FOR ALL OF TIME...

Idaho Falls / Jackson

2011-11-01T17:57:00.001-06:00

She loves to run!!

Nicest Maverick ever . . . I could live there

Thirteen years since the last time I'd had square ice cream in Swan Valley

Pretty Sweet Accommodations

The other woman...

2011-10-07T21:28:00.001-06:00

:)) daddy daughter date night. We had a blast eating mashed mummy, bloody finger stumps, entrails, all the best!! Elle of course won the cake walk. (don't know if "won" is the right word for a cake walk??). Musical chairs bordered on prison rules... I think a girl took my knee to the forehead. Elle was doing well in the donut eating contest until she pulled the donut right off.

I couldn't believe how competitive Elle got in the back bend thing where you go under the stick (what is that called??!!). Anyway, I have no idea where she gets that from ;))

Carter and Cannon Practicing Malaguena for a competition

2011-10-06T21:53:00.001-06:00

A couple more from TE weekend

2011-10-06T21:32:00.002-06:00

This is what I would refer to as "Blue Steel"

5am @ SLC airport!! How did I do this for 10 years??!!

2011-10-03T05:54:00.001-06:00

AF Canyon . . . You have to drive up!!

2011-09-30T15:46:00.002-06:00

So I went up the canyon for a leisurely ;)) 6 mile afternoon run from pine hollow trail to the top of the Alpine loop and back and the colors are amazing. It literally looks like a master painter took their brush to it. One word . . . beautiful!!

Heart-a-freaking-tack!! :))

2011-09-27T23:35:00.001-06:00

I guess I just have to accept the fact that I am a seriously old now and the slightest thing gives me a coronary! I could just keel over any minute! Ensure for breakfast and lunch. Early bird special for dinner. In bed by 6:30

Why does it have to be so hard??!!

2011-09-26T20:09:00.000-06:00

Like so many things in life, lovin' the Cougs can be such a trial! You want to completely devote yourself to being all about the Cougs but there's them pesky Utes that keep getting in the way.

An Evening Hike to the Indian Cave

2011-09-25T19:50:00.001-06:00

I LOVE living in such a beautiful place with such gorgeous scenery and sunsets.

Cannon's last Primary Program

2011-09-24T22:10:00.000-06:00

Cannon played his arrangement of I am a Child of God last Sunday for his last Primary program.

Coaching Cannon

2011-09-20T00:25:00.000-06:00

It's been so fun to coach Cannon this year in football. Unlike years past where I would miss every game because of traveling, I get to be there everyday at practice and games. Kinda like having your cake and eating it too. Well, Like it or Not, you'll probably have to put up with me from here on out!

Like it or not, the BYU-Utah football game is already here

2011-09-17T15:19:00.001-06:00

BYU VS. UTAH

Like it or not, the BYU-Utah football game is already here

Jared Lloyd - Daily Herald | Posted: Saturday, September 17, 2011 2:00 am

After starting the week by saying he hadn't really wrapped his mind around the fact that his team was already preparing to host Utah (7:15 p.m., ESPN2), BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall finally decided to give his opinion about playing this game in September.
"It feels a lot different," he said. "It doesn't feel right. It feels like the game is being played about eight weeks too early, doesn't it? Might as well just say it. I don't like it but we'll play it. It's a lot better at the end. That's when a rivalry is supposed to be played."
Mendenhall's statement is accurate in recent history as the Cougars and the Utes have played in late November for most of the last 50 years.
You have to go back to 1977 to find a game played before Nov. 17 (BYU's 38-8 win came on Nov. 5 that year), and back to 1967 to discover a contest not played in November at all (the Cougars defeated Utah 17-13 on Oct. 28).
With a little digging, it's easy to find that the November tradition started in 1964. Before that, only six of the annual contests between the two rivals took place in that month, with all of the other years but one having the game in October (BYU did beat the Utes 14-7 on Sept. 27, 1958, the only other September meeting).
While that tradition may be something the fans have gotten used to, the players were pretty frank about it not being as big of a deal to them.
"It's a nice ending to the season to have that as the pinnacle, but I honestly don't care when we play them," said Cougar senior running back Bryan Kariya. "Whether it's the first game or the last game, we're going to be ready. It's going to be a hard-fought game, so I don't really care personally. You just prepare for the opponent ahead."
Senior offensive lineman Matt Reynolds had the same perspective, saying, "I'll play whoever they schedule, whenever they schedule it."
While the time of year may be different, the players say they enjoy the excitement that has come with the rivalry contests.
"I'll miss the competitive nature," said BYU senior safety Travis Uale. "It's always a close game with two good teams. Even if there was a bad season for one or both, both teams show up for that game. We play other teams that are ranked higher but these are so fun because the fans get so into it and it's so competitive."
Mendenhall said he doesn't expect the 2011 edition of the BYU-Utah matchup to be any different than the other recent games.
"The game has come down to the last play five of six years and it's split evenly," he said. "I'm not sure why this year would be any different. They are always contested and played hard. Any time it comes down to a final play, sometimes you don't feel like it went your way when you think it should've."
The Cougars feel like they let one get away in 2010, dropping a game they had controlled as Utah blocked a late field goal attempt. They don't want to see this year's contest have a similar result.
"We've had some good games and some not so good games," Reynolds said. "Hopefully this year we can make it one of the good ones."
In order to do that, BYU feels like it needs to dramatically improve on the poor rushing performance it had at Texas, when it only managed 43 yards on the ground.
"We need to be tougher," Kariya said. "We need to realize that we're not going to have huge holes to run through. We're going to face great defenses all season so we have to go out there and earn it. As an entire offense, we have to have the mentality that we're going to go and take what we want. We have to put our heads down and go get the yards."
Reynolds also put a lot of the burden on the offensive line, saying they have to do a better job opening up holes.
"If you look at the stats the past couple of weeks, we haven't run the ball as well as we traditionally have and we as an offensive line take that personally," the senior lineman said. "We've got get people moving off the ball."
The Cougar offense knows that it will be playing another talented defense and will need to be on top of its game to move the ball consistently.
"They are a really good defense that moves around a lot," Reynolds said. "They have a good mix of man and zone with some big defensive linemen, so it presents some challenges."
On defense, BYU faces a gifted running back in Ute junior John White IV that can grind out yards in bunches.
"We have to be able to stop the run," Uale said. "They have a good running back and a good offensive line. If we can do that, we'll be successful on defense."
The Cougars also expect Utah to have a good passing game - depending on how well junior quarterback Jordan Wynn is able to do.
"I know since his surgery, his throwing arm hasn't been exactly the same but we're preparing for a good offense with a good coordinator and a good scheme," Uale said. "We're not sure how big of an impact it will be, but we're getting ready as if we are playing one of the best quarterbacks we've ever faced."
The two rivals expect another hard-fought, close game with the victor probably being the one that makes plays in the fourth quarter.
And even though this will be the first game in 113 years in which the two squads aren't competing in the same conference - plus the difference on the calendar - there is still something big on the line.
"The Beehive Boot has been important to me as long as I've been the coach," Mendenhall said. "It's the same this year. It's no different."
Daily Herald sports editor Jared Lloyd can be reached at 801-344-2555 or jlloyd@heraldextra.com. He can also be followed on Twitter at @JaredrLloyd.

Elle placing her first Book of Mormon

2011-09-11T20:40:00.001-06:00

Elle was so excited to place her first Book of Mormon with a friend from her track team. It was a great experience and the bishop asked her to speak in sacrament about the experience. She did great in her talk. She sounded like a professional speaker! (No idea where she gets that :)) )

Hiking the Y with my 40lbs of BFB

2011-09-11T20:33:00.001-06:00

As if it weren't enough to pack her up, Kate on the way down kept saying "Run daddy, Run!!". Needless to say the quads got a workout.

Happy 2nd Birthday Kate

2011-09-11T20:06:00.001-06:00

Kate's a little scared of the Doorbell

2011-09-06T13:42:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday to my Can Man!!

2009-08-15T09:43:00.001-06:00

I love this kid with all my heart. He is the sweetest most compassionate little guy. I love you Cannon . . . Dad

Elle's Kindergarten Graduation

2009-05-15T21:11:00.000-06:00

Pinewood Derby

2009-05-14T19:58:00.001-06:00

Cannon Gets A 39 In Festival

2009-05-14T19:53:00.000-06:00

Elle Gets A New Bike & Mom Assembles

2009-05-14T19:50:00.000-06:00

HAWAII

2009-05-13T11:47:00.001-06:00

Easter Weekend

2009-05-13T11:33:00.001-06:00

Goblin Valley

2009-04-05T00:04:00.000-06:00

Carter & Noahs 1 on 1

2009-04-04T23:59:00.001-06:00

Carter's Winner's Concert

2009-04-04T23:44:00.001-06:00

Carter's Festival

2009-04-04T23:40:00.001-06:00

Day Out of School

2009-04-04T23:24:00.001-06:00

Jr. Jazz

2009-04-04T23:19:00.001-06:00

2009-03-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

Walking back to our hotel at night after a long day at Disneyland, we were passing girls immodestly dressed and lots of men with tattoes. Cannon said, "Mom, the Church really needs to send more missionaries to California. These people need help."

Who Is Truer?

2009-02-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Anyone reading this knows me well enough to know that I have 0 artistic ability. Since Noah was out of town, I had to phone my best friend to help me with this school project. Carter had to make a face board of President Lincoln. Mom helped him and allowed him to do a large portion of the project as well. She is ALWAYS there and ALWAYS true. Several times each day I thank Heavenly Father for her. THANKS MOM!

Welcome Our New Addition -- Bella

2009-02-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

We finally picked up our new puppy, Bella last night. Cannon held her and said, "Mommy, she has zits all over her tummy". She is 7 weeks old and is constantly being held. Last night she slept in my bedroom and slept through the night! She is yet to bark . . . so far, she is a dream puppy.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Utah Valley Symphony

2009-01-28T22:11:00.001-07:00

2009-01-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

O.K. Poor Elle's kitten, Alex. Just this week Addie has:

(1) Put her in the garbage can and shut the door

(2) Put her in the toilet

(3) Put her in a drawer in the kitchen

These are just the places that we know.

2009-01-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Elle: "Mom, I have a really hard question. Can you ever not think? Because I'm thinking, and I can't stop."

The Draper Temple

2009-01-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

What was your favorite thing about the temple?
Carter: "Looking into the mirrors that you could see eternity"
Cannon: "The baptism font"
Elle: "The bride room"
Addie: "The sparkling lights"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAN!!!

2009-01-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

What I Love About Dean

1) He is so hilarious. He is always making everyone laugh. I tease him that he can literally say "boo" and somehow, his inflection or the the facial expression he makes can make it so funny.

2) He has the most tender heart. He can have a rough exterior, but inside -- no one is more of a softy.

3) He taught me how to throw a football, hit a baseball, and shoot basketballs. I remember him telling me to keep the football close to my ear so I didn't throw "like a girl".

4) He is very generous. In college, whenever he "earned" money, he bought Brad and me everything!

5) We were really close in college. I remember coming out to my car on multiple occasions to find notes or even flowers.

6) He is deeply spiritual. He will be the first one to cry (which I love) and we have all witnessed the gift he has of giving beautiful, powerful blessings.

7) One night a college boyfriend broke my heart. Dean came to my apartment, hugged me, listened to me and had to watch my ugly cry face and stayed there all night to comfort me. I'll never forget it.

8) Another college night I was getting psycho calls on my answering machine. Dean came right over with his gun (unbelievable) and stayed all night.

9) He is such a great husband to Tanis. I watch how doting he is on her and it reminds me of dad.

10) He is such a tender, loving father. He loves to snuggle with his kids. Watch him with Berkley and your heart will melt.

11) He works so hard. 6 days a week, sun up to sun down. I guess what you do as a kid does stick with you :). I'm proud of how well he, Brad, & Rudi are doing with the car lot.

12) I love how he still calls me and we talk. It means so much to me.

13) He is very selfless. Every night he baths and tucks in the kids. (A mom's DREAM). His kids adore him.

14) He is always playing with his boys. They worship him and try to be just like him.

15) I always wanted to stay best friends with Brad and Dean. Therefore, I dated nearly all of their friends just to ensure I could stay close to them. They were always so true to me. They always stuck up for me, complemented me, and made me feel like I was the most unreal girl in the world. Looking back, I'm humiliated what a tag a long pain I was for them. Following them everywhere, listening to their same music, trying to be just like them. But, they never made me feel like a third wheel. They were not only brothers, but also filled the role as sisters . They were my idols, my best friends, and such a huge part of every decision that I made. I love you, Dean so much. I hope you have the most wonderful birthday!!

Noah's Little Athlete

2009-01-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

2009-01-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Mom: "Elle, will you go get me a diaper for Addie"
Elle: Comes back in a flash. "Mom, we are broke with diapers."

We are Proud of you Cannon!

2009-01-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

Sledding

2008-12-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Bailey

2008-12-30T21:27:00.003-07:00

CHRISTMAS !!!

2008-12-30T21:27:00.001-07:00

Christmas Eve

2008-12-30T13:27:00.001-07:00

Joseph Smith Movie

2008-12-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

The School Christmas Program

2008-12-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Elle & Sadie

2008-12-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

Weekend In Boise

2008-12-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

Gingerbread House

2008-12-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

2008-12-19T10:46:00.001-07:00

Mom: "Addie, what do you want for Christmas?"
Addie: "Caffeine"

Decorating the Tree

2008-12-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

Heritage Care Center

2008-12-17T21:57:00.001-07:00

One of our holiday traditions is going to the Heritage Care Center. Carter and Cannon played the piano, but it was mom who stole the show. She played, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," "I'll Be Loving You Always", and several other classics. She is so amazing and just took requests and played whatever they called out. She of course was so loving to all who were present. She walked around, took their hands, and just loved them. Such an example of true charity. She is amazing.

2008-12-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Mom: "Elle! You can miss school tomorrow to play with Sadie!"
Carter: "Elle. You can't miss school! You will get "F"s if you miss school. And, do you know what happens if you get "F"s? You have to go to the University of Utah!"

Here Comes Santa Claus

2008-12-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

Cannon: "Mom. I'm kind of confused. Santa is so old. Does he ever die?"
Mom: (Not knowing quite how to answer). "I'm really not sure how it works. Ask Carter."
Carter: "To tell you the truth, Santa died already. I read about it in a book. I think he got resurrected and comes back every Christmas to bring us gifts."

Seattle

2008-12-07T19:04:00.001-07:00

A few moments that make me Thankful

2008-12-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Even though Amy does most of the Blogging in the house, I was looking at some of the pictures on my iPhone and thought about as a dad, the things that make me happy are kids who love each other and try to do what's right.

Carter teaching FHE - I was worried he wouldn't have enough material to cover . . . this was 45 minutes into his lesson!

Elle helping Grandma stamp the Penser mail

Trip To Washington

2008-12-04T16:13:00.001-07:00

We had a great time in Washington for Thanksgiving. The kids got an early Christmas present in the form of a quilt from each of them that Grandma Parks made, and they also got a daily gift from Grandpa Parks going for a Gator ride!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

What Are You Grateful For?
Elle:
1) My grandmas
2) My mom and dad, Carter, Cannon, & Addie
3) The sweetest cat
4) Berkely and Braun
5) My house, my bed
6) Jesus
7) My scriptures
8) My cousins
9) To live across the street from grandma
10) My body --to be healthy & strong

Carter:
1) My family
2) My house
3) My Heavenly Father
4) My Savior
5) The Church
6) The food we get to eat
7) All of our family members (grandma & grandpa, cousins)
8) My friends
9) Piano
10) My school

Cannon:
1) My family
2) Food
3) The Priesthood
4) Cousins
5) Grandma
6) Our home
7) Scriptures
8) Church
9) Heavenly Father
10) Piano

Addie:
1) Elle Belle
2) Unicorn
3) Cannon
4) Carter
5) Daddy
6) Mommy
7) Grandma

What Is My 2 Year Old Telling Me? Addie Got Into My Bronzer!

2008-11-26T15:49:00.001-07:00

Carter Takes 1st Place In Concerto Festival

2008-11-17T16:07:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS CARTER!! Carter participated in the regional concerto festival and took first place in his division. He played an exciting Haydn piece that I will actually really miss hearing him practice. He worked so hard and we are so proud of him. WE LOVE YOU CARTER

Election Night Prayer

2008-11-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

Cannon:

"Heavenly Father. Please help us now that Obama is President to not say bad things about him and to just accept him as our President".

NOAH: LISTEN TO YOUR CHILDREN!!!

Hayden William Skousen

2008-11-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

JAMES CANNON:
"The (ancient) Greeks believed that character was formed in part by fate and in part by parental training, and that character was exemplified not only by acts of bravery in battle but in the habits of daily conduct."

Andrea has become one of my greatest heroes. She has exemplified every quality of goodness: compassion, forgiveness, strength, grace, wisdom: think of a positive trait, and she has portrayed it. The day of Hayden's birth was so beautiful. My favorite moment was when she held Hayden up to her face and as soon as he heard her voice, he immediately stopped crying. Andrea is such a patient, loving mother who truly was born to be a nurturing mother. He is so blessed to have her as his angel mother.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Carving Pumpkins

2008-11-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

California Adventure

2008-10-30T22:15:00.000-06:00

Disneyland

2008-10-30T22:05:00.001-06:00

Walking back to our hotel at night after a long day at at Disneyland, Cannon said the cutest thing. We passed girls immodestly dressed and men with tattoes. Cannon said, "Mom, the Church really needs to send more missionaries to California. These people need help."

Sea World

2008-10-30T21:55:00.001-06:00

Coronado Beach -- San Diego

2008-10-28T20:56:00.001-06:00

2008-10-28T20:51:00.000-06:00

Addie: (Attempting to put her hair in a pony tail with an elastic). "Mommy, it's terrible! I just can't do it!"

Carter Gets Braces

2008-10-24T11:01:00.001-06:00

UNBELIEVABLE! Watching my first "baby" get his mouthed just stretched like Elastigirl just about killed me. He was so, so, amazing. He didn't complain even once! The assistant kept asking, "Are you O.K." and he would just keep nodding. He was really brave. I kept my mouth closed when she asked him for his color selection which was a Lime Green and Blue pattern. I'm making progress as a mother. After the braces ordeal, we took him to Cold Stone. When I checked the picture, there was a huge piece of chocolate brownie right in the middle of his front braces. A nice big welcome for his braces. Proud of you, Cart. I promise it will be worth it!

Happy Birthday Noah!!

2008-10-24T10:58:00.000-06:00

We celebrated our annual Noah's birthday tradition by eating at Bombay House. Of course so many supported and were there. Even though our times getting together are more limited, we always celebrate birthdays with one another which is so special. Thanks to everyone who gave gifts, supported, and made Noah feel so loved! You won't have to eat Indian food for an entire year! Noah, I hope you know how much I love you and am so proud of the father that you are. There is no question that your family is your first priority which means the world to me. Love you and Happy Birthday!

Carter's final preparation for Concerto Festival

2008-10-21T00:29:00.000-06:00

Elle Lost Her Front Tooth

2008-10-02T16:27:00.001-06:00

Weekend With Jennifer

2008-10-02T16:21:00.000-06:00

It was So fun to spend the weekend with Jennifer & Matt and their darling family. I was able to meet Jenn's little angel Sophie for the first time. She is so, so, saucy and is just such a bug. She seems like the type that just really catches and wants to listen! She is precious and it melts my heart to see how obsessed Jennifer is with her. It was also so special for me to watch Elle & Sadie! They are such cute cousins. Sadie really understands Elle and they have such a blast together. Little Con-man just flew with my kids and they all had so much fun. Jenn and Matt are so fun to spend time with. They are some of our best friends and no matter how long it has been between visits, it is always the same. Thanks, Jenn and Matt for always making the effort to stop and spend time. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH

Cannon Earns His Bobcat & Carter Earns His Bear

2008-10-02T16:15:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Peyton! Barnum & Bailey Circus

2008-10-02T16:10:00.001-06:00

Peyton turned 8 this year and Brad and Leslie went all out and took us all to the circus. It was amazing to see the little "circus acts" and no we weren't one of them! We had so much fun. THANK YOU BRAD & LESLIE!

2008-09-29T10:37:00.001-06:00

Elle: "Silver (our cat) is getting older mom. He really needs a wife . . . Oh yea. He can't get one because . . . you know . . . he got his tonsils taken out."

Carve'

2008-09-24T11:49:00.000-06:00

What happens to our adult brains that drains creativity from them? Maybe cell phone usage. I'm blaming everything on that these days :) Elle came upstairs with Addie today dressed in aprons and said, "Come downstairs to our restaurant! It's called Carve'. Noah and I went downstairs and this is what we found. SO happy to have a creative daughter to help me with future showers, enrichment, anything! And I am laughing so hard that Addie is just cutting play-doh with a knife and I am just taking pictures of it! I think it happens with number 4.

Happy Birthday Carter -- 10 years old

2008-09-21T11:29:00.000-06:00

Skipping School At Hogle Zoo

2008-09-21T11:10:00.001-06:00

My Date Night With Carter -- Jon Schmidt Concert

2008-09-19T22:24:00.001-06:00

Carter and I went on a little "mommy-son" date the other night and had a blast. We went to the Jon Schmidt concert. It was so entertaining. Carter met him at intermission and I told him that it was Carter's birthday, so when the concert resumed, he embarrassed Cart a little bit (not too badly) and did a little birthday song. Afterward we went to our favorite place, (JCW) and got milkshakes. We came home and laid in my bed and talked until 11:00 (doesn't sound that late, but it was a school night!) He is one of the most amazing boys and I love my little firstborn Cart so much.

Came Upon A Slip of Paper

2008-09-18T10:43:00.001-06:00

Carter -- Kindergarten (5)
"Mom, how does it work? Do you pick the girl I marry or do I?"

Carter -- 1st Grade (6)
"Mom, does BYU have the cutest girls?" Eeyore (4) "It doesn't matter if their cute, Cart. Even if they're big & fat if they're the nicest is what matters."

Carter -- 2nd Grade (7)
"Mom, do you have to marry someone who kind of looks like you? Because most people who are married kind of look the same."

Carter -- 2nd Grade (7)
"I found one of Satan's things again, mom. He put that snow cone machine right by the train tracks."

Elle's Bedtime Prayer

2008-09-17T11:04:00.001-06:00

Elle: "Heavenly Father please bless my sweet mommy who is always here alone and we are just such little nightmares . . . she just cleans and cleans and we just mess it up and then she has to clean again . . . please help her."

Utah State Fair

2008-09-11T21:52:00.000-06:00

2008-09-11T21:46:00.000-06:00

The Honesty of Children

2008-09-10T13:29:00.001-06:00

After Carter's recent spider bite, I have been obsessed with pest control. David sold pest control this summer, and we discussed having him spray our home. This morning, David showed up surprisingly at Grandma's house to spray and mine was next! This of course meant every nook and cranny of my house (closets, under sinks, etc.). I was frantically cleaning when I heard Elle yell out her window to David, "David, could you please take a long time at Grandma's because my our house is a MESS and my mom is trying to clean it!"

Eeoyre . . . yet again

2008-09-06T16:38:00.000-06:00

Carter: "I know what the hardest part of life is . . . birth."

Cannon: "No it's not Carter. It's paying bills."

Happy 6th Birthday Elle

2008-09-01T19:40:00.000-06:00

First BYU Home Game -- Go Cougars!!

2008-08-31T14:28:00.001-06:00

Saturday Noah and I took the boys to the first home BYU football game. Thanks to Andrea & Kinzie for watching the girls. It was such a treat to come home to a clean house, bathed kids, Addie down and not have racked a babysitting bill with a messy house. THANKS AGAIN! We had So much fun. I have always loved football games (and football players, ha) and it was so fun singing the fight song with my little babies!

First Day of School

2008-08-29T10:15:00.001-06:00

O.K. You can tell from the entry that it was hard to say "goodbye" to Carter and Cannon to start yet another school year, but this year it was "all about Elle" (Carter said that once when he was about 4). My little best friend going to Kindergarten! I started to cry and Grandma said, "Kids, I always cried when my kids went off to school, too." Cannon said, "Then you cried a lot, grandma cause you had so many kids!" We laughed which helped me choke back my emotion of my kids growing up. Why is it so hard? And how many times have I written that question on my blog! :)

Pictures from Cannon's Baptism

2008-08-20T22:30:00.000-06:00

Cannon's Baptism

2008-08-18T13:13:00.000-06:00

Cannon is such a special boy. I prayed so hard that his baptism day would be a spiritual, perfect day for him, which it was. It was so special to have Grandma and Grandpa Andrus bear their powerful testimonies. They told me that he never took his eyes off of them throughout their testimonies. Noah also bore his testimony which of course made me cry. To look around that room at all of the aunts, uncles, cousins, and church leaders there to support him meant so much to me. We felt so blessed. Noah made a video with the song, "If The Savior Stood Beside Me" and I just thought of Can-Man how he really lives his life like that. I love him so much and was so proud to be his mother. Thanks for all who made the effort to be there (or to try!). Love you all so much.

Cannon's Birthday!

2008-08-18T13:11:00.001-06:00

What have we done???

2008-08-14T20:47:00.000-06:00

Carter has been going it for a week about doing a blog with dad's help! Well, he's finally been unleashed at www.cartersawesomeblog.blogspot.com He is doing this entirely on his own with a little spell check help and technical support, but the content is all his . . . Scary!

Scouting with Grandpa and Jeremiah Johnson Camp

2008-08-02T22:59:00.003-06:00

Tennis & Basketball Camps

2008-08-02T22:56:00.000-06:00

Simple Pleasures

2008-07-22T21:35:00.000-06:00

All summer Elle has been asking to make "homemade lemonade, not from a can". Finally I let her make her "real lemonade". She has never been so proud. It is so darling how much simple things can mean so much to them. (P.S. I love that smile with the big space between her front teeth. Her teeth are loose, and I am so sad to see that smile I love so much change! Why is it so hard?)

Elle Learns to Ride Her Bike

2008-07-22T21:27:00.000-06:00

Last week Noah took off Elle's training wheels and set out to teach Elle how to ride her bike. She is such a flyer, of course. Noah said she learned the fastest. In less than an hour, she was going down the driveway and just pedaling away. She got so proud though, she crashed at the end! Hurtya! We're proud of you, Elle!

WALL-E at the Drive-In

2008-07-19T21:23:00.000-06:00

Thursday night we took the kids to the drive-in movie theater. Thanks to Lindsay and Steve who were so sweet to use their pick-up. We put a foam mattress and blankets and pillows in the back of the truck and just cuddled and watched the movie. We had such a blast! Sometimes just changing the setting of things makes the biggest difference. Addie was one of the pack of course. It was such a fun memory. Thanks, again, Broadbents!