The Hill Family

HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT.....a little something I can't live without!

2010-12-20T00:45:00.006-07:00

So this last year a dear friend of mine gave me some homemade laundry soap. and I fell in love with it. It took the red dirt out of my clothes, plus it costs me about $2.00 for a 5 gallon bucket which is roughly 400 LOADS. It is so easy to make and I LOVE the smell of it.

It does not sud a lot but remember that it is not the suds

that get your clothes clean it is the product you use.

So this year for neighbor gifts I made a small laundry soap for a few neighbor's. and I am making Granola to go with it. I think everyone I know is searching for a way to save money while things are tight. I want to share this recipe with you so enjoy....

These are the 3 GREAT products you use.

Here is the recipe give it a try...

LAUNDRY DETERGENT

4 C. HOT TAP WATER
1 BAR OF FELS NAPTHA
1 C. ARM & HAMMER LAUNDRY SODA
1/2 C. BORAX
Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with the water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted. Fill 5 gallon bucket half full of very hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per two gallons, add once soap has cooled. Top loading machine: 5/8 c. per load Front loading machine: 1/4 c. per load Makes approx. 400 loads

Christmas Time!

2010-12-18T17:13:00.002-07:00

So excited for Christmas to be here in a week. I love this time of year. I love the kindness that people show to each other. I love the music I could listen to it all year. I have not blogged in a while. Things are crazy here.
We had a great summer visiting Island Park and Bear Lake. School starting Justin loves 1st grade he has Mrs. Ruesch. Jayson is doing K-12 online at home and is doing really well his teacher is a professor at Dixie College. We have been to New Harmony Picking apples. Travis went to Alaska for 6 days and I loved getting the whole house rearranged and clean. We found out we were having a boy not a girl and Kailee and I both were pretty sad about that because we are out numbered. It will still be fun. I will post more later with pictures.
Blogging is harder now that I can't copy and paste any more I used to copy my journal entry and add a picture and it was so easy now I can't do that so it takes longer sorry it has been a while.

About time to update we are going Private!!!

2010-10-08T22:30:00.003-06:00

Things at our house have been busy. I am going to try to get his updated over the next week or so. We have been busy with scouts, summer fun, school kids and sports. So I need to get this caught up. I am going private so if you want to still be able to read this please comment and leave your email so I can add you. There are to many people I do not know on here and so it is time!

Happy Anniversary 14 years!

2010-02-17T10:39:00.004-07:00

I can hardly believe that Travis and I have been married for 14 years today. I am so lucky to have such a great husband. We have had some really hard time in 14 years and some amazing moments. I would do it all again! I adore Travis and our 3 wonderful kids. I love you Travis I am so glad you are in my life. Being married has been a great adventure. Thanks for all your hard work and commitment to the kids and I. You are an awesome guy and I look forward to many more wonderful years together!!!!!

Pictures !

2010-02-11T08:46:00.003-07:00

Travis and Justin at donuts with dads and reading boolk. Justin really had fun he loved spending time reading with Travis.

Justin getting an EKG they said he had 3 broken ribs but 4 months later they said he never had broken ribs but a heart problem. What a trooper this kid is. Doctors say everything looks great the problem has fixed it's self.

Justin always with a smile!Fall pictures!

One Picture out of 20 and the are all looking at me.

Our cute little family 2009!!!

Catching up!

2010-02-11T08:14:00.001-07:00

So I am going to get caught up today on this blog. Life has been crazy but I really need to get up to date so enjoy!

Update!

2009-12-12T23:14:00.002-07:00

So it has been along time since I updated our lives. Not that alot of you read this but I want to get caught up. So in the next couple of days I will be updating my blog. There have been lots of changes at our house and things going on.

Rodeo Time again.

2009-10-15T14:07:00.002-06:00

Thursday night the boys and I went to the rodeo with Mr. Prince it was also his 50th birthday so that was fun. We had a blast Travis couldn’t gohe had baseball and we missed him. Jayson is still determined to rope and bull ride so we will see.

On Saturday we went with Travis and my parents and Brent’s sister it was fun again no kids except Jayson . Brent came over and washed the horses and then him and Jayson went to the Sunbowl . Brent was giving rides on his horses that night to his students.. But when Travis and I got to the Sunbowl we got a surprise. Jayson was riding with Brent in the Sunbowl it was something to see. Jayson and Brent looked like they were having a great time and what a fun memory for them both. Jayson said it was awesome.

Justin in the parade

2009-10-15T14:05:00.001-06:00

We have had a fun week Justin got to be in the rodeo parade with my dad’s bank Town and Country. He loved it so fun but long walk. He looked so cute in his hat and boots.

Kailee started Preschool!

2009-10-15T14:03:00.001-06:00

Kailee started preschool and LOVES it! She is so cute every day. Her teacher Miss Mary is wonderful and has such a fun class with only 12 kids. She goes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings. So on Mondays and Wednesdays I have NO children at home I am not sure I like that feeling or and ready to not have anyone home.

To Honor a Friend.

2009-09-15T00:18:00.011-06:00

I would like to take a moment and honor a really good friend of our family. Brent Prince has been teaching school for 25 years. He teaches the kids the Code of the West and what it really means to… Live Each Day with Courage, Take Pride in Your Work, Always Finish What You Start, When You Make a Promise Keep It and many others. These are all great things for our young youth to learn.

How many of us really know how to live each day with courage. Brent does he watched his beautiful New Harmony burn, his dad become ill. His life has had a lot of changes and when most of us would crumble he is facing it all with courage. Brent always finishes what he starts and when he starts something he finishes it no matter what.He always gives his best effort, nothing is ever done half way. And there is no doubt if you saw his class room he takes a great deal of pride in his work, both in the class room and with his awesome metal sculptures.

Brent on his Birthday in 1960!

He has a love for his heritage and we could all take a lesson from him on that. He turned his blog in to history of the town he loves and the people who made it what it is today. He has made the Cemetery in New Harmony a beautiful place. I know if his mother were here she would be so proud of the kind of man he is today. Every night since the fire in New Harmony Justin prays for his friend Mr. Prince and for New Harmony.

Brent has had a huge impact on our family. When Jayson was in his class he got very sick. One day after being in the ER Jayson insisted that he had to see his horses, no we do not own any but he wanted to see Rookie and Shorty. I was not sure that was such a good idea I knew Jayson would want to ride and I knew he could not climb on. I will always remember that moment when I watched Brent and JD pick him up and put him on that horse and walk him around, it brought life back to a sick boy. He called me all the time wanting to know how Jayson was and giving his class mates updates. Justin has gotten to ride with Brent on many occasions he loves it. Justin’s neck muscles are not as strong as I would like and horseback riding is so good for that. Justin also got to pick apples at Brent’s apple orchard and cannot wait to do that this year. Riding horses has given my boys such confidence. The lessons they learned from picking apples is priceless.

Those of us that have gotten the chance to know Brent are better people. Our youth are better youth and our young kids who see his example are better kids.

I would like to thank him for his kindness, compassion, friendship listening ear, Since of Humor, Courage, positive outlook on life and for caring enough to teach our children what matters most.
A year ago at this time we were getting ready to honor him as our Rodeo’s Grand Marshall.

This Thursday Brent will be celebrating a birthday and to honor him on that day. Ask yourself this question… What have I done to better the people around me? How have I served my neighbor, friend or family? What legacy am I leaving? I hope today you will make a decision to do something for someone without asking what’s in it for me?

Because this is how we can honor a man who has done that for us.

Brent and Jayson

Happy Birthday Cowboy & We Wish you MANY Happy Trails!

Sad Days!

2009-08-31T12:28:00.005-06:00

It has been a couple sad days here for us. On July 25, 2009 lightning struck a tree above New Harmony. And the Forest service would not go put it out. What was a tree burning that could be put out by one person is now a huge fire being fought by over 350 firefighters. It has burned more than 10,000 acres of land taking everything in its way. Several homes and structures have been burned to the ground. Our good friend Brent Prince lives there, and this has been devastating to him and all that live there.

This is a picture of Brents Brother Vernile watching the fire get close to his home.

You might be wondering how this affects us well the last 4 years we have gone to New Harmony either picking apples or riding horses. Jayson loves to ride in the mountains with Brent there and they have had some really great rides. It is like losing a good friend and we will miss seeing the mountains and hills and fields green and beautiful.

Now these once beautiful green mountains and hills are black and the tall trees are dead. And the pioneer heritage that was there is gone. We send our love and prayers to all the New Harmony community for the huge loss they have and hope that the land will someday come back green and beautiful again.

It is truly sad that a fire that could have been put out was left to burn like this. Why do we have the Forest Service if they do nothing to protect the land or the people?

These pictures are taken from Little Mountain , it is now a watching point to see the fire how sad.

BACK TO SCHOOL!

2009-08-19T12:28:00.003-06:00

Back to school they all go. Our school started on Aug 13th. Jayson is in 7th grade oh how I feel old. Justin is starting kindergarten. Kailee starts Preschool in 2 weeks and cannot wait. Jayson loves his classes and Justin loves Mrs. Snow. We are looking forward to a great year. I am already filling up my little bit of free time with PTA. I am over the Walk A Thon on October 8th it is the schools fundraiser. So I am really excited about that.

Jayson at 6:45 am

Kailee had to have a picture with Justin.

Justin's big day!!

Fort Building!!!

2009-08-19T12:11:00.004-06:00

Fort building is my kid’s favorite thing to do.at home they use every blanket and any space to make forts so it was no suprise when we got to Island Park that is what they wanted to do. Justin was moving logs before Travis got there so he was so excited to have his dad help him finish his fort and teepee. There is something about a dad and not just mom helping. It turned out great. Justin was so sure he and Jayson would sleep in it but Jayson would not.

I look forward every year to Island Park for a lot of reasons but the main reason is this… there is NO TV,NO Radio ,NO DS. Just my kids and a huge forest full of possibilities. How great is that. I know a lot of people who would be so bored with out their electronics and TV not my kids they love this. It always brings lots of fun memories for years to come.

How cute is she?

Our family Fort with a sign on top that says " The Hill Family Gang" Believe it or not the sign has been up there for years.

AND THE WINNER IS....

2009-08-16T17:14:00.004-06:00

My dad taught Jayson how to play rummy when he was about 6. They play every chance they get. So when Travis and dad got up to Island Park on Saturday the first question asked was "want to play cards?" So dad won a few then Jayson won a few. It went back and forth and after 3 days my dad said no more. He was tired of losing.

Jayson had beat him so many times that he did not want to play any more. Maybe next summer dad but then Justin will be playing watch out!!

Check out those serious faces!!!

The strategy to playing, taking a moment to move your hand around.

He may have beat Grandpa but he has not beat me.....yet!

THE BIG JUDD!

2009-08-16T17:00:00.004-06:00

It is true that there is a hamburger the size of a dinner plate. We went and ate there. Justin thought it was great he loves lots of onions and pickles and tomato and lettuce so this was just the place to take the kids to fill them up. We had along day of Huckleberry picking, playing in the water and building forts.

Justin working on building a fort out of trees and logs. I had a really hard time getting him to come and eat because all he wanted to do was work on his fort.

At the end of a long day this is the veiw I love the most.

Moose anyone?

2009-08-16T16:40:00.004-06:00

So when we were in Island Park the kids and I and my sister Katie and her son Gage went to play in the water and we wadded around for along time and as we were coming back towards the car we looked up and saw this great site. Yes you guessed it right we got out of the water pretty fast. We did stick around to watch this mom and her baby.

Our summer fun of Geocaching!

2009-08-16T16:31:00.005-06:00

If you have never been Geocaching you have got to try it out it is so much fun. Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache’s existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS unit can then try to locate the geocache.

Our Cache full of good treasures.

We have hidden two in Island Park one at Big Springs and one at Howard Springs. We have had people log in our note book from all over the world, China, Germany, England, Canada.

Our family Geocaching.

We have also started many traveling bugs that we can track where they are. Jayson is turning 13 we started one on his 6th birthday that is in Iran right now. We started one for my Grandma’s 80th birthday and it is in France. We really have a lot of fun it is a fun treasure hunt.

Grandma's Travel bug in France

Time for Crafts and Recipes!

2009-07-26T18:50:00.004-06:00

Summer is a fun time and my kids love to make crafts.

Justin loves Duck Tape, glue any paper plates and cups and makes some really neat things. So this last week we made banks and the kids painted wood art. Jayson was gone to scout camp so he was not here to make things. Justin thought the week was great we went to Pirate Pizza and he LOVED that. We have been to the park and the kid’s favorite thing the splash pad. Here are their creations.

Justin is very talented he is my chef he makes the best soup by him self if any one wants to try it he has said I could share only one recipe so here you go I guard it well. 1Tomato, a pinch Parmesan cheese, 3 peas, a dash of salt, t tree of Broccoli blend in a hand chopper till puree then use a spoon. Great on hot days. Yummy

Bear Lake 2009!

2009-07-26T18:30:00.006-06:00

Our summer has been really busy with our favorite thing camping. We just got home from Bear Lake with Travis’s family. Shar and Dave were in charge and so the theme was Bear Lake Survivor. They put in a lot of time into planning we were the TRAPIL tribe and were Green. It was a lot of fun the kids LOVED the water. The guys had a Mustache contest and I was so glad when Travis finally shaved. Jayson had fun riding the tube with Caden and Travis. Kailee & Justin had fun with the cousins and making crafts. We stopped to take pictures of the beautiful

blue flowers it was a great view of the Lake.

Girls Camp!

2009-07-26T18:14:00.004-06:00

I had Girls camp in June it was so neat I was in charge of the Faith Walk it was amazing. At 9:00 my trumpeter played How Great Thou Art it echoed through the hills.

I had the girls walk past the Great and Spacious Building, while holding the Iron ROD (PVC pipe 500 ft) then the put on Blindfold and their journey began up this hill . Then they came to the Tree of Life it was absolutely Amazing.

I am not sure who needed it more me or the girls. I think it is amazing how Heavenly Father know right where we need to be. I have had several really tough weeks and I was not sure I wanted to go do this but I felt like that is where I needed to be.

There were so many miracles that night. After the first ward went through I fell down and hurt my knee pretty bad. I could not even walk I sat in a chair and prayed5 minutes later I got up with no pain I finished the evening and then when it was over the pain came. I am so grateful that I was able to go and be a part of that.

Putting together the Iron Rod.

Our Path to the Tree of Life.

Great & Spacious Building

Happy Birthday TRAVIS!!

2009-07-15T23:34:00.002-06:00

Travis enjoyed his birthday doing what he loves and that would be fishing. For his birthday Travis and my brother in law Brian were in the Utah Summer Games. In the Bass Fishing Tournament they took 12th place. Way to go!!

We love you hope you had a great day on the lake.

Summer is Here !!!

2009-07-15T23:30:00.002-06:00

It has been really hot here in the high 90’s low 100’s. We love the warm weather. The kids spend every chance which is every day on the slip in slide. We have gone through 2 this year. I even enjoy sliding but I am not as young as they are and it hurts after wards. HAHA

The Cowboy Rides Again...

2009-07-15T23:22:00.003-06:00

Jayson went to New Harmony riding with Brent and Jacob. They had a great ride. Of course Jayson is a natural he makes it looks so easy and he is so in his element. When they got done Brent let Jayson lead Justin around. Of Course Justin thought he was in heaven. He was smiling from ear to ear.

Congratulations Justin Way to Go!!

2009-07-15T23:19:00.004-06:00

Congratulations!!! Justin just graduated from preschool. He has done some awesome work. I love Montessori it is so great to see all the neat things the kids learn, he loved it. But he is pretty excited for kindergarten. They sang cute songs and then we took Justin for a shaved ice after. Way to go buddy! We are so proud of you!!

Fathers and Son's

2009-05-16T22:43:00.004-06:00

They boys just got back from Fathers and Son’s they had a great time. They hung out with friends. Travis is so glad we have a camper he said the wind blew all night. Justin and his best friend Asher caught buckets full of FROGS! BOYS will be BOYS! Jayson played horse shoes. And I heard the food was really great. I am so glad they had enough chicken.

Travis and Mark Cooking Dinner!

Jayson and his horse shoes.

Justin and Asher it is a good thing they had a bath when they got home!!!

Take us out to the Ball Game!

2009-05-16T22:37:00.002-06:00

Justin is Playing Coach Pitch and he loves it. He is really good he usually hits off the pitch. He is a good little player and I think as he plays he will become better. Jayson and Justin play games on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Saturdays with practice in between. Or life is a bit Crazy. I love going to the games.

Love his hair!

Scouter Jayson!

2009-05-16T21:41:00.003-06:00

Congratulations! Jayson for all your hard work in Scouts. Jayson just earned many merit badges in scouts along with his 1st Class and Star so now he gets to wait till September to get his Life. Most of his merit badges he earned a year ago our ward has Annual Court of Honors. Way to be Patient and keep going!

Kailee's Mothers Day gift to ME:)

2009-05-15T10:23:00.002-06:00

So for Mother’s Day we had everyone in over for dinner. Travis is a great cook on the grill. Of course I think we make a great team. I go to play with my cute nephew Carson (Brandon & Tonya’s little boy). I guess it made Kailee mad she went in my room and slammed the door. When she came out I noticed long pieces of hair on her shirt. Yes you guessed it she cut her hair taking off 3-4 inches I was so sad I cried so did she. Saturday I took the cutest pictures of her with her hair all curly. Here today gone tomorrow. So we took her in and had it fixed. We went short for summer and actually I really like it.

Way to go Brandon!

2009-05-15T09:53:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to my little brother Brandon for Graduating from BYU. He is now working on his Masters. Way to go.

Happy 3rd Birthday Princess Kailee!!

2009-04-13T15:25:00.010-06:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to Kailee!!!

Kailee we love you so much. You are so much fun in our house. Your brothers adore you. You are the Princess for sure. I find myself thinking you are 4 going on 5 because you act so grown up ands because you are so tall.

I love how you tell everyone they are special and that you love them. I love how you like to snuggle at night. I am so lucky to have you as my daughter. I love you so much. You are so fun to talk to and to share secrets with. I hope and pray we will always be close.

Don't Grow Up to Fast!Kailee wearing her necklace she made with her beads. And the crown Justin made her for her birthday!

Kailee and Grandma Sue with her Strawberry cupcakes!

I asked Kailee what her name was and she said "Kailee Sue Grandma" How cute is that. She is named after my mom. They are so close Kailee has to call her everyday. Even if that call is on her Princess phone. She got Some Big Beads that are so much fun and she has been painting and drawing all morning. She got lots of Princess things.

Grandma Duke, Me, Kailee, Grandma Sue on Kailee's Blessing Day!

My Defining Moments in My Life.

2009-04-11T00:25:00.005-06:00

There is defining moment in every person’s life. Within that moment, everything that person is shines it’s brightest. I am turning 34 today and I have been thinking a lot about the person I am now. And how I became the person I am today. I think my life is full of defining moments or things that have changed how I look at life.(Sorry this is long.)
So I thought I might share those with you…
1. I come from awesome parents who have great faith and strength. From the start I have felt that faith and strength. I was very sick as a baby and my dad gave me a blessing every week. He used a old bottle of oil from his mission. I love that bottle of oil when Justin got sick I asked my dad if there was one more drop for one more miracle and we got our miracle. I believe that priesthood blessings are powerful. They work I have no doubt I still like that bottle of oil that hold oil from my dad’s mission. Yes I know that it is not the oil that makes the miracle but the faith of the person. But I still like that oil what a story it tells.
2. Canoeing every summer In Island Park gave me a lot of confidence. I figure if I can take on a running river heck I can take on the world.
3. Going to the Sacred Grove was a real testimony strengthener for me that’s was probable the moment I knew for myself that the gospel was true.
4. Living as a nanny opened my eyes to the kind of mother I did NOT want to be.
5. Marrying Travis was amazing I have loved him forever and that day was one I shall never forget. He is strong in things that I am weak and I am strong where he is weak so we make a great team. I think being married make you grow up so much.
6. Having 3 kids has been a defining moment. Everyday there is a new challenge with one of them. Being a mom is no easy job.
7. I learned just how strong I really was when Justin got sick. I was not sure I could handle what I needed to do for him. I remember thinking "OK Heavenly Father you gave him this disease but you better give me the knowledge to help him" and today he is perfect. I also learned that the Lord is always at our side.
8. I have learned that life is not about the challenges because we all have them. It is really about how you handle them and what your attitude is that really counts.
9. Going to Martin’s Cove was incredible I have never seen such an amazing place. I hope to take my kids. This really showed me just how thin the veil is. And just how much our youth today are watched over. My testimony was also strengthened so much by what happened there.
10. I have also learned a great deal about honesty and friendship over the last couple years. And that if you make a promise keep it. And being honest in all you do. Our choices do impact everyone around us.
11. I have learned a lot about compassion and service and to not judge.
12. I love to learn attending Dixie College and getting A’s was awesome. I am glad I went even if I have not YET Graduated I someday hope to.
13. I have come to love to read and study. I love learning new things and find myself either online or reading from books. I have so much to learn and I want my children to see my example and want to always be learning no matter what they do in life.
14. I love my date nights with my boys. I learn the greatest things and I love to hear what they think and what they want to be when they grow up and I love having Jayson tell me his throat is dry just so we will get ice cream. Sometimes we go to a movie sometimes we go get groceries sometimes we go hiking on the Dixie Rock. I think this has been a really great tool for me as a mom because I know when they need their own time away and they share things with me that I don’t think I would know if we did not have that open communication.

I know this may seem foolish to some of you but have you ever stopped to ask yourself what are things that define who you have become? Or what things have changed how you look at life?

I am the mother of 3 wonderful and cute kids and the wife of an amazing and handsome husband. I love you guys and thanks for filling my life with such joy. Thanks to my wonderful parents and all those along my journey who have been my friend, leader, and example of the kind of person I am trying to be come.

Kailee Goes to the ER!!!

2009-04-08T19:40:00.000-06:00

Kailee had her first and I hope last major trip to the ER today. It took up my entire afternoon. We were at our friend’s house and she wanted gum so I told her to go get some out in the car. Simple enough right...... WRONG, next thing I know she is screaming and there is blood everywhere in my van. And the end of her toe is just kind of hanging there. I have done stitches with the boys but never have I seen something so GROSS!!
I drove to INSTA CARE with her on my lap so I could hold the end of her big toe on. They said to go to the ER so they could put her to sleep while they repaired her toe. So I did, they were all so kind. Dr. Martin said they could just glue it since there was still enough skin still attached and because I had put it back in place. So they gave her Tylenol with codeine and bandaged it up. Poor girl can walk a little but she has no shoes that will fit over it. She wants a bath and can’t get it wet and she should be carried so she does not get and infection in it. I never want to do that again.
I want to thank all the staff at the ER they were GREAT and Kailee was not as scared as I thought she might. Carl the other DR gave her a ride to the car in a wheel chair and she thought that was great and she got Ice cream. We will see how the next couple of days go.I think the hardest part about being a mom is watching your kid in pain and knowing you can't do any thing.

Spring is here time to Plant!!

2009-04-05T14:37:00.000-06:00

So we now have nice weather. So we decided to put in a garden. I did some reading and decided to do the Square Foot approach. You mix Compost, Dirt, Vermiculite and Peat Moss. This makes it so you do not have to only water 2-3 times a week. So we put down weed fabric down and Travis made the boxes. Then we filled them up with our dirt mix and seeds or plants.

It is NO secret that my kids LOVE tomatoes and vegtables.

Jayson at 3 would hide in the plants and eat the tomatoes before I could ever pick them.

So we have 18 Tomatoes Plants, Squish, Cucumbers, Peas, Lettuce, Carrots, Green Beans, Peppers, Zucchini, Onions and Chives, Basil, and 6 Watermelon plants.
We are excited to see what happens.

Trip to Idaho

2009-03-21T22:34:00.000-06:00

We were in Idaho Falls last weekend for Katelyn’s wedding. The weather was great my kids were freezing when we came out of the temple.

It is always a party when you get 4 two year olds & 4 five year old boys together. Let’s just say there is never a dull moment. They looked so cute in these pictures but as soon as pictures were done they took off.

And then there were our two older boys, who were always looking after the younger kids. Jayson looked so handsome in his suit!

Thanks to Jayson & Caden for always helping out !!!!

Kailee thought she was the princess. She loved to twirl in her dress with her cousins. She was so tired after such a long day she sat on my lap and was asleep in minutes poor thing.In case you are wondering... she did not sleep till the next day she woke up as soon as I layed her down to go to bed just my luck.

We had a great time it was fun to see Aunts and Uncles and cousins that we have not seen in years.

Finally Warm Weather & Spring Break

2009-03-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

It has been cold and rainy here and is finally warming up so the kids want to be outside all the time. This week is Spring Break for us . We are planning on being outside. We are planning on going Camping at Zion’s this weekend. And the next weekend the 27-29, Travis and Jayson, my dad, Brandon and Brian are all going to Spring Training in AZ. They have been planning for months and I am not sure who is more excited that’s all Jayson talks about. I will have to post some pictures when they get back.

Our Family Photographer

2009-03-16T12:22:00.000-06:00

I keep finding pictures on my camera of all kinds of things and I asked the boys if it was them and they said no. I did not think Kailee was taking them but sure enough she is the photographer.She takes after Grandma Suz. Here are some of the pictures she has taken.

I think we will find her a camera for her 3rd birthday.

Jayson after Klondike

Way to Go Kailee Nice Pictures You have some great Talent!!

Hours of FUN for $7.00

2009-03-16T12:18:00.000-06:00

As most of you know I never buy anything full price and I love a good deal. I was at Target and they had 75 % off and this little Rose Petal Market was on sale for $7.00. So I bought it thinking with all the rain it would be something fun for the kids to do. And boy was I right they took turns playing for hours they played all day and then decided to sleep in it. Hurray a night without Kailee in our bed. I love Bargains!

Our Sticker Princess

2009-03-16T12:04:00.000-06:00

Kailee loves stickers. She puts them everywhere. She gets that from her mother. I used to put them all over my face and I thought I was so cool. Lucky for us she likes to put them on her legs. She spends most of her day coloring and playing with stickers.

Thanks Kailee for being so much

fun.

Flying

2009-02-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

Travis’s friend and old mission companion Nathan Reed took the boys up in a plane and they had a ball. This was Justin’s second time in a plane and Jayson’s first they had so much fun. Nathan teaches flying lessons and him and his student flew in they went over our house and all over St. George and then went to Poncho and Lefty’s for dinner. Justin’s got home and had to tell me how the China man is his buddy and how he was so cool. He had given Justin his metal wings pin. Nathan said they are rare and that pilots do not usually give away the real wings because they get them only on their first fly solo. Thanks Nathan for the Plane ride and the fun memories.

What a a bunch a good looking boys!!!

Disappearing Ice Cream ??

2009-01-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

Do you have an Ice Cream Thief living with you? Have you ever bought Ice Cream and then when you go to dish some up it is gone. Well on Justin's Birthday I got kind of busy with company and cleaning up dinner and I went in and sat down to talk to my mom. I got up to get a drink and went into the kitchen and I caught my ice cream thief red handed....

I asked Justin what he was doing and he said it tastes really good do you want some I told him no thanks. there was not a lot left any way so he ate it all gone. Watch your Freezers there might be more Ice Cream thief's out there!!

I Love You Kailee !!

2009-01-31T00:43:00.000-07:00

I was wanting 5 minutes yesterday to myself. So I went in my room and locked the door and gave myself a time out (or that's what I told the kids). I wasn't in the room 2 minutes when Kailee opens the door with a fork and says "come out I want to hold you" . Which means she wants me to hold her. So I came out and she went in her room. She locked the door I told her to open it because I wanted to hold her, so she told me to go get a fork and open the door. Kids are so fun. I guess we just enjoy every minute because someday the minutes will be gone.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAYSON !!

2009-01-31T00:33:00.000-07:00

Jayson turned 12 on the 30th. I am not sure how I really feel about that yet. He will have his Star in Scouts at the end of the month. He just earned his Brotherhood in the Order of the Arrow and he loves to collect fast offerings and go to mutual.Where did the last 12 years go? I hope the next 7 years go by really slow. He is a great kid and a mother couldn't ask for a better son. He has turned into a great Young Man. He has had lots of great examples along the way. Thanks to all of you who have had a impact on him to this point.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN !!

2009-01-31T00:21:00.000-07:00

Justin turned 5 and thinks he is all grown up. He always tells me what a great mom I am and how he just loves me. I am going to remind him of that later when he turns 14 and thinks he knows it all.

He got to celebrate at school. With his teacher Miss Janea and class. He loves Montessori I have been doing training in his school. I really think 5 is my favorite age.

When your childs birthday is on the 23rd you tend to wrap in christmas even when you try not to.For Justin's he got some playmobile things and LOVES them. We call them snap ons and my kids play with them for hours and hours they build the most amazing things with them. So all my kids got some for Christmas and Birthdays Jayson still loves to play them.

SNOW DAY!!

2009-01-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

When you live in St. George and it snows the town stops 6-8 inches of snow and they closed school for a snow day. We made several snowmen what fun we had.

Kailee has never really played in the snow but she had seen it in Idaho visiting Grandma but holding it was so much fun and throwing it at her brothers was even more fun. At 1:00 am the kids were all out playing it but it took a week to melt so they got to really enjoy it. Notice they have no coat.

Kailee the Doll Maker

2009-01-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

Kailee has been the best little doll maker. She loves to help me get them ready for the shows. This has been really fun to do with her. She likes to put the diapers on. I have really liked doing something that has nothing to do with rocks.

Travis has been busy moving out of his nice big shed into a 8x10 shed. The old shed is my new office and home for my dolls. It has been fun to fix it up Thanks to Dad for his help with all the electrical and to our friends it is all done. I love the new big window the lights the paint it just need floor coverings.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-02T00:20:00.000-07:00

Jayson, Justin & Kailee

We just had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The sweet potatoes are my favorite and dads from scratch stuffing. I don't know how any one can eat the box stuff YUCK!!!

I had my first doll show this last weekend and it went really well. If anyone is looking for a really cute doll for Christmas. I have it check out my doll blog at mybabydoll.blogspot.com to see what I have been up to.

We got pictures of all the grandkids this weekend they turned out so cute.

Justin told me to day that his birthday is in a few days (23 to be exact) and then he will be all grown up. I can not believe how the time goes by. I feel to young to have a 5 year old and a 12 year old.

The kids can't wait to put up the tree and for Santa to come!!

Travis can't wait to get my new office done. It has been a big project and thanks to all who have helped I think Travis just wants all my dolls out of our house they are everywhere and in every room. Kailee loves it she thinks she is their mother. They are well loved!

Apple Days !!

2008-11-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

THATS ALOT OF APPLES!!!

Then October came and we had Apple Days in Beautiful New Harmony. We were in New Harmony picking apples almost every day for a week. So that Mr. Prince would have apples to sell at Apple Days. The kids had so much fun, Justin really loved it. Kailee liked it after it was over. The day of Apple Days we some fun weather Mr. Prince called in the morning to let us know it was cold there. When we got there it started to snow and did that on and off for the rest of the day.

Rodeo Time!!

2008-11-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

September we had the Dixie Round up Rodeo and Mr. Prince was the Grand Marshall. I was in charge of the parades with the kids. The theme was Our Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys. So we honored him as our cowboy. Jayson got to take a ride around the arena with Mr. Prince. Jayson wants to team rope and would love to bull ride. I think we will stick with the team roping instead.

What we have been up to....

2008-10-30T21:36:00.000-06:00

So I thought I might back up a bit and share what we have been doing. Jayson is in 6th Grade this year and has straight A’s. When he was in 4th grade he had a awesome teacher Mr. Prince. He teaches the kids to rope on metal cows (yes he is a cowboy) and to live the Code of the West Jayson loved it. He also won All Round Cowboy and he received a BIG Belt buckle. Shortly into that year Jayson started horseback riding and has loved it ever since.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-30T00:56:00.000-06:00

We carved pumpkins on Tuesday. Carving pumpkins reminds me of when I was my kids age and Uncle Ben would come get pumpkins with us and we would carve them with him. Travis wanted to carve outside so he took the boys. While Kailee and I did our own. I don't know if any of you have seen these pumpkin pieces that you just put in ,but they are Great. Kailee has a 2 sided pumpkin and we had no slimy mess. It was just perfect for her. Justin carved a monster, Jayson did a spider and Travis did a transformer. The neighborhood kids all got in on it to. This year the boys are Pirates and Kailee is Tinker Bell.

Testing

2008-10-07T22:52:00.001-06:00