What's Shakin' with the Sherwood's

My Mom For All Eternity

2012-01-28T19:07:00.001-08:00

On January 17 my mom returned home to Heavenly Father. It was such a shock and I was not ready to let her go. My heart hurts in a way I did not know was possible. The absolute knowledge that sometime in the future I will be with her again and then I won't ever have to tell her good bye again, is the only thing that makes it even barable. I have been so extremely blessed to have her in my life almost daily for the last 40 years. It's the next 40 some odd years I simply don't know how I can exsist without her. I know that it will be through the power of prayer that I will manage without her.

If I had to descibe my mom in one word it would be "classy"! She was just classy in all that she did. For the last two and a half years she fought an illness she knew would win. ( even her doctor thought she had a few more years with us) That did not change her at all. She fought it with class, dignity and grace until the very, very end. I am so very proud of her and love her with so much more than my heart!! I will do my best to follow her amazing example and get through this with class, dignity and grace until I do get to see her again.

Here Comes The Bride

2011-06-20T18:52:00.001-07:00

Fun To Do

2011-06-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

Planning a wedding is fun to do!! Kensie and I have had so much fun with her wedding. It is less than two weeks away! We still have a little bit to do but for the most part it's all arranged.
The reception is two weeks after the wedding and I am so glad we did that. Here is just a little bit of what we have been doing.

Announcements went out. Aren't they just cute?

The Guillory's do the coolest thing. They always give the couple a "His and Hers" shower. It's just for family and you give them gifts that they will need but probably won't get at the reception. His Uncle Troy and Aunt Margie gave them the best gift by far. It was these two totes full of medicine and first aid supplies!!

Mark and I, being new to this whole "His & Her" shower idea, weren't really sure what we should get them so we finally decided on a BBQ grill, tools, and aprons. I made their aprons at work and they turned out so stinkin cute! And they loved them.

Kensie and her bridesmaids all went to Durango one night. They had so much fun. Kensie did the cutest things for them. She made them all buttons that they all wore all night. (they are going to wear them again at her bridal shower)

She also made these cute bags full of all their accessories for the reception. She personalized each bag at work, made the flip flops, added the flower and jewel to the bag, threw in some other fun little stuff, and then surprised all her girls with them at dinner. They were so surprised and just loved them. ( all the stuff really is red not hot pink)

Chelsey Ping did her bridal pictures the other evening. I took just a few of Chelsey taking them. She took over 200 pictures. She posted just a few on facebook all ready and they are beautiful.
Ofcourse I think she is the most beautiful bride EVER!!

She had to show off her cute black shoes.

They took these at the neatest old barn. It was really an amazing place.

This was Kensie's "Don't take anymore pictures of Me!" picture!

Yesterday was truly the most wonderful day!! Kensie went through the temple in Montecello!! There are just not words to describe how absolutely amazing that was!! I'm getting chocked up just writing about it.

Their next picture standing outside a temple will be as husband and wife. They are both way ready for that!

I just love this picture. She will always be "Daddy's little girl"! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Her session was full of people who love her! It was one of my best days ever!

There are still more exciting wedding events to come. Stay tuned!

All About Kade

2011-05-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Kade has had lots going on lately so I decided I would just dedicate a whole post just to him. This has been Kade's senior year of high school. That is just crazy to me but the truth. So part of being a senior is having senior pictures done. Here are just a few of my favorites.

If you read the most recent post on Kade you learned that he refused to go to Prom and then got nominated for Prom King and had to go. He took Tori, who is from Pagosa Springs Colorado. She is really a neat girl. Anyway, Kade DID go to his Prom, and guess what? Tori asked him to her Prom. So Mr. I refuse to go to Prom, went to TWO Proms!! Kensie and I just loved that. Tori's Prom was the last day of April which was a Saturday. Kade had a track meet in Aztec that day. It happened to be Mark's weekend fishing trip to Lake Powell, Kensie had to work and Kace got sick. So it ended up just being me and Kade. I picked him up from the track meet with just enough time to get to Pagosa,(it's about a two and a half hour drive) check into our room, have him shower and get ready, and pick up Tori.

They do the funnest thing there. Kade and I went to her house, there they put on their flowers and then it was off to take before Prom picture. All the Prom goers go to The Springs, which is a big resort famous for the natural hot springs. It is a beautiful place and a great place to take pictures. ( It smells awful!! Natural hot springs smell of Sulfur and it's gross.) It is really neat because everyone is there, so all the parents get to see everyone all dressed up. I was a huge fan of this!

This is Kade and Tori on the huge front porch.

You can even go inside and take all the pictures you want.

Pagosa Springs High School mascot is the Pirates and sure enough this guy went to prom as a Pirate. His name is Bobbo. He was very nice and thought it was great to have a picture with Kade and Tori.

This picture cracks me up. Kade looks just a little bit worried or scared or uncertain or all of the above. The group they went to Prom with consisted of all of these girls, about five more girls, Tori's best friend and her date ( who was also from out of town) and Tori and Kade. He was feeling way outnumbered!! I have to say it was really cold when we were taking pictures and really Tori's dress was the only modest one I saw. The rest of the girls just wore goose bumps with their dresses!! Thanks Tori for being modest. You were by far the prettiest one there!! Tori told me "Modest is Hottest" and I totally agree.

This is what we woke up to the next morning. It was May 1st and dang cold! Kade had a great time and I really enjoyed Tori's family! It was really good to get to know them. But I think the best part was that Kade and I got to spend time together just the two of us. That doesn't happen very often and I really really enjoyed that!

Kirtland Central High School had their first ever Dodge Ball Tournament a couple of weeks ago. Kade and his friends just had to have a team to compete. And yes their team is the first official Kirtland Central Dodge Ball Tournament Champions. They beat out several teams included the Teachers Team. Mark and I are so proud!!!

Kade gives all the credit to their uniforms. I defiantly give the uniforms credit for something but it's not winning!!

Kade graduated from High School May 19th. We decided to take a few pictures before the ceremony and we are sure glad we did. He sure did look handsome in his cap and gown.

My three guys. Dang I love them! They are just all so good looking!! But how did my baby get to be taller than his big brother and not too far away from his Dad? There is something just not right about that. Kade thinks that's just wrong too!

Mark and I are very blessed to be able to call Kade son. We are so proud of him. He has turned into an amazing young man and we can't wait to see what his future will be.

I just had to share Kade's true colors. What a dork!! But he makes life full of fun.

My parents were able to make it for the graduation. I just love this picture of Kade and my dad. Talk about a couple of handsome guys!

Kade's graduation will be one we won't ever forget. Not because Kade got his diploma but because it was outside and about 10 minutes into the ceremony it started to rain. And it rained and rained. Not only did it rain but it was cold! Did they move it inside? No! Did they cut it short? No! Did they hurry it along? NO! We all sat through every ones speeches, (there were FIVE valedictorian!!!!) the handing out of the diplomas, then the moving of the tassels, then another speech who informed everyone she didn't care if it raining she Was going to give her prepared speech and she did! (which by this time it had moved from raining to pouring, it was coming down in sheets!) Kensie and Jason had these great waterproof jackets with hoods so they gave their umbrella to Kace. He was so grateful!

However Kensie's hood was huge and kept falling over her whole face.

Poor Mom and Dad, they drove all this way just to sit in the freezing rain, getting soaked. They must really love you, Kade!

We couldn't even see anything because everyone had umbrellas so that is what you saw. A whole bunch of colorful umbrellas!

I did get to see Kade get handed his diploma! At just the right time there was a parting in the sea of umbrellas. Unfortunately the water had to fall off the umbrella onto something. That happened to be our legs!

As wet as we were it was nothing compared to the graduates. They all sat on the field in their caps and gowns and no umbrellas. They were truly soaked to the bone and totally frozen! After the last speech was finished they just literally ran off the field. So did the teachers. There was still a couple of things still on the program but believe me nobody cared! This is Kade's "drowned rat" picture.

One of the thing we do here is called Project Graduation. It is done by the parents through San Juan County's Drug Free Program. The Seniors are all invited and they can bring one guest. This year we had over 200 students attend. They are locked in from 11pm to 3am. There is a ton of activities to do and a ton of food and PRIZES!! This year we raised more than $14,000. The majority going to prizes for the Seniors. Every Senior who signed up received a prize worth $70. (this is all done by drawing) Then there were several big prizes (laptops, tv, ect.) Then there were the BIG prizes. Three envelops with $500 cash and one envelope with $1000 cash. Kade was not drawn for a big prize but he chose a hurley hat and a watch. Mostly he just had a blast!

Here is Kade and a few of his friends toward the end of the night. They go hard until about 1:30 and then they start to wind down but they wouldn't miss it for the world. Mark and I are so grateful we have two of these down and only one to go. We got home around 4am and we are just too dang old to stay up all night anymore!! Kade's plans are to stay here and work and go to his first year of college at San Juan College and get ready for his mission. He won't even be 18 until June 6th so he has a whole year to prepare and he is already counting down the days!! We love Kade so much and are so very proud of him!

Kensie...

2011-04-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

is getting MARRIED!!!!! Jason Guillory popped the question Friday night and she said yes:) We are so excited!!!!!! They have been dating for almost a year and a half so we know that they are sure this is what they want and they are too HAPPY! The plan is the Snowflake temple sometime in June. We just love Jason and couldn't be more pleased to have him in our family. When Jason asked Mark if he could marry our daughter Mark told him it would be a honor! The best part is Jason's family is so amazing and they love Kensie. Her ring is BEAUTIFUL!! Sorry the pictures just doesn't do it justice.

I have had a few people ask me if I was sad. How can I be sad? This is what we have raised her to do. Marry a worthy priesthood holder, that she is totally in love with, who loves her and respects her, in the Temple. I am not sad, I am totally one hundred percent proud of her for making such incredible choices!! Besides that I love, love, love weddings and now we get to have one!!! YAY!!

All Caught Up

2011-04-08T17:47:00.002-07:00

I was looking at my pictures and realized I was way behind on my blogging so the following five post get me all caught up! I decided I really needed to be up to date because I am pretty sure my next post will be really, really important. We will just have to see.

King Kade...To Be or Not To Be?

2011-04-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

Oh Kade! Kade is a Senior and has not been to one school dance this year. He decided at the beginning of the year they were lame, and a waste of money and time. This has been most disturbing to Kensie and I. We think that is just not right!! However, no matter what we said and ok, as much as we begged him to ask a date and go he would not do it. With prom coming up once again Kensie and I tried everything we could think of to get him to go but he flat out REFUSED!! So we just threw up our hands and said whatever. Well the fates were smiling on us and frowning on Kade. Two weeks before prom Kade found out he had been nominated for prom King. Oh he was MAD. Kensie and I were eccstatic!! Kade did not tell us. We actually found out on facebook. He is such a turd! So it is two weeks before prom, Kade now has to go and has no date and everyone he wanted to take has been asked. What to do? What to do? Still not happy about this situation he decides he will just make the best of it and decided to ask a girl he knows, Tory, from Pagosa Spring CO. Pagosa is two hours away. Kade actually knows Tory's parents from the Trek and they not only agree to let her go with him they get a motel room and stay in Farmington all day of prom and stay the night! What great parents!! The day of prom he even admitted to me he was kind of excited. He and Tory went with a big group of his freinds. They went out to eat and then got ready and off they went. First we made them come and take a few pictures. They all looked beautiful! Kade looking too handsome.

Kade looking I'm not sure what?

Kade and Tory

Kade, Tory, Tayler, and Kacey. Just a little part of their group.

Well, King Kade was not to be which he was just fine with. Even though he didn't win prom king I will always be glad he was nominated. I asked him the next morning if he had fun and he told me he did and .... He was really glad he went!!!! I love being right.

Over The Hill Or Just On The Foothills?

2011-04-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

My big 40 was so much fun! When I got to work my office was totally decked out!! Black streamers, birthday signs, caution old zone sign, old zone caution tape wrapped around my chair, and my floor was covered with black balloons and over the hill balloons! It was just too cool! We just had an all day party. At work we are really big on birthday lunches. We go all out. Anyway we have three birthdays the same week in March so we do one big lunch for all three of us. This year we did it on Monday and my birthday was on Thursday. We have a few kids that come to work with their mom's and one little guy, Dominic was so sad all day because even though my office was decorated, I still didn't have a party because we didn't do lunch that day. So right before I went home, they came and got me and we went into the kitchen. His grandma, who is my boss, had taken him to get ice cream sandwiches and candles. (Lucky for me they go a 4 and a 0) Everyone came in and they sang to me and we ate ice cream!! Dominic was so happy because I had a party!! What a sweetheart. I just love where I work! My sister, Liane called to tell me Happy Birthday and I told her all about my office. She said with disgust "Over the Hill? You are just barely on the foothills"! I am so going with that!!!

Family Makes Everything Better

2011-04-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

Marks youngest brother, Chase, has been working in Farmington for 3 years but his family has still been in Snowflake. His schedule was 7 days on and 7 days off so he would just go home those 7 days and it worked out for them. Well the first of the year his schedule changes and he is now working every week so he moved his family up here. They moved just down the street from us and are in our ward!! We really love where we live but we love it so much more now. Having family close by is the best. Mark just flat out told them they were expected at our house every Sunday for dinner and they sit by us at church. I love that! And it is just so much fun having little ones running around again. I even got to go toy shopping!! I am so thankful for family and family really does make everything better. This is Brenna. She is in Kindergarten and is staring T-ball soon. I can't wait to go watch her play.

Lilly is in preschool and only likes to eat bread, ribs, some fruit, and dessert.

Parker will be 3 in a couple of weeks. He doesn't go to school and will tell you that several times. His favorite thing to tell Uncle Mark is "Guess what? Chicken butt!" even at church. I love these little ones and love, love, love that they live by us!

Kace is 15!

2011-04-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

Kace turned 15 on March 6th. It is so hard to believe that my baby isn't a baby anymore. Kace is just so much fun! I am so thankful that I was chosen to be his mom. I love him so much. He is so good and always, always, makes me laugh. He loves the gospel and honors his priesthood. He even loves to go home teaching!! (Thanks Nolan) What can I say I just love this guy to pieces!!! (i was going to say "this little guy" but he is now bigger than me) I hope he had a very happy 15th birthday. Kensie was in charge of decorations and she did such a great job! If you will look at the balloon bouquet in the corner of the picture you will see that they are Ben Ten balloons. Well...when we where picking out decorations they had these and High School Musical bouquets so this year we decided he would get these because he had been ten and now his isn't!! Next year ....High School Musical!! He thought they were great! Only Kace would appriciate our way of thinking.

Our family is just not big on cake so instead we did banana splits. It's a good thing he is full of hot air was able to blow out all 15 candles fast or he would of had banana split soup!! Happy Birthday Kace!

Home For Christmas

2011-04-08T14:18:00.001-07:00

We have been so blessed to spend the last several Christmases at my parents. It is so much fun!! Christmas Eve is the best. Several of the family usually come and we have one heck of a party. It always starts out with an amazing mexican dinner and we eat til we can hardly move and then on to THE game. This game is super easy but a total blast. We call it the dice game. We have several tables set up. At each table is a pair of dice and one pen. Everyone get a peice of paper. Then everyone takes a turn rolling the dice. If you get doubles of any kind you can very nicely and polietly(yah right!) take the pen and start writing from 100 hundred to 0 on your paper. The dice continue going around the table and everyone keeps rolling. If a new person get doubles the kindly take the pen and start writing. The first one to 0 is the winner and you get a wonderful prize. If you have ever played THE game with us you know it is anything put nice and poliet. In fact it is CRAZY and a little dangerous!! We have been known to go through several pens and even a table. It is nothing for pens and even peoples papers to fly across the room. At the end of the night we are all tired from laughing so hard and we all end up with some super duper prizes. The rules of the prizes it simply that you have to either model or demonstrate whatever you get. There are a few favorites that must show up every year. Flarp is a must and the newest funnest prize is Silly String!! Here is my cute dad showing off his Clown Attire! Dang Hansome Man!

Kensie is all aglow in her Princess Outfit. It is so cute on her. Sorry Kensie but Uncle Derek was much cuter in his Ballerina Outfit last year!!

One of this years favorites were these very stylin Mr. McGoo glasses! Look at those two cute babes!!!

The Silly String is definatly the favorite. Mark and my Mom are the very worst. They are just Silly String Monsters!

Oh but they get theirs!!!

Kace made sure Mark got a good dose!

Kade needs to learn to duck and cover!!

Chrsitmas morning is a lot more quite but still so much fun. Our family loves our Stockings.

Kace is showing us how he mastered his back scratcher.

Kade is SOOOO excited about his new movie.

Kensie loved her sign that I am sure was made just for her. I know...Right?

Here is mom opening her gift from Liane and Me. We gave her a trip with us to see the broadway production of Wicked!!! Liane found that witch jar and put the tickets inside of it. Liane and her daughter Lanae, Kensie, Mom and I went to Albuquerque in Feburary and had a blast. I love Wicked!!!

Kace's Got Talent

2011-03-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

Last week was Kirtland Central High Schools talent show. Kace (who didn't tell us) performed at this talent show. His act has found it's way to you tube! If you have a couple of minutes and need a good laugh go to youtube and type in Kace Dance. (I know there is a way to put a link here but I am not smart enough to figure it out, sorry) He is the new star at the high school! I often wonder where he came from because he is so much more fun than all of us but am so thankful he is ours. Our home would be totally dull without him!! When I asked Kace why he didn't tell us he was performing he told me he wouldn't have been able to do it if he knew we were there. Whatever!!!! Anyway I am very grateful for modern technology and the Sign's who recorded it so that I can actually see him. So check out my very talented son (I'll admit it he gets all his talent from his dad) and enjoy!

We'll Be Seein Ya

2010-09-27T04:29:00.000-07:00

I am thankful every day that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. The knowledge and guidance that it gives to my life is priceless. I don't know how I could live in this day and age and raise my family without it. However, I don't think I have ever been as thankful for it as I am today. I am thankful for the Temple blessings. Of knowing that families are eternal. That even though we might have to be a part for a little while it really is only a moment in the eternal perspective. So Poad, this is not a final goodbye it's just a "We'll Be Seein' Ya!"

Lincoln Sherwood

Jan 9, 1947 - Sept 26, 2010

Sand, Fire, Marshmellows...Priceless

2010-09-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

One of the many things I learned growing up in St. Johns is that all you need to make a summer evening a ton of fun is a sand wash, the ability to light a fire, and marshmallows. These three things are part of many of my memories and I'm sure a few of my children's. This summer we invited some friends to experience the fun with us. Let's face it, it's always more fun to have little ones around and unfortunately my little ones had the nerve to get bigger than me. All of them!!! So thanks Matthew's for coming with us and sharing your little ones.

We learned a few important things on this adventure to the sand wash. I thought I would go a head and share them.

Flip Flops are NOT the foot ware of choice at the sand wash!

Smoke Bomb's at the sand wash are a must! They entertain kiddo's of all ages for an extended amount of time.

There is a talent to roasting the perfect marshmallow. Megan has this talent!!

Look it is roasted perfectly! I didn't take a picture of my marshmallows because I do not have the marshmallow roasting talent. My marshmallows all come out a very beautiful shade of black. Boy do they taste good!

We also learned there are many ways to eat giant marshmallow. ( I found these giant marshmallows at Alco and I must say they were my favorite find of the whole summer! They were just awesome.)

Kensie's method was to just put it on a stick and eat it like an apple. Good method and the least messy.

Brookyn's favorite way to eat hers was to just smash it. She made her smore, smashed it as flat as she could and shoved it in her mouth! Her way was my favorite way to eat them.

Tayli just enjoyed the hugeness of the marshmallow! She set her giant marshmallow between her graham cracker and very carefully nibbled away so she wouldn't smash it at all. This too was a good method but a little too time consuming for the rest of us.

Now Bryle really didn't care how he ate them, he just wanted to get as sticky as possible. This one was not my preferred way of eating them but he sure enjoyed it!

Draylon really didn't have much to do with the giant marshmallows he just went for the chocolate!! Wearing brown is one of his favorite things to do at the sand wash.

Look at that face!! This is how everyone feels after a summer evening at the sand wash.

I think everyone had a great time and made some great memories. I have a feeling this won't be the last memory making sand wash trip for the Sherwood's and the Matthew's. And it was so much fun to have the little one's and the big one's too!

Fun In The Sun

2010-09-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day weekend we were able to go down to Gilbert for my nephew Kyle's wedding. While we were there we decided to take in a Diamond Backs game. We had a blast!!! It was our first time to go. If we lived down there I would go all the time. They played the Astro's and they lost. We still had so much fun. We invited anyone who wanted to go but it ended up just being our family and my parents. Here are a few pictures of all of us.

The whole gang (minus me who was taking the picture)

Kensie and " The Boyfriend" Jason (23, returned Missionary, all around great guy, stay tuned)

Kace ( you will understand his look in the next picture)

The Clone's (oh my)

My cute parents

Look, I really was there!!

We Are Back

2010-06-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

Ok we have been back for a week but it has taken me that long to catch up. We ended up cutting a couple of days off the trip so Mark didn't get to see Jeff Gordon's cars. He can't complain because it is his fault we had to be home early. We had to be home for church on the 13th because we got a new bishopric and they put Mark in as 2nd counselor. We made it home Saturday evening and both of our parents were already here. It was great that they were here for him.

So we went a long way in a short time. These are the states we were in during our seven days gone (some of them we were in twice) New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kansas. I think that was all.

This is Kesseli's new home outside of South Bend Indiana. It is so nice and green. We got there Sunday afternoon and unloaded some of the truck. Then Monday morning it was off to Jann's. I am so glad we were able to help Kess and Jon move. We had the baby Tayce with us and he slept the whole time. I sure do love all of them!!

This is what you see back east. It doesn't matter where you are you just see trees.

This is in Pennsylvania.

We got to Jann's house Monday night. It was so good to see her and her family. They were so incredible to us. Amanda and Ashley gave us their room for three nights. Thanks guys!! Jann feed us, drove us, photographed us, and so much more. James filled in for Jann with the kids so she could play with us. It was a good thing we had her with us or we would have gotten so lost. I just loved seeing where she lives and getting to know her family a little bit. Thanks Jann for everything and we will see you next year, same time!

One of the funnest things we did was ride the train into DC and then the subway. I thought it was great. I am so grateful I don't have to do that everyday. So many people commute to work like that every single day. I am glad I am not one of them. I don't think you could pay Mark enough money to do it!!! That said it is really fun to do as a tourist. Just make sure you don't get on the quiet car!!

The subway station is really underground and dark.

One thing we learned about the subway is if you are not sitting down you better be hanging on for dear life! The subway is FAST.

Thanks to Jann we made it to the Mall in DC. All Mark wanted to do was go to the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian so that was the first thing we found. It is in a huge beautiful building. We learned really quickly it was a huge bust. There was hardly anything in there at all. So we moved on.

The Capitol Building. We just walked by because the tour had a huge line and we didn't really want to wait.

There is 19 Smithsonian museums on the Mall. After the American Indian was such a dud we only went in the Museum of Natural History. It was great!! I took this picture because this skeleton was found in Arizona. When my dad was in high school they found five complete skeletons just like this one on his ranch and the Smithsonian shipped all of them back east. So this could be from my dad's ranch. I though that was really cool. We really did want to go to the Air and Space museum but there was probably 20 buses parked outside and 1000 kids in line to go in. We skipped it.

The Washington Monument.

This was my favorite monument on the Mall. I can't explain it. It was just awesome.

There is a Pacific and an Atlantic side to this monument with all of the state represented. We found New Mexico first thing.

I think this is the Pacific side.

Vietnam Monument.

This was Mark's favorite monument. The Lincoln Monument. It was really neat. There is a lot of stairs up to it so I was just glad to make it up.

Korea War Monument.

Wednesday Jann took us to Mount Vernon. This was the summer home of George and Martha Washington. We loved it there. It was a beautiful place. I can see why there would want to be there every summer.

This is the back of the house. You can look out at the Potomac. This is also where the party was on National Treasure.

This is George Washington's tomb. Mark and my boys don't think he is really there. I just figure that it is as good a place as any for him.

After Mount Vernon we drove to Baltimore. We drove right by Camden Yards. Both nights we were in Maryland the O's were playing the Yankee's. Mark wanted to go so bad. We could have got tickets they were available. We almost dropped Mark off right here so he could go but it had been raining all day and was supposed to rain all night. He didn't want to go and just sit through a rain delay so he didn't go. It turned out to be a good choice. They had like a 2 hour rain delay and then the Yankee's won. He would have been miserable!! I promised him we would go back next year so he could go to a game.

There was this church just down from Camden Yard's with this sign. I just had to take a picture.

Friday night we stayed at Mark's parents house in Texas. They were all ready on the way to our house but we had these little guys there to greet us. There are seven of them. So cute.

It was such a great trip. We really want to go back because there is so much to do there that we just didn't have time for. One thing this trip made me realize is that I love where we live!! There really is no place like home!!

Road Trip

2010-05-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Mark and I get to go away!! Just for a few days but I am so excited. We are going to help my niece Kesseli and her family move back east. Her husband Jon is graduating medical school and starts his residency in Indiana. They have three little guys, a moving van and their car so we get to help with the move. Then we will be only a few hours from my cousin Jann. She lives in Maryland. I just can't be that close and not go see her. I think she has lived there for 14 years(?) and we have always wanted to visit her so here we go!!! We will spend a few days with her and doing the Washington DC stuff and then we will head home. We will be coming home through North Carolina so Mark can see all of Jeff Gordons cars. A must see!! My plan is to take a ton of pictures so be prepared.

Kade's Prom Night

2010-05-01T14:45:00.001-07:00

Doesn't he look so handsome? He really had a great time. He took Tayler Duncan and they went with Kasey Costner, Kourtni Ashcroft, Easton Sherwood and Kim Smith. They got all dressed up early and headed into Farmington. Kourtni's sister is a photographer and she took their pictures. They turned out so good. Then they went to Tayler's house and had dinner. The girls decided they didn't want to go to a fancy restaurant they wanted Kasey's mom to cook for them. Kasey's mom Linda grew up in Hong Kong and she cooks authentic Chinese food that is to die for. They made a smart decision!! So Linda cooked and they ate at Tayler's . It was all fancy and delicious. Then it was off to the dance. They must of had a great time there because when they made it to breakfast at my house at about 1:00 am they were all exhausted but with big smiles. We fed them waffles, fruit, and apple dumplings. They ate, laughed and then went home to sleep. The one thing I know for sure is I am way to old to stay up until 2:30 in the morning. It was so worth it but I am so glad it is only once a year!!

Kade and Tayler

Kade and Tayler being Goofs

The whole gang

Oh the FUN

A Day In The Life Of Kensie Shay

2010-04-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Kensie's typical day goes like this:

Sleep in until the last possible second.
Hurry and get ready.
Make it to class just on time.
Go to school all day.
Sometimes go to lunch with mom.
Go to work.
Social life after work every night.
Home late.
Sleep.

A couple of weeks ago she had a little bit of a schedule change that I feel is very much worth sharing. Her day started out the usual way. Getting up a little late and rushing around to make it to class on time. She let the dog out back and then started her car to let it warm up. She then went into her closet to find her shoes. This is when her day was about to change. (Kensie's closet is a walk in. For the last four years her closet door has been a little bit sticky and hard to open from the outside. ) As she was digging for her shoes she bumped to door and sure enough it closed. She then discovered that the door does not open at all from the inside! So there she was locked in her closet, her cell phone on her bed, all the light's on, her music blasting, the dog still outside, and her car running!! She tried everything to get out but nothing worked so for the next five hours she cried and beat on the door. Lucky for her her brothers had early release and got home around 1:30. Kace, who thought it was really odd that Kensie's car was at the house and it was running, sat down on the couch and heard something strange coming from Kensie's room. He went to investigate and eventually opened the closet door. Kensie was finally FREE!! She grabbed her phone right then and called me at work. " Mom , guess where I have been for the last five hours? Locked in my closet!!" Now being the kind, wonderful, loving mother that I am I immediately bust out laughing. "Mom!! It was terrifying!! And the worst part is I really, really have to pee!!!" Still being the amazing mother that I am, I was then rolling on the floor with laughter and huge tears running down my face. Her car was really warm and still had gas in it. The dog was happy to finally be in the house. She was thrilled to have her phone back. And her bladder felt much better!!
Kensie has been a really good sport about this!! She has survived not only the trauma of being locked away, five hours without texting but also the countless jokes told at her expense. (It didn't take long for this story to get told to everyone) They really have been great jokes!! A lot of them have to do with her coming out of the closet!!! I have also informed her that I will be installing a 72 hour kit in her closet made just for her. It will be in a large bucket with a double roll of TP to make sure all her needs are met. I am taking suggestions for additional items

Mark Is Feeling His Age

2010-03-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Poor Mark, he is really feeling his age. He woke up this morning and remembered he is now married to a 39 year old lady!! HA HA

A Date To Prom?

2010-03-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Kade's junior prom is coming up and so he decided he would ask Tayler Duncan. He wanted to ask her in a cute way so Kensie and I helped him out. He took her a balloon bouquet. It was tied to a box of Jolly Time popcorn that also had a story attached. The story went like this: (every time a color is mentioned she is suppose to pop that color balloon)

Once upon a time, in a not so far away land, lived a handsome young prince who drove a horseless silver carriage. A grand ball was quickly approaching and the prince didn't want to get stuck taking an ugly green frog. After looking far and wide throughout the kingdom, over mountain, through forests, even the deep blue sea he came across an enchanted castle. He soon discovered that living in the castle was a beautiful princess who wore a pretty pink dress. His heart leapt with great joy to finally discover the perfect date to the grand ball. Now, he awaits her answer, holding his breath, trying not to turn red in the face, hoping they will have a popping good time!

Inside the five balloons to pop were slips of paper. It said: Tayler, How about Prom? Kade

Kade and Kensie snuck up and put them on her doorstep. He then texted her and told her there was a surprise waited outside her door.

The first thing the next morning she texted him and told him there wasn't anything on her doorstep. He was totally bummed and Kensie and I were just mad that someone would steal her balloons!! When I got to work she had left me a message telling me she really did get them and she didn't want him to know until she answered him. So I played along just happy that there wasn't a balloon thief running around in Kirtland!

The next night there was a knock on our door and when we opened it there was a letter addressed to Kade taped to the door. This is what the letter said:

The wonderful fondness that I have felt towards you

is now gone, I have found that my indifference towards you

increases with every day. The more I see you the more

you appear in my eyes to be an object of disdain and contempt

I feel myself in every way completely bound and determined

to dislike you. Believe me, I have absolutely no intention

of going to this dance with you. The last time we talked

just left me in a very grumpy and sour mood and by no means

gave me high and valued opinion of you and your abilities

it seems your personality is constantly in conflict with mine.

If we go the the dance, I'd experience nothing but the

harassment of friends and family added to everlasting dis-

pleasure of being with you. I could not think of anyone more

boring, stuck-up, big-headed and annoying than you and less

desirable to go to prom with.

I hope you will try in your own little way to understand that

I speak sincerely and hope that you will do me the favor of

completely avoiding me in the future. I hope that you will stop

being my friend since you seem to always be full of immense

lies, deceit, and betrayal. You do not have the slightest bit of

cleverness and good sense. Please believe me when I say I

am very sorry this had to happen, but it is important for me to

want to go to prom with you on April 10.

with love, Tayler

You should have seen his face fall when he read it. It was bad! He read it and then had Kensie read it out loud. It was still bad! Kade's only comment was "Wow, that makes me feel way less of a person." We really felt bad for him. Poor guy!!

Then next morning we found this on the doorstep.

Wow, now he is really feeling way low!! Then he remembers that she told him she didn't find anything on her doorstep so how did she have the popcorn to give back. He knew then something was up. Sure enough, there was a not inside the popcorn.

So if you go back to the letter and read every other line you will see that Kade really does have a date for his Junior Prom! I think he will always remember how he asked Tayler to the prom and how she answered. Fun times!!

Happy Birthday

2010-03-13T16:23:00.000-08:00

March 6th Kace turned 14!! I can't stand that my baby is 14! He wanted his girls to take him out for his birthday and Kensie and I were up for that. We took him to lunch, went shopping because he had birthday money to spend, and then we saw Alice in Wonderland. It was a really fun day. I think he had a very good start to his fourteenth year. Happy Birthday Kace, we love you!!

(Don't you just love his card? Inside it said "Bet you didn't think you were going to get a paper pickle for your birthday!" He loved it! Also, this picture was taken first thing in the morning thus the hair!)

Two Months???

2010-03-05T13:30:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been two months since I posted anything so here is a quick update.

Mark has been feeling his age. He went and visited the eye doctor and had to get glasses again. Not just glasses...Bifocals!!! He thinks this is the sign that he is indeed old. I told him that will be when he has to get Trifocals!

Kensie is busy with college and her social life!! We are so proud of her because this semester she received a scholarship. If she keeps her grades up it will follow her every semester until she graduates!!! Yeah!!! It pays all her tuition and some of her books.

Kade finally got his drivers license!! It really is nice to have another driver helping do all the running around. He is also right in the middle of baseball. I can't believe it's already that time again. He is also in the middle of plans for Prom!!

Kace has been super busy. He participated in the district Science Olympiad and took first in the Solar System! He was then chosen for the state team. The next weekend they went to New Mexico Tech and competed against several other schools from all over the state. He took 3rd in Disease Detector! If that wasn't enough he finished 4th in the school and district Geography Bee! He told me he is ready for a rest.

The best thing that has happened to me is that for Valentines Day my husband took me on a very romantic trip. He took me to Home Depot!!! I was so excited. We bought each other ceramic tile for the master bathroom. Our bathroom has needed some updating since we moved in four years ago and something else always came up. But not this time! Mark has been working so hard in there and it is looking sooooo nice. Kensie has a friend who didn't think this was romantic at all. To me there is nothing more romantic than my sweet husband working so hard to do something just to make me smile!! Thanks Honey!

Happy Birthday

2010-01-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

I really wish I had a big barn outside of town where I could paint this on but since I don't I will just have to blog it....MARK IS 40! Happy birthday Honey.

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Have a very Happy New Year!! From our family to yours!!

Tis The Season

2009-12-20T19:35:00.001-08:00

If you are from St. Johns you probably know that decorating for Christmas is a big part of the holidays for me. My parents house is ALWAYS decorated perfectly inside and out. I don't remember a Christmas where decorating wasn't a huge deal. Several years ago my parents made all new outside decorations and gave us a few of the old ones, which I love. So, Mark and the boys always put up the outside decorations just for me. Thanks guys.

Gotta start with the icicle lights.

They are all showing their best sides!

Our little blow ups!! Which will not stand up this year, we will be doing something different next year....stay tuned.

All lit up!

Kensie and I usually do the inside while the boys are working outside. This year Kensie had to work so I did it all by my lonesome. I really missed her.

The tree.

I love snowmen, they are my thing!

And last but not least we made tons of cookies and made goody bags to take around.

Kensie actually got to help with that!! I hope everyone has a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

20 YEARS

2009-12-16T07:15:00.001-08:00

Today Mark and I have been married for 20 years!!! Time flies. I remember some people said we wouldn't last a year, I guess we fooled them!!

Honey, how very blessed I am that I get to be with you for all eternity. Thanks so much for being mine. I can't wait for the next 20, and the next 20 ... I love you with all my heart!

All Because Two People Fell In Love

2009-12-06T16:24:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things we did in Texas was take a ton of pictures. Everyone was a good sport about it. I received an email about the family picture that Mark put on his facebook from a friend who loved the picture but didn't know who they all were so I thought I would do a little explaining.

Lincoln and Linda

Melissa's family

Vern's Family

Matt's Family

Brooke's Family

Chase's Family

The Great Grand Babies (Melissa's Grand Sons)

The whole lot of us and still counting...

Turkey in Texas

2009-11-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

This thanksgiving all of Mark's family went to his parents house in Texas. They live on their ranch in the panhandle. It's about 2 hours northeast of Amarillo. It was the first time in a long time all the family has been together. I think I counted 41 of us! We left early Wednesday morning and 10 hours later we got there. The weather was beautiful!! So here are a few things we did beside eat.

The quads got a real workout! Mostly by the kids but Mark and I took our turn too!

This is where Kace spent all of his time. He would come in just covered with dirt and a great big smile.

Kensie and Whitney (Vern's oldest) are great friends and spent a lot of time on the red quad. They played a mean game of find the pumpkin with the boys on the other quad.

Kensie and Whit loved giving all the little ones rides. They were usually loaded down.

Vern kids brought their Wii and as you can see that was a big hit with all the kids. Kade plays a killer golf game!

Since the weather was so good the Dad's loaded up the guns and the trucks and went out to be prairie dog murderers. When I saw this picture I thought it was just a little bit scary. That is a lot of guns and a lot of Sherwoods!! When Lincoln saw it he was way scared because he thought they were aiming at his cows!! They weren't, they just aimed at the hundred prairie dogs running around.

I am proud to say that all of my family are accomplished prairie dog murderers. I am so proud!

Even Kensie shot one!

Kace got a couple!

I think Kade got the most!

Here is one of Kades victims. We really did consider taking this one home so Uncle Mike could stuff it. Too bad we didn't bring a bag to haul it in! After two days of shooting the Texas prairie dog population went down quite a bit!

The one thing Mark wanted was a picture of Lincoln and his boys on horses. He plotted and planned and thanks to Lane and Brenda he got it done! It really did turn out great.

We had to get one of Mark and his Dad! Mark just thought they would get on the horse for the picture. He should have known better. Since they were all there and on horseback Lincoln put them to work. Not very much work but they did de horn one of the heifers. They had a great time!

It really turned out to be a great trip!! The cousins just played and played. The adults just visited and we all just ate and ate. The other great thing was all the pictures that were taken! What great memories we have. Thanks Mom and Dad for putting up with all the craziness!

A Quick Trip

2009-11-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Kensie had her worst week ever. ( 1st real boyfriend= 1st real heartache) It seemed like everyday that week something happened to make it worst. I decided it was time for a change of scenery so that Friday after work Kace and I (Mark and Kade stayed for football) gathered her up, drove to St. Johns and picked up my mom. We then drove to Gilbert to spend the day with my sister. We took Kensie over to my brothers house and my sister in law, Heatherlea, cut and colored her hair. Just spending anytime with Heatherlea lifts your spirits. She is just too much fun! One of Kensie's favorite cousin is Doug and Heatherlea's daughter Anslea. Of course she was there for the whole hair appointment so that also made Kensie smile. Her hair turned out adorable and that always makes everything better!

Kensie thought maybe a drink would make things better. They went for the hard stuff: Dr. Pepper and Figi Water!

The rest of the afternoon we just got to hang out at Liane's house and visit and play with her grand babies. Those cute little one's were great therapy for Kensie. She loves the little one's. One of the best things is that Liane's daughter Kesseli had her third little boy a week before so we got to love on the newest baby. As you can see Kensie loves him. They had a really good nap together. -a little side note- this sweet little new one is Tayce Carmichael Goit and is my sisters fifth grand baby. He is my parents thirteenth great grand baby.

Later that evening Liane's son Jace called some buddies and they all took Kensie out. She had a blast!

Sunday morning we headed back home. It really was just a fast trip but just getting away and spending time with family was really the best medicine. On the drive home Kensie told me it was all going to be OK because as she put it "I'm date able"!! Yes she is. Last week she had two dates in one night. Time really does help and Kensie's heart is mending nicely!!

Snow Witches Anyone?

2009-11-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

This is what we woke up to the morning of our Trunk or Treat (which was on Wednesday night). Not only was it snowy all day it was dang cold!!! But we were troopers and still went and passed out our candy at the church. Surprisingly there really was a good turn out and I just love seeing all the little ones in their adorable costumes.

The weather was way better on Halloween. That made the kids happy because they all had things to do and places to be that night. Kace has been a very adorable nerd for the last two years but decided it was time for a change and for his party he dressed up as Officer Sherwood. Oh my!!!! He is such a hoot!!!

Kensie and Jonette had tons to do: institute dance, haunted houses, and a party. They had a blast! Jonette the cowgirl and Kensie the mobster.

Kade is my Halloween stick in the mud. He quit dressing up several years ago. Oh well. He just doesn't get his picture on this blog. He did go out with his friends and I think he even wore a mask!!! (he would probably deny that) Over all we had a fun Halloween. Now...bring on Thanksgiving!!

High School Football

2009-10-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

My little secret is that I LOVE football. Especially High School football! Some of my favorite memories are of Redskin football games, cheering, Homecoming, and watching the games. Now Kade is playing and I get to go and watch him play and it is just so much fun!! There is just nothing like the atmosphere at a home high school football game. I love it!!!!

The boys at the homecoming parade. They are too cool!! Ok, they are really pretty goofy but they are having fun.

We made Kade pose so Mark could have a picture of them in his Man Room!

Kade is laughing because he told Kensie, right before I took this, do NOT kiss me!! She didn't , what a good sister.

Puppy Days Of Summer

2009-09-13T16:23:00.001-07:00

Well Mark went and did it. He got a PUPPY!!! His parents have a Corgi named Porfie. Mark just loves that dog. For over a year he has been telling me he was going to get a Corgi and he finally did. Doesn't he look thrilled?

Here is Zoey! She really is a cutie.

She is very much a puppy. We forgot just how much work they can be and how much damage they can do. She chewed up one of Kensie's favorite high heel shoes after church today. That is just the latest casualty. Not to mention house training. The joys of puppies!

Aren't they cute!

Firsts for Kensie

2009-08-30T17:27:00.001-07:00

August 1996: Kensie's first day of Kindergarten

August 2009: Kensie's first day of College

What's in a Name

2009-08-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

Well for Kensie Shay a lot is in her name. You see, she is named after a very special person. My best friend, Shayla Anderson Taylor!

Here are my two favorite Shay's!!!

What Grandma's Love Best

2009-07-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

During the 24th celebration all of my brothers and sister were home. After the parade we decided we would head up to Greer for a picnic. It was beautiful. Nice and cool with wild flowers blooming everywhere. When we were little we would always pick the wild flowers and give them to our Mom and Grandma.

This little cutie is Shayli, my sister Liane's granddaughter. As you can see she loved the wild flowers. We were sitting visiting and here she came and handed Liane a couple of stems. She said "Grandma I brought you some...........WEEDS!"

Sure enough she did!!!

The Tale of Trailer Trash

2009-07-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

Introduction of main characters:

This is my oldest brother, Mark. He is the star of our tale. He is a very big tease, he lives in Taylor, and works at the Paper Mill. If you know about the Mill you know that it is shut down way more than it is running, which means very little, if any hours of work.

This is also a very important part of the tale. When Mark knew all of his siblings would be home for the weekend he realized how cramped the parents house would be so he brought his travel trailer and parked it right in front of the parents house. He had lots of room!

Last but not least, Anden. He is my sister Liane's grandson. He is three and so very, very, cute and very, very, smart.

*a little disclaimer: I only heard this story so if parts are not completely accurate please be understanding!

Anden wanted to know who this guy was who had this cool place in front of the house so he asked him what his name was. Now this guy explained to him that he was a guy who didn't have a job and lived in a trailer parked in front of his parents house so he should just call him Trailer Trash.

Anden loved Trailer Trash. You see Trailer Trash let Anden play in his trailer and even gave him rides on his quad. He always asked, "Where's Trailer Trash?" When his mom and grandma's were going to the store he did not want to go. He told his mom to go find Trailer Trash and see if he could stay with him. To Anden, Trailer Trash was just too cool.

All of the others who were around really did love to here Anden talk about Trailer Trash. They all thought it was just too funny and of course egged it on a little bit.

Well one afternoon walking home from playing at the park, Anden just couldn't wait to see Trailer Trash. He told several random people that he was going to find Trailer Trash. This is where our tale turns a little sad. His mom, hearing him tell strangers decided it was time to put an end to Trailer Trash and told Anden that his name really wasn't Trailer Trash but really Uncle Mark. From that point on Anden called him Uncle Mark.

The end of our tale really isn't a sad one because Mark, you will always be Trailer Trash to us!!

Harry Potter Review

2009-07-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

I LOVED IT!!! Kace keeps telling me it is his favorite movie so far. I have totally come to terms with the fact that I just love anything Harry Potter. It just makes me happy :) I have to say that Ron just might be my favorite. I can't wait to see the last two movies.

Harry Potter Here We Come

2009-07-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

We have five tickets to go see Half Blood Prince tonight!!! I am so excited. I just finished reading all the books and forgot how much of a fan I really am. Like I said we have five tickets but one of them is NOT for Mark. He is a big stick in the mud!!!! We are taking one of Kensie's friends who is here staying with us from Snowflake. I am counting the minutes and then I will have to post my review!!!

Oh What Do You Do In The Summertime?

2009-07-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well, we load up the truck and head to the sandwash. When we get there we explore caves.

Climb all the hills.

Pose at the top of the hills.

Gather wood ( thanks Kace!)

Build a roaring fire!!!!

And then we break out the hot dogs for roasting and bring on the smores! That's what we do in the summertime.

Girls Day Out

2009-06-30T18:43:00.001-07:00

For Kensie's birthday I took her and Jonette to Albuquerque for the day. We had so much fun.

We had lunch at Olive Garden. The girls were very excited that there were several waiters that kept walking by our table that they thought were extremely HOT!!! A couple of them even talked to them. It made their whole lunch. My lunch was made by just eating soup, salad and breadsticks!

Then it was off to the mall and shop they did!!! I'm sure glad Kensie had a birthday so we could have a great girl get away.

Happy Birthday Kensie

2009-06-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

18!!!!! WOW!! Kensie, Jonette, Kade, Kace, Austin, and Derek are going to celebrate by going to the midnight premiere of Transformers. Oh to be 18 again and be able to stay up to do that. I will be long asleep by then!!! Kensie, I hope you have a great birthday. We love you so much and am so glad your mine. What would I do without my girl??

Sweet Sixteen and Never Been Kissed....do sisters count?

2009-06-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Kade's birthday was the day after girls camp so he had a quiet birthday at home. Luckily that was just fine with him. Kensie decided he needed a birthday kiss from his big sister. He didn't want anything to do with that. Mark came to the rescue. Not Kade's to his dismay.

Kade put up a good fight. He is getting big and strong and it is getting harder and harder for Mark to win. Kade vows that one day he will beat his dad. His sixteenth birthday was NOT that day.

After quite a struggle, that made Mark a little tired, he was captured and the Kensie kiss was given. Kade was thrilled!!!

He wanted a weight bench for his birthday. Mark told me every teenage boy has one or wants one. That was news to me. Anyway Kade has one now.

We love you Kade and hope you had a Happy Birthday!

I don't want no more of Girls Camp life...until next year

2009-06-11T15:32:00.001-07:00

First just let me say I do NOT enjoy camping! It just is not my thing. That said I love Girls Camp. I was very blessed with a camp director, Andrea, and my 2nd counselor, Shanna, who do like to camp and know how to camp and put up with me and made it awesome. Thanks guys!! So I thought I would share a few pictures of this years Girls Camp. The stake did an incredible job yet again. The theme was "Let your light shine in 2009". I am really glad I went!

Here are some of my young women getting there pictures taken.

Setting up camp

Home sweet Home. Notice our shade. We had no shade and it was hot, so Shanna and I decided we could make shade. We are brilliant, maybe a little bit redneck, but brilliant.

My favorite thing at camp is sitting around the camp fire at night.

Bishop Bauer came up for testimony meeting on Thursday and then joined us at the fire for a little while. He should have stayed a little bit longer. After he left we started playing games and missed all the fun. They decided I needed to play the old lady game. Oh MY Goodness it was funny!!! I was a big loser. Then we played Hi Yah. I am still sore from that!

There is always hair braiding at camp

Uno was a camp favorite. Don't they look excited?

One of the girls favorite things to do at camp is the Monkey Bridge. They have it there every year and every year it is always covered with girls. I admit I have never even tried it. Shanna was a pro last year and Andrea made it look easy this year. Kensie had it down too.

We were actually driving out of camp on the last day and we had to stop so the girls could have one more go at the Monkey Bridge.

One of my other favorite things about camp is you can just be goofy and no one cares! In fact they just think it is great. Tiffany is one of mine and Kensie's favorite people. She was at our camp a lot and we were glad because she made it so much fun. I'm really not sure how many marshmallows she has in her mouth but I promise it was way more than I could put in mine. She is also the reason I was a big loser at the old lady game! Thanks a lot Tiff!!

So Girls Camp was great and I survived. Maybe by next year I will be ready to tackle it again!

Kade is 16!!

2009-06-06T13:36:00.001-07:00

I just cannot believe Kade is 16. I just had him yesterday! What a blessing he is in our lives. He has such a great sense of humor, is so smart and I think he is too cute!! Happy Birthday!! Just two words for you: GROUP DATES !!!

Saturday Fun???

2009-06-02T16:23:00.001-07:00

We had a busy Saturday for sure. First thing in the morning I, along with my camp director Andrea and 2nd counselor Shanna, went to town and did all the food shopping for girls camp. Thanks to Andrea's great organization skills it only took us about 3 hours. Not bad.

After unloading everything at Andrea's house I came home to this. Yes, I think his tractors sexy!! Mark was plowing and discing our field so he can get it replanted.

He informed my he is very glad he is not a farmer for a living. Our little bit of land is plenty for him.

As of today it is all planted and just waiting to grow...we hope. I think Mark makes a great farmer.

After shopping and plowing and discing we had to continue with preparations for girls camp. Girls camp is at a place called Wheeler Ranch. It is a big field and yes the wind blows. Last year our ward got put in the middle of the field and the wind hammered our tents. They were no good any more. So we were told we could use a big canvas Army type tent that the scouts had. However no one knew when it was last put up, what condition it was in or if it had everything to put it up with. So we enlisted our husband to load it up, haul it to Wheeler Ranch and put it up for us.

Look at the box it came in!! When I saw that I was afraid of what we were getting into. Any tent that comes in a box that size was going to be HUGE, I was thinking maybe a tent city. It did take 4 guys to even load the thing!

We arrived at Wheeler Ranch and opened the box and to every ones great happiness there was actually three tents in that huge box. Luckily one of them was without holes. So not having a clue how it went up, we began.

It really was a group effort. We were sure happy we went early and had our husband to figure it out.

It really didn't take as long as we thought it would and to my great relief it really didn't take up the whole field.

So, with great thanks to our husbands our set up Wednesday morning will be a breeze.

We were tired when we got home and I'm not sure I would call it my funnest day ever but we really did get a lot accomplished.

My Young Women Are Hilarious

2009-06-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

We had a question come up about what was appropriate to wear on Wednesday nights. So during opening exercises on Sunday I explain what is and what isn't appropriate. Modesty is a must. No shorts. The only thing I found on flip flops was not to Sacrament Meeting or to the Temple. I tell them other than that I really don't care what they wear for Mutual nights. I then say "Shoot, wear you formals if you want." The next Wednesday night I totally ditched to get ready for graduation and while I was gone they plotted and planned to come to the next Mutual night in formals and flip flops. Sure enough, in walks several girls and my 1st counselor (who can still fit into her high school formal even after 4 kids!!!) all modestly dressed up all for my benefit!! I love them so much!!! I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. After lots of laughing and picture taking they did go and change, but they made my whole night! I really need to think up something else I don't care if they wear!

Kirtland High School Gaduation 2009

2009-05-31T18:33:00.001-07:00

I am still having a hard time believing that my baby girl graduated High School. It really has gone by way too fast. I am so proud of her. She really is a beautiful young women both inside and out. There is just no words to express how much love I feel for her and how special I know that she is!! I can't wait to see what the future holds for her. I know it will be bright.

Graduation was held on Saturday morning. It had rained and rained and we woke up to a cloudy day, but the rain held out until after graduation. It was a really nice ceremony. Best of all Kensie really did get her diploma! I will even confess that I was weepy during the whole thing. Not only did Kensie graduate but I had five Laurels graduating. It was a lot of emotion to try and hold in.

Kensie was really praying the rain would hold off because the girls had the white gowns on and her dress underneath was white with small purple flowers and she did NOT want to be that revealing on her big day!

If you look really close you can see Kensie at the mike. She was picked to sing two songs with three other girls. They did an incredible job and sounded beautiful! Kensie has a beautiful voice and I always love to hear her sing. Oh to be so talented!!! I also have to point out that three of the four girls were my Laurels. I am so going to miss those girls.

Kensie has always been wrapped around her Daddy's little finger. I don't think that is ever going to change.

How grateful I am for Jonette!! She is so special to me. I know how blessed Kensie has been to have her as her best friend. I am so happy they will still be together for college.

Isn't this picture just lovely? Mark and I had the opportunity to help with Project Graduation. It really was a great time. We started setting up at 6:00 and we got home around 3:30 am. Kensie took this picture at around 2:00 and I was so tired! Isn't Mark so funny!!! It is such a neat thing the parents do for the graduates. They had so much to do, tons of food to eat, and they got incredible prizes. I did learn something that night, I am really too old to stay up all night. It kick my behind!!! Just think I only get to do this two more times. Unfortunately thoses times will be here before we know it.

Congratulation Kensie!!!!

Senior Pictures

2009-05-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some of Kensie's senior pictures. Thanks Kess, we love them!!

The Fish Prince

2009-05-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

May has been such a busy month. One of the many things that went on this month was one of Mark's trips to Lake Powell. He goes a few times a year. Before this trip he took Kensie out to Morgan Lake to get some practicing in. They had a good day. Between the two of them they caught 33 fish!!!! I hate to eat fish...yuck!!! So I was really happy they were at Morgan because that is a power plant lake where the fish can have three eye so they just throw them back!!

Here is Kensie with one of her catches. She was really hoping that if she kissed it, maybe a prince would appear. I had to reminder her that only works with frogs, then she wasn't so dissapointed.

My Cute High Schoolers

2009-05-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

We took Kensie's Senior pictures the week of my birthday. I told them all I wanted for my birthday gift was to have Kensie and Kade in their uniforms and take some pictures of them together. With Kensie graduating I knew this would be my last chance. Kensie was up for anything. Kade was a totally different story. For a couple of weeks he told me there was no way he was going to do that. So I begged and he still wasn't going for it. I didn't give up hope and he came through for me. When we were packing to go to my sisters (where we did pictures) he had his uniform. He told me he was only doing if because it was all I wanted for my birthday. AHHHH! It was worth it. I love them!!!

Together!!

Just Kade

Just Kensie

My Favorite

Oh Kade!

Kade Totally Afraid Kensie Would Drop Him.......She Wouldn't Have

Thanks you two for the great memories and all the fun!!!

Out with the Old...In with the New

2009-05-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

You might have noticed I haven't had a new post in a month. Well my computer died! It was old, slow, and it just kept trying to fight off those nasty viruses. It just couldn't fight them anymore and drew it's last breath soooooo I get a new computer. It should be here this week!! YIPEEE!!!! This has been a very busy month and I have tons to post so stay tuned......

Oh, if anyone has any ideas on how to salvage all my pictures that are on the old dead computer I would love to hear them :)

OH.....HOT WATER!!!!

2009-04-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago ( it was a Sunday night) we discovered we didn't have any hot water. The wind had been blowing all week really hard. The door to the hot water heater is outside so we just thought the pilot light had blown out. Mark was all ready asleep so I got him up and he re lit it. The next morning NO HOT WATER!!! This was bad because I had to shower and go to work. He tried to light it several times and no luck. So we started filling every pot and pan we own and putting it on or in anything that would heat it. The hot water heater is just a year old and still under warranty( good news), so Mark called the 800 # and ordered the part. This was Monday and we paid to have it overnighted. Yea, hot water on Tuesday!! So we kept the pans full and heated so we could keep clean and non-smelly, thinking we can handle that for one more day. Well no part on Tuesday or Wednesday. Mark calls the 800# back twice, is told they had shipped the part, finally they give him a tracking number and it was overnighted it just wasn't shipped until Wednesday. (i am soo happy we paid that overnight fee) So Thursday we are totally sick of heating water but I told Mark we should look at the bright side : At least we have water! Thursday afternoon the part came and we, cheering with glee, until we discover it is the wrong part. By now I have told Mark there is NO bright side and I am sobbing!! Poor Mark. So Mark calls the 800# once again and is told that the serial number he is giving them is not accurate. -a little info on Mark. He has NO patients what so ever....NONE- He really had been pretty nice up to this point. He argued with this lady for about 45 min until she finally told him "Oh there is that model." Then she tells him that they did send the right part and that maybe he just needs to hire a plumber to put it in for him! Flames are shooting out of Marks ears. He kindly explains that he took the part out of the water heater and the part that they sent are not the same. After another 15 minutes she says OH they aren't the same, hold please. She then admits they had sent the wrong part (imagine that) and she was overnighting , free of charge, the new part. So Friday we are filled with hope that we would have hot water for the weekend. The part comes and the very nice lady sent us the same exact part she had sent before. It was still the wrong part!! By now my sobs had stopped but Mark's cussing had begun. My sweet husband calls the 800# again, but this time demands to talk to the technician. It took the tech two minutes to tell Mark he really did know what the problem was and he overnighted, free of charge, the right part. So Mark calls the UPS store here to see if he can pick up the part first thing Saturday morning (yes, we have been a whole week without hot water). The UPS office is closed Saturdays but he can meet the driver at the airport at 9:00 am. So Saturday morning Mark is at the airport at 8:45 and the plane is late. He finally gets the part, and it IS the right part. Mark installs the part and guess what it still doesn't work. ONLY US!!! So he calls the 800# again, gets the tech again and they overnight him a different part, free of charge again. Since this is Saturday it won't ship until Monday. So Tuesday is the day. The part comes, Mark installs the part, the hot water heater lights and stays lit....for about twenty minutes!! This is just too much. At least we have hot water, Mark just has to light the water heater about 5 times a day, and the water temp still isn't quite right. We were telling our wows to my brother Mark and he told Mark to try a little trick and guess work? IT WORKS!!!! We have real HOT WATER. Thanks Mark we owe you BIG. So there is my long , drawn out story of hot water. I didn't know how much I love hot water and what a horrible pioneer I would have made!!!

Greatest New Invention

2009-04-23T10:27:00.001-07:00

Ok so they aren't a NEW invention but they are new to me!! I love them. I can't believe I waited 5 years to get them. I don't even care if my boys told me I look weird. I choose to believe when they said weird they just meant different. After all they have only seen me with glasses on for the last 5 years. If you haven't tried contacts, try them!

Prom 2009

2009-04-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Last night was Kensie's Senior Prom. She has been so looking forward to it. We actually found her dress while we were school clothes shopping in August. We found it on clearance for $15.oo. (We were really feeling like big spenders because last year we got her prom dress for $1.00!!!)
So her dress has been in her closet for several months and she was more than ready to wear it. My mom and sister made her little jacket to go with it and it all went together so well. (Thanks guys!!) It all started at the beginning of the week. Sierra came over on Monday and they practiced hair do's.
Sierra spent more than 2 hours yesterday afternoon getting her ready. Thanks Sierra it was beautiful!!

Friday after school Kensie and Jonette ran to the mall to find Jonette's perfect jewelry and then went and got their nails and toes done. They were just perfect!

Kensie just loves her dress with it's flirty skirt and Polk a dots!

Kesie and Jonette just looked AMAZING!

Kensie and Jonette who are best friends, went with Cody and Casey who are best friends. They all hang out together a lot and are great friends.

Kensie and Cody. Kensie was totally excited because Cody's tie had polk a dots that matched her dress perfectly!

They whole gang. The guys came and got the girls at 3:30 and took them to Durango to eat at Steamworks. LUCKY Then they came and changed for the dance.

We always have to have a picture of the shoes!! They had a great time at the Prom. It was held at the Marriott and Kensie said it was beautiful and the music was good and other than standing in line for 30 minutes for Prom Pictures it was so much fun!

After the dance they went bowling, yes in their formals! This is a tradition and they love it. Kensie was the winner!!! They were suppose to go to Denny's and eat after bowling but one of the boy's was too bummed because Kensie beat him at bowling they just came home! HA HA

Jonette was really hoping to stay out of the gutter!!

This is my favorite picture!! They are so styling!!

2009-04-19T15:08:00.001-07:00

Cheer State

2009-04-05T18:38:00.001-07:00

WOW!!! What an incredible experience for our girls! I am so proud of them. They worked so hard and did such a great job. They didn't place but I think they should have. They performed the cheer portion Friday morning and the dance portion Saturday. It was so much fun to see all the cheerleaders and dance teams in 3A and 4A perform. After they were done with the competition on Saturday and before the awards, the UNM and NMS cheerleaders and dance teams performed. All I can say is WOW!!! Artesia took state in 4A! That was not a surprise, this was their 4th year in a row! They were really, really, good. Just like in football, dang it! So...Kensie is officially done with cheering! I asked her if she was sad and she just said she is so relieved! Unfortunately with cheering comes drama and she is so done with that!!!

This was right after their cheer on Friday.

Kensie and Jonette. They are too cute!

Mark wanted a picture with the girls to put in The Man Room.

I just had to have a picture with my girl!

This was Kensie's biggest fans. I had the shirts made at work. You can see the KC Cheer on the front and Kensie was on the sleeve. The boys were not to sure about wearing a shirt that said the word CHEER on it but they did it for Kensie. We had just got to the competition and as you could see the boys weren't exactly thrilled with the fact that they were going to spend two days watching cheering and dancing. We had not yet gone inside the arena at this point. The looks on these two boys face sure did change when we got to our seats and sitting below them was probably 1000 hot girls!!! They really didn't mind suffering through it as much then.

Kensie has been a nanny in the summers for the last three years to these cute girls. She loves them and they love her right back. Tammy, their mom, brought the girls and they cheered on their Kensie! That meant so much to her!

I am just amazed that Cheerleading is over for Kensie. Time really does fly! All I can say is she really went out with a bang! Great job Kens!!!

Spring Break

2009-03-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

For spring break the kids and I loaded in the car and headed for my sister Liane's house in Gilbert. (Mark had to stay home and work) We went through St. Johns and picked up my Mom on the way. When we got to my sisters she was tending all four of her grand babies. I was so excited because I think she has some of the cutest grand babies in the world! Because it was beautiful weather we were playing outside. One of the first thing they wanted to do was to pick a snack. Yep, all of the citrus trees were loaded and so picking we went.

They had grapefruit, lemons and oranges so for our snacks we went for the oranges. They were so yummy!!

Kade enjoyed preparing our harvest.

Shayli and Anden enjoyed eating our harvest.

Lexa just couldn't wait for us and just started her snack peel and all!

Doesn't that just look wonderful!! I also got to bring three bags full of fruit home :)

Brecker is still too little to care one bit about citrus but he sure loved Kensie!

Liane, Mom and I decided to just sit and enjoy the sunshine. On our way down my cell phone rang about the time we were in Globe. It was Mark. He was just calling to tell me that it was really snowing hard at our house. So when we pulled up to Liane's I just had to call him and let him know that it was 81 at Liane's house!! I loved rubbing that in.

One of the reasons we went to my sisters is so that my niece, Kesseli could take Kensie's senior pictures. They turned out fabulous!! She took 243 of them so we are still trying to decide which ones we want so I will blog those later. Thanks Kess they turned out so good!

We went to visit my brother Doug and his family. I took my camera but didn't even take one picture! Doug and Heatherlea have a great family and we love to visit them. They are always so much fun. Heatherlea has a salon and it's name is Shear Chaos!! With their 6 kids their house always has something going on and is always so much fun! Thanks Heatherlea for trimming up Kensie's hair!

On the last day of the trip Kade got sick. He spent a little bit of time bowing to the porcelain God. It was a bummer!! My mom's dog Gypsy tended him though. He is starting to feel better.

Also while we were at my sisters, my Mom and Liane sewed Kensie a jacket for her prom dress. I can't thank them enough. It turned out just beautiful and now Kensie will be modest!

It really was a fun trip and we got a lot done! We loved the warm weather and are already missing it since we woke up to snow this morning. I just can't wait for spring break next year!!

R-U-A S-A-P

2009-03-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

One day last week, during lunch at the High School, there was an organization handing out free t-shirts. All the kids had them because they were free. They all just put them on over what they were wearing. Now Kade was gone during lunch that day because his English class went to see a play at the College. I need to explain just a little bit about Kade at this point. He might have almost black hair but at heart he is really blond. He tends to be too believing and gullible at times. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, in fact it brings us a lot of laughter. Anyway, though he totally denies it, I am convinced someone told him what the initials on the t-shirts meant, they just happened to tell him something totally incorrect. Kade being Kade, believing what he was told, was in TOTAL shock when he got back to school and everyone had this t-shirt on. How could they? All the kids that go to church? All the kids that go to seminary? All of his friends? Even his own SISTER? The HORROR!!! How could all of these people be wearing t-shirt that meant " Are You A Sexually Active Person"!!!

Of course this was totally wrong. You can only imagine his absolute RELIEF when he actually read the t-shirt and found out it really meant "Are You A Socially Alienated Person"!! Oh Kade!! He then got one and wore it with pride!!!

My High Schoolers!! You gotta love em!!

2009-03-06T04:07:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

One of my Favorite things...

2009-03-06T03:23:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things to do is watch Kade play baseball and yesterday was his first home game of the season. It was so much fun! His position has always been 2nd but this year they have him at Short. He was so excited to try it and I was very impressed!!! (and I'm not just saying that as a mom) He played the position like a pro. Good job Kade:) I think the reason I love to watch him play is because he absolutely loves this sport. He would be happy if they played all year. It is so much fun to see has much he improves each year. This is just the first of many games this year, as soon as High School season ends Summer season starts. He is in heaven!!!

It never fails, as soon as the game starts the wind starts blowing and it turns COLD! We still love it though. We just layer up, wrap in blankets, make sure we have our seeds and a Sonic and we are good to go. Hopefully in June we can leave the jackets and blankets at home but who knows???

Keeping up with Kaitlin

2009-03-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

If you have been following the Kaitlin story here's the latest. After doing the Today Show the were flown to California to do the Ellen Show. It airs today with a huge surprise. I can't wait to see what it is!!! While they were in New York they filmed an interview for Inside Edition that airs on Friday. They are finally on their way home today. What a fun time for them!!!!

TODAY SHOW

2009-02-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

Kaitlin and Reed are flying out tonight to be on the Today Show Sunday and Monday!!!! So Cool:)

UPDATE

2009-02-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

If you read the story about Kaitlin, there is a new development. She is now a STAR:) Check at her blog (the link is on the blog below) to see the latest!!! If you haven't read it yet, you need to. It is priceless!!!

The Funniest Story

2009-02-26T18:13:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite people in the whole world just got engaged! It is one of the funniest stories I have ever heard. If you are in the mood for a good laugh check out her blog. I'm just so happy that everything came out alright! HA HA HA :)
http://krazykaitlin.blogspot.com

Coming to an End

2009-02-25T16:43:00.000-08:00

Kensie's Cheer career is coming to an end after four long years. Saturday night was one of her very last times to cheer at home. Basketball will soon be over so no more games to cheer at. However, they still have a hard month of practicing ahead of them. Cheerleading State is the first week of April and then she will be at the end. As much as she loves it, I think she is ready to be done. Oh the Drama!!!! Anytime you have a group of girls there is bound to be DRAMA and they have had their share. It has been so much fun watching her cheer at all the games and we will miss that.

He are the guys watching the game Saturday night. We lost to Aztec but played them again last night and won:)

Kensie being Kensie before the game. Notice the Dr. Pepper in her hand. She is her Daddy's girl!

Kensie and Jonette taking a break for a picture.

Her Senior Cheer Picture. Where has the time gone?

All the girls!! Aren't they cute?

Basketball...Finally

2009-02-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

The kids and I were finally able to go and watch one of Mark's basketball games. They have been playing for several weeks but most of their games have been the late, late, game or they have been on Mutual night. But tonight we got to see them play. Mark has been playing with this team for three years and he really loves it. The first year they were really good. But the last couple of years they have been struggling a little bit. This fact makes Mark kind of frustrated. My theory is it is all Nate's fault, they just can't play without you. Guess you will have to move back. It is still really fun to watch the games. Mark still loves to play and I still love to watch him play! Here are few shots of the game.

Mark getting it down the court.

Check out the follow through.

Playing a little D.

Just a little breather.

Just a big breather! In high school he hated sitting out, now that he is 39 and has bad knees he doesn't mind it as much. They lost the game but there is always next game.

Good Day and Bad Day

2009-02-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

This week one of the kids had a very good day and one had a very bad day. We'll start with the good day. The good day happens to belong to Kensie.

Friday she finished her project for Fashion Design. It's a quilt and she says it took her FOREVER to get it done. She did a great job on it and she got an A! It really is adorable and she told me she is ready to do another one.

Her day continued to be a grand day. She received her first ever dozen red roses FROM A BOY!! My baby girl is growing up.

The bad day was Kace's. Monday he had to get BRACES!!! Horror!!!!

He did NOT want them. He came up with every excuse in the book why he shouldn't get them but in the end they were still applied. The good news is he will probably only be in them about a year. So maybe in about a year he will think of this day as a good day after all.

The Big Race

2009-02-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

This was one of the funnest Mutual Activities we have ever had! All the kids loved it and so did the leaders. Kade's car actually did really well. This is the reason why: Mark and I love having teenagers and get a big kick out of them. Kade especially. Wednesday morning he said the family prayer, at the end of his prayer, very sincerely he asked Heavenly Father to be with our cars at the Derby that they would go really fast and have a good chance at winning. He then added, "especially mine." The minute he said amen we all busted out laughing. (Our theory is Heavenly Father created teenagers and we are sure he gets as much entertainment out of them as we do.) My comment to him was I am sure Heavenly Father's reply was "Have you seen your car?" So one of the first races was my pig against Kade's car. He smoked my pig!! He then informed me it was an answer to his prayer. Maybe, but my pig sure did look cute losing. Kade's Car finished in 6th place. Not bad for a block of wood on wheels.

Kace's Hershey Bar was awesome. He took 3rd place. He had to rerace the champion car because the first time resulted in a tie. My mom always told me "Chocolate is good for everything." Even Pine Wood Derby's. Thanks Mom!

This was the Champion!! Her name is Kanani and she won with "Da Skool Bus". (Can you tell she is a Beehive) Everyone was cheering for Da Bus. Even the boys wanted it to win. I just have to brag alittle bit. This is the 2nd annual event and the young women have been the Champs both time!!

This was my favorite racer. This is Jackson and he is so dang cute. His mom, Shanna is my second counselor and his dad is the young men's president so he got to hang out with us at the race. He had so much fun winning, losing, watching, getting his picture taken, looking at the pictures, it didn't matter what he was doing he was just having a blast!!!

Best of Show!!! Kensie didn't race the Bathtub. You might have noticed we didn't have an actual Pine Wood Derby track ours seems to be lost, so we improvised. However, once the cars went off this track onto the floor they tended to flip over. Kensie decided she didn't want to be chasing marbles all over the Cultural Hall floor. Good Choice. The Bathtub did take home "Best of Show"

Way to go Kensie. It is still my favorite. My other favorite car was Tiana's it is a Twinkie!!

This is me with just a few of my Laurels. (You can tell they are Laurels because they are not covering their faces at all) I think every Pine Wood Derby should be just like this one. No rules, whatever you can find for a track, and a lot of laughing!!!!

IT'S A GOOD DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Pine Wood Derby

2009-02-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

This Wednesday night for mutual it is combined ym & yw and the ym are in charge. They planned a Pine Wood Derby. For all you die hard Derby racers, this race has only two rules.

Rule 1: You cannot have anything on your car that obstructs another car.

Rule 2: You must race the car you bring. (no adding hymn books for weight at the church)

We decided for Family Night we would make our cars. We made some great cars!!

Here is Mark and Kade cutting our cars. I'm sure they are breaking every safety rule known to man.

Kace and his Hershey Bar Car

My Pink Pig Car

Kensie's Bathtub Car-It is my Favorite

Kade's car is the block of wood the says "This is Kade's Car" in green marker -He is so creative!

First Blog

2009-02-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

I finally did it! I created a Blog.