Some May Push and Some May Pull...

And some went just to look good! Last month Hailey had the opportunity of going on our Stake's Youth Conference Pioneer Trek. Even though she's still thirteen, they decided to let youth go who are entering high school go. I'm so glad they decided to let the "younger" ones go. I would have been so sad if she had missed this wonderful faith building experience. For three days she wore the same dirty clothes, camped under the stars, and pushed and pulled a handcart. I'M SO PROUD! Before she left she was worried that she wouldn't be able to do it (yeah right!) Lots of her leaders let me know that she was a complete trooper during the trek. It' really a testament to youth that they can still look good after three days! Seriously, look at how good they all look!

King Weenie First Blog

A plane could crash into our home and Queen Weenig wouldn't know. Allison is like our hamster. She hides under the covers in the morning and snores away. We sure love her. PS who's feet are dirty?

My Tough Mama

This lovely lady (my amazing mom) spent the last week in the hospital recuperating from a bilateral total knee replacement. Yes...that's BOTH knees...at the SAME TIME! For at least a decade my poor mama has been gritting her teeth and bearing horrible knee pain on a daily basis. She finally decided she had ENOUGH and with all of our blessings she underwent an extensive and painful surgery on 7/18. The day after surgery she was able to get up and take a few steps (with the help of a walker of course) and not even a week later she is zipping around the hospital and even going up and down stairs. She is AMAZING! All of the doctors and therapists are astounded at all she has been able to accomplish. I had the opportunity of spending four days of the last week with her in the hospital (thanks to all of you who took my kiddos and helped make that possible). I knew my mom is one tough cookie, but even I was impressed by her this week. We explained to our kids that Grandma was getting "bionic knees". When Sammy asked what that meant Matt told her she'll be able to leap tall buildings. Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised. I love you Mom!

Happy Birthday Matt (thirtysomething) and Spencer (12)!!!

Twelve years ago I gave Matt a birthday present that has yet to be topped (and most likely never will be)...HIS FIRST SON. Spencer was born on Matt's 25th birthday 10 days early. What a joy he has been to our family. Having grown up with all girls, I have loved every minute of this new "boy " experience. Spencer is such a sweet, loving, fun kid. He always has a smile on his face and is ready to laugh. He is my "little man" and opens every door for me, carries my bags, and best of all kisses my cheek when he gets home from school EVERY DAY. He loves drawing plans for his future houses...he plans to be an architect when he grows up. Spencer and Matt spent last week on a Scout rafting trip and Matt said how impressive Spencer was...he had his tent put away before Matt even got up in the morning. We are so lucky to be his parents. This year we are celebrating the birthdays with a family get-together at our house (pictures to follow). Happy Birthday to my beautiful boys! I love you both so much.

Happy Anniversary My Love...

Today, Matt and I celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. I use the word "celebrate" loosely, as we're spending our first anniversary ever apart. Matt and Spencer are white-water rafting with the scouts on the San Juan River till Saturday. Matt and I have been together for a VERY long time (almost 21 years now...whew!). I have loved growing up and growing old with the person I love more than anyone else in the world. Matt, you are truly my soul mate. I can't imagine building a life and a family with anyone but you. I love you and I miss you. Come home so we can celebrate!!!

Old Friends...Good Times

Last week I had the fun opportunity to get together with two of my very best friends from my "growing up" years, Stacy and Traci (Jake thought it was funny that their names rhymed!). I had not seen either of them for a good 4-5 years. Traci ran into my sister Amanda a couple of months ago, and emailed me. I was so excited to hear from her. She found out Staci would be visiting from Arizona and we decided we just HAD to get together! We met at Cedar Creek Inn in San Juan Capistrano and over yummy dinner and coconut cake we caught up on over 15 years of our lives! We talked, and laughed, and talked some more... for over four hours. It was such a blessing for me to spend time with two "girls" who have such a special place in my heart. The "busyness" of raising a family has kept me from keeping in touch with people and I was so glad for the opportunity to catch up. Dinner was so much fun and I look forward to keeping in touch with my "long-lost" friends. I love you Stacy and Traci! I had the best time.

Oh No He Di'int!!!

I love my husband dearly. He does MANY wonderful things for me and our family. He is fun and generous...in fact, he is outside right now making sure our backyard is beautiful and weed free. HOWEVER...this is what I saw the other night when getting into bed. The VERY day I had just changed the sheets (every Monday...I'm VERY anal about my sheets-another post). Matt, my dear, I just have one question, "DON'T YOU KNOW ME???" It was all I could do to get into bed with him and those dirty, disgusting feet. Good thing he didn't want to play footsie. Yuck! ***The flash "washed out" much of the dirt, so I realize the picture of the feet doesn't look THAT dirty. Believe me...they were.

Vegas Baby!

Last Thursday, our good friends the Parry's called us and asked if we wanted to join them for a family Vegas trip for the 4th. They had just decided to go that morning and in the spirit on spontaneity we said "what the heck", packed the car and went! What a fun trip we had with the kiddos (minus Hailey girl who is living it up in Utah at Especially for Girl's Camp and BYU Soccer camp-more on that later). We played, relaxed, ate, and enjoyed each other. "V" FOR VEGAS!Pretty "Vegas" Hair for my Sammy

Sammy thought Spencer was "stuck" in the elevator at the hotel and got pretty upset...

My two sons

We met the Parry's for dinner (and only had to wait an hour at to get a table for 10...I thought Sammy was going to pass out...note the not so happy face!)

Sunbathing beauty

YES...it was HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

Rubbing the Buddha

Adults night out with a yummy Italian dinner, shopping, and playing games! We love you guys.

Sweet Sammy Sue :)

On the drive home we decided to stop at Calico, which is an old silver mine (whose idea was that anyway?) Despite the heat it was really fun.

Spencer and Sammy

Kayla and Jake (and their bunny "cousins" they adopted from Build-a-Bear)

Watching the show...How cute are these kiddos?

The "craft stop"

Getting the tub ready...

Wanna ride?

Cute teenagers (and "where's Waldo") in the mine

The Group (minus Matt who was hot and grumpy)

My loves

Man, it's hot!

As long as this girl is fed, she's happy!

Thanks again Parrys for the invite. We had a blast and are looking forward to next year!

Um...Okay???

The funniest thing happened when we went to L.A. to see "Wicked". As Rachel and I were walking along the street, a street musician said,"Now there's some REAL WOMEN! Not a like a couple of them skinny bi*****". I turned around and looked at him and he said, "Yea, I'm talkin' to YOU!" I don't know wether to laugh or to cry! Should I be flattered or offended?