Kandid Pictures of the Kiddos

Three of the four of these kids EASY PIECE of Cake to get there pictures - the lower right corner I had to promise a double cheese burger to get her picture.  Grrrrrrr - But it was worth it!

Family Fun

My niece Hailey loves to talk - and I don't mean like a normal conversation either, after all, she is 11 years old!  It starts out as a whine and slowly moves into a high tone that would pierce the hearing of any wild animal and turns into a full raging talk as LOUD as I can before someone wants to stuff a sock into her mouth kind of talk.   

As a family we went over to the beach for the afternoon to have some lunch and play in the water and Hailey was in our car.  Suddenly I had this idea that it would be funny to kick her out of the car to see if her parents would stop to pick her up.  

Micah turned off the highway (Unfortunately still in plain sight for my brother in law and sister in law to see him.)  Told Hailey to get out of the car and stick her thumb out for her parents car.  *** Caution - Nana did not stick her out on a highway in the middle of no where alone, I was behind a nearby tree watching not only the road, but Hailey to make sure no would hit her or attempt to take her.  Don't worry folks, if they took her she had her dead cell phone and they would of called us to BEG US TO TAKE HER BACK!!)***

Like I mention before her parents saw Micah's truck and continued to drive by as you can see from the above photos. 

Bradley Awards Ceremony

While awaiting the Principal to show up for the awards ceremony Sara took the time to read to the kids (population 70) the Dr Seuss book "Oh the Places You will Go" - and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! 

I love it so much that I think this will be the new parting gift we give the youth in our home when they leave us or a high school graduation gift.  It seems fitting that I love to give copies of "Love You Forever" whenever someone has a new baby.

 
I gave Rebecka this book on her blessing day - and While I was in California I saw it in the bookshelf and I was able to read the inscription.  I can't believe how fast the time has gone by; Becky, Kayla and Hailey are soooo grown up!!

Congratulations Rebecka - 8th Grade Graduation

Wouldn't you know if I had camera problems ALL DAY and it wasn't until I got to 8th grade graduation that I realized it was because my battery was dying!  I only got a few pictures before my camera died and I had to rely on my cell phone.

YES -YES those are the shoes she wore to graduation!!  I know I know from the top of her head to her knees was all about fancy fancy and nice and then we had those dirty ole-shoes.  Mom tried to find her new ones to go with the dress, but was unsuccessful!  

My sister in law did a great job decorating - Becky was the only 8th graders to graduate this year and everything was centered around what she liked and wanted.  So Caribbean Blue, Black, Sliver and Zebra print it was!
 

Invitations were Nana's project - I found some super cute zebra printed paper that was all glittered with some Caribbean blue glitter ribbon to give it a touch of color.  Mom made those cute bookmarks as party favors for all the guests.

Rebecka - Uncle Micah (Grumpy) and I are super proud of you.  We know you struggled from time to time and you were able to overcome the challenges you had.  Always Always remember that we are here for you and are willing to do whatever we can to help you.  You make us proud and we know you will continue to do so in  high school, college and beyond. 

PreSchool Graduation

Daniel graduated Preschool and will be a Kindergarten

Congratulations Class of 2012 - Jazzmine Marie Kelly-Hill

Congratulations, Jonathan!!

Jonathan graduated from High School this year and although we did not make it to the ceremony we did come down the next day to take him to lunch and celebrate.

We had lunch at this place called Hong Kong Kitchen, went to the DI, walked around Wal-Mart went to the park to play Smart @$$ and some Farkle, opened gifts (and I have to add in there that the pure excitement and joy on Jonathan's face from his gifts made my day!!)  Afterwards we found a park that had a BBQ pit and roasted hot dogs where we continued to play Farkle.  The winner for that day was, Micah!

BCT Graduation - Brown Family

Feeding the Ducks

Today we took, Dylon, Packer and Alex to to feed the ducks at Jensen Park - Dylon returned home to his family while I was away in So Carolina.  So the following Sunday afternoon we picked Dylon up to have one last family dinner and then off to feed the ducks.

Packer was able to get one of the ducks to eat from his hand!!!  I was lucky enough to get a picture of it!!!

Boozer and ChumLee

Congratulations to Sam

I was able to make it out to South Carolina for Sam's BCT Graduation and I can't even begin to describe how proud I am by his choice or the changes that he has made in those 10 weeks!!

Solider's Creed

Gift from Home for Graduation

Sam has a friend, Megan who was sweet enough to get him a gift for BCT graduation and asked me to being it along to give to him.  I am ever so grateful for the good friends Sam has met and what a good influence they can be in his life.

Happy 15th Birthday to Alex

Alex turned 15 today!!!  Birthday's are bittersweet for me around here - I love to celebrate birthdays and I love decorating for them, but I always worry about how the youth feels being away from their family and friends.

Alex's family sent him a gift that came a few days before his birthday that got him pretty excited, not to mention that in March he started the count down on how many days were left until he turned 15.

Alex loves to be outside so he went up to Logan Canyon and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows on the campfire and let the boys run around the hills.

Happy Easter

It does not matter the age of a child - even at 15, 16 and 17 years old these boys enjoyed a good ole fashion egg hunt for Easter.  I am sure it was motivating when they saw all the candy and treats.

Sam - During Basic Training

Thank God for Facebook . . . .  And a huge THANK YOU to the people who not only created, but maintained the Facebook page for Fort Jackson BCT.  Each week pictures were posted of all the companies and those platoons. 

Even though the phone calls were weeks apart I was able to know how things were going and the things Sam was learning during those quite times.  And when he called I was able to ask about something or have an idea of what he was talking about.

Our Latest Basement Project

Thanks to some recycled pallet wood and a very patient husband this bedroom is complete.  I made a deal with Micah that I would not buy another gallon of paint until I used up everything I already had - SO I DID IT!!  I was able to paint all of Sam's new bedroom in paint that we already had from other projects around the home and Micah patiently piece each piece of wood to the wall to make it look like old barn wood that was cut just for the walls.

This is my my most favorite bedroom of the house by far - It is also means that we are closer to finishing our basement after seven years. 

Elder Palmer

Elder Palmer was called to serve in the Houston South Mission (Spanish Speaking)

He reported to the MTC on February 15th 2012

Leaving for Basic Combat Training (BCT)

It's taken sometime for me to be able to sit down and put this post together

 and even three days away from seeing him at BCT Graduation I am having a hard time. 

Sam made this awesome choice to join the Utah National Guard - Micah and I are so very proud of him, but it has been quiet the adjustment here at home not having him around.  I always told myself it would be in preparation for his mission or going away to school.

Sam will be spending the first 10 weeks of his military career in Fort Jackson - South Carolina where he will train to be a Solider.   Just in the few days that he has spent in SLC preparing for his move there was a change in his personality and the way in which he carried himself. 

We said some quick goodbyes to prevent the water flow of tears I thought I would have - of course I took the opportunity to hug him for everyone that asked me to do so!!  The bottom right corner is about the time I made him promise that he would come home and he agreed to not go active duty!

The countdown to graduation began - - - - April is not soon enough!

Blog Update

Several months ago I deleted the widgets of my blog and was discouraged from posting, but I am hoping after some time away and more patience's that I can get back to work.

In the meantime, where have we been?  Surviving and some-days it feels like we are barely doing that, but we ended 2011 looking forward to what 2012 would bring and we are happy to report it's starting our great!!

A Wise Ole Man Once Told Me . . .

The wise ole-man is my Father in Law - He told me shortly after Sam came to our home that Micah and I should make new traditions for our new family by each Christmas going to Temple Square to see the Christmas Lights.  The first year Sam submitted my parents names to the Sister Missionary's - the following year my parents were with us at Temple Square as new members (they were baptized in June 2010) and this year we were able to introduce it to youth who had never been there before.

I love this tradition and I love the ole-man who suggested it to me - despite his son who hates the over crowed front runner, waiting in line to take treks and the large number of people :)  It's part of our family tradition and each time I go there it feels like I am seeing it for the first time.

Those were just some of the pictures I took that evening - Sam brought a friend with him, Megan and the others boys were just being goofy.

Nothing like a self taken portrait to make you question what the heck was I thinking?!!?  Oh well better luck next year :)

Family Wii Competition

As part of our Countdown to Christmas this year we held a week long Wii Competition - this night we did a Just Dance and the boys had a great time.  So much in fact I went out and bought a country version of it.

• Down Hill Jump
• Bowling
• Just Dance
• 3-point Jump Shot
• Wakeboarding
• Mario Brother - Coin Battle
• Family Choice - Just Dance Take Two

Utah National Guard - E1 Private Samuel C Mower

This moment is bitter sweet . . . I am truly excited for Sam's new journey, but at the same time I am able to count on ONE HAND how many nights I have been away from him in the last 2 1/2 years (Four for anyone of you asking).  And I know he is 19 years old, but for me it is like having separation anxiety for parents who have a new baby.  I found out on Tuesday (Nov. 1st) night that he was enlisting Thursday (Nov. 3rd) afternoon . . . I wanted to strangle him, but what could I do I had already told him to sh!t or get off the pot with his life. 

Sam is scheduled to ship out on February 13th, 2012 - and I am forewarning anyone and everyone it will not be a good day!  He will be completing his basic training in Fort Jackson So Carolina and completing AIT at Fort Lee, Virginia. His MOS is a 91-Echo and in civilian terms a machinist.

Micah and I are very proud of you, Sam and are looking forward to seeing you at graduation in May 2012 from basic training.

Capital Theatre - Dracula

Tonight we went to the Halloween showing of Dracula - Sam, Albert and I were so very excited, however, Micah, Dylon and Alex were a little apprehensive.  The best part of the evening came when Micah turns to me and says '"Are they ever going to say anything?"  it was not until the intermission that Micah took the time to read his program and was able to figure out what was going on.

This was a first for Alex who has never even heard of a ballet and at the end of the evening said how much fun he had and how much he had enjoyed it - that was the reviews from the rest of the boys, as well.

Snap Shots in Morgan, Utah

Here are a few of the pictures I took along the way . . . I have been wanting to take pictures of this bridge since the first time I saw it and finally I got a chance to do it :)