Our Summer Home
View of the "City"
Our Backyard
View From Esau's Summer Job
The Birds Love Us
We did a lot of this...
And some of this...
And even had some of these...
But that's not all! To Be Continued...
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 14 - Camping
We braved the cold and took our first camping trip of the year. We went up Logan Canyon and found a beautiful camping spot right next to the river. Everything was perfect until...
Someone got a little too close to the river!
We quickly hauled in some wood and got a nice fire going.
Then we got dinner ready.
And everything was back to normal!
*Note to self: Bring extra shoes next time!
Someone got a little too close to the river!
We quickly hauled in some wood and got a nice fire going.
Then we got dinner ready.
And everything was back to normal!
*Note to self: Bring extra shoes next time!
Friday, April 2, 2010
It always amazes me...
I know it's been quite a while since my last post. I've been waiting for those few extra minutes to sneak Esau's computer away from him and post some pictures when it is convenient for me. Unfortunately the times it is most convenient for me are the times he has his computer at school with him. I've thought about trying to do several "catch up" posts but since it is likely to never happen, I've decided it's best to just post when I can and maybe go back later and add some photos. So with all that said, it is time to write about what it is that amazes me this week!
The other night as we were getting ready for bed, the kids were trying to figure out exactly how long it was until Easter would be here. (We had just had a FHE lesson on Jesus' resurrection.) They were mostly excited for the Easter Bunny to come and bring them treats. After they'd decided how many days away it was, Nya in all her wisdom asked, "What does the Easter Bunny have anything to do with Easter?" I quickly looked to Esau for help but realized he was more interested in my answer than in helping me find one. I'm sure my parents answered this question for me as a child, but for the life of me I couldn't remember what they had said. I had to dig deep and try to put the two together before my kids sensed the awkwardness in my hesitation. Suddenly it hit me. The Easter Bunny comes to fill our basket with treats to remind us of the sweetest gift we have ever received. Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected for us! I can't think of a sweeter gift than that! So now, every time I think of the sweet, innocent little Easter Bunny softly, quietly filling our baskets with treats to enjoy on Easter morning, I won't forget our Savior who was completely innocent when he suffered on the cross. Who quietly passed from this life to fulfill his purpose. Who rose to bring the sweetness of eternal life to pass for all the people of the earth. I will forever be thankful for the testimony I have to know this is true. It always amazes me how much I learn from my children!
The other night as we were getting ready for bed, the kids were trying to figure out exactly how long it was until Easter would be here. (We had just had a FHE lesson on Jesus' resurrection.) They were mostly excited for the Easter Bunny to come and bring them treats. After they'd decided how many days away it was, Nya in all her wisdom asked, "What does the Easter Bunny have anything to do with Easter?" I quickly looked to Esau for help but realized he was more interested in my answer than in helping me find one. I'm sure my parents answered this question for me as a child, but for the life of me I couldn't remember what they had said. I had to dig deep and try to put the two together before my kids sensed the awkwardness in my hesitation. Suddenly it hit me. The Easter Bunny comes to fill our basket with treats to remind us of the sweetest gift we have ever received. Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected for us! I can't think of a sweeter gift than that! So now, every time I think of the sweet, innocent little Easter Bunny softly, quietly filling our baskets with treats to enjoy on Easter morning, I won't forget our Savior who was completely innocent when he suffered on the cross. Who quietly passed from this life to fulfill his purpose. Who rose to bring the sweetness of eternal life to pass for all the people of the earth. I will forever be thankful for the testimony I have to know this is true. It always amazes me how much I learn from my children!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Oh my sweet little Nya!
Can someone please tell me how we managed to go from this...
To this...
In just 8 short years!?!
To this...
In just 8 short years!?!
Monday, November 23, 2009
What Are We Thankful For?
Tonight for FHE we asked the question: "What are you the most thankful for?"
Nya said she's thankful for "family."
Kade said he's thankful for "Jesus, Heavenly Father, parents, brother and sisters".
Kaleb said he's thankful for "our home."
Aleaha said she's thankful for "Kade, Nya, Kaleb, Daddy and Mommy."
Esau and I are both very thankful for our family too and we are so glad we have such sweet little turkeys!
Nya said she's thankful for "family."
Kade said he's thankful for "Jesus, Heavenly Father, parents, brother and sisters".
Kaleb said he's thankful for "our home."
Aleaha said she's thankful for "Kade, Nya, Kaleb, Daddy and Mommy."
Esau and I are both very thankful for our family too and we are so glad we have such sweet little turkeys!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
I promise we haven't dropped off the face of the earth! We are here in Logan and doing well. Busier than ever but doing well. I keep meaning to post some pictures, but because our computer is well a little overloaded, I haven't loaded any pictures onto it for a while. Instead we load them onto the laptop and of course every time I do find the time to post something Esau has the computer at school or work. I decided tonight I'd post an update anyway. Hopefully the pictures will come soon.
So...here is what we've been up to:
We moved on May 23rd from our comfortable life in Boise, ID to a more humble life as poor college kids in Logan, UT. (Yes, we are still kids!) Thank goodness for our awesome friends who helped us during this crazy time! We couldn't have done it without the Dodds.
Esau started school on May 27th in what they call the Accelerated Business Core Class program. His undergraduate degree is in Civil Engineering and in order to go right into the MBA program he needed to take a years worth of business core classes. This ABC program allowed him to knock out an entire year in only 10 weeks! It was tough but he did it!
We closed on the sell of our Boise home on May 28th. What a blessing it was to sell it. We almost had it rented when the people who ended up buying it made us an offer. It was amazing!
We celebrated Kaleb's 4th birthday on June 4th. It was fun to have grandmas, grandpas, and cousins around to celebrate with us.
By the second week in June we were still trying to move into Esau's parents basement. It just wasn't working the way we'd hoped it would. On June 12th we found a townhome to rent and signed a lease. We moved in the next day, evening, and well into the night! When we finally got to bed, I heard some very odd noises outside only to look out the window and see someone checking out our car. It was almost 2:00 in the morning and they were shining a flashlight all around it and looking into the windows. I ran outside to find out what was going on. Apparently we were parked in a guest parking zone without permission and our car was getting booted. The guy told us the only way to get the boots off was to pay him $70. Remember the first line in the update. Specifically the "poor college kids" phrase? Luckily after pointing out that there wasn't a sign there to tell us this (someone had knocked it over and it was upside down so we really didn't see it) and that our landlords hadn't explained this to us either, he called his boss and was very surprised to find him in a good and forgiving mood. He took the boots off and after a thousand thank you's we finally got some rest.
My sister barely got home and on June 20th we were able to help them move. We were all really sick of moving by the end of June!
On June 24th I loaded up the van with our bags and the kids and we were off to Denver to Esau's older brother Abe's wedding. We left Logan around 9:30 am and got to Denver a little after 11 pm. It was a long drive but we made it safe and sound.
We drove up the highest paved road in North America to Mt. Evans on June 25th. It was my first experience with altitude sickness. Thank goodness Noe was there to drive for me. I wasn't feeling to great! When we got to the end of the road there was still a little hike to get to the very tippy top. That was one of the most difficult hikes I've ever done. It was right up there with the time I went hunting for the big bucks with my dad. Man he went fast up that steep mountain!
We went to the Denver Zoo on June 26th. We didn't get there as early as we'd hoped and it ended up pooring rain before we were finished. Everybody ran for shelter and either decided to wait it out or go home. After a few minutes of just waiting it out, the kids and I and Esau's parents ventured out in the storm. We were soaking wet and the kids were even worse after they trudged through the rivers in the rain gutters. They didn't care though. They were having a blast! That night we picked Esau up from the airport. Boy were we glad to see him!
Abe and Catherine became Mr. and Mrs. Medina on June 27th. The day couldn't have been better for a wedding. It was beautiful and the dinner and party afterword were a lot of fun. We were all so glad we made it for this special time in their lives.
We went camping out to Mill Canyon over the 4th of July weekend. It rained on us every night but the days were warm and dry. The mosquitoes were plentiful and would have eaten us alive if it weren't for the bug spray. I think we went through 3 full bottles!
We went to my 10 year class reunion on the 4th of July at Kelly Park in Soda Springs. It was fun to see so many old friends. Then we went to my parents house in Lava Hot Springs for a family dutch oven dinner and fireworks. Nothing better than watching the lava flow down the mountain as a finale to the firework show!
We celebrated Esau's mom Maria's birthday with her on July 8th. It was fun to have her and Noe over for homemade pizza and of course cake and ice cream.
On July 16th I went to my cousin's baby shower. Her baby was born when she was only 25 weeks pregnant and after 3 months he was finally able to go home!
On July 20th we began the ongoing construction work on Esau's parents home. They've decided they want some things remodeled and we are helping them get it done.
On July 22nd I officially joined the "Bad Mother's Club." We were at Wal Mart and I lost Aleaha. Luckily they grabbed her before she ran out the front doors and into the street. That's all that needs to be said about that one!
We were lucky enough to go camping over the 24th of July with the Dodds one night and the Hortons the next. We learned that camping over the 24th is a huge deal in Utah and though our camping spots weren't the most rugged or mountainous the company was wonderful!
My sister went to Dallas on a business trip on July 28th and I was able to help her by tending her kids. She has 4 boys and they are all just about 1 year younger than each of my kids. So, I had 8 kids ages 7, 6, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1 & 1 for a few days. The kids had a lot of fun and I am proud of my new gray hairs!
July 31st marked the last day of the summer semester for Esau. We also found out that he got a job with the University that will pretty much take care of the out of state tuition. What a relief!
We celebrated Esau's 30th birthday on August 2nd. I was so thankful that our family was able to make it to a surprise dinner to help make this day fun for him. (Yes, we ARE still kids)
We went four wheeling with Esau's parents just outside of Grace on August 7th. We went looking for huckleberries and left with several buckets full. Next year I've got to remember those jackets! We froze in the rain/hail storm on our way back. After we finally got warm and cleaned up we headed over to the famous Grace parade and Caribou County Fair. It rained on us there too so we took our food to go!
The next day we hit the Logan fair and the kids got to go on the rides and eat cotton candy. That's more like it!
August 13th brought new church callings. Say hello to the newest Nursery workers in the Meadows 1st Ward! They don't waste any time around here. We gave talks in sacrament meeting on August 16th. It is kind of nice not to have to worry about when we'll be called on though!
Nya and Esau started school on August 25th. Kade followed the next week starting Kindergarten on August 31st. So far school is going well for all.
As you can tell we are keeping busy and enjoying life. We miss our friends and family we left in Boise but we're excited for what lies in front of us. Change is difficult but it can also be very good. We've become closer as a family and already learned a lot of valuable lessons. And now we'll just keep taking things "One step at a time..."
So...here is what we've been up to:
We moved on May 23rd from our comfortable life in Boise, ID to a more humble life as poor college kids in Logan, UT. (Yes, we are still kids!) Thank goodness for our awesome friends who helped us during this crazy time! We couldn't have done it without the Dodds.
Esau started school on May 27th in what they call the Accelerated Business Core Class program. His undergraduate degree is in Civil Engineering and in order to go right into the MBA program he needed to take a years worth of business core classes. This ABC program allowed him to knock out an entire year in only 10 weeks! It was tough but he did it!
We closed on the sell of our Boise home on May 28th. What a blessing it was to sell it. We almost had it rented when the people who ended up buying it made us an offer. It was amazing!
We celebrated Kaleb's 4th birthday on June 4th. It was fun to have grandmas, grandpas, and cousins around to celebrate with us.
By the second week in June we were still trying to move into Esau's parents basement. It just wasn't working the way we'd hoped it would. On June 12th we found a townhome to rent and signed a lease. We moved in the next day, evening, and well into the night! When we finally got to bed, I heard some very odd noises outside only to look out the window and see someone checking out our car. It was almost 2:00 in the morning and they were shining a flashlight all around it and looking into the windows. I ran outside to find out what was going on. Apparently we were parked in a guest parking zone without permission and our car was getting booted. The guy told us the only way to get the boots off was to pay him $70. Remember the first line in the update. Specifically the "poor college kids" phrase? Luckily after pointing out that there wasn't a sign there to tell us this (someone had knocked it over and it was upside down so we really didn't see it) and that our landlords hadn't explained this to us either, he called his boss and was very surprised to find him in a good and forgiving mood. He took the boots off and after a thousand thank you's we finally got some rest.
My sister barely got home and on June 20th we were able to help them move. We were all really sick of moving by the end of June!
On June 24th I loaded up the van with our bags and the kids and we were off to Denver to Esau's older brother Abe's wedding. We left Logan around 9:30 am and got to Denver a little after 11 pm. It was a long drive but we made it safe and sound.
We drove up the highest paved road in North America to Mt. Evans on June 25th. It was my first experience with altitude sickness. Thank goodness Noe was there to drive for me. I wasn't feeling to great! When we got to the end of the road there was still a little hike to get to the very tippy top. That was one of the most difficult hikes I've ever done. It was right up there with the time I went hunting for the big bucks with my dad. Man he went fast up that steep mountain!
We went to the Denver Zoo on June 26th. We didn't get there as early as we'd hoped and it ended up pooring rain before we were finished. Everybody ran for shelter and either decided to wait it out or go home. After a few minutes of just waiting it out, the kids and I and Esau's parents ventured out in the storm. We were soaking wet and the kids were even worse after they trudged through the rivers in the rain gutters. They didn't care though. They were having a blast! That night we picked Esau up from the airport. Boy were we glad to see him!
Abe and Catherine became Mr. and Mrs. Medina on June 27th. The day couldn't have been better for a wedding. It was beautiful and the dinner and party afterword were a lot of fun. We were all so glad we made it for this special time in their lives.
We went camping out to Mill Canyon over the 4th of July weekend. It rained on us every night but the days were warm and dry. The mosquitoes were plentiful and would have eaten us alive if it weren't for the bug spray. I think we went through 3 full bottles!
We went to my 10 year class reunion on the 4th of July at Kelly Park in Soda Springs. It was fun to see so many old friends. Then we went to my parents house in Lava Hot Springs for a family dutch oven dinner and fireworks. Nothing better than watching the lava flow down the mountain as a finale to the firework show!
We celebrated Esau's mom Maria's birthday with her on July 8th. It was fun to have her and Noe over for homemade pizza and of course cake and ice cream.
On July 16th I went to my cousin's baby shower. Her baby was born when she was only 25 weeks pregnant and after 3 months he was finally able to go home!
On July 20th we began the ongoing construction work on Esau's parents home. They've decided they want some things remodeled and we are helping them get it done.
On July 22nd I officially joined the "Bad Mother's Club." We were at Wal Mart and I lost Aleaha. Luckily they grabbed her before she ran out the front doors and into the street. That's all that needs to be said about that one!
We were lucky enough to go camping over the 24th of July with the Dodds one night and the Hortons the next. We learned that camping over the 24th is a huge deal in Utah and though our camping spots weren't the most rugged or mountainous the company was wonderful!
My sister went to Dallas on a business trip on July 28th and I was able to help her by tending her kids. She has 4 boys and they are all just about 1 year younger than each of my kids. So, I had 8 kids ages 7, 6, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1 & 1 for a few days. The kids had a lot of fun and I am proud of my new gray hairs!
July 31st marked the last day of the summer semester for Esau. We also found out that he got a job with the University that will pretty much take care of the out of state tuition. What a relief!
We celebrated Esau's 30th birthday on August 2nd. I was so thankful that our family was able to make it to a surprise dinner to help make this day fun for him. (Yes, we ARE still kids)
We went four wheeling with Esau's parents just outside of Grace on August 7th. We went looking for huckleberries and left with several buckets full. Next year I've got to remember those jackets! We froze in the rain/hail storm on our way back. After we finally got warm and cleaned up we headed over to the famous Grace parade and Caribou County Fair. It rained on us there too so we took our food to go!
The next day we hit the Logan fair and the kids got to go on the rides and eat cotton candy. That's more like it!
August 13th brought new church callings. Say hello to the newest Nursery workers in the Meadows 1st Ward! They don't waste any time around here. We gave talks in sacrament meeting on August 16th. It is kind of nice not to have to worry about when we'll be called on though!
Nya and Esau started school on August 25th. Kade followed the next week starting Kindergarten on August 31st. So far school is going well for all.
As you can tell we are keeping busy and enjoying life. We miss our friends and family we left in Boise but we're excited for what lies in front of us. Change is difficult but it can also be very good. We've become closer as a family and already learned a lot of valuable lessons. And now we'll just keep taking things "One step at a time..."
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Nya the Actress
Nya was a gardener in her class play entitled "Life Cycles." She had a fun time and did a really great job performing!
She was eagerly greeted by her biggest fan after the show! Poor Aleaha was so disappointed that Nya had to go back to class and couldn't come home with us!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Leave It To Kaleb!
"Kids, go get in the van. I'll be there in just a second."
What? You said in? I thought you said on!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
My Spring Time Weakness
It's that time of year again! The Easter candies are out on the shelf and with them come the perfectly delicious chocolate covered marshmallow easter eggs!
The chocolate and marshmallow combination has got to be the best ever invented and is definitely my spring time weakness! So at the store we got our first dozen of the season and savored them on our drive home.
She takes after her mom. Give me chocolate and let me sleep!
I have no idea how he managed to get chocolate all over himself!
You are now witnessing a miracle. Kaleb didn't make a mess!
I'll just be a few minutes...
I don't usually get a shower before Esau leaves for work in the mornings, so it has become somewhat of a routine to stick the kids in front of a movie while I hurry and sneak one in. Each day we go over the rules: Don't open the door for anyone, Don't answer the phone, If there are any problems come tell me, and Please, please keep an eye on Aleaha for me. This day however, I didn't go over the rules. Partly because I was in a big hurry, and partly because Nya didn't have school and was home to help out. So in the few minutes I was gone, this is what happened.
Off with the movie, on with the video game.
Hello Mess!
She had crayons and markers scattered everywhere and had colored herself red, yellow, blue, green and orange. All I could do was laugh and take some pictures. Next time we won't forget to go over the rules!
She had crayons and markers scattered everywhere and had colored herself red, yellow, blue, green and orange. All I could do was laugh and take some pictures. Next time we won't forget to go over the rules!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Time to Paint!
It takes a lot to get mom to let the paints make their way out of the closet! Seriously, I mean a lot of begging and begging and begging until I'm convinced the mess will actually stay up to the table and not all over the entire house! They did a good job, but I was running around the whole time with paper towels cleaning up the "oopsies." So kids, I hope you enjoyed it because it's not happening again for a while! Mom just can't handle that kind of stress! (Yes, I'm a wimp. Or maybe it's that when I give paint to one kid, the other 3 have to join in and then I'm completely outnumbered and they just don't sit still and...Okay, you get the point!)
Nya is quite the little designer!
Aleaha just couldn't keep from spilling the water so out came the crayons!
That's quite the pirate ship Kade!
Kaleb's colorful jet. It is quite the masterpiece!
Sisterly Love
We got the girls a bunk bed not too long ago. Nya decided she isn't as excited to sleep on the top as she was in the beginning. She says she gets too hot. I told her it was okay with me if she wanted to sleep on the bottom with Aleaha. It is a full size bed on the bottom, so there should technically be enough room. I say technically because well, take a look...
I guess there is just nothing quite as comfy as sleeping on your sister!
Valentine Ball
Our ward has an annual Primary Valentine Ball where we get to dress up, dance with the family, and enjoy treats. My camera died shortly after we arrived but I was able to catch a few of our fun moments before it did!
Our Arrival
Seriously Kade, we just got here!
At least Kaleb took the time to put frosting on his cookie!
Miss Aleaha taking advantage of every minute with her daddy!
Mom and the boys cutting the rug. Nya has much more important things to do like socialize with her friends!
Our Arrival
Seriously Kade, we just got here!
At least Kaleb took the time to put frosting on his cookie!
Miss Aleaha taking advantage of every minute with her daddy!
Mom and the boys cutting the rug. Nya has much more important things to do like socialize with her friends!
Toy Box
This is a picture of Aleaha enjoying the "new" toy box. I bought it for $10, cleaned it up, and refinished it for the kids playroom. Kade even helped me paint it and he did a great job!
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