Catch up, and a few funnies

Boy what a lazy blogger I have become. That Tuesday thing was working out just fine for me. Then I got looking at my borrowed camera card (my real camera is getting fixed) and I realized that a lot happened that I wanted the pictures on my blog to be included in the book I print of my blog at the end of the year. So, due to my laziness, I am not going to journal each picture, just give a brief rundown of which pictures are included. I am not even going to turn the pictures the right side up. Then….I have 2 funny stories to tell at the end….and then I will be caught up!

I took Kayler to the toddler swim on Thursday a couple weeks ago with my friend Karlee. He loved it, and did SO good that day.

My mom’s 50th surprise party was a huge success!

Hallie had her first piano recital of the piano year.

A cute picture of G.J. and his brother and 2 sisters. They stayed with us for his uncle’s funeral.

My tree that my friend Mandy so kindly decorated!

My mom’s family 50th birthday held on Wednesday the 25th, her actual birthday.

Hallie at our thanksgiving dinner table at my Aunt Pam’s house in Duchesne.
















So….now to 2 funnies that have happened with Kayler this past week. He is at that age where he does not filter out the little thoughts that come to his sweet little head. It provided for some very UN proud mommy moments!

The first happened Sunday night at G.J.’s uncle Larry’s viewing. I didn’t want to take him by the casket because he had a ball in his hand and I didn’t want him to throw it in or anything. Well we were almost to leave, and Kayler had escaped my arms and the next thing I see is him peering over into the casket and he very loudly yells, “HEY BUDDY, ARE YOU O.K.!!?!? ARE YOU GOING TO BE ALRIGHT?!? HEY BUDDY…..” I immediately try to defer everyone’s attention away from him….and we quickly left. It is only now that I can look back and laugh. He is just so innocent!

The next thing happened today at thanksgiving dinner at my Aunt Pam’s house. My mom and her sister look a lot a like, and I don’t know if Kayler thought she was my mom or something…but here is the scenario-The whole family was sitting down to our nice meal, and then Kayler was missing. Then I saw him at the other end of the table and he had quietly snuck up behind my Aunt and was sitting on her chair. Then he quickly lifts the back of her shirt ALL the way up and reached down with his little mouth and blew a huge zerbert on her back. Thank goodness my family is not all prim and proper like!

Oh good times…good times. Here is a little picture of G.J. and I with the little cutie. My friend Kristi did our family pictures (My side of the family, brothers and parents) and she got this cute shot of us. She also got the family picture up on my header. She does a great job!

Thankful Tuesday, Final Week

Well I can hardly believe that here I am in the last week of November and I am on my last Thankful Tuesday. This past week was truly wonderful. I am the first to admit that I don’t have really “good” days very often…and for me to have a whole week of great days is unheard of, but I really had a nice week last week. So here goes…

1. Change. I love change. This past week I have had lots of change in routine and things like that and it does me good. I get so bored with the same routine over and over. I was able to go to the movie on Saturday with friends. Then we had family in town for G.J.’s uncle Larry’s funeral. It is always nice to have guests-not necessarily for a funeral, but I was glad to have them. Then I was able to go to the movie again last night with G.J.’s mom and sister. Two times in a week is unheard of for me, but it was so nice.

2. I am grateful for my eternal family. Having a death in the family this week of a very righteous man has put things in perspective for me again. At his funeral I could just feel the love and true promise that their family will be together forever. It makes me want to live better and do better so I can be with my sweet husband and children for eternity.

3. Food…..duh, I love food as you can tell by looking at me. I have had some great food this past week through being with family, friends, at the funeral, and G.J.’s parents took us out to dinner last night. I am way excited for Thanksgiving…for you guessed it, the food!

4. I am grateful for G.J.’s job. To have a job that he went to school for and that he loves is priceless to me. Especially with the job market being so unstable for so many right now, I feel extremely blessed. It might not pay a ton, but he has great benefits, hours, and working conditions. I love him for going every day to help support our family.

5. I am grateful for my talents. I don’t think I really excel at any one thing, but the lord has truly blessed me with an average ability to do things that I really love. I am especially grateful for my ability to organize things and get things done. Sometimes I am overly organized and drive myself and others crazy. I like having an idea of things that need to be accomplished, and then doing what is necessary to make it that way. So…that may be a silly thing, but I am grateful for the things I am able to do.

6. I am grateful for my brothers. We were very close growing up, and we still are. Anyone who knows our family knows how different we all are. Kael is very shy and reserved, Kris….um not so shy and reserved, and I am a mix of them both. I always was very sad that I didn’t have any sisters…and I will be honest, I still miss that bond, but I love having brothers. This past year we were all in the temple together, and it was so touching to be there with them and their wives and my parents. It was something I had never envisioned, but I was so grateful to see it.

7. And finally, I am grateful for this holiday season. I love everything about it…From now until New Years is such a fun time for us as a family. It is so fun as a mom to watch my kids get so excited about the holidays. I love the food, music, activities, parties, family gatherings, giving gifts….just all of it!

So, I could still go on and on about things that I am so very grateful for, but I think I have highlighted quite a few. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Thankful Tuesday Week 3

We had a wonderful sacrament meeting on Sunday. My kids were nice for once, and I really enjoyed all the talks. We also had great lessons in Sunday School and Relief Society, and I was able to decide on my 7 things for week 3 of my Grateful November’s Thankful Tuesday’s!

1. My Food Group. I think I have mentioned it on here before, but I only cook dinner for my family 1 DAY A WEEK!!!! Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday meals are brought in by my good friends and great cooks Cindi Putnam, Dana Durham, and Stephanie Tucker. I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how much stress, time, and worry this takes off me. It is not even 10 a.m. and I have dinner in my fridge ready to go for tonight. Of course the day I cook is a little stressful, and I always worry about what I cook, but it is so worth it. Then we usually have enough leftovers for lunches, Fridays, and Saturdays, and then we go to our parent’s house on Sundays. I love it!

2. Speaking of Church…..My kids all have a thing where they like to have a turn sitting on my lap during sacrament meeting. So I have to balance the time…not cause a fight/scene… and let them. G.J. jokingly leaned over and said, “when is it my turn?” About 5 minutes went by and Gavin said, “Wow Mom, Dad must Love you A LOT if he wants to sit on your lap!” I thought that was so cute and sweet of him to say. And I do love the love…hehe in our family, and I am very grateful that my kids love me and want to be close to me.

3. Speaking of cute kids, I am VERY grateful that my kids are so innocent and funny and always have something to say that keeps me on my toes. Last week the previews for the movie 2012 were all over. Then I found my kids watching a documentary on the end of the world. There was lava and Gavin says, “Wow…that lava looks real hot, bet it would burn off your arm.” Hallie on the other hand was very worried about being righteous and being saved, or being burned in that lava….and a few minutes later we found her fast and furiously reading her Book of Mormon so she would be “ready.”-sounds like G.J. and I have a little more work to do to make her feel more safe.

4. I am grateful for a home to live in. My house isn’t the biggest, newest, fanciest, most perfect home….but it is great to me, and I am thankful for every detail. I am even grateful for the kids’ stains on the carpet, knicks on the walls, and little handprints wherever I look…..I have to work hard not to get overwhelmed by it not being “perfect” but I am so happy to live here…in this part of town with great neighbors. I appreciate the fact that we bought it before all the prices skyrocketed, and that I have a wonderful place to raise my kids.

5. I am grateful for my Grandparents. I am very lucky to have 3 left. Last week we took my Grandpa Bowthorpe out to lunch for Veterans day. He served in WWII. I also take him dinner 2 times a month, call him as often as I can, and go visit as well. I was also very lucky as a child to grow up a couple houses away from my Grandma and Grandpa Stewart. I have lots of fond memories of riding my bike down there or walking with my other cousins that lived in the area. I am grateful that the lord has spared my Grandma’s health so she can still be here with us. My kids love to go visit them and their cute dog Lacy.

6. I am grateful for the Medical help and attention my family has received over the years. Sounds silly…I know, but seriously, I am so grateful. I was talking to G.J., and it seemed I was pretty normal and healthy growing up, and then I had kids and all hell broke loose. There were several occasions where my life was spared. Then my kids had so many problems. Even though things are not perfect and healthy with me-far from it actually, my kids have the normal kids stuff now…and nothing major and for that I am very grateful. I am so glad we have great health insurance and Dr.’s that we trust with our care!

7. I am very grateful for a temple in our valley. G.J. and I went Saturday night to our ward’s temple night. It was about not to happen, because Kayler threw a MAJOR fit when the babysitter came. He just kept screaming, “I want to go to church with you!!!!!” I had to pray the whole way to the temple that he would be good, and that I could relax and not dwell on what was going on at home and enjoy the pure sweet spirit of the temple. I love it there. I know we are blessed for going, and I definitely feel blessed every time I drive by and think of the beauty and serene things that take place there…and how lucky we are to have it!

So….There it is. I am sorry for the lack of pictures or visual aides to help you through my post. My camera broke, and it is sent off to see if Nikon will fix it. So I am hating not having one. I hope they get it fixed before the holiday season gets into full swing!!! Have a wonderful week!

Thankful Tuesday Week 2

I was very excited to continue week 2 of Thankful Tuesdays. It wasn’t hard at all to come up with 7 new things for the new week.

Last weekend I was able to go to Spanish Fork and spend Friday through Sunday with my friend Nikki and her sweet new baby girl June who was born on October 20th. She is absolutely adorable. It filled my tiny baby void in my life, and I was also able to play with her very smart and very cute little girl Nevie. I got pictures of June, and then my camera broke and I didn’t get any of Nevie.




We were able to talk, relax, shop, eat, play, and just be us…if that makes sense. So that leads me to my first thing I am grateful for:

-Friends-I am so grateful for the friends I have made throughout my life. I have friends from when I was a little girl, friends from elementary school, middle school, junior high, high school, and friends that I have made since I have been married. I have friends that I talk to often, friends that I only talk to once in awhile, and I am grateful for every single one of them. They all keep me sane and happy and I appreciate all of you very much!

-Husband-I have a wonderful husband. He let me go this weekend without one question. He took care of everything at home. He loves me unconditionally and is so sweet to me. He is my very best friend. He is so smart. I am so amazed by him and his talents. I love him and I am so grateful that I have him as my eternal companion

-Parents-My parents are so awesome. They helped out with Kayler while I was gone this weekend. They are always there for me…they have been my whole life, and especially now that I have a family of my own. My mom is the ever present worry wart of the family, but it is nice to have someone who cares so deeply. My dad is always available to have fun with my kids. They would do anything for me, and I love them so very much for the life they provided for me, and for the life they are able to give my kids.

-In-laws-My in-laws helped with Hallie and Gavin this weekend. They are also so helpful and kind to our little family. We are lucky to have them around. My mother in law is the best cook you will ever find. She would drop anything to help us. My father in law is very quiet, but so reliable and helpful. My kids love them both so much.

-Safe travels-I was able to travel so safely this weekend. Not only this weekend, but through all my past traveling experiences I have been so safe, and for that I am SO grateful.

-Kids-I am beyond grateful for 3 beautiful healthy, happy, precious children. Being a mom is the hardest yet most rewarding thing I have ever done. My job is never over, my worries never cease…but neither does my joy and happiness in them. They are just perfect, and I am so lucky and happy to have them.




-School-I am so grateful for the schools and teachers that help with my kids. I literally trust these people with part of my kid’s upbringing each and every day…and that is huge to me. I am so happy for the good job they do. Not to mention, it is very refreshing to have them be gone…as bad as that sounds. They go and learn, and then they come home so excited to share it all with me. Then I can be mom, and teach them about life and friends and the church.

So there you have it….Week 2 of the many things I am very grateful for!

Thankful Tuesdays

I have had a few friends start the month of November by saying things they are grateful for everyday on their blogs. Well I am not going to do it every day, but I decided to do “Thankful Tuesdays”.

I feel like I complain A LOT on my blog. I feel bad that it I am constantly venting my deepest feelings while most people just journal events and such. I decided that I am going to stop feeling bad, and just do as I please. It is my blog, my family journal, and heck, it beats a therapy bill!!! It is good for me to type it all out.

Anyways, for this month, I am going to truly try to focus on the positive, happy, wonderful blessings in my life. That is of course unless something majorly bad happens that needs to be blogged about.

So, to start my Thankful Tuesday off, I am going to list 7 things for this week I am grateful for:

1. First and foremost, My Savior Jesus Christ….Because of him, I am able to be thankful for all of the things I will list this month. I love him with every fiber of my being. I get very choked up thinking about him and what he has done for all of us.

2. Next, my eternal family. I know with all my heart we will be together forever.

3. The weather….Hello!?!?! Have you looked outside today? It seems everyone is more than happy to complain about the weather when it is bad (including myself), but my goodness, I am SO grateful for the sunshine.

4. Halloween candy. Hehe….laugh all you want, but I have a major sweet tooth! We never have candy in our house….like never, so I was so happy for the kids’ loot. I had a delicious breakfast of tootsie rolls and snickers!

5. My ward choir. I really enjoy singing. I know I am not “solo” material, but I really do like to sing, especially church songs. Our ward choir director is nothing short of amazing, and I feel very grateful to be a part of it. We started singing *gasp* Christmas songs this week…and I was so touched. I got so choked up that I couldn’t even sing.

6. My current good mood. Last week was hell….seriously, one of the hardest weeks I have had in a very long time. I made up my mind yesterday that this week would be different. I got my house cleaned, laundry done, bedding changed, and now I have nothing but fun and good things to look forward to all week.

7. The internet….I know, LAME-but it allows me to have a whole different world outside of my sheltered life here. I stay home a LOT, so it is good for me to have glimpses of the outside world, even if it is through a computer screen. I love reading all my family and friend’s blogs, and feeling like I am keeping up and caring about those I love. The trick is to not get too addicted! ;)

So there you have it….some different things to be grateful for. I am excited to constantly look for things to add to my list for the rest of the month!

Halloween Weekend...

Wow…that last week was nothing short of a whirlwind. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn’t been sick and I didn’t have sick kids and it wouldn’t have SNOWED….yuck~!

Anyways…here are a few highlights from the past few days.

Gavin helped me make cookies and frosting. He had his class party on Friday and I was able to help. He was so happy!:






My Mom LOVES Halloween. I am not the hugest fan, but I agreed to help her with a party. She invited all of her friends, my brothers had their friends, and I had a few friends show up. The costumes were wild…and very creative. It was so fun to see everyone's creative ideas, and let loose and mingle a bit.:










The next morning we had family pictures with my parents, brothers, and our families. We hadn’t had one since I was pregnant with Kayler, so it was time since we had added 2 new spouses and 3 new grand kids. It was 37 degrees outside, and Kayler was a MONSTER…I felt so bad for our sweet photographer Kristi, but I know they will turn out good; I am excited to see them.

After the pictures, I was in a terrible mood. My kids were tired, and I needed to escape. I went to the temple. It seemed so serene and beautiful to me….not like the Halloween craziness going on outside.

We wanted to take the kids to the Mayor’s walk but upon arrival, we saw the line…changed our mind, and finished our evening with visiting all the grandparents, our ward’s trunk or treat, and crashing at home.:








All in all, it was a great weekend. My kids had fun, and that is all that matters.

I had a wonderful time at church today. The spirit was very strong in all 3 meetings, and it is just what I needed.

I am so excited that I have hardly anything to do this week. I am planning on relaxing and regrouping from the craziness of last week. Most of all, I just watched the weather, and it is supposed to be beautiful. And beautiful weather=a happy me!