbs up" :) He is still perfecting it!

Spencer did a great job skiing!

I decided to try wake boarding again. It's fun...I'm definitely a beginner!

Tanner is doing great on the board too! Guaranteed his skills will surpass mine quickly!

Keith and Tanner enjoyed fishing a little too, and "observing" nature around the lake.

Hunter stayed up FOREVER! We finally dropped the rope, thinking he must be tired. When we came up to him, he said"Why did you drop the rope?" Apparently he wasn't wiped out!

Conner loved all of it!

The Pageant and Vegas

2010-02-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

First of all I want to thank all of you who showed interest and watched the pageant "stuff" that was aired on TV. As you know if you did watch, Whitney did not make it into the final 14. The pageant lasts 4 nights total. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are when the girls all perform their talents, model their swimsuits, evening gowns, and have their interviews. So the only thing aired, besides the one-hour preliminary show, is the final night, Saturday night, where they immediately eliminate all but the top 14. Whitney was not one of the top 14. So, that was a bummer!!! We were all totally shocked because of course we think she's the greatest! She's phenomenal on the piano - (if you saw the preliminary show when you could vote then you saw her play twice) She's also so great in her interviews! She was one of 4 girls wearing a one-piece bathing suit, (out of 53) so considering how much they focused on the bikinis in the preliminary show, and you never once saw a girl in a one-piece, maybe that was her drawback. Anyway around it, she said (after the pageant when we were back at the condo) she has no regrets! She didn't mess up on anything she did - she was awesome and performed at her best! I must say I am so amazed and impressed at her accomplishments and all she's had to do to get where she is! We all are! You're awesome Whitney!

All that being said, the weekend in Vegas was so fun! I haven't been there in years!!! I loved seeing everything, including the Belagio - here are my parents at the gardens
eating and SHOPPING at Miracle Mile. My new favorite store - White House Black Market! Can't wait to go there again - hopefully they have sales!
This is Jenn and baby Lucy, me, Becky and Jessica and baby Isabel.

Another one from inside the Belagio.

Strolling around outside. The Eiffel Tower was cool! But the coolest thing was the outside Dancing Water Fountain at the Belagio. Loved it! Very worth watching!

And of course the whole reason for the trip...Jess and I at the Pageant!

It was awesome being able to spend time with my family! We were with Jess and Mike and the girls the whole time which was great! I wish we'd had as much time with Denise's family, but the time we did have was still so nice! There's nothing better than family unity and time shared together!

Vote for my niece in the Miss America Pageant

2010-01-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

Denise, Whitney and Mitch! My niece Whitney Merrifield (Denise's daughter) is the current Miss Utah! And if you'd seen her perform at the pageant, you'd understand why. She's amazing! She's beautiful, intelligent, thin, and incredibly talented on the piano. It was so AWESOME watching her perform! The audience was in an uproar when she finished! And so now, she's off to Miss America. The pageant is this month, January 25th - 30th. And here's the part where YOU come in...

Save the date and VOTE FOR WHITNEY!

All you need to know is...

Voting Information:
First, watch the 2010 Miss America Pageant One-Hour Special Friday, January 29th on TLC. Check your local listings or visit TLC.com for channel information.

Following the Friday night special, America will be asked to vote for their favorites from a field of 10-12 contestants chosen by the 53 contestants themselves, not a team of outside consultants. The top four with the highest votes will be placed in the top-15 the final night. Vote for Whitney!

Miss America Pageant:
Saturday, January 30th on TLC.
Watch the Top 15 compete in swim wear, Top 12 in Evening wear and Top 10 perform their talent.

And, if you want to help spread the word, that'd be awesome!

Many of us family members will be there! Can't wait!

GO WHITNEY!!!

Remodel Complete!

2009-10-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Before...

The front door view

from the kitchen area
into the master bath area

(I didn't quite get the before picture soon enough for a "before" shot)

After...

The new and improved view from the front door. If it doesn't look like the same house it's because we took out the wall which separated the living room from the family room. We also raised up the sunken living room floor so it could all be level.

from the kitchen table, looking towards the front door.the new master bathI have yet to purchase the mirror for over the vanity.
And last but certainly NOT least because I love it...

our mudroom, coming in from the garage. It's where the washer and dryer used to be, which is now in the master bath area. They have their own closet.

I LOVE...

having the washer and dryer in my room,

a place just inside the door for everybody's stuff,

having a big kitchen table area at which our family can all sit comfortably (before it was tiny!)

having a larger, more spread out family room,

the spacious feel that our new and improved house now provides!

It was a gruelling 6 weeks, much harder than anticipated. And I must say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to my 3 sisters-in-law who helped many times to watch my kids while I worked. And to a few of my good friends who also helped me. I could not have made it through without your help. And inspite of the fact that Keith was and is gone OFTEN, the key days he took off to be here and work were so helpful to me. Some days I just didn't think I could go through it anymore. My parents also came over a couple of days and painted and cleaned which was so great! And to Dan, my brother-in-law who is a general contractor and did the majority of the work, Thanks for your diligence and hard work! The end result ... just right!

I LOVE IT!

A Diamondbacks Birthday!

2009-07-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

Keith got the firm tickets to the D-backs game for my Birthday! With 4 seats, we took Tanner and Spencer with us. It was so fun to go with the big boys and enjoy a game. We were just a few rows up from behind home plate. It was a great game, and we even made it not only on the jumbotron, but on TV as well. And to top it off, Cold Stone gives out free icecream on your birthday, so I had one awesome wafflecone, with cookiedough icecream (you know me:) and chocolate and caramel sauce. Of course, I shared with Keith, and we got one for the boys. It was a FUN night!

And then for my present, I went to see Wicked the following night at Gammage with the Forsberg crew. It was awesome - LOVE IT! Can't wait to see it again, this time with Keith! (He was unable to go because Tanner had a tournament baseball game.)

Our little baby Flew the Coop

2009-05-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Check out our cute little hummingbird! He's just a baby. His little nest is right outside our front door, under our entryway. We were wondering for a while why a hummingbird kept hovering by our front door. Eventually, we noticed this tiny little nest - about 2 inches in diameter - up on my twigs by the ceiling. Obviously, the bird thought this was a great place to lay eggs. And within a few days, we noticed a little beek peaking out! SOOO Cute! We hardly saw the mommy after that, in fact, we thought the baby was going to starve. But then one morning we came out, and the baby wasn't there. Then Keith looked above the entryway, and...

there it was! It sat there for a minute, then flew a few feet at a time, going back and forth to the raingutter, and then it flew off! It was so cute to see his first flight off into the big world!Good luck little Hummingbird!

The Happiest Place on Earth!

2009-05-05T22:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, we just had the greatest vacation to Disneyland! I love that place. It trully is such a happy place to be. It's always clean, cheerful music is playing everywhere you go, and everyone is so nice and friendly. WE LOVED IT! We spent a few days, so we didn't feel rushed to get everything in right away. We took our time, and enjoyed every bit of it. We even made good use of the pool at the Hotel. Hunter and Spencer loved going down the slide...

My parents joined us for one day of the trip, which was so fun. They actually were with us on Keith's birthday!

The boys loved the jacuzzi...

And I think the Grizzly River Run was Tanner and Spencer's favorite ride. They went over and over and over. And boy, were they soaked!

Conner loved playing at the pool as well!

Tanner and Spencer even enjoyed some time with Cinderella! She showed them how to be "arm-in-arm" with a princess! I could tell they were a little embarrassed, but I think they both secretly liked it! They sure had the giggles!

Isn't Tyler so cute working so hard?

Overall, awesome vacation! I even braved the "Tower of Terror", which Keith insisted I try, and I have to say it was one of my favorites! Hunter loved it too! Well, there were lots of favorites about the whole trip! Let's just say, we will do it again sometime!

Hunter and Spencer making their moves in the pool!

2009-02-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

Our crazy kids think because it's hot out, it's time to swim. Surprisingly, they did not begin to cry when they SUBMERGED (well, Tyler did - I had to rescue him quick). You guys sure have some cool moves Hunter and Spencer!

They swam for probably 10 minutes, before I made them get out! I was too cold just watching them! Our boys are much braver than I!

The Perks of Family for Neighbors

2009-02-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

I have to say how great it is living next to family. There are so many perks...
Shared birthday parties (their kids are the same ages as our youngest 3) -We get to split the responsibilities in half!

Relationships more like brother-sister rather than cousins...

My neices feeling right at home (Reese pulled the bench over to the pantry, opened it up and grabbed the candy jar. She didn't know I was watching - I have to say I LOVED it! I love seeing them feel so at home. Of course, with a big secret grin, I grabbed my camera and then called her name)

Lots of practice sharing... they play together all the time!

Learning new tricks from your cousin who is 3 weeks older than you... anyone who knows Mason knows what a climber he is!

Enjoying the benefits of having dogs as pets without actually claiming ownership and responsibility...

Hunter just loves Duke and Daisy (Yes, Keith's brother was a big fan of Dukes of Hazard, hense their names). There are many many other numerous perks...

*sharing backyards - we knocked a hole in the wall between our houses...they enjoy our fort, we enjoy their trampoline, along with all the other yard toys.

*working out together (Katie keeps me inspired)

*BABYSITTING BENEFITS - I can't say enough about that one!

*Having your doctor next door!

I could go on and on and on. But I have to say, it is AWESOME! And I recommend it!

Thanks for being such great neighbors Katie and Russ!

Featuring TANNER!

2009-02-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Tanner doesn't usually show very much animation. But when he came home from school and showed Spencer his little dance, I thought I'd catch it on video! (And if you listen closely, you can hear Tyler singing his own song from "Mulan": "Let's get down to business, to defeat the Hauns!"We celebrated Tanner's birthday on Friday with a few friends. After some basketball, followed by ball tag, it was time for cake (vanilla with strawberry bavarian cream filling at his request - and it was DEE-LICIOUS!). He opted to "clap-out" instead of "blow-out" his candles.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANNER - YOU ARE NUMBER ONE!!!

Only Spencer...

2009-02-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

We had the funniest conversation last night. Tanner had been stalling all evening in practicing piano. I finally said to him:

"Tanner, why not just practice and make the most of it?" Then Spencer said:

"Yeah Tanner, why don't you just surprise our teacher, 'cause I already surprise her with my AWESOME LOOKS!"

Of course, he had the perfect expression to go along with his statement.

That's our funny Spence!!! I just about died laughing!

They're in HEAVEN!

2009-02-04T21:41:00.000-08:00

The best place at Nana and Grandad's...The Pantry!! Nana is always loaded with treats!

All Grown Up!

2009-01-26T21:49:00.000-08:00

It seems CRAZY that Tanner is old enough to mow the lawn! It IS crazy!!! I remember so well our days of him being our only little boy. Time really does WHOOSH by! Well, as much as I don't want him to grow up, there are some great perks! He is such a great helper in so many ways, and he's so happy to do so! We love you so much, Tanner!

Let the good times roll!

2009-01-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

Hunter said the other day that he wanted to try riding his bike without training wheels. So, we took them off, and to my amazement, he just took off, and did not fall! I was so impressed! Conner and Tyler have so much fun in the tub - I love it!! Today we saw this Dora cake on Nick Jr. The boys wanted to make it, and I happened to have left-over frosting from decorating Santa's cookies, so I said sure! Here is the end result! The boys, along with Riley, Caitlyn, Mallory and Reese all had fun gobbling it down after school!

The Ride on the Light Rail

2009-01-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

We had a long adventurous ride on the finally-up-and-running light rail last week. It was fun, even if it was a little long. We decided to go all the way down town to really take it all in!A few more of our December photos! For starters, Conner and daddy! Conner actually enjoyed being out in the cold up at the cabin!

Hunter was so excited to put the star on top of the tree!

Tyler is on the left, although it does look like Carter is ready to blow out the candle for him!

Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-01-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a busy December!! Well, every December is crazy, right? But it did feel like this year's was even moreso. I guess now that we have 2 December birthdays, it'll always be extra LOADED. But we wouldn't have it any other way. December is the best with so many things to celebrate and be grateful for. We began the month by celebrating Tyler and Conner's birthdays. We figured since Tyler is turning 3 he wouldn't realize we were celebrating his 3 weeks early. We also enjoyed a couple of days at the cabin. Sledding in the fresh snow was so much fun!! Christmas was very enjoyable for everyone in the family. The day was so great! I have to say, New Year's Eve was a little different though. We had planned a FIESTA at our house for the youth from church. But, when Keith came home early from work feeling horrible, we knew THAT was going to be difficult. Luckily, our good friends bailed us out and hosted the party for us! Thanks, Delana and Todd!! So, Keith layed down in a silent house all night, while mom and kids hopped from one party to another. I have to say it was kindof fun to sit by Keith's side, just the two of us, while we watched the Time Square Countdown and said "Happy New Year". It was a nice peaceful wrap-up for the last few minutes of that fun-filled month!

This hill down which we sled sits 2 cabins down from us. It was so great to enjoy sledding while the baby napped peacefully in his crib! My niece Carly was so embarrassed when Spencer put his arm around her while they played the part of Joseph and Mary. It was so cute!

I love seeing Tanner still enjoying a visit with Santa. (He was our special visitor on Christmas Eve at Nana and Grandad's.)

Hunter was so meticulous as he made his gingerbread men of playdough! I love to see him at work!!

Conner, at first, was unsure what to do with this cake in front of him. It was so funny. His brother's were quick to show him how to DIG RIGHT IN!!

The Crazy Eye!!!

2008-11-30T22:39:00.000-08:00

Isn't Tyler one talented little dude? That is one CRAZY eye ~ or atleast that's what we call it! Tyler has a nerve missing in his eye, which would otherwise hold it in place. Because of that, it makes it very easy for him to do this!!! Of course, the rest of the silly face is all him.

Finally finished!!

2008-11-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

This 500 piece puzzle has taken us several weeks to complete. Hunter loves the puzzles more than anyone, but the boys all got into it this time. As soon as we finished he asked if we could get out his new 300 piece puzzle, which we did. It is so fun when we all sit and work on it together!

We grew pumpkins!!

2008-11-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

These are our pumpkins we grew!! We planted the seeds in July - one in mid July, the other a few weeks later. The kids were so excited when we saw the first one growing. The second (the green one on the left) began several weeks later and is still getting bigger. We seriously just planted the seeds in spots that got wet from the over spray from the grass sprinklers. Next year we'll have to plant at the beginning of July, and see if they'll grow larger. Any tips???

A Closer Look!

2008-11-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a larger photo of Halloween night! Yes, I'm still married to Keith ~ he's just wearing a good wig. He does make a good Hippi though, doesn't he? My hippi outfit was actually straight from my grandmother's wardrobe! Then Tanner dressed as a soccor player, Spencer as Frankenstein, Hunter as the Red Ninja Turtle, Tyler as Buzz Lightyear, and Conner as a penguin. Isn't Halloween so fun!!!

Halloween Night!

2008-11-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

We all dressed up for the Trunk-or-Treat party at our church. It was a fun filled night! Conner's little penguin costume only stayed on for the first hour of the night - 'til he was wet with sweat. After that we stripped him down to his onesie.

Hunter and his buddy Isaac were Ninja Turtles together......and Tyler and his buddy Austin were Buzz and Woody! Aren't they cute?

October Traditions!!!

2008-11-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Haunted Halloween Houses!!!

2008-11-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

The kids love this tradition of getting together with their eastside cousins to make... and later eat their Candy houses!

2008-10-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to the blogging world! I know you're proud of us - but don't expect too much too soon...I'm a slow mover. But it's so fun looking at all YOUR blogs, so we thought we'd try it out too!