Let Life Begin.... Again...

Tax Season officially ended yesterday...  WHEW!  I'm so glad it's over.  We closed our office at noon and I sprinted through the rest of the day spending most of it with my two beautiful littles.  I picked up Carson from school and Morgan from Celia's and we headed off into the sunset.  Just kidding.  We did spend the day in Idaho Falls running errands I normally don't get to do, visiting and eating out.  It was a great day.  It was such good weather that on the way home, we stopped at the park and the kids played and played.  It was fun to watch them and spend time with them.  They laughed and laughed which is always a wonderful thing.

I am looking forward to the rest of spring and my favorite summer.  I love summer.

As with my title of beginning again, I recently went out on a date.  Can you believe, this mother of two, who is in her 40's was actually asked out on a date?  Well I was, I went and I had a great time.  We have been out a couple of times since and it has been so much fun.  That's all the details I'm gonna give now ;)

2011 – What a wonderful year!

Mom made it through tax season, again!  Carson and Morgan (and Memi) were extremely patient with me as I worked long hours January thru April.  It was a good thing that we live with Memi and Papa.  Memi was and is a lifesaver when it comes to my kids.  I couldn’t do it without her and the kids sure adore her.

January – Carson was recognized at her school assembly during Character Counts spotlight.  She received an award for Responsibility.  She was very excited.

February – Carson and Morgan were involved in a children’s choir during the 2010-2011 school year along with cousins Abby and Sam.  They performed at a concert in February.  They loved singing and performing!

March – We took a little trip to Salt Lake City on our one weekend off during tax season.  It was nice to get away and have fun with the kids.

April – Memi hosted a princess party for the girls!  Max and Morgan did not want to be left out so they were servants who served the food.   So much fun!

May – Carson graduated from Kindergarten!  Both kids performed in their final Choir concert.

We travelled to Illinois for the first time since moving here in 2009.  It was great to see all of our family and friends.  The kids spent time with their Dad, Jordan, Rylee and Cameron.  Morgan spent quite a bit of time out there.  Bryan was out here for a couple of weeks prior to our trip out there and Morgan went back with him.  He loved spending the time with his Dad. 

While we were in Illinois, we attended the annual Memorial Day Breakfast at the Vreeland’s  and scheduled a Girl’s trip (Rylee, Carson & me) to Chicago to visit the American Girl store, get manicures and just have fun (except for when I got lost!)  We stayed with the Drowns’ Family.  It was so good to see everyone - I feel like my heart resides in two places – Idaho and Illinois.    Can’t wait to go back for another visit!  Especially since I wasn’t able to visit everyone – there really needs to be more hours in the day!

Our house in Illinois sold in less than a week after it went on the market.  We were truly blessed to sell it so quickly.

June- we had a great time in Island Park at my Aunt  & Uncle’s cabin.  We have our annual office retreat there on Thursday & Friday morning and then our VanOrden families join us for an extra day and night of fun!  Melissa and Shay came up with their family as well.  It was a lot of fun and the kids look forward to it every year.

July – we had our annual Fourth of July party, hosted by Michelle and Todd.  It was a great time.  Matt provided us with a terrific fireworks show.  We also had our 1^st Annual Layne and Karen Family campout at Palisades!  It was a great time – everyone was there.  Dad rented a camper for us so we were camping in style!  The kids are definitely looking forward to next year.
August – Back to school for my two kiddos!  Carson started first grade with Mrs. Jackson and Morgan started preschool with Miss Amy and Miss Rhonda.  Both love their classes.  I finally got me a DSLR camera!  I have taken so many pictures and need to start sitting down to edit them.  Still looking for the time on that one!

September – Carson celebrated her 7^th birthday.  She had a friend party where we took pictures, had manicures and scrapbooked!

October – We went to Roosevelt, Utah to visit our good friends, the Madsons!  It was awesome to see Scott, Dana, Baylee, Peyton and Millie.  We had a great time.
Morgan celebrated his 5^th birthday.  He was so excited to have a friend party as well. 

November – The kids spent Thanksgiving with their Dad so I spent it with my family.  We had Melissa & Shay AND Matt & Shireen join us for the day.  We ate and ate some great food.  We also played “Do You Love Your Neighbor?” for quite a while.  All the kids were pretty pleased.

December – this month seems to have flown by faster than I would like.  We spent the first weekend in Logan with our good friends the Nobles watching them perform in “Scrooge”.  Our 2^nd weekend we were in Salt Lake visiting my cousin Stacie and her family.  We attended her daughter’s ballet performance in “The Nutcracker” ballet.   We spent Saturday night at Temple Square seeing the beautiful lights with my Mom and Dad, Shireen & girls, and Merritt, Mandee & kids.  It was so crowded but worth the trip.

Update - We met with Dr Wallace Baker (an awesome referral from our good friend Tia Morrell) in Idaho Falls who was able to prescribe some medicine for Carson’s headaches FINALLY.  She has suffered with migraine headaches also known as Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome since she was four years old.  Each episode now lasts three days.  We have always been told she is too young for medication; however, now that she is seven she is on a preventative daily medication as well as something to treat the onset of the headache.  We are hoping and praying this will give her some relief.

We look forward to Christmas every year, we love reconnecting with family and friends.  It is also a special time for our family as we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – to think of our Savior, his example and influence on our daily lives.

Today is December 23, 2011 and as I finally have a moment to sit down and address our Christmas cards, please know our friendship means so much to me – I think of you often.  I just feel like there is not enough time in the day to accomplish all that I have on my task list – however, just knowing we are friends is a big comfort to me.  So if you don’t hear from me as often as I would like, know that I always have a special place in my heart for you!

Happy 2011 and here is to a fabulous 2012!

September 26, 2011

Harvest break started today so Carson and Morgan went to spend the week with their dad.  We went to Wendy's for lunch before the kids left.  Now for a few days without my little munchkins.  I miss them like crazy when they are gone.

Wendy's is our favorite place...

Getting ready to go!

September 25, 2011

Today we celebrated Caden's 5th Birthday.  The weather was beautiful and it was a great day to get together with family and just relax and have a great time.  The kids always have fun when we get together.... Love our family.

Opening Presents

His favorite present, a giant stuffed bear

His cake, it read "Stinky Broncos, Cool Raiders"...  you
can tell he is a big Raiders fan.

Get ready to make a wish.

Right after the pinata broke.

Each trying to get their own part of the goods.

Everybody loves to
beat on Uncle Merritt

Hangin' out with the cousins.

More piling on Uncle Merritt

It never ends... :)

September 24, 2011

Today while I was helping Carson clean up her room, I found some money in the garbage.  Upon further examination, I noticed it was torn.  I asked Carson about the money and she was really sad.  She thought that if the money ripped, there wasn't anything she could do except for throw it away.  I promptly pulled it out and showed her how we can fix the money so that it is still usable.  Problem solved and little girl happy again with her $6..

Money prior to surgery

Reunited with their owner, so happy together!

September 23, 2011 - We love football

Especially Snake River High School football.  We love to go the games and cheer on our hometown team.  Carson likes to see all of her of her friends and socialize.  Morgan likes to sit with mom and watch the game.  He loves football.  This was the first of many games we went to this season.

Today, I received my new camera in the mail...  I was so excited to use it!  I took it to the game to try it out.  I didn't take any pictures of the football game; however, I got some good shots of the band.  It was pretty eventful because Snake River hasn't had a marching band for about 10 years.  Mr Brady, the band teacher, was instrumental in getting it started up again.  Tonight the band performed for the first time.  They did a great job.  The kids sure enjoyed the game and the band.

Getting ready for the game.

The Marching Band performing... for the 1st time!

September 17, 2011 - Spud Days, Spud Days

We have a tradition of going to Spud Days in Shelley with Shireen and her girls.  We start out the day by attending the parade and watching Taysa perform with her dance team.  She did so good and we are so proud of her.  We then went on a detour to "The Ribbon Retreat" to do a little shopping.  We then went to the rest of Spud Days.  We got some yummy food, shopped and let the kids play on the slides and even a little face painting to end the day.  It was a nice day and not too hot.  We love hanging out with Shireen, Taysa, Brookie and Cloe.  Thanks for the great day.

Waiting for the parade (and the candy) to begin

Taysa with Elite Studio's Dance Team

Mr Spud

Carson, Cloe and Morgan waiting in line for the slide

Brookie and Carson

Taysa after the parade

Carson, Cloe and Morgan deciding if
they really want to come down...

Cloe first

Go Carson

Morgan running and trying to make a
hoop while being tied to the back of the
runway.

My Dragon and my Tiger

September 16, 2011 - Goin to the Eye Doctor

Today was Carson's yearly check up with our eye doctor.  She loves going to the doctor, especially Dr Cody. I just wish she would love wearing her glasses as much!  She has glasses but rarely wears them.  She has an astigmatism and is supposed to wear glasses but she always has some excuse not to...  She does like her check ups though!

Looking through ...

Doing the paperwork, taking blood pressure

Reading the "funky" book

September 15, 2011 - Morgan Going to Celia's

Morgan loves going to his daycare.  He will ask me on the weekends if he gets to go to Celia's.  She is so good with my kids and my kids lover her kids.  I usually walk Morgan into her house but today he decided he was big enough to walk in by himself so I had to take a picture.  I love my little man!

September 14

I ordered my new camera today!!!!  So excited.  Thanks Amazon for the great deal.  I ended up getting a couple of extras with it...  Can't wait to get it and start learning how to use it.  If you thought I was annoying before, wait until you see me now.  I'm gonna be taking pictures of everything.

Worked all day and went to meetings tonight.  Busy busy.

No pics today; hopefully when I get the new camera there will be plenty!

September 12

Happy Birthday to my Dad today.  He is my hero.  I love my Dad and am so glad my kids and I get the chance to live with him and my mom.  We have been on several adventures from Idaho to Illinois and back several times.  He is always a good sport and has helped me in so many ways.  I have truly enjoyed our time we have spent together and look forward to many more years. 

Daddy and me - I was around 18 - 20 months.

At my wedding.

He is really good with my kids - he can make them laugh like no one else. They love to cuddle with him on the couch and watch television. Morgan loves to help Papa outside. 

Riding the 4-wheeler with Papa in 2007.

Yesterday, my sister, Michelle, was admitted to the hospital because she couldn't breath.  Come to find out she has pneumonia and an infection in the lining around her lungs.  She was in so much pain she couldn't even breath.  I feel so bad that she has to go through this.  They were able to drain the infection from her lungs.  She is still in the hospital today and hopefully she will be able to come home tomorrow.  It is driving her crazy because she likes to be busy all.the.time. and when you are in the hospital, you are very limited in what you can do. 

Michelle - Christmas 2009

Michelle and I - June 2011

It was extremely difficult for me to find a picture of us together...  Guess what we are gonna start doing Michelle?  Yep, your favorite thing - taking pictures and I won't take no for an answer!

It is scary having her in the hospital.  I know she is okay now, but it makes me really appreciate the time that we have together.  I am so glad, so glad, so glad that we live here in Idaho again.  I love living by my brothers and sisters.  My sisters, mom and SIL's are my best friends!!!  I love my family and love the opportunity my kids get to be with their cousins for special occasions and just because.  We have a great life.  I could not ask for anything better.

A blast from the past - Summer 2007 @
Tautphaus Park Zoo.  Chase, Olivia, Carson & Cody

Carson, Abby, Olivia, Chase & Cody
January 2008

September 11 -Remember

Much reflection on today and the events that happened 10 years ago.  I remember exactly where I was when we learned that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. 

I was watching "The Early Show" with my mom like we did every morning while we were getting ready for work. I had walked out of the room for a minute and she came out of the bathroom quickly and I remember her saying, "A plane just hit the World Trade Center!" We went into watch the news and that is when the 2nd plane hit.  I did not want to go to work but I did.  Everyone was in a daze and I remember we put all of our radios in the hallways and then listened to the radio all day.  I'm sure very little was done that day. It was a sad sad day. Later that evening, I remember for the first time in my life, laying in bed to go to sleep and feeling extremely unsafe. For goodness sake, we live in the United States of America, aren't we always safe?  I could not sleep.  It was surreal.

September 11, 2001

The news of the decade

The next week was kind of a blur - I remember prayer services, we had one at our church. New, news and more news all the time. I realized our lives would never be the same again. As Pearl Harbor was to my grandmother, September 11, 2001 would be an iconic day of sadness and remembrance for us. One thing that was so awesome was the closeness we felt as a nation, the patriotism, the love, the kindness. 

And as it is written, life does go on.  We keep going with our normal lives, but we never forget. 

I was lucky enough to visit New York City the first week of November 2001.  Ironically, we purchased our tickets on September 10, 2001.  For a while, we were unsure if we would be able to go on our trip as the airports were closed for quite a while.  I went with my besty Dana and her daughter Baylee.  We went and stayed for almost a week with Dana's sister, Delia, and her family.  We were so excited to visit New York City and see the sights.  We went to a Broadway show - "Les Miserables".  It was phenomenal.  We went to Central Park and ate at "Tavern on the Green".

Tavern on the Green

Central Park

Brooklyn Bridge

We went on a midnight walk from Brooklyn into Manhatten.  It was awesome and I think that was one of my favorite things we did the whole entire week.  We became experts at riding public transportation - something we don't have a lot of in Blackfoot, Idaho or Pawnee, Illinois.

One day we rode the subway all the way down to Battery Park.  It is in the financial district.  We were on the subway in the late afternoon.  There weren't many of us on the train anyway and the closer we got to Battery Park, there were fewer of us and then it was just Dana, Baylee and me.  We got of the subway and went up to the street.  There was no one around.  It was like a ghost town which was really odd in the middle of one of the busiest cities ever.  We could see areas roped off from the WTC wreakage as we looked down the streets.  We didn't dare get too close.  I don't know what we were afraid of.  Now I would have just walked down and taken as many pictures as I could but at the moment, it didn't seem right.  It was most definitely sacred, hallowed ground.  We were pretty somber for the rest of the evening.

The bull at Battery Park

The Esplanade

Battery Park - the southern-most part of
Manhatten

Another thing we noticed was how friendly people were to us.  I've always heard stories about people in the "big" city and how impatient they are.  We found the complete opposite.  People were extremely friendly and kind.  We were impressed.  I have always been so glad we were able to visit New York City and to feel a part of history that was going on during that time.

Back to September 11, 2001 - every year we pause on the 11th of September to remember those who gave their lives for our country and to those who are currently fighting for our country.  It is an amazing feeling which gives me such gratitude.  I hope that as the years pass, I can pass onto my children the feelings of patriotism and wonderfulness I feel of being an American.  I love our country with all my heart.  I am proud to be an American.

I read this article in the Deseret News - it was very good.  I also have been reading the past couple of weeks a series on Yahoo about September 11.  It is amazing if you want to take a look:  "September 11 Profiles."  Finally, if you don't read Pioneer Woman, you should!  Here is her blog entry from today.  I even was compelled to read the comments and some of them were heartbreakers...

Disclaimer:  I didn't take any of these pictures, I found them all on the web.  I don't even know where my pictures are from our New York trip.

Day 76 of 365

Carson and I went to the Eastern Idaho State Fair tonight.  It was fun and I didn't let her spend too much of my money (hee hee)!  She wasn't excited to eat the food which was okay since we spent our money on plenty of other things for her to do.  

After the fair, we went to Lilly and Corinne's 3rd birthday party.  It was fun to visit with our friends.  Carson loves their brother, Austin, and can't wait to play with him again.  His mom, Jen, is the one who took our fabulous photos...  I'll be sharing them another day.