9/11----Happy Birthday Nancy!

Just couldn't pass the day by without thinking of this tragedy. I still remember the moments and emotions of that day. I was sitting on the couch in the family room watching TV and playing with my two little ones when it all happened. How shocking! I was glued to the TV for days. How grateful we are for all those that risked their lives to save others. I just read a story the other day of one of the brave people who didn't think of just himself that day. He helped organize and get thousands out---however, he never made it out. What Christlike love he and so many had that day and the days that followed. And, I'm sure many things we didn't even hear about. How thankful we need to be to have what we have and live where we live! Still such a heavy heart!

On a lighter note---HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY! Hope you are having a great time at Lake Powell! I don't know how you wouldn't! Love that place!

August-Where did it go?

Ok, seriously, August! I swear it came and went so fast! We got home the first couple of days of August and did some fun things--and then school started! Then things got really CRAZY! The first day of school also happened to be Sam's birthday. He was super excited. Before school, we had a little treasure hunt set up for him. He did Ok,with help from Shelby, at the clues and finding the hints to what his birthday present was. The things he found were sea shells, legos, airplane, picture of him on the beach in CA. He couldn't figure out what the actual present was because he had in his mind that he was getting Smash Brawl Wii game and the things he found had nothing to do with the game. We were cracking up because he kept trying to guess Smash Brawl. About that time Shelby asked if we were going some place and then I finally explained that we were going to CA with Dad on his business trip in September. It still took a while to sink in and then he was happy to know we were going to the beach and Legoland! Then he did ask, kind of sad, what about Smash Brawl? So Tom told him to go look on the kitchen counter and there was his game! He was really happy then! It worked out that Tom had found out a couple days before that he was going to San Diego for work. So, since we had enough frequent flyers and the hotel and car were paid for, we decided to make a family trip out of it. We decided that going to CA and Legoland would be a great trade instead of having a birthday party! (Good thing Sam thought so too!)
Sam had a great day and got to play his game before and after school. He picked Pei Wei for his birthday dinner. YUM!
Two days later---on the same day we got Sam, eight years ago, he was baptized. Pretty neat that it worked out that way! What a special day it was this year and eight years ago. The service was really special. The grandmas spoke and then the primary kids sang, "If the Savior Stood Beside Me". It was so nice to have Tom be able to baptize and confirm Sam. How blessed we are to have the priestood in our home. We are so proud of Sam and for his decision to be baptized. Shelby and Matt surely look up to him. He is a great older brother. We were blessed to have a little family--two grandma's, grandpa, and my cousin and her family. Eventhough we didn't have much family, you wouldn't have known it! We had so many great friends and neighbors at the baptism and the little dinner at our place afterwards. It was a neat experience for us to share this day with so many and to share our beliefs with others not of our faith. After the baptism everyone came over and it worked out great to just sit in the driveway and eat in the shade. It was a perfect evening! The kids were cracking us up! They all found light sabers or something that resembled a light saber and were playing Star Wars. (which was so nice because then the adults could just sit and relax a bit!) :) So fun! After everyone had gone, Sam openend some presents and cards. He was so excited! He said, "Wow! I got $55 bucks out of this!" I thought my mom and I were going to die laughing!! He had never had so much money in his life! The wheels in his brain were just a turnin' as to what he was going to buy! He ended up buying a skateboard, watch, and new scooter. And, he got to go to see Clone Wars with the movie gift card he got. Boy was he ever happy! Oh, I have to tell you a sweet story of cute Sam. The day that he bought his watch and skateboard, Matt was very jealous and having a rough time. He wanted a watch too, but I told him he would have to earn it. So, when Sam heard that, he went to the front door and yelled for Matt to come to the front door. Matt did and then came running back to the family room holding a $20 bill and said that he now had enough money for the watch. I cried. Sam felt so bad for Matt that he gave his own precious money to Matt so that he could have the watch and be happy. That shows how sensitive Sam is and just how much he loves his little brother. Those two are as "thick as theives"--as Tom would say. (needless to say, we worked it out and Sam got his money back---but even when I gave him the money back he still said that he was fine to pay for Matt's watch---so cute!) We are so blessed to have been able to adopt this amazing boy! We would be lost without him!

My favorite picture from Sam's special day! (Sam looking up at the Savior)


Below are the first day of school pictures, Sam's birthday, and Sam's baptism day.

Another very exciting thing happened in August! Matt's first day at kindergarten! He started the day after Sam and Shelby. He was so excited he didn't even care to get his picture taken! He just couldn't wait to be at the school with all the other kids.


Here's a picture of the "Brookfield St. Gang" He was all smiles walking to school with the big kids! Quite the crew!


Sam had his first major cub scout pack meeting! He was so excited to wear his uniform! The rockets didn't really work too well, but finally the dads decided to just fly them anyway. The kids had a great time, so that's what matters right?! :)



Oh! and one last photo I just can't resist! Tom has been debating whether or not to get Lasik done for at least 10 years---well he finally pulled the trigger! He said it is well worth it and would do it again---eventhough one eye isn't doing as well as the other. He will need a little "touch-up" in a month or so. So great he doesn't have to worry about his contacts when we hit the ocean and sand next Saturday!

Great Weekend!

Well, we had a great weekend! We started off with a Royals' game. It happened to be $1 night--so hot dogs and drinks were $1. Got to love that! Then the kids had to have their favorite---cotton candy! I just really can't stand it! I try it every time, but it is just gross to me. Anyway, they love it! Then because the Royals actually scored---and it was in the 7th inning---we get to take our tickets to the local ice cream place for a free sundae! And, to top it off, it was "firework Friday". So we had a great time! Poor Matt was tuckered out and was fast asleep as soon as the car started home. Then Saturday we lounged in the morning then went to Shelby's soccer game and a neighbor's game. Then we came home and lounged again watching the BYU football game. OK, I guess I lounged and watched the game more than Tom--he was out mowing! :) And, at lunch Shelby couldn't eat very easily because she had a very loose tooth. So, I said, "Just pull it out." Well, that's what she did! She sure surprised herself and me! :) She was pretty happy and proud of herself! Then we got to have the missionaries over. The kids just love having them over. They played legos and such and Sam told them all about his insect project he is working on for school. (I'll have to take a picture of the finished project!) The kids and the missionaries were bummed because it was raining, which meant that we couldn't head to the creek up the street to find the frogs and such. We took the missionaries up there before and they loved it. The one missionary really got into hunting the frogs and was in the bushes and such with a stick. And the other missionary was helping the kids catch the fast little frogs. We are so lucky to be able to spend time with the missionaries. It is good for the kids to see their example. I remember when I was growing up--just loving the missionaries coming over and hanging out. Do you remember the silly little tricks or jokes they used to do? (The pictures are from the last time we went to the creek with the missionaries.)
Today we were lucky to have the new time schedule for church, 11:30. They do things a little different here, and change times and days in September instead of January. So we got to lounge a bit this morning and play "Sorry" before church. Something new today was that the Spanish speaking members in our area are now attending our ward. It was neat to see them and such special people they are and their smiles just got me. One sweet little boy, in a suit and tie, got up and bore his testimony about how he had lost his journal and that he was very worried about it and his parents told him they would buy him a new one and they did. He was so happy and bore his testimony about how he was so glad that we have family to take care of us and our needs. The Spirit was so strong. I got teary eyed. I thought about other kids in the audience, and how they probably would feel the same about one of their silly toys. And I thought about how sad it is that we take so many things for granted and also the thought of what things we consider so priceless to us. It made me want to work harder this week to remember and to teach my kids what really matters in life. I was really humbled today listening to this little boy and others in testimony meeting. I then taught the lesson in YW and I learn so much from teaching those lessons. I am so glad that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am so blessed to have what I have and to know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and cares about me and my little family. I am grateful that Jesus Christ suffered for my sins so that I can repent and try to be better.
Wow! I didn't really intend to get so deep! I guess I just can't help it on a day like today! :)

Labor Day!

How was your Labor Day? Mine seemed to be a pure "labor" day! :) Tom and I both went running this morning. Then I did four loads of laundry, mopped the kitchen floor, organized some kitchen stuff, ran some errands, paid some bills, then went and swam the lake course I will be swimming in the sprint tri. Who said Labor Day was a holiday?! I guess better luck next year! :) (We did have a fun, busy weekend, so I guess that will have to do.)
Speaking of the tri, I'm a bit worried!!! I'm surely not ready! There were some serious competitors out there practicing tonight. Good thing my goal is only to finish! :)
I was hoping to get some posts about our July and Sam's exciting days, but guess that will be for another day. Seems life is a bit busy these days. I'm sure you all know how that feels! :)
Hope you had a great holiday!

Last Bit of Summer!

Well, after getting back from our big trips, I realized there were a couple things on my summer list we hadn't done yet. First, it was getting together with friends at the ward park day. However, this time we went to the zoo instead. We had a great time, but no pictures because I forgot my camera! :) It was super hot, but it was a discount day so we went. We even got to eat $2 hotdogs for lunch and the kids thought that was great. I was completely worn out at the end of the day with the heat and pushing different kids in the stroller. Tom keeps wanting to get rid of the stroller, but I can't part with it yet---it really comes in handy at times.
Then, since the kids had so much fun with one of the families that went, we had a play date the next day with them. The kids had a blast playing and running all over in the house and playing with the water rocket outside. (by the way, the water rocket is well worth the money--about $15 from Walmart I think) We have had it for a couple of years now and it hasn't broken yet! Maybe a miracle?! :)
Then we had a fun time over the weekend playing and hanging out with the neighbors and going to the pool and watching the start of the Olympics. And, on Sunday I saw a friend of ours from the other ward and she told me that there were still berries to pick. I was so excited! I thought we were too late for the blueberries. So, since the farm isn't open on Sunday and Monday, we met our friends at the farm on Tuesday, just about 1/2 hour away in Missouri. The drive is so fun because it is in the country a bit and so the farms and houses and landscape are neat to see. We picked some blackberries first. Then we picked some blueberries. After the picking was done, or lets say after the kids were done picking, they headed to the kids play area. They got to go in the little store and get a pop and ride the little train. We had a great time. That night we picked up grandma and grandpa. So the next morning we had to make them blueberry pancakes with our freshly picked berries. ooh they are yummy! And, I made my first blackberry pie and it tasted awesome! (The best part is that it was super easy!)
With grandma and grandpa here, we decided to take them down to Crown Center Plaza and to the Halmark Visitor's Center. Halmark is headquartered here and they have a great little place right next to the big mall. The kids enjoyed Kalidescope, which is a kids creative center that Halmark has and it is FREE! They use all their scraps and let the kids just create. The kindergarten kids here usually go for one of their fieldtrips. It is decorated really neat and so fun for the kids to paint, tape, color, and create. Then, we went to check out the fountains. Luckily I had remembered to bring an extra pair of clothes for the kids --- they loved it!
Well, that is a tid bit of our latest happenings and here are some pictures from these last summer events we were able to fit in before school started! :(

More catching up soon! :)

Well, we're back!

Ok, we are back and unpacked!! FINALLY!! It has taken a while to post because since we have been home we have been getting ready for school to start and getting things ready for Sam's baptism. We had a crazy, fun July that went by quick!! I will try to post about our July later. Basically we went on our BIG vacations of the year and had 3 birthdays.
I think another reason I can't find a moment to post is because right now is one of my favorite times!! The Olympics!!!! Wow--are those athletes amazing or what! I can't figure out how they can push themselves so much and have so much control over their body. I can't image the self control and motivation they have. I wish I had1/10 what they must have! Life would be a lot easier. :) Also, I have been so amazed because I have signed up for a SPRINT triathlon that I still wonder why I signed up and how I am going to finish it. Of course I don't plan on placing or anything of the like-----my goal is to finish without dying! :) We'll see how things go. I am very nervous because I haven't trained like I should have because we have been so busy playing this summer. I figure that if nothing else, this will be a trial run and I can train better for the next one---if I feel I can ever do another. :)

I've been tagged!

Ok, so Friday evening, after a very long week and couple hours of taking down cub scout camp, I was catching up on some blogs and I found that my cousin Jill, (Forsgren Family), tagged me. This is my first tag---that I know about. :) I wasn't so sure about doing this one, because I wasn't so sure as to the cleanliness of the home since it had been such a long week and I had been doing some painting. But, I guess I am going ahead with it! This is a picture tag and you are supposed to take the pictures right away---just as the things are when you found them--no cleaning, etc. (I took all the pictures Friday, just haven't posted until now)

#1 Post a picture of your kitchen sink as it looks this very moment.

Pretty good, ay?! You definitely caught me on a good day!

#2 Post a picture of your toilet.


I chose Shelby's because hers is the least used by the boys in our family. :) And, wouldn't you know it--it hadn't been flushed. I guess this is a case of "if it's yellow, let it mellow". (it is a mystery as to why it had something in it with the seat down and no toilet paper??!!)Mmmm.....

#3 Post a picture of your laundry room.

Luckily I had put away some of the clean clothes that morning. It's a bit small, but works for us because it is on the bedroom level, and just across from the guest bedroom. There are a lot of shelves which I love. So, if it starts to get full--there is always the guest bed to throw the clean laundry until it can get folded.:) Speaking of guests--we'd love to have some. (hint,hint-wink,wink)


#4 Post a picture of the inside of your fridge.

Can I just say that I love my fridge! We tried a side-by-side, but it drove us crazy! So we sold it on Craig's list, and found this one in the "scratch and dent" section. We got a smokin' hot deal. :)

#5 Post a picture of what your kids/husband are doing right now.



Just playing outside and having a popsicle to help with the heat!
#6 Show us your favorite shoes.


These are my favorite "functional" shoes. They are great for the summer and easy to slip on to get somewhere quick. They can be washed easily, etc. Flip flops aren't always so comfortable for me, so these have been great.

#7 Show us your favorite room in your house.

This room is at the back of our house, and is entered from the kitchen. It is supposed to be the dining room, but we aren't really "dining room" people. So, it houses our computers, books, and kids TV with the Wii. We have all liked this room and I think we would build this very type of room if we were ever to build. It is perfect because the kids can feel that you are right there by them, but they aren't constantly under your feet. :)

#8 Show us your closet.

Well I couldn't really take a good picture of this, which is good. It is a disaster, and needs to be cleaned out so badly. I am hoping that this fall I can get to it.?? I just had the "closet" discussion with one of my sisters yesterday. She had a great plan. She went through everything and put what she thought needed to go (hers and her husbands)in bags, and put them in the basement storage. Then if they don't get asked about after a while, then she can get rid of the bags. :)

#9 What is your dream vacation?
Wow! I have so many! Cancun-Mexico-ruins, Europe-all over!, Florida, Hawaii--Tonga(to take Sam!), Disney Cruise with the kids--to see their fun!, another CA--Holbrook fix, Oregon, Northern CA to show my kids where I grew up and where I camped, Calgary stampede-Bamf sp?, Niagara Falls, another NY trip, Grand Canyon with the kids, Seattle Ferry to Canada-tulip fields, Water skiing and such trip, etc. I think I could go on forever! I love to go!--anywhere pretty much--:)

#10 Self portrait as you look right now!


This was pretty funny and pretty hard to do. I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist. I had some good laughs!

Okay, I now tag.......Wendy, Cindy, Shay, Jenny, Kami, Holly, Stacie, Jackie---And whoever else wants to give it a try! :) Have fun!