Stehlie Farm - Harvest 2009

Our friends Chad and April invited us to go with them to Stehlie Farm. They had a corn maze, pumpkin patch, haunted house and kid playground filled with lots of activities. We went kind of late so we werent' able to see the pumpkin patch because it was already dark, the girls didn't want to go to the haunted house or corn maze - they didn't want to be scared, which was fine! So we decided to check out all the animals, swing on the BIG swings, and of course the playground that you can slide down into corn. It was the coolest slide until you lost something in it.(lol) It was super deep and Kera had flip flops on and we had to dig for them :) We finally found them and it was allot of fun playing in the corn... They had these other swings which we saddles and went in a circle and very fast - the girls loved them. They had a few play grounds they got to switch back and forth so they definitely wore themselves out. The girls were kind of sad because the face painting had just ended when we arrived. We should've done that first. I told them maybe we can go back before Halloween, but we've been super busy with making cookies and carving pumpkins that we've not been able to make it - with it being Halloween in 2 days the girls said they were ok if we could n't make it back just because we get to paint their faces for their costumes! I love doing things like this with the girls, we had a great time!

Froggy Friends -

Trying to get all caught up on my posts, this one is a fun story!! A couple weeks ago, we were sitting in the kitchen and Mitch was walking back to sit at the table and I saw a cute little frog jumping in between his legs - almost scared Mitch cause I was like watch out :) So we caught it and put it in a Tupperware container to show the girls the next morning, it was already late and they were in bed... Not even 30 minutes later I found another one sitting on the side of my couch! I am assuming from earlier when we had all the doors open from airing out the house and cleaning that they got inside because we are still wondering how they did get in. The girls woke up and the looks and actions were so dang cute! They were asking us how and where we found them, they wanted to know all the details. They said can we keep them, can we name them, oh how cute they are (hee hee). We looked up on line how to take care of them, and you needed an aquarium, certain lighting, food etc, and Maddison said she learned in school that frogs live better in their natural habitat (outside) ponds, it was cute. So we let the girls take them outside to let them free.

We miss you Ryan......

Last week I drove up with my mom over night to Salt Lake to take Kodi and Kellsie (Ryan's girls) home. My schedule worked out that I was able to go with her so she didn't have to drive by her self since my dad and sister had to work. It was very nice to spend that little quality time with her. Since I've been working alot of hours I don't get to talk as much, so it was nice to catch up! We got into town very late and got up early to pick up a few things, and we stopped at my brother's grave! It was a beautiful day! Put a few flowers and fall like decor on his stone. I know my brother know's we are there, you just get a strong feeling when you are sitting there. I miss Ryan allot and I know his kids and rest of the family do as well. I know he is watching over all of us..... There is not a day that goes by that we don't think about him~ he is very close to our hearts!

October 2009 Home Depot Workshop...

Nikki and Mytchell came down the first part of October for the weekend and it happened to be the first Saturday of the month which means "Home Depot Workshop"....
It became a tradition 13 months ago and they've loved it ever since! It's fun too when our family or friends come up and they get to go build stuff with Mitch, Kassidee and Maddison! This workshop was a bean bag toss, which is allot of fun to play. The girls still play the game, and I also asked Nikki if Mytchell does and she said yes too! They all did such a wonderful job painting. So creative! I love Home Depot for having these workshops, it's fun, it teaches kids how to build on their own, technique's, teaches creativity, independence, helping each other, bonding time and the BEST part it's all "FREE"... Can't get any better than that :) They look forward to the next time and get so excited.

Happy Birthday Sis..... Better late then never

We didn't delay the party, but I have for sure delayed the postings, (lol) My sister April's birthday was September 5th and as you can see I'm running a little behind with adding these colleges to my blog a month and a half later! :) We had a great time, it was actually a surprise to my sister! She thought we were all just getting together for a BBQ! Sneaky us got her a cake and some balloons, with Family, friends, cards and food :) She was really surprised and very happy that we celebrated her birthday this way! HAPPY 29th Sister........ The girls got a kick out of her blowing out the candles, she actually did an awesome job! ALL out in one try :) Yahoo -

My sister is an amazing person! Has allot of wonderful qualities, has a kind and loving heart, and is such a wonderful mommy! She is like having a best friend you can't get rid of, You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. True that :)

I hope you always know how much you mean to me, and what a wonderful sister you are.

Cancun Mexico 2009

Celebrating our 12 year anniversary in Cancun was very memorable! I don't think there are enough words to define the beauty and relaxation you feel once you arrive there. It was just beautiful... other than missing and being away from our girls, we didn't want to come home, but you know reality was waiting at home (ha ha). We definitely took FULL advantage of our all inclusive resort. We got spoiled, it was such a fabulous and just gorgeous trip..... the water was SO BLUE!! Still today I can't get over how blue and beautiful it is...... When we first arrived I went outside and it was like a perfect picture. It didn't look real, oh but it was very real!! The sand was so white and soft! We played in the ocean, the waves, which the water was very very salty!

We got our 4 tours for $75, which we went to a 90 min presentation (well worth it).. There were a total of 7 but we didn't have time for all of them. if we had 2 more days we could've done them all. We also got a day pass at Moon Palace and 2 spa treatments, that's where the presentation was!! Gorgeous Resort! First tour was ChiChen Itza, 7 wonders of the world in the Mayan Ruins. It was an all day event, 2 hours away. But we got food and drinks and tour bus with fabulous guides! It was an amazing experience! Just the history alone was well worth the tour, Mitch and I learned so much and couldn't believe the hand craft in these temples! Fasinating!!!! Then we came back and went to a show then drank some delicous MiaTia's... AGAIN :) I totally felt I consumed an ocean of alcohol - hee hee

Part of our all inclusive was 6 resturants, this one was called Marco Polo. It was a New York Steakhouse, which was very tasty... The desserts were a perfect size, bite size really but just enough to put that sweet sensation in your mouth. It was a great experience!!

The second tour was zip line "CAN YOU SAY FUN FUN FUN"........ yahoo, I wont' lie, I was a little scared at first. I've never done this before so I had butterflies in my tummy! The Tour guide was talking to me saying you'll have fun, don't worry be happy (then gives me a friendly push), after that I was like a kid, hanging upside down, letting go with my hands! Mitch was all for it right from the start.. That night we went to a Broadway show and again more drinking! (All inclusive resort, had to live it up) Everyday we played in the ocean and hung out by the pool. It was cool because they had a bar pool side,,,, we ate yummy foods!

Market 28 was a really fun experience, flea market and bargaining your price. We got a ton of souvenirs for cheap cheap! You basically played the game and won your price every time... Love it

"PARADISE" "BREATHTAKING"

I love you! Mitch wrote me this in the sand while we were down enjoying the beach/ocean together! Mitch is the "BEST" husband ever, I can't express enough how much I love and appreciate this man, Its endless! He does so much for me and his family! I had a phenominal and memorable time with him in Cancun... I am honored to be his wife and to be by his side. We bond each and every day with our marriage, our life, our kids etc.. Cancun put a special bond in Mitch' and I that only him and I will know and can keep sacred! Thank you honey.....

The sunrise was fabulous! We didn't get to see a sunset really because the clouds would cover it everytime...

These pictures were part of our resort.. One night after our show we went for a walk on the beach and then checked out our resort. Very big! Lots of lights.... I loved all the courtyards!

The 3rd tour was a jungle tour which we got to drive our own boats into the ocean to a coral reef and snorkel... AWESOME! Loved that one because we felt like we were at home, on the lake just a bigger version.. The fish weren't too big though or bright, so you really had to look for them. it was a fun experience, because I've never snorkeled.. Then we went to another comedy show then drank some more......"Imagine that", You'll hear that allot :)

We filled little bottles that we got in our room fridge with sand and seashells for the girls. (THEY LOVED IT)... We couldn't take them so we brought it home to them.

The 4th tour was wet n wild. Kind of like raging waters, but with a dolphin perk! I just took pictures, because when we went I couldn't swim with them, next time though! ALL around it was a great time, very relaxing, very accommodating, got waiting on hand and foot. All the staff spoke bilingual so it was nice for everyone! Loved it and there is SO much to do there that we look forward to going back!

Dedication to all those "Amazing" Teachers

The child arrives like a mystery box...

with puzzle pieces inside

some of the pieces are broken or missing...

and others just seem to hide
But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out...

and help the child to see

the potential for greatness he has within...

a picture of what he can be
Her goal isn't just to teach knowledge...

by filling the box with more part

sit's putting the pieces together...

and creating a work of art
The process is painfully slow at times...

some need more help than other

seach child is a work in progress...

with assorted shapes and colors
First she creates a classroom...

where the child can feel safe in school

where he never feels threatened or afraid to try...

and kindness is always the rule
She knows that a child can achieve much more

when he feels secure inside

when he's valued and loved...

and believes in himself...

and he has a sense of pride
She models and teaches good character...

and respect for one another

how to focus on strengths...

not weaknesses and how to encourage each other

She gives the child the freedom he needs...

to make choices on his own

so he learns to become more responsible...

and is able to stand alone
He's taught to be strong and think for himself...

as his soul and spirit heal

and the puzzle that's taking shape inside...

has a much more positive feel
The child discovers the joy that comes...

from learning something new...

and his vision grows as he begins to see

all the things that he can do
A picture is formed as more pieces fit...

an image of the child within

with greater strength and confidence...

and a belief that he can win!
All because a hero was there...

in the HEART of a teacher who care

denabling the child to become much more...

than he ever imagined...

or dared
A teacher with a HEART for her children...

knows what teaching is all about

she may not have all the answers...

but on this...

she has no doubt
When asked which subjects she loved to teach,

she answered this way and smiled...

"It's not the subjects that matter...

It's all about teaching the CHILD."