Kaylie and her Faces --- Attitude

I love my daughter . . . but sometimes she can R E A L L Y frustrate me. We had a picture taken of our swim club this past month and in every pictures but one, the practice one, Kaylie was pulling some kind of face because she didn't want to take the pictures. She was the ONLY swimmer pulling faces.

This is the practice shot! She actually has a real smile. Why . . . Why does she play these games?

I'm sure it's to aggravate me . . . I guess it keeps my life colorful.

I Found New Laundry Detergent

Because of this couponing I have come across a new product I LOVE. I use to be a die hard TIDE believer, but now I will only use . . .
I love the scent FRESH SCENT. The smell lingers on my clothes for days, which I love, and the detergent works just as great as tide. Give it a try, it's even cheaper. Her is a testimonial I found online.

"The Mystery of My Smelly Towels What ever happened to Tide laundry detergent? This should have been written back when we were comparing products! I thought it was me. I thought that I was washing my towels wrong. Maybe my husbands work clothes were getting mixed in with my towels and some

other clothes. I tried washing out the washer like K. Ray suggested in one of her articles. I tried washing the clothes in hotter water. I tried soaking and going through a second rinse. My towels and some of my other clothes still came out not smelling fresh. They actually came out smelling offensive. After trying everything I decided to give good old Arm and Hammer laundry detergent a try. It had been years since I ventured out of my Tide territory. I have tried other detergents because they were less expensive. I would either get a rash that I spent more money on trying to cure, and then I would find out it was an allergy to the detergent, or it wouldn't clean my clothes. I finally gave up and just continued with Tide. I don't know if they have changed their ingredients. I don't know if they are less potent, they are definitely not less expensive. I don't know if it is just me but I know that I am no longer happy with Tide! I decided it was time to just try a little experiment. After all Arm and Hammer was on sale! The magic words to the consumer. It was only $5.00 for two bottles the size of Tide which is over $6.00 now on sale. I thought what the heck go for the gold. Live a little. Don't be a stick in the mud. Isn't that what life is all about? Take a risk once in a while. Hey at my age you have to find excitement in any place you can get it. If that is Meijers well then so be it. I proudly came home with my two bottles of Arm and Hammer laundry detergent. I really didn't expect to cure my smelly towel problem but at least I got a bargain and I didn't figure it would be any worse. It was amazing! My towels actually smelled good. Maybe it was the fabric softener? No I use that all the time. So I tried washing my husbands' work clothes. They didn't have that tell tale oil smell in them. I washed more clothing and they all smelled great. It is a miracle. I bless you Arm and Hammer laundry detergent. "

Matters of the HEART

About two years ago Brandon bought me a heart rate monitor for Christmas to use while I exercise. When I started to use it I noticed right off that my heart rate would get really high while I exercised. I figured that it was because I was out of shape, so I didn't really care a whole lot. This past year I've been working on my endurance, so my heart rate never really peaked extremely high, though it is higher than normal. Since the triathlon in August, which I LOVED, I am really wanting to improve my running and biking times, so I am doing a lot of sprinting and strength training. Last Thursday my heart rate stayed at 198 until I decided to stop. (I said it was high.) I've been trying to find answers on the Internet because apparently my heart rate should not get higher then 175 - 180 at the most. There is never a workout when my heart rate is not in the 180's. I've asked my OBGYN, but she had no answers. I went to my family doctor and he had no answers. So I broke down and decided to go to a Cardiologist. I felt stupid in the waiting room because there were all of these older patients with REAL heart problems, and there I was, a 28 year old with just an abnormally high heart rate. I think the doctor was surprised to see someone so young.

Honestly, I really do feel stupid going to see a cardiologist but I need to know for myself that one day my heart is not going to just STOP because I've over exerted it too long. I'm really planning on the results coming out normal, or at the most with some small problem like hypothyroid disease. My sister and my grandmother both have hypothyroid disease, but I've been tested 2 times and it has always come back negative. The doctor still believes there is a chance I might have it. He was very nice and told me that I should be in there to see him. As he put it, "You have three lives that depend on you, you need to make sure there is nothing wrong."

I'm not telling all of you because I'm looking for sympathy. Really I don't even like to talk about it because I really don't think that there is anything wrong. I'm telling you because tomorrow I am going to do a stress test on my heart. They are going to make me run as fast and as long as I can to see how high my heart rate can go. I am nervous. I shouldn't be, but I'm feeling like I'm going to run a 1/2 marathon tomorrow and I'm out of shape. AHHHHHH!! Plus, they want me to go into the test fasting. It's stupid that I'm scared for this simple test that men and women in their 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's all do. But I'm nervous. So, wish me luck. I guess they have me going in fasting so I don't throw-up all over. Anyways . . . I'm doing this for my kids . . . RIGHT?

What do Angels look like?

What do angels look like? I think that last week I met some . . . Brandon had surgery on his right shoulder, his dominant hand, a little more than a week ago. Because of this, he wasn’t able to do ANYTHING for himself. He couldn’t bath himself, dress himself, change his sling (every 45 min) himself; he couldn’t cook for himself, or really anything. I didn’t realized how much this surgery would affect me. Not only did I have to help him completely, but I also lost his help with the kids and the house work and to add on top of all of that I had to work from 4-8PM Monday – Thursday night last week because the new block for swim lessons started and as the director I had to be there.
When Monday night rolled around and I was getting ready to go to work Brandon was very unconvincingly trying to tell me that he would be ok with the kids (only having had the surgery 3 days before). I tried to pull myself away but when he told me, jokingly, to call him every ½ to make sure he was awake and to make sure the kids were ok, as I walked out the door I broke down. I got into the car and called a few people to see if they could help, but
there was no help to be had. I dashed back into the house, rounded up the kids and hauled them off to the Apple as they cried, because they wanted to be home. Stressed doesn’t begin to explain how I was feeling at that moment. Lonely, Mad, Frustrated, Guilty . . . those are a few of the other feelings. I realized that night that I was going solo every day, with no help. So I bucked up (as my mom would tell me to do) and got ready for that long ride of a week. To say the least I made it through. I was stressed. I must have looked frazzled because others were really concerned about me when they saw me. But yes we all survived. During that week I came across a handful of people who truly were my family’s angels. Wednesday night after work (at 8 PM) I needed to stop at a store to get some band aides for Brandon, but I did not have the will power to drag my hungry, exhausted children into a store; so I called my friend and asked to borrow 6 band aids (like I would give them back), she giggled, and then told me she totally understands. It sounds stupid, why couldn’t I just make the stop? I just couldn’t. There were acts like this one throughout the whole week which made my week bearable. THANK YOU to all of you who helped with my kids, helped me, and helped Brandon. You know who you are. It is times like these when family is so valuable. I miss mine. (Pause.) It is times like these when I wish my mom were close. She would have helped with my kids every night, if I needed. That’s what family is for. The Lord knew we couldn’t do it alone. I also miss being used. I wish family would /could call me up to help. My sister had her baby last week and I would have given anything to have been able to take her kids for her. Maybe someday my parents will move back to Utah . . . sigh . . . hopefully sooner than later. But, for right now the Lord has given me some TRUE friends who have always been there; when I’m not to prideful to call and ask for help. Last week, they were my family. Last week, they were my angels. I know what angels look like. They look like my friends.

Some things I've been doing to help with all the stress. Do you like them????

Halloween

My Pirate, I was making a Lion's costume, but I couldn't find the pieces I needed. He has been infatuated with the eye patch and sword for weeks now, so it was only natural to let him wear Kaylie's costume from last year.

The Little Mermaid. It was ADORABLE!

"I'm NOT a witch, I'm a wizard!!"


Halloween is my favorite time of year! I love the rhymes my kids chant as they skip threw the house. I love the bright, warm colors. I love the rich smells; most of all, I love the excitement. I make my kids their own costumes every year, which always turns out to be a big and long project. Others always tell me I'm crazy for doing this, they say "That's what department stores are for honey" and after the long sewing projects each year I tell myself "next year I'll buy the costumes", but as each year rolls around I just can't help it. When I was growing up my mom would make our costumes and dresses. I have the warm tingly feeling inside when I think about those moments watching her. I loved watching the whole process unfold. Buying the fabric, cutting it out, the sewing, and waiting for the finished product. There were many nights (now looking back I realized what a sacrifice it was for my mom) when I would go to bed with the promise from my mom that it would be done in the morning. The excitement was always so unbearable, it was like waiting for Christmas morning to come. And I always fell in love with whatever she made. This year, Kaylie's wizard costume was hard to piece together. I spent HOURS and HOURS trying to make it work. I was sewing into the early hours of the morning that she had to wear it to school. When she went to bed she was so excited that HER costume was being worked on and when she woke-up the next morning she came bouncing in my room looking for HER costume. The same spell was under her that was under me for all those many years. So, is it worth putting forth all that effort to make the costumes? For me, YES, and I will probably be busing sewing their costumes again a year from now.

Raking Leaves

Brandon's Grandma Hilton has some beautiful maple and apple trees in her backyard. The maple tree's drop this huge leaves and this year we went to rake themup so I could put them in my garden. I have heard that leaves really help the nutrients in soil so I thought I would give it a try. Besides that, we had a lot of fun. The kids couldn't get enough.

He's not a BABY anymore!!

"You want me to do WHAT mom?"

"GO OUT!"

I started to potty train Conner in September and boy was it a rough go. I gave-up just about 30 times before he got it. It's was much harder to potty train Conner then my girls because my life is so much busier now. Ever afternoon I am gone and my attention can not always be on him like it was when Kaylie and Ashlynn were little. We finally got there. Every time he goes to the bathe room he comes running in jumping up and down declaring "I DID IT". We were all jumping up and down for the first week that there was some success. This mile stone Conner has come to has made me realize HE'S NOT A BABY ANYMORE. He is out of diapers, this is the first time in almost 7 years that we haven't had to buy diapers and it feels great.

Everyone keeps asking me, even my little girls, when are you going to have another baby, but honestly sometimes we don't know if we even want to get pregnant again. The longer we wait the easier it gets to push having another baby aside. No more worrying about nap times, no more breast feeding, no more late nights and early mornings, no more waking up during the nights, no more diapers, and both of my girls are in school. Just one left to go. We feel free to do what we want because our kids are at an age where we feel fine leaving them for hours and days if needs be. Let's not even discuss pregnancy and deliveries. So now maybe you can understand why I question myself all the time "Do I want another baby?" I don't know, I guess only time will tell. But for right now, my baby has turned into a child.

A Little Piece of Paradise

Here's Brandon scouting for some sign of wildlife.
Yes, we climbed this steep rocky peak. Oh, how I love nature.

I wish I had a better camera to capture the depth perception.

The yellow and orange leaves were literly glowing.

We found a new fishing spot and with in 2 minutes of casting the line we caught a little brooky.

Quakey Lane

A few weeks ago Brandon and I went up to the mountains and spent the day together, just the two of us, and we happened to stumble upon a piece of heaven. My camera could not capture the true beauty of this places, so imagine something much more grander. We fell in the love with this place so much, we went back-up the next day with our kids.

Quilting Project

This summer while my sister Catherine was here, she came to me one day and asked if we could make a quilt for my mom's birthday. Because I was so excited to do a project with her, I jumped all over the idea. My mom had given me a bunch of fabric 8 years ago to make a quilt with, so I pulled it out and we couldn't help but think that the colors are SOOOOO my mom.. We started cutting away at the project.

We did make mistakes that had to be unpicked, but Catherine was a pro at unpicking.

Lot's and Lot's of ironing.
By the end, when we finally pieced it all together we were so excited. So relieved that we got it done in three weeks.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture on my camera of the blanket after it was quilted. I am so glad that my sister asked me to help with the quilt. It meant so much to me. Because my parents have lived in Maryland for the past 10 years, my sister being 16, we have not be able to really get to know each other, but this summer we did. This summer we made something that meant a lot to me and made my mom cry when she opened it. This quilt is so much more than pieces of fabric sewn together, this quilt sewed relationships and mended heart. My heart will always hold a special place for this quilt.

Summer 2009

.

Conner's Birthday

Conner Turns 3 this next Tuesday. We had a party for him this weekend instead of next Tuesday. I payed for Brandon's family to come and swim at the Apple with us because my three kids are all little fishes in the water.

These are all of the Peebles kids. Kaylie, Braxton, Ashlynn, Isabella, Conner, Paige, and Lexie.

I will have to say that I was a little surprised that NONE of the adults in Brandon's family got in the pool (Not even Brandon). I was the only adult who played in the pool with the kids. On the way home I asked Brandon why and he said that his family just doesn't swim. That's so different then my family where all of us are fishes in the water, even my mom. She swims a mile every day. Though I hope the kids had fun they seemed to.

I made this football cake for Conner, it was very easy and I thought very cute.

Conner had fun opening his presents. He would take a tiny piece off and give it to Brandon and then tear a little bit more.

The kids had fun and that's what matters most.

School Has Started

School started Monday, but it wasn't until today when I saw Ashlynn get on the school bus for the first time that I choked-up. My girls have been coming home extremely exhausted which would be good but they seem to become very aggresive and very angry when they are tired. I've thought about moving Ashlynn to the morning class so when she comes home from school she can take a nap, but she loves her teacher and class. I hope they start to mellow out soon because I just don't know how much more of this I can take.

It's Our Choices

For many many years now I've been told that I need to read the Harry Potter series. It's funny how I'm an English Teacher major and I haven't read the books, but because I've heard they are so good I wanted to wait and read them with my kids when they were older. Lately I've been harassed to read them so I gave in and I've started the books.

Toward the end of the second book I came across a quote from the Head Master Dumbeldore that I absolutely LOVE. He told Harry

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."



I have talked to a lot of my friends who say they want to be someone, they want their life to have meaning. I've felt that desire in my life. We want there to be a purpose to our existence so we try hard to shape who we are by the things we've done. I can't tell you how often I've heard bragging like: "I've been to Europe . . . so many times" "I have a master, doctorate degree in . . . " "I've ran a marathon", "I have this really important job", and the worst of them all are those who brag about their callings at church. As if callings point out who is "better" than the rest. Don't get me wrong, I'm not lashing out (though I can see how it might sound that way) but life sometimes seems like a race against . . . everyone else . . . and everyone is trying to out shine everyone, trying to prove that their one life means something, something important (Ironic, right) but this quote really puts life in perspective for me. The fact that I haven't traveled that much, or that I'm not this amazing athlete, or that I only have a bachelors degree, or that I simply teach at church and that's all, does not define me. What defines me are my choices. My choices to be a mother . . . a wife. My choice to take care of my body, to love my children, to be honest and trustworthy. Yes, those things are plain and simple but they are me. Maybe they define me to the world as boring, unsuccessful, untraveled, uneducated, but I know that my CHOICES are godly. No, my "lack" of experiences in this life does not define me. My choices do.

RUSH TRIATHLON
Rexburg, ID
2009

For those of you who know me real well, know that I have wanted to participate in the Rush Triathlon for about 5 years now. Last year I came real close but I was too scared and didn't sign-up. I was so upset with myself. So I made this year The year . . . and boy what a ride it was.

I felt like everything was in it's power to keep me from this race. The week of the race I went with my family to Bear Lake for a week. I swore that I wouldn't water ski or wake board because of the race, but I couldn't resist. I also promised myself that I would still train, but that didn't go so well.

The night before the race I was terrified. I didn't feel ready and I regretted my decision to sign-up, but I woke-up at 4:45 AM the next morning and went. While me and Joanie were driving up to Rexburg, the temperature gage was reading between 41 - 49 degrees outside. I could not believe how COLD the air was. We didn't want to get out of the truck BUT we did. The water's temperature was actually 20 - 25 degrees warmer than the air.

That's me before the race in my nifty triathlon outfit

1 MILE SWIM

my time 29 minutes

24 mile BIKE RIDE

1 hour 39 minutes
The biking was hard. While in transition from the lake swim to the biking I didn't dry my feet off completely before I put my socks on, this was not good. After about 10 minutes of riding my feet, from my lower calf to the tips of my toes, went completely numb. I couldn't feel them at all. We figure it happened because my wet socks about froze in the 40 degree temperature. When I dismounted my bike I almost fell over because my feet were not working (the guy in front of me wasn't so lucky). My feet were in a lot of pain. When I started the run I started to cry. I know, I'm such a baby. I cried because I had no idea how I was going to make the whole 6.2 miles with my feet feeling like blocks of cement. Then I pasted a guy who was limping because he had hurt his left leg some how, but he was walking and still pushing forward. At that moment I told myself that I was not in as bad of shape as he was, so if he could finish, I can do it. It took 3 whole miles before my feet gained feeling again ( I have to say also that the run was INSANE! The first three miles were straight up hill and part of it was on a slanted dirt trail.) I was feeling pretty good by the end of my run. I kept thinking that as soon as I crossed the finish line I was going to collapse right there on the lawn, but I didn't. Joanie, my mom, and Brandon were all right there and I couldn't help but smile and go give them hugs. I was so elated. So excited. So happy that finally the goal I've had for so many years was completed. I finished. I crossed the finish line and I did awesome. Joanie did the sprint course and she did amazing. I couldn't have done the 1/2 marathon and this triathlon without you Joanie. Thanks! Thanks, for being such a great friend, a great coach, and a great motivator.

6.2 Mile Run 1 hour 1 minute


My Time 3 Hours 17 Minutes

(Remember this was taken about 4 minutes after I crossed the finish line.

That's why I look so bad, Joanie always looks great.)

Will I do this again? ABSOLUTELY

Will I do a 1/2 marathon again? YOU BET

Why? Why Wouldn't I? I love the high I feel after the race, I love how races motivate me to exercise, I love the excitement and the challenge.

Thanks Mom for being there for me!! You can do ANYTHING you put your mind to, even conquering your monsters.

BAD DAY

So, a few things happened today which caused my day to end up bad, well depressing. When I get down I turn inward and block the world and people out, including those I love most. Brandon has spent years trying to tear down this wall I sometimes put up, and even today he couldn't take it down. While I stood around making dinner tonight I thought of all these angry posts I could type-up to release the anger and frustration I have, thinking I was completely justified and that it would make me feel better. Then, I noticed that I had the urge to go out back into my garden. While I stood in my garden, I started to calm down and I stopped thinking of my feelings. I noticed the change in my mood and I started to think of other places I love to be. Places that draw me to then, places that ease my soul and invigorate my being.

First, I love my garden. When ever I find time during my days I love to go into my backyard and walk around in my garden barefoot. I love the way dirt and especially mud ooze in between my toes. I love to examine and take care of my plants. I love the way it smells, the way it feels, and how my garden can so quickly calm me.

Second, I love Book Stores. When I walk into a book store I love to stand there, take in a deep breath threw my nose and imagine all the possibilities, the stories, the knowledge, the creativity. Books. I can hear myself think in book stores. I get lost in all the literature when I'm at books stores. When I breath in book stores my senses are refreshed.

Third, I love swimming. Not just being at a swim pool but the muted sounds of swimming. Maybe it's years and years of only having my mind to communicate with while I swam for hours every day or the feel of water flowing by me. When I'm underwater all I hear is the thump of my heart beating - the gasps of my breathing - the muted noises - the water sloshing in my ears - the voice of my dreams, my goals, my passion. When I push off the wall into my underwater pull downs the water flows past me and gives the sensation of flying. I Love Swimming.

Every one's posts are always so "pretty" so "my life is perfect", but my life isn't. This is me. I'm real with real feelings. I have an amazing husband and perfect children (to me), but other aspects of my life lack, I lack, and days like today are hard. So, here is my voice, my feelings thrown out into the mass void of the Internet.

Here's to a better day then today,
Liz

What Summer???

Today I was talking to some friends and they were chatting about how they did "this" and they did "that" this summer and I inwardly asked myself "WHAT SUMMER"!! This summer has gone by in a flash. It has been very busy and has not slowed down. I'm not ready for school to start in two and a half weeks.

FIRST, Catherine my adorable 15 year old sister has been staying with us for the past six weeks. She has kept me busy with driving her to and from work FOUR times a day and a secret project we have been working on . . . STAY TUNE FOR DETAILS . . .

SECOND, my swim club!! It was a HUGE success. I had 41 kids sign-up for the summer and all but one stayed in the whole time. We all had a BLAST. The swim meet was last Saturday and the swim party was today. The most exciting part was that my daughter Kaylie won ALL but one of her seven events. She beat the seven and eight year old boys and girls she swam against. She could not swim against those her own age because she completely out swims them. I know, I'm bragging . . . but seriously, she is an amazing athlete.

She's the one in front!!!

THIRD, Work . . . you know what, I really don't want to talk about work. Let's just say, I'm excited about my 6 week brake (sigh).

FOURTH, Training. I'm been training . . . OK, I guess that I can't R E A L L Y claim that I'm training, but I've been TRYING to train for the Rush intermediate Triathlon that is August 15th. I am stoked! It is a

1 Mile Swim

24 Mile bike ride

6.2 Mile run (with an intense up hill part that lasts two miles and some of the run is on a trail).
OK, talking about it is making my stomach turn a little bit, but this is the year. THIS IS MY YEAR!!

Though our summer has been very crazy and going 100 miles and hour, we have done some fun things, like . . .

LAGOON SKY COASTER



HIKING

CAMP FIRES

NEW SLIP AND SLIDE

REXBURG WATER PARK

WITH JOANIE

GARDENING

CATHERINE, DESTROYING MY HOUSE :)

OK > > > I guess now looking back, I have had a pretty great summer. This is just what I needed, to realize that my life is truley blessed. Wish me luck for my triathlon, I'm going to need it.

Liz Peebles

Have I EVER mentioned I love gardening?

So, I love when spring comes because finally there are signs of life and signs of the hard work and the love I put into my gardens. I love flowers. I L O V E flowers. They make me so happy and they make me feel peaceful. So, my dear friend Joanie, an inspiring photographer offered to come and take some pictures for me (really I asked her to and how could she say no) so THANK YOU Joanie, I love the pictures. I have to say that my love for gardening and flowers was given to me from my Dad. This is one of my ways to feel connected to him. Some of my best memories with him are helping him in his gardens. If I could only garden like him some day . . .

Whole Wheat Bread

This Spring I bought a wheat grinder with a group from the Relief Society in our ward. I've had it now for a few months, collecting dirt in my pantry. Today, on this cold rainy June day I decided to make some bread. I looked online for some recipes, but they all called for some ingredients that I don't have BUT I found one in my trusty Lion House cook book. The recipe called for oatmeal and molasses so I was a bit nervous for the finished product, but I was wrong. This bread is BETTER than any homemade bread I've made so far. It tasted wonderful and was very fluffy. Here is the recipe for those who have wheat grinders. Get them out and try it!!

Whole Wheat Bread
1 Tbs (or one package) of dry yeast
3 cups luck warm water
1 cup white flour
1 cup oatmeal (I used old fashion oatmeal)
1/4 cup molasses
6 Tbs. nonfat dry milk
6 Tbs. shortening (I used butter)
6 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 Tbs. salt

Soften yeast in 3 cups lukewarm water in a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and beat until dough forms a ball and leaves sides of bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. (I turn my oven onto the lowest heat then turn it off. I then put the bowl in with a towel over it.) Mold into two loaves. Place in greased bread pans and let rise until about double in size (another 1/2 hr. - 1 hr.) Bake at 400 degrees F. for 30 minutes or until desired doneness. Makes 2 loaves.

When I took the loaves out of the oven they looked very dark on top so I smothered it in
butter. . . I know . . . but I didn't have to because it was rather soft. This bread turned out perfect.
Good Luck!!

i LOVE this

I"M SORRY IF THIS OFFENDS ANYONE, BUT I DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM


The New Fashion Rage In Mug Shots

These are actual Police Photos...too funny. Just think about this for a second: Did you ever see anyone arrested wearing a Bush T-shirt, or for you older guys, an Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, or even Nixon, or Bob Dole shirt.
Obama must be proud of his supporters!

Conquer

What does the word conquer mean?

1. to defeat (an opponent or opponents)
2. to overcome (a difficulty or feeling)
3. to gain possession of

It means that I beat someone . . . something.

I, Elizabeth

came out on top.

This weekend, I CONQUERED. I won. I finished my race.

I defeated the lack of confidence I had in the ability to finish a 13.1 mile race.

I overcame the health issues that has kept me from running and fulfilling this desire.

I gained possession of the title "a RUNNER" (Though I call myself a want-to-be).

I finally won my battle with the monster in my life.

My time was:

2Hours 8 Minutes

The Ogden 1/2 Marathon was beautiful. The first 9 miles were a breeze. After 9 1/2 miles my legs started to feel like lead and I wanted to walk . . . but I didn't. I did NOT think I had to train for the down hill runs, boy was I wrong! My left knee was in a lot of pain but the thought never occurred to me to stop. I was going to finish. The last three miles of the race were hard, real hard, but when I turned the last corner and saw the finish line I started to get all emotional. I was embarrassed so I got control of my emotions. Then when I started to run past the spectators their excitement caused my emotions to surface again. Then when I saw what my time was going to be the adrenaline pump and I sprinted to the finish line. After all the problems I've had with my feet and having to take three weeks of training off, I only hoped for a time under 2 1/2 hours. I crushed that time. I am so excited about that time. After I crossed the finish line my friend Joanie, who came in 3 minutes before me, came up and I broke down bawling (how embarrassing, right!) I don't know why, other then I felt the joy of conquering this goal that I've had for 2 years now. I never imagined that I could run a race this long. GOOD JOB TO ALLI and MATT (they ran the full marathon), NATALIE, JOANIE, and CARA (who ran a different race).

We conquered.

By the way, ALL of the pictures of me look HORRIBLE this weekend. I think it's because I had to get up and and go at 3:45 am. I won't post the other ones. I have a good excuse to look bad in this one.

It's Times Like These . . .

My race is tomorrow. T O M O R R O W!! I am excited and nervous. My first 1/2 marathon EVER. It has been a very stressful week. When I signed-up for the race I didn't know it would fall on the same weekend as Ashlynn's one and only dance performance. The race is in Utah and we have to pick up all our stuff tonight before 8 pm. Her performance starts at 7 pm and the dress rehearsal is at 4 pm. Because of the dance performance Brandon won't be coming with me but driving down the morning of to watch me cross the finish line (He is so sweet). I've told him not to come (be he won't listen) and I've suggested to bag my race all together, but everyone tells me I have to run. We thought we could get someone to watch our kids so Brandon doesn't have to drag them out of bed at 5 am and drive the long way to Utah and back in the same day . . . but of course there was no one to help us. My lot in life, I've come to find out. It's times like these I miss my family.

I know my mom would have dropped everything this weekend to be there for me and help me and Brandon out. Even though she's not here to help, she's been on the phone with me trying to find ways that will help me.

I miss having my dad cheer me on. I know he wouldn't have missed me crossing the finish line for anything. He has always been one of my biggest fans in life. That's what parents are. They are their kids fans.

I just miss having them here for an event that means so much to me.

BUT

Even though my mom can't be here to help Brandon at the dance recital or even though they can't be in Utah to cheer me on while I cross the finish line, I know they will be there in every other way. During the training when it was rough and I thought "WHAT AM I DOING" my dad told me to "Buck Up" and "You are stronger then you think, you can do more then this". He believed in me more than I believed in myself. Yes, it's times like these that I wish they were here, but it's also times like these that I truly desire to be like them some day. It's times like these when I realize that family means so much and that life doesn't matter without family. Family is Everything. More importantly, it's times likes these (when there is no one to help me and Brandon)when we are driven closer to each other. It's times like these that we sacrafice so much of ourselves for our little famly (in these case Brandon is sacraficing for me and Ashlynn) and it's times like these I realize that I love Brandon more then I loved him the day before.

Thank you so much Brandon for making this weekend possible.

Thank You Mom and Dad. I Love you more then I express.

Our Yellow Stone Trip

YES! We saw a HUGE Grizzly Bear, there just wasn't any pictures. Brandon was so excited.

We just so happened to catch this Buffalo scratching his neck on this fire hydrant. We had just eaten lunch and were munching on some cookies while we watched this spectacle for about 5 minutes (It was Pretty Fun) what you can't see is that there was drool FLYING everywhere. Ashlynn our four year old wouldn't eat anymore cookies for days because seeing the drool make her sick to her stomach.

OLD FAITHFUL

was 50 minutes LATE!!! Brandon was not very happy . . . and neither was Conner.

It was a Very Cold and long wait. Conner Cried for about 40 minutes.

Brandon was READY to leave by the time the Old Fountain started to die down.

There was Buffalo Every Where

And Elk. Can you imagine living here.

This Buffalo was watching the biker very intently. If you can't tell we are on an uphill climb. We were concerned for the women biker.

This was at Mammoth Hot Springs. The kids had a lot of fun climbing all of the stairs. Me and Brandon have never made this hike before and we were amazed at the beauty of these springs. Nature is amazing.

This is how we ALL felt on our way home.

Egg Hunt under Water

I love to celebrate holidays with my kids at the swim club. Swimming should be fun, not all hard work. For Easter I had an egg hunt with the kids. First, they all had one color of egg they had to gather up. It's actually kind of hard to make eggs go a certain direction in the water. One girl stuffed them down her swimsuit instead of pushing them to the side. That made me laugh. After we had an egg hunt underwater. You can't tell in the photo's but we threw a ton of eggs on the bottom of the pool. One egg was the "prize" egg so who ever found that egg got a LARGE chocolate bunny. The kids had a blast . . . and so did I.

Easter Outfits

Ashlynn doesn't know how to smile for a camera.

Conner was feeling left out, so I took one of him too.

Ashlynn not wanting to show us her beautiful smile.

I know, Easter was a week ago, but I have been so busy with . . . well . . .life. I haven't been able to post anything in a while. I get the itch to sew about two times a year. Spring and Fall. I usually make my girls spring dresses, but this year I made them an outfit. My camera was out of batteries the first day I had them wear them so this is Ashlynn after that day. My mom found this fabric a few years ago. I loved it so much that I didn't want to use it until I knew I could make it look good. Maybe these outfits look "home made", but I love them. I think Ashlynn looks like a doll. Thanks mom.

The Grocery Store

(The Best Banana Muffins, recipe at bottom)

I love food. I love to eat. I love to cook. What I hate is the grocery store. This hate relationship didn't start this way. Growing-up there were some places I looked forward to going with my mom and one of them was going shopping. All the colors, the flavors, the smells, all of my senses were stimulated by the grocery store. Why wouldn't I love going? The monumental first day of college began by going grocery shopping with my dad for MY own food. This symbolized the Independence I was aching for. The Independence I dreamt of for years and finally it was here. It was just me. I was on my own. I only had to worry about myself. I was free.

After two years it got old and I wanted more. I met Brandon, we got married and then the excitement of going to the store holding my beloved husband's hand for the first time was heart melting. For some reason, going around the store picking out food for "us" symbolized that he was mine and I was his. This was exciting. I wanted him to go with me every time the whole first year of our marriage.

Then I had a baby and that was exciting. Going to get formula and those tiny little diapers that fit in the palm of my hand and smells like freshly bathed babies. Having everyone stop me to goo and smile at my daughter then to look at me with tender eyes to tell me how amazingly beautiful she is. Yes, I loved to show off my gorgeous children. The best moments for me was when old couples, specifically men, would stop to make my children smile. Then seeing the youth gleam out of their eyes like they were finally freed from being locked away for so many years. I loved these moments. These moments made me proud to be a women.

But . . . unfortunately my kids changed. One day, a few years ago, they turned into monsters. Still I went.

I think this hate relationship with the grocery store started when Conner had to wear the awful helmet for all those months. There came a time I didn't even notice he ever wore it .. . until I was in public and EVERYONE noticed and EVERYONE would stop me to ask about me son. One day while leaving Walmart this mother came up to me with her six year old daughter and then turned to her daughter and said "ask". After her daughter asked about my son (which honestly, I couldn 't explain to this little girl what was wrong. She does not understand "soft spots" on babies and what happens when they close). After I explained as best I could to this little girl the mom told me that she's trying to teach her daughter to ask instead of stare. Trust me, it's better to stare. What I have learned from these experiences is that most people who have handicaps want to be treated like they are normal. They do NOT like to go everywhere and have to repeat 100 times what's wrong. It took me hours to get threw the store when Conner wore his helmet. So, I stopped going. I started to dread going to the store and this hate feeling still exists today. Even though it has been a long long time since Conner has worn his helmet I hate going because it takes soooooo long. It's a pain in my side. So I resolved to only make 2 trips to the store a month. Two. No more then that. Because I have to buy most of my food the first time I go I can't take my kids (so sad) and I have to make a menu for the month. It's great. I can not express in words the relief this plan has given me. I still dread going, but now I only have to endure this annoyance twice a month. Maybe one day I will learn to love the store again . . . maybe . . . in the future when all my kids have grown-up. Yes, when they aren't monsters anymore.

This is my schedule for dinners.

Banana Muffins

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (two) bananas mashed
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice (this is optional, helps keep the color)
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat. Add bananas, milk, and lemon juice. Sift dry ingredients and add. Bake in muffin cups at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Bananas are best if slightly old.
The Lion House Cookbook

SPRING is HERE!!

(tulip starts)

My brother once said, "There is nothing that can put one's soul at easy quite like digging in the dirt with your hands." I completely agree.

Spring has finally come. The other day while me and Brandon were in the kitchen he said while rolling his eyes,

"I always know when spring is here because there are plants and dirt in all my windows."

It's true, I am obsessed with trying to grow my own starts for plants. There have been years and years of failure, but I have had some success too. The excitement from the success out weighs the years of failure. Last year I grew a huge pumpkin vine that I started inside (but for some reason no pumpkins grew on it, go figure).

I love plants, I love dirt, and I love to be on my hands and knees trying to make my gardens look beautiful. I love to experiment more than anything. I love to try and grow hard to grow plants here. I love to Garden.

(prim rose)

I was so excited this weekend because spring was in the air. I spent my whole day working outside in the dirt, digging up weeds, laying new dirt down, transplanting some Grape Hyacinths, and planting some Prim Roses. I know I know, some of you think it is WAY to soon to plant flowers but Walmart had these on sale for $1.25, I couldn't resist. In fact it is such a great price you should all go buy some yourself! Seriously, they are perennials and most likely the flowers will fall off, but they will grow back later this spring and then they will grow every year here after. The air smells like spring. The air fills like spring. I filled my lungs full of this magic and now I'm floating on air. Spring is HERE. At last.

Problem Resolved

So . . . after stewing over this situation for two days, I was finally getting the courage to talk to Ashlynn's teacher. THE plan was to make sure I was the last mom there for pick-up and to talk to her then. Infact, I was preparing a speach in my mind. Word for word. If I was going to say something, I had to say it just right. I just couldn't wrap myself around how she acted.

It was a few minutes before I had to leave to drive Ashlynn to preschool when I noticed a note from Ms. Becky in Ashlynn's backpack that was writen on Wednesday. She THANKED me for making them aware of the situation and they will make sure it does not happen again. I couldn't believe the relief I felt from just those few simple words. I could finally breath after two days of frustration. She never apologized for her inital reaction (which doesn't surprise me) but she finally said the words I wanted to here in the first place. Sigh . . . of relief.

Preschool Problems

My sweet little four year old Ashlynn loves preschool. She loves to go because it makes her feel like a big kid. She doesn't have to go because I have already taught her how to read. She goes for the social reasons and to learn to be in a structured setting because she will start kindergarten this coming fall.

Yesterday while we were getting ready for school she was moping around and not trying to hurry (which is very odd for her). I asked her what was wrong and she told me that this little boy at preschool had lifted-up her skirt and pulled down her panties because he wanted to see her bum. I was shocked, but decided not to over react. I showed-up to the preschool early and shared with the two teachers Ashlynn's story. Right after I shared her story the head teacher (Miss Becky) rolled her eyes and said that she HIGHLY doubts it happened. She then goes on to tell me that Ashlynn and this boy are never around each other and that there isn't a chance, really, for something like that to happen without them seeing it happen. And then she tells me that Ashlynn is not modest enough herself and if anything happened she must of started it by lifting-up her own dress. ( I was so angry by this point). I told her that I have a VERY hard time finding pants that will stay on Ashlynn, most of her pants fall off of her (even with a belt) so I have no chose but to put her in skirts and dresses.

She didn't even apologize for what happened. She tried to make me feel foolish for even bringing it up. She believes that my daughter made-up this whole story. My question is, why would a four year old make this kind of story up and how could she make this story up?

All day I stewed over this. When Ashlynn got home I asked her where she was in the preschool when it happened. She then went on to tell me that they were watching a movie and this boy was sitting behind her. She told me EVERY LITTLE detail of the incident. This boy seriously bullies her.

I BELIEVE MY DAUGHTER.

Brandon wants to pull Ashlynn out of preschool because he is so mad at the teacher's response. I am not a confrontational person and to add to it, this teacher intimidates me because of how she is. I want something to be done, but I don't know what the right thing is.

Please share with me what you would do?

my Monster

Monsters. As a child I would dream of flying monsters in the sky, clowns living in water drains, or creepy things that would grab my feet at night. Often I would lay in bed having to pee so bad I would be on the verge of wetting my panties right before I finally convinced myself that if I ran at full speed the Thing wouldn't have time to grab me.

Now, as an adult my monsters have changed.

They aren't flying or sleeping under my bed. They lie awake at the gym 24 hours every day. My monster, the most terrifying one in my life is a Treadmill. I can not express in words the pit I feel in my stomach when I think of getting on a treadmill. I literally have to tare down the wall I put between me and a treadmill EVERYDAY. I don't feel this way when I go spinning, or swimming, or running outside. It's just a treadmill. I've been running now for 2 1/2 years and still EVERYDAY I take down that wall one brick at a time. This is my monster and I will not let him keep me from what I want.

I know, some of you wonder "why do you run?" My answer, because of a lot of reasons. Reasons too good to let some monster scare me enough to keep me from running.

These are the top ten reasons I run:

1. Because it makes me feel ALIVE!

2. For 5 years I have suffered with some unknown health issues. I would have severe exhaustion, my legs would get weak, my muscles sore, and I would experience some fainting spells. I went to four different doctors looking for answers and being tested for a TON of things. They never had any answers. Also, for the past five years I have had a goal that has turned into a dream. I have wanted to participate in the full Olympic size Rush Triathlon in Rexburg, but because of my muscle weaknesses and tiredness I could never get there. I called the worst of it "episodes". I had "episodes" every two weeks like clockwork and every year I was feeling worse. Last year I planned and prepared and my dreams were crushed.

Well, this year a miracle happened. My mom told me to start taking 2000 IE (most Daily Vitamins only have 400 IE in it) of Vitamin D every day and see if it would help. My episodes have almost completely disappeared. I have dropped 1 1/2 minutes off of my running time in 2 months, which is incredible to me. Thank you MOM. I still have some fainting spells, but nothing that even compares to what I went threw. I AM going to compete in the Rush Triathlon this year, no matter what.

3. I run to show my mom that something that seems impossible is very possible.

4. I run to fight my Mom's disease.

5.I run to prove to myself that I can achieve anything I put my mind to.

6.I run because I can.

7. I run for strength physically and mostly mentally.

8.I run to show my girls that beauty is not in what they see but in who they are and what they do.

9. I run for love.

10. I run for me.

I have already signed-up for a 1/2 marathon this May and I'm planning on running at least one more and doing two triathlons this summer.

Any of you who run and read this must post on your blog 10 reasons you Run. You have been tagged.

What defines you?

Recently I was chatting with one of my dear Friends and in our conversation,
we stumbled across something very tragic that has altered her life in a very sobering way. I had commented that despite what happened she looks happy and she looks like she has a wonderful relationship with her family. At that moment she said something I found to be very profound and insightful. I haven't been able to shake her words for days. She said that when these events unfolded in her life, she felt that she would always be defined by what had happened. Years later she sees that she was wrong. What happened in her life has not defined her at all.
I, myself, have been threw some heartaches and I have seen first hand real tragedy . . . looking back at those times I had felt that those tragedies would always define us, but now I see that I barely remember what has happened . . . it's in the past.

A person is NOT defined by moments.

A person is NOT defined by actions

but

I do believe that our relationships with others ARE defined by moments and actions.

Those tragedies in our lives has altered our relationships with others for good and bad. Sometimes that's the biggest tragedy of all.

So, my question is, what defines a person?

These are pictures of our past dog Patriot. She was a beautiful puppy!

The kids did love her, but she was too much work. This is Ashlynn, trying to catch her tail.
This was one of many escape routs she took. If you look close, there is a wood slat right above her head. We don't know how she fit threw. It was a small hole for her size, plus she had to jump up and into the hole. LABS ARE A LOT OF WORK. I just happened to catch her doing this one day.

Valentines Day

by isophotography

OK, so Valentines is quickly approaching and I'm trying to think of some things that I can do to tell or show Brandon how much me and the kids love him. This is hard for me. Last year we cut out 100 hearts and taped them all over the house with all the reasons we love him on them . . . he barely noticed them and when we pointed them out he said "oh, cool!" That was it. One day for fathers day we made him a poster and that went about the same. One year I bought him a plant, that last about two weeks. Another year I made him a homemade card and he didn't appreciate that one at all. Honestly, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO

HELP . . .

I could really use some help. Also, if anyone has ideas of what I can do with my little ones; anything beyond the heart shaped cookies. It's a day we set aside to tell the ones we love the most how much we LOVE them. It should be special. Let's all share our ideas.

Things I have done:

made my girls V-Day dresses (my girls did love the dresses)

made heart shaped sugar cookies

bought V-Day napkins and dishes

and

ummmm . . . that's about it.

I Don't Know What To Do With Him!!!

i MADE some cookies for my kids the other day and left them on the counter to cool off.
the kids were playing in the other room, so I went to fold laundry in my bedroom for a bit. i heard the girls go down stairs

but . . .

i only heard the dreaded silence from CONNER. That only means one thing. Disaster! I walked (briskly) into the kitchen and found him sitting on the counter with a mouthful of cookies and eight half eaten cookies left laying by him and on him. As soon as he spotted me starring at him in disbelief he recklessly grabbed the rest of the cookies on the cooling rack and tried stuffing them into his mouth before I grab him (trying not to laugh) and putting him in timeout.

I know, I know, first, The Cracker Thief, then the Cookie Crook, then this photo where I caught him licking the ginger bread house, and now the Reckless Robber :) Anyways, what should I do with him?? HE LOVES SWEETS

I was palying on Photoshop and fixed the page. Don't look TOO closely, but I was able to fix the background. What do you think?

Puzzles

Everyone (except me) received puzzles for Christmas. So, after we built the snow cave in our backyard, they all sat down and worked on their puzzles while I made Christmas dinner.
Our family loves puzzles; in a large part because of their dad. Brandon loves to do them and they have all become quite good at them. It thinks my kids are developing some strong problem solving skills by learning to do these puzzles.

Kaylie is starting to do 300 piece puzzles; she has mastered the 100 piece ones. Brandon thought that 300 pieces was too much, but she proved him wrong.

Ashlynn has mastered 25 piece puzzles and is pretty good at the 100 if she can sit still that long.

Conner is still on board puzzles, but really likes them. This was a fun family activity.

i am
i am: overly analytical.
i think: all the time about things I need to do to be a better person and enrich my families lives.
i am happy: the most when I am with my kids and husband
i have: never worried about my appearance until lately
i miss: family!!
i fear: a lot, mostly that I will never be accepted by some people who will always be in my life.
i feel: sad and frustrated about situations I have no control over.
i smell: like chlorine from the pool I swim and coach at.
i usually: go exercising every day, and I still can't loose the weight.
i search: for my meaning in life.
i wonder: why people don't see the world as black and white. Instead they see a lot of grey.
i regret: Not keeping people I love close to me.
i love: Family. I love how family feels, and how much good can come from family. I don't really have it (outside of my own little family).
i care: too much about doing everything right.
i tell: secrets when I think it needs to be told to solve serious problems, I learned to stop, but don't tell me, it's too hard for me not to try and solve problems, serious problems.
i am not: perfect. Ask most people in my life, they will tell you where I lack.
i remember: the first time I ever saw Brandon and what I thought!!
i believe: good can come from everyone and every situation, good or bad.
i sing: and dance crazy with my kids when no other adults are around.
i don’t always: do my hair. I am not high maintenance.
i don’t like: fake people, I can always see right threw them.
i write: stories all the time. Then I throw them away.
i win: every time me and Brandon play Skipo.
i lose: my temper when I'm under a lot of pressure, so I don't like pressure.
i dance: until I feel my spirit is freed.
i wish: Catherine could be in my life. I wish I was in her life.
i never: will be satisfied with my life, there will always be something I need to be doing.
i listen: to everyone's words, movements, gestures, and things not said. As I said I am analytical.
i don't understand: why people judge me all the time. I'm always labeled as stuck-up, snotty, and arrogant. Why??
i can usually be found: planning my garden and reading books.
i am scared: or paranoid that something terrible will happened to one of my kids.
i need: a bath every day.
i forget: to send thank you notes. I am working on this.

Book Reviews

So, I have been reading a lot lately, in the past two weeks I have finished two books that were given to me and I am now in the middle of my third one The Devil Wears Prada, these aren't books I would normally read, but I was bored so I picked them up off of our book shelf down stairs. I'm curious if any of you have read them?

My book review. 3 1/2 thumbs-ups. It took a bit for me to get into this book, but after the first 100 pages, I couldn't put it down. Father Tim really touched me because of his simple, but very involved life. I think the author did an amazing job including me, the reading into his every day to day life events. At first, this technique turned me off, but after a while I got it and I think this style really enhanced Father Tim's character.
Jan Karon also did an amazing job showing all the different character's strength's despite their weaknesses. There was no swearing (as far as I can remember), very clean, very uplifting, very simple. Truly heart warming.
I think that for the past 10 years I have been keeping myself busy trying to make sure I am doing things (big thing) that matter. After reading this book I really grasped that being simple can be very powerful and really I think that I am a simple person. I don't know if this makes sense, but anyways. . .

3 1/2 Thumbs-up. I also read The Honk and Holler Opening Soon (a few years ago) by the same author and liked it about the same.

I don't like this cover as much as the one on my book. I was really hesitant to read this book because the movie looked cheesy and dumb . . . but I really enjoyed it. There are a few chapters that are raw, almost too much for me to bare but the author never crossed the line (almost a few times).

Again I came across a character, Novalee, who is simple. She's left at a Walmart with $7.77 by her boyfriend, 7 months pregnant and now where to go and no family to come and get her. She literally had nothing; but she didn't freak out, she took day after day one step at a time.

I feel in love with Forney Hull right from the beginning because he knew that Novalee was living in Walmart but he didn't confront her about it. He just made sure she ate right (being 7 months pregnant and no money) and then watched her, making sure she was OK. He ended up delivering her baby which then made him a hero, but he also stayed behind the scene, always there. There are some really hard chapters to read, but I relate because I feel that there are hard chapters in my own life to read. This book is all about reality and dealing with it. Novalee came from nothing, didn't expect much, nor did she demand much and she was something to the small group of people in her life. Again another story about someone with a simple life.

The theme of "home" runs throughout this novel. At the end the author asks this simple question, "would you characterize home as a place, a family, a state of mind, or, as Sister Husband (one of my favorite characters) says, a place "where your history begins"? Very thought provoking. Novalee makes everyone in her life apart of her family, even though most of them didn't live with her and none of them are blood related to her.

Truly a heart warming tail where the heroin comes out on top.

At the end of the book there was a question asked that I loved

A Day in the Life of Brandon's Hunting Shoes

One weekend, a few weeks ago, I woke up and asked Brandon if I could go with him on his hunting trip. I wanted to get out into the fresh mountain air and do some hiking. As I put on my five layers of clothing I decided to grab my camera and document my experience.

So, my document (ha, ha, ha) is titled A Day in the Life of Brandon's Hunting Shoes.

We started by trekking up a mountain that started down by the beautiful Snake River in Swan Valley.

Brandon often pulled his binoculars out to find any white specked tails sticking in the air. This year Brandon drew on a highly coveted deer hunt that goes to the end of November. The normal deer hunt ends October 31st. There was only a 4% chance for him to draw this tag. As you can imagine he was excited.
As we started our journey I quickly regretted my five layers of clothing and began shedding them piece by piece. I left them on the trail planning on picking them up on our way out. Later we were both glad I over dressed myself. On our way up the mountain we looked for any sign of deer, this was one of the things we were looking for, deer poop. (Brandon made fun of me for taking a picture of this, but it's a document. Right!!)
After we hiked to a beautiful meadow that over looked the valley and bench of a mountain, we waited an hour before we saw any movement. Yes, Brandon spotted two full grown bucks (male deer). They were on the mountain across from the valley between us, five ridges over. This is where it went from having fun to seriousness. We had to book it over to the mountain they were on, quietly so we didn't scare them away. We only had 1 1/2 hours to find them, shoot one, gut it, and get back to the truck before it was dark. He was in a hurry.

So, the trek started. He was walking as fast as he could, so I was lightly jogging behind him to keep up with his 6'2" stride (good thing I have been running three times a week).

This is what I saw during most of our hiking.

After we finally made it up and over the five ridges the sun had set and darkness was quickly settling in. He had to make his move.

He spotted them two more ridges over, but if he was going to have a chance at shooting one in time, he needed to get a little closer, fast. He had me stay on the ridge and watch them threw the binoculars while he charged over the last ridge to get a shot in range.

Right as he got his gun in place the deer were spooked, probably by Brandon's charge, and took off up the mountain. The hunt was over. The deer won that day. It was probably good because the sun had set and darkness was all around. We had about 1/2 hour to get to our truck. Both of us started our run down the mountain and threw the woods. We had finally made it to the first cliff we had climbed at the beginning of our journey, but my clothes were not in sight. That had to mean one of two things; either they were stolen, or we were in the wrong place. Soon we found my coat and we knew we were in the right place; thank heavens. By now it was dark. If I could have, I would have taken a picture of the stars because they were so beautiful, undisturbed by the lights of the city. "Breath taking" were my words.

Later I asked Brandon why he likes to hunt when he does all that work and never even got a shot. He said, "it's not the prize that's the most exhilarating, it's the hunt. Being in the mountain, smelling the fresh air, and focusing on these beautiful creatures."

I believed him . . . until he shot his buck a week later.

He strutted his trophy in front of our house all day long the Friday after Thanksgiving. Every male in our subdivision (that drove by) stopped and admired his game. Our neighbor came over staring at the deer with his mouth gaping open when I brought Conner (our two year old son) out to see the deer. The first thing Conner said was "Wow" our neighbor then commented, "you took the words right out of my mouth."

The antlers on the deer were unique, one of a kind. The full grown bucks usually only have four points on their antlers. His buck had a lot of little starters. The one side shown has ten points. Truly one that is coveted.

No. I don't think I would handle shooting an animal very well, but this was one of the funnest days I have had in a long time. It was a unique perspective I got to know about Brandon, The Hunter.

Kaylie's New Hair Cut!!

Doesn't she look cute? After I had my hair cut in September Kaylie begged for me to cut her hair for days, weeks, months. I didn't want to because I loved her long hair, but one morning she asked over and over so I got some scissors and cut her hair. She loves it, surprisingly. I thinks it's adorable.

Don't these two look alot alike??

MY DAD

MY SON, CONNER

I came across this picture of my dad a while ago and couldn't help but think how much Conner looks like him. It's the smile, the eyes, and the cheeks. I also have that smile, but Conner has the same color of eyes and the space between the eyes as my dad. He doesn't have his eye shape, they are the same as Brandon's but the hair color, the color of skin. . . their's alot of similarities. Don't you think???

Halloween

Isn't she adorable!!

Way - Way - Way cute!! I totally love this costume.

His costume was perfect. When he turned two he literally turned into a stinker.

IF you look closely at my hair, you'll notice that I cut my hair. I don't love it, but it's fun to have a change. It's the shortest I have ever had it.

When I told Brandon that we were going to carve pumpkins he said he didn't want to; but after we got started, he was the one who was into it the most. He loves to carve pumpkins and he's good at it too.

This year the girls really got into carving the pumpkins, it was a blast!!

On Halloween this year there was no school so we spent the first part of the day visiting their Grandma and Great Grandparents. Brandon's Grandma Peebles gets so lonely sometimes. She doesn't have very much family that visits her so she really loves to see our kids; and our kids love to see them. They remind me a lot of my grandparents.

These pictures were taken at Brandon's other grandparent's, the Hilton's. We had a lot of fun visiting them that day. They had these beautiful Maple tree's in the backyard that had dropped their leaves. All of the kids had a blast throwing them and playing in them. I couldn't believe how big the leaves were. There truly is something magical about nature.

Cookie Dough Crook

Seven Years

The WORST Motherhood Moments

As I was scraping the Kraft's Macaroni and cheese off of the towel and into the toilet, I had to run out of the room and take in a deep breath before I could reenter and smell that awful gut wrenching smell of throw-up. While I was trying to get the last bits and pieces so I could put the towel into the washing machine, I had the thought, "what's worse than this"! That's when the memories flooded back into my mind. Yes . . . there are worse moments than this as a mother (though it is high-up there). So i thought I would share some of my worst Motherhood Moments. Beware to those pregnant mom's and mothers of young babies . . . don't want to scare you.

1. Watching my child fall off of a slide at the park and land on her neck . . . then afraid to pick her up.

2. Seeing Kaylie's face, hands, and shirt covered in blood.

3. Seeing Kaylie's face swollen like a balloon.


still not too bad . . .

4. Having to leave church because my babies yellow ozzing, dripping poop seeped onto my dress.

5. Having to hand wash diarrhea out of clothes.

6. Cleaning-up throw-up.

7. Scrubbing poop off of the carpet.

8. I can't count how many times I have had to scrub bright RED throw-up out of the carpet during the middle of the night.

9. Watching my three year old throw-up in her father's hands.



OK I'm really warning you here, you will get grossed-out . . .



10. Walking in on my kids swishing there hands in the toilet after they had gone number two (not having flushed yet) because they have poop on their fingers.

THE ABSOLUTELY WORST MOMENT

11. Seeing my two year old sucking on wet toilet paper she dug out of the toilet after her big sister went potty and did NOT flush.

If you can beat that one I would LOVE to hear it.

Though some of these moment are so hideous I can barely think of them again, I really think that the Lord knew what he was doing when he designed babies and children to be so beautiful and helpless. I would gladly relive any of these moments for my children. They bring me so much happiness and even thought they are horrible moments, now we just laugh at them.

I can't wait to share that one moment with Ashlynn on her wedding day :)

Violin Performance

Kaylie had her first performance tonight. She was great, not to brag but she was the best one there and she's only FIVE years old. She looked beautiful and sounded magical. If we can figure out how to put the recording of it online we will. She started taking lessons last April and she is already sounding really good. She LOVES the violin and really likes her teacher Shelby.

If you look close at her face on the 3rd picture you will notice a cut.

Today, she fell and hit her cheek bone on our bed frame. I took her to the doctor and she had 3 stitches in. Poor Girl, Huh!! First a bee sting and now this; but, even with the cut she looks beautiful, don't you think?

Digital Scrapbooking

My sister-in-law, Katie, has rekindled a passion I was tapping into when ALL of my computers caught something contagious. Out of frustration I had to put this passion aside and tend to my sick comps (abr). After the deaths of those beloved ones, my healthy new desk top opened up many new venues and help to spark a love that was once lost (after being reacquainted by Katie). This was exciting to produce. I can only pray that I killed all those contagious bugs and hopefully there will be no more funerals in our home. Please, let me know what you think.

Wasp Bite

Kaylie was bit by a hornet yesterday around 3:30 - 4:00 pm. (The pictures are in the wrong order). This hornet bit her on the chin and the cheek. When she woke-up this morning this is how her face looked. I guess you could say that I am very concerned.



Last night at 11:00 pm

Yesterday at 6:30 pm

Seven Years, Can you Believe it? I Can't

Our Weekend trip to Yellow Stone National Park. For six trips in a row we have seen bears, but last year and this year we have not see any; but Brandon was very excited to see this elk. He only wishes to get this close to one during hunting season. Also, for the first time ever we saw wolves in the park this year. Brandon nearly jumped out of our moving car to got a shot of them.



Because there are so many buffalo in the park it's not very exciting to see them, but this year was different. This one in the picture started to charge our car. I really think he would have run into us if Brandon didn't go into reverse. He grawled and moned at us for about 20 minutes before he moved away. We think it was mating season and we were too close to his chick.

Here are some pictures of Island Park where we went four wheeling. Who said that the mountains here are not lush and beautiful.

There was a fire right over this hill, really beautiful.

I love this view, it's magical. I think the play "A midsummer's night dream" could happen here.

YES, it has been seven years. Seven!! I can hardly believe it. These last seven years have gone by so fast, but we have been busy.

For the first time we left our kids for the night to celebrate our special day. We went four wheeling in the mountains and then went into Yellow Stone national park. We have a yearly tradition of driving threw the park. Brandon really enjoys seeing the big elk and of coarse his obsession with bears. He made me get up at 6 am to catch the bears in time for feeding . . . but for only the second year in a row we saw none.

Since we have been married for seven years, I want to tell the world seven reasons I love Brandon.

1- I love his focus. When he sets his mind to something he is persistent and drives himself to that goal.

2- I love his passion for his children and family. He will do anything for our three little ones.

3- I love how he gets home sick when he's gone for just one day.

4- I love how he calls me every two hours of every day at work to just see how I am doing.

5- I love how he is so logical, it is the perfect balance to my emotional moods.

6- I love how all his dreams for work and play include me.

7- I love that I can totally and completely depend on him in every aspect of life and I know he will NEVER waver.

this is MY Brandon.

The UPDATE

So, I know!! I have received the emails. I have even received phone calls. I am finally updating my blog. YEAH!!!

Poll

So, I don't know if any of you watch American idle or the Biggest loser, but they are my favorite TV shows this season. If you watch, please take the poll.

MADDoX

So, I have heard a lot about this nostalgic restaurant in Brigham City, Utah. while me and Katie where down there in March, I decided to stop on the way home. My dad says that he and his father would go there all the time growing up. we ordered some fried chicken, fries, and corn bread. So, let me tell you honestly what I think. The chicken was really good, tender, not dry, just perfect with out too much fat . . . BUT . . . it was not as good as KFC. I hate to say that because I love the Nineteen sixty's feel to it, but still . . . what's amazing about this place is that they have a drive-in (as you see in the picture) where you pull up in your car and they serve you there. A drive-threw window. An indoor restaurant, and it looked like you could eat out-side also. This seemed a bit extravagant, but it was packed. Go, try it and tell me what you think.

Maddox, Hires, and Litze's Pizza should join forces and start franchises together.

Computer Problems

OK . . . I know . . . I promised to keep this updated . . . but here is the thing. I don't really have a computer that is working. The Hard Drive in my desk top burned out and right now it is getting fixed and about 8 months ago I spilled water on my lap top and ever since it has been going down hill. The "w" key and some others don't work and so every time I need to use that letter I have to paste and copy it in Annoying and now I can't hook up any devises to the lap top or it will freeze. So, no new photos. I will do my best . . . but not with out pulling my hair out.

The Cracker Thief

The Cracker Thief

Brandon walked in on Conner eating a whole box of cheesey crackers. We have no idea how he got them down and out of our pantry. The funny thing was that he just looked at Brandon and laughed. Brandon thought it was so cute, he had to take a pic.

Brooklyn Marie

Jameson and Katie had their first baby just yesterday. She was 7 lb 13 oz. Katie had a Long delivery. She pushed for 2 hours and then they had to get the baby out with the vacuum; but even after all of that Katie was all smiles. Jameson is an elated father. He didn't even study the whole day (if any of you know him, he's obsessed with his school work). They are an adorable family and Brooklyn is a beautiful baby girl.

Congrats You Guys.

A Tribute to the Past

Life. It floats away like a balloon caught up in the wind. The wind being to sly for me to catch hold of the string.



I have two amazing friends who helped shape and CREATE who I am today. Thank You. Every time I look at your blogs I can't help but to feel a deep sadness that I am not in your lives today. You left a permanent fingerprint on my soul. You were my friends. You were my sisters.

"How do I say good bye to what we had. The good times that made us laugh, out weigh the bad. .
And I'll take with me my memories, to be the sunshine after the rain . . . it's so hard to say good bye to yesterday."
Boyz to Men

Saying Good Bye to Yesterday,

Liz

Hair Cut

So, I did it. I cut my hair off. Take a poll and tell me if you like it better long or short. The reason behind the cutting is that I desperately needed to change something in my life because Spring has not come YET. VERY DEPRESSING. So, this helped. At least it felt good While I Was doing it.

Cutting Down Our Christmas Tree

We have one fake tree and one real tree in our house. I like to have them both and now that our basement is finished we can fit both of them. It is mine and Brandon's yearly tradition to got cut down a tree together. I really look forward to doing this with him. It's tradition. We leave the kids with Pam for an afternoon and then take the four wheeler up in the mountains and ride around until we find the perfect tree. Here in this part of Idaho they don't have the traditional Colorado Spruce or Fur trees, they are Lodge Poll pines so the branches are spaced a bit apart, but it's more for the enjoyment then the looks.

OK, I know that the one pictures is not suppose to be there, but I couldn't figure out how to delete it; so, that one is from Christmas Eve. Kaylie's Birthday was wonderful. She invited some friends to go to an indoor play ground called "Blast Off". They were so excited to go and they had a BLAST while they were there. Kaylie was so cute. She got a little shy when she went to blow out the candles. I mad her cake, it was fun. Maybe I should do it as a side job . . . JUST KIDDING I am definitely not good at it. Anyways, the day was a success and the best part was not having to clean it up at the end.

Fall Family Pictures

I know these are out of the season, but we got these family pictures done this fall. The leaves were stunning, just beautiful. We were very pleased with the pictures. The photographer is really great.

Christmas Dresses

I bought these dresses for the girls after Thanksgiving. The first week in December I dressed them in these dresses for Sunday. They looked sooooo stunning. As usual I could not get Ashlynn to look at me and smile. I did my best. Kaylie looks perfect.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was alot of fun this year. We spent it with my extended family down in Bountiful, Utah. The girls had a blast. Ashlynn made a new "friend" (Ali) and Kaylie loved playing with Hayley. Ashlynn loved Ali; she spent every second she could with her. Both Ashlynn and Kaylie cried when they heard that we were going home. They often ask when we can go back to Aunt Jenny's house. Conner was a bit misserable because he was braking a moller during that time; but for the most part it was alot of fun!

Halloween

This Halloween was a lot of fun. The night before Halloween we took the kids to something called "Boo At the Zoo" where they could go see the animals and do some trick or treating. They had a lot of fun. On Halloween we went and visited Brandon's office. They had it totally decorated and all the FA's were dressed-up as jail mates and the office manager as their Warden. "Notice Brandon's Ta too?" That afternoon we carved some pumpkins, Kaylie wasn't as disgusted as she was last year, but Ashlynn was a real trooper. She cleaned those pumpkins better then I did. After, we took them trunk-or-treating at the church and then around the neighborhood a little bit (it was their first time). We didn't make homemade pizza's because we were invited over to a friends for pizza, but when we got home we cut up some apple slices and dipped them in carmel. IT was wonderful. I think we are going to add that one to our list of traditions. It was a great day and a lot of fun. Oh the older couple you see with the kids are our neighbors. They have "adopted" our girls as their own grandkids. When we went to their house for trick-or-treating they had a special gift for the girls. They are so nice. The girls really love them.

The NEW Addition to our Family

Her name is DAISY!! Kaylie named her. Pam came and babysat a few weeks ago and brought an orphan for the girls to play with. When they heard she had no name nor no home we couldn't just abandon her. I guess we are softies :) So we adopted this orange ball of fur. I never thought I would like her, but . . . she really isn't too bad. Brandon has promised to clean the litter box every night and he's doing pretty good. Conner likes to torture the kitten. He will pick it up by the fur, by a leg, by whatever and she lets him (no we don't let him). She doesn't really bit and she's pretty mellow with her claws. When she's old enough, we will declaw her. It took a while to teach Ashlynn not to squeeze her too hard and we had to teach Kaylie that the cat can't dance with her "Cat's just don't do that." For about a week we were worried that she wasn't going to survive the girls; but she has. So now we have DAISY, our furry friend.

Halloween Costumes

Aunt Katie made the most beautiful Halloween Costume for Ashlynn. She reminds us of the queen off of Alice in Wonderland. I made Kaylies pink Princess costume. It was a PAIN!!! It took LONG hours and alot of STRESS. The finished product was great though. There really look beautiful. When I put it on Ashlynn she asked if she was "getting married" jokingly I said "Yes" and then she asked "can you hold me while I get married, I'm scared." After this year, we are not doing Princess again.

Pumpkin Patch Preschoolers

We had so much fun at the pumpkin patch on Wednesday. There was this really cute ranch that sold pumpkins they had grown. There was a barn where they sold jams and preserves, hot coca, cider, candied apples, and other yummy treats. There was also a kid size corn maze. This preschool trip was alot of fun. Kaylie and Ashlynn are wearing their way cute skeleton shits that their aunt Katie made for them.

Conner's Party

Conner's Party was fun. We had all of Brandon's faily here for a BBQ. I made the clown cake. It was great

Conner's 1st Birthday

On Conner's Birthday, we decided to take the kids to the zoo. It was a lot of fun. They really enjoyed seeing all the animals. After, we took them to the tinny, tinny fair at the park and let them ride the marry-go-round.

Nina Was Here

Nina came to visit us in September. Kaylie got up in the middle of the night, the night before she came, got Ashlynn up, and then came and got us saying, "we are ready to go get Nina, let's go." That's how excited they were for her to come. When she did arrive they spent every second they could with her. They showed her all of their toys, all their books, all their "everything". They snuggled up on her lap and walked holding her pant legs, afraid she would disappear. They had a lot of fun. They sure love their Nina.

Kaylie and Hayley

Kaylie and Hayley, friends the moment they met. When we went down to Utah in August, we stayed with Uncle Max and Tami. Kaylie and Hayley were best friends from the moment they met. The are really cute.

SNOW DAY

This is what we did on October 3rd 2007, NOT DECEMBER October!!! The girls had fun, but that night Kaylie said, "Mom I'm done with the snow, can it be warm again, I want summer back." Boy is she in for a rude awakening.

Jameson's Birthday

Fun at Rigby Lake on Jameson's birthday!! Our girls had so much fun!! Infact, when we left we were determined to buy a kiyak (sp?) anyways, I think that JAmeson's birthday was a total hit.

4th of July

This 4th of July was fun. We woke-up to a neighborehood breakfast, then got ready for the Rexburg parade. While Me, Katie, Pam, and the kids went to the parade, Jameson and Brandon went Golfing. I think they had alot of fun. The girls really enjoyed collecting all the candy (with Katie's help), until it got way too hot. The evening we had a BBQ with our new Beach Ball sprayer and then that night we ate flag cake while we watched Brandon light fireworks.

Soccer Camp!!

About a month ago, Kaylie was enrolled in a soccer camp for 4 days. She loved it. She has always loved kicking a soccer ball around the field with Brandon. She did the camp with her friend Kaleigh Pickette (in the picture with her). If she really likes the sport, she could grow-up and be a naturally great player. She has the legs for it. In one of the pictures you see her catching the ball, that was while she was the goaly. She was the best goaly. She caught alot of them.

Look Mom, I'm building a Temple

Ashlynn never ceases to amaze me. The week after our FHE on Temples I found her stacking toilet rolls on the counter in her bathroom. When I asked her what she was doing, she said "I'm building a temple". That was so sweet. My heart melted and I felt proud. My daughter - was building a temple. I am always amazed at how much our children retain from simple teachings. FHE is so important for their spiritual growth. We need to become more dedicated to teaching them.

Swimming at the GYM!!!

OUR kid's new love . . . SWIMMING!!!

They must have the Monson gene. Boy, does Kaylie and Ashlynn love the water. When they wake-up in the morning, they first put their swimming suits on before anything else. Kaylie loves to jump in, float on her bellie, and splash. Ashlynn likes to bobb around the pool in her floaty swimming suit. They sure have alot of fun. And it's nice for me and Conner during these hot summer days.

Ashlynn's Watermelon BASH!!!

Ashlynn's Watermelon Bash was a BASH!! There was lots of watermelon, lots of games, lots of treats, and most important of all LOTS OF FUN. It was a little stressful not knowing and worrying about Jason's condition, but other then that, the kids really enjoyed themselves. First, we had the obsticle course, then the potato sack race, then food, fun, presents, and then the watermelon icecream cake that Katie made. I really could not have done this without Katie. She was amazing. Thank YOU Katie, your awsome.

Dance Recital

Last Friday, the girls had their dance recital. They were soooooo cute. Kaylie really takes her dance seriously. Her moves were the best out of her class. And Ashlynn, what a doll. Because she has no toosh, her tu-tu fell down in the middle of her dance. Everone smiled!! It was really a lot of fun.

Family Home Evening on Temples!! Brandon gave a great FHE on Temples and then we took the kids to the Temple Grounds and we walked around. They saw two ducks and chased them for a bit. They had alot of fun. When we asked them what we do at the temple before we left they said "Get married, get baptized, and see ducks!!" It was a little hot for Conner, he was sweating a ton in his helmet.