Todd & Mandy

Sand Everywhere!

2011-10-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

As teenagers we use to go to Sandy Downs all the time and always had so much fun! And it was just as fun this time. Its always fun to watch your kids try something new.

I spy my toe.

Missy's kids, mine & Audrey (the cool aunt) just got done rolling down the sand dune. Poor Ry had his eyes open the whole way down the hill.

Kd & Ry getting ready to go summer sledding!

Geocaching

2011-10-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

Anyone out there gone geocaching?? Well if you haven't you should! It is fun for the whole family! We went geocahing a couple times this summer in Malad. They three up the canyon behind my parents house. Its like treasurer hunting!!

Kd likes to pose!

Anyone who wants to learn more about geocaching can at www.geocaching.com

Dino Fun! Summer '11

2011-10-27T10:51:00.001-07:00

This summer we took the kids to the Ogden dinosaur park. It was a lot of fun and is really great for little kids.

Missy, Dell & their boys came with us.

Summer 2011 Part 1

2011-10-27T10:45:00.001-07:00

This summer we took the kids fishing to the kids fishing pond in Shelly. They didn't catch any fish but we still had fun.

Goofy kids!! Kd love to pose!

Virginia City Montana

2011-07-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

For our 7 year anniversary Todd and I went to Virginia City Montana. Its a ghost town/tourist trap. We have been through Virginia City a couple times, one being on our honey moon, and I have always wanted to stay in the Fairweather Inn. The Fairweather Inn was built in 1864 when Virginia City boomed as a gold mining town. The Inn has 17 rooms and we were in room 17 right by the balcony. Only 5 of the rooms have bathrooms in them and we were lucky to get one with a bathroom (Okay not really, I called and made reservations). The Fairweather Inn is said to be haunted but we didn't experiences anything paranormal.

This is the back of the Fairweather Inn. The lonely window on the end is the window to room 10, said to be the most haunted room in the Inn. Nothing tragic happened in this room it was just the old owners favorite room and she is said to haunt it.

On Friday night we went on a ghost tour of the town. We learned a lot of cool history of the town. I took picture of most of the haunted building in the town but writing about them all would make for a long post. But I did have to post a picture of room 10. Funny story, earlier before we went on the ghost tour we were out on the balcony and started talking with another guest staying in the Inn. We started talking about the history of the Inn and found out that he was the lucky one staying in room 10. He joined us on the ghost tour. The next morning we asked him how his night was, he said that it took him about 2 hours to unwind but when he finally did he had a uneventful night.

Happy Anniversary Todd!!

A camping I will go!!

2011-07-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would just post way to many pictures of our camping trip this weekend. I know it looks like my camera threw up on my blog but I couldn't pick which pictures I wanted so here is a little bit of everything.

Shay & Tuck

Kd loves her new uncle Bruce!

The kids...

Tucker in Rudys house

Jody, Kristy & Me

Kd & Shay

Poor Levi

Monica & Bruce

A bunch of people! (Todd's mom & sisters)

Me and my dorky self!!

We had a lot of fun! That's all I have to say and yes I need to do one more post of our weekend and then I will be done for another month!

Meadow Lake

2011-07-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we went camping up to Gilmore, Idaho. We had every intention on going fishing to Meadow Lake which is just up the mountain from the old ghost town of Gilmore. On the road to Meadow Lake we ran into snow and ended up hiking the last mile to the lake through the snow. The funniest thing was that Todd's sister Monica was wearing flip flops and shorts!

Kids playing in the snow drift across the road.

A frozen Meadow Lake

Kids "fishing"

Kd looking cute as always

Rudy enjoying the lake in her own way.

Ballet & T-ball

2011-06-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

This summer is already starting out to be a crazy busy one! But we are enjoying every minuet of it. This is the first summer in 5 years that I have not had extra kids. Yes, I am done with daycare!! It feels so good to just be able to enjoy my own kids!

This is Kds first summer doing T Ball. I was a little worried because I put her on a 6 & 7 year old team and this is the 3rd year of T ball for most of her team mates. To my surprise she does really well in keeping up with the older kids. And looking at her you wouldn't know she was any younger. Ry Likes going to her games and playing at the park.

Kd waiting on 3rd.

She didn't want her picture taken and was telling me to get away from her. What I sweet child I have. She seems to like making that face! This was only her second game and they won!

Kd had her ballet recital on Friday. Her class is so cute and although their dance looked like a small train wreck it was fun to watch. She enjoys dancing so much. Enjoy the video!

Todd's graduation!! YEAH!!!

2011-05-10T20:34:00.001-07:00

On Friday Todd had his nurse pinning ceremony. It was kind of neat that I got to pin him.

After the pinning we took a little family shot. No, as you can tell we did not take Ry because he would have been really bored. We did take him to the graduation on Saturday.

AHHH!! DEMON CHILD!!!!

Saturday, ISU Class of 2011.

Todd is somewhere down there.

Our family after Todd's graduation. We are all very happy Todd is now done with school and are now looking forward to a new chapter in our lives!

P.S. A collage graduation is no place for a crabby little 2 year old boy. The next graduation he goes to will be to soon!

Easter 2011

2011-05-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful eggs!

Ry with his eggs.

Kd working hard on hers.

Kids Easter baskets.

Ry & Kd on Saturday at the church Easter breakfast and egg hunt.

Hair today.. Gone tomorrow..

2011-04-06T19:42:00.001-07:00

Before

I had so much fun cutting his hair last time that I let someone else do it this time!

Ry's after with his dorky grin.

Now, while I was holding Ry still so the lady could cut his hair, Kd took a book to the lady that was going to cut her hair and said "this is how I want my hair." I almost cried! I guess at sometime you have to let go and let them do what they want. But at the age of 5?

She still looks cute!

Spring?

2011-03-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

Can I just tell you how ready I am for Spring? I am ready for warm weather, flowers, sun shine, and green grass. I miss mowing my lawn! I am started to feel like spring in never going to come. I guess it doesn't help that I am always checking the weather which is very depressing and then even more depressing when I check DC's weather where my sister is and its into the high 70's. What does IF have? A whooping 44! Not to mention that it might just SNOW tonight. I done! Over it! Time to move on weather!!

Rylan's Hair

2011-02-19T20:45:00.001-08:00

Before.

What was cut.
What we left.
The sad thing is that this was taken about 2 months ago and he needs another hair already.

Church

2011-01-13T14:15:00.001-08:00

Nothing left to say...

Decking the Halls!

2010-11-30T20:52:00.000-08:00

This Year is the first year we have ever had a fake Christmas tree. Most years we go to the mountains and cut our own. Well, I hate, hate, HATE putting light on the Christmas tree and most years after Christmas the lights go out with the tree (how wasteful am I). So this year my loving hubby got us a pre-lit Christmas tree. And I love how easy it was to set up. Now its not the biggest fullest tree but its just right for our little family!

Ry & Kd working on the tree.

The best/worst (depends on the day) gifts under the tree :)

So Ry thought that baby Jesus (snowman version) needed a snowmobile ride! My kids are never boring, the other night Kadee was telling all the village people goodnight!

Many faces of Rylan

2010-11-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

All of these pictures were take with my cell phone so sorry for the poor quality. Ry is such a camera ham and I thought I'd share them! Enjoy!!

Pumpkin Carving!

2010-11-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

We got 4 pumpkins out of our garden this year and put them to good use!

Kadee did a great job on her own pumpkin and had a little to much fun! She cleaned & cut out her cat pumpkin all by herself!

With Ry's we made a Mr. Pumpkin Head!

In order, Ry's, Kadee's, Mine & Todd's (Todd's is eating a male nurse we call Todd)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-05T09:31:00.001-07:00

I'm a little mad at myself because I didn't have my camera with me when we went tricker treating so I did the best I could with my phone camera and stealing pictures from Shanna's facebook page.
This year Rylan was a monkey and Kadee was kitty. Yes that is Jayden Pancheri in the background.
Rylan was being a turd and didn't want to get his picture taken. What can I say? I'm a mean mom!
We went to Snake River Landing's Tricker treat street this year with Jess & Jackson and my friend Shanna and her daughter Rylee. We had fun but I don't think it was worth waiting in line for 2 hours..
Rylan & Rylee. Cute monkey & cupcake! Today Kadee asked me "Is Rylan going to marry Rylee?"

Big boy bed!

2010-11-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

The other day Rylan climbed/fell out of his crib. We decided that we should move him into a big boy bed so he wouldn't get hurt again. I just wanted to some how put a top on his crib so he couldn't climb out but Todd informed me that it would be inhumane. So now I just to fight with him at nap time. Bed time he does really well. Now that he is in a bed he has turned into quite the crazy sleeper. This is how he starts out!
Then he turns! (I made Todd move him back)
This was last night.

Whats in your dryer??

2010-10-15T22:03:00.001-07:00

My kids are what's in mine. Turn your back on these two and you never know what you are going to find!

Hogle Zoo

2010-07-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Last week we took the kids to the Hogle Zoo in Utah. We had so much fun watching the kids reaction to all the different animals. One of the main reasons we went is so that the kids could see the elephants. Rylan loves elephants and has a stuffed elephant named Elliot. He was so excited to see the baby elephant.

My ape family!

The tiger was really active while we were there.

Kadee was standing like this at the glass and the little monkey came up to the glass to copy her. It was really cute.

Kadee said her favorite animal was the giraffe. The doors in the back ground are 16ft high. I always seem to forget how tall they really are until you see then in real life.

Over all we had a great time. I love how the kids are getting older and are getting to the point where we can start doing thing with them that we all enjoy as a family.

Motor bike fun!

2010-07-16T15:54:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite thing to do as a family is ride Motor bikes.

The kids love it and its a good sedative!

"I'm ready! I'm ready! I'M READY!!!"

Kadee is still using training wheel on the little 50cc but we think she's doing mighty fine for a 4 year old.

The Power of Prayer

2010-06-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I told Kadee and Rylan that we were going to go for a bike ride around the block but that they were both going to ride in the trailer. Kadee, however did want to and our conversations went a little like this.

Me - "kids, go get your shoes on so we can go on a bike ride around the block."

Kadee-"Can I ride my bike."

Me- "No, I want you to ride in the trailer with Ry so he wont get mad."

Kadee - "PLEASE!!!"

Me - "Sorry, but not this time."

Kadee - "Humph, I'm going to my room to pray!" (walks to bedroom and shuts door)

Me - "Okay you do that!"

A couple minutes later...

Kadee - "Mom! I prayed and heavenly father said I could ride my own bike!!!"

I wish I got answers like that!

I love camping...

2010-06-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial day weekend we went to Malad to spend some time with my family and help my parents dig water lines for there 120+ trees. I love having a place to go where the kids and dogs can run and play and not have to worry about the neighbors. It reminds of where i grew up, out in the middle of nowhere.

Rylan & Rudy playing in the dirt.
Todd & the kids in the camper!
Me & the kids in the camper!
Rylan in his bed. He learned how to climb out of his Porta Crib this weekend and now we have to fight him to go to bed. Oh the joys of little boys...
Kadee in her bed. She loves camping!

Chores

2010-05-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

The only real chore that Kadee has is to clean her room. The other day I told her that she needed to clean her room so that we could get ready to go camping. Well things were a little to quiet so I had to check on her and see what she was doing...

Baby who?

2010-05-26T20:33:00.001-07:00

Baby Tucker, my nephew thats who. He was born April 26th and was a whopping 5lbs 11oz and 18 in long. This picture of him with Todd is him at almost 4 weeks old and he is still so small. So small that he is smaller then Kadee's baby doll!

Caught red handed!!

2010-05-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Rylan thought it would be a great idea to eat a pack of dry Crystal Light and I caught him red handed!!

New Blog

2010-05-12T15:21:00.001-07:00

So, awhile back I started a new craft blog but I never did anything with it because it was towards the end of the year and I got busy with Christmas and lazy with blogging. The other day one of my cousin's mentioned starting a craft blog and it reminded me of the one that I had started. Well now I am happy to say that I have posted on it and I am going to "try" and start posting more. I hate to say this but I am not a crafty person, but it doesn't stop me from trying! I will be posting crafts that I am working on for Christmas gift as well as other things that I am working on throughout the year. I also Love to cook and am not so bad at it so I will be posting some recipes on it as well as crafts. So please take a look at my new craft blog (even though I haven't posted much) and let me know what you think! http://notsocraftycrafter.blogspot.com/

Little boy??

2010-04-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

He really needs a little brother.... Or Maybe Kadee needs a little sister!

Snowman meets snowmobile

2010-03-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

So when I wrote the last post I couldn't find this video. This is what happened after we built the snowman.

snowman in March

2010-03-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

We went snowmobiling up to Bone last week and I thought it was going to be our last ride for the winter/spring, whatever you call Idaho weather in March but as I sit and write this post it is snowing outside as I type. Oh the joy of Idaho weather. And to think that yesterday we were playing outside in the dirt. Any who thats another post in of its shelf. But last week we had fun taking the kids up the mountain to play in the snow.
Kadee & I built a snowman and after we had taken the kids pictures with it, it go plowed over by Todd. We did make a video of it but some how it did not load on to the computer and I deleted it from my camera before I checked. Oops!
If you can't tell, Rylan ended up with a sunburn by the end of the day. I feel horrible about it and didn't even think about sunscreen. Yes mom, I have learned my lesson!
Kadee being her cute and happy self. She love the snow and the camera!
We played so hard that Rylan fell asleep on the ride back to the truck!

18 months!

2010-03-03T15:40:00.000-08:00

Wow!! Has it been 18 months already. Time sure flies when your having fun! Rylan is now 18 months old. He is a very busy little boy and I find myself saying that is it a good thing I had Kadee first because if Rylan came first I don't know if there would have been any kids after him. He wares me out with how much energy he has. He loves to climb on anything he can get on.

He loves taking rides on the four wheeler and the snowmobile with Todd and if Todd goes out in the garage with out him he will scream by the back door till Todd comes and gets him or I throw him out. He is 100% boy. He is so much fun and we are happy to have him in our family even if he does drive me crazy from time to time.

Height: 34 inches

weight: 24lbs

February book's

2010-02-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

If you want to know more about the books I read google them.

A Million Shades of Gray

by: Cynthia Kadohata

219 pages, YA

I liked it! Its about a elephant trainer in a village in Vietnam during the Vietnam war. Yes it has some depressing parts but they aren't that bad. I enjoy reading about different places and learning about they way people live. It is a fast easy read.

Plain Pursuit

By: Beth Wiseman

459 pages, Large print fiction

Liked it! I love the Amish country of Lancaster, PA. I have been there twice and can't wait to go back. This is a story about a Amish family that has been hurt by a shunning and how it takes help from the out side to make it all better. I love happy ending as well as large print books.. I have read quite a few Amish romance book and find them enjoyable! Another thing I like about this book was the Amish recipes!

Counterfeit Son

By: Elaine Marie Alphin

180 pages, YA

It's good. Made me hold my kids a little bit tighter. I don't know what to write about this one with out just posting what is on the book cover because I don't to ruin if someone might want to read it. More or less its about a teen finding a new family after being a prisoner in what he thinks is his fathers home. His father is a sick man who kidnaps and kills boys. It is well written and never goes into the "bad" stuff that his dad did.

Johnny Angel

By: Danielle Steel

181 pages

Good. I am starting to think that all of Danielle Steel book are a little depressing at times but I guess that's what makes them good. Well by the title you can tell that 17 year old Johnny, the perfect son, student, athlete, brother, and boyfriend dies. His family however is not perfect and his death makes it worse. But through a miracle and his mom, he is able to help his family from the beyond. I did like it, but like the last Steel book it did make me cry and maybe I am just a cry baby!

kira-kira

By: Cynthia Kadohata

244 pages YA

Kira-kira: glittering, shining. Anther good book by Cynthia Kadoata! This book is another tear jerker! A Japanese family moves from Iowa to Georgia. The book is about two very close sisters and how their lives change due to the move and illness, but also how growing up sucks and how things are always changing even when you don't want them to. This made me miss my sister Audrey a lot and I think that's why it turned on the water works! Or like I said before, I'm just a cry baby.

Captain Wentworth's Diary

By: Amanda Grange

293 pages

I love nothing more the a good historical romance!!! LOVED IT!!! I think that this book annoyed Todd because while I was reading it I would say "OH" and "AH" randomly because its just so good! I'll stop being a sap now.

Once was Lost

By: Sara Zarr

217 pages

I likes it. The story is told by 15 year old Sam who is the daughter of a pastor. Her mother has a drinking problem and ends up in rehab. Sam is having some of her own issues with her faith when a member of her youth group goes missing. This tragedy shakes her faith even more. It is a good story and a fast easy read.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

By: Carrie Ryan

308 pages

What to say.. I thought this one was going to be like "The Village" and some parts it was. It was good, not great but good. But if you are in to zombies, people dieing and broken love then this book is for you! Not me. I like happy endings. However it was really well written easy to follow and went rather fast. For not being in love with it I sure did have a hard time putting it down. I guess my issue with it was that the main girl Mary is quite selfish.

Thing's I've learned

2010-02-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.

I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others.

I've learned that just because something makes you happy doesn't mean its good for you.

I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage.

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned that my parents are the greatest example of what I want mine and Todd's marriage to be in 30 years.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

For the Love.....

2010-02-13T12:48:00.000-08:00

Of pictures! Me and my kids!

He loves to feed himself. Messy boy trying to be funny!

Strike a pose!

I Miss the days when he didn't know how to Climb!

I love taking pictures of them when they are asleep! Maybe it's because that's when I love them the most. Okay, I love them all the time, but I really LOVE bed time!!

Januray book review

2010-02-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

Books I've read in January...

My side of the Story Salem Witch
By: Patericia Hermes

Synopsis
Salem, 1692. Devils and witches are an accepted fact of life and religion. When some girls in the village begin having fits and tremors, their torments are attributed to the action of witches. Elizabeth Putnam and her parents are different from many of the other village folk, and they doubt the superstitions that terrify the town. As Elizabeth struggles to find her way among the alarming events, she also finds herself at odds with George, her best friend and companion since babyhood. Things come to a head when Elizabeth herself is accused of witchcraft, and George must make a difficult choice between what his community believes and what he knows to be true. Readers start the story in Elizabeth's voice and finish the story in George's voice, where they learn how he finds a resolution to his heart wrenching predicament and the conclusion of his own side of the story.

*I liked this book it was a easy read and it was fun to turn the book over and read the other characters side of the story. Well written.

i am the wall paper
By: Mark Peter Hughes

FROM THE PUBLISHER:"Thirteen-year-old Floey Packer feels as if she's always blended into the background. After all, she's the frumpy younger sister of the Amazing Lillian, a girl so popular and spontaneous that their house is always packed with a gaggle of admirers. But when Lillian suddenly gets married and heads off on a month-long honeymoon, Floey decides it's her time to shine. Armed with her trusty diary, some books on Zen Buddhism, and a jar of Deep Wild Violet hair dye, Floey embarks on a mission of self-improvement--with excellent results. People finally start to notice her, especially the boy who really counts. But then disaster strikes.Are people noticing Floey because she's so fabulous--or because her evil cousins have posted her diary on the Internet?And how will Floey ever repair the damage?

*I loved it!! Though it was cute. It reminded me of all the stupid things that we do when we are younger, trying to find ourselves. Good easy read.

Tall, Dark & Dead
By: Tate Hallaway

Well I'm not even going to bother trying to find something to post about this book. It is the first book of 3 and I will not be reading the other 2. I thought that maybe this book would be like Harry Potter meets Twilight but boy was I wrong. I had a really hard time getting past page 11 and then again past page 100 but I managed to read all 295 pages and wondered why I wasted my time. I don't know, if someone likes reading about a witch have sex with vampires (yes more then one) then this is the book for you! Not for me!

Into the Wild Nerd Yonder
By: Julie Halpern

It’s Jessie’s sophomore year of high school. A self-professed “mathelete,” she isn’t sure where she belongs. Her two best friends have transformed themselves into punks and one of them is going after her longtime crush. Her beloved older brother will soon leave for college (and in the meantime has shaved his mohawk and started dating . . . the prom princess!) . . .

Things are changing fast. Jessie needs new friends. And her quest is a hilarious tour through high-school clique-dom, with a surprising stop along the way—the Dungeons and Dragons crowd, who out-nerd everyone. Will hanging out with them make her a nerd, too? And could she really be crushing on a guy with too-short pants and too-white gym shoes?

If you go into the wild nerd yonder, can you ever come back?

*I think out of all the book this one was my favorite out of the bunch. I loved it! I made me laugh and took me back to my high school days and reminded me of how fast people can change. I would highly recommend this to anyone who want a good read.

A Good Woman
By: Danielle Steel

Book cover:
Nineteen-year-old Annabelle Worthington was born into a life of privilege, raised amid the glamour of New York society, with glorious homes on Fifth Avenue and in Newport, Rhode Island. But everything changed on a cold April day in 1912, when the sinking of the Titanic shattered her family and her privileged world forever. Finding strength within her grief, Annabelle pours herself into volunteer work, nursing the poor, igniting a passion for medicine that would shape the course of her life.But for Annabelle, first love, and a seemingly idyllic marriage, will soon bring grief - this time caused by the secrets of the human heart. Betrayed and pursued by a scandal she does not deserve, Annabelle flees New York for war-ravaged France, hoping to lose herself in a life of service. There, in the heart of the First World War, in a groundbreaking field hospital run by women, Annabelle finds her true calling, working as an ambulance medic on the front lines, studying medicine, saving lives. And when the war ends, Annabelle begins a new life in Paris - now a doctor, a mother, her past almost forgotten. . . Until a fateful meeting opens her heart to the world she had left behind. Finding strength in the most unlikely of friendships, pulling together the broken fragments of her life, Annabelle will return to New York one more time - this time as a changed woman, a woman of substance, infused with life's experience, building a future filled with hope . . . out of the rich soil of the past. Filled with breathtaking images and historical detail, Danielle Steel's new novel introduces one of her most unique and fascinating characters: Annabelle Worthington, a remarkable woman, a good woman, a true survivor who triumphs against overwhelming odds. For Annabelle's story is more than compelling fiction, it is a powerful celebration of life, dignity and courage - and a testament to the human will to survive.

* This was my first Danielle Steel book that I have read. I really like it. It made me laugh, it made me cry and cry and cry. But its good! I think I will have to read some more of Danielle Steel books.

On a snowmobile!!

2010-02-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

So last year I didn't get to go snowmobiling at all. I think part of the reason was that Todd blew his snowmobile up on his first ride out last year and ended up riding mine the rest the year, hence why I didn't get to go. Well, on Saturday we took some friends of ours, a long with Nick and Levi and went to Island Park. We could not have picked a better day to go! The weather was so nice that I ended up taking my head sock off along with my goggles. Every time we stopped we ended up taking our coats off it was so warm. I was happy that I only got stuck once and that I have a great hubby who will dig me out when I do get stuck!He can fly! He can fly? He can FLY!
Almost to the top. Where I got stuck. Waiting for Todd to come save me!
Looking down the hill after Todd got me out!

Year end, New one begins

2010-01-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009 is over and excited to see what 2010 will bring.

Last year my resolution where to read my scriptures every day, exercise everyday and post a new blog every week. Well in review, I failed on reading my scriptures, I didn't exercise every day (but I have lost 30lbs) nor did I post a new blog once a week. So I would say that all in all I have failed for the year 2009.

2010 resolutions

1. Reads my scriptures every day.
2. exercise everyday (I still need to loose 30 more pounds)
3. Try to be a happier person and a better mom.

Birthday week

2009-12-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

This last week Kadee and I celebrated our birthdays. The older I the less exciting birthdays are. I just glad to have kids now to make birthday time fun again.

Four years ago on the night of December 7, 2005, I went to the hospital because I didn't feel good and my blood presser was really high. I had been dilated to a three for the last week so was not to excited when the nurse had told me that I was still at a three. The were however concerned about my blood presser and wanted to keep me for the night. Todd, who had finals the next day left me at the hospital and went home to get some sleep. During the night I paged the nurse to help me use the rest room, as I got out of bed I felt a gush all I could do is look at the nurse and say "I swear I did not pee my pants!" In fact my water had broke. The nice nurse informed me that I was not going to be going home in the morning. My water broke a little after 5:00am and I have Kadee at 11:15am. It went really fast, I only pushed for 15 minuets and I didn't even have to be put on the pit! My little girl was a healthy happy 6lb 10oz and 21in long.

We had a family birthday party at Leo's on her birthday where she was spoiled! It was alot fun!

Anyone out there?

2009-11-21T00:26:00.001-08:00

So, I am starting to wonder if anyone but a few close friends even read our blog anymore.. I think Todd's family who use to read our blog has fallen off the face of the earth or no longer wants to claim us as family....

Well to update the people who do read our blog.
Todd is still in school and working full time at the hospital. Some how he still manages to pull all A's, and still finds time to go hunting. He is looking forward to the snow and is ready to get out and sled.

Kadee is in ballet. The teachers are always telling me how good of a listener she is and how she is as good if not better of a dancer then the girls that have been doing it a year longer then her. Kadee has also informed me that she wants to start karate. I have doing home school pre-school with Kadee this year and she love to learn and she loves to write and draw. She can already write her numbers 1-20 and we are working on writing the letters. She amazes me with how much she loves to learn and how quick she is. It is our goal to have her reading before kindergarten. She still has one more year home. I just hope she doesn't get to bored once she does go to school.

Rylan is walking really well now. I was starting to wonder if he was ever going to start to walk. He still moves a lot faster crawling but they say that kids who wait longer to walk are smarter :) He is starting to talk also. He says, mom, dad, sis and night. We finally gave him his first hair cut last week and I have to say that home hair cuts are not for me. Or maybe just moving targets.

As for me, I just do about the same thing everyday, cook, clean and watch kids. That's about the typical life of a stay at home mom. I am starting to do crafts a little more even though I'm not very creative.

We are all looking forward to the Holiday season and I can hardly wait for Thanksgiving to spend some time in Utah with my family.

Well friends and family don't be strangers now ya hear. Leave a comment, let us know your out there!

Primary Program

2009-11-14T21:58:00.000-08:00

So I forgot to post about the wonderful primary program we had last Sunday. Kadee is a fun little sunbeam and this was her first primary program. She loved the thought of having a part in the primary program and learned her part well. The day of the program when it was the sunbeams turn to say their parts the ran up to the podium before her teacher could get to her. Her teacher also had a part and was suppose to say her part before Kadee could say hers. Well Kadee was so excited to say her part that when she saw her teacher coming she grabbed the microphone and said "I want to do it myself!" It was so funny, the congregation just laughed at my little sunbeam. She said her part all by herself and then let her teacher do her part. It was cute. I'm sure that next year she is going to be the little kid that sings (more like scream) louder then the rest.

Halloween!

2009-11-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

I know that it might seem a little morbid but this year for Halloween we dressed Rylan up as Chucky! Yes Chucky, the freaky little killer doll. The funnest thing about it was that people could tell who he was. We went to a trunk r treat and I had a whole group of teenage boys come up to him and say "Oh my gosh its Chucky, they dressed that baby up like Chucky!" Then after ward we went out to dinner and had more people comment on him looking just like Chucky. The reason why we dressed him up like Chucky is because he has quite the scary Chucky smile. The sad part is that when ever we tried to take a picture of him doing the smile he would stop as soon as we took the picture.

This year for Halloween Kadee was a fairy/princess. Some of the time she wanted to be a fairy princess and then she would get sick of her wings and just want to be a princess. We went to two trunk r treats and then went around our neighborhood. I think we got enough candy to last us for the whole next year.

Mothers

2009-10-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough Doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what The vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth Is not measured by height or years or grade.... It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, Because that is the doorway to her heart, The place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Sneaky little booger!

2009-10-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

Stinkin sneaky little booger found my chocolate bar that I hid!! Yes, that's right I hide chocolate for a rainy day. I found him on my bedroom floor eating away at my chocolate! Have to say I was impressed that he got the wrapper all the way off. He wasn't very happy with me when I took it away from him.

While you were sleeping

2009-10-02T18:02:00.001-07:00

I don't know why but I love taking pictures of my kids when they are sleeping. Maybe its because its when I love them the most! Just kidding, I love them all the time. They are just easier to love when they are peacefully sleeping. Every night I read to Kadee and she has developed a love for book. After I read to her she likes to look at the book a little longer with the light from her night light. That night she fell asleep with the book.

Random quotes from a 3 year old

2009-09-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

"Mom, your not my mom, your my grandma and Rylan is my dad."

"When I grow up I'm going to marry Rylan or maybe Jackson."

"I want to see Jody's house blow up."

"Mom, can I have some salt to use as pixie dust?"

"Can I pretend that Rylan is my little sister instead of a brother?"

"MOM! You can't have any bubble gum because you aren't 5!"

"There's a baby in my tummy, but first I need to get married in the temple to a boy."

"When I go to school what are you going to do?"

"Mommy! This barbie dress won't fit my bear!"

"Isma needs to take a nap."

"You are hilarious mom!"

Tea Party Express Takes Washington By Storm - Political News - FOXNews.com

2009-09-15T11:57:00.001-07:00

Tea Party Express Takes Washington By Storm - Political News - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

Tea Party

2009-09-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

For many of you who don't know, my sister Audrey lives in D.C and she had the opportunity to go to the capital and join the Tea Party. These where pictures that she took! Some of them are quite funny! Audrey at the Capitol building. Hmmmm. Sponge Bob for Congress! It would be the best day ever! That would be better then what we have now.

This one is not funny but very sad. I think that everyone need to go back and read The Constitution Of The United States. This is no longer about which party is wright and which is wrong. Its about the country as a whole and where the country is headed.

I love love love this!!!

Labor day in Malad!

2009-09-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

This Labor day we spent the weekend in Malad. I was really fun because my whole family was there, even Audrey. She flew in from D.C. and only stayed the weekend, it was a fast trip for her but I was happy to see her! Anyway I just wanted to post some pictures from the fun long weekend in Malad. Todd and I on the dirt bike.

My cute baby boy! I love his eyes!

Kadee and Jackson playing in the shop.

Forrest and all the little kids on the four wheeler.

Party Time

2009-08-28T21:21:00.001-07:00

My baby is no longer a baby, Rylan turned 1 today!

Before the cake.

During the cake. Come on boy dive in!Opening his gifts, he needed a little help from his cousins and sister.

How to make your big sister scream....

2009-08-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by Rylan....

1. Pull her hair

2. Pull on her clothes

3. Take her barbies away

4. Bite her barbies

5. Unload her toy box

6. Unload her lower dresser drawer

7. Unload the two bottom shelves of her book shelf

8. Pull the blankets off her bed

9. Climb on her bed

10. Last but not least, tackle her because I am trying to use her as a walking stick

Man, am I good! I am not even 1 yet and I can make her scream like nothing else!

My right to brag!!

2009-08-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

About my Toddy that is! This last week we got a letter from Idaho State University stating that Todd has earned a place on the Dean's List for Summer, 2009. For those of you who don't know, Todd is working on this Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As well as going to school full time he continues to work full time in the ICU at EIRMC and still finds time to be a great dad and husband! Thanks Todd for everything you do we are so proud of you!!

All in a days work!!

2009-08-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

I love to garden!!!

In need of your help!!!

2009-08-12T13:06:00.001-07:00

So the other day I was listening to Z103 and they were talking about how they are doing a ugly kitchen contest and how the winner would get $500 for a new tile floor and I instantly thought of my dear brother Forrests kitchen floor and how badly Jessica (his wife) deserves a new updated floor. The house use to be my great grandma's house and she bought new in 1973 and the floor and never changed. So please people, HELP THEM GET A NEW FLOOR!!!! All you have to do is click on http://z103.fm/pages/4935983.php and they are Kitchen #8 go vote and vote often! Thanks!

Oh what a mess!

2009-07-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

This morning, I could not get out of bed for the life of me. I just wanted to sleep a little bit longer. I remember Kadee coming in to my room and telling me that Rylan was awake. I told her okay and to let me sleep just a little longer. When I did wake up I heard my kids playing together in Rylan's bedroom and went to investigate.......

5 years and counting

2009-07-14T10:44:00.001-07:00

Well 8 years and counting, but only 5 have been legal. Todd and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary this last weekend. The picture below is a picture of us on our honey moon, I couldn't find the disk that had our wedding on it and I was to lazy to scan one. When I look at this picture I think, Man look how young we look and skinny for that matter!To celebrate we left the kids home with my sister in law and went to beautiful Glacier National Park! We saw a lot of wild life, a bear which caused a "bear jam", deer, mountain goats, and other small animals. A deer, if you didn't already know that with fuzzy antlers.

There are waterfalls all over Glacier. I took a lot of pictures but don't want to bore you with all of them.

Yes, this is a wild mountain goat, they are quite shabby because they are still loosing their winter fur. I think they are use to people because we were about to get close to them.

This picture is of Jackson Glacier. One of the 25 glaciers left in the park. In 1850, there were an estimated 150 glaciers in the park and as the climate changes the glaciers die off, they say that by 2030 there will no longer be any glaciers left in the park. What can we do to help? Car pool, bike and recycle!

This last picture is of one of the many lakes in glacier, the water is so crisp and clear you can see right through it. I stuck my toe in it and it is not a body of water that I would want to go swimming in. Way to cold for my blood!

Well there you have your little glance in to Glacier National Park!

We drove home through Salmon and saw more deer, lots of elk and got eaten by mosquitoes!

On a side note, if you want to see the picture a little better, just click on them and it will make them bigger. :)

Rylan 10 months

2009-07-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

I know once again I am late on his update post.

Rylan is...

* 18 lbs

* 31 inches long

* Has 6 teeth, four on top, two on bottom

* crawls all over the place

* love to eat really food

* Says "Da da"

Malad Pictures

2009-06-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well I told my sister that I would post some pictures of last weekend in Malad and never did, so here are some for your viewing enjoyment! We are starting to get Kadee use to sitting on the little 50 motor bike.

If anyone know anything about my dog Rudy, she is one very hyper lab. Well Todd took her for about a 12 mile run which about 6 were up the mountain. She road the 4 wheeler with Todd half the way down the mountain. The poor dog was dead tired by the time we got back to the camper. When it was time to go home, Todd had to carry her to the pickup because she did want to walk anymore. Poor dog!

We took Rylan's jumper with us to put in the shop so he would have something to do and Kadee thought it would be fun to use it as a swing!

Fathers Day!

2009-06-22T12:51:00.001-07:00

Happy Fathers Day!!

I know, always a day late! Well we went camping to Malad for Father Day and with no Internet there it is a day late but I still wanted to tell the best two men in my life Happy Fathers Day!!

I am so blessed to have such a great husband! He is so loving and kind and has got to be the worlds best dad!! Between full time work and school he still manages to fine time to play with the kids, Kadee loves him so much and most of the time prefers him over me. He is so great and always willing to take the kids with him when he needs to run errands and lets me have some quiet time to myself. I would not function without him!! He is always so willing to help anyone in need and makes sure that his family (his mom and siblings as well as us) are always taken care of!!!

When I think of my own dad I always think of the song "My dad's the greatest dad I know!" He really is! I don't even know where to start with my dad! He is so smart, witty, and funny. I love that I have always been able to talk to him about anything, ask him anything and he would always give me a answer. Growing up on a farm some of my best memories are just hanging out with my dad in the trucks and tractors. I loved hauling cows with him, or going to Stucki's for a treat. I would have to say that he spoiled the crap out of us kids and still does! Thank you dad!!!

Yummy Redvines

2009-06-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Todd loves feeding Rylan new things and Rylan loves eating!! The other day Todd gave him a Redvine and he loved it!! I'm just glad that Todd stripped him before he feed him. He was even nice enough to clean up the mess and give him a bath after words as well!!
Kadee being her cheesy self!

Butt numbing goodness....

2009-06-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

Or should I say Time out for Women. Man were those chairs hard!!!

All of us Jenks women got the opportunity to go to Time out for Woman in Pocatello. Thanks, Mom Jenks for getting us all tickets. It was very up lifting and I was in need of a spiritual boost. The speakers were, Hilary Weeks - Musical Presentation, She is a great singer and very funny lady! I think that I enjoyed listening to her the most.
Emily Freeman - Living the Abundant Life. She was my second favorite. She talked about don't wait for "someday"; discover that life today.
S. Michael Wilcox- The Personality of Jesus. Coming to know Christ.
Wendy Ulrich - Weakness: Your Curse or Your Blessing. She was also good, she talked about understanding the source of weakness and learning to distinguish them from sins and how it might change your perspective of life.
Chris Stewart - The Best Time to Be Alive. Loved it!! He talked about how for some this is a time of darkness and discouragement and for others it is a time of excitement and peace. There is no doubt that we are living in the Last Days.

I kind of felt like this was EFY for Women. It was a lot of fun to spend some time with just the girls in our Jenks family. We laughed, we cried and just enjoyed the day together. Jody and I took Monica to Red Lobster for her birthday, that was yesterday, Happy Birthday again Mo!

After TOFW we had a great drive home that consisted of snacking on ice cream bars, churros, and sushi (a first for Jody and Monica)

Thanks for the great day girls! I love you!!!

Signs of the Times

2009-05-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have been reading 50 Signs of the Times and the Second Coming by David J. Ridges. This book is right on with almost everything that is going on in this crazy world. Right now I want, need to talk about the things that have been happening in our little world that to me are signs of the time. This past year of our life has been total hell! Things have happened that we thought we would never have to worry about or deal with. Anyway back to the book, it talks about how these things are signs of the times. The first time I read this book was a little over a year ago and I thought to myself, "Our families are so strong in the church, we will never have to worry about this stuff ever happening to us, we will make threw with no problems at all." Maybe its my fault for thinking that!

Signs in our personal life.
There will be much of despair, depression, gloom and doom and emotional instability. It go on to say that, the phrase "men's hearts failing" refers to giving up hope, having no more courage, having no faith ect.

I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't stop and think about all the crap that has happened this last year and almost start to cry. Its very easy just to give hope and start to question your faith when you see good people make stupid choices that are hurting so many people.

There will be extraordinarily widespread selfishness and lack of caring for others.
2 Timothy 3:2
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

I have so much I could write here, but I'm really not out to hurt feeling, they have been hurt enough.

Sexual Immorality
2 Timothy 3:6
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

In conclusion, D&C 42:23
23 And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith , and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.

These are just the points of the book that we are dealing with first hand in our little world. Here are so many other signs in the book that are happening as well.

I hope that someday our Jenks family will be able to be happy again, it is so hard to try and explain divorce to a three year old. All she know is that Grandma cry's all the time and that she never sees Grandpa anymore. I pray that someday Todd will be able to forgive his dad for things that have been said and done, and I hope that he will be aloud to have a relationship with him again. So much damage has been done that I doubt things will every be good between them again, we are truly having a trial of our faith.

Fun Filled Weekend!!

2009-05-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend, Busy but great. On Saturday morning we ran some errands, we had to stop by the sand dunes and dump some sand. While Todd was unloading the sand Kadee and I ran up the sand dunes, man! I have not played on the sand dunes since I was in Jr high and I have go to say that we had a lot of fun, what a work out it was to clime the up the sand dunes over and over again. I wish I would have had my camera with me to have taken some picture of Kadee running and jumping in the sand. I think that it is something we need to do more often, its great fun and the best thing about it is its FREE FUN!! Something you don't find very often in this day in age. After the sand dunes we went to Wal-mart to see if we could find a swing set for the kids. We got a refund check in the mail from over paying on our home owners insurance last year and we thought it would be nice to spend it on something fun for the kids, not very often that we get to spoil them. Don't get me wrong, they are very very spoiled! After we went to both Wal-marts in town we finally found the one we want it. We mad a few more stops and then finally made it home.

Kadee was so anxious for Todd to put her swing set together and I was anxious to get my garden planted. I love gardening, last year I planted a garden but I let it go to pot because I was pregnant and didn't have the energy to weed it. But this year I am eager to plant my own veggies to eat a can.

When the swing set was done we had a hard time getting Kadee off of it. We also bought a baby swing for Rylan. He loves it as well.

This year in our garden we planted:

4 tomatoes
4 green peppers

2 cucumber

2 pumpkins

1 yellow squash

1 zucchini

10 potatoes (I grew up on a potato farm and had to call my dad and ask him how to plant then, this is my first time ever planting potatoes in my garden, how sad am I)

corn

pole and bush bean (I had the space so why not)

and more peas! Earlier this month I planted onions, carrots, radishes and peas. I am happy to say that I already have peas and radishes coming up. Please don't judge us on our yard it really is coming along way. When I bought my house I did it in the winter time not knowing what they back yard looked like because it was covered in snow. Lets just say the the people who owned the house before us used the back yard as a garbage dumb, so really it is starting to come around.

On Sunday, we had Forrest and Jessica over for dinner. We had fun throwing around the soft ball and the kids had a fun playing on the swing set.

On Sunday night when we were getting ready to go to bed, I was making the rounds checking on the kids one last time an d when I went into Rylans room I was very shocked to see how he was sleeping. The poor little boys legs were stuck between the bars on his crib. I had to lift his legs up to get then out, they were stuck and he slept through it all!

Mothers

2009-05-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

I know I am a little late to post about mothers day but I still wanted to let my mom and my mother in-law know how much we love them! I have been so blessed to have two great moms when so many people don't even have one!

Mom, you are the best! Thank you so much for making everything possible for us kid. Thanks for always being there for me even when I didn't want you to be! You have always been such a great example for us. Thanks for always taking my phone calls even though I am sure sometimes you don't want to :) Thanks for all you do for us! We love you so much Grammy!

Mom Jenks, How lucky am I to have you as a mother in law! You are a great lady! Thank you so much for sacrificing everything you did through the years to make sure your kids were always taken care of. Thank you so much for trying as hard as you did to try and keep your family together, thanks for teaching your kids to stand up for what is right. We love you so much and hope that someday you will find true happiness!

To my own kids, I love you so much!!! Kadee and Rylan I love being your mom, Kadee I love all the silly songs you sing and the story's you tell. Rylan I love the way you smile at me every time you see me. I love the joy you bring to my life everyday. You kids are truly what keeps me going when life get hard! I am so grateful to know that family's can be together forever and to know that I will always have you kids!

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

Rylan 8 months

2009-05-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

I am so horrible at posting these days. Any who, Rylan turned 8 months on April 28th. I don't know how much he weights or how tall he is. What I can tell you is that he is not very chubby but has a chubby face, he is very long in the fact that his pajamas are 12 months now just for the length. He is a very happy boy, loves his sister and is turning into a mommas boy, which is driving me nuts! He has two teeth now, sits up by himself and will roll all over the house. We love him so much!!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all!! Yesterday we had a ward (church) party. It was fun, we had breakfast and an Easter egg hunt. Kadee had a lot of fun finding all the Eater eggs.

After the ward party we come home and dyed eggs.

My cute kids!!!!

2009-04-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

My kids are so much fun, sometimes I forget how boring my life was before we had them! Everyday Kadee is making up new stories or songs, she loves to dance, sing and tell stories. She love to wake up every morning and tell us about her dreams she had the night before. Sometimes I forget that she is only three years old. I have been doing preschool with her and she loves to learn. The other day at church she brought home a picture that she had drawn that had a picture of Heavenly father, daddy, mommy, Kadee, Rylan, and two more little brothers on it. I am starting to wonder if she knows something I don't! She is our little bundle of entertainment. There is never a dull moment when she is around! This is a picture of her dressed up and the Barbie princess Island. Rylan is seven months now! Man the time has flown by this time around. He weighs 16lbs now and is really tall. He is still working on getting his teeth and we can feel two that are trying really hard to break through. Most of the time he is a very happy little boy, but you better watch out if you don't feed him and fast as he thinks he need to eat. He loves his food!! He loves his sister and whenever she is around he smiles. Maybe that's because he is trying to get her hair!

The other day I ran downstairs to get some more flour and I asked Kadee to stay and entertain Rylan so he wouldn't get upset. Anyway, when I can back up the stairs I also got to enjoy the show she was putting on for Rylan. I am so grateful for my two little rugrats!!

Trip to Boise

2009-03-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

This week we made a unexpected trip to Boise for Todd's aunts funeral,

Anne Sullivan, 69, of Nampa, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2009 after a valiant fight with throat cancer. Anne Sullivan was born Aug. 29, 1939 to Cecil and Alta Durrant in Bozeman, Mont. She was raised and educated in Jerome, Idaho. She attended Ricks College, majoring in business. She worked in Salt Lake City, Utah. Anne was talented in music and could really make her saxophone sing throughout her Jr. High and High School years; playing in band, pep band, playing solos and with the dance orchestra. Anne married her high school sweetheart, Don Sullivan, March 17, 1960 in Elko, Nev. Their marriage was solemnized in the Boise LDS Temple on Dec. 6, 2003. They are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Anne and Don were blessed with two children, Brent and Shelley. They lived in Vancouver, Wash., Pocatello, Idaho. Minneapolis, Minn. and Phoenix, Ariz. before settling in Nampa, Idaho. She enjoyed being a wife and mother. She did return to her secretarial career with the Boise Fire Dept. which gave her great satisfaction for 23 and 1/2 years before retiring on Nov. 30, 2001. Anne and Don lived on a 20 acre farm for 20 years. They enjoyed watching the crops grow and be harvested. With the help of wonderful neighbors, they farmed and raised their crops. Because of Don's failing health, they sold the farm and built their current home in town, which they have enjoyed. Don and Anne enjoyed fishing, hunting and boating with family and friends. The family learned how to water ski, but Don was better at driving the boat and not skiing. Anne even learned how to water ski. Brent, Shelley and friends were always ready to go camping with mom and dad. Having family outings was always a good way to control the teenagers. In later years, Don and Anne fished for Salmon at Ilwaco, Wash. We loved to visit historical sites such as the church history trip that we drove to Palmyra, N.Y. and back; New Orleans, La.; Orlando, Fla.; Branson, Mo.; Western Caribbean Cruise; 11 day cruise to Hawaiian Islands; drove the Al-Can Highway to Alaska and etc. Anne is survived by her loving husband, Donald, her children: Shelley (Robert) Davis, and son, Brent Sullivan and children; Cody, Dayne, Kasey and Stepson, Ryan Vale, daughter-in-law, Sheila (Steve) Maupin and children, Amanda (Ryan) Maxey and Aaron Anderson, Britney Anderson, her mother, Alta (Russell) Woolley, of Jerome, Idaho, her siblings: Tom (Bonnie) Durrant, Gordon (Colleen) Durrant, Marlene (Rod) Jenks, all of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Dean Durrant, Pocatello and Larry (Lezlie) Durrant, Logan, Utah. She was preceded in death by her father, Cecil Durant and stepson, Randy Anderson.

It was a sad reason to go to Boise but it was really nice to see all the family. We know that Aunt Anne is in a better place and out of pain. She was well loved and will be missed greatly.
While we were in Boise I was able to get a four generation picture of Todds moms side of the family, in this picture is Kadee, Grandma Jenks, Great Grandma Woolley, Todd and Rylan. This was Grandma Woolley's first time meeting Rylan and I just wanted to get a picture of them all together because you never know how much time you have left with the ones you love.

Beside the sad reason why we went to Boise, we did have a good time, I met a lot of Todds family that I have never met before and our little family was able to enjoy some much needed time together.

On the way to the cemetery Kadee was being a nerd and singing songs in her own version, I was trying to make a video of her without having to turn around in my seat, sorry if its a little sloppy, I had the camera behind my head and couldn't see what I was doing.

Randomness

2009-03-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while since my last post and I was thinking that i needed to post something but not a lot has happened, let me rephrase that, a lot has happened but nothing that I would want to blog about. I was looking through my pictures and found some really cute ones of my kids! Oh how I love my kids!!

This is a picture of Kadee after her aunt Jody got a hold of her. Jody loves to do hair and Kadee love getting her hair done (most of the time) for some reason when I do her hair it hurts but whenever someone else does her hair she hold still and let them do it without complaining. She looks like she should be on the movie "Hair Spray". Any how she looks cute just the same!

I love this picture as well. My kids look like that are actually enjoying each other. I put Rylan on Kadee's bed and when I walked out of the room I just the two of them laughing and laughing! I had to get my camera and take a picture of it because I know that they wont always be this cute together and I will someday have to remind them that once upon a time they did like each other.

Washington D.C.

2009-03-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

I cant even begin to tell everything that we did, where we went and what we saw, I will however attempt, by making a list! nore will I bore you with 144 pictures from my trip. To begin Mom, Jessica, Melissa, Orianha, Rylan and I left SLC and had a direct flight to DC. Lets just say that I really, really hate flying! Any way, Audrey picked us up at the airport and the trip begin. Now for the list! :-)
* All the monument/memorials, Washington (we even got to go inside and up to the top and look out). Lincoln, Jefferson, WWII, Vietnam, Korean, Iwo Jima, Pentagon, I am sure forgetting some!
* Buildings of interest, U.S. Capitol (Audrey got us a guided tour inside capitol), Smithsonian Hirshorn (Not suitable for children, poor Orianha), National Museum of Natural History, National Cathedral, D.C. Temple, White house. Once again, I know I am forgetting some.
* George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. We took a tour of his house, estate & gardens, Audrey also got us tickets for the National Treasure Tour at Mount Vernon. It was great, we got to see a lot of things at Mount Vernon that you don't normally get to see, I learned so much about George Washington.
* Gettysburg. All I can say is wow! We could have spent the whole day at Gettysburg, such a humbling place, It made me a bit emotional. I cant even explain it, you just need to go.
* Hershey, PA. What a fun place! We took a trolley tour of the town and learned a lot about Milton Hershey and all about the chocolate world. Milton Hershey is such a great man, you should google him.
This is just a run of what we did. It was a great trip and I learned a lot about the foundation of our country. This was my second time to DC and Hershey, PA but every time I go I learn more and more!
Then it was back on the airplane for the dreaded 4 1/2 hour flight home. The wind was blowing and it made me hate flying even more. The only good thing about the flight was that we flew delta and they have personal TVs on the back of every chair and I was able the rent Twilight (yes the movie) for the flight home.

D.C. Temple.

D.C. cop, We thought it was funny! He was a really nice guy, I think he is use to people taking picture of him.

My personal favorite. Lincoln.

To My Husband, My Valentine!

2009-02-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Todd for being my best friend and husband! I have enjoyed the last eight years together and look forward to many more years to come, You are such a kind, loving, patient man and I could not ask for anything more! Thank you so much for all you do for us, your little family and making sure we are always taken care of. I love you!

To My Husband, My Life, My Eternal Valentine

This is to thank you for being by side
For comforting and caring when I was all confused inside.
This is for the phone calls you make every day
Just to tell me “I love you” every minute of the day.

The way you take my hand in yours
For all the world to see
That this is the woman
Who is most special to me.

You always seem to know
When I need a hug, kiss or smile…
You never cease to amaze me
When you say, “I'm here…let's talk for a while.”

In decades past we've had our share
Of ups and downs and problems galore
But you are the one who remained at my side
Never thinking of walking out the door.

I adore the way you tell me,
“You are my forever best friend,”
I love the way I believe in you…
And that you will be there till the end.

Thank you for all the time you give me
And for saying, “It's never enough…”
Thank you for listening as I ramble on…
When things become rather tough.

We are in the best years of our lives
Thirty four years on our journey together
I want to grow old with you…and you with me
I want to love YOU---FOREVER.
JoMarie Grinkiewicz

Children will listen

2009-02-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

All I can say is that, being a parent is the greatest gift of all and that no matter how old I get or how grown up my kids are, everything I do and say from the day a child is born to the day they die will affect their lives. Children are always watching and listening, even when you don't think they are. I know from personal experience, I was talking to Todd about a family member the other day not knowing that Kadee was listening until she told my parents about the conversation.

How do you say to your child in the night?
Nothing's all black, but then nothing's all white
How do you say it will all be all right
When you know that it might not be true?
What do you do?

Careful the things you say
Children will listen
Careful the things you do
Children will see and learn
Children may not obey, but children will listen
Children will look to you for which way to turn
Co learn what to be
Careful before you say "Listen to me"
Children will listen

Careful the wish you make
Wishes are children
Careful the path they take
Wishes come true, not free
Careful the spell you cast
Not just on children
Sometimes the spell may last
Past what you can see
And turn against you
Careful the tale you tell
That is the spell
Children will listen

How can you say to a child who's in flight
"Don't slip away and i won't hold so tight"
What can you say that no matter how slight Won't be misunderstood
What do you leave to your child when you're dead?
Only whatever you put in it's head
Things that you're mother and father had said
Which were left to them too
Careful what you say
Children will listen
Careful you do it too
Children will see
And learn, oh guide them that step away
Children will glisten
Tample with what is true
And children will turn
If just to be free
Careful before you say
"Listen to me"

Kadee's new hair cut!

2009-01-29T19:49:00.000-08:00

After cutting her hair three different times I decided that it was about time for kadee to get her hair fixed. She also took it upon herself to cut Jacksons hair. Kadee was not very happy about the thought of getting her hair cut.

She was really good while the lady was cutting her hair. A lot better then she is when I am just trying to brush it.

Kadee with her new do. After she got it cut she told me that she would no longer cut her own hair. Now maybe we can grow it back out!

SCATTERGORIES

2009-01-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks Kelie!

Rules: USE THE 1ST LETTER OF YOUR NAME TO ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. ***THEY HAVE TO BE REAL PLACES, NAMES, AND THINGS. NOTHING MADE UP! YOU CAN'T USE YOUR NAME FOR THE BOY/GIRL NAME QUESTION. *** IT'S HARDER THAN IT LOOKS!***
1. What is your name: Mandy
2. A 4 Letter Word: Made
3. A Boys Name: Mark
4. A Girls Name: Melissa
5. An Occupation: Mail Man
6. ?
7. Something you wear: Mittens
8. Beverage: Milk
9. A Food: Marshmallows
10. Something found in the bathroom: Makeup
11. A place: Maui
12. A Reason for being late: Mugged
13. Something you shout: Man!

Now I tag: Melissa (different answers) , Susan & Janell

5 months

2009-01-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

My baby is 5 Months old today. The time has gone bye so fast. I thought I would just post a little note about him and how much he has changed. We love him so much!

1. He sleeps all night
2. Starting to eat cereal
3. Starting to teeth
4. Love to eat his feet
5. Can pull of his socks
6. Love to pull hair
7. Love to smile
8. Talks a lot
9. Wears 6-9 month clothes
10. Starting to roll over

Sneaky little 3 year old!

2009-01-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

Some times you just know when your kid is up to no good, like when you hear a chair slide across your kitchen floor, or when you hear a very chatty child stop talking all together. Well this is what happened in our house tonight. It didn't take me very long to go and investigate and this is what I found! Our sneaky little three year old helping herself to the snack cupboard. I quietly snapped the picture and hid around the corner so she couldn't see me. It wasn't very long after that, that I heard a "mom, mom help me! I cant get down!" In the end she ended up getting herself a granola bar.

Kadee's sled

2009-01-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we took kadee out to ride her snowmobile for the first time this winter. At first she had a hard time pushing the throttle and getting the snowmobile to go, but she kept at it until she got tired and then just wanted to play in the snow!Kadee all dressed up and ready to go in her new gear. Kadee on her sled waiting for her Todd to hurry up so her could go. Todd ties her sled up to his to make sure she doesn't go to fast and get hurt. I thought I made a video of her driving but my batteries died on my camera!

Happy Anniversary!

2009-01-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Today is my parents 33 year anniversary! My parents started dating back in high school when my dad was a junior and my mom was a senior. They got married just six weeks after my dad returned home from his missions.

I just want to thank my parents for always being such a great example of the gospel in my life. I am so grateful to have such wonderful, dependable parents. I love you mom and dad!

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

This year I have decided to really work hard on my New Years Resolutions (goals) and a goal is only a wish unless you write it down!

My Goals for 2009

1. Read my scriptures every day!
2. Exercise everyday (chasing kids counts!)
3. Try to post a new blog every week (TRY)

My short list is done, now comes the hard part of doing them. So good so far!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year went by too fast and I am posting late like always! I just thought I would post some pictures of the fun time we had. It was so much fun watching Kadee open her gifts and get excited about everything she got.

Kadee as Snowwhite, Santa brought her dress up clothes!

Christmas eve, 4 generations of Jenks! Rod, Kadee, Grandma, Todd & Rylan.

Kadee and Santa at the mall on Christmas eve.

Is it Christmas yet?

2008-12-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

I think I hear this almost every day! Kadee is so excited for Santa to come that she can't hardly stand it! Nor can I! This is the first Christmas where she has really gotten into the Christmas spirit. The last couple of years she has been to young to really know whats going on. This year she has loved giving money to the bell ringers and I even got her to clean out her toy box and give some of her good toys to the DI. It was hard for her at first but once I explained to her that some kids don't have any toys to play with she really started to get into it saying "mom I want to give this to the poor kids!" I had to stop her once or twice for trying to get rid of my old Barnie dog that I have had since I was a baby, I let her sleep with it when she was sick last week and now she is trying to give it away. Oh well, we had a great time cleaning out her room and teacher her about giving.

Every year we go out and get a real tree from the mountains. This year it is a little miss shaped but full. I love the smell of real trees but I hate the clean up!

Kadee the red nose reindeer!

Welcome Home Monica!!!

2008-12-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a great day for the Jenks family! Monica returned home from her mission in glory! We was very missed and we were all very excited to see her, even though we had to wait in the airport for almost two hours! She was worth the wait. After the airport we all went to Kristy's house and enjoyed some more family time together.

She was really excited to see and hold Rylan for the first time.

Kadee was really happy to have Monica home and didn't want to let her go.

The lower picture is a picture of the whole Jenks family at the airport!Todd and Monica at Kristy's house after the airport. Todd loves his little sister and is happy she is home!

Birthday!

2008-12-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

I know I am so good at posting events late but hey, better late then never right? Last Sunday we had a small birthday party for Kadee and me. My birthday was on the 7th of December and Kadee's was on the 8th. I am still having a hard time believing that she is three! We had a great time and my parents surprised us by showing up. I guess they had nothing else to do but make a road trip on a nice Sunday evening. It was a great surprise.

Oh Deer!

2008-11-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

This year for hunting season we drew on doe tags. We went up to Mackay on Saturday morning and were only out the the truck for about 20 minutes when Todd spotted a deer across the mountain about 250 yards away from us. I didn't even see it till after Todd had shot it and it was rolling down the hill. We didn't see any more deer till later that day but they were to far away. We went home with only one deer.

Todd with his deer on Saturday!

We went back to Mackay yesterday morning to try our luck again to see if I could get my deer. We parked the tuck and went up a different mountain that Todd knew would have deer on it. After a little bit of a hike we were walking down the other side of the mountain and Todd told me to stop and just wait. After waiting for only about two minutes we saw a herd of about 20 deer running out of the trees on the mountain across from us about 400 yards away. I took a shot and hit it in the butt (not a good place to hit them). Todd was afraid that I had gut shot it which would have ruined all the meat. So after a little hike down the mountain and then back up to the deer we were both very happy to find out it was not a gut shot. Give me a break it was my first time every shooting a deer and it was a long ways away! It was however a lot of fun!

Me with my deer!

Smile!

2008-11-12T13:42:00.001-08:00

Some of my family has been complaining about never seeing Rylan with his eyes open. I have been trying really hard to get a picture of him smiling but he must not like me enough to smile for me yet.

Kadee is always smiling and she loves getting her picture taken!

Still working on getting Rylan to smile, but hey his eyes are open!

Poor kids, a couple weeks ago I was going threw my Seder chest and found some old dresses that I use to wear, I also found a church outfit that I think Jaylan and Jefferson use to wear, well it just so happened that the clothes fit Kadee and Jackson so I just had to play dress up on them! They sure looked cute in the clothes and are always willing to pose for the camera.

Halloween

2008-11-04T15:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know that I am a little behind on the posting but I just have not taken the time to do it! We had a lot of fun this Halloween, Kadee dressed up like Cinderella and Rylan, well I didn't dress him up, he stayed home with a family friend and handed out candy. We went trick or treating with Forrest, Jessica and Jackson. I forgot my camera when we when trick or treating but the night before Jessica and I took the kids to Boo at the Zoo and I got some cute pictures of them there. All and all it was a good night, after hitting the Ucon trunk or treat and then going around our hood, Kadee ended up with about 9 pounds of candy. We will be eating candy till next Halloween!

Rylan in his Halloween shirt!

Kadee and Jackson at Boo at the Zoo!

Update on Rylan!

2008-10-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Rylan's two month appointment, our little boy is quite the chunk weighing in at 11lbs and 14 ounces that's almost 4lbs in two months! He has also grown 2 inches and is now 24 inches long! No wonder his 0-3 months clothing no longer fit him! We are happy that he is so healthy!

New Paint

2008-10-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we painted our upstairs family room. It is amazing what a little paint will do. I have been living with white walls for a little to long and they were starting to drive me crazy. Poor Todd didn't know what he was getting himself into. Todd moved all the furniture out of the room so I could shampoo the carpet and I said "hey why don't we paint the walls while everything is out?" He was nice enough to help me paint. Tell me what you think!

Last trip to Malad

2008-10-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend we made one last trip to Malad for the year. Most of my family was there and we had a great time hanging out and enjoying the new shop. We also found time to ride the dirt bikes and Todd scouted for deer. It was really nice to have some place big enough for all of us to sit and visit and stay out of the cold. I took a lot of pictures but didn't want to bore you all so I just added a few of my little family being a little dorky. I think Rylan was warm enough.

My gorgeous self trying to stay warm while I rode to dirt bike.

My handsome hubby! Need I say more?

And last but not least Kadee sticking her ears out of her hat!

Rylan's first camping trip!

2008-10-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we went to Island park with Todds parents and Nick and Jody (Todd's sister) to try and get one last camping trip in before it snows. It was cold and rained the whole weekend but we still had a great time shooting guns and riding four wheelers. We are starting Kadee off early on both of them. She loves to drive the little four wheeler and I am afraid that when it comes time to give it back to her grandpa ward she is going to be one sad little girl. She also loved shooting her dad's .22 rifle with help of course. She was pulling the trigger faster then Todd could pump it. Poor Rylan spent the whole weekend in the motorhome. It was to cold to take him outside, oh well, he still sleeps all the time anyways so he didnt miss much. His cousins sure ejoyed holding him.

Me shooting the .22-250
Kadee and Todd with the .22

Rylan sleeping away

Levi holding Rylan

Introducing Rylan Todd Jenks!

2008-08-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

We are Very Happy to introduce our new son Rylan Todd to the world. Rylan was born at on August 28th, 2008 at 11:04am. He weighs in at 8lbs and 3oz and is 22in long. My labor was great, only lasting 3 hours and pushing for only 10 min. I cut my labor time in half Kadee, and I thought 6 hours was fast. Both of us are doing really well. Rylan in a great baby, only crys when he want food or when he is being changed. Last night was a first night home and he would have slept all night if I would not have woke him up to feed him. Kadee is adapting well to her new baby brother and loves to help out with him when ever she can.

We are very happy to have this new wonderful guy in our lives!

Is it time yet?

2008-08-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

Is it time to be done yet? 22 days left, but hey who's counting? That's right, me! I am so ready to be done, I want this baby out! I have to admit this pregnancy has gone by a lot faster then the first time around with Kadee. I know that the next three weeks are going to go by fast and I will remembering how much easier it is to take care of the baby when it is still in the tummy!

Home Sweet Malad

2008-07-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

For Mom & Dad Ward that is. This Saturday went against doctors orders and went to Malad to help my parents on their propriety. We had to go, ok well I didn't but Todd did have to pull my dads new tractor down. After being on bed rest for a week and not leaving the house I had to get out! We helped my dad work on his shop and and move some dirt and rock around.

This is me just playing around in the tractor, really I just drove it around a little mainly to cool off in the A/C cab! It was fun! It really made me miss the Osgood farm I grew up on. Back then the tractor I drove was quite a bit bigger.

Kadee had fun playing with her cousin Katelyn on the little 4-wheeler. Everyone in my family except Audrey was there, it was really nice to see my sister Melissa and her kids and yes Audrey was missed!

This is a picture of my parents back yard and shop. The house is going to be built to the north of the shop a ways up, not shown in the picture. The spot where Todd is standing when he took this picture is going to be the garden area.

This is the front yard. It is hard to see because the beautiful setting sun.

Memories

2008-07-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Black Tail

2008-07-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon we took the boat out to Black Tail. Grandma & Grandpa Jenks and Jody and Nicks family joined us. We had a lot of fun pulling the kids (and grandpa) behind the boat in the tube. Todd says that he thinks that is the first time he has ever see his dad behind a boat. Kadee even on in the tube. She was probably the easiest out of the kids to get in the tube. She loves the water.

Todd and Nick tried out Todds new wake board. It was quite the sight to see Nick trying to help Todd get his feet in. Todds feet are a little to big for the bindings on the wakeboard.

In the end they got the wakeboard on and Todd was able to get up and board.

This summer has been the pits for me :( I get to miss out on all the fun! I did get to enjoy the nice boat ride. I will admit sometimes it is just fun to watch my little family have fun!

Bad News!

2008-07-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

I am writing to let all our Jenks family know that we will not be going to Bear Lake! I am so sad to report that the doctor has told me that I can no longer travel! :( He told me that if he would have known I was going to Island Park he would of said I couldn't go. I guess it is a good thing I didn't tell him that I road the 4 wheelers. Oh well! I am just sad that we wont be able to use our camper much more this summer as well as not getting to see all of our Jenks family that I still don't feel like I know very well. But it is best to do what the doctor says, I guess he knows he is talking about! We sad about not getting to go camping but we want to do whats best for our baby. We only have seven weeks left then we can enjoy our new bundle of joy!

Island Park

2008-07-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Over the 4th of July weekend we went to the Island Park ranch with my family. The ranch has always been my favorite place to camp. We have 1000 acres all to our self's, I take that back, we have to share it with the cows but more then half the time we never see them anyway. It was fun to take our camper out for the first time this summer and just sit back and enjoy nature. However we really could have done without the blasted mosquitoes. I think we went threw two cans of OFF and a can of Yard Guard. Besides that we had a great weekend riding 4 wheelers, dirt bikes, shooting guns and just relaxing.

Do to the late winter we have had the wild flowers were still in bloom and the were so pretty. Kadee had fun playing in them and picking them. Every time she would pick one she would bring it to me and say "Happy mothers days!' it was cute.

Well after spending four days in our camper we were happy to come home, clean up and sleep in our own beds, but are looking forward to going to Bear Lake in a couple of weeks!

Kadee's Bike

2008-07-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

We got Kadee a bike at a yard sell earlier this summer thinking that she would be able to ride it next summer. Well, she has learned how to ride it this summer and loves to ride it up and down the sidewalk. All we need now is to get her a helmet and some pads and she will be set! I can't believe that she is only 2, she looks like such a big kid on her princess bike!

Summer Time!!

2008-06-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Its finally starting to feel like summer in Idaho Falls!! When its warm outside Kadee loves playing in her swimming pool with her little cousin Jackson. She likes to climb up the slide and slide down on her belly. I have had to stop her from trying to go down head first. I know I'm no fun.

Basement is done!!

2008-06-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited that we finally have a finished house!! My sweet hubby has worked his butt off to get the family room done before the heat of the summer. I know where I will be living for the next 10 weeks (yes that's all I have left!) if I can get my happy butt up and down stairs that is. Its so much cooler down there. Now all we need is some furniture down there so we have some place to relax.

Now we get to move on to the fun stuff like the baby's room. I have thought a lot about it and I am not going to be putting Kadee and the new baby in the same bed room. I am to afraid that she will try and get him out of bed in the middle of the night. She loves to pack around her baby dolls by the neck.