The Barnes Family

{Photography}

2012-01-15T19:32:00.006-07:00

As Kamrin and I were running errands the other day a quick rain storm hit. We saw a rainbow and pulled over to check it out and take a picture. As we looked ahead of us we saw the beautiful rainbow, but behind us were lots of clouds. It was a very cool sight, so we took some pictures.

{The Perfect Christmas}

2012-01-15T19:04:00.004-07:00

I spent some time on Pinterest finding tutorials on taking the perfect Christmas tree picture....this is the best that I could do this year. After spending all that time thinking that I had to have the perfect picture, I thought a little deeper about Christmas. So often, we worry about having the perfect gift, the perfect tree picture, the perfect Christmas Cards, and a perfectly decorated home, and the perfect holiday shedule filled with parties and other events. I fall victim to this stereotype myself.
This year none of those things were perfect....in fact most of them never happened. We were lucky that we got a tree up, I only sent half of the Christmas cards, we made absolutely no Christmas candy or cookies, and didn't attend one Christmas party. However, this year Christmas was perfect. Our family was the recipient of so many random acts of service. Our children experienced anticipation and excitement many nights waiting for a "Secret Santa" to arrive and leave a treat or gift. They learned the true meaning of Christmas through numerous stories and videos that were shared with them. They learned how prayers can be answered as they prayed that their daddy would be released from the hospital in time to celebrate Christmas at home with them. We all learned how precious life is and how important it is to share our time here with those that we love the most. We all had a great time doing absolutely nothing besides spending time with each other.
So, this year I am glad that what seemed to be an iimperfect Christmas turned into the {Perfect Christmas}.

{Girls Weekend & Man Stuff}

2012-01-15T13:12:00.003-07:00

Last weekend the girls had cheerleading cometition. So we headed to Provo and had a great time with good friends! Not to mention the girls did great!

While we were gone, Josh felt well enough to have a friend drive him and Kyler to the ranch our nephew works on and ride with him on his trap line. It was their lucky weekend because there was a bobcat in one of the traps. They had a great time doing "Man Stuff".

2011-12-22T19:46:00.002-07:00

Kelsie helped get gifts together for a Christmas party at a group home for special needs girls. She really wanted to make something on her own, so she took a bunch of my beads and made every one of these bracelets all on her own. I was so proud of her! She is getting so big and can do so much without me now. After accomplishing this she has decided that she wants to make and sell some bracelets.....so we'll see where that goes!

{First Cheer Comp of the Season}

2011-12-22T19:18:00.008-07:00

The girls had their first cheerleading competition a couple of weeks ago.....They did very well and we are ready for another exciting season! This competition was especially important for the girls because it was probably the only one that their dad would be able to attend and watch.

Kelsie with her big sister

Kels & Kamrin

Their biggest fan

Kelsie as a flyer......

Kelsie & Destri

2011-12-20T09:10:00.006-07:00

I recently gathered these quotes to use as inspiration and comfort over the past few weeks.....so, I thought I would share some of them. It's amazing how having these in mind when things are unsettling or you are facing difficult times can help lift and inspire.......

5x7 Folded Card

2011-11-20T07:24:00.001-07:00

Hearts And Home Christmas Card

Turn your favorite photos into your favorite Christmas cards!

View the entire collection of cards.

{Thankful in November #12}

2011-11-12T22:55:00.006-07:00

Today I am Thankful for.........

Good Friends

Today I was able to spend the day with a very good friend. Good food, BSU football, almost warm supposed to be hot chocolate, warm clothes, a rude girl at Burger King, and lots of talks in the car all made for a very well spent, much needed day away from home. Too bad BSU lost..... :(

{Thankful in November #11}

2011-11-12T05:13:00.008-07:00

Today I am Thankful for...................

Our Military both past and present.

I am so grateful that because of these many men and women that have so selflessly fought that I can do so many things that I enjoy. I have the ability to say what I want, practice religion as I please, and feel safe as I go about my day knowing that there are many men and women constantly protecting and watching.

I found way too many cool videos to share, so I choose a couple to share.

{Creamy Baked Potato Soup}

2011-11-10T22:43:00.002-07:00

4 Large Baked Potato's

2/3 cup butter

2/3 cup flour

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp pepper

6 cups milk

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chopped green onions

10 strips bacon crushed (or I use bacon bits)

1 cup cheese

On medium heat melt butter, stir in salt and pepper and add flour. Gradually add milk and bring to a boil. Cook for a coule of minutes until thick. Remove from heat. Add sour cream, cheese and potatoes. Then, enjoy!

{Thankful in November #10}

2011-11-10T22:28:00.005-07:00

Today I am Thankful for.......

The Changing Seasons

Today I am Thankful for.......

The Changing Seasons

I am grateful for these beautiful Idaho fall days. For the promise of frigid winter mornings followed by spring blossoms and hot summer days. For constant changes and nothing ever the same or predictable. I love the changing seasons, as nothing ever gets to familiar before it changes again.

{Thankful in November #9}

2011-11-10T21:52:00.002-07:00

Today I am Thankful for.......

Charitable Act of Kindness

I cannot even begin to tell you how thankful I am for all of the many acts of service our family has been the recepient of. Rarely does a day go by that we don't receive a meal from someone at church, some dessert or a loaf of bread, or some other random act of kindness. It has really helped me recognize how importat serving others is.........now if I can only begin to return to others what our family has been given!

{Thankful in November #8}

2011-11-08T20:17:00.007-07:00

Today I am Thankful for........

Higher Education.

"Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in." -- Abraham Lincoln

I am so grateful that we have access to universities where we can pursue any field that we desire. I am thankful that I was persistent in obtaining my degree...even if it took longer than I had expected. Completing it has provided me with a good job, a feeling of accomplishment, and allowed me to learn many life skills. I am so thankful for all of those who encouraged me and helped me along the way. Knowledge truly is power!

{Thankful in November #7}

2011-11-08T20:04:00.005-07:00

Today I am Thankful for.......

My kids' Teachers

Today as I go to parent teacher conferences fot my kids I am thankful that my children have good teachers. I can actually say that we have never had bad teachers for our kids. They have all been amazing. Today they spent time explainig what needs more work and where they are excelling..... We are so lucky because both of our girls received straight A's!

{Thankful in November #6}

2011-11-06T08:09:00.003-07:00

Today I am Thankful for……

Wholesome Uplifting Music

The kids and I have found great peace and comfort in music lately. We listen to this music in our home and as we drive to town when we feel we need some comfort or uplift. This one is our new favorite we’ve been blasting it in the car for a couple of weeks now…..

Isn't it beautiful???

{Thankful in November #5}

2011-11-06T08:05:00.003-07:00

Today I am Thankful for……….

Modern Medicine

Many of you who know our family know that we have used modern medicine a lot……..Our family was definitely given some challenges in this area however because of the many advances our children have overcome most of these challenges.
I am especially thankful this week as my mom spent the week in the hospital, then had a major surgery, and will spend the next week or so in the hospital recovering. I am so grateful that her ailment was able to be fixed and that she is no longer is major pain. After surgery listening to the surgeon explain what he had to do and just imagining that it is possible to do what he did is amazing!!
We are also very thankful that right now, as difficult as it may appear, for us to watch Josh sick, tired and struggling through the most basic daily functions that modern medicine has become so incredibly advanced to the point that his life can be preserved and that after a time he will be well again. …… That thankfully there are pills to help when he gets sick, pills to help when he is in pain and medicine to zap the cancer inside of him…… That there is a machine that can send doses of radiation to the exact spot of his tumor….within a couple millimeters to be exact!
All of this would not be possible without modern medicine and those who choose to attend college for all of those years, update their knowledge frequently, and spend many hours working to use their knowledge for good!

{Thankful in November #4}

2011-11-04T19:44:00.008-06:00

Today I am Thankful for........

3 day weekends!

Because the quarter ended this week, there was no school today.......so that meant no work for me and no school for the kids. I always feel like I can get so much more done when I have that one extra day. And this month is extra lucky.....there is also no school next Friday and then there is 5 day weekend for Thanksgiving!

{Thankful in November #3}

2011-11-04T07:14:00.007-06:00

Today I am Thankful for my Siblings........

I am so greatful that I was given five siblings....for me to help watch over and then for them to do the same for me. I am so blessed to have a relationship with every one of them....of course we are all different, but they each have different things about them that I love!

{Thankful in November #2}

2011-11-02T21:37:00.013-06:00

Today I am thankful for..........

My Husband

I am so lucky to be married to Josh. Here are a few reasons why........

#1 He is a great dad...

...better than I actually ever imagined a father to be.

Just look at them...can't you see how much they love him?

#2 He is a hard worker.....

He genuinly cares about his work and the people that he gets to encounter each day. I know that he can say that he really loves what he does.

#3 He's pretty fun to be around............

We've got attend some preety amazing sporting events together, visit Martha's Vineyard, Fenway Park, Costa Rica, the Salmon River, Sunny San Diego, and many other places....Oh, the fun that we've have together! Looking forward to doing many more fun things together.....

#4He has a very positive outlook on life..................

I don't know how he does it sometimes....but most people don't know what he is deally with right now because he doesn't let it show to most. He continues to find work for his employees, bid jobs, and check on his jobs as he goes. Many don't know that he has a pretty tough case of cancer and is in a lot of pain. They don't know that he goes to radiation daily and has a continuos chemotherapy pump running. He feels sick and very tired most of the time, but I don't think that I have ever heard him complain about his situation one time. He points out regularly that this is just one more obstacle in his life to overcome.

I love you Josh!!!

{Thankful in November}

2011-11-01T21:37:00.004-06:00

I have a friend who posted something that she was Thankful for on her Facebook wall every day for the past year. Every single day she was able to recognize something around her that she was greatful for. So, I figured that if she could do that for a year then I could do it for a month. So every day in November I am going to look harder around me to find something that I am greatful for so here is #1.......

My Kiddos!

I mean seriously....have you ever seen kids cuter than them?? I am so lucky to have them around. My kids help me every day....they help me realize what is really imortant in life, they make me become more patient (especially Kyler!), and they teach me many important lessons. We really have been blessed with good kids, they all slept through the night since their births, they are all pretty easy going, and although they've had some challenges they are all pretty healthy. I am so blessed to be their mother!

{Halloween 2011}

2011-10-30T21:37:00.004-06:00

Kyler the Lion

Kelsie, The 80's

rock star

&

Kamrin, Dorothy

Ruby Red Slippers & All!

{Carving Pumpkins}

2011-10-30T21:27:00.004-06:00

The kids got to make a special trip to the pumpkin patch with my great aunt.....they each came back with the pumpkin of their choice and so we spent the evening carving them.

The finished products:

{Back to School 2011}

2011-10-30T21:17:00.002-06:00

I realized that I had never posted the back to school pictures for the year....I'm afraid that I am failing at keeping this family journal afloat......I suppose that late is better than never!
This year because of our family circumstance I pulled Kamrin out of the charter school so that both girls would be at the same school.I love Sawtooth though and have been very glad that I made the switch and man is it easier to just drop off at one school instead of two!

Sisters

Kamrin, age 6, 1st Grade
Ms. Morrison

Sawtooth Elementary

Kelsie, age 9, 4th grade

Mrs. Jones, Sawtooth Elementary

2011-10-19T20:34:00.003-06:00

Kamrin's teacher had a contest to see who could memorize all of the states in order. Kamrin came home determined that she would learn them and practiced until she could say them all.....it only took her a couple of days and now she's a pro!

{Kamrin is 7!!!}

2011-10-09T07:40:00.006-06:00

Kamrin Marie

Kamrin had a birthday this week and is 7........I can't believe how fast she is growing up. She is a lot like me and it's been interesting to watch her grow up and do some of the things that I do. Right now she loves cheerleading and mostly being in the gym working on her tumbling. She is pretty competative and wants to do the things that all of the older girls can do. She is also very helpful and likes to cook with me and just be a part of anything that I am doing at the time! I really do love having her around and couldn't imagine not having her in our family!

Right Now Kamrin loves:

School

Cheer

Reading

Nail Polish & Jewelry (She's all girl!)

Zebra Print &

Baking

{What Matters Most....}

2011-09-26T19:38:00.007-06:00

The girls and I were browsing on YouTube this evening and found a mormon message that we really liked. Short, to the point and very powerful. I think that you will like it too:

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to take some family pictures. This time the pictures meant a little more to us than usual. I wanted the kids to be able to have these pictures of our family and especially their dad as he goes through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery over the next few months. We had a great time together taking these pictures.
Throughout this whole experience I think that Josh and I along with our kids have been able to learn how important family relationships are and begin to find ways to strengthen them. We have also learned how important it is to share with those that we love how much we do love them, instead of just assuming that they know so. It seems as though we fill our everyday lives with so much stuff that sometimes we forget to take time for those that we love.

I am so glad that the church has put out these mormon messages.....they sure are a good reminder for me.

{Kyler is 4!}

2011-09-26T16:24:00.004-06:00

I can't believe that my baby is 4! He is such a sweet spirit and we love having him in our home. If you can't tell from the following picture...he pretty much rules the house.

One of the many things that I enjoy about Kyler is his kind, loving personality. He tells us all that he loves us....usually many times a day. He also reminds me frequently that I am his best friend. I just love how no matter what my day is like he is always there to remind me what is really important in life.

Right now Kyler loves:

Coloring

Super Heroes

Cars

Watching ball with Dad

I love his perseverance... he has had many challenges in his early life. However, he has been able to overcome each one of them. He reminds me that miracles occur every day....... His smile can brighten even the worst of days. He has enough spunk and energy to go on for hours. Most days I wish that I could clone that energy just to keep up with him.

We love you Kyler......and look forward to the excitement you'll bring us in the year to come!

{Peace}

2011-09-04T10:47:00.009-06:00

Last weekend Josh and I were able to take a little road trip together. We had some business to do in North Dakota and we decided to go without the kids. There was once a time in our marriage where we were able to travel a lot more and we enjoyed the trips that we took together. So, the opportunity to take a road trip together sounded like fun. We enjoyed our time as we sang favorites from our past, teased each other, and enjoyed the scenery......We even got to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Red Lobster.

On the way home we decided to go through Yellowstone because it was right on the way home. We saw a black bear which I have never seen in the wild before. We drove through some of the most beautiful country that I have ever seen. I will remember this time spent for as long as I can.

Now, I believe in divine inspiration and believe that we are given opportunities at specific times for specific reasons and I know that this opportunity to spend time together was given to us for a reason. We came home this week to a major trial....one that I know we will overcome, but at this time seems to be very overwhelming and difficult. I know that we are never given more than we can handle and that we have been given the means and knowledge to make it through any challenge. Fear and doubt step in making it difficult to find the necessary inner peace to continue.

I know that this is the most difficult thing that I have ever been faced with in my life to this point and that I will most definitely have to rely on the Savior to lead me through this challenge. I recently read this quote, "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." This is my new motto for the time being. I know that the only way to help my family and myself through this is to let go of fears and take ahold of the Saviors hand. I recently found this picture online...the artist, has some beautiful pictures of the Savior. I have looked at this picture frequently over the past few days and have been able to literally feel the saviors arms around me as I struggle with finding that inner peace. I am writing this for two reasons. One..this is the best attempt at a family journal that we have and two, ....because the struggles and challenges of others and their personal journals have helped me during the past few days. The amazing stories that many strong women have made available to us through blogs and other media sites can help lift and encourage.....and we all need that sometimes. And, without sharing too many personal details my husband could really use some extra prayers for the next little while. :)

{Mango Salsa Salads}

2011-07-26T21:01:00.005-06:00

I absolutely hate turning on the stove and cooking in the summer. So, I try to find as many recipes that I can that use the grill. This week in my bountiful basket there were a lot of mangoes, so I decided to make salsa and a friend suggested a salad would be good. So I used my lettuce also from bountiful baskets....marinated chicken in lowrys mesquite with lime marinade, grilled them and topped the salads off with the mango salsa a little cheese and homemade fiesta ranch.

Mango Salsa
1 1/2 cups diced mango
1/2 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can black beans, drained
Stir the tomatoes, mango, onion, sugar, cilantro, black beans, lime juice, cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic together in a bowl; refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Fiesta Ranch

Make homemade ranch with a packet. Add 1 cup salsa to the ranch and blend in the blender.

So many flavors and oh so delicious!!

{Raftin on the Fourth}

2011-07-26T20:22:00.007-06:00

We finaly found some time to take the raft out once this summer.....We love the water!

{Kamrin's Photography...}

2011-06-26T18:25:00.005-06:00

My sister took some photography classes at CSI and used the kids as models for her projects. She gave Kamrin her old camera and Kamrin would follow her around taking pictures. These pictures are some of her work.......

She wants to enter this one in the fair:

Not too bad for a six year old!

{The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe EVER!!}

2011-06-26T12:32:00.003-06:00

You know how as a mother you spend your entire life on a quest trying to find the perfect Chocolate Chip cookie recipe? Well...... I think that I finally found mine so I thought that I should share it with you.

Soooooo....Here's the recipe:

1 cup butter (softened, of course)
1 cup brown sugar
2/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbls. vanilla
3/4 tsp. salt
3 cups flour
1 pkg Milk chocolate chips
1/2 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Then add the dry ingredients. Mix in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 11 minutes, Cookies may not look done but take them out anyway and leave them on the hot pan for about ten minutes before placing them on the cooling racks. This recipe makes about 4 dozen cookies with the pampered chef cookie scoop.

**Last time we made these we used a mixture of butterscotch, chocolate and white chocolate chips. They were yummy!!

{Mid-Week Message}

2011-06-15T20:04:00.002-06:00

I saw this posted on a few different blogs today. So simple, yet so powerful. I really needed this today and hope that maybe you did too. So uplifting!

Western Days Parade

2011-06-05T19:12:00.001-06:00

The girls rode in the parade again this year for Western Days. They love it!

{11 yrs.!!!}

2011-05-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Wow...I cannot believe how fast time flies! Today Josh and I celebrate our 11th anniversary. I was looking through our album and found a few pictures. Everyone looks so young in these pictures!

Me and my siblings!

Me and some of my good friends!

Siblings, cousins, and neices and nephew!

This picture really dates me.....they have all graduated from high school or will be soon!

Here's to many more years together!!

{School Project}

2011-05-18T20:09:00.004-06:00

Kelsie's first school project was due this week. So, we gathered supplies and the cricut......

And came up with this........

Not too bad if you ask me!

{Cupcakes}

2011-05-18T20:06:00.001-06:00

These are my very favorite cupcakes from my childhood and they are so easy to make. First, prepare your favorite chocolate cake mix. Next, mix 8 oz. Cream cheese that is soft with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg. Mix well. Now, add 1/2 cup of miniature chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture. Then, fill the cupcake wrappers half full of cake batter. Now, add a spoonful of cream cheese mixture on top of the cake batter. Finally, bake per cake mix directions. You can frost if you like or enjoy without it!

{Planting Flowers}

2011-05-15T06:41:00.001-06:00

Kamrin went on a field trip to moss greenhouse last week and learned a lot about planting flowers. So, she helped me plant our pots. She taught me about spteading their roots, digging a deep enough hole, and patting the soil just right. She was so much help!

{A new do...}

2011-05-14T06:18:00.001-06:00

Kylers hair had grown incredibly long.....so it was time for a cut. Look at him now, such a handsome little boy!
(I just found out there is a mobile blogging app for my phone. So here's my first attampt!)

{Shoshone Falls!}

2011-05-05T21:52:00.001-06:00

There is a ton of water going over the falls right now...it is crazy!

{End of the year cheer photos....}

2011-05-01T08:12:00.003-06:00

Kelsie Age 9

Kelsie's Team 2010-2011

Kamrin Age 6

Kamrin's Team 2010-2011

{Cool new trick!}

2011-04-24T20:15:00.004-06:00

Kyler never sits still for more than about 5 minutes and that's if your lucky.....Well, in his Easter basket this morning he got something that changed all that. For once, we found something that will keep his attention for ten minutes!! A magic color changing car... Hot turns it yellow and cold back to brown. Besides, having to refill his water every little bit he was entertained for quite some time.......

2011-04-24T15:32:00.006-06:00

Egg Hunting

Headed to the location (Out on the ranch.)......

Lookin real hard........

Lookin through the loot.....

......and of course, holding the baby!

{Happy Easter!}

2011-04-24T07:21:00.003-06:00

Happy Easter!

“…Because our Savior lives, we do not use the symbol of His death as the symbol of our faith. But what shall we use? No sign, no work of art, no representation of form is adequate to express the glory and the wonder of the Living Christ. He told us what that symbol should be when He said, ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments’ (John 14:15). As His followers, we cannot do a mean or shoddy or ungracious thing without tarnishing His image. Nor can we do a good and gracious and generous act without burnishing more brightly the symbol of Him whose name we have taken upon ourselves. And so our lives must become a meaningful expression, the symbol of our declaration of our testimony of the Living Christ, the Eternal Son of the Living God”

Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Apr. 2005, 4–6

“On this Easter morning and always, may our light so shine that we glorify our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, whose name is the only name under heaven whereby we might be saved. That we may ever walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ is my humble prayer.”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1999, 54

{Easter}

2011-04-20T19:16:00.002-06:00

Such a beautiful Easter message...

{Getting Outside...}

2011-04-10T07:57:00.004-06:00

The weather here has been kind of miserable. The kids are starting to get cabin fever. So, yesterday we decided to get out eve if it was for only a small amount of time. We stopped at a park a midst all of our Saturday errands and the kids played for a bit. They were all very excited to get outside a bit. They played until it started snowing again.....

Then , later in the evening we had to go to Sportsman's to get dog food and while Josh went in I took the kids on the trail along the canyon....it was very cold and windy, but it was still nice to get out a bit. I can't believe that we have have never taken the kids there before.

Getting blown away....

Keeping each other warm......

We are ready for Spring.....Where are you??

{Kelsie's Camera}

2011-04-03T20:48:00.005-06:00

Kelsie got a camera for Christmas....I decided to upload the pictures to see what she was taking pitures of. There were probably 50 self shots, 50 of her and her friends/cousins, and a whole lot of others mixed inbetween. It is fun for me to see what she takes pictures of and makes incredibly thankful for digital cameras. I sure am glad that we aren't developing and paying for film.....just using up disk space on the computer!

{She;s got curls...}

2011-04-03T20:33:00.002-06:00

BEFORE

AFTER

We weren't allowed to take cameras into the part of Knott's Berry Farm where the competition was, so I have very few pictures of the cheer competition. However, Kelsie wanted before and after pictures of her hair to show her dad. She loved the way her hair looked in the curls and has asked to have it done more than once since the competition. They had a lot of fun at the competition and did a great job!

{M&M World....}

2011-04-03T20:28:00.003-06:00

We stopped at the M&M Store in Vegas. It was about the only child safe place in Vegas on St. Patricks day. They enjoyed it and couldn't believe how many colors of M&M's there were......

{Disney}

2011-03-27T19:01:00.002-06:00

We spent a couple of days at Disneyland during our California trip. We didn't take many pictures since it was raining a lot and it was hard to take the camera in and out of the bag with rain ponchos on. We got a few though.....We had a lot of fun and got to ride all of the major rides with very little wait because of the weather. The girls and I had a ton of fun together on our California Adventure!

{More fun design stuff...}

2011-03-26T07:57:00.003-06:00

I got to make some more fun announcements just for fun.......

{California}

2011-03-20T09:59:00.001-06:00

{My Favorite Things..... Spring Version.}

2011-03-02T03:46:00.007-07:00

One of my friends, Brandi, did a favorite things post here and challenged others to do the same. And since I am up a 4 am, because I was awoken by sick kids I figured I had nothing better to do.....:), so here goes here are a few of my favorite things right now.......

1. This blog....http://www.hilsblog.com/. Hillary married someone that I knew growing up. She is a strong, clever, and easy going individual. I have actually never met her in person, but I sure like to read her blog.

2. MAC jest eyeshadow. I have worn the same one eyeshadow for like 10 years. I don't plan on changing anytime soon either. Why, when this has worked well for so long?

3. WII Zumba. Seriously fun and productive at the same time. Who said exercise wasn't supposed to be fun?

4. Sobe lifewater. I've been trying to drink less diet soda and this is a pretty tasty alternative. I really like the Fuji Apple Pear flavor.

5. Beaded Watch Bands. Not very original I know. Everyone wears them. There is just something about throwing one together to match your church/work outfit at the last minute that is kind of exciting to me. Plus, they are easy and if I can do it you can too!

6. Jeans with a little bling. I am not a flashy person at all, but I really like the little rhinestone accents and white stitching on these jeans. Super Cute!

7. Bath and Body Works Mentha Lip Shine. So minty fresh and shiny, a favorite of many I think.

8. Salt City Cinnamon Vanilla Candle. This candle fills the whole house making it smell sooooo good!

9. Burt's Bees lotion. Very good for sensitive, dry hands like mine. Best part is it smells good and is not greasy!

10. Bountiful Baskets. $15 a week for lots of fresh fruits and veggies. It has been fun to try new varieties each week as they put something a little different in it each week. The kids have loved having fruits/veggies to snack on all of the time. Check out their site and see if they have a location near you. http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/ You won't be sorry you did!

11. The Pioneed Woman cookbook and website. Have you ever cooked one of her recipes? They do not disappoint. This weekend we made her cinnamon rolls and they were amazing. Try her out if you haven't.
12. Shrugs. I love to layer and these are so much fun!

13. Skype. Josh's parents are in New Zealand serving a mission and it has been so nice for the kids to get to talk to them so frequently. Especially since you can also see them at the same time. Plus, it's free. How great is that!

OK, so here is the fun part. You could win a prize and who doesn't like winning prizes?

HERE ARE THE RULES...

***You get one entry in the drawing for each task completed***

1. Tell me which of these things are your favorite.

2. Post a link to this post on your own blog.

3. Do your own "My Favorite Things" post.

(Don't forget to tell me that you've done these things by leaving a comment telling me what you did!)

We will have a drawing on Sunday March 13th and 8 p.m. all entries must be received by that time. Good Luck!

{It's a winter wonderland again!}

2011-02-27T20:14:00.004-07:00

After experiencing warm weather for the past little while.....this is what we awoke to this past Friday.....

Snow....and lots of it. It was predicted that we would get 1-3 inches.. However, we got much more. I'm not sure how I feel about this weather, but I know that the moisture is much needed around here.

The kids busted out their hats to keep warm....aren't they cute???

{Announcements}

2011-02-25T19:47:00.008-07:00

I love to make birth announcements, graduation announcements, wedding announcements, cards, etc...This is my latest and I think that they turned out pretty good. Since it's graduation/wedding season, hopefully I will get to do more soon.....

Thanks Rayni for letting me play with this!

{Cheer Dad>>}

2011-02-13T10:20:00.007-07:00

Josh has become quite the supporter of his little girls.

In fact, he's begun to do things he never would have before...... check out this video and you'll see what I mean.

{Kelsie is 9!)

2011-02-13T07:50:00.002-07:00

Kelsie turned 9 at the end of January....so, we celebrated with some family and friends. Every year my kids get to pick what they want for a cake and I make it for them. This year Kelsie wanted a tall colorful cake with tall candles. So, this is what she got.....

{Sleepy Boy...}

2011-02-13T07:42:00.003-07:00

This little boy is full of ENERGY .... He plays and plays....
and gets into mischief from sun up to sun down. Thankfully, when he is tired he CRASHES. I do like to sneak in and watch him sleep and admire how peaceful he can be. Oh, how peaceful!

{Kamrin}

2011-01-11T20:29:00.003-07:00

This week at school Kamrin is student of the week. She got to take a bunch of pictures of herself to school and tell her class about them. When we picked out her pictures she wanted every family picture that we could find, because she said that her family is her favorite thing. I was so proud of her when she said this. She really likes to be around her family and enjoys being at home. She also gets to take a different item for show and tell each day this week. She has made some odd requests, but my favorite was when she said that she wanted to take her daddy for show and tell. She most definitely likes her daddy! We are so proud of Kamrin, she really loves school and does well. She is also a lot of help to me at home and I enjoy having her around...

{Cheer Comp!}

2011-01-09T10:22:00.004-07:00

The girls did great this week at competition......

Seniors took 1st

Mini's (Kamrin) took 1st

Youth Kelsie's squad took 3rd

Getting ready to go out.......

Now....only 3 more comeptitions to go for the season !!

{A Sunbeam!}

2011-01-04T21:56:00.003-07:00

On Sunday, my baby became a Sunbeam.....

Look at him....isn't he so handsome??
The girls saw dude getting his picture taken and just had to have their pictures taken also.. So here is the whole family before church, don't they look nice??

After being in Sunbeams for the day the teacher asked if he came with a seatbelt....aparently he can't sit down. The poor teacher looked exhausted after working with all of the new young kids. Kyler, however, had a great time and coulnd't stop talking about his day in Primary.

{Cheer Comp- Kelsie}

2010-12-27T17:31:00.003-07:00

Kelsie's team took first place at their last competition. They did a great job and put in a lot of hard work in leading up to the competition so they really earned their first place finish...

(Cheer Comp- Kamrin..}

2010-12-27T17:23:00.002-07:00

Kamrin attended her first cheerleading competition a few weeks ago. She had a lot of fun and did very well. She is pictured here in most of the pictures on the left. I have had a lot of problems taking pictures in the gym lately....I get a ton of red eye and super blurry pictures.

{Temple Square}

2010-12-14T20:31:00.004-07:00

Our kids have never seen the lights at temple square and so when we went to Salt Lake for the girls cheer competition we decided to take them to see the lights. Kyler fell asleep in the stroller and so there are no pictures of him or Josh who was pushing him. It was very nice and the girls really had a good time there.

My favorite part is the floating nativity on the reflection pool, it is soooo pretty!

{Elf Dance...}

2010-12-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

{Kyler D.}

2010-12-05T07:46:00.004-07:00

This is what happens when we try to take a picture of Kyler....We have to take at least ten to get one to use......

{First MVE performance!}

2010-12-05T06:58:00.003-07:00

Last night the girls had a performance to practice for their upcoming competition this weekend. The girls did a great job! Kamrin was pretty scared because she had never performed with cheer before, but she did great and she says she is ready for competition....

Kelsie from end to begining....

There she is up in front.

Cartwheeling....

Kamrin's Squad

My camera obviously stopped working here.....(or the operator accidentally pushed the timer and didn't figure it out till it was too late~~)

Kamrin's back walk over.

2010-12-04T06:09:00.003-07:00

Okay, Here is the new and a little bit improved version of the tree. I found a few more ornaments to cover the fakeness of the whole tree and now it looks a little better. I realized that I have absolutely no time to go get a tree, so I have to make the best of what I have here.

{O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!!}

2010-12-01T05:18:00.004-07:00

We got our little fake Christmas tree that we have had since we were first married out and decided to decorate it. I hate fake trees, but my husband refuses to let us get a real one because of all of the work that it takes to get and care for. I'm really struggling with that this year because it looks so FAKE! But, the kids were anxious so we got out the tree and put it up anyway.

This year Kyler has decided that the tree is a great big toy and plays all around it. He has now taken off several of the bulbs within his reach and placed them in a neat pile at the bottom. The dog also thinks that the shiny bulbs are pretty cool and has taken a few off and broken them in his mouth. I suppose he likes the strange popping noise they make as they burst in his mouth. However, it has made more clean up for me!

Our Finished Product (before being re-arranged by Kyler of course)

( I think that I have decided to get a real tree....we may be headed for the hills on Saturday!!)

2010-11-28T16:58:00.005-07:00

We got a free turkey at the grocery store with our groceries this week, so we decided to have our own little Sunday/Thanksgiving day dinner. I have actually never made a Turkey, but got some good advice from my Nail Tech while I was getting my nails done on Saturday. I turned out perfect!

Kelsie peeled the potatoes.....

Kamrin whipped up dessert....

...and Kyler gave it two thumbs up!!!

{Thanksgiving...}

2010-11-25T09:12:00.002-07:00

{Winter Wonderland}

2010-11-25T09:01:00.004-07:00

Oh, What do you do in the wintertime.....
When all the schools are closed.....

Do you play in the snow?

Do you take a long nap??

Do you cook warm things to eat?

or do you play on the WII?

Is that what you do.......

Well, so do we!!!

{Thankful.....}

2010-11-22T21:21:00.006-07:00

I love this time of the year....family, food, and good friends. What more could anyone ask for? It is a good reminder to take the time to count your blessings and to let others know how important they are to you. Josh's parents who recently left on a mission reminded us to let others know what we are thankful for this Thanksgiving season. So, this week we are focusing on being thankful. So, today I am thankful for my kids.... They keep me on my toes, but they are so worth it.

So, tell me what are you Thankful for today???

{Snow Storm}

2010-11-22T21:12:00.004-07:00

We got a ton of snow on Sunday. So, of course the kids had to go and check it out. Now, we are hoping for lots more snow and some snow days before Thanksgiving break!

{Listening.....}

2010-11-14T23:12:00.004-07:00

"In these last days it is essential—even critical—that parents and children listen to and learn from one another."
M. Russell Ballard

This week was pretty hard at our house and I learned a pretty important lesson. Kelsie has not been herself really since right after school started. She has been a lot more irritable and seemed like she hasn't felt well. This has made being around her difficult and it seemed like the two of us just really butted heads a lot. Well last week on Monday I got a call from the school to come and get Kelsie because she was sick at school. Well, in the last few weeks she seemed to call home once or twice a week and that is just not like her. She usually loves school! This time her teacher wanted me to come quickly due to the situation. After taking Kelsie to the doctor he suggested some dietary changes and possibly removing her from her school because it is pretty difficult and she seems to be stressing out about school work. This isn't the first time that she has had problems and they think that she has ulcers. Well the thought of moving her from there made me sick. It was hard to get her in there and I love the school and teachers. After talking with Kelsie this was really what she wanted to do, so we had to move her from the school to a school close to me in Twin. She has been so happy there and it has sure been a nice change at home. It has still been hard for me to know that she isn't there, but after talking with her I know that it isn't the right place for her right now and that she needs some time to get better. I have finally come to recognize that fact that it is so important to listen to our children and their needs. I think that she has been trying to tell me that she needed something different for a long time and I hadn't really been listening to how she was trying to tell me. Hopefully now we can move on and things will continue to improve around here.

{Awesome Weekend Giveaway!!}

2010-11-13T08:12:00.004-07:00

When Kelsie was baptized we got her a super cute necklace from The Vintage Pearl. This one in the picture is a mothers necklace off of their site, they have so many others to choose from and they are all personalized. I found this awesome new blog, The Simple Mom, and they are featuring a giveaway for two $75 dollar gift certificates...go check it out, you won't be disappointed!!

Oh....and you only have 'til midnight tonight...you must enter by 11:59 pm Saturday, November 13!!

{BSU!!}

2010-11-07T15:38:00.005-07:00

Josh and I were given four season tickets for BSU this year. We have really enjoyed being able to take some alone time together and watch them play. The seats have been great and we have enjoyed being able to take some of our friends with us.

Introducing the team and coming out of the tunnel.....

{Our evening ritual}

2010-11-07T15:29:00.003-07:00

Each night of the week one of the girls has cheer leading. After their practice ends at 5:30, we head home and while I make dinner this is what the kids look like...

Kyler colors in his color books.

Kelsie doing research on the computer or worksheets and

Kamrin practicing her writing......

And then we start all over and do it all again the next day!

{Happy Halloween!!}

2010-11-07T15:23:00.003-07:00

Both of the girls wanted to be something scary for Halloween this year. Kelsie was a corpse bride, Kamrin a vampiress, and Kyler was a mummy. We had a lot of fun with the make-up and hair color. We attended the fall carnival at the school and went to the church trunk or treat.

{Thriller.....}

2010-10-24T19:21:00.003-06:00

Every year our dance team performs a reproduction of this.....

It is a fun Halloween tradition and the school has started to ask when we are performing this as Halloween nears. This year we decided to change it up a bit and invited the girls moms to perform with them. Britney, my assistant and I also performed. It was a lot of fun and the girls even made the news.

{New Lens}

2010-10-24T18:51:00.004-06:00

I was able to finally get the cool lens that I wanted to get for my camera. I finally got it all put together and can't wait to take some cool fall pictures, but it'll have to wait as this is what it looks like outside.....

Kyler didn't want his picture taken either....

Only the dog would cooperate with me....

{The Best of Friends}

2010-10-24T18:43:00.002-06:00

These two dogs have become the best of friends. It is funny to watch them play together. At first, I really thought that the puppy would annoy Avery, but she seems to like having a companion around.

{Kyler's Birthday}

2010-10-06T12:26:00.004-06:00

Kyler's request for a cake this year was a dragon and chocolate cake. This is what we ended up with. I had to hurry to get it done, but he sure was excited and of course didn't notice the many flaws in the cake.

Being sung to....

And Blowing out the candles...

{Kamrin is 6!}

2010-10-05T08:14:00.002-06:00

Today Kamrin is 6...

Kamrin is...

Silly

Sassy

Lovable

Motherly

Loves to be at Home

& Very Smart!

We love having her at home and can't wait to watch her continue to grow and partake of her sweet spirit in our home!

{Kyler is 3!!!}

2010-09-26T20:29:00.002-06:00

Today my baby turned 3……

It was a very bittersweet day for me. I am so glad that he is finally doing well and that his struggles are for the most part behind him. I can remember silently wishing that we could just speed up time to get through all of the appointments and past the surgeries and struggles. Now that time is here and I am glad that we are enjoying Kyler’s sweet spirit and sense of humor, but at times I wish he was still little and that I could hold him for hours.
Some of Kyler’s favorite things are:
Toy Story
Trucks
Coloring/Drawing
Chocolate
And Playing with other kids

Kyler is really energetic and super funny (and he knows that he is funny). He keeps us on our toes with all of his mischief and mayham

{Perrine Bridge Festival}

2010-09-19T17:12:00.003-06:00

Kelsie and Kamrin performed at the Perrine Bridge Festival here in Twin Falls. I have to be honest...I have lived here for ten years and have never even heard of it before, none the less the girls were excited for their first performance of the year.

Kelsie introducing herself to the crowd:

Kamrin introducing herself to the crowd:

Kamrin stunting....yes, she is the flyer and I'm not sure how I fell about that!

Kelsie's stunt group.....

Here are the videos of the cheer and dance part of their performance....

{First Day of School}

2010-09-07T21:07:00.002-06:00

KELSIE

3rd Grade

KAMRIN

Kindergarten

{GO ORANGE...GO BIG BLUE.....GO BSU!!!}

2010-09-07T20:53:00.002-06:00

It's football season again......and we're excited (especially after last nights win)!!!!

{End of Summer}

2010-09-07T20:39:00.004-06:00

Me and a friend decided to take a last minute kind of camping trip with the kids and no husbands...so we drove 30 miles to a hot springs and spent the night in a tent. We had a lot of fun and spent some time in the pool with the kids.

Kelsie climbed some trees.....
Couldn't forget Buzz Lightyear...

................ Played with all of the cool things they found around the campsite..........

And of course, cooked some good dutch oven food.......

{At the Car Wash...}

2010-09-07T20:35:00.002-06:00

Kyler is so sweet and wanted to wash my car....Maybe he's been to too many fundraiser car washes or he just loves his mom!

{Family Pictures}

2010-08-28T07:50:00.007-06:00

{Craig's Wedding}

2010-08-15T21:28:00.004-06:00

My little brother got married on Friday....we had a very busy weekend and the kids are excited to have a new aunt...Congrats Megan and Craig!

{Nauvoo and Carthage}

2010-08-13T06:23:00.011-06:00

We packed into the car on a Sunday morning and drove 1437 miles from home....

Let Dad know where we were occasionally.......

And made it to our final destination....NAUVOO!

We attended the old time fair and had tons of fun together!

Saw all of the sights and learned a lot about the history of the town.

We also went to Carthage Jail and had a great experience there together.

And for now Goodbye rest stops, fast food drive thrus, humidity, windmills, ethanol gas, bugs, and constant Are We there Yets??......Until Next year that is!

{Kamrin's first lost tooth!}

2010-08-03T06:59:00.002-06:00

Kamrin lost her first tooth on the way to Iowa in the car. She asked my sister Ashley to pull it out because it was driving her crazy. Sure enough it was super loose and it came right out. I can't believe that she has lost a tooth, she isn't even in Kindergarten yet!

2010-08-03T06:47:00.003-06:00

We returned from Iowa with very good news.....Kyler's eyes are doing very well! In fact, they said that they are beginning to work together better than could have been expected. We are so thankful for the doctors, nurses, and medical students that have been so kind and thoughtful as we have made these many journeys to Iowa. At first it was very hard to have to continually return there for check ups, the surgery, and all of the follow-up. After seeing the success that has come from this operation it makes all the sacrifices of time and money worth it. Not to mention knowing that Kyler is going to be okay and be able to do all of the things that other kids do with minimal problems. I know that we were guided there for this very reason.

{Summer?? Where have you gone??}

2010-08-01T23:04:00.002-06:00

Where has the summer gone? I can't believe that today is August 1st. Spending 6 weeks of the summer down sure has made the time fly on by. In the past few days I have finally been able to spend some time taking the kids to the pool and doing a few summer activities, but I still can't do much! It will come with time I suppose. The kids and I were able to take a road trip to get Kyler to his eye check-up in Iowa. It sure was an adventure, but well worth it. I will post pictures of our adventure soon!

{Baxter}

2010-07-10T18:57:00.003-06:00

I recently had a pretty big surgery and am just barely getting back to the point where I can take care of myself, let alone my kids. Imagine my surprise when Kelsie and Kamrin brought home this.... (With permission of course!)
Just what we need...another dog. It hasn't been that bad though and we're all starting to become attached to him. He is a bit hyper though, hence the following picture. He wouldn't sit still for long enough to get a picture and he just wanted to grab my arm and the camera.

{Kelsie-Softball}

2010-07-10T09:52:00.004-06:00

I am going for the mom of the year award this summeer for sure! I only got a few pics of Kelsie playing softball and most of them are blurry.....so here's the one good picture of Kelsie batting at her game.

Playing first base......

And Kyler watching......

{Fireworks}

2010-07-06T12:52:00.003-06:00

So, since I am down and out for awhile, we didn't do much. However, some friends did invite us over for dinner and some fireworks. I figured that I hadn't been out in quite awhile and that since they lived only a mile away I could go and just sit the entire time. Josh was game and we enjoyed some good company, food, and some fireworks. The funnest part was when Kyler decided after the first few fireworks that he was afraid of them. He hid his head under the blanket and would shake and say I'm scared after each one went off. I'm not sure if he was really scared or if he was just being silly because we caught him laughing a few times also.

Before, as he was enjoying the show.....

and this is how he spent the rest of the time........

My good camera is being repaired and so these pictures just didn't turn out well, but they were all we had from the night, so they'll have to do.

{ I love America!! Part4}

2010-07-03T06:23:00.001-06:00

Day 4....

America in Words & Pictures

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty." -- John F. Kennedy

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." -- Abraham Lincoln

"America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens." --George W. Bush

"Those who expect to reap the benefits of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."~Thomas Paine