Blizzard Beach

We spent one of the days at Blizzard Beach. I am not sure who had more fun, the guys or the kids. My kids are waterbugs and would live there if I would let them. Ben, Keith, Kaleb, and Nicholas took there brave souls to the top of Summit Plummit (the name gives it no justice), by the time they hit bottom they were traveling speeds of up to 55 mph. The waterpark wedgie is free with admission!!! Ben said that his butt cheeks were burning. I could not get myself to experience such a sensation due to the fact that there are a lot more places for my swimsuit to hide than in the younger years if you no what I mean. Instead, I merely laughed at them!

Florida

I know you all re expecting some fabulous pictures from our family trip...but I left my fourth child (Nikon D80) at home. I decided it would be too much to try and carry around. I convinced Ben that we needed a smaller, more compact camera to take with us on these occasions. Lucky me :) we stopped and bought the Nikon Coolpix camera to take on our trip. It is cute and fun...but not the D80!!! I will first share the fun...then the, let's just say, it all can't be great. We stayed in a presidential suite at the Wyndham resort in Walt Disney World...oh yeah!!! I am having technical difficulties trying to place the pictures where I want them. Anway, these are the pictures of the what the kids called grandma's house. It was four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and decorated to the hilt (2500 square ft.) On each side was a master suite with jacuzzi tubs. I know what you are thinking...Paige, Jesse, Jensen, and me all in the bubble bath...exactly!!! I would do anything to take my own bubble bath, but instead I have kid(S) asking me questions, and telling me things that are rather insulting.

Beanies For Sale!!!!

I had this great idea to order 100 beanies and sell them to make some money to start paying off some of my photography debt. I had great intentions of making the flower clips to add to them! Well, now the rest of the story. I am exhausted and cannot find any extra time to worry about making flower clips and I know they are for sale at numerous places. So I have decided to just sell them for a great deal. They are super cute and can be worn dressed up or just casual with braids. I have dark brown, black, white, and three shades of pink. If you buy three or more you can have them for $5/each instead of $7/each. So please spread the word!!!

My Nephews

My sister bought her first house here in Milford and I am so happy. It has been a blessing to have her and the boys close to me. She asked me to help her decorate her home, and I thought what better way than with pictures (of course). I took these today and the ones of them together are going to be printed on a double matboard so that you do not have to use a frame (way cool).
P.S. I can do so many different things through my printing company, and I am more than willing to share with friends and family. If you would like to print your own pictures with some of my finishing services give me a buzz!

Unconditional Love

The last couple of days have been hard for me. I find it amazing how harsh individuals can be, and I sometimes wish I could find the time to worry about all the choices that others make. I have always loved people, and have given every person that I have met a chance to share their story with me. I myself have made terrible decisions throughout life, but I have learned so much. I was looking through my pictures and I came across this one in particular. It touched me so much. I remember feeling so alone and empty during the trials that I have faced. Since I have learned about the gospel, I feel so much gratitude to be able to teach my children about the savior and his unconditional love for each one of us. I don't ever want them to feel alone and empty, and I want to make sure they know to reach out to those that hurt and search for the good in every soul.

Major Trauma!

Yesterday evening we were having dinner with the missionaries at Keith and Beth's house. I showed up early because the kids had spent the day at grandma's. As I was lying on the floor, Jensen came up from behind me and cracked me in the face with a willowtree figurine. I literally felt my tooth shatter. For most it probably would not have been a big deal...but for me it was HUGE. I seriously bawled for 30 minutes. I immediately called Dr. Howard because I realized at this point he was the most important person to me! I was crying so hard he could hardly understand me, he thought there was a death or something. It was much worse (jk, but I felt like it at the moment), the one thing that I really loved about myself was my smile and it was now ugly! Fortunately I work for Dr. Howard and he spent 2 1/2 hours fixing my tooth last night :) It will never be the same to ME...but my husband has informed me that I am overly obsessed with teeth, and most people would never notice.

Music

OK ...I have added to my playlist. I know some are probably wondering what the deal is with the old stuff, some think I am weird, and others are containing themselves from dancing around in front of the computer. Those would be the friends that really know me. I have always loved music (mostly 80's). There is a memory linked with most of these songs, and I love to reminisce (spelling ?, but sounded good lol) about the past. I hope these songs will bring back memories to everyone!!

Happy Birthday Paige!

Paige's birthday is tomorrow and I cannot believe that it has been five years since I first felt that unbelievable bond of a mother and child. I remember being nervous and excited as Ben and I were about to experience parenthood. So much has changed over the past few years, but I will ever be grateful for the journey that began with Paige. I am so thankful for this beautiful, smart, young girl. Paige is now the big sister/mother to Jesse and Jensen. I have to inform her frequently that she is not the boss! She politely tells me that I am not the boss either, but Dad is! I guess I will let her find out on her own someday that that is not the truth :) I decided to put several of my favorite pictures of Paige. Enjoy!

Cabin

We spent conference weekend at the cabin in American Fork Canyon. Words cannot describe the beauty of nature. Ben, Jesse, and I took a ride up to Silver Lake and I was truly amazed! There is nothing more serene or peaceful than being in the mountains smelling fresh rain. I have...lets say a mild fettish with the smell of wet dirt or rocks. I know it is crazy, but I cannot help it. Ben makes fun of me all the time because of it.

Deer Hunt

The day before the hunt ended Ben got his buck! It may not be the biggest...however he is the toughest. My mom, dad, Clayton and Ben had to track him for five miles after the first shot.

I have never really liked gamey meat, so Ben decided to make jerky. I was alright with that until I opened the fridge and found all of my tupperware with bloody, fatty, meat (just imagine gross), topped with all of my kitchen towels. I have to say I have not had much of an appetite since. All I can say is it is a good thing he is so good looking!

Our 2008 Family Picture

OK...This was not easy!!!! You would think I have this whole concept down...but unfortunately things did not go my way :( Our rotton (did I just say that), I meant our wonderful children would not cooperate. Anyway this is the one I will place on the wall till next year!

The Rest of the Family...

Here are some more the this fun family!

Tobey's

Gorgeous Family!! I really enjoyed taking this family session. I love these so much that I am probably going to blow some up for my studio (in the making). I am working on doing a blog just for Picture This...but for now it is a mix of my life.