Ryan's New Toy

Many of you already know about or have seen this but for those who haven't heard, Ryan got a motorcycle!! With the price of gas going up, driving the truck was not really an option, but neither was a new car payment, so we scratch our plans for a trip to Disneyland, and made the purchase. I don't know any of the details of the bike itself, but I do know that so far Ryan is enjoying it. I am still not completely thrilled with the idea safety-wise, but it has really cut back on the amount we spend in gas.

5K for Brain Injury Association of Utah

Last weekend, while Ryan & Isac were livin' it up at the Fathers & Sons Campout, my sister Jen & I, along with our 2 two year olds & two 10 month olds; walked in the 5K for the Brain Injury Association of Utah.

We participated in honor of a sweet little guy, Charlie Cooper, who has fought a tough battle with meningitis which has left him with severe brain injuries.

Ryan made a post about him awhile back, and his story has really touched our family, especially because he is so close in age to our Mackey. Even though it was kind of a pain getting the kids around so early and everything that goes along with it, I was so glad we went. There were over 300 people there for Charlie, which was amazing to see, but what really stood out to me were all of the individuals there who obviously suffered from some type of brain injury. They were actually running in the race, some of them all alone, others being pushed in wheelchairs. Seeing all of these people made me realize that there are so many people out there who are going through challenging obstacles in life, without the tremendous support that Charlie's family has had. I do not mean to undermine this family's struggles in anyway, but it made me want to reach out to others who have no one reaching out to them but who needed to be reached out to. It was a good reminder to me that when we follow the Savior's example and bear one another's burdens we are all strengthen, lifted up, and become more like Him. I hope that we will all try to be aware of those around us who are suffering and that we will be willing and able to make someone else's journey here a little easier.

"The Best Day of 4th Grade" according to Isac

I am late in posting this, but Mountain Man Rendezvous finally came! I am pretty sure Isac has been looking forward to this day his entire school career and now he claims that it was by far "The Best Day of 4th Grade." A group of real Mountain Men come to the school with their teepees, etc and the kids spend the whole day outside doing activities including archery, throwing tomahawks, listening to tall-tales, working with leather, spinning wool, dipping candles, panning for 'gold", and lots more. Jen was kind to watch the kiddos at the last minute so that I could go up to observe and participate a little (lucky for me I happened to be there just in time for the yummy Dutch Oven lunch). I loved activities like this as a kid, so I was excited to be there. I was too busy having a good time to take many pictures but I did get these.
The "Pie-Eating Contest"
Isac's favorite part was trying to catch this Rainbow Trout with his bare hands. Then they gutted them...GROSS!!!Lining up for Elk Stew

A fun waste of time!

The rules are simple:
1. Go to http://www.flickr.com/.
2. Type your answer to each question in the “search” box.
3. Try using only the first page to pick an image.
4. Copy and paste the picture into your blog.

What is your first name?


What is your favorite food?


What high school did you go to?


What is your favorite color?


Who is your celebrity crush?


What is your favorite drink?


What is your dream vacation?


What is your favorite dessert/treat?


What do you want to be when you grow up?


What is your favorite indulgence?


What do you love the most?


Now it's your turn!

Does this look like a naughty girl?

1 Emily+1 Blueberry Yogurt-1 Spoon-Parental Supervision=

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JJ DEAR!!

Today is my big sister's 29th Birthday! She is felling like she is getting old so I thought I would post some pictures of her younger days. I have so many wonderful memories of our childhood together. Being the oldest sister she was nicknamed Bossy Boosie. While it was annoying at times to never get to be the "Teacher" or have much of a say in our activities I am grateful that she took such a leading role in my life. She has always been like the mother of the family and one of my best examples. I could go on and on about her amazing strengths and awesome qualities and how much I have always looked up to her, but I am a little late in making this post and I just want to get it done! So T thanks for all that you have done, all that you still do, and all that you are. We love you and are truly blessed to have you as our sister, our aunt, & most importantly our friend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
This is one of my all time favorite photos
How did I survive?
Does this look like Mack as a girl and Emily with blonde hair to anyone else but me?
My first haircut by Jen. She had talent even from the beginning!

Happy Mother's Day

What other role in this life can be so challenging and rewarding at the same time...I can't think of one. The longer I live, and the more children I am responsible for, the more aware I am of what a great job my own mother does. There are numerous women who have impacted my life for good. My heart is full of gratitude for the women in both mine and Ryan's life who have taught us so much. I am often overwhelmed at the magnitude of what it means to be a mother. I love my babies and feel privileged to be their mother. It has been a great day spending time together and celebrating mothers. We had a picnic at the park with my mom and my sister Jen & her family. It was fun being together, playing, & relaxing. But why is it that I can never seem to get a good shot of me with the kids? This was the best we got! Happy Mother's Day.

Guess who's back...back again...

Isac's back, once again! With a little buttering up and alot of bribing that mop of a hairdo is gone! We can't believe how much different he looks...he has startled us several times around the house because he doesn't look like himself and we think a stranger is in the house. Now that we can see his face, he reminds us of the little Isac that we use to know, who has been hiding behind those long bangs! Isac is also happy with the change, especially because with the warmer weather, long shaggy hair is HOT. Finally this hair drama is over, at least for awhile. What do you guys think? Isac wanted us to take a poll to see if everyone prefers the long & shaggy or the short & spiky. VOTE NOW!!