Sledding

While we were in Utah for Thanksgiving, we decided to take the kids sledding on a hill that I grew up sledding on. They call it Roller Mill hill, and it's just a few blocks away from Grandpa & Grandma's house. The kids had fun going down the hill on the saucers. We couldn't stay for very long, because we didn't have proper snow clothes. I've bought cold weather clothes throughout the years, and I usually just leave them at my mom's house, but what I had there the kids had outgrown. We were able to find boots for Logan & Ally, and you'll have to notice Logan's boots, they are pink, and so cute!!! He didn't care what color they were, just as long as he got to play in the snow.

Here's a few photo's from our outing.

Squirt

And one more makes.... we'll I'm not sure, if feels like a lot when we count the guinea pigs, fish and our newest addition (Squirt) the aquatic turtle. The kids have begged and begged for a turtle, and we promised the kids when our backyard was done, we could get one. So yesterday, after the kids finished all their chores, we surprised them by taking them to the pet store to buy a turtle and some goldfish for our pond. They were so excited!! After much debate, they have chosen to name him/her (we're not sure yet) Squirt. He (I'm calling him a boy for now) is still pretty small, and scared of the noise (and kids), but hopefully he will warm up soon and not hide in the water every time he hears someone coming. It's fun to see the kids excitement. They love going outback to see what he is doing. Logan likes to talk to him, and would probably hug and kiss him if we let him.

Allyson & Squirt

He will get around 8 to 12 inches long.

It will be fun watching our newest family member grow up.

Valentines Day Fun

Our Valentine Celebrations started Friday night with a neighborhood party. The neighbor kids came over and we decorated sugar cookies, made tissue paper roses, and fun valentine crafts.

Paper Roses

Yummy Sugar Cookies


More Please

When we woke up Saturday morning, it was so nice, so we decided to go on a hike to get some exercise and look for a rock called Desert Rose.

Free Piggyback Rides

Look at this mom

Is this one dad?

I didn't know what Desert Rose was, so Jeremy had to show me what to look for. We found a few small pieces, and a lot of beautiful rocks for our rock garden. Check out the pictures of the Desert Rose. It's very pretty and unique.

The kids had so much fun hiking in the desert, and they can't wait to go again. We planned to go today since they had the day off, but unfortunately it rained.

We'll back to our Valentines Day Celebration. After our hike, we took Austin to his basketball game, where he played an amazing game. Then we were all starving, so we went to a B1G1F Buffet (hey, we need to be frugal to feed a family of 6.) After stuffing our faces, we decided to go wander around Bass Pro Shop where we saw the fish & animals, and sat in all of the boats (my kids love climbing into each one.) Do you see any romance yet? Me either. Oh wait, I did get flower's from Jeremy, and a beautiful new gemstone ring and earrings. To end our day, we vegged out by the TV and watched a movie with the kids (Madagascar 2 --very cute.) It was nice spending the day as a family. I love Jeremy and my kids, and couldn't have asked for a better day.

Weekend Away

After a fabulous New Years Eve, and New Years Day we packed up the truck and headed to Grandpa & Grandma's house. I had one more opportunity to harvest an Elk, and decided to give it one more try. My only comments on the hunt is: I was unsuccessful, and it was very cold!! We'll just leave it at that, it's something that I would rather not remember.

On a good note, the kids had a fun time playing in the snow, and tubing behind the 4-wheeler.

We were also able to decorate Lucy's headstone for her birthday (something my mom usually does for me.) It was so cold and snowy that we weren't able to do to much, but at least we were able to get rid of the Christmas flower's.

While Jeremy was decorating Lucy's headstone (hey, I made him do it, because I didn't have my boot's on, because they were still wet from hunting.) Back to what I was saying. While Jeremy was decorating, I played with my new camera, and took some pictures of the mountains around the valley. I grew up in such a beautiful valley, and I feel very fortunate to have been raised in such a wonderful place.

(I know you're all jealous)

My only (other) complaint, was the bitter cold. Saturday the wind blew making it very frigid, and on Sunday it was -2 when we went to church at 11 am. Even though it was so cold, and I couldn't get warm all weekend, I still love going home and spending time with my family. It always revives me, and gives me the energy that I need to be a good mom. I hope that every one's year is off to a good start.

We wish you the best for 2009.

Happy New Year!!

On New Years Eve, the kids and I were invited to 2 parties, and we wanted to attend both, so the kids and I decided to party hop. After scooting Jeremy out the door for work (boy was he excited) we started the partying off early with ice cream at McD's with Ashley and her kids. The kids were able to burn up their energy and excitement for the upcoming night, and I was able to chat and catch up with Ashley. Then we were off to Alleens house for junk food and fun. The kids were entertained by the Wii and all of their exciting new Christmas toys, and I was able to relax and visit with Alleen and Jessica (whose husband were also working). I feel like we've all been so busy that we haven't been able to hang out much, so it was a lot of fun.

After a while we left and went to our neighbors party. When we arrived the adults were playing rock band, while the kids watched a movie upstairs. They made me jump right in with singing (which I really don't like doing). I survived my first song (a Bon Jovi song that I hadn't heard in years) then I tried out the guitar. After a while the kids took over rock band (my kids of course) while the adults played games and watched the fireworks on TV. I was so disappointed by the firework show on the strip. Jeremy said that people were booing they were so bad. After the lame firework show, we played one more game, before walking home. I haven't stayed up that late in a long time, but it was worth it, spending time with friends and family.

Our New Years day was spent sleeping in, playing outside with friends, and packing for a weekend getaway. What a great way to start the New Year off. I hope that you all had a fun and safe night. We wish you the best for 2009.

Visiting Santa's Workshop

We took the kids out to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa in his Wonderland. They had so much fun!! They had a small section of the store blocked off with games and toy's that the kids could play with. It was fun to try out a few of the toy's. They also had coloring activities and a free photo with Santa(except for Logan, he wouldn't get close to him.) After visiting Santa, and telling him what they hoped to receive Christmas morning, we wondered around the rest of the store. The kids love looking at all of the animals and the giant fish aquariums.

My kids favorite stop in the store is the ATV section. They love to pretended they are driving the 4-wheelers. They like to dream that one day Mom and Dad will buy them their own (or maybe they could ask Santa for one. HA HA) Jeremy and I also dream of purchasing another 4-wheeler, but some of them cost as much as a small car, so that won't be happening anytime soon.

Thanksgiving Weekend

We celebrated Thanksgiving with my family in Utah. Our weekend started out with a stormy ride to Grandma's house. We left Thursday morning 2 hours behind schedule, and it rained and snowed the whole way there. Jeremy had to work the night before, so he was running on empty, and I stayed up packing until 1 a.m. Let me just say, we were both very tired and grumpy. After our 4 hour ride over the river and thru the woods, we finally arrived at Grandma's house.

Our Turkey dinner was very delicious, and so worth the wait (we didn't eat until 5 because of our travels). We enjoy the traditional thanksgiving feast, with the exception of pumpkin pie. We replaced it with Pumpkin Cheesecake, Coconut Cream, and Strawberry/banana cream pie. Boy, were they delicious. I think the only one who missed the Pumpkin pie, was my Grandpa, and he didn't complain, just looked a little disappointed. After stuffing our faces, we played games with the kids, and planned my elk hunt for the following day.

Now about my Elk tag. I was fortunate to obtain a tag where I can hunt any (open) Southern Utah Cow Elk Hunt. One of the open hunts was the Dutton which is extremely close to where my family lives. My older brother knew of a good place to drive around (because I didn't want to freeze on the 4-wheelers), so we headed out bright and early for the hopeful harvest. After driving for several hours, we finally came across some tracks, so Jeremy and I headed out on foot thru the snow. I am disappointed to say that we didn't see a thing. I did however fall on my butt while hiking down the hill, so at least we had something to laugh at.

Later that day, we went up to another area on the 4-wheelers, and still found no sign of Elk. Just one lonely 5 point buck. We decided to wait and try our luck with another hunt.

On Saturday, we helped my mom put up her Christmas lights, and then decided to head over the mountain to Cedar City to see a movie. Jeremy was a good trooper and took all the kids to see Bolt, while my mom and I went to see Twilight -even though I had already seen it once. I have to say it was better the 2nd time. I think that I was more awake for this one as well since the 1st time was the 12:01 a.m. showing. It was fun spending time and sharing a whole bucket of popcorn with my mom. (Yes we ate the whole thing) Both of the movies were fabulous, and I was so relieved that the kids were so good for Jer.

Sunday after church, we headed out to Red Canyon so that we could attempt a family photo. It was a bit windy, and Logan did not want to cooperate, so there were only a few that turned out Christmas Card worthy. That's okay, because it's was fun spending time with the kids, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. After dinner, we packed up and headed home.

Here are a few of the pic's from the day.

This ones my favorite with the wind blowing the hair.

Although the weekend felt very short and rushed, I am very thankful to have been able to spend it with the ones that I love. I hope that you all had a fun and safe holiday weekend.

Night Out With The Bulls

--Outside, before the competition began--

Saturday night we took the kids to the PBR (Professional Bull Riding) Competition. The best part--the tickets were free. Jeremy's work had access to a bunch of tickets, so we took advantage of the situation. We met up with Jeremy's family, and it was so much fun. My kids (especially my girls) love horses and rodeo's, so they were very excited to pull on their cow(girl) boot's and go. The night started off with "Nothin But String's" performing, then a special recognition to the Air Force, and the singing of the National Anthem. It was amazing to see the enormous American Flag being lowered from the ceiling, and hear our Anthem being sung. It was a tear felt moment. It always makes me appreciate and love the freedom's that I enjoy living in this great country. The bull riding was so fun to watch. We loved cheering for the cowboy's, even if they didn't stick the bull for 8 seconds. I can't believe the risk & sacrifice these cowboy's make to do what they love most. We ended the night with dinner at Cafe Rio. It was definitely a family night to remember.

Check out the airplane replica?

Awesome huh??

There were some amazing rides...

Logan's First Prayer

Logan said his first prayer last night. Ever since he has started talking, we have been trying to include him in our family prayers. When it came around to his turn we would make sure to ask him if he wanted to say it. We'll last night he finally said "YES". It was so sweet to hear him repeat the words that I whispered in his ear. He said the words with such clarity, I was so amazed. I know he has been listening to his big brother and sisters, and I am grateful for their example. It is such a joy to be blessed with precious children from my Father in Heaven. I am grateful that he has trusted me to teach them the way to return to live with Him again.

Things I love!!

I love this time of year. I love the smells, the colors, and the food. I love wearing my jeans and sweats, and my long sleeve shirts and sweaters. And actually wearing shoes, instead of flip-flops. My two favorite candles this year are spiced wassail, and homemade root beer. (Salt City is my favorite) Although they make me very hungry for sweets.--that's not helping the diet:}

Another thing I love, is a clean laundry room. I don't know about anyone else, but all of the excess clutter seems to creep in and stay in the laundry room. We'll yesterday I washed every item that needed washing, and cleaned out the kids school files, and boy did it felt great! YEAH ME!! Jeremy had to laugh at me when I was taking pictures, but I told him, that it was a rare occasion. It seems like the laundry room is the last thing on my list to clean. I guess because it's so easy to shut the door.

Another thing that I love right now is Parentlink. The school district has a web site where the teachers can post grades, and assignments. It has saved Maddy. Saved me from killing her, and from her getting bad grades. I can log on, and it will tell me if she has completed an assignment and what her grade was. In some of her subjects, she can redo assignments if she gets a grade lower than a C, and receive a few extra points. So I love being able to track what she has been doing. I know that she really hates it, because she is known to (forget) that she had homework, and she hates it when I make her redo assignments. She has probably done some of her math assignments 2 or 3 times, but I tell her "practice makes perfect." (I am the worst mother in the world, so I am told) After last year with horrible teachers, no communication, and not knowing what was going on. Parentlink has been a real lifesaver (at least for middle school. I haven't found it very useful for elementary YET!!) I love Madison, and I want her to do well in school. I know that school is very hard for her, so I am glad that I have this tool to help push her along.

And of course the thing that I love most is my family. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and beautiful children. I couldn't live without them. They are my pride and joy, and the only reason I get up in the morning. I love being a busy mom and wife, and helping them with whatever they need. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Missing Grandma Lou

I am very sad today. My dear sweet grandma has left this world to be reunited with her loved ones in Heaven. Although it was expected, and I know that she is happy, and pain free, I am left here grieving. Just for my comfort and remembrance, I am writing some of my memories of her. Sorry, It's kind of long. I have pictures to download, but for some reason, blogger is not letting me download them right now. Anyone else having problems??? I will post them as soon as I can.

My Grandma was a very special lady. She was born on New Years Day, so we didn't celebrate the New Year, we celebrated Grandma's Birthday. Grandma loved life, and lived it to the fullest. She was always cheerful, and had a smile on her face. And you could always hear her humming or singing a song. She loved "oldies" music. One of her favorites was Kenny Rogers especially the song "Lucile". Of course because that is her name. We called her many things Lucile, Lucy, Granny, Louie, and Grandma Lou. My daughter Lucy who is in Heaven with her today is named after her great-grandma. I would like to think that it was a joyous occasion for my daughter to meet the wonderful woman that she was named after.

You could never be sad or grumpy when Grandma was around. She would not allow it. Grandma loved to have fun, play games, and play silly pranks on people. I remember a few times going to St. George with her, and we had to go into the Joke Shop (I don't know the official name) so she could find silly things for us grand kids to play with. She had a can with a snake inside for many years that I hated. She taught us how to have fun, use our imagination, and to play outside with each other. My cousin Bree and I would play for hours in Grandma's side yard. They had an old pile of bricks that we would make houses with (without walls--there weren't enough for that). When we would ask Grandma for things to put in our house, she would tell us that you have to imagine it, because then you can have anything you want.

I loved spending time at the cabin on Beaver Mountain. Grandma would take all of us kids into the tree's and she would tell us stories, and teach us new songs, and play games. We would also plan and practice skits to perform for our Aunts and Uncles. She would even have fun activities planned for us, like bubble blowing contests, and "peeing" contests. (You heard me right. The boys would see who's would go the farthest. I hate to admit, that I even joined in when I was little, something I will never live down. What did you expect, I was surrounded by boys.)

Grandma loved to have all of her family together. One family tradition that we had was every Christmas Eve we had a party with all of the Fullmer crew. My dad's brothers and their family's would rotate homes every year and host a party. We had so much fun playing games (usually bunco) and eating yummy food. When we were younger Grandma liked all of her grand kids to put on a talent show. We would each take a turn dancing, playing the piano, singing, or just what ever......(I think we even had a few wrestling matches). What fond and embarrassing memories I have of those days. Another thing the Fullmer crew did was a float on the 4th of July. My Aunts and Grandma would decorate a trailer or the bed of a truck, and the kids would perform and throw out candy in the Parade. Sometimes even Gramps and Gram joined us. That was always a fun time of year. Afterwards, we would go to the school and have lunch, and they would cheer us on during the foot races. Grandma & Grandpa's foster daughter Irma would always come during the 4th of July, and it was always nice to see her.

Grandma was a very good cook, and she really had a major sweet tooth (That's where I get mine from.) Some of my favorite treat's she made growing up were peanut butter fudge, puffed rice balls, fudge nut bars, and peanut butter rice krispies. Grandpa and his boys are farmer's, so they kept odd hours of the day. Grandma was always willing to make them or anyone else something to eat, no matter the time of day. She never wanted anyone to go to bed or leave hungry.

Grandma loved watching and supporting her grand kids (and her own kids) when ever she could, Both Grandpa & Grandma were very supportive weather it be church, school, or sport's related. They were at the basketball games, wrestling matches, drill team competitions, etc... cheering us on. Grandma wasn't afraid to brag, and whoop and hauler. She was always proud no matter how well we did.

I loved sleepovers at Grandma's. It was always a treat to spend that special time with her. I remember waking up to Grandma singing and cooking breakfast in the kitchen. I loved playing cards with her or putting puzzles together. I was even a very good helper while I was there. Grandma would make me a grocery list, and I would walk down to "Stans" and buy the things that Grandma needed. It usually wasn't a lot, or else I wouldn't have been able to carry it all. She always let me pick out a treat too. I helped her vacuum and dust, helped her put lotion and socks on her feet, and what ever else she needed help with. In return she taught me how to crochet (which I have forgotten- stupid me.), and how to drive. That was the best. Grandma was a sucker. I could turn on the charm, and talk her into letting me drive her around town (it was a small town). I was probably around 12 or 13 when she started teaching me. It was so much fun, and I have to admit she had a lot of faith in me. I only remember a few close calls. One of them was when we were driving around the church parking lot, I drove up on the curb. No biggie. I remember almost backing into a ditch, but I may have been a passenger that time. That was probably Bree ?? :)

I love all the times that I was able to spend with my Grandma. She taught me a lot, and I will remember it thru out my life. I was very shy growing up, and one thing she constantly told me was to "smile big, and always show your teeth when you smile". That's something that I have always remembered, and I know I will never forget, because how often do you smile? I love you Grandma! Your Shinney will miss you!!

HOT! HOT! HOT!

The summer heat has arrived, and I am really not ready for it. Tonight we took the kids to Grandmas house to cool off in their pool. On the way there, the thermostate in the car read 107. That's HOT!! The kids had a lot of fun taking turns doing tricks, and diving into the pool. We are very lucky that Grandma & Grandpa are so close, and that we can borrow their pool any time we want. It's the best way to cool off in this summer heat. Only 3 more hot months to go.