frosted flakes

Tis the Season...

2009-12-08T09:03:00.004-07:00

It is my goal to not be a scrooge this season and try really hard to remember why we are really celebrating Christmas.

Last year James' cousin Monte Shelley and his sweet wife Elona sent us this book he wrote. We read part of it for FHE last night and it really reminded me why we celebrate and how some of the traditions that seem so commercialized really do point to Christ if we change our focus on how we view them.

Here are a few that I love that connect Santa to Christ:

*Santa dresses in red (atonement) and white (purity). When Christ comes again, he "shall be red in his apparel (D&C 133:48-51).

*He ascends into and descends from heaven (3 Nephi 11:8; 18:39).

*His coming is in the night "as a thief" who enters not by the door (D&C 106:4, 1 Thes. 5:2, John 10:1; 20:19)

*He invites little children to come unto him (3Nephi 17:11, 21)

*Little children believe in him.

*We are invited to become as little children.

*He knows if you've been bad or good.

*He rewards every person according to his works.

*We don't get everything we ask for.

*We are not always grateful for the gifts we receive.

*Santa gives children unearned gifts that they cannot get without him. Christ offers us the unearned gifts of immortality and eternal life.

If you are interested in this wonderful book, they have it available at this website: http://www.sviewp.com/

We hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday season celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Jordan's Eagle Court of Honor this SUNDAY!

2009-10-28T06:10:00.002-07:00

Jordan will be receiving his Eagle with two other boys in his scout troop this Sunday. All three of them worked really hard this summer to complete it. They are great examples to all of the scouts in their troop! Their troop will have 9 or 10 boys receiving their Eagle by the end of this year! They really did motivate each other to get it. Here is a little video I made Jordan of his experience...

Thanks for coming Fall! Stay as long as you want!!!

2009-10-05T08:36:00.001-07:00

Hallulluah!!!!! It's finally Fall!! And it even feels like it! Now, to keep it around for a full season :)

Fall Weather...come out come out wherever you are!!!

2009-09-10T06:44:00.002-07:00

Maybe the blog makeover will make me think it's really cooler outside! I am so ready for summer weather to be OVER! Nothing like crisp mornings where it stays dark at 6am, walking outside without feeling a need to reapply your deodorant (sorry, gross I know!), baking in the house without feeling like the AC needs to be cranked down even lower, .....am I the only one? Sunshine, we love you, but it's time for a little hiatus!

Happy Happy Birthday Jamey Dear...

2009-08-30T17:17:00.003-07:00

We look like babies

James and his sons on the scout encampment this last summer

James with Jonathan and Larry Fitzgerald and Amare Stoudemire at the awards banquet this summer

Our crazy family with James acting the most crazy!!

James with one of his famous hairdos he allows the kids to give him on Sunday afternoons :)

My hubby is 42 today! He is such a trooper!! I am so grateful for the hard work he does everyday to provide for our family. I am grateful that over 16 years ago, I made the choice to spend the rest of my life with him!
He is a great dad, husband, brother, son, employer, friend, and much much more!

Happy Birthday James!! Love you!

Happy Birthday Wellington!

2009-08-29T09:06:00.003-07:00

Today my brother Wells turns 37! He's a great guy who always keeps me laughing. Have a great day, Wells!

Showing off his biking skills by his house in Pinedale

Crying because our bigger brother Mason won't share the chocolate from Grandma Allen's house :)

Decked out for Pop Warner football with his famous cousins same number 11 (Danny White)

His wedding day with Mason as his best man

Probably the cleanest and most clean cut you would ever find him as a child (and an adult!)

Here's to many more great years that lay ahead!

Back again to wish my sweet Emmalee Happy Birthday!!

2009-08-14T08:59:00.005-07:00

Yes, today is another birthday in the flake house.Emmalee is 11 years old today. She is such a great daughter!! She came into our home when a little girl was exactly what we needed!! Here is a little trip down memory lane at some of her cutie pictures when she was little (and when I used to scrapbook!)

Here she is at age 2 1/2 at the park looking as adorable as ever!

Emmalee posing in her darling Easter dress I made for her. It was the first and last dress I ever sewed for her :)

Sliding down the slide at the park by grandma pidds. She looks so happy!

Emmalee was the HAPPIEST baby ever!! I was thrilled, especially since she had two stinky older brothers to deal with :)

She had so much black hair!! She is only 3 months old here. I love her chubby baby rolls!!

Emmalee posing like a trooper with her cutie bow

I just love emmalee!!

So...15 years ago today, I became a mom!

2009-08-12T09:24:00.008-07:00

My oldest turns 15 today! That just seems unbelieveable!!! Not only do I feel old, but it seems like just yesterday that I delivered a healthy 9lb baby boy. Over the years, I have enjoyed watching Jordan grow up from a happy, chubby little baby to a curious and busy toddler, into a tall handsome young man!! Just last night, I took him with me to Wal-Mart to get treats for him to take to seminary. While we were there, I decided that he was now old enough to shave. So we bought him his own razor, shaving cream, and etc..he was embarrassed, I felt old, but now he looks even more handsome this morning on his 15th birthday clean shaven. He's such a great kid and I am happy he is part of our family!!
Happy Birthday Jordan!!
Love, Mom

Jordan only 8 days old visiting grandma pidds house. Love my gigantic glasses!!

Jordan playing showing off his cute chubby legs and darling smile again at grandma pidds

Jordan hamming it up with a birthday cupcake

Jordan hanging with his favorite cousin in Pinedale, Cory Davis!

My cute son :)

great words to live by..

2009-08-07T09:50:00.002-07:00

I had a friend ask me to make this into an 8x10 for her to keep on her wall. I know it's pretty familiar, but still great words to live by! Thought I would share...

Serenity Prayer

Happy Birthday Big Sis!

2009-07-25T07:48:00.002-07:00

Okay, so yesterday was her birthday :) My big sister turned the big 40! I love my big sister Lisa! She is the best!! Yesterday my mom and little sister Avalon came out to QC and we met the at Costa Vida to celebrate. We had a little fun goofing off taking pictures. Here is proof at how goofy we are :) Can't wait to do it again!!!

Jonathan is now a FISH!

2009-07-16T16:21:00.004-07:00

Today was a big accomplishment for Jonathan! He can now swim all on his own!! NO noodle, floaties, nothin! He has been going over to his school aides house this summer 2x's a week and she has told Jonathan over and over that he can do ANYTHING! Well, she was right. I honestly didn't think Jonathan could ever swim on his own without help. I am happy to say I was wrong!! Here are videos and pictures to prove it :) GO JONATHAN!!

WHew!!! The sound of relief! Jordan's eagle project is done!!

2009-07-13T14:04:00.015-07:00

Kind of-at least the biggest part of it! What an emotional roller coaster that was!! Between getting donations gathered, fliers passed out, building secured, pattern created and tweaked, organizing many great and willing volunteers, keeping calm...these are just a few of the tasks Jordan had to conquer.

I did manage to bug, annoy and nag him along the way :) I actually learned more than I ever thought I would.

I am impressed with how well Jordan managed this project. It was big and crazy! I am equally impressed with the amount of love and generosity shown by family and friends. So many came and helped in ways I didn't think possible. From the darling fabric that was donated, phone calls to see what was needed and those that just jumped in and went to work. Kudos to all of you!!! I love you all!!! Thanks!

a pile of completed pants-we actually ended up with 96! 38 with velcro and the rest without. We can't wait to present them to St. Joe's hospital!

Sis. Lawes and me in the kitchen getting food ready for the volunteers

Jon Cammack showing off the first pair competed!

Kyndal ironing seams. Such a cutie!

A group photo of all the kids there helping. The adults were glued to the sewing machines.

Sis. Cammack and her hard working daughter sewing like crazy!! Yet, still smiling :)

My sister Lisa avoiding the camera while my mom is working, sewing, working and more sewing. They worked their little tails off!!

Aunt Shelley and Aunt Amy chatting while working. THey were great helpers too!

Sis. Shaw was the button hole queen :)

Jordan posing with Kylie White who also stayed til the bitter end!

Bro. WHite and Bro. Britton stringing through the drawstring. Such troopers!!

Molly and Eric still smiling after too many hours to count!!!

Same with Cheri and Cathy. Smiling and sewing, so much fun :)

Sis. Cammack was a sewing machine!!

Our Stake President Pres. Lawes and his wife were so sute sewing together. We loved seeing them come and support Jordan! Jordan loves their family. He is lucky enough to be their home teacher.

More sewing from Cathy and Cheri...

again, more and more sewing from Molly and Eric...

Kris Driggs helping Ty cut out patterns

More buttons holes from sis. Shaw

Cathy posing with the great upside down pattern that Bro. Sherman cut out :)

Hunter ironing also. These kids helped out so much!!!

taking a moment to visit and get acquainted

me, grandma and jordan as grandma arrives with lots of stuff to get started!

a little advertising for my son's eagle scout project :)

2009-07-08T08:18:00.003-07:00

This sat, my oldest Jordan is going to have his Eagle project. I am filled with anxiety, pride, gratitude and sadness that I am old enough to have a son working on his eagle! Here is the flyer he delegated to me to create :)

Hopefully we will make it to Sat :)

Summer is here!

2009-06-01T18:03:00.008-07:00

And so are the kids! I usually dread this time of year, but I am surprisingly happy to have my kids home. Ironically, they are out playing with friends more than home anyway. It has been a pretty easy start to a hot summer. I do realize it is only the start of week 2, but I am trying to stay positive :)

We had the chance to go up and visit my brother in Pinedale and let the kids play with their cousins. Sadly, James had to work, so I took the kids alone. They were actually great! We had the typical disagreements here and there, but overall it was one of the best trips in the car. I was thrilled to get a chance to take lots of fun pics of my cutie nephew Jacob. He was a doll. They say he cries a lot and can be high maintenance, but all I saw was cute smiles and adorable laughter! Makes me miss when my kids were that young.

Tyler and the gopher Uncle Wells caught (GROSS!)

Lizzieboo learns to ride a 2 wheeler without training wheels!

The funky frog Jonathan caught and obsessed over on the picnic

Lizzieboo and Tyler are best buds!

The crazy bunch pigging out on oreos, chips and whatever other junk they could find.

Where oh where has my little blog gone? Where oh where can it be?...

2009-05-06T08:42:00.007-07:00

My blog has been sorely neglected (again!). I will try to redeem this sad realization. I have finally taken photos off of my camera and will try an attempt at a catch up.

Here is my Jonathan receiving his SUCCESSFUL STALLION award last quarter at school for doing such a great job with his improving grades. He was thrilled to participate and hear his name to call him to the stand with all the other 3rd graders who received awards. He is our little gem for sure!

Here are some of us (minus the younger ones)showing support to Jordan at his very first High School play. He played a Dad from the 20's at the breakfast table (which explains his robe and slicked down hairdo). It was a treat to see!

Next is a sample of James head showing off the creative juices of his kids. It's a tradition to let the kids have free reign with his noggin during general conference. They love it and he loves the extra TLC they give during the process.

Here are the scouts from behind sporting their new neckerchiefs their leaders made for the troop.

Here is a photo of Jordan receiving the final merit badges he needs! He is now ready to move onto his Eagle Project so he can earn his Eagle by the end of the summer! We have worked really hard to accomplish this goal!

Here is Jacob with his leader and myself. He is receiving his rank advancment to Star. That leaves only 1 more rank advancement before Eagle (which is Life)! He also has worked super hard (with me!) to get this accomplished! Great Job, both Jordan and Jacob!!!

I don't have photos from this last weekend, but I don't want to exclude mentioning what a great weekend it was! I had the opportunity to go to Womens Conference in Utah with James sisters. It was every emotion wrapped up in 4 days...fun, tiring, educational, silly, overload, spiritual, giggly, emotional, homesick, restful, etc...I was so happy to be able to get such a fill spiritually and get a break from being mom, wife, etc..but I realized while I was there, that those are my favorite and most important roles I could have! I really missed my family and couldn't wait to get back. I even woke up elizabeth from a dead sleep at midnight when I got home Sat. and rocked her. I was so grateful for James for being so supportive of me going and leaving the kids and him for that long. The kids worked hard to keep the house clean which was nice to come home to!

Here are the final events for this posting marathon:

Yesterday was Cinco De Mayo and also my favorite cousins 35th birthday (Dece). I was thrilled to be able to go to lunch with her and Christi (her sister in law and my scrapping friend!)to celebrate. What better way to celebrate than to have Mexican food!

Finally, here are Jacob and Emmalee showing off their projects from school at Curriculum Night. They both did a great job! Jacob's project was a country project. He chose Spain (because his dad served his mission in Spain).

Emmalee did a state report. Her state was Kansas. It was fun to reminisce our vacation last Oct when we traveled through Kansas and even camped out in Wichita overnight in the WalMart parking lot in the RV we rented!(great memories!)

Hopefully this catch up won't keep me from continuing to post other events

Look at us! We're featured on an ad for Meridian Magazine!

2009-03-22T22:29:00.004-07:00

Well, not necessarily featured, more like captured. My mother-in-law emailed us tonight to tell us that she saw us on some of the photos for an ad on the front page of Meridian Magazine for Nauvoo.

Here is the ad:

THe link for the ad is:
http://www.ldsmag.com/mailer/NauvooBannerClickthrough.html

THe 2 bottom pictures are of our family. THe stilts are of Emmalee, Jordan and Me. THe bottom picture is of Grandpa Flake making a horseshoe for Emmalee at the Webb BLacksmith SHop.

What a fun discovery! It makes me want to go back really really really bad!!

Show n Tell..

2009-03-12T15:27:00.003-07:00

Today at school, Jonathan's teacher had me bring in his new cycle to school to show his class. What a fun experience that was! Those kids were so happy for Jonathan, it was sweet and touching. THey each got to go up (in groups of 4) to see it up close and ask JOnathan questions about it. Jonathan was eating up every second of it too! Then, he rode the bike around the playground and as he was riding, the kids started to run with him following him. It was AWESOME. It brought tears to my eyes to see the kids just gravitate to him like that and run along side him as he rode. Then they started to get out of breath to keep up. What a sight!! Then, as they had to line up to go back to class, Jonathan told the class they needed to get a family picture (so funny that he called his class his family). Here are some photos of his class, teacher, aides and favorite student (who I'm not supposed to tell you that he has a little crush on).

Giving Madysen Jones a high five!

Here he his with his favorite student Madysen :)

Here is Jonathan with his awesome, wonderful aides. I really love these women! They are truly angels with hearts of gold! JOnathan loves them too!!

Here is his teacher Ms. Meehan. She is a great teacher! She is very kind to Jonathan. She is so supportive of him and his different needs.

Here is his 3rd grade class. They were so fun! What a great treat to see how thoughtful they were to their classmate!

Jonathan and his new wheels!

2009-03-09T14:22:00.002-07:00

We had such a fun Sat. as a family! We had the opportunity to take the whole family to an event that was sponsored by the Spina Bifida Association and was held at Chandler Regional Hospital. All the bikes were donated to the kids. The bike is operated by using a hand pedal. I told my kids that getting this bike for Jonathan wasn't like getting a new toy. I explained that if this event had been for them, they would have issued them wings so they could experience something they never thought they would be able to do. So here are some pictures of Jonathan getting his wings!

An update on our TV-less week...

2009-02-27T13:22:00.007-07:00

Elizabeth runs with the kite (excuse my horrible video skills! I didn't know turning the camera to the side wouldn't flip the screen automatically)

Jonathan is wheeling backwards with the kite in his mouth! It's quite a sight to watch him fly a kite with no hands!

Emmalee flying and skating

With no TV, I thought I would indulge the kids with the high cost of flying kites (they cost a buck at wal-mart!) What a fun treat to watch them fly these kites! Elizabeth just runs and runs and runs...Jonathan sticks the string base in his mouth and wheels away! Emmalee has been experimenting with flying while riding Jacob's ripstick. SHe does really good! Jacob has done a great job at monitoring all the kites and keeping them from getting tangled in trees, each other and random kids that pass by :) We have actually enjoyed having the TV off so far. Less fighting and more playing with each other. James and I are actually contemplating doing this more often! It has even been good for James and I. We originally were going to allow for us to watch, but changed our minds so we could set an example. It hasn't been easy, but I am hopeful that this Sunday will go a little more smooth because of it. If it does, than this was totally worth it!

Here is Lizzieboo running

Jonathan showing off his ironman kite

Emmalee has better coordination than her mom!

Jacob going to check on the progress of the kite flyers

Jordan had the opportunity to participate in the Science Fair at school. Last year everyone was a participant, but this year they only allowed those that got a certain grade on their projects to participate. Luckily, Jordan was able to participate. It was fun to see all the creative and original ideas that these kids came up with. James and I laughed at some of the projects for their subject matters-like one that measured different ages for their ability to remember and retain information (surprisingly-adults in their 30's and 40's remembered the best)

Here is James with Jordan

I had to sneak in a picture with him too. I made sure I wore my 3 inch wedge shoes so I could be as tall :)

Here is Jordan with his project

Will we survive?

2009-02-23T08:35:00.002-07:00

I put my kids on a TV strike for the week. It will be an interesting week for sure! It stemmed from the struggles I have EVERY Sunday in Sacrament meeting. With James in the Bishopric, I am a single mom on the bench. The older kids do okay (sometimes) but Jonathan and Elizabeth are my biggest offenders. They kick, hit, scream, wiggle away, crawl under the bench...I feel sorry for anyone who sits by us.

After we got home from church, I made them all sit on the couch and listen to me vent my frustrations about sitting through the most important part of church with frustration and anger with my kids. These are the feelings I want to get rid of while at church, not create stronger!

So, as I was doing my best to figure out the best way to make this sink in (especially to Jonathan and Elizabeth), it hit me...make your home the way you want them to be at church...so then I blurted out without too much further thought...No TV all next week...nothing, no movies, no church movies, no computer, nothing! THey can read books or listen to music.

I then wondered if I could do it?! A preschooler all day...JOnathan who loves his animal shows on animal planet....my older kids who love to watch after school, before school...WOW what did I just say?!

BUT, I am committed! If the thought hit me that fast, it must be the right answer (even if it's hard!). I told them that the test for getting the TV back would be church this next week. If they can sit reverently for church they can have the TV back next week. THis may sound easy, but in the 6 months that James has been in there, there hasn't been a week that they have been reverent (except when Jonathan is home sick), so this really will be a challenge! Wish me luck!!!

Happy Valentine's!

2009-02-13T19:43:00.003-07:00

Jonathan

Jacob

Emmalee

Lizzieboo

Jordan told me NOT to make him a Valentine. I guess kids in 9th grade don't pass out Valentine's :)

Great advice! I want this to be my new way of thinking and doing!!

2009-01-23T07:39:00.005-07:00

I got this in an email and was really inspired to try to use this way of thinking in my own life everyday. I thought the comparison was a great one!

"Wonder what would happen if we treated the Book of Mormon like we treated our cell phones?
what if we carried it around in our purse or pocket?
what if we turned back to get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we spent an hour or more using it every day?
what if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as a gift?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?

Is this something that makes you go hmmmmm..where is my Book of Mormon?

Unlike our cell phones:
*One plan fits all.
*Unlimited usage.
*No roaming charges
*You always have reception
*You don't have to buy batteries or recharge it
*No weak signals AND...
We don't ever have to worry about our Book of Mormon being disconnected, because...
Our Savior has already paid the bill!!!

WOO HOO Emmalee!

2009-01-22T14:13:00.003-07:00

At the beginning of this year, Emmalee won the school Spelling Bee! We were so excited and thrilled.

Today she participated in the District Spelling Bee with 5 other schools in the district (including the middle school with 7th and 8th graders). She hung in there to the end and took 2nd place!

She sadly missed the word megalopolis (I don't even know what this word is?!), which she accidently said the letter "j" instead of "g" and couldn't repeat the word once she said a letter wrong. She said the letter and then backtracked to start over but knew by then she messed up.

She is such a trooper. She now gets to go to the county spelling bee in Casa Grande Feb. 20th. I am still beaming for her victory! She looked so tiny next to the 7th grader that won.

Emmalee, I am proud of you! Love, mom

Grandma Pidd came to root her on!

Emmalee was so composed and confident!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T15:19:00.009-07:00

Since it's not Christmas anymore, I thought I would at least update my page and maybe even type a little post. Christmas was fun, but getting our house cleaned and somewhat organized the week after felt even better! James took the week after Christmas off and we did a major clean job to the house. Now, the trick is to keep it that way. Any tips? Getting rid of kids isn't an option :)

We did take a day during the week last week to take the kids up to play in the snow. We enjoyed sledding, snowman building and of course, snowball throwing. We topped off the trip with me reading the ENTIRE book "The Christmas Sweater" while we drove there and back. It was a tear jerker for us all and was especially hard to read aloud while trying to choke back tears. The book was great and hopefully we can strive to remember the message it shared. Unfortunately since I read the book aloud in one day, my voice seemed to disappear for the next week. I think maybe it was a belated Christmas wish from my family to keep me from yelling at them (LOL).

Here are some pics from our snow adventure:

Elizabeth takes a turn down the hill

Jacob is all smiles as he hits the bottom

Emmalee is all giggles!

Snowball throwing is always a favorite with Jonathan!

Jordan doesn't hold back! Watch out!!

Elizabeth puts the finishing touches on the snowman.

We hope you all are having a great start to a new year! We are hoping for a happy and healthy one for you all! Maybe I can keep one of my new year resolutions and actually stay on top of this blog so it doesn't fade away...hopefully I can keep it better than past resolutions I have set :)

Merry Christmas a little early...

2008-12-17T10:08:00.003-07:00

I just thought I would give my blog a much needed makeover. So, there you have it. An early Christmas gift to anyone who even still reads this sad little blog. Hope you are all enjoying this season.

Here is the Christmas Card we sent out to our friends and family.

Hopefully I will visit this blog before the end of the year.

I am painfully behind in my blogging!

2008-10-20T07:24:00.009-07:00

I feel really guilty for all the great posts I have been neglecting to share! Mainly the 2 birthdays for 2 special guys in my life!. James turned 41 on August 30 and Jonathan turned 9 on October 15. I will post a birthday post separately for them after I play a little catch up.

To explain the pioneer photo on the blog topper, well we just returned from a week long trip visiting Nauvoo, IL. We rented an RV and drove our family 3200 miles to get there. We had lots of fun along the way combined with beautiful scenery, lots of giggles, movies, games, but most of all a new appreciation for the sacrifices that were made for the gospel. Some of our most favorite moments weren't the expected ones. They were the solemn visits to areas like Liberty Jail, Carthage and viewing the movie Joseph-Prophet of the Restoration in the Nauvoo visitor center. These moments will hold a special place in our hearts.

The RV we drove in for all those many miles!

Our family outside the Liberty Jail Visitor Center

A recreation of the Jail

Emmalee sitting at the window where the Prophet fell after he was martyred. The spirit is very strong at this site. The Elder that took us on the tour was very emotional as he shared the information and his testimony.

Here we are at the Hyrum and Joseph statue. Jordan took our picture (explains his absence)

Here is the Nauvoo temple. It is very beautiful! We had the opportunity to attend on one of the days. It was a very special experience.

We were really excited to visit with James' parents who are on a mission in Nauvoo. They were very kind and generous with their time. I do have to mention that another favorite of the family's was the performance of Grandma and Grandpa Flake in Rendevous in Old Nauvoo. They were a delight to watch as were the other performers. The kids were reciting parts of the performance for the remainder of the trip!

Here is Grandpa Flake with all of us outside the Webb Blacksmith Shop

Here is Grandma Flake with all of us after the carriage ride she took us on (she was the tour guide, not driver) through Old Nauvoo

Here are Grandma and Grandpa Flake with the kids in their pioneer clothes as Pioneer Pasttimes. We had a blast dressing up and playing with the fun games and toys of that period.

Here are Grandma and Grandpa as Noah and Sophia in the performance.

Here we are posing after the performance outside while the cast shakes hands with those who attended.

One sweet part of the trip on the way there was the stop we made to Uncle Wells' house to visit their newest addition Jacob Clayton Davis! He was a doll! The kids also helped pick a harvest of vegetables for Uncle Wells before the frost killed them.

Wells looking like grizzly adams while showcasing his funky pumpkin

Jonathan showing off the fall squash

More of Wells' vegetables!

Sweet little Jacob Clayton

He has the sweetest little face!

The trip was every emotion wrapped up into one and there are fond memories of all of them. We can't wait to go again! We are trying to figure out how to go back. We already miss it. The crisp weather, the gorgeous trees, the quaint towns,etc....off to get some work done so I can actually pay for this trip....

Can I ever get my house clean again?!

2008-08-23T07:59:00.002-07:00

Last month when I had Bunko at my house, I cleaned my house top to bottom, inside and out. It looked heavenly (and even felt that way!). This month, not so much...

Do I need to plan a party at my house again so I want to clean it? Why can't I just do it because it's a pig sty and we shouldn't live in squalor.

Sorry for this rant, but I needed to get this off my chest. Maybe now since I know that I have exposed myself to the entire blog world, I may feel obliged to get a head start on it this Saturday morning.

Now, off to find a pen to start making a list...(is there a pen in this house somewhere?!)

(another one) Happy Happy Birthday Emmalee Dear..

2008-08-13T11:10:00.003-07:00

Emmalee hits the double digits tomorrow! She will be 10 years old. We are going on a campout tomorrow, so I wanted to make sure I posted a birthday message for her before we leave. Here are 10 great things I love about being Emmalee's mom:

1-Emmalee is sweet to her family. She is always writing kind notes and leaving them for either me, or her siblings or dad.

2-She is very creative. Give her some scraps of paper, ribbon, glue and she can create some pretty neat masterpieces.

3-Emmalee is very generous. She has no problems sharing and giving anything away. She will offer anyone what she has plus some.

4-I love her cute little glasses. When Emmalee was only 6 years old, she needed glasses. It's a good think she's so cute in them!

5-She is a great student. I have NEVER attended a school parent teacher conference where her teachers didn't just LOVE Emmalee. She is not only great at finishing her work, she loves to participate with the class.

6-Because of her great love for school, she has only failed to make Principal's Honor Roll once. She did make regular Honor Roll that quarter, but she seems to reach a little farther almost everytime to achieve making it to Principal's Honor Roll.

7-She is another book worm like her older brother. In fact, she usually reads herself to sleep at night.

8-Emmalee is such a natural beauty. I know I am her mom and tend to be biased, but honestly I think she is just a doll!

9-You can't find a better big sister for Elizabeth! Emmalee adores her little sister! Elizabeth loves her a ton as well.

10-I love that she was a breath of fresh air when she arrived to the Flake home. With two older brothers, we needed a sweet, cute and adorable little girl to add to our happy family!

Emmalee, happy birthday! I love you tons!!!
Love,
Mom

enjoying the crazy snow this past May (she is wearing her newest pair of glasses, which are my favorite ones!)

Rolling down the retention hill in Jonathan's wagon

Giving Elizabeth a ride with her going down the hill

Looking adorable!

Jumping off a wall to show off her skills :)

Happy Happy Birthday Jordan Dear...

2008-08-12T07:55:00.004-07:00

Happy 14th birthday! I can't believe I have a son that is not only 14 years old, but is now in high school! Here are 14 facts about Jordan that make me happy to be his mom:

1-He is great student at school. He is in 3 honors classes. I am happy for the effort he puts forth for his education.

2-Jordan makes me laugh. His dry sense of humor is always making me chuckle. He knows how to add that witty comment in to lighten the mood.

3-He is a book worm. In fact, for his birthday my mom gave him the book Breaking Dawn (his request) and he hasn't put it down since receiving it. It's sad that he has read the Twilight series and I haven't.

4-His love for music. He plays the violin. I love it when I hear him pull out the hymn book or children's songbook and plays songs just to play. It's brings such a nice spirit into our home (which at times is much needed!)

5-I love that he is named after his Grandpa Flake. Not only his grandpa, but his great great grandpa and his great great great great grandpa! What a tradition to be apart of! (His full name is William Jordan Flake)

6-His love of the scriptures. I didn't think about this too much until this year as he started seminary. Every morning it's Jordan that wakes us all up to read. I am happy for his diligence in this area.

7-Jordan is a great brother. Even though he is a bully at times (being the oldest can do that!), he truly does love his siblings. He loves to play games with them, watch movies with them and just hang out.

8-He is involved with his school. In fact, today on his birthday he is taking to school with him posters to hang up to run for student council. Last year he was treasurer and he is running for the same office this year.

9-Maybe I am a little biased, but I think Jordan is very handsome. It makes me chuckle when I hear that girls at school think he's "so cute". He is "so cute"!

10-Jordan not only is involved with school, but he really likes going to school. Most kids want to get out of school and stay home, but he loves to go. He enjoys his teachers and his classes.

11-Did I mention how smart he is? I know I already said this one, but often he knows the answers to things that I never knew. I can picture him laughing while reading this fact. He thinks I know nothing!

12-He is good with anything technological. Computer, tv, mp3 players, cell phone..all of these mentioned items are things he has helped me figure out how to use. It's not that I can't use them, he just figures out how to do things with them I don't even try, like set alarms, save favorite channels, record videos, etc..

13-He is a good eater. He appreciates anything I fix. He is not picky at all. I appreciate this because it has set a good example for his younger siblings. In fact he likes things that surprise me. He loves spicy food. He likes his salsa hotter than his dad.

14-I love that Jordan is not only my son, but he is my friend. I love to sit and chat with him. He will discuss politics with me, listen to talk radio with me, etc..I am happy he is getting mature enough to understand a lot of this type of stuff.

Jordan, I love you! Happy Birthday!
Love,
Mom

Laughing with his cousin Cory Davis

Giving me that "look" like Mom, are you serious?

Playing the violin for his Grandma Pidd for Mother's day

Hanging out with his buddy Kenyon Davis at 8th Grade promotion

Being "Jordan" with his sibilings and cousin Kyndal Boren

I FINALLY updated the Castlegate Ward Blog

2008-07-23T13:44:00.003-07:00

I have been quite the slacker with my calling as ward historian. I finally sat and uploaded pictures and created posts for the last 4 events over the last 2 months. If you are in Castlegate Ward, this post will mean something to you. If not, enjoy the photos anyway :)

Here is the address to the castlegate ward blog:

http://castlegateward.blogspot.com/

You can also follow the link I have on the right side of my blog under places to visit.

Okay, now back to your regular programming :)

FHE with horses..

2008-07-15T15:52:00.005-07:00

We had a fun opportunity to spend our Monday with my sister Lisa and most of her kids and take them to visit James' brother Stephen out here in Queen Creek to ride horses. Stephen is working with a new company that is getting a group of horses and therapists to work with kids with special needs. They are just getting going and asked us to bring our family out to see the horses. The owner of the property was AWESOME. He treated our family with such kindness, especially Jonathan. That was also why they asked us to come try out the horses. They asked me to snap some photos of Jonathan on the horse for an upcoming brochure they will be creating. The photos turned out great and the fun we had spending time together was even better!

I guess it pays off to have so much to get done.. (with a flashback friday...)

2008-07-11T07:42:00.006-07:00

because then you sometimes get results! I was kind of embarrassed to admit why I was stressing out because 75% of it was that Bunko was at my house this past Wed. which means that I have been wanting to get lots of odds and ends done. I have to say with the help of my husband, sister, friends, mom, etc..(I am probably missing someone)it was a great success and my house is still clean!

Because I am so happy that my house is still standing, I offered it for my sister to use tomorrow to help celebrate a fun event tomorrow with family. The event is the baptism of her daughter's boyfriend (Cody). I am excited for Cody. He is a great guy. Very patient and kind. It is weird for me to even think of Maycee having a boyfriend (I know, she's almost 17!), because she was my first niece! I love Maycee and am thrilled for this exciting time for both her and Cody. This is the invite I did for them to past out to family and friends.

Here is my sister and her family...

Here is Maycee and Cody...

And here is my Flashback Friday with Maycee at my wedding. I know that I have used this layout for a flashback before, but I love this picture of me and Maycee. She was such a fun little girl! I was craving a baby to spoil when she came that I was ALWAYS buying her fun silly stuff. Any holiday, I was getting her some trinket, toy, or outfit. She has grown up to be a beautiful young woman!

Now, time to get back to finishing up those last few items on my list..

Having one of those days (weeks, months...)

2008-07-07T07:31:00.003-07:00

where I am feeling like I have so much to get done, yet just the thought of tackling the list makes me want to do NONE of it. Am I the only one who feels this way?! I guess I just need to stop whining, stop complaining and just get in and get stuff done!
Okay, just typing this out is hopefully going to get me motivated to figure out what needs to be done first. Having bored kids home reminding me that it's summer and they need to be entertained 24/7 isn't helping! UGH!

Happy Happy Birthday Molly dear....

2008-07-01T07:24:00.004-07:00

Happy days will come to you all year...if I had one wish than it would be to have a happy birthday to you from me.

Today is my friend Molly Davis' birthday. Here are a few great things to know about Molly:

She is an AWESOME cook! She can make anything taste delicious. She has a natural knack at putting in the right amount of whatever to make it tasty!

She is an AWESOME decorator. She even figured out how to get paid to play with fun flowers and decor. She decorates and plans weddings and other big events. I have had the opportunity to help her, and she does way more for her clients than she charges! She is always thinking of ways to add just a little more.

She is an AWESOME jewelry maker! Her designs are one of a kind and are beautiful. The truth is that she doesn't even own any of her best work because she is always creating them for someone else.

She is an AWESOME friend. She is the best at planning outings for lunch, shopping, you name it! She includes any and all. She is genuine and real. Her laugh is infectious as is her spirit.

She is an AWESOME example of service. If you even have a sniffle, you can bet that Molly will bring you in dinner. She won't let you tell her no either (you would be foolish to anyway!). This is just a smidgen of what she does and is willing to do.

If you haven't guessed by now, I need to tell you that Molly is AWESOME! Happy Birthday Molly!

Here is her cute family who is also AWESOME!

Peach Pickin Time!

2008-06-12T12:36:00.013-07:00

What's more fun than eating a delicious fresh peach? Picking it yourself! This morning we got up bright and early and headed to Schnepf Farms to pick peaches. We jotted over and met up with some neighborhood friends. The kids liked picking and eating the peaches, but after getting REALLY sticky and itchy, they were done after about an hour. The peaches were HUGE and are DELICIOUS. In fact, right after we were done, we drove over to Wal-Mart to grab some ice cream and juice to make smooties with our new golden treasures. The smoothies hit the spot for a warm summer morning picking peaches! Here are some photos of our fun:

The Davis Family

The McLaws Family

The Welchman Family

Love is in the air...

2008-06-06T14:58:00.002-07:00

Well at least for this couple :)

This is one of the fun and sweet photos of a couple I took wedding pictures for this morning. It was such a pretty morning. Not too hot, no wind and pretty sunlight. This is one of my favorite photos..

Are you interested in taking a PHOTOSHOP workshop?

2008-06-03T18:03:00.002-07:00

Feedback Needed!

I am wanting to schedule another PHOTOSHOP workshop. I have had quite a few people ask when I am going to do it again, but I am still needing to get times and dates figured out. Days or Nights?

The class will be run just like the last workshop from April and May. The cost will also be the same. You can email me for further questions.

Thanks!

(visit my workshop blog for further details. The link is on the right under my workshops)

Cross Promoting again for my KIDS classes...

2008-05-26T12:49:00.003-07:00

Here are the fun layouts I created for my first week of kids classes that I am starting to teach this Thursday from my home. You can visit my workshop blog by following the link at the right side of my blog under MY WORKSHOPS

I am copying and pasting the message from my blog here to give you a sneak peek:

I am sharing the layouts for the first week of classes. Since this week we begin the Thursday session, these 2 layouts are what to expect for this Thursday and for next week's Tuesday class. Next Thursday will kick off the second week of projects. So come back next Wed. on the blog to see what we will create for week 2!

This layout is for a 4x6 photo. The little white blocks on the side are for journaling. You can either bring a summer type photo with you to put on your page, or wait and add it at home. This kit is for boys or girls.

This layout is all about FAVORITE things. Again, you can bring a 4x6 photo of yourself to class or put one on at home. The white circles are where we are going to write some of your favorite things. We will have boy kits and girl kits. The favorites shown is the girl kit. No worries, we will have both available.

If you signed up for the 4 classes but can't attend all of them, you can still get the kits. Our goal is to help your child create an album full of fun summer memories!

Promoted 8th grader, Crazy SNOW & fun new projects..

2008-05-24T17:54:00.004-07:00

That's what this week has brought to the Flake's! I can't believe that I am old enough to have an 8th grader, let alone attend his 8th grade Promotion ceremony. It was crazy cold and windy too! I was a proud mama and thrilled to see Jordan finish a great school year. Congrats Jordan!

Then, we decided to go up to see my brother Wells in Pinedale for the holiday weekend. Normally, it's nice and pleasant. Great weather for the park, the lake, the softball field, etc..Not this weekend! We should have brought up sleds and snow boots! Can you believe that it snowed on us the entire time! It was great fun though! We laughed, played games, watched silly movies and ate lots of junk food. What else did we need? James sadly had to work. This is one of the biggest weekends for U-Haul, so the weekend was out for him :( I was able to take my niece Kyndal up with us. She was HILARIOUS! My kids adore her and were thrilled to have her come with us.

Lastly, I wanted to do a little promoting for my classes at the scrapbook store. Here are my projects and my teaser. If you can, sign up and come! I am anxious to get started again!

I'm a Historian...

2008-05-09T22:05:00.003-07:00

At least in my ward I am. I have a new calling in our ward. It's the Ward Historian. My job is to record the ongoing history of our ward. So, I get to get photos and information from events, activities and so forth. I am excited, because I am hoping it will help me to do better at my own family history (which is why I started blogging to begin with).

Here is a link to the blog set up to keep track of the history of our ward.
http://castlegateward.blogspot.com/

I also am excited to share that I am venturing into teaching at a scrapbook store again! I was contacted by the local scrapbook store here in Queen Creek to teach and I said yes. I will be teaching computer stuff again. I miss teaching, so I was thrilled at the opportunity. Here is a link to their website:
http://familyscrapbookstudio.com/
The class I will be teaching is called CREATE (computer style).

I wish I had more fun stuff to share, but I need to get my kiddies to bed!

Bad Blogger!

2008-04-28T17:58:00.005-07:00

I am so embarrassed by my lack of blogging lately. I have however,really enjoyed teaching the workshops. My students are really learning a lot and have even showed me their homework to prove it. I have a couple of blog addresses to add to my sidebar that are ones of my students. They have posted their homework on their blogs for me to check (I give out special gifts to those who actually do homework!).

My reality tv is winding down for the season. I was SUPER happy for Ali to win biggest loser. I was sad to see Michael Johns go from American Idol. I am anxious to see who makes it to the end for Survivor and I am thrilled to see that because of the writer's strike ending, GREY's ANATOMY is BACK!

I have really savored my full nights of sleep since last week was my last week on the route! I really really really enjoyed not having to sacrifice another Sat. night doing inserts and staying up to deliver Sunday papers. To all you COUPON SENSE customers..you really should tip your carrier!

Here is a fun announcement I just made for a client for her upcoming wedding. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing her cutie announcement. I had fun taking their photos. I had even more fun creating her announcement. Maybe my photoshop students can see some of the techniques I have taught in this invite! If any of my students see this, I will be asking questions in class about it!

Doing a little cross promotion...

2008-04-15T08:34:00.002-07:00

I am having my first class for my photoshop workshops this Thursday. You can go to my workshop blog by following the link on the right under emflake workshops.
Here is the post I have over at my workshop blog:

I am excited to remind all of those who have already signed up and those wanting to sign up that this Thursday is the kick off class for the 4 class workshop! I have been working on making informative handouts and thinking of fun and creative ways for you all to learn how to play on the computer and make creations you can be proud of!

I added to this post the picture of Photoshop Elements 4.0. This is the program I will be teaching from. If you are unsure about the details of this program, please email me emflake@hotmail.com.

There is a newer version Photoshop Elements 6.0 that is a little fancier, but the information I will be sharing will still apply. Also, the tips and tricks I will be presenting throughout the workshops are applicable to other photoshop type programs, but the wording of the tabs and tools may differ.

Don't let this keep you from signing up. I know you will walk away with a new found knowledge of photoshop and using it for creative purposes!

Sharing a layout from our hike up Silly Mountain..

2008-04-08T08:58:00.002-07:00

I created this layout for my class this Thursday (follow the link on the right to view details of the class under emflake workshops).

It was fun to make a scrapbook page again since it has literally been 2 years! It was such a fun day, and I am glad I at least have some of that memory saved to a page :)

Felt like sharing!

Flashback Friday

2008-04-04T11:37:00.003-07:00

In honor of me jumping back into the teaching arena again, I thought I would post one of my first projects I taught 7 years ago! It's a picture of me at my wedding reception 15 years ago with my niece Maycee. Wow, have we BOTH changed. At my class, I taught how to create the lattice frame with tearing and chalking techniques. It's funny to see the progression of my style over the years.

Check out the link on the right

2008-04-01T16:28:00.001-07:00

Under emflake workshops! I have updated my new blog for my workshops. I have all the information on there regarding pricing, classes, etc..Hope to see some of you there!

emflake workshops in the works..

2008-04-01T10:49:00.003-07:00

I am about to embark on a new adventure since I have decided to throw in the paper route towel. I have had a few people inquire recently and over the last year about having me teach workshops on using the computer for scrapbooking and photo editing or photoshop 101. In my other life (heehee), well over a year and a half ago, I quit working in an industry (scrapbooking) that I worked in for over 7 years. I loved it and the people I worked with. My favorite part of working over the years was teaching others techniques and ideas. Not only did I love watching my students have light bulb moments with their new found knowledge, it helped me to continue to learn as well so I could be a better teacher.

With that said, I am working on setting up a blog with samples and schedules of what and when I will be teaching. I will be teaching the workshops out of my home until a better location becomes available. I am going to offer two types of classes. The first class will be focused on how to create titles, page embellishments, cards, etc using Micorsoft Word. This style is best for those who will be printing off what they create and in mass production (cardmaking, handouts, etc.). This class will be offered once a month with new stuff being taught each month. The second class will be a weekly workshop that will span over the length of a month (4 classes)focusing on photoshop and how to use it on photos, digital pages, etc..

If any of you have any suggestions or questions for me concerning this, your comments will be greatly appreciated. Even if they are to tell me how crazy I am to take this on! The cost is still being decided upon, but will be posted on the blog I set up. The blog should be up and running within the next day or so.

Here are some examples of what kinds of techniques and projects I teach:

This is a page that shows the title with the words typed in a circle with the center word having a sentence typed over it. This title was done in Microsoft word.

This christmas ornament was also done using shapes in Microsoft word and shape to fit a 4 inch chipboard circle. Makes a fun and cheap ornament!

Here is a family photo with editing done to the photo as well as brush effects and transparent words placed around the photo. This was done using Photoshop ELements 4.0

This is a baby announcement with photo editing done to the photo and brush effects are included in this design as well. This was created as a 4x6 photo for the ease of ordering prints to send out to friends and family. This was also done using photoshop Elements 4.0

Halleluia!

2008-03-24T07:54:00.003-07:00

This will not be what I see every morning anymore! I finally decided that I NEED a life! I finally put in my 30 day notice that I QUIT! YEAH!

This will be a long 30 days-but at least there is an end in sight! WOOHOO! Just had to share.

After 15 years of marriage-this is how we spent the day celebrating...

2008-03-18T10:17:00.002-07:00

James and I celebrated 15 years of marriage on March 12th. Since it was in the middle of the week, James took the following Sat. off work. He asked me what I wanted to do to spend the day together. He was fully anticipating me suggesting a movie and dinner. He had NO idea I would suggest going for a hike! He was kind enough to give into my crazy request.

We spent the day hiking up Silly mountain, getting some ice cream from his sister's new yogurt shop-Lucky Cream in Gold Canyon- then he even suggested more hiking! We then went to Prospector's Park in Apache Junction and hiked some of the trails in front of the Superstitions.

Unfortunately my camera died by the time we hit Prospectors park. It was absolutely a beautiful day to hike. There were wildflowers EVERYWHERE! It was great fun to spend the day together! Thanks for 15 years, James! Can't wait for more!

Ketchup Photos

2008-03-10T15:20:00.006-07:00

If you didn't read the ketchup post below, these photos are just hodge podge photos that correlated with some of the activities mentioned below (okay, probably just Jordan's) the rest are random activities of the kids:

Top photo is Emmalee playing on the rock wall during one of my photo shoots

Next photo is Jonathan at his FIRST blue and gold banquet for cub scouts

Middle photo is Jacob and Lizzieboo in Jonathan's wagon after they flew down the retention basin by our house.

These last two photos are of Jordan in his newly borrowed suit. And the other photo is of Jordan taking his seat as the prosecuter for his Mock Trial.

Ketchup anyone?

2008-03-10T14:09:00.002-07:00

Okay, I have been a very very very bad blogger this last week! How about a ketchup (catch-up)post to get all the details of what my crazy week has been like!

Last week was quite a whirlwind of activity:

lets start with Tuesday when I was at a cannery meeting for my calling. I was sitting and getting my stuff gathered to leave when I got a call from the principal from the elementary school. She was informing me that Jonathan was going to be suspended from school for three days due to violent and aggressive behavior on the playground. Sadly, this didn't surprise me as much as it should. She expressed her concern over why he was so angry more than what he did to the students. I am sure Jonathan deals with frustrations that none of us will EVER understand. The problem is that this isn't an excuse to hurt other students. So, Jonathan became a permanant fixture at home for the remainder of the week (though he had half days on Thurs and Fri with Spring Break this week!).

Then the next day (Wed.) I had to take Jonathan and Elizabeth to the dentist to fix their sad teeth. They both had such bad cavities that they required anesthesia to get everything taken care of. It was hilarious to watch both Jonathan and Elizabeth get a shot to get them sleepy for the IV. Jonathan watched Elizabeth first and proceeded to let me know that he would sit in his wheelchair and after the shot he would fall over to sleep (with the actions provided in the description of him doubling over). They did great! We went to Grandma Pidd's house to hang out for the rest of the afternoon since Jonathan had physical therapy later that afternoon. Jonathan kept complaining that he was so dizzy. Here is how the dialoque was for about an hour after we got to my moms: "Why can't I sit up!?" "Mom, why isn't Elizabeth dizzy like me?!", "Mom, I need a mirror! I need to see my teeth!". After he received a mirror, he stared at his new (3) silver teeth (caps) for at least another hour or two! At therapy, his therapist (Linda) put adaptive pedals on his kettcar (a car with pedals) for Jonathan to drive around (or pedal around!). It was a fun treat for him after a bad day at school and then a crazy morning at the dentist. We love Linda!

Thursday was parent teacher conferences for all my kids. Before I went to the conferences, I took Jacob, Jordan and his buddy Kenyon Davis to a disgruntled homeowners house on my paper route who was unhappy that I left giant divets in his (dirt!) front yard (think rural houses!) when I got my minivan stuck in his yard about a month ago (while it was raining!). He was not a happy camper! I took these boys with me to break up the dirt clods and smooth it out. The boys did great and enjoyed the breadsticks and dessert pizza from R&R Pizza (a new pizza place by us).

Friday was a fun and LONG day. James and I escorted Jordan to Florence. He was invited along with 5 other students to participate in a Mock Trial. They were the prosecution team that presented a case to REAL judges in a REAL superior court room. They even objected the defense questions, redirected questions to witnesses and looked calm and collected! It was a neat experience. We borrowed a suit from Uncle Stephen (who had originally borrowed it from uncle Ryan). He looked so grown up! He tells us that it has intriqued him enough to consider this as a profession to look into. James and I were proud parents! As soon as we returned, I had to immediately turn around and go to a wedding photo shoot for a sweet couple from our ward. They looked darling and HAPPY. I was thrilled to get the chance to take their photos.

Saturday my nice, sweet and hard working sister came and cleaned my house (I did pay her, so I am not a complete slave driver!)It was so fun to visit with her and her daughter Kyndal. What was even nicer was having my pig sty of a house (especially after our crazy week!)clean!

Sunday was actually a nice day! We FINALLY (starting last week) got to attend church in our NEW building about a 1/4 mile from our house. This was a warm welcome since for the last 3 years, we have been attending church 12 miles away (25 round trip!). To make it even better we went from having church at 2pm to having it start at 8am! What a fun treat to come home with the rest of the day to enjoy time with my family and take a nice 2 hour nap!

So, if you have read this long, you are kind and loyal and CRAZY! I will post some pics after I get this posted to share some of the festivities this last week and some from the previous week too.

Flashback Friday

2008-02-29T13:32:00.002-07:00

Talk about having to swallow A LOT of pride to post this picture! I love how my older sister and younger sister have curled hair, but not the child with the boy haircut! Okay, enough about needing therapy for my sad hair as a child (and 9 is such an awkward age!).

I am posting this picture as a shout out to my favorite sisters! I love them both dearly and individually. To know my little sister Avalon is to love her. SHe is a gem! My sister Lisa and I have not always been best buds (although I wanted to, but being the little sister, I was considered a pest!). Now as an adult and mom, we have grown so much closer. She is one of the hardest working people I know! She is a true survivor and I love her strength.

I am especially excited because I just found out that her family is moving this weekend out here by my home! We have really never lived by each other, but we have kids that are the same ages. My kids have been so excited about this big announcement! They can hardly contain their excitement. Lisa, welcome to the hood!

Lisa & Avalon, I love you!

David Archuleta - Imagine - American Idol Season 7

2008-02-27T11:40:00.001-07:00

I was watching him on American Idol last night and seriously got goosebumps listening to this performance. I have a feeling this kid will be in the top two, if not taking it all! I think I have a new favorite for this show. Go David Archuleta!

These photos make me smile

2008-02-26T09:56:00.003-07:00

I love it when my kids are actually playing together without fighting and bickering. I am glad I was able to catch this moment! These photos crack me up! I was in the computer room (probably wasting time looking at blogs!)when I noticed this scene:
Emmalee on a crazy monkey bike (that belongs to the neighbors!) with the wagon attached under the seat. Emmalee was enjoying taking Jonathan and Elizabeth for a ride. I think Jonathan and Elizabeth were enjoying the royal treatment!

A Heritage Heroes post

2008-02-24T18:56:00.003-07:00

This week's heritage hero is about my great grandma on my dad's side (his mother's mom). I was named after my dad's mom, and I thought it was fitting to name our youngest after her mother. This is who our little lizzieboo (Elizabeth) was named after. Here is her story and photo:

Elizabeth Maximilliana Folkman Ipsen

Born Jan 31, 1875 Plain City Utah
Died Oct. 3, 1956 Lehi Utah

(This story is one of the many found in the stories my aunts wrote for a book they gave out at a family reunion about 15 years ago)

This baby girl was the fourth daughter born to her parents, Christopher Olsen Folkman and Maxilliana Maria Olivia Lingvall Folkman.

Elizabeth was always called "Lizzie". From conversations with her, she said she had to quit school in the eighth grade and go to work. Her mother taught her how to sew and when she was old enough, she lived with the rich families in Ogden and sewed for them.

When she was 29 yrs. old, she met a handsome young man with sandy red hair and clear blue eyes named "Mike" Ipsen. They were married on June 15 1903 in the Salt Lake Temple.

They had a beautiful baby daughter named Elizabeth. Then Heavenly Father sent them another choice baby daughter named Eva Mary. Six weeks after Eva was born, Elizabeth went back to heaven to live with Heavenly Father. Mike and Lizzie didn't have any more children. This made them very sad.

Lizzie was very talented. She could sew, cook, garden and do anything else that needed to be done. She didn't want anyone to waste anything; time, money, talent or food.

It was very important to her for her daughter, Eva and her grandchildren to have proper manners. She made lots of beautiful dresses for her six granddaughters.

She was a hard worker in the Church. She gave many, many hours of service. She had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

When I read this about this woman, it makes me wonder how she moved on with the sorrows of bringing home a new baby while losing their sweet other little girl. After that loss, they couldn't have more kids.

My grandma was an only child who herself grew up to have seven kids of her own. It makes me wonder what her support system was like. I know her husband went on many missions for the church, leaving at home his wife and only daughter often. I love that in this photo of her, she is holding a guitar. It again, raises questions as to how often she played, what songs did she sing, what did her voice sound like? These are questions I am sure to ask her and my grandma when I get a chance to meet them!

I know that I am grateful for her and the way she raised my grandma.

Jacob=100% BOY

2008-02-23T12:34:00.003-07:00

The other day, Jacob asked me if I would come over to where he jumps his bike (well, it's his friends bike since his was stolen)with his friends and take pictures of them jumping their bikes over mounds of dirt (I know they are called something else, but I forget).

I figured that since he asked, it probably is important to him. I almost didn't because I could think of 100 other things I could be doing. I'm glad I went. I was pretty impressed with the ability of the boys' jumping. Mostly because I have ridden my bike and tried to just lift the front tire and that was laughable!

Here is just a few pictures of the 110 that I took (I know, silly mom that I am!). I love the last one best. The look on his face is priceless to me. Jacob has such an intense look on his face. He was very grateful that I took the time and I was grateful for the invite. It's moments like these that I am sure I will beg for as my kids get older and no longer want my services!

Flashback Friday

2008-02-22T17:38:00.003-07:00

It was about a year ago that we sold this last batch of puppies. When we sold htem, we didn't realize they would be the last. We have since decided to be a dog free household and have no dogs here at our home anymore.

These photos were taken with the help of Jacob so we could place an ad for the puppies. Aren't they cute!

I do miss the cute cuddles they gave, the funny barks they made and the mad dash for the door when we would go outside to play with them.

I don't miss the torn up trash, toys, anything they could get their mouth on to chew, the mass amounts of poop they littered all over the yard, the big money we spent on dog food to feed them.

Ahh, memories!

A sweet funny from my sweet Emmalee

2008-02-21T09:24:00.002-07:00

I was watching American Idol with Emmalee last night. It was the top 12 girls performing. While we were watching, I was giving my 2 cents on certain singers (well maybe I was offering more like a dollar).

She asks me out of the blue if I would ever go on American Idol. I chuckled and expressed that I couldn't go on because I can't sing. She then tells me "Yes you can". I chuckled again (singing to the radio isn't really singing!)and said "That's sweet of you Emmalee." I selfishly wanted to enjoy the innocent compliment. I didn't want to really share that not only am I WAY too old (the cut off age is 28, too bad I am 29). I also would be fodder for the critics of the really BAD singers in the early audition shows.

Even so, I was thrilled that my sweet 9 year old sincerly thought of the prospects of her aging, tone deaf mother performing on our favorite show.

A Really Really late Heritage Heroes

2008-02-19T11:58:00.002-07:00

I am anxious to keep up with this tradition even if I am struggling to post them on Sundays.

Here is this weeks Heritage Hero

Esther Harrison Davis was my great great grandma on my father’s side (and on his father’s side). She was a beautiful woman with a fascinating story. I am typing her story as I found it in a book that was written by my dad’s sisters for a family reunion. I happened to have the book because my brother (Wells) graciously handed over to me last year a stack of books that belonged to my dad. It was quite a treasure to receive! Here is Esther’s story:

This baby girl was born with three other babies. They are called triplets. Esther was the only baby to live. She was born in a foreign country named England. Her parent’s names were William Harrison and Sarah Esther Porter Harrison. She had a younger sister and brother.

Esther’s parents were baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in England. Her mother, Sarah was living with her parents with her children when Esther’s father disguised himself and knocked on the door of the home. When his wife came to the door, he blew out the candle and stole their children;William Chase, age 3; Sarah, age 5; and Esther, age 7. Their father brought them to America on the ship called “Caravan”. These children never saw their mother again. Esther’s life became very hard and sad.

Esther was baptized in the Missouri River on November 28, 1861. It was very cold and they had to break the ice. She walked all the way across the plains with her feet tied in rags.

This family finally arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 26, 1862. She now had a new mother.

Esther married a special young man named William George Davis. They lived in Utah. The Lord blessed them with eleven children. Six of these babies died. This pretty mother died when she was 37 years old. Her new baby died with her.

Another woman that I am anxious to meet and know!

Don't they look happy?

2008-02-15T07:08:00.002-07:00

This is how I spent my Valentine's day. I was taking wedding photos for this happy couple. They are actually getting married today. I am heading out to take their wedding photos in about a hour. I am sad for all the rain. I am crossing my fingers that the rain will stop at least for the ceremony. I am not looking forward to taking photos indoors. The natural light is SO MUCH better.

Is is already Friday!? Flashback Friday

2008-02-15T06:25:00.002-07:00

What a busy week, where did it go? I figured since it was Valentine's this week, I would share a couple of fun photos of Valentine's day back in 2002. I can vividly remember Jacob coming home from Preschool with this cute hat and fun milk jug full of valentines. We did the standard pose for photo obsessed mom and then proceeded to make the traditional Valentine sugar cookies (sadly, we haven't made those for the last 2 years!). Jacob LOVES to make any task fun and MESSY! He still hasn't changed. Love you, Jacob!!

{Late} Heritage Heroes

2008-02-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to post a Heritage Heroes post yesterday, but wanted to stay consistant with these posts. I am posting a very funny, yet interesting story about my great-great-great grandpa Allen. Orville Morgan Allen was a very colorful, strong man. He was passionate about the gospel and it showed. He was once one of Joseph Smith's bodyguards and he also was a Captain of one of the company's of Saints that left Nauvoo in the Exodus to Salt Lake. He was the Captain over the company of saints that experienced the Miracle of the Quails (this story is a lot like the story of Manna from the Old Testatment, very cool!. I am going to post one of his journal entries from their exodus together. You will get a little snippet of his personality from this entry. Enjoy:

Here is the story:
Sunday, 25th (Oct 1846)
Encamped on the west side of Soap Creek. I was superintending the brethren in their several duties all day. About 4 o'clock in the evening, a man was purchasing our goods and would pay in corn; amongst other articles traded away, SIster Savary let Bishop Knight have six plates which he sold to the man for 48 cents. Brother Savary at this time returning from hunting his cattle and finding that the plates were gone, commenced abusing his wife with his tongue. After considerable talk, she told him to "go and get them again then." He went to Bishop Knight and demanded them when the stranger said "if I cannot have the plates, I will , I won 't have anything." and went away. Knight went after him and succeeded in making a trade with him and getting the corn. Knight told me of the circumstances, and I went with him to talk to Savary upon the folly of his conduct when Savary daid, " I would not take six bits for my plates; I thought more of those plates than anything I have." Said I, "Savary, then you think more of those plates than you do of your wife." He replied, "I did." I then said, "I will give you a dollar for your wife." He agreed. I then offered him a dollar, he said "Give it to my woman." I did so, she accepted it. I then went for the clerk to make out the necessary writings, when we got to Savcary's wagon, he said, "I will not sign any paper, I consider I am an honorable man and my word is my bond." I asked him if he repented of his bargain, he replied "No." I then went to the wagon and began conversing with Sister Savarfy when he came up and said, "You have no business talking with my woman." I replied, "You have no woman, you have sold her;I bought her and shall claim her in time and eternity." Savary then ordered me away several times and became very abusive in his language to me and to prove the above, call George B. Gardiner, Solomon Wixom, Thomas Bullock, Stephen Perry, and Jesse P. Harmon.

I found this story in his ancestory file while I was in Nauvoo last year. This story makes me giggle.

Flashback Friday

2008-02-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know that it's still Thursday (and way too late for me to be awake!). Since I am still up and can't sleep, I figured I might as well post this for tomorrow. This photo is our family after Jonathan was born. Look how tiny he was at 2 months. He was itty bitty. I chuckle when I see how stuck in a time warp I was with my hair! My kids are so sweet looking in the photos. What happened, LOL! Kidding!! (My kids love to read my blog). Nothing really to add other than have fun laughing at how old we look now in comparison!

A Class Act

2008-02-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

I was not surprised that Mitt Romney dropped out of the race for President today, but I was sad. I really felt that he encompassed all the values, qualities and strengths that are needed to lead this country. I am impressed by the manner in which he spoke to the media to announce it. He spoke with passion, love and respect for this country. While watching him speak, you can feel it come through his whole entire body.

Now, let's pray for this country considering the hands it may fall into with who is left to elect president! YIKES!!!

Sharing some LOVE..

2008-02-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Because my kids have a mom that is obsessed with photos and photoshop, they have to endure their mom making their valentines instead of buying them.

Why do I do this to myself? I ordered them as wallet size photos (that still need to be cut out from a 5x7 sheet) and then I have to stuff bags with candy along with the photo because the photos don't come with an envelope!

Well, I guess I know the reason, because I am insane and I love my kids! These Valentine's remind me how much I really do love them! When they are tugging at my leg, screaming at each other, or throwing toys or punches, I can look at these Valentine's and smile for a moment (though it sometimes is for a brief moment).

Jordan insisted on not having one made for him since he is in Middle School (8th grade)-what's up with that? Lizzieboo gets to be in Emmalee's since she really doesn't go to school and need to pass them out anyway (or so her cheap mom says). So enough rambling.. here are the Valentine's...

SUPER TUESDAY is here

2008-02-05T05:43:00.001-07:00

For some reason, I have been mesmorized by this election year. I am grateful to live in a country where I have the opportunity to vote! Hopefully those of you who are able to vote will remember to go to your polling places and cast the vote for who you want to see run for president. I know I can't wait! GO MITT! Okay, off my soapbox...

Rainy Days and Mondays always...

2008-02-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

..make me SMILE! I love rainy days (though with my paper route, I may need to reconsider this!).

One of my favorite things to do on a rainy day is to make cinnamon rolls. There is just something about snuggling up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and a hot cinnamon roll.

My kids will be thrilled when they get home since we haven't made any since Christmas.

Now, if I could just figure out how to get them off my waistline faster!

Starting a new tradition: Heritage Heroes

2008-02-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

In the same spirit of Flashback Friday, every Sunday I would like to devote a post to sharing a story of our family heritage calling it Heritage Heroes.

I will start this tradition with the sharing of the story of my great-great-great-great grandmother Catherine Curtis Spencer. She was the mother of Aurelia Spencer Rogers ( who was the great grandmother to my Grandma Allen).

Her story is filled with: sadness, heartache, endurance, dedication, courage, love and devotion. I am posting her story from a file I retrieved while in Nauvoo IL last year. I would post a photo of her, but there isn't one that exists.

Her story:
On March 12, 1846, at Indian Creek near Keosauqua, Iowa Territory, Catherine died, just nine days short of her 35th birthday. She was the youngest daughter of a large and affluent family, and she had become accustomed to her father's fond and tender care. But when she joined the Church, she had to give up the refined life her father had given her and take up the persecuted life her membership offered.

In the trying conditions of the exodus, she often sang to her six children to relieve their hunger and chill. But the changes from a warm, brick home to an icy floor and canvas roof proved too much for her to endure. When her little ones came to the wagon to inquire of her condition, she would respond, "Oh you dear little children, how I do hope you may fall into kind hands when I am gone!"

A night or two before she died, she asked her husband, Orson Spencer to gather her children and friends around her. After she had kissed her loved ones, she said to her husband, "I love you more than ever, but you must let me go. I only want to live for your sake and that of our children." When asked if she had any advice for her father's family, she replied, "Charge them to obey the gospel."

Soon afterwards, she asked to be taken to a house, because the incessant rain had soaked her bedding and had made comfort impossible. Immediately a man named Barnes consented to have her brought to his house, which was not far from the camp. There she died in peace with a smile upon her countenance, and a cordial pressure of her husband's hand.

After her death, Orson Spencer buried her in Nauvoo next to thier youngest child, who had died nearly six months before. Brother Spencer notes in his wifes eulogy "her unceasing and dutiful bearing to her husband, and her matronly diligence in infusing the purest and loftiest virtues into the minds of her children." He explained that he did not write such a tribute in order to mourn for the dead;the dead would be taken from many evils to come. He wanted only to preserve his wife's image in their young children's memories.

John R. Young records a few more details about Orson and Catherine Spencer. Orson had graduated from an eastern college, Brother Young writes, and had become a popular Baptist minister. But when he heard the teachings of Joseph Smith, he and his highly educated wife gave up their home, friends, popularity and occupation and followed the Savior. Almost overnight, they had become strangers to their own kindred.

John R. Young comments add to the pathos of Catherine's death, particularly his account of the exchange between Catherine and her husband after they had received a reply letter from her parents: " The sorrowing husband wrote imploringly to the wife's parents, asking them to receive her into their home until the Saints should find an abiding place. The answer came "Let her renounce her degrading faith and she can come back, but never until she does."

This is someone I can't wait to meet on the other side!

Flashback Friday

2008-02-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

I am posting another older layout for my flashback friday. I am posting this particular layout because it shows Emmalee when she was barely 2 with a full head of hair.

This photo was taken days before jordan (who was six at the time) gave Emmalee a Billy Ray Cyrus Mullet! I remember being crushed that my only girl (at that time) that had such pretty hair now looked like Leather Tuscadaro (think Happy Days!). What made it so heart wrenching was that the style looked like something I chose for her to have, not a style that her 6 year old brother gave her. Luckily, her hair grew back really fast and she is just as much a cute doll today as she was in these photos hunting for bugs with her brother Jacob.

Is it possible to fix my broken strings?

2008-01-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have had thoughts of trying to be a better instrument in God's hands. I had a FHE lesson with my kids about being an instrument in His hands and started pondering how well I am at letting myself be used to the best of my abilities.

I started taking inventory of all the times I could have been a better instrument and realized that I tend to be a tad bit selfish and whiney. I also see myself doing this as an example to my kids. It makes me sad. I started to realize that I have let me as an instrument go. I haven't been keeping myself in tune and practicing so that when Heavenly Father wants me to be used, I don't sound like a violin whose strings have been neglected, bow is loose and missing hairs and what strings I do have attached are out of tune.

(me right now)

I have good friends and family that seem to be the opposite. They are in tune, polished and play beautifully. When there is an opportunity to serve, help, or work to build up His kingdom, they are ready and able. They don't need to wait on getting their strings attached again, or tightening up their bow or even get their strings in tune. I admire you all that are such polished, beautiful instruments. I am inspired and pray that I can become that same way.

I know that we all have moments when our strings bust, pop out of tune or our bows need some tightening or loosening. I guess I realize that I have been this way for too long and am striving to get myself back in working order. Thanks to all of you that are patient with me and still love me regardless (especially my family!).

(what I am working hard to become)

Sharing another thoughtful tribute to our dear Prophet

2008-01-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have seen many beautiful tributes to President Hinckley since they have announced his passing. I have been touched and inspired. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to share your own personal thoughts on such a wonderful man. I was watching the Glenn Beck program this evening and he shared a very heartfelt tribute about President Hinckley. I am going to post the text of what he shared. I am anxious to listen to the funeral services this Sat. Feb. 2nd at 11am. I am sure it will inspire many.

Thanks Pres. Hinckley for your many hours of service and love that you devoted to us and this gospel. Also, thank you for your devotion to the Lord.

Tribute to late LDS President Hinckley from Glenn Beck January 28, 2008 - 17:36 ET
(here is a link to his sight where you can also listen to the audio from the show )http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/200/5127/)

Personal note, this is -- gosh, I hope this year gets easier for me personally. This has been quite honestly one of the most difficult years, and I know we're not even out of January yet, but this has been one of the most difficult months I have had in my life since, oh, gosh, it has to be back in my days of alcoholism or divorce.

It's been a very rough few months and you know what -- or few weeks. You know part of that and I'm not going to go into it again because I can't take it anymore but there's another side of that that we're just having -- our family is working very hard together on some things that are happening and I ask for your prayers on.

But last night it was about 1:30, none of us in our house had found a bed before 2:00 in the last few days and last night it was about 1:30, we all went upstairs finally, said good night to each other. My wife and I were in our closet and we were changing into our pajamas and we were chatting and there was a soft knock at the door and it was my eldest daughter Mary and she said, "Dad, I just checked my e-mail and President Hinckley has passed away."

If you don't know who President Hinckley is, you are not in the minority. Most people have never heard of this man. You may have seen him on Larry King Live one time. He was on a couple of times. He is the president of the LDS church and he is a 97-year-old man, one of the sweetest men I have ever seen. I never met, I never met him. Larry King actually talked to me and said one of the most amazing men he's ever met, Gordon B. Hinckley and I said, I imagine. And he said, you haven't met him? And I said, no, sir. And he said, you want to? I said, no, no, that's okay. He said, no, I'll line it up; I'll call Gordon up; you two should meet. I said, no, no, that's okay, I don't need to meet him. It's not like I was a fan of him. I was in awe of him. And that's what Larry King said to me. He said, all you Mormons are alike. You are all in awe of that man. And I said, he is an amazingly sweet and powerful man.

A few, I think it was three years or so ago his wife that he had been married to absolutely forever passed away and it was so sad when she passed away because he was lost without her. They were connected and they were one and they were a way a marriage should be and it was amazing to watch the two together.

And last night I had wondered for a while, I had really, truly wondered for a while what it was going to be like when this guy passes away because honestly he was like, he's just one of the sweetest guys I had ever seen. Well, last night I found out. Honestly I had thought in my head, because he had been sick for a while, I'm going to be devastated the day he dies.

My daughter knocked on the door last night. She said, Dad, President Hinckley just died. My first thought, my very first thought in my image of my mind was him and his sweet wife arm in arm, together again at last. It was a happy moment. It shocked me. I knew he was back with his wife. We all knelt down around our bed and I have never in my life felt, I have never in my life felt what I felt last night in prayer. I just wanted to thank God for putting yet another amazing individual down on Earth.

We're surrounded by amazing people. We watch people all the time. We are influenced by different people, just people who stand for something, just people who say, you know what, I'm going to be a decent human being. And you watch them and they affect your life. Gordon B. Hinckley affected my life. I watched him. I learned from him. He said one time, and I hear it all the time in my head: If what you're doing doesn't have eternal consequences, why are you doing it. I think of that all the time. I think of the way he just told the truth even when it was tough.

For people who are of my faith today, today I guess people would think would be a sad day. For me it's a very, very happy day, a very happy day. If you are not of my faith, I ask you just to reflect on one thing today. Who is that one person in your life that stands for something. Who is that one person in your life that you look at and just say, wow, I want to be a little more like that person. Ponder them before you lose them. Maybe call them and thank them for the influence that they've had on your life. And if you don't have somebody like that in your life, look for somebody today. They seem to become more and more rare. They seem to pass on far too quickly even if they are 97 years old.

Flashback Friday

2008-01-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

This Flashback Friday is to honor my JonJon. This photo was taken 8 years ago. It was over 8 years ago that I was blessed to be able to have surgery for Jonathan while I was still pregnant at 6 months.

We had to go to Nashville for the surgery and were the 55th patient to have the surgery done. This photo is of a family that also was in Nashville at the same time having the same surgery. They were #54. They had USA today following their story and this phenomonal photo was taken during their surgery.

We had NO idea the impact this photo would have on the world when we met them. I remember her wheeling into my room after I had the surgery with her husband and we compared battle wounds and aches and pains. We bonded quickly!

They had an opportunity to come to AZ for a business trip and called us up and we went to dinner. It was funny watching both of us whip out our blankets to breast feed our special babies! We connected instantly with them.

Though we haven't kept contact for over 7 years, we still hold a special place in our hearts for this family. We definitely felt God's presence in our meeting them and knowing the battle they helped to champion for many families that are dealing with or will have to deal with the decision to have a baby with spina bifida and see the wonderful blessings these kids bring to our lives. The photo sparked a debate they NEVER saw coming. Read the story in the link and you should be able to see the story unfold.

I was a grouchy mom to Jonathan this morning because he was showing his stubborn side :) I do feel grateful and blessed to have him as my son. He has taught me NUMEROUS lessons, and ones that I still need to work on. Especially Patience!!! I love you, Jonathan! Love, Mom

Us with the Armas Family when they came to AZ for a visit. We took them out to dinner at the Landmark Restaurant in Mesa (Center and Main). They are an AWESOME family!

This is the photo of their son (in the photo above by Jonathan) taken in Nashville. Follow the link for their story.
http://www.famouspictures.org/mag/index.php?title=Fetus_hand_reaches_out

http://www.physiciansforlife.org/content/view/258/43/ Here is another link about the family. It was written while their son was still real young (like in the photo with us).

The pink team was ROBBED!

2008-01-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to express my sadness about the pink team on the biggest loser getting eliminated in the most unfair way! I will miss me some Bette Sue! She reminds me of one of my dad's sisters (also named betty), so I felt a little attached. Now off to watch my taped American Idol (I need a life!)

Looking forward to some good tv tonight..

2008-01-22T16:54:00.001-07:00

If you peek at my guilty pleasures to the right, you will see that I LOVE reality shows. Tonight, I am excited to watch more of American Idol! It is HILARIOUS to watch and fun to see great talent sneak through. I think I will fold some laundry while it is on to avoid too much guilt (heehee)! I also am planning to switch channels to watch The biggest Loser on NBC. They have a great couple (mom and daughter) from Mesa competing. GO PINK team! Off to feed the kiddos dinner and get settled in on the couch!

Remembering A wonderful woman..

2008-01-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

A year ago (specifically it was Jan 21st), James' Grandma Crandell passed away. It was quite a surprise to all of us since she was in good health. She was a beautiful woman who raised a great family. During the Christmas season last year, we were at the annual Crandell Christmas party with the aunts and uncles, cousins, etc..

We were blessed to be able to get a snapshot of everyone in attendance that night. Because the snapshot was so complete with almost everyone, I doctored it up in photoshop and gave a copy of it to my mother in law for Christmas that year. She loved it and had a very large copy (20x30) made for her mother (grandma Crandell) for Christmas.

None of us ever imagined that she would be leaving us a month later. It was a gift that was treasured, but it became an even greater treasure to have once she returned home to be with Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the promptings the Holy Ghost gives us that help us to cherish our loved ones during what can be sad times.

I am posting the photo to honor Grandma Crandell and the beautiful heritage that she created with Grandpa Crandell. Though we miss her terribly, we are grateful for all the reminders of her influence and presence in all the sweet faces of those in this photo and many more that couldn't make it for the photo.

Crandell Family Dec. 2006

Flashback Friday

2008-01-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here is another old layout (Created also back in 2002) that is a flashback of when I was the same age as my lizzieboo! I look at it though and can see a lot of Jonathan. Anyway, fun times! Love it when all my worries and joys were so innocent and stress free. Sorry for the layout posts, a lot of my pictures are in layout form. They are a flashback in themselves!

Happy Birthday AVALON!

2008-01-15T17:55:00.001-07:00

If you have ever met my little sister, you realize that birthdays to her are bigger than Christmas. She is 29 today. Here are some fun facts about her:
She is obsessed with the musical CATS and watches and dances to it everyday.
Every Friday night is pizza night.
She loves all of her nieces and nephews, especially when they follow her rules she posts on her bedroom door. (which consist of "STAY OUT OF AVALON'S ROOM!)
She loves to write poems and sing for any audience willing to listen.
She is the most disciplined person I have ever met (2 yrs ago, she decided to stop eating junk food, and having midnight snacks. Since then she has lost over 100lbs!).
She is truly an angel and I love her!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you, Avalon.
Love, Eva (your favorite sister!)
Here are some photos of Avalon over the years...

A layout I created for her a few years ago when she graduated from Seminary

A fun glamour shot taken by my mom to include in a book for my Grandpa's 90th birthday

A photo of Avalon taken last year at her birthday (with her favorite leopard print!)

I adore this photo of Avalon taken when she was three!

This is another fun family favorite when Avalon was just one. Side note, I never could escape the Dorothy Hammill cut!

Teeth, teeth, and more teeth!

2008-01-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

I just got back from taking my four older kids to the dentist for check ups and cleanings. The ironic thing is that my older boys are not avid teeth brushers. I fully expected them to have a mouth full of cavities. Emmalee is very responsible and is very diligent with her teeth brushing. Both my older boys had NO cavities while poor Emmalee had 2. Life just isn't fair! I was happy for the no cavities for those 2 boys, but Emmalee just didn't get it. I guess it's one of those teaching moments where moms get to preach "Life just isn't fair". Jonathan is a whole other story, YIKES! He will be getting all of his cavities fixed under anesthesia. At least they will all be done at the same time. I just hate having to pay $ to fix teeth that are baby teeth! I know, it's just as important, but the concept just kills me! Another realization..Jordan's wisdom teeth are trying to come in! He seems too young for this (13). I am really starting to feel old...now I need to figure out a plan to pay for all this. Dental bills seem to add up fast.

Flashback Friday...

2008-01-11T17:20:00.001-07:00

It seems that all of my friends that blog reserve Friday entries for Flashbacks. I thought I would give it a shot. I ran across this layout I created back in 2002 of one of our engagement photos. This photo was taken 15 years ago! Boy, have times changed! James and I look like we are babies! We practically were. I was barely 19 and James was 25. We got engaged 15 years ago on Christmas Eve in front of ALL of his family. It was at their Christmas Eve party with aunts, uncles, cousins, etc..Quite memorable! I am grateful I said yes, even though there are times I am sure he is thinking "What was I thinking@!?" But I wouldn't change a thing. James, thanks for putting up with me for this long! The title of this layout says it all, "Choose thy love, love thy choice" I am glad we chose each other! Love you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jacob! 11 is a great number...

2008-01-09T19:19:00.001-07:00

It's the only year you are number one twice!

Eleven years ago, I was watching The Rosie O'Donnell show and it was the episode when she had Madonna on for the first time. I remember being excited to see them interact on her show since they were such good friends. I also remember that Madonna had her first baby just a few months earlier. I was counting my contractions during the episode and they began to increase. I didn't get to finish the show. Instead, James and I went to the hospital to have another baby boy to add to the family! By 6:55am the next day, Jacob Allen Flake made his arrival. He is still as sweet and angelic as he was when he arrived to join our family. We love you Jacob! Happy 11th birthday.

I am adding a fun slide show to the side of the blog because I am still to blog illiterate to post it in this post! So click on the video clip on the side to see fun photos of Jacob with one of his favorite songs by Green Day playing in the background.

Is it bad to be happy when the kids return to school?

2008-01-08T18:20:00.001-07:00

If it is, then I am guilty as charged! To counter my feelings of bliss and happiness that the kids have returned, I will post something about each of them that make me smile.

Jordan has recently become addicted to the show "Whose Line is it Anyway" and they rerun it on the Family channel. He has been recording them throughout the christmas break. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching and laughing hysterically with him. It has been a great way to hang out with my "teenager" (Yikes, I feel old typing that!).

Jacob has a tough boy exterior, but is such a tender teddy bear inside! I love that he always wants to give me big tight squeezes as soon as he comes home from school, play, etc.. I loved watching him play with his little lizzieboo over the break. He would take her outside and help her on her new Dora "dirtbike" (she is clearly influenced by Jacob's taste in toys!) that she got for Christmas.

Emmalee is growing up to be such a beautiful and smart girl! I am amazed at the knowledge her sweet little head retains. Bad mommy alert.....When she was getting ready to head back to school today, she took out a packet from her backpack and left it on the counter. It was a packet with a letter informing me (the parent) that my child was picked to attend the Spelling Bee this Thursday. The packet was given to them to practice over the break! It's a good thing Emmalee is so easy going, it didn't even phase her that she never cracked it open once!

Jonathan is the most IMAGINITIVE boy I know! Over the break, it was hilarious to hear him tell other kids stories about anything he could think up. Even while wearing the jammies in the photo, he would tell me that he thinks he can feel webs shooting from his hands. What makes this so funny is the seriousness in his face when he tells his tall tales. I need to document these funny stories and publish them. They would entertain many!

Note to kids: I promise I do love you, don't be sad that I am happy you returned to school. I will miss the extra sleep you all let me have by playing with Lizzieboo when she woke up early. I will miss the fun Christmas movies we watched over and over. I will miss the Christmas music we sang to in the car while driving all over town. I will especially miss your fun giggles and smiles! I love you all! mom

Good thing I wrote this, I was really feeling guilty that I have had a plastered smile all day (wink wink)!

Can too much sleep be bad?

2008-01-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't had that much sleep since July! (when I started my paper route). That was a very refreshing and lazy vacation. The weather was absolutely beautiful and on the chilly side.

The kids were anxious to all take baths as soon as we arrived (could it be because the bath was a jacuzzi!?) and the suite had 3 tv's. Of course the kids tv was connected to the playstation the whole weekend (which surprisingly they didn't fight over). We played rummikub mostly with one fun game of Settlers (which I won!).

The kids had a run in with a javelina (though it was from a safe distance) and continued to pretend there were more for the rest of the weekend. Dialogue was like this: "Mom, I think there is a javelina over there, no over there, wait, over there, heehee! Funny kids.

Another highlight was on Friday night when Grandpa and Grandma Flake came to play games and give Jacob and Lizzieboo their birthday presents. They also brought Martinelli's with them for the celebration. They played a few games of Rummikub and had fun visiting with the kids.

We want to thank them again for their generous gift for the weekend. We appreciated it more than we can express in words! The sleep alone was worth the trip. I am adding photos of our little adventure. I wish I could bank the sleep we got and use it when needed. At least I am energized for the following day....

Jordan loving his favorite Lizzieboo

James trying to retain his youth

Lizzieboo playing with her new "friends"

Grandpa and Grandma Flake come to visit

Lizzieboo and Dad rest from too much fun!

Emmalee and Lizzieboo enjoying the pretty fallen leaves

Jacob showing off his scooter jumping skills

Emmalee and Jacob posing for their photo obsessed mom

Jonathan shows his spiderman web arms!
A superhero for sure!

Heading out..

2008-01-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

We are taking a little mini-vacation for the next 2 days. James parents were generous and gave all of their kids a couple nights at a resort in either Cave Creek or Sedona. We chose Cave Creek so we didn't have to travel too far. We are looking forward to a couple nights of sleeping through the night and soaking up every last second of Christmas break with the kids (they go back on Mon.).

It will be especially fun since we will be celebrating our Lizzieboo's 3rd b-day while we are there. She turns 3 on Jan 6th (Sun.). What a fun 3 years it has been with our favorite little lizzieboo! To think, we figured we were done after 4. It's a good thing James convinced me there was one more little girl anxious to be with our family.

I thought it would be fun to post some fun photos of our sweet little (and sassy) lizzieboo! Happy Birthday, Lizzieboo!

I said I would never start a blog...

2008-01-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

I guess I should never say never! I have really enjoyed catching up with friends and family while viewing and reading their fun blogs. I figured I would be a sheep and follow..baa baa.

I should be in bed right now resting for my favorite job (a paper route I wake up at 1am every morning for), but no...I am sitting here wasting time playing on the computer.

I will post some funner posts later when I really do have time to compose a fun post with a little more substance.

I will do my best not to be a flakey blogger! Even though I am one by default (heehee).