SNOW YEAH!!

We went to visit everyone up north in the snow. We went the day after Christmas and made it up and back with great driving weather. What a party!! Dad and mom had a full house for a couple nights. It was so much fun and we really appreciate everyone visiting and playing with us when we come up. We went sledding, ice skating, had a baby shower, went to church, played games, attempted duck hunting, checked out some deer and elk, and just had fun!! It is great to have such an awesome family!! We headed to Eagle Mountain to visit the rest of our family up north and did some more sledding and another late night. Shane and Steve pulled the kids behind the truck on some tubes and attempted to add a sled but it ended with Kylee being ran over after falling off. The kids always have a hard time coming home because that is where all the cousins live now except for Shaylee and Brighton. They moved to Logandale. YEAH!!! We will miss all the rest of our family but love to come and visit. Thanks for the pics Amy and Tracie!!

Wonderful Christmas Season

We had a crazy, wonderful, Christmas season. This year we started a new tradition of the 12 days of Christmas. We chose a elderly lady that we don't know that well but has been a kindergarten helper for the last 3 years at least. We had a lot of fun and it was nice not stressing about getting caught because she can't move very quickly. Every Christmas eve we celebrate with the Applegates. We have a wonderful time caroling, eating and just visiting. The kids really enjoy it. They love to go caroling and to get to visit with their extended cousins. After that we opened pj's and read the Christmas story with Grandpa and Grandma. The kids each shared a talent and we got ready for bed. Steve gave the okay to wake up at 4:30 and that is what they did. We were up bright and early and had a great time. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year and even though it is stressful and I never quite get everything done. It is still my favorite!!

BYU Game

We were so glad that BYU ended up playing in the Las Vegas Bowl. Shane and Carrie flew in Tuesday night and we went in the visit and shop on our "snow day". Yes, we had a snow day even though Logandale go NO SNOW!! Well Friday Grandpa, Grandma, Casey & Kyle came down to visit and go to the game. Shane and Carrie came out Friday night to visit and all the kids loved the attention from so much family. Grandpa and Grandma even let the kids open a present each. Drake got a BYU sweatshirt, the girls pj's grandma made all the cousins too, and Tyson a roping cowboy!! We had a great time and ended up going in a little early Saturday after Drake's flag football game to see Shane and Carrie again. BYU had a disappointing game but we still had fun cheering them on in the chilly, but warm for some, Las Vegas weather. Thanks for coming to visit us!! (I'll have to add some pics later of the game)

Christmas Church Clothes

Okay, we started a tradition the last few years that the kids get to open their new church clothes the Sunday before Christmas so if they can wear them the Sunday before which is usually the Christmas program. We have talked about the importance of dressing nicely for church and why it is important. I enjoy it because if I chose a dress that is a holiday dress then they have an extra week to wear it too. They love it to because they open a present early.

Sawyer Band Concert

 

We went to Sawyers Christmas band concert and it was awesome!! He played in the JV Band and in the JAZZ Band. He had a solo and did awesome. He loves to play music and is very talented in that area. Keep it up Sawyer great job!! Moapa has a great music program and it is a lot of fun to see so many kids involved in music and enjoying it.

SLEDDING

Steve took the kiddos sledding on Wednesday while I was at work. It snowed up to 8" in Vegas and snowed in St. George but no snow for us :(. Steve met up on Utah hill with his friend and his kids and had a great time. They had a fire and loved playing in the snow!! They keep asking when they get to go back. After that storm they were still predicting more for Las Vegas and so they canceled school for the next day. SNOW DAY!! CRAZY!!

1ST Clogging Performance

 

Sierra and Makenzie had their first clogging performance at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas. They did a great job and had a lot of fun. Sierra loves to perform and smiled the whole time. We were all amazed at how well Makenzie actually did. We didn't think she would even dance. She enjoys it but has a hard time keeping up with her class because they are all 2 years older than her, but she did. Then they performed here and did even better because they had their whole team there this time. Now mom just needs to get up there with them. They danced to BOOGIE WOOGIE CHOO CHOO TRAIN and then did there favorite step.

FLAG FOOTBALL

 

Drake had a great time playing flag football for the first time. He takes after his dad. He is quick and loves it. He enjoyed every minute of it and was sad to see it end. Steve helped coach with two other dads. They had a great time and did a great job!!

Guitar Recital and Ward Party

Drake had a guitar recital and we also had a ward party the same time and the same night. It all worked out though. Drake did a great job! They played some Christmas songs as a group at the first and then he played his song and because I'm playing catch up I can't remember the name of his song. Oh, well. After he was done we headed to the ward party. I got a few pictures of Santa and the kids. There was a big crowd and we had a great talent show.

Meet Browzer and Sammy

I think I got that right. I'm not sure where the names came from we'll have to ask Drake. We spent Saturday at the pig auction learning about what to look for in a pig and how fun it was to be at the auction. Drake is very excited and has been getting up at 6:30 every morning to feed them and going over after school. Drake helped Steve build their pen at Grandpa's house. This is a new adventure in our life. Yeah!!

Christmas Lights

Every year the kids want to help Steve put the lights up and mom stresses. The kids love getting on the roof and Steve loves that I stress.

AWESOME!!

Drake and Sierra both made the "A" Honor Roll this trimester. They both worked really hard to be there and we are so proud of them. Awesome job you two. Sierra and Drake also entered reflections. Drake drew a picture and got a participation award. He had a lot of competition. His grade had the most entries. Sierra wrote a story and drew a picture. She placed third in literature with her story. She won a ice cream cone at inside scoop! Great job!!

Here is a video I tried to post earlier of Makenzie being a pilgrim. She was so cute she looked over every time and laughed.

Thanksgiving Day

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had all of Steve's family there. What a wonderful holiday to bring us all together. We enjoyed lots of laughing, games, shopping, and relaxing. Thank you to everyone for making it a wonderful day.

Makenzie's Thanksgiving Program

 

Makenzie had a great time in her program. She has been practicing so hard at school and performed 2 days. She had lots of people there to watch because it was the day before Thanksgiving. Great Grandma Staheli, G & G Staheli, lots of cousins and all her family. Awesome job Makenzie we love you!!

Elf Yourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

SOME PIGS

 

Well, Drake has SOME PIGS!! He has been walking his pigs almost everyday. He also had to go weigh in his pigs last Saturday and now he's has had to put them on a diet. Porkster weighed in at 211 and Sammy at 173. Ideal is about 140-150 so they are a little overweight. It is a good experience for Drake and we are learning a lot.

HAPPY 60th TO THE BEST MOM EVER!!

Mom, I hope you know how much we all love you and miss you. You are very special to us and we were so sad that we couldn't make it up for your surprise party. Thank you for raising me the way that you did. I am amazed more and more every day at all that you have done and still do for us. What a wonderful 60 years you have had and so many more to come. We love you and can't wait to see you soon! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thankful!!

Today is Thanksgiving and I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family. Steve and I both have great families that love and support us and it is a joy to be with everyone when we have the opportunity. It is what life is about. FAMILY!! They have raised us with the gospel and knowing our Savior Jesus Christ. The gospel helps keep our focus on our families and what we can achieve. Steve is a great husband. He loves me, supports me, makes me laugh, helps me keep things in perspective, works so hard for our family, honors his priesthood, and is a great dad and an example to me. Each of my children bless me so much. I want to be better each day, to help them to be better. I love each of them so very much. I am thankful for the wonderful town where we live, the pride here, and for great friends, awesome ward, great schools and so many, many, things. I'm thankful for our freedom and for those who have given it to us and for those who keep it for us. WOW!! I could go one all day but just know I'm thankful for you and all we are blessed with.

SUPER STAR

 

 

 

Sierra was the Super Star this week in her class. She was so excited and begged and begged and begged to do her poster all weekend. I kept telling her we would so it Sunday after church. She was so excited Sunday morning and couldn't wait until after church to get it done. She took something special every day, usually it was a stuffed animal. Then on Wednesday she had Steve bring in Bruiser. Steve even gave Bruiser a warm bath to get ready to go. Tyson and Makenzie got to help and they loved it and so did Bruiser. Thursday, she took in some music and clogged for her class. WOW!! Then on Friday we took in chocolate chip cookies for the class because Sierra loves them and so does Mrs. Shumway. Sierra is a Super Star and we are so lucky to have her in our family.

Fourth Grade Field Trip

We went on a field trip with Drake's class to The Christmas Carol at the High School. We even got to ride the bus. Tyson's first bus ride was a little scary with all the big kids. The play was great and Drake's class was a lot of fun to go with. He is a great kid and still loves to have mom come with him. YEAH!!!

Another One Bites the Dust

We have had a lot of fun hunting this year. Our last hunt was my bull elk tag and it ended successfully. We hunted only about 3 full days and thanks to my awesome guide, my dad-in-law, and some of my guides friends it ended successfully. We saw a lot of elk and went after a couple but ended with this great bull. After taking a couple practice shots I dropped him with my third shot. It only took one trip to pack him out thanks to my awesome helpers. Yes, I did pack the head all the way out. The kids were so excited to see the elk and took a lot of photos with it. Big thanks to Mary for taking care of the kiddos while we were gone. My first bull elk was a lot of fun. I love to go with Steve and enjoy that time we have together hiking our tails off all over the mountain and having him pull me along. Great Memories!!!!

Thank you Troops and Veterans!!!

We have a awesome Veterans Day Parade!! I enjoy it every year. Drake got to ride in it again with his scout troop. He decorated his bike up and it looked great! Sawyer marched in the band and looked all to serious. Sierra, Makenzie and Tyson enjoyed getting all the candy they could and hanging out with Grandpa and Grandma. Dad had to work today. We missed him. We really appreciate our troops and pray for them and their families every day. i love to see the veterans and you can just feel the pride that they have for this country and for what they were able to do. Thank you Veterans we love and appreciate all that you have done so that we can enjoy our freedom in this great land!!

Kelly's Blessing Day

We enjoyed seeing Kelly for the first time. She is so cute and the kids were so excited. What a special little girl and a beautiful blessing!! Thanks for having us in your home. You have a beautiful home and a wonderful family. Lots of Love!!
The kids were also excited because it started to "snow" before we left so they went outside to jump in it. It was actually sleet. Hopefully the next visit there will be snow to play in.

Family Fun

We had a great time at Wallsburg with all the family. We enjoyed visiting, playing, skeet shooting, attempting to play paintball, getting pictures taken, cleaning just a little, and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. I'm so thankful for a great family that we miss so much. It is a lot of fun to come and visit and all get together to just have fun. We really appreciate everyone gathering when we come. Thanks!! Wallsburg brings back a lot of great memories and I love to take my kids up there. It was nice for the kids because they just road 4-wheelers, motorcycles, and just ran around playing. Great Memories!! We owe a big thanks to Angie for taking our pictures.

Great Weather and Neighborhood

 

I have to say that we have a great neighborhood and that the weather is great right now. The kids love to play outside and as you can see we can get quite the crew outside and that is only about half of them. The boys were outback playing football. It is nice to let the kids play and enjoy the weather even if we take over the street.

Sierra's Piano Recital

Sierra had a Halloween piano recital. I know I'm a little out of order but that is what you get when you don't keep up. Her recital was on Friday before Halloween. It was a lot of fun to see everyone in their costumes. Sierra did a great job and smiled through both of her songs. She loves to play the piano. She has a great teacher who is right in our subdivision so that makes it nice.

TRICK OR TREAT

The kids had a great time doing the true trick or treating. It was very tiring though for them. They went with their cousins Kace and Kassidy and some of their friends. There was a huge group of them. They ranged in age from 11 - 3 so we could keep up with the older group. It was a sprint to them. It was beautiful weather. It was not hot and not cold. It was a lot of fun to be Heber and go on the same route I used to go on when I was little. They got a lot of candy and even Uncle Duff and his friend came out to scare them in masks.

Carving Pumpkins

We always make sure we carve pumpkins on a night when dad is home. He is a great pumpkin carver and as you can see likes to have a lot of fun with the kids at the same time. Drake has always been a gagger when it comes to carving pumpkins and he really grossed out when Dad and Sierra put all that slime in their mouths. YUCK!! After we got them all done the kids had to get in their costumes and take pictures by their pumpkins. We couldn't resist that cute fireman costume for Tyson.

Halloween Parade and School Parties

Makenzie was a cute black cat and had a lot of fun in her 1st parade. The kindergarten kids get to play a musical instrument while marching in the parade. They make a lot of noise. I'm one of the room moms for Makenzie's class this year and we had a great party. She loved doing the cake walk and the witches brew that we had.

The veterinarian is a great costume for Sierra. She loves animals and takes good care of them. She was so excited about Halloween and had a fun party and made lots of crafts.

Drake the "grim reaper" was really excited about his costume this year that his dad brought home. He really wanted to be scary and he was. I can't believe he is getting this old only one more parade for him now. He had a great party and he took sandwiches cut out as pumpkins. It's hard not being able to be at all the parties. But it is Makenzie's turn this year.

Pumpkin Patch

 

Makenzie and Sierra both got to go to a pumpkin patch with their class. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go with Sierra's class but she had a lot of fun and she brought home a big pumpkin. They went to the Ag. Farm. Makenzie's class walked down the the Hardy's pumpkin patch and got to pick pumpkins. Tyson and I go to go too. We had a picnic lunch after and then headed back to the school. So much fun!!

Sawyer Football '08

Sawyer had a lot of fun again playing football. Here are some pictures of his last game against Virgin Valley. They pirates stomped them 47 - 14.

OOPS!!

Sawyers birthday was a long time ago. I forgot to blog some pictures. So here they are. I can't believe that he is 15 now. He is a lot of fun and a great kid. Some words that describe Sawyer are HAPPY, POSITIVE, FUN, TALENTED. He is very talented in music and is going to start working hard and taking classes that will help him get a music scholarship. He currently is still taking piano lessons, can play the guitar, baritone saxophone, and next year will be playing the tenor saxophone. We love you Sawyer!!

Firefighter Day & Dental

Makenzie was so excited to have her dad come in and talk about firefighting and what to do in case of a fire. Steve really does a great job talking to the kids and they love when he gets all dressed up. They said he sounded like a transformer or an astronaut. I also got to go in and talk about taking care of your teeth. The kids all have a lot of fun telling stories and asking questions.

4 and 4 tag

My pictures aren't so organized but here it is. The fourth picture of the fourth folder. Sierra about 2 years ago with all her school project. She has grown up so much!!
I guess I tag Sandy, Vanessa, Lesa

Yeah!! Family Came to Visit

Grandpa and Grandma "D" came to visit for a few days along with Dave, Tracie, Taylor, and Carrie. We were so excited to have them come. The kids teachers say that they tell them they are coming to visit and then they can't wait until it's time to go. They got here just in time to go to Drake and Makenzie's soccer games Thursday night. Then on Friday we ran Dave in to get ready for his triathlon in Boulder City. On our way we stopped to let Taylor and Tyson ride on the fire truck at Steve's station. We then watched Sawyer in his game Friday night and then more soccer on Saturday and swimming at warm springs. Dave did great in his triathlon even though we didn't get to watch him. It was a busy weekend but lots of fun with the family. Thank you to everyone for making the drive and coming to visit. We love you!!

School Projects and Spooked

Here are some random pictures of Sierra and Makenzie's school art. They get to keep to and always have the picture and the rest goes in the garbage. I know it's mean. Well we got spooked with goodies and so we made cookies one night and the kids were all a little shocked when I started throwing flour on their faces but it made for a cute picture. It is fun to be spooked and to spook especially when you don't get caught!! Also a few pictures of the homecoming parade and Sawyer playing the saxophone. It is always a fun week. I was just mad I forgot the camera again and didn't get the pictures of the awesome half-time show with all the band, cheerleaders, flag girls, and drill team!! They do a great job.

Deer Hunt '08

We have a lot of tags to fill this year and we've got 2 down. Sawyer got his first buck after shooting and at few that he "didn't want". They were 300-350 yard shots though. Grandpa spotted a few good bucks walking up a ravine and told Sawyer but he didn't believe him until he turned and saw them and began shooting. He was successful in getting the largest of the group and for his first buck it was awesome. He was so excited he was jumping up and down and couldn't hold still. We were excited that we were able to be there with him too. Great job Sawyer!! After Sawyer I knew I couldn't let him top me in the number of shots taken. So I decided to miss a few too and so he didn't feel so badly. I had been bragging and about not missing very much and then the next day my percentage dropped dramatically and the next day even more. Oh well, success in the end is all that matters and the other stuff just makes for good laughs later, and I mean later because I wasn't very happy for a while and was pouting a little. It was fun to have the family up there with us the first little bit and big thanks to Grandma Staheli for taking care of the crazy kids. They had a lot of fun playing in the dirt, roasting smores, having a field goal contest, and playing with each other. Drake is an amazing little hunter. He kept up with us all and grandpa had to tell him to keep of his heels. He even got to miss a little school to stay even though that trip mom went home empty handed. Steve and I ran up one night the next week and had a great time by ourselves. We enjoyed the time alone and the hunt ended in success. I redeemed myself a little. Thanks to my great guide and husband. (Notice how strong and sexy he looks with a deer on his back!!) Your Awesome. Thanks for believing in me!!

Soccer, Soccer, Soccer!!

Well with 3 kids playing soccer we had a lot of games to attend. It was a lot of fun though and schedules didn't conflict very often. My friend and I coached Makenzie's team and had a lot of fun. Makenzie enjoyed playing and it depended on the day whether or not she played. But a few games she got after it and had a lot of fun. Sierra has gotten better each year. She was the strongest girl on her team and that was fun to watch. Drake is a great soccer player and goes hard all the time. He loves to play too!! Tyson just enjoyed standing on the sideline and wanted us to kick the ball with him if there was not a friend for him to play with. I'll post pictures later we are missing some of Drake.

BUCKED OFF

 

 

Sierra got bucked off the little play pony that we hung in grandma's tree. She was out riding it and fell off backwards landing in the rocks. The rest of us were out shooting guns and I called to tell Mary we were on our way and she said Sierra had cut her head open. We got there and blood was all over. It had just gushed down her head and her shirt. The back of her shirt was covered in blood all the way down to her underwear. She didn't want anyone to see the blood and wanted to hide it. She even wanted to go and clean the rocks the next day. She found out there was none on the rocks it all ended up on her shirt. I did talk her into one picture though. We opted for no stiches because of where it was at and thought a little scar wouldn't hurt her there. So we bandaged her up and put her to bed. The next day it had scabbed well and we sent her to school to show her battle wounds. We are so glad we are still a stitch free family. TOUGH GIRL!!

While the Others Kids are at School

 

Makenzie and Tyson have a great time in the morning with Dad and Mom to themselves. They play well together too and have a lot of fun!! Makenzie is enjoying school and you can see just how many projects she has been doing. Tyson was having fun balancing on dad's hands showing his muscles. It is nice to have a little one on one sometimes.

Elk Hunting with the Whites

We went up camping to Ely for Steve's elk hunt. It was a lot of fun and beautiful weather. The kids had a lot of fun with the White family. It is always nice to have other kids to play with. They had fun racing bikes down the hill, making forts, hiking looking for treasures, riding 4-wheelers, and swinging on the rope swing. It was short but fun to be there with Steve. He ended up being very close to the one he wanted but never could get a clean shot. He really enjoys hunting and enjoys the time to think. He is training the children well and how to be true hunters.

Beautiful Singing

Makenzie is so hilarious to listen to when she is singing with headphones on. We were going camping and I had the camera right there as I was driving so I set it up and when she started singing I would push the button. After a few tries I got this. This is Makenzie singing Jesus Take the Wheel. SO FUNNY!!

Makenzie's New PONY Shirt

Makenzie called Grandma to tell her about her new shirt. So Grandma wanted to see it on the blog. So here is Makenzie in her new outfit.