How do you like us now?

So, what do you think of us the new look? I wish I could take credit - but I am still just not completely with it on the computer yet - still learning! I can thank my wonderful sister-in-law Cheryl for the look. Thanks Cheryl.

I'm not sure how many people actually look at my blog - and what they think of it. So - if you are someone who just looks - will you please leave me comments once in a while? I know my own kids look at it occassionally, but only Jo makes comments (thanks Jo!) Also - Cheryl and Jana - they usually have something to say - thanks girls! My dear ol' husband doesn't even look at the blog - unless I show it to him. I guess I won't thank him. I would like to get some feedback from the rest of you- good or bad! For those of you out there who do look - do you blog? Do you have a blog that I can link to mine? I feel so friendless and lonely, not very many links. I would like some new friends - will you be my friend?

Another note - I have been tagged again - this time a different one. I have to come up with 7 random things to tell about myself. I am still trying to do that. I don't have very many interesting things to say about me. I know - I live a sad life. It takes a lot of brain power to think of something when there is really not much to tell! I'll get it done soon though - so be looking for it (if you are interested that is!)

Easter Fun

The Easter Bunny made it to our house-which the kids were very happy about!

Here are Kristi, Dani and Carson in their new Easter outfits. (Like Carson's tennis shoes with his nice outfit? His sunday shoes were too small - and I didn't get any new ones bought yet. He doesn't care though.)

Mikel helping Carson find the eggs hidden in the house for an Easter Egg hunt.
Dani with her stash!
Hey - check out Jeremy/Jo's link to their blog. Jo has some cute pictures of Dani and Kristi on it in their Easter dresses. And of course - an adorable picture of EmmaLee! Hope you all had a Happy Easter!

The Park

This week we made a couple of trips to the park - what with the weather being just great and being spring break. Wednesday is a day some other ladies get together with their kids at the park, so Kristi, Dani, Carson, and I went. I took my camera, but wouldn't you know, the batteries died after a couple of pictures. Then, on Saturday, Doug, Kristi, Dani, Carson and I went on an Easter picnic. And - I FORGOT THE CAMERA! Can you believe that? Bummer! We can hardly ever get Doug to the park with us to play or for a picnic. Anyway - here are a couple of pictures I took on Wednesday. The first is Carson in the swing. He likes it okay - but loves the slide and climbing more. He really just loves to run around in the grass - freedom!

The second picture is of Kristi and Carson in the swings. He likes being with someone in the big kids swing better! (The camera died before I could get a picture of Dani - sorry Dani!)

Letter to Carson

Just over a month ago, Carson got a letter in the mail - it was from Dani. She had written it at school. It was such a cute letter, I had to share. I tried scanning them in - didn't work. I took pictures, which worked okay for the first page, but not the second (as you can see). Hopefully, you can read the first one. Just click on the picture, it will enlarge it. Let me know if you can't read it.

The second page reads:

I love playing with you. You are lots of fun. I love you so much. I don't love you just because your funny and stuff. I also love you because your in my family. Love, Danielle
Don't you love it! I do.

Happy Birthday Pam!!!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister-in-law, Pam. Our family really was blessed when Kevin married Pam! She is one of the most giving women I know. Whenever I need someone to talk to, I know I can call Pam. She always listens and is very supportive. She is always willing to help out with anything and everything. She is so talented - especially in music and sewing. Not only that - she is just a FUN person to be around. She's a great friend, mother to her kids, sister-in-law - just a fantastic person. My kids adore her - and so do I. We love you Pam. Happy, happy birthday!

Here she is with Lucinda (Tyler's wife)

Here are Pam and Jeanene - two women I totally look up to and hope to become like them someday! Pam and Kevin with their beautiful family at Andrea's wedding

Wearin'of the green and bowling

Spring Break is here! Well, I guess I should say - spring break is here for the younger kids. Matt and Mikel had spring break last week! Anyway, Doug and I are trying to find things to do with all the family to have some fun this week (since he doesn't have the time off work). Monday we took the kids bowling - all except Jason. He is having his spring break in Mexico with a friends family. Do you think he missed our bowling outing? There are a lot of pictures - so be prepared. Hope you enjoy them. We enjoyed our time!

Here is Carson - he can't bowl, but thought he would try his hand at another game. Wasn't quite tall enough.

Dani thought it was hot in the bowling alley - so made her pants into shorts. Creative girl!
Kendall was keeping Carson occupied. Isn't this a cute picture!
Matt playing around with Dani. It is so much fun to see the interaction between the older kids and the younger ones!
After we were done, we went back home to enjoy our Shamrock cake made my Mikel and Kris. Here they are again - at the bowling alley.
Dani was really hoping her ball would keep going & hit down some pins. Would her leaning help?
Doug and Carson enjoying watching everyone. Carson would clap anytime any of us would get excited. He seemed to enjoy himself - especially with the popcorn and pop!
Matt and Kendall waiting their turn - with Mikel and Kris watching the bowling.
Here's Krisi!
Let's see - Doug won the first game (no surprise) and Matt won the second, which he was happy about. When we go bowling, the kids goal is to beat their dad! We had six people on one lane, and Dani and I on another. Dani is just learning, and well, I am too - left-handed that is. My right hand is having problems again, so I am trying to do some things left handed. Bowling wasn't easy. But, you know boys - Matt, Kendall, and Kris all had to do some bowling left-handed and show me up. Thanks alot guys! What a way to treat this ol' lady!

After Relief Society comes......

As some of you know - and some of you might not know - last Sunday I was released as Relief Society President. I had been in just a few weeks short of 3 years. I knew this day would come. In fact, a few months ago, as I sat in Relief Society and was looking at the sisters in my ward, the thought came to my mind that my time was up real soon. So, I had been preparing myself. It was still harder than I though it would be. Not because I still want the job, but when you have that mantle and you serve so long and have that worry and concern for all the sisters - it's hard to let that feeling go. So, I left the calling with some gladness, but with some sorrow too. It will be strange not to get those calls anymore about Sister's who are in need - physically or spiritually, to get the call of a baby being born, or someone passing away. To not go into the homes and offer your time and service. Not that I am giving up on service - but to devote so much into it before, and not so much no will be a lonesome feeling.

Now - what happens next you ask? I was wondering too, but didn't have too long of a wait. Wednesday night I had a visit from the 2nd counselor. I am now one of the primary girls Achievement Day leaders. I am also one of the rotating pianists for Relief Society. As for Achievement Days - I will get the opportunity to work with Danielle! It will be my first opportunity to work with one of my daughters. (Well, except being Mikel's visiting teaching companion. I assigned us that while RS president. One of the perks!) Anyway - I have never had the chance to be in Young Women with Mikel or Kristi. So, I am looking forward to working with Dani - and she is excited to.

Life moves on. The last 3 years as RS president has been a blessing in my life. I have learned and grown from that experience. I must also say - it has been one of the most challenging times in my life - not just because of the calling, but because of so much that my family went through during that time. How thankful I am for the blessings that came to me and my family during those years of service. As for now - on to my new adventure working with the 8-11 year old girls. Quite a difference from the women in the ward!

Heeeeeeere's Carson!!!!!!

Here are a few random shots of Carson from the last couple of weeks.

He found some chocolate and really enjoyed himself! He seems to have a nose for it. He can find it anywhere!

He is enjoying the sand toys he got for his birthday in our back yard.
Carson loves to play with Oscar's toys. We always have to take them away and give them back to Oscar. Well, Oscar took his toy into his crate. Carson decided he still wanted it, so he went in after it. Problem was - after he got in, he couldn't figure on how to get out!
Dani had her dress up box out - and Carson found it. Of course, he had to empty it!

Here come the Suns!

About a month ago, Kristi entered an essay contest. The grand prize was a trip for the child and a parent to Boston to watch the Phoenix Suns play the Boston Celtics, and to tour the Boston area. She was a little disappointed not to win, but she did win 2 tickets to a Suns home game. Thursday night, she and her dad attended the game. It was Kristi's first Suns game. She was very excited to attend! She loved it all. Doug enjoyed it to - he got to see Shaq play in person!


Here's Kristi! She borrowed Mikel's Steve Nash Jersey. What a Suns fan!!!

Happy Birthday Jeanene and Garth!

This week my older sister and brother celebrated birthdays (but I won't tell you how old they are - just older than me!). Jeanene's was on the 9th and Garth's is on the 13th. It isn't often I take the time to let them know how much I love, appreciate and admire them - so I will now!

Jeanene is a wonderful older sister - one I admire greatly for many reasons. She is so talented and creative, a very beautiful women, inside and out! She is a wonderful example of service and does so much for our entire family. When we first moved to Mesa -she and Gary moved down here too. My kids really grew to know and love their Aunt Jeanene. She always had time for us and would take us places and spend much time with us. We hated to see them move back to St. George. Whenever we go to St. George, we always know we are welcome at her house. She has taught me so much - housekeeping tips (which I desperately need), sewing techniques, being there for family, and much, much more. I love you Jeanene! Hope you had a wonderful birthday.

Here are a few pictures I have of Jeanene. The first is from a few years ago when we were up in St. George and while there, had Jason ordained a deacon. She is with my brother, Kevin.

Here's Jeanene holding Carson, and with her granddaughter, Kallie. (doesn't Kallie look alot like Jeanene? (Lucky Kallie!)

Happy Birthday to an awesome big brother! Garth wasn't around much when I was growing up. He left on his mission just after I was born, but I have always looked up to him and admired him greatly. He has achieved so much in his life - he has a wonderful wife and family, success in his occupation, and is a spiritual giant. Whenever anyone needs advice of any kind - he is there to listen and help if needed. He loves to have family visit and take people around to show them the beautiful area in which he lives. He is generous with his time and talents. I love you Garth. Thanks for the wonderful example you are in my life!

A few years ago our family took a trip and visited Garth. He was more than welcoming to our noisy, active family. He took us all on a hike to this beautiful preserve area. Dani really enjoyed getting to know her Uncle Garth. Here he is holding her hand as we hiked up the trail.

Because I don't see him much - I had so few pictures to choose from! Here is another one from the hike as he stops to visit with family and friends.
Once again, here we all are. I am so blessed with my family. Garth and Jeanene are two who bring so much to the family and help hold us all together. I wish we could all get together and see each other more! (So - who's planning a reunion?)

Little mischief maker

Life is always an adventure with Carson! If he is being quiet - watch out! Kristi was babysitting the other day and called us in a panic on what to do. Carson had dumped out the entire box of Rice Krispies. I told her to sweep them up - but she is learning from her mom - she had to take pictures first! Here they are - all dumped out. At least he hadn't started dumping out the Cherrios yet!

Ah - ha - jackpot. All the food he wants - right before his eyes.
Eating his booty - and then stomping on the rest.
He loves to find ANYTHING he can to get in too. Grabbing the toilet paper and seeing how far it will go - not only on the toilet paper rolls, but the spares under the bathroom counter. The other day I was in my room taking care of things - he was in there and was being quiet. I found him in my closet pulling all of my shirts off the lower bar as fast as he could. Yesterday - emptying the new container of wipes. Life is an adventure that I'm not sure I am up too this late in my life - but he is worth it!

Easter Pageant

Last night our family went to the Mesa Easter Pageant for a Tuesday night FHE. It is held on the front lawn of the Mesa Temple. It is a wonderful, enriching program about the life of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful way it was to help us feel the meaning of Easter. I would urge anyone to attend. It is held every year on the temple grounds for two week before Easter. We went on the dress rehearsal night - which, in my opinion, is the best night to go. They go straight through the entire program, there are less people, parking places close by, and no anti-mormon demonstrators (which there are plenty of the rest of time). We would love to have any visitors from out of town stay with us and take them to the pageant.

This year in the visitor's center, they had a special display of photo's entitled "Reflections of Christ" which were beautiful photo's of the actors taken elsewhere of the life of Christ, with special music written for this display, playing, to add to the special feeling.

Come for a visit - if not this year, but next and see this wonderful presentation! Here are a few pictures off of the website of the pageant.

Fun Recipe

We are a busy family - as you probably know already! Jason - alone- has baseball games on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week - all starting at 4 pm. So, when I get home - it is dinner time! (He also has a choir concert on Tuesday and band concert on Thursday. Busy kid - and busy mom!) Anyway, I am always looking for quick, easy recipes because at times, I don't have a lot of time to fix a meal - or I try to fix something earlier in the day and have ready for dinner that night. Crock-pots are great for this, but I like to have other recipes on hand too! This is a recipe I came across quite a few years ago - and my kids love it! It is one we can eat today - and store in the freezer for later or the kids to have whenever. (By the way - I triple or even more - so we do have the extra!)

Fun Burgers

Brown 1 lb hamburger, salt and pepper lightly to taste. Add 1/2 cup catsup, 1 cup chopped dill pickle (can do a little bit less if you want), and 1 cup shredded mozzerella cheese. Spoon mixture into hamburger buns or semi-hard rolls. (Makes about 8) Wrap each roll in aluminum foil. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. These can also be heated for 20 minutes on a barbeque grill. Extra rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen until needed. Allow extra cooking time for frozen rolls.

That's it!

Like I said, quick and easy - and my kids absolutely love them! In fact - the cooked ones leftover from the night before - Kendall will take to school and eat for his lunch, cold. Weird kid I know - but hey, it saves on lunch money! I am cooking up 5 lbs of burger today and wrapping them all up- some for tonight and tomorrow lunch - and the rest in the freezer. Give them a try. I am sure your kids will love them like mine do!

Let Him Eat Cake!

Carson was so funny with his birthday cake - I had to have a blog just for that!

Once again, he is enjoying the attention. He is cheering - yea - with everyone looking on. Here comes the cake! (It does say - Happy b-day Carson on top of the cake, you just can't see that)

He was so excited tohave Mikel let him go so he could go after his cake. We did take his shirt off to make the mess a little easier to clean up!
He went after the chocolate chip eyes first. He was picking them out and eating them one at a time - loves the chocolate. (A kid after his mom's heart.) He did get a little bit of frosting.
He sort of fell over and hit the cake - and lo and behold - more chocolate. He really went after it then! Love that chocolate.
What a happy boy he is now!
Let him eat cake!!!

Carson's 1st Birthday Party

Happy Birthday to you Carson! Today we had Carson's family birthday dinner and party. It was a lot of fun. Jeremy, Jo and EmmaLee came over, also Kris (Mikel's boyfriend) and his daughter, Kirstin, and our good friends and neighbors, the Gardner's. Carson really enjoyed all the attention. Here he is enjoying his birthday dinner - umm, love those garlic mashed potatoes!

Getting ready to open his presents. He loved hearing everyone sing just to him!
His main gift - a wagon, and it even has seatbelts for 2 and cupholders. Things have sure changed since I bought a wagon for the older kids!
Here he is enjoying a ride in the wagon with EmmaLee - and playing with her toes! Her side has the side down to sit flat - his side is up to use the seatbelts.
Enjoying the birthday haul of toys! Let's see - Mikel gave him the little lawnmower, Kendall and Jason got him the little baseball toy, Jeremy and family the Xylaphone, Matt got him the drum, Dani the sand toys, and Kristi the little hammer. From Mom and Dad - the wagon and two hats (he needs something to keep from getting his head sunburned!) See - when you are so much younger than your brothers and sisters you get a lot of nice presents (cuz they have money)!
He loved his birthday, as you can tell.

I forgot one thing on my last post about his Dr's visit.

Carson now weights 19 lbs 8 0z. He is in the 10% in weight. His 6 mo. visit he was in the 50%. I think being so active took off the little body fat he did have.