good morning

Natalie Spratling Photography

2012-01-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

I am starting my own business. Doing what I love doing...taking pictures. You can visit me at href="http://nataliespratlingphotography.blogspot.com">.

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Natalie Spratling
Photography

Timing is Everything

2012-01-23T15:15:00.000-08:00

it's the most wonderful time of the year

2011-12-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

In years past we have traveled to the mountains and searched for the perfect tree. The last two 3 years we have settled for the artificial pre-lit one that we have in our storage, not quite the same.
So this we resurrected our old tradition and went with our friends to Red Lodge to cut down the perfect tree.
We played in the snow

Not everyone dressed for the occassion.
We spent time fixing the contacts

some trees we cut didn't quite fit on their ride

We did make it home, decorated our tree,
we're excited to enjoy the holiday season

Twenty One

2011-11-30T14:18:00.000-08:00

I remember celebrating my 21st birthday on the Oregon Coast. Bruce and I weathered the icy roads and stormy blizzard to enjoy a few days at the Coast. We were celebrating our first month of marriage and our new life together. Bruce had just finished another semester @ BYU and we were on Christmas break. It was just the two of us exploring the coast with no cares in the world. Fast forward 21 years
we've:

graduated from college
lived in two states
2 apartments
4 homes
had four kids in two years
spent all day feeding kids and changing diapers
lived on 3 hours of sleep many nights
never had a minute to ourselves
have 4 teenagers
had 3 in braces...the 4th in Jan.
go to bed hours before the kids do
have all day to myself (very quiet)
spend many weekends waiting up for the kiddos
have 3 drivers in the family
soon we'll have 6
we'll have a son graduate from High School next year
worry about how we will pay for 4 kids in college
we'll be empty nesters @ 45 & 47
Man! has the last twenty-one years flown by.

Happy Anniversary my Love.

The Day Has Come

2011-11-10T14:12:00.001-08:00

The girls are so excited!!!! Their Mom?... Not sure what I'm feeling. They have all 3 driven with me several times so I'm sure their ready. It's going to be fun getting the 50(x3) hours of driving in.

Sweet Words

2011-11-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday I woke up, still dark out side, and got ready to go to the temple. I didn't attend a session. I was in the children's center with the sweet little children that were waiting to be sealed to their parents that day. I was with Gavin, age 4, for most of the morning. While he was coloring and enjoying a fruit snack...he looked at me with his sweet innocent smile and said, "your nice". It warmed my heart. Now if I can strive to be nice:

When things are not going my way
when everyone is not doing what I want
when life hasn't dealt me what I thought it should
when someone cuts me off
when someone misunderstands me
when I'm tired
when the house is a mess
when my teenagers don't want my advice
when someone has another opinion than mine

FALL Photos

2011-10-20T13:15:00.003-07:00

It is a four day weekend and time to enjoy ourselves....right after we get the kids photos done for the year. Not what they wanted to wake up and do this morning but at least they tried to make their mom happy and just do it. What great kids I have to just smile for the camera. We again visited my friends farm which is just across the road from us. It makes it so easy to just head on over there. I absolutely love this one of the kids. I just want to freeze them at this age. Life is passing me by way to fast, I just want to enjoy this time for a while. The weather was perfect and the fall colors are just beginning to appear. My favorite time of the year.
SidneyShe is loving high school, just finished up Cross Country and is unsure if she wants to do it next year. She always make sure I am taken care of and stills gives me hugs at night. My beautiful, sweet girl. She's the baby of the family & looks forward to get her braces on in Jan...She said since she was the last to get her braces she should be the first to do drivers Ed, that's seem only fair.

Hannah

Hannah I think secretly loved cross country. She improved her time by 2 mins and by the end was running 7min+ miles. She says she is ready for a break. Also loving the freedom of high school. She is the peace maker of our family and can seem to smooth things over when no one is quiet getting me as the Mom. My beautiful brown eye girl.

BaileyAlso did cross country, positive peer pressure. Loved the social aspect of it all, didn't mind running though. She totally loves high school and sometimes has to be reminded to ask before saying yes to anything and everything. Loves early morning seminary, lunch off campus and the whole social aspect that teenage life has to offer. My beautiful green eyed girl.

Parker

He is the stud of the family. Getting ready to start training for rugby, and just enjoying life. His sisters sure adore him and would do almost anything for him. He is my taxi cab driver, since he has his license he drives the girls everywhere...do they even need me? They have all become great friends.
I so love these kids...teenagers....soon to be adults(well at least they think they are)

Opportunities to Do Good

2011-10-06T13:14:00.001-07:00
I believe we have opportuntities to do good each day. We just need to look for that opportunity to serve. I was touched by this community to come together and help each other out.

A Miracle

2011-10-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

This last summer we spent a week in Oregon. We had the opportunity to walk Grandpa's wheat fields. While walking the fields you are looking for wild oats and other weeds that may be trying to hide amongst the beautiful wheat. Very seldom do you find a weed, there fields are immaculate! Such was the case this time. We did not get the chance to pull one weed. I snapped this photo of Bruce and his oldest brother Jay. It has a special place in my heart. This was a little bit of quality time Bruce spent with his brother this last summer, discussing farming. Last year Jay was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Most patients die within the first 3-5 months. Jay has made it past a year. Only 1% of those diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer live past a year. This truly is a miracle we count each day that he is with a blessing. We sure love you Jay. Your always in our thoughts and prayers.

Oh, The Energy

2011-09-24T21:33:00.001-07:00
Oh, if I could have as much ENERGY as my kids...and their friends do. Parker was hanging out with us watching a game and enjoying homemade ice-cream. We were unaware that his friends were decorating the lovely blue van, which Parker is the proud driver of. They did a fabulous job of seran wrap and whip cream.

Notice the fabulous atena and his new towing hitch. Quite the improvement.

The Church is Still True

2011-09-18T09:04:00.001-07:00

Boy, what a game last night. Bruce and I sure enjoyed it:)

Cross Country

2011-09-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

The girls went out for cross country this year. They had their first meet last Friday and did quite well. This was my first official xc meet.It was organized chaos. 12 schools competing and there had to be 1,000 spectators watching.
I only had two spots to get pictures: the 1/2 way mark at about 1.5 miles and then at the finish line. You would think that that would give me enough time to get my camera ready. No. These are 2 highly exposed photos of Hannah and Sidney on their first lap.

Hannah

Sidney

Hannah after her race

Bailey

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Sidney

Bailey first 1/2 of the race

Bailey with friend Kate Hanna

They are now three weeks into the program and I asked they how they are liking it. They enjoy running every day with their friends but not too sure about the meets. I think it is a total social outlet for them. They're having fun! This weeks meet is in Great Fall, Montana.

The beginning

2011-08-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

My girlies are in High School. We had to send them off right. Doesn't everyone need a survival kit when heading out into adventures unknown?

The Reunion

2011-07-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you have 53 people that want to get together...You almost need to rent out a lake. Ok, so we didn't rent the lake just the cabins near the lake. What a beautiful place to spend a few days with family. We minitured golfed,shopped in the little town of Joseph
Made cow cakes and celabrated Sierrah's 15th birthday
played barbies (Ben your such a good dad)
shopped some more
ate some more
paddled around the lake in the rain

roasted marshmellows inside due to the rain
No, a furnace does not work to roast marshmellow, but the kids thought it might.

Poppies

2011-07-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

I just love these flowers. We were out walking in the rain in Joseph, a small town just outside of Wallowa Lake. Just one of the many pictures from the reunion...stay tuned.

He is "GREAT"

2011-07-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

This week we went and spent the day with Melanie, my niece, in Bozeman. She is the oldest grandchild, out of 24 on the Spratling side. Bruce's parents also have 14 great-grandchildren. That means I am Bowen and Ole's great Aunt...I knew I had to be great at something.

She just had Bowen in June and they are doing fabulous.

While we were there we went to the park and had a picnic. We just enjoyed being together. By the end of the day Ole was calling us all by our names, it was Naalee, Baylee, Hannah and Sid. We couldn't get enough of them. I don't think Melanie even got to hold Bo once that day. WE had so much fun. Melanie, Thanks for letting us come and spend the day with you.

our little munchkin

2011-07-11T14:37:00.000-07:00
This sweet little angel came into our life about a year ago and we have been smitten ever since. Her sweet family moved into our ward a year ago. She has two older brothers 2 1/2 and she just turned one. Her mom and I have become good friends. For the past year we have spent our Wednesdays together. Today they came for a visit and we took some fun photos. I just can't get enough of her.

Just a sneak peak into our June

2011-07-09T09:26:00.001-07:00
In the month of June we put over 5000 miles on our van. We visited Idaho 2x, Bear Lake, Utah, Oregon, and drove through Washington, ran a half marathon, enjoyed girls camp, and even walked Grandpa's wheat fields in Oregon.

This is what Bruce did growing up. Hard work yet such a simpler time of life. It is so beautiful and serene up here. The main reason for walking the fields is weeding out anything that doesn't belong.
It is kinda hard to find anything...Grandpa's fields are pretty clean. We did find this..I believe it is rye in amongst the wheat.
our nephew Nick
self portrait
Our own little piece of Heaven

Together Again

2011-06-08T13:54:00.000-07:00
Bear Lake 2009

Every two years we get together for a family reunion with the Spratlings. It all begin 6 years ago with our first reunion in Nauvoo, IL 2005. 2007 was at a cowboy ranch in Oregon, 2009 was in Bear lake and this year we are headed to Wallowa Lake in Oregon.

It will be a fabulous time filled with food, family and FUN!

Rugby

2011-05-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

The scrum

Parker's #8

We went to Missoula two weekends ago to see him and his new found love. What an Event. We are now welcoming Rugby into our family. He absolutely loves it. We are learning all we can about the sport and think we may understand it a bit. With terms like scrum, rucks, and maul it's taking some time to figure it all out.

Last night Bruce and I received a call from Parker's coach informing us that Parker was being rushed to the emergency. He was at practice and during a drill he was tackled by two guys coming from opposite directions. On impact it hyper-extended his knee dislocating it and rendering him crippled. He couldn't move. Needless to say he was in excruciating pain. The ambulance came and took him to the emergency. Upon arriving they gave him morphine. Within minutes he was requesting something stronger. After administering a dose of dilaudid, a drug 7x stronger than morphine, they took him to x-ray. Nothing was broken, the knee cap had just been moved to the side of his leg...OUCH! They told him they could just push it back into place.
Parker immediately asked if he could be knocked out. .They prepped him, told him the risks that he could stop breathing (what!?!?!). They told him he would be out for a few minutes and they could pop it back in, another OUCH! With that, I knew he was in good hands, and of course I didn't want to watch so I left the room.
Minutes later he was back to both knees facing forward. I didn't get a picture of him being perfect again, by this time Parker just wanted to go home....ME TOO:)

Needless to say it is the end of his Rugby season for this year:(

Efficient

2011-02-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

I have always like to think of myself as efficient, able to get many things done at one time and hopefully do it well. I thought I was efficient at my school work, my job and even my home life. At some times you might even say I became obsessed with it, always trying to do multiple things at once and hoping they all turn out.

In 1997

I learned that not only could I do multiple things at one time but that that would become my norm. When blessed with four children,two and under, we've learned that doing everything at once would be our way of life.

Fast-forward fourteen years. I love February: We begin celebrating birthdays with not only one cake but in mass production. WE usually have some form of cheese cake, a chocolate creations, and then of course two other decadent cakes or maybe a pie. The kids try to find something different than their siblings which means dessert heaven for all of us. Parker's request this year is Berry Cheesecake. Sisters are still undecided. They would love a creation from their cousin Sarah but since she is 700+ miles away we'll have to improvise.

Parker is turning 16 this year. He will be ordained a priest that following Sunday. My heart fills with joy as I look at what a fine young man he has grown up to be. He currently measures in at 5"10' and sometimes Bruce even feels like he is looking up to him.

Bailey, Hannah and Sidney will be 14. Oh how fast the time has flown (i need to come up with a new phrase) They are such beautiful young women that is why I am anxious that they will be able to attend church dances...Hopefully Parker will stay close and be their body guard.

They are all becoming great friends and it warms my heart to see them interact. I am trying to enjoy every minute since the empty-nester stage is approaching at speeds that I cannot control. I remember when people would comment that they wanted to freeze time and just be able to enjoy this time of their life. I now know what they mean and find all too often that that is my one wish and desire.

I found a quote that President Uchtdorf said in Nov. 2010 conference and it has become one of my favorite, "There is a beauty and clarity which comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions." I have learned to simplify my life and then commit to what remains. I am learning that it doesn't have to be hard.

Life is good:)

Happy New Year

2011-01-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

"I pray that we might treat each other with more kindness, more courtesy, more humility and patience and forgiveness”
(Howard W. Hunter, 6 June 1994).

For me, I can't think of a better way to start off the new year. May you find happiness in the simple things and joy in everyday life.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve Country Style

2010-12-24T14:00:00.000-08:00
.
Our good friends, the Asay's, invited us over for hot chocolate with marshmallows and cookies.

first we had to roast the marshmallows.
Parker and his friend David getting the fire nice and hot.

It was quite the fire!

Since the fire was an inferno it was hard to even get close without singeing your eyebrows. Parker made a good attempt at trying to roast a marshmallow for his Mom.This is what happens when the marshmallow bag is taken away from the Marshmallow keeper.
Once returned all is well.
Sweet Alex is up for the holidays to spend Christmas with Grandma.
Hannah and Dad staying warm by the fire
Little Heidi catching some zzzz's on the sleigh ride.
While roasting marshmallows you must be outfitted in the right gear. I love the boots Kristen.

It was a fabulous Christmas Eve morning spent with dear friends.

Finallly #4

2010-11-06T17:50:00.000-07:00
Miss Bailey
FAll 2008
Hannah Sidney and Bailey

FAll 2010

Sidney Bailey Hannah

happy that she would pose for the pictures.

# 3 of the fam

2010-11-04T11:47:00.000-07:00
So, you may be getting tired of our family photo shoot but I'm doing it for me and yes it gives me something to blog about. Also to have updated pictures of all of my lovely chillins in my blog. It is amazing to me that in just two short years my girls are almost as tall as me but that's not hard when one is 5'4". It's just fun seeing them turn into young adults.

Hannah Fall 2008
Fall 2010

Bailey chose to opt out of taking photos on this day so only two girlies. She just wasn't up to "taking a million and one pictures"...again.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T21:40:00.001-07:00
This was taken in years past but I absolutely love how the moon is peering through our tree. Spooky!We made yummy treats. Our halloween would not be complete without making grandmas yummy bars and
the best ever sugar cookies
Sidney Bailey and Hannah carved pumpkins.

Sidney made a witch and hannah's was just the eyes & nose
Bailey's

The highlight is roasting the pumpkin seeds, YUM!

Hope you all had a Fabulous Halloween spending time with the fam.

More of the fam

2010-10-29T16:25:00.001-07:00
Parker's turn

Fall 2008

FAll 2010

This one is my favorite

More photos

2010-10-29T08:29:00.000-07:00
A fun fall evening, the colors were fabulous and the family was perfect. It was sweet Abigail's birthday to boot. Not an ideal way to spend your birthday but at least a few photos to remember the day. Just a side note we get to spend Thanksgiving with these cute little ones each year.

New after Two

2010-10-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Finally after 2 years I am updating the kiddos pictures. I can't call them kiddos anymore since they are offically teens now. They have all changed quite a bit. Go figure. They look just a little different than they did at 11. Sidney was in the mood for a photo shoot, so we headed over to our friends farm. I just want to freeze time, they are growing up to fast. At least I can cherish these memories for today. More to come next week...that is if I can pin the rest of them down. One down...3 more to go.

FALL 2008

FALL 2010

Truly a Blessing

2010-10-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Today I went to lunch with some dear friends. We try and get together every couple of months. They are the friends that I met when I first moved to Montana. We were all in such a different stage of life 10 years ago. Ten years ago we all had little ones running around our ankles. We were trying to figure out when we would get in our daily shower, wondering what we were making for dinner that night, wondering how we were going to make it through the day and so excited that we had two play groups planned for that week; not for the kids to play but to have some adult conversation with another adult.

Today we met at a restaurant and our topic of conversation was on how do we should live in the moment and our thoughts were on how we don't have much time left with our kids at home. To contrast the then and now; We weren't trying keep track of any of our kids...due to the fact that they are all in school. We had all showered for the day and about the only thing that hadn't changed was I still am wondering what I am making for dinner tonight.
How did the past 10 years fly by so fast. How did my kids get so big right before our eyes.

We enjoyed an afternoon of catching up, laughing, discussing many of the conference talks and trying to find a happy medium. Elder Christoffersons Being in the moment, Pres. Ucthdorf counsel about slowing down, Sis. Wixom about teaching now, what our kids will need to know in 5 years. Elder Holland's on gratitude, Elder Lawrence on how to raise our teenagers. I loved all the fabulous counsel and can't wait to try and implement it into life.

Life is good:)

Back to School...already?

2010-08-26T12:01:00.000-07:00
This summer has just flown by. It seems like we just began our summer holiday and it is time to say good-bye. I believe,for the first time, I am sad to see my kids go back to school. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together this summer. I am looking forward to the uninterrupted computer time, the many project I have planned but not the empty house...I will miss them. Funny how it just seems like just yesterday I had four little ones the oldest being two, kids always under my feet, total amount of sleep per night was 3-4 hours, wondering when I was going to get my next shower and never a minute to myself. How my life has changed. This morning everyone got themselves ready for school, no one needed my help (it was kind of sad) I did make them a yummy delicious breakfast of hot pancakes with homemade syrup; I might as well be useful in some way. After breakfast Parker consented to letting me photograph him and we were able to capture their first day of school in their scrapbook. They didn't even need me to drive them to school Parker offered. It's a little sadright after breakfast this morning
Parker going into 10th grade . already tired and he hasn't even started school

Bailey 8th grade
Sidney
Hannah

This summer our group dynamics was quite different than years past. Instead of all four of the kids being home, I was lucky if I even had two of them at one time. Parker worked full time for a landscaper doing everything from digging trenches to pouring concrete. Sometimes he would leave as early as 7:30am and sometimes not get home until dinner time. He worked hard.

The girls, when not babysitting or with friends, enjoyed time at home. I'm starting to get glimpses of when we are empty nesters and not looking forward to it. It's been fun to have someone to bake with, watch movies with and go shopping with.

Highlights:

for the girls
Anne of Green Gables Marathon (while Parker was @ work)
their garden, not sure they enjoyed the work but we are now enjoying the produce
cousins coming to visit
girls camp
trip to Island Park and the Play mill

for Parker
High adventure @ k-m a week of backpacking, bike riding,
Overnight with scouts @ Devil's canyon
EFY @ BYU-Idaho (loved the freedom)
Parker selling his Pig @ fair
working (he loved to be busy)

for me
marathon movies with the girls
making treats with the girls
minute chats with Parker
date nights with Bruce
my sister and her kids coming to visit
grandma and grandpa coming to visit during fair
the sunsets
the nightly rain showers

The Joys of Summer

2010-07-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of this summer is getting out and enjoying nature. Braylie, the girls cousins, came to visit for a week and we enjoyed the great outdoors. The girls are enjoying their new found freedom of staying up late and sleeping in. This is hard for Bruce to understand coming from a farming family with the motto of early to bed, early to rise. He has learned that he can go to bed and still get up at the crack of dawn while his sweet girls slumber in their beds. Their new found pleasure continued while we were camping. Bruce and I enjoyed sitting by the fire while the girlies played games in the camper. We went to bed while they continued to talk to all hours. Bruce and I arose early, went for a morning walk in the woods and returned back to camp without even a stir from the girls. We started breakfast, or so called brunch and they started to move.Welcome to the wonderful world of teenagers. I believe this is preparing us for the next phase of life...empty-nesters.

A bit of Heaven

2010-07-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

The last couple of nights our sunsets have been absolutely breath taking. So vibrant! It has been nice to be able to enjoy them. Our summer has been busy but enjoyable. We have had trips with cousins, girls camp, Parker's high adventure biking and backpacking, youth conference, working, gardening (we harvested some beets the other day), baby blessing, luncheons, camping, weddings and family reunions.

Yellowstone

2010-07-15T09:24:00.000-07:00
The Boiling River

Feeding the wildlife

Sheepeaters Cliff

What do you get when you take eight teenagers, and six kids to Yellowstone...a lot of complaining. This is our 2nd and last annual trip to Yellowstone. We tried to explore the park and enjoy the wonders of nature but we had a lot of comments from the kids: "Are we there yet".... With two cars and twenty five people (it looked like the scene at the circus when all of the clowns get out of the little car) it was a major event just to go anywhere. The kids were excited to be with their cousins, not walking around. The best part of the trip was the boiling river, roasting marshmallows, seeing a black bear, and just chill'in with the cousins.

Summertime Adventures

2010-07-15T09:05:00.000-07:00
We have been enjoying this summer. We met up with my 2 older brothers and their family in Yellowstone. Just a few highlights
Sheepeaters Cliff

Goldengate
Mammoth Hot Springs

who'd of thought

2010-06-17T19:15:00.000-07:00
the past couple of nights I have been going door to door, (no, I am not an avon lady) getting people to sign the repeal for the medical marjauan act. As of 2006 we, here in big sky country, you can, if you feel inclined legally smoke marjuana. You just have to put the magical word in front of it, MEDICAL, and you may do as you wish. We need 5% of registared voters to sign the petition in order to have the motion put back on the Nov. ballot to once again have marjuana noticed as an illegeal drug. Who'd have thought that I would even be blogging about this. The federal government says that Marjuana is an illegeal substance and hopefully soon Montana will once again have that same view.

Traditional Mother's Day Weekend

2010-05-08T19:35:00.000-07:00
The girls and I began our first race together back in 2006. It has become an annual tradition we share with our friends...and 8,000 others. They are great friends from our ward and all of the girls have grown up together. It's a 2 mile run in downtown Billings. It has been fun to compare our times and see how we have improved. The best part of the race is when we meet for breakfast afterwards.

Welcome Little One

2010-04-24T16:03:00.000-07:00
I became a new auntie a few weeks ago. Adam and Eve just welcomed little Lydia to their family. We went down to spend the week with them for Spring Break. Bruce and Parker skied while the girls and I enjoyed playing with the girlies. Sweet Lydia is just 2 days old here.

These little piggies

2010-04-22T09:55:00.001-07:00
We do not have an excuse for our brief hiatus; just that we have been living life and Parker has been taking care of pigs. This little piggy came home with us.
this little piggy is the same
These two piggies are brother and sister
This little piggy is just thirsty (Parker's piggy again)
This little piggy is hungry
and this little piggy is perfect in every way...This is the little one that Parker picked to raise for the fair. He doesn't want to name it so the girls have lovingly named him Wilbur

Birthday Wishes

2010-02-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Ladies! My girls are no longer kids anymore. They have entered the teenage phase. They have grown into beautiful young women. They celebrated their 13th birthday with friends, yummy treats and chocolate of course.

Fabulous Fifteen

2010-02-21T21:58:00.000-08:00

Not everyone can say that they were serenaded on their fifteenth birthday. Can you only imagine Parker's sheer delight. To give you a little background: On Valentine's Day the high school has a fund raiser where you can send a singing telegram to that someone special. The kids in choir then deliver it. Three of Parker's friends are in choir and they decided to send him one. It was from Disney's Enchanted "How will she know". They embarrassed him on Valentine's in front of his Science class with the singing. On his birthday these same friends decided to perform it again with the encouragement of the rest of his friends and of course me. I recorded it but am not having luck putting it on the blog so until I figure it out I just have to put this one picture to capture the pure JOY on Parker's face, it says it all. Happy Birthday Bud!

Snow is everywhere

2010-02-18T08:17:00.000-08:00

Everything was dusted in white this morning. We received another inch of snow last night. So I decided to incorporate the snow theme into the birthday treats. They turned out yummy. We made double the batch so we could all enjoy them too. We are just getting in the creating mode for this weekend. The girls want one monster cake; 4 layer whopper cake. We made it last year but only did two layers. Parker wants cheese cake. It will be a sweet weekend.

Just for You

2010-02-13T21:15:00.000-08:00
We just want to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day, to all of those we love. Since we didn't know which one to send; just pick the one you want and know that we made it with love. If there is not one that best suites you, then you can just go and make your own and pretend it is from us. Love and kisses.

Happy Sweets Day

2010-02-13T20:35:00.000-08:00
Look what I made for my Valentine's this year. A friend gave me the recipe. Chocolate Truffles: Crushed up Oreos mixed with cream cheese and dipped in light and dark chocolate - a heart attack in a box. They turned out yummy delicious. How do I know? I had to sample them again, and again, and again. This box was for Bruce and the kids each got a little bag. I don't believe they were too happy with just several in a bag, but they can share with their dad (that is if he hasn't shared them all with me).

Winter

2010-02-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

The longest time for snow to remain on the ground in Montana is 174 days; we are at 140 days and counting. I love the earth covered in a blanket of white....it is a lot better than what we usually have: BROWN. The down fall is that it covers up tracks when someone decides to break the review window of your minivan.
Last Monday I arrived home to find Parker's mode of transportation had been violated. Someone threw a 3 inch piece of concrete through the window!?!? We live out in the country, not in a major crime city. Oh well I guess it can happen anywhere. WE only wish they had thrown it at the windshield since it is already chipped and cracked from rocks. Oh well, all is well now and Parker has a lovely brand spank'in new 1996, heated rear view window. It is mighty fine.

Some say hello and I'll say goodbye

2010-01-27T16:06:00.000-08:00
Today was filled with many appointments; for some it was sweet and for others it was painful. @8:30 Hannah was fitted with her braces and at 8:40 Parker's were taken off. Parker finished up at 9:45 sporting his new smile, quite handsome. I transported him back to the high school then returned to the orthodontist to get Hannah back to school. She chose the brilliant blue band and is now ready to face anything.Parker 22 months earlierNotice the basket of treats that the Dr. sent him home with...he did include a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Christmas Eve @ our house

2010-01-07T21:45:00.000-08:00

This is the only photo really of our Christmas. The pre-pajama one...and no I did not get one of them in their new jammies. It was a quick (therefore the out of focus effect) take it now, we will always have choice memories, photo. Thanks to editing you can almost feel the excitement. New pj's is always the highlight of the night after the traditional smorgasbord feast and Luke 2 reading of our Saviors birth.

Two new items added to this year smorgasbord...a Chinese/fiesta twist to the feast we added egg rolls and mini tacos we are trying to represent every country. They were a hit...don't knock it 'til you've tried it.

What a difference a year makes

2009-12-22T20:34:00.000-08:00
Last year @ this time we were snowed in...

This year BHRRRR!

we froze for several weeks with the high being -5 on most days. It has warmed up and the snow has melted and now we are just hoping to be able to travel to Oregon after Christmas.
Bruce has not been home to Oregon for two years. He's ready for some quality bonding time with his brothers.

What can you do with a garbage can, 2 ladders and snow....

2009-12-15T20:30:00.000-08:00

Build your own terrain park. We received about five inches of snow the past few days and Parker put it to good use. (No broken bones so far:)

November - December update

2009-12-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Blogger discretion is advised
****It is the hunting season and of course I have to post Parker's find. So if you are not fond of dead things just scroll down to the bottom of my post and fore go the hunting drama. But for grandpa's pleasure we have to post these beauties.

November - The hunt is over..

Parker and Bruce were able to spend a lot of time together this fall. From drivers ed. (which Parker has successfully completed)to hunting. They did a lot of male bonding.

December - We have had freezing temperatures. You would think that by now, after living here for 9 winters, we would be use to it. When the high for the day is -5 I don't think I'll ever adjust. At least it's pretty and white.

Saturday - Parker and I went Skiing for the first time this season. (Parker skied with his friends and I enjoyed a book and visiting with another mom in the Lodge). The high was 4 and that did not include the wind chill, just way too cold for me. Parker loved it and was able to try out his new snowboard he bought. Oh to be a teenager again, um' I'll pass.

We're enjoying the holiday season. We enjoyed our first batch of English toffee today and look forward to many more.

19 Years and 4 Children Ago

2009-11-23T09:54:00.001-08:00
we had no cares in the world, just puffy sleeves and mile high hair. Happy Anniversary Love.

So Long

2009-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00
The girls managed to make yummy sugar cookies. Between all of us they did not last long. These were the only pictures we took of Halloween this year
one of Pedro going off to a friends party. We use to get together with our friends and enjoy the evening of Halloween. Our girls joined us at our party but Pedro was off with his friends. OK so it was just a few doors down from where we were - it was a much cooler party then ours was. In a few years Bruce and I will be chillin by ourselves on Halloween night...We won't think about that now.

Our little Boo

2009-10-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

My brother Johnny and his wife April just welcomed little Mackay into their family yesterday. Congratulations

Happy Haunting

2009-10-21T10:44:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year. I think I love Halloween because it is the kick-off to all of the other holidays. We have a fun tradition of getting together with friends and having scones and pumpkin butter and of course all the candy you can eat. I am looking for other yummy treats to enjoy that night. Any favorites you have? Please share.

When it Rains it Pours

2009-10-19T19:18:00.000-07:00
In our family we have never been one for doing things one at a time. When we decided to have another child we had three. When one of them got sick they would all join in on the band wagon. When the girls were little we never just had one ear infection they were all too generous and would always share, if you can do that, with each other.

Years ago, twelve to be exact, we were blessed to have such an amazing Dr. She would meet us in the parking lot, so we would not have to unload. She would then diagnose everyone, write each child a prescription, and call it in. We would then go to a drive thru pharmacy and we would head home. It was slick.

Today my children continue to share everything. We have the flu!?!?! It started out with Hannah last Wednesday. Two days into it Parker joined in. This flu is like none other. High temps the highest registering 102.3, hacking cough, sore throat and bouts of chills and sweats. I feel as though I did when the kids were little and living on 4 hours of sleep a night.

Well I went to work today on Cloroxing everything. I was determined to not have it spread. I wiped down all the door knobs, light switches. Everyone has their own hand towel, NO ONE is to share anything! I did four loads of laundry, washed blankets, towels and anything that may have been infected. I was happy to know that I had done all I could.

This afternoon I received a call from Sidney from school and her and Bailey both feel miserable....all my efforts were for naught. I should be proud that my children are so generous and want to share....Not this time.

To update: It is 8:44pm. It has been 6 days since Hannah first showed signs of the flu. She is feeling better and WILL go to school tomorrow. Parker's temp is gone and he wants to go to school tomorrow (he is taking his driving test for his temp, amazing what motivates one to get well). This being day one for Sid and Bailey I hope that by Saturday we will be flu-free. I have forbade Bruce or myself to get it.

2009-10-15T09:35:00.000-07:00
It has been a sad week. This sweet family in our ward just lost their dad in a small plane crash, you can read more about it here, and another family lost their dad to cancer. Both funerals are on Saturday. We are so blessed to have the gospel in our life and to know the plan of salvation. To know that we will be together as families. Our thought and prayers are with both families at this time

Welcome Fall

2009-10-06T05:33:00.001-07:00

No, we have not carved pumpkins this year, not yet. This is from Halloweens past just thought it might get everyone in the mood for FALL. This is my most favorite time of the year. We have been enjoying the cool crisp air.... and snow! The high was 38 yesterday....BHRRRRR! This is a little too cool for me too early in the year. But I do love it when it is time to pull my out my sweaters. Happy Fall.

Another Testament

2009-09-28T12:47:00.001-07:00
This was emailed to me, thought you might enjoy it. I am so looking forward to General Conference this weekend and to hear council from the Prophet and other General Authorities. Have a fabulous week.

With or without Snow

2009-09-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Snowboarding Season is just around the corner. It is never too early to work on your snowboarding skills.

Getting an Education

2009-09-09T11:02:00.001-07:00

With the crispness of Fall in the air we head back to school. Not only did the kids prepare for a new year of learning but I myself was able to enjoy cracking the books so to speak at BYU's Education Week. It was a great week of learning "how to" on many subjects - from being a better parent to organizing my home. I learned more about the Willie/Martin Handcart Co. as well at why my mind and Bruce just don't work the same way...which to point out is a very good thing. I learned how to speak more effectively in church (I don't have to put this into action any time soon). I also learned where they make the best malts in Provo, where the Cafe' Reo is located and what is fabulous on the menu (we ate there several times). I also learned that one chocolate mint brownie, while on campus, is just not enough. I also received an education on when to and not to exit Provo. I am so not use to having to sit at a light while it changes from red to green and back to red again. We just don't have these customs in Montana or should I saw we don't have enough stop lights to impliment these customs.

It was a fabulous week of learning and eating out. The only down side is I did not get a chance to visit with my dear friends in Utah.

back to school...just a little late

2009-09-07T20:59:00.000-07:00
I looked at the last time I posted and it has been over a month...We have just been liv'in life...i'll update soon. School pictures to be posted soon.

He's Smok'in

2009-07-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Bruce treated us to a delicious meal of smoked ribs. He has wanted a smoker since we've been married and finally after 18+ years bought himself one. A month ago our ward had a class for all those interested in learning how to smoke meats...I guess you could call it "enrichment for men". He learned a lot and had to try it out on us. He researched different rubs(seasonings) and tried two out on the family. We are hooked. It was divine, absolutely delicious. Parker's comment, better than Famous Dave, and that's saying a lot since that's his favorite place for ribs. Bruce wants to smoke something every Saturday. I'm all for it...I told him he could cook every night if he wanted to. Scrumdidlyumptious

The Simple Life

2009-07-12T22:48:00.000-07:00
I have escaped from the cyber world and for the past several weeks been living life in the real world. We had an event filled June, our July has proven to be much slower. Parker leaves for scout camp at 3:45am tomorrow morning...still dark and very early. The girls and I are working on fun house projects this week, painting our new office/scrapbooking room, staining the deck and then enjoying fun girly time. Here is a few things we've been able to enjoy during the month of July
Bailey and I hiking in Big Sky

our neighbors spraying their new crop of corn

enjoying an evening bike ride

.."girls like guys with skills"...trampoline jumping skills.

Highlights of Bear Lake

2009-06-17T20:13:00.001-07:00
Tuesday: Minnetonka Caves

Wednesday: The Lake

What Happened to June?

2009-06-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

We have been busy with Life and not much time to blog. Last weekend we went to Big Sky, Montana and enjoyed the weekend with some friends. We attended a little branch which doubled in size when we arrived. It snowed every night and melted of by noon so we could enjoy hiking,
four-wheeling and just relaxing. Monday we are heading to Bear Lake, Utah with Bruce's family for his family reunion.
Then continuing on to Salt Lake to meet up with my family for a few days. When we get back on Sunday, (father's day) the girls and I pack and head out for girls camp on Monday until Friday.
then June is over. July promises to be much slower:) We'll have a lot to blog about when we return.

The Graduate

2009-05-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Parker's last day at his beloved, Elder Grove. He is graduating from eighth grade. How the years have passed. Oh my little boy has grown up.

Someday I'll be Famous

2009-05-18T09:46:00.000-07:00
Sidney is reading the book Yours Truly, Anne Frank. She was reading me a part in it that said Anne frank is famous because of her diary. We would not know much about her if she had not written in her diary. Then she proceeds to tell me, "One day you are going to be famous because of your journal mom, and all those scrapbooks you do, they are going to make us, (her and the kids) famous because they will know so much about us." She was totally serious.

I never knew. All those hours of scrapbooking will pay off. Let me remind you that Anne did not become famous until after she was gone. Oh, well someday I'll be famous.

She has Arrived

2009-04-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

She's SOME PIG!

Two weeks ago Parker and Bruce went to the auction in Huntly, Montana. It is about an hour Northeast of Billings. This was Parker's first time at a an auction. He learned a lot and picked out his choice of the top four pigs. This pig was his #1 choice. He had 20 other people bidding against him but he was the last one standing. Way to go bud. She weighed in at 75 this week. By the time Fair comes around in August he should be up to around 270lbs, we're hoping.

She is a gild, which in pigology is a female pig. In the past Parker has always raised a burrow, (a male pig). To educate all those that are interested (pigology 101) she is a Yorkshire/Hemp cross. More Hemp, that is why she's black with a white belt.

We have been trying to think of a name. Bailey came up with a great one: Barbie Q. Parker states that he doesn't want to name her. Any great ideas?

Just to reassure all of you that we are safe up here in Montana from the swine flu. I believe this is how it is passed and I assure you we have kept clear of this kind of contact.

Happy Birthday My Love

2009-04-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Bruce shares the same birthday month as his older brother, David, who just turned 50. His fabulous kids did such an awesome tribute for their dad David, I truly love the idea so I hope you don't mind that I am stealing it. (Thanks Amie).

Happy 42nd Birthday Dad! 42 reasons why we love our dad -

1. Have the patients of a Saint. - Mom
2. He's a good baseball player. - Hannah
3. He makes me laugh. - Bailey
4. Takes care of our cars. - Mom
5. Tells me he loves me every night. - Sidney, Mom
6. After each volleyball game he tells me how good I did and what I can do to be better. - Sidney
7. Loves to be home with the family. - Mom
8. He plays baseball with me. - Sidney, Parker
9. Makes memorable weekends with the kids while I am off scrapbooking - Mom
10. Enjoys his Thanksgiving dinner. While everyone else is done eating he is still buttering his mashed potatoes. - Mom
11. He encourages me. - Sidney
12. Is meticulous when hanging a picture. - Mom
13. He laughs with me. - Sidney
14. Likes to play sports with us. - Bailey
15. I can always trust him, he's honest - Hannah
16. Gives me flowers - just because. - Mom
17. He listens to me. - Sidney
18. Love to go hunting with him. - Parker
19. Sleeps out on the tramp with the kids. - Mom
20. Provides for us. - Mom, Hannah
21. Loves to tickle me. - Bailey
22. He gives me father's blessings. - Sidney
23. He loves to watch Kong Fu Panda with us. - Hannah
24. He always tries to come to our games to support us. - Hannah
25. He reads the scriptures with the family in the mornings. - Sidney
26. He prays with me every night. - Sidney
27. Loves to watch movies with us. - Bailey
28. Honors his priesthood. - Mom
29. He listened to my Chief Joseph presentation. - Sidney
30. He's AWESOME! - Hannah
31. Goes snowboarding with me. - Parker
32. Takes us camping. - Bailey
33. Serves diligently in the church. - Mom
34. Makes yummy food, especially pancakes! - Bailey
35. Helped me pick out Mother's Day gift. - Sidney
36. Helps me take care of my pig. - Parker
37. He's HOT! - Hannah
38. Taught me how to drive the riding lawn mower. - Sidney
39. Helps me make my bed. - Hannah
40. Likes to spend time with us. - Bailey
41. Helps me with my home work. - Hannah
42. He gives me hugs and kisses every night. - Sidney

Since we couldn't fit it all in to just 42 reasons here are two more for good measure

43. Listens to my comments about movies. - Sidney
44. Comes to our sport games. - Bailey, Parker

We love you Dad. Hope you have a fabulous birthday.

Farm Life

2009-04-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks we have enjoyed our mornings feeding baby lambs. Every year our dear friends pick up anywhere from 10-14 bum lambs and raise them. In the first stages they have to bottle feed the lambs every 4-6 hours. It is quite an ordeal. This year Hannah, Sidney, and I wanted to help with the 6am feeding. Every morning bright and early we headed over to our friends farm and enjoyed feeding each lamb a bottle. With four of us we were done in no time. Especially when we would sometimes feed two at a time. The lambs have now moved on and do not require bottle feedings. It was fun enjoying farm chores while they lasted. Next week Parker picks up his pig and we will be back to taking care of animals for a while. Truthfully, I think I am enjoying this farm life.

update

2009-04-08T20:39:00.000-07:00
We are all alive! doing well and staying busy. Thurs we are getting carpet in the basement and the girls are so excited to start moving into their new rooms. Friday we are all going to the temple as a family. It is the girls first time, they are so excited to do baptisms. These past coulple of weeks we have had the fun opporunity of feeding our friends lambs in the morning. I have some pictures that I'll post later. But for now you can enjoy a fun video of the lambs at my friends blog.

Bi-annual Renewal

2009-03-30T07:52:00.000-07:00
Every April and November I look forward to watching General conference. It is a time for me to break away from my daily routine. A time to watch TV for 8 hours and not feel guilty. A time to focus on what really matters and receive instruction on how to improve myself. And most important an opportunity to listen to our living prophet and receive counsel on what the Lord would have us do. Elder Paul V. Johnson said, in Conference, October 2005

"Decide now to make general conference a priority in your life. Decide to listen carefully and follow the teachings that are given. Listen to or read the talks more than once to better understand and follow the counsel. By doing these things, the gates of hell will not prevail against you, the powers of darkness will be dispersed from before you, and the heavens will shake for your good."
"The Blessings of General Conference", Ensign, Nov. 2005

What a powerful promise.

Enjoy Conference this weekend. Whether it be to relax, lift your spirits, or if nothing else to watch 8 hours of TV without the guilt.

The Finishing Touches

2009-03-18T09:05:00.000-07:00
It has been a few weeks since the girls rooms were painted. We are waiting to lay the carpet - hopefully soon. They picked bright, fun colors. I usually pick the paint colors and then convince them that that is what they want. This time I decided to let them have full range. It looks like rainbow sherbet at the end of the hallway, bright, fun and colorful. All the electrical work is up and running. It is so fun to actually flip the switch and have light. Bruce did a great job. Not too much longer and then my little ladies can move into their little kingdom.

A drive through Paris...

2009-03-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

It was our Spring Break this week. So many possibilities and so many places to visit. We decided to visit Paris.

The tabernacle was amazing. With not much else to see in Paris, IDAHO we continued on to Bear Lake, Utah our final destination.
We met up with most of my siblings and their family for a weekend of eating, sledding, snowboarding, movies and late nights. It was so fun to visit until all hours and enjoy yummy, delicious food. It was a great way to spend our Spring Break. PS. We missed you Grandma and Grandpa, Stephanie, Nicole and Johnny.

Catchin' Air

2009-02-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

Monday Bruce and Parker hit the slopes. A father-son day off...male bonding. A day on the slopes. Life is good.

2009-02-26T12:57:00.001-08:00

Bathing Beauties

Birthday Celebration

2009-02-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

When celebrating birthdays we do it all at once. Saturday was the day. While Parker and his buddies celebrated with paint balling and pizza the girls had a pool party. Their primary teacher from years past offered her indoor pool. The afternoon was filed with goggles, giggles, gifts and giddy excitement. They feasted on pizza, ice-cream and chocolate cake and even found room for popcorn and treats during the movie. What a fabulous way to enter the tween years.

Birthday Wishes to my sweet little ladies. I love You.
Happy Birthday Bailey
Happy Birthday Sidney

Happy Birthday Hannah

One Year Older and (a wise guy) Wiser too

2009-02-21T21:14:00.000-08:00

Today Parker celebrated his 14th birthday with friends...paint balling:) He didn't want a party, didn't want presents, didn't want cake and ice cream. Just an afternoon with the guys plastering each other with bright florescent, green paint balls. They came back to our house and topped the afternoon off with pizza and chilled. We have arrived at the teenage years. Parker before going to bed tonight said, "Thanks Mom, it was a great birthday". Never have I done so little and had him love it so much. I think I'm getting the hang of this teenage thing...I think?
I sure love this boy. "Happy Birthday Bud"

Therapy Session

2009-02-09T15:34:00.000-08:00
Today I had lunch with my good friends. These are friends that I met when we first moved up here 8 years ago. We started out with a weekly play group since all of our kids were young -mine were 3, 3, 3, and 5. Oh those were the days. Since most of our kids are all in school now it has evolved into getting together every couple of months for lunch at someones house. Today's topic ranged from religion to world affairs. When seven women get together who knows what the topic of conversation will be or how many different topics we will explore. Somewhere in between those diverse topics I felt joy. The joy one feels when you know that what you have to say is important and that someone wants to listen. The kind of joy one feels when you have friends that love you and care about you. The joy that one feels when you have received an answer to your question. The joy one feels after eating chocolate:) (we had some for dessert). The joy one feels when you know others support you. The joy one feels when you know you are not alone. I am so grateful for my friends. Those I had lunch with today as well as those far away who live in my blog world and I can keep in touch with them and their lives. I can't imagine my world without friends. I am so blessed.

I think Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best "It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."

The Simple Life

2009-02-03T13:41:00.001-08:00

The other morning I awoke, we read as a family and the kids headed off to school. The sun was just coming up what a beautiful sunrise. Oh, it's good to be ALIVE!

Birthday Wishes

2009-01-29T13:29:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law, April. April is married to my youngest brother, Johnny. They have two beautiful children: Gennovah and Boston. We don't get to see them as often as we would like since there is 534 miles between us. Hope you have a fabulous day. We send our love from the big sky in Montana. Hugs and kisses. We love you.

Progression

2009-01-20T10:16:00.000-08:00
The first phase of Bailey's room. It has been fun to see the project evolve from cement, to sheet rock and finally to textured walls.

Before....

This weekends project was the trim. The windows are now framed and all of the doors and baseboards are ready to step out in style. Bruce is learning so much form his cousin Stanley. You did a great job guys. Thanks.

Sunday Mornings

2009-01-16T11:24:00.000-08:00
Our Sundays are a lot more relaxed since we are now on the afternoon, 1:00 schedule. We love it. Finally a day to sleep in. Let me preface this. My love was raised a farm boy and does not believe in sleeping in. He would rather get up early & take a nap in the afternoon (if he needs one) than burn daylight. This particular Sunday Bruce was under the weather so he stay in bed which allowed the rest of the house to sleep in until 8:30 which is unheard of in our house. My kids are just like their Dad and get up most mornings around 6am. On weekends they are usually out of bed by 6:30 or 7 at the latest. That is without the help of an alarm clock. I use to love sleeping in but after 18 years of marriage I am beginning to appreciate the beauty of early mornings.

This last Sunday, since we had more time then we knew what to do with, Parker made us hot cinnamon rolls. He had a little help from Mrs. Rhodes. They tasted delicious! (Note: Parker just loves posing for pictures.)

I love this new found extra time on the Sabbath.
Note: He even waited until the very end to lick the spoon..good job!

Saturdays Project

2009-01-11T09:40:00.001-08:00
We had a total of 8 eight regular doors to hang or I should say, Stanley (Bruce's cousin) did. Bruce watched,assisted and learned much. Bruce loves learning the skill of carpentry. He can use it when we build our next home...I don't think so. Carpentry is a great skill to know but we are not building any time soon. Maybe storage shelves but that's about it. These are the bedroom doors - The closet doors in the girls rooms

It's Christmas Time Again

2009-01-09T18:48:00.000-08:00
This afternoon there was a knock at the door. It was the UPS man. I love getting packages. What could it be? Everything I had ordered for Christmas had all arrived. To my dismay this package was for the kiddos. It was from Grandma and Grandpa Spratling..."THEIR CHRISTMAS P.J.'S!" Since we weren't able to go to the pajamas, the pajamas came to us. It was Christmas all over again. In unison they opened them and in unison they all said, "They are soooooo soft". Immediately the girls rushed off to put them on, mind you it is 3:05 in the afternoon. They have had them on all evening. Parker waited until after dinner. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the Christmas p.j.'s we love getting them every year.

New Beginnings

2009-01-08T20:53:00.001-08:00

It's what most Young Women leaders devote their time to in January. Just a few of my giggly young beehives.
Hard to believethat my girls will make beehive #7, #8 and #9 next month.

Ring Out the Old Ring in the New

2009-01-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

The last of the surviving Christmas treats. You have served us well. You made our holidays oh so sweet and helped us ring in the New Year helping us keep toasty and warm with all that added insulation. It is time for us to say so long, farewell, Auf Weidersehen good-bye.

Hello to anti-oxidants. We are finishing off our Costco crate of pomegranates. They also served us well through the holiday season. They filled our stockings Christmas Eve and made us feel good that we did something right for our bodies amidst the platters of cookies, the mounds of toffee, the pillars of pretzels and the seemingly endless squares of spice cake. I am so glad we made that Costco purchase and chose to eat healthy this holiday season!?!

New Year Wishes for 2009

2009-01-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

A great way to ring in the New Year..

"We can lower our voices a few decibels. We can return good for evil. We can smile when anger might be so much easier. We can exercise self-control and self-discipline and dismiss any affront levied against us.

Let us be a happy people. The Lord’s plan is a plan of happiness. The way will be lighter, the worries will be fewer, the confrontations will be less difficult if we cultivate a spirit of happiness.
Let us work a little harder at the responsibility we have as parents. The home is the basic unit of society." - President Gorden B. Hinckley

Let It Snow?

2008-12-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

(just outside our front door) The only reason we did not make it to Oregon......SNoW!!! Don't get me wrong. We love SnOW. Just not right now! Wouldn't it be nice if we could pick and choose the weather? With icy conditions, closure of many roads and a dismal forecast we did the only safe thing and stayed home, which none of us are happy about. We are sooooo missing all of our family in Oregon, Bruce's brothers wedding and all of the cousins.

Well there's not much else we can do but play in it....
and shovel it.

Christmas Day in our Town

2008-12-24T15:08:00.000-08:00
This morning we awoke to the sights and sounds of Christmas. Santa visited us a day early. Being so far North really pays off. We plan to leave for Oregon tomorrow if the weather cooperates. The kids woke up at various times throughout the night wandering into the living room to see what Santa had left. At one point Bruce got up and found Parker in the living room with all of his presents around him sound asleep. The one thing we told the kids before we went to bed was not to wake us until 7am. They faithfully obeyed this command. Various times throughout the night, they enjoyed going through their stockings and finding the many treasures inside while Bruce and I enjoyed the comforts of our bed. At 7am sharp they woke us and we enjoyed a relaxed morning. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Birthday Wishes

2008-12-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Missy

Happy Birthday to my fabulous friend. I have known Katie for 16 years. I first met her when she was sweet, young, energetic, full of life and an appetite to boot. She could eat me under the Sizzlers table at the all you can eat buffet, that was many young women's camps ago. She is now a busy, crazy, beautiful, quick whit, wife, mother of four beautiful kids and still an appetite that could (i believe) still eat me under the table and yet manages to look fabulous. I love you Katie. Have a fabulous Day. "The birthday card is in the mail (I only sent it yesterday)...talk to your mailman.

On the 5th, 6th and 7th day of Christmas...

2008-12-19T13:49:00.000-08:00
We received more white stuff.
The sheet rockers added to our Christmas CHEER. Thousands of pounds (72 sheets of sheet rock) later our cement walls are no longer naked. It's a festivus miracle!

* Hard to read the labels on the pictures. #1 starting at the left, The hallway into the girls kingdom, 2. Bailey's room. Top right Hannah's room, middle right Sidney's room and bottom right, the girls room side, by side, by side...Sisters:)

One the Second, Third and 4th Day of Christmas...

2008-12-16T12:30:00.000-08:00
My True Love (didn't have anything to do with it) but we received ....Snow and frigid cold temperatures. The past couple of mornings we awoke to -20 and it reached a high of -7. Reportedly these are going to be the temperatures until Christmas.BRrrrrrr!

One the First Day of Christmas...

2008-12-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

My true love gave to me - insulation to help hold in the heat.(Trying to keep with the rhyme of the song, I know pretty bad)

Just a few steps closer to finishing the basement.

The Reason for the Season

2008-12-11T16:08:00.000-08:00
Less than two weeks until Christmas. This is the season I wait all year for. I love this time of year. I share in President Hinckley's thoughts:

"We honor His birth. But without His death that birth would have been but one more birth. It was the redemption which He worked out in the Garden of Gethsemane and upon the cross of Calvary which made His gift immortal, universal, and everlasting. His was a great Atonement for the sins of all mankind. He was the resurrection and the life, “the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:20). Because of Him all men will be raised from the grave.
But beyond this He taught us the way, the truth, and the life. He gave the keys through which we may go on to immortality and eternal life.
We love Him. We honor Him. We thank Him. We worship Him. He has done for each of us and for all mankind that which none other could have done. God be thanked for the gift of His Beloved Son, our Savior, the Redeemer of the world, the Lamb without blemish who was offered as a sacrifice for all mankind."

Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King! Let ev’ry heart prepare him room, And Saints and angels sing. (“Joy to the World,” Hymns, no. 201)

The Perfect One

2008-12-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

If it was up to Parker this is what our tree would look like this year. He was not particularly excited about going and hunting for the perfect tree this year. We have a great artificial one, "so why do we need another one"? I can see his point, but of course, for me, it's all about making memories...traditions. We made hot chocolate, grabbed our gloves and headed to Red Lodge a 45 minute drive away. It took us 15 minutes to find the one and we were back on the road. No sledding this year since there was only a skiff of snow on the ground.

We went with two other famlies. The girls brought their cousin, Aspen, with us. They just moved here from Idaho, they live just 20 minutes South of us. Parker and his buddies, Andrew and David.
On our way home we stopped at the candy store on Main Street to satisfy our holiday sweet tooth...Montana monster fudge.

Thankfulness #5

2008-11-26T20:40:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for.... Bruces' brothers
and all of my great sisters in law. I love that we both come from big families and that there is always something going on from a baby being born to a wedding to just plain getting together.

Thankfulness #5

2008-11-25T07:53:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for... Bruce's parents

I could not ask for better parents. They taught Bruce the importance of hard work, dedication, and taught him gospel principles in which to build a strong foundation. His mother taught him the basic duties of home; to clean, iron, cook in which I am so grateful for(yet if you look at the bottom left corner picture his dad may have taught him a few things). They instilled in him the value of family and to support one another. His parents have seven boys, soon to be 7 daughters-in-law, 24 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Love you Mom and Dad.

Thankfulness #4

2008-11-24T15:09:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for....my kiddos

This is what most of our days are filled with love, peace and tranquility but sometimes we have days like this...
But most days they are kind and think of others. Yesterday Hannah and Sidney made Bruce and I this yummy giant choc. chip cookie for our Anniversary.
Parker always watches out for me. He is concerned if I seem over worked. One day while I was working at the school and unable to have dinner on the table when Bruce got home from work; he told me that I should just focus on being at home and not worry about helping out at the school..so sweet! Or was it just that I didn't have dinner ready and he was focusing on what was most important....FOOD:) Bailey just wants to make me happy. One time she was dressed just a little to casual for school Bruce and I refer to it as the "grunge" look, sweats, layered shirts etc. I asked her to change into something more appropriate for school and she just said, "just tell me what you want me to wear". Could everyone just learn this statement, then we would all be happy.Hannah is my little clean - organized - replica of me...is that so bad? If she wants to make me happy she will just go clean something or organize something for me. One day she cleaned out her closet and reorganized it everything in it's place it was a site to behold....maybe soon she will take over the entire house, oh, glorious day.

Sidney is my snuggle bunny. She fills my requirement of hugs for one day all within the first hour of the morning. She is always there with a hug to boost my emotional level.
I love you guys. I feel so blessed to be your mom.

Thankfulness #3

2008-11-23T17:35:00.000-08:00
I am thankful for...He provides for us and loves us. He enjoys just being with the family. He tells me that he loves me daily, treats me like a queen, even when I may be acting like scullery maid. Today we celebrate our 18th Anniversary...6,574 days of eternal bliss! Happy Anniversary Love.