the redhead on the beach

"It's Always Fun When Grandma Comes, Hurray!"

2011-08-31T16:56:00.000-07:00

Grandma camp was in July this year. The theme was "Oh What Do You Do in the Summer Time." We made lighthouse night lights, read stories, had a lemonade and cupcake sale, did crafts and had a picnic by the temple. I am so grateful Reese and Charlotte live so close.
On one night we opened the french doors to the backyard and let in the night air. We turned off the lights lit candles and told stories. My girls remember doing this at Grandma and Grandpa Mac's house in the summertime. It was a fun few days.
Speaking of Grandma and Grandpa Mac, I sure miss them. I am amazed that I think of them every day. They were wonderful parents and I learned so much from them. There are many days I wish I could talk to them and I know one day in the far off future, because I intend to live to 100 and still be riding my bike then too. (another blog, I love my bike) But it is because of
here that we will be together again. I love to see the temple.
The best part of this night was that the girls thought they were putting the flame out by waving their hands gently over the candle. Little did they know that Tess was blowing out the candle. Their eyes would get so big when it went out. So funny

Carolina on My Mind

2011-08-31T16:31:00.001-07:00

We are always so grateful when our North Carolina vacation comes around every two years. We do everything possible to have all the kids with us. It really is a dream. We all arrive at the beach house on Saturday and immediately get in the relaxation mode by hopping on a bike or catching a trolley to the beach. The water is warm and the waves are fun. One of the best things about the beach is the pool, after getting all sandy we jump in the pool to continue cooling off and to clean up. This year we enjoyed ordering fries everyday at poolside. I think fries are less fattening this way.
We had fun in the evenings on the dock catching crabs, Dane and Bret seemed to especially get a kick out of it as they worked along side the younger ones. Off the dock we had the wave runners, I was a little nervous as Tess drove off with Charlee, but Tess loves that little one so much she would never let anything happen to her.
The nights are particularly fun, as we play the same games every year and Glen and his dad add to the hilarity of them, they just don't get the point of the game sometimes. It happens every time, but if they ever really cooperated it just wouldn't be the same. We have insides jokes of meds, the internet and so much more.
We vow every time we go that we need to stay longer, maybe next time.
Grandma and Grandpa make it all happen.
Charlee before waverunner ride.
Faye was very adventurous and rode with Glen.

Dane's first time, I think he is hooked like the rest of us.
Yeah, we look good.

Summer Breeze

2011-08-31T16:13:00.000-07:00

The summer breezes are about to change to autumn drafts soon and I may shed a tear or two. Summer is my favorite time of the year. I love the kick back feeling. One of my favorite things is no alarm clocks. It feels so good to wake when your body is ready. Spending time with the family tops it all. Family is everything. We have had North Carolina, Idaho, San Onofre, beach, pool, dinners, breakfasts, walks and so much more. Building memories is what Glen and I feel is so important.
Through out the week I will post our summer, before the upcoming school year.

Faye - Faye

2011-05-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

Faye is our love child. I was 41 years old when I got a magical phone call asking if we had room for one more. Of course, the whole family agreed that we did. And a few months later beautiful Faye came into our lives. We call her Faye, or Faye Faye and even Fifi. She has been by my side ever since. She has taught me so many things. I am grateful for these things.

She is very organized and knows dates and times and things that she needs. She keeps me on my toes. Recently she taught me about patience. She doesn't like things to be to tight or lumpy. But we had to buy a pair of shoes for school and jeans for a field trip.
After 9 pairs of shoes, about 5 pairs of jean and many tears we found the right ones!
After the experience we sat on the couch and cried together, grateful that learning experience was over. I certainly have realized I have a lot to learn. Thanks Faye for making me a better mom. I love you.

The perfect fit. :)

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was a wonderful day. I had a wonderful note from Chelsea on facebook and notes from Brooke, Bret and her girls with a very cute vest. A big hug from Tess and she made dinner. And lots of love and gifts from Glen and the kids. I also made sure I didn't work too hard.
This was the first Mother's Day without my mom. And so to remember her I made some of her recipes that we all love, throughout the week. Like the chicken and dumplings pictured above. It is so good and the aroma and flavors bring me back to when I was a child. It was a signature dish of hers.

I also made sour cream sugar cookies. I used to love sticking the glass in the sugar and then pressing down on the cookie dough to make the cookie shapes. They aren't the prettiest cookie, but they are yummy.

Finally, I made a rhubarb pie. Every spring my mom would make this pie. A lot of people don't like rhubarb, but they need to give it a try. Even Bret, Noah and Tess liked it.

Faye's Baptism

2011-03-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Faye's baptism was a wonderful experience. Faye was adorable and so thoughtful afterward. She wrote in her journal how she felt the water was warm and she felt the spirit.
She was adorable, I on the other hand am not happy with my look, a little pudgy.

It was fun to have everyone here for the occasion.

It's Great to Be 8

2011-03-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Faye turned 8 on March 4th. We had a family party. I made red velvet cake, Faye's favorite.
We also played pin the number on Thomas, Noah and Charlee's favorite.
As Faye is blowing out the candles she is holding her hair back. She will probably remember to do this for the rest of her birthday's because a few years ago her hair caught on fire when she blew out the candles on my cake. Thank goodness Glen is the man of steel because he clapped it out with his bare hands.

Trekking into March

2011-03-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

The first weekend in March was a little madness according to Tess.
It was trek and the youth in our stake went and pushed handcarts to get the pioneer experience.
Tess and Noah learned a lot but probably won't admit that until years from now.
They look so authentic and cute too.

February Frolics

2011-03-24T10:30:00.001-07:00

The month of February brought tons of fun activities.
We started with Valentine's Day and for Family Home Evening we tried to see who could make the tallest tower out of conversation hearts. I think that I won, but others were certainly more creative than I was.

Presidents Day came next and again it was Family Home Evening
We spent the evening making log cabins. I thought the turned out pretty cute.

The men have a very simple abode.

It's rainy season, and there's nothing like reading in front of the fire. So cozy.

It Feels Good

2011-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

I am not one of those crafty ladies, but I love it when something I do turns out how I envisioned.
I baked some whole wheat chocolate cookies as a thank you to some friends for taking us to the
PBR (professional bullriding). It, by the way, was so much fun. It is great to dress up a little cowgirl for one day out of the year. Anyway, I thought of a cute little tag to make to tie on to the cookie box and it turned out just right. Simple, yes, but I did it. And it just feels good.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T17:30:00.001-08:00

Christmas was so much fun this year. We were all together. Chelsea and Dane arrived on the Wednesday before Christmas and we played the whole time they were here.
The picture above is Christmas Eve when the kids get to open their jammies. This year I made flannel bottoms for the girls and the guys got sweats. For thier shirts I bought them t-shirts from a favorite TV show. Dane and Chels got The Office tshirts and Brooke and Bret like Friday Night Lights. Tess' shirt was from cake boss and Noah loves Shark week. The little girls were, of course, Disney tshirts.
A favorite gift was Faye's gift to Noah, Just Dance 2. We all had fun dancing and the next day we were a little sore.
It was so wonderful to be together.

Tess made beautiful sugar cookies that we all enjoyed.

Mud Bowl

2010-12-31T16:02:00.000-08:00

Tess' high school soccer team had a game during a down pour this past week.
It turned into a mud bowl. Tess said she was exfoliating. It didn't matter that they lost, because they had a great time in the mud.

Carden Activities

2010-12-31T15:38:00.000-08:00

Carden does a fun country fair every year. Faye had a fun time and is learning to come out of her shyness. It is great to see.

Faye and Ms. Winker

At Carden they give awards out every month for a certain value.
Faye received the award for December. The value for December was
generosity. She is very giving to the other students in her class.

Homecoming 2010

2010-12-31T15:18:00.000-08:00

The kids love being in the Dana Hills Homecoming Festivities.
This year Tess had a great time!

A Couple More Birthdays

2010-12-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

We had 3 more birthdays in the fall.
Chelsea was 22 on December 1st. This photo has nothing to do with her birthday, but I knew Glen would be pleased to see this picture again.

Noah turned 14 in October. He received a RC car thta he had been wishing for. We teased him with the small package that sent him on a hunt for his real gift.

My mom turned 80 and we traveled to San Jose to celebrate with her.
She is a wonderful lady and taught me so much while I was growing up.
I am grateful for those things.

Brooke is 25!

2010-12-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

When it comes time for Chelsea and Dane to go after the birthday celebration weekend,
Brooke won't let Chelsea go.

There are scientific findings that the brain is not fully developed until a person is 25. We have said this to Brooke for many years especially after she would do or say something that was a little immature. Are these episodes in the past time? Time will only tell.

We threw Brooke a surprise party and she was truly surprised. It was a fun night with all her friends and their spouses. To top it all off Chelsea and Dane came down too.

Finally Relief

2010-12-31T15:03:00.001-08:00

Finally after 8 months of pain, Tess had her foot operated on.
She had hurt the back of her ankle back in January.
We thought it was an achilles injury, but it just didn't get better. Xrays and MRI's didn't show anything either. Then the Doctor suggested it might be a fracture in her Talus bone.
She went in for surgery and sure enough there was a fracture in this tiny little bone on the inside of her ankle area. What a Relief! she was walking on it in about 3 weeks and running
after 5 weeks. She was a new person.

Her lovely scar.

Halloween - 2010

2010-11-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Halloween this year. Halloween was on a Sunday so our ward had a
trunk-or-treat at the church on Saturday. Then on Sunday we had a special Halloween dinner with a barfing pumpkin, and rack of lamb with a knife thru the heart and some yummy cupcakes that Faye created. We ended the night by skyping with Dane and Chelsea. Their screen kept freezing and I totally got the giggles, Chelsea didn't think it was so funny, but my immaturity came out and I couldn't stop laughing.

Tess was a rocker and her friend Brady was a nerd.

Noah was a Ipod, with speakers and all.

Reese as a beautiful Rapunzel. Brooke made the wig, it was awesome.

Charlee as a shy ladybug.

Faye as a pretty and charming southern belle.

Back to School

2010-09-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

Back to school is always such a bitter sweet moment for me. I love the extra time I have to myself but I really miss the kids and like keeping them with me in our little nest away from the harms of the world. I am so grateful for the gospel in our lives and the direction it gives the the children. Everyday they have to hold on tight to the iron rod. Tess is as beautiful as ever. I am grateful for her character and values.

Noah is all smiles pretty much no matter what he is doing. He has such a great positive attitude.

Back to school is a little harder on Faye than it is on me. But after the first few minutes in the morning she is ready to go. She has to come up with a quality every morning and she is usually very thoughtful. The first day she was going to be helpful, just incase someone was scared and needed some help.

The carpool moms are great (caught you Michelle). I couldn't do as much as I do with out the help of friends.

Summer 2010 recap

2010-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Seems like you can't have summer without watermelon.

We visited the Orange County Fair.

At the Fair we ate deep fried Klondike Bar and Snickers bar.
Below Tess is eating a foot long corndog.

Faye and I enjoying a yummy cinnamon roll.

We had a great time when Chelsea and Dane came for a week and stayed 10 days instead.

We hit the beach a couple of times and one day we rented a paddle board and took it out in the harbor. It was alot of fun. It is something I would like to do again.

Dane and Chelsea tandem

Brooke and Bret kinda tandem

Faye looks like a natural here with Glen.

The Word of Wisdom says to eat meat sparingly. Does every 2 years count for sparingly?

Bret told Glen of a great place for pastrami sandwiches and Glen and I went there for a date. Glen has a weakness for a good pastrami sandwich.

In a couple of years, maybe we will go back.

The onion rings weren't bad either.

Of course, you can't have summer without Monday nights at San O.

We have a fantastic time there with friends and family. I think if you asked the kids they would say this is there favorite tradition. It is just so relaxing and so fun to be with everyone.

Tess and McKay enjoying the bonfire.

The sun setting on our summer.

The waves were really good this night.

This might have been the night that there was a great white shark sighting.

Come Labor Day it is time for our annual scone breakfast.

This year we had everyone over to our house in the front yard instead of Doheny.

It made things a little easier for Glen.

After the scone fry, Glen had a fish fry.

It was a great summer, I love having the kids home from school and being relaxed and having fun together. Only 9 months to go til next summer. I am already looking forward to it.

Grandma Camp

2010-07-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

We had Gigi Fairy Camp for the past 2 days. Reese came over on Thursday after lunch and we played. Faye, of course, got to play too. Everything was fairies with a little swimming pool and beach mixed in. It was so fun to be with the girls and just do girly things. They love girly things. We tried to include Noah and made him a big, bad troll, but he wanted nothing to do with it.

First a few pictures of fairies running through the trees.

Faye and Reese are becoming really good friends, even though there are times Faye will ask to be called "Aunt Faye".

Fairies can be a little camera shy.

But not all fairies, some take after their mommies.

Fairies like to flutter and run.

We made fairy star cookies and left them at friends and neighbors.

Karch, Kendall and Sandon caught the fairies outside their door.

The fairies I made and they played with for hours.
Fairy houses to put in their backyards.

What did Ida-ho?

2010-07-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful few days in Swan Valley Idaho with the Olsen's. They had a beautiful place on the Snake River and the Tetons were just a little over an hour away. It was very fun to get away and explore a new place. The Olsen's, of course, were great hosts and we enjoyed spending time with them.

Noah, Faye and Todd enjoying square ice cream.

Glen and I at Jenny Lake. I would love to hike around the lake some day.

A moose!

Chelsea, Noah and Faye with the Tetons in the background.

Noah was complaining about all our stops and taking pictures, so we snapped one of him coming out of the bathroom.

All of us with the Tetons in the background. It was great to have Chelsea and Dane with us.

Chelsea with her fish.

Faye learning to fly fish from her daddy.

Noah, Dane and Chelsea went on a horseback riding adventure. They said it was very pretty and I am sure it was, but horses and I don't mix. I think they are beautiful to look at, but I am really afraid of them

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

2010-07-12T08:37:00.001-07:00

On our visit to see my mom I spent many hours holding her hand. Whoever is near she asks you to sit by her and just hold her hand. When I had to leave to go to the store, she called Noah to come and sit and she even watched cartoon network with him so she could just hold his hand. It is very hard for her to communicate any words or feelings to us, but you know she is there when you hold her hand. She still has a very strong grip and doesn't want to let go. It is a special time.
It is difficult to see the ones you love grow old, but there are lessons and love here that I have learned and hope to never forget.

My mom is very patient and doesn't complain and is never mean to anyone,

I don't know if at this time I would be so good. I have much growing to do.

San Jose

2010-07-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip to San Jose. Probably one of our better ones lately. We did alot of things in the area and also had plenty of time with my mom.
We rode the train in Felton thru the Redwoods. Noah, even though he is getting older, loves trains so he thought it was pretty great to ride on a steam engine train. The Redwoods were beautiful and everyone had a good time, even Brady, though you would never tell from his expression in the picture.
Also while in San Jose, we went swimming, to a drive-in movie, the Japanese Friendship Gardens and Tess, Noah and Brady went to Raging Waters. It was a great time together.

Riding the train thru the Redwoods

Glen and Noah standing in front of the mighty Redwoods.

Faye at the Japanese Friendship Gardens.

Take My Breath Away

2010-06-14T20:02:00.001-07:00

I love this picture. All of the couples here were asked to kiss for the picture and Glen really planted one on me. After 27 years, his kisses still take my breath away. I love Chelsea's look to her dad of "come on Dad behave yourself."

2010-06-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

May 15th was a beautiful day. Chelsea and Dane were sealed in the Newport Beach Temple.
They were beautiful together and very sweet. Glen and I were so happy for them and they looked even happier.
The temple sealing wa performed by Dane's grandfather so that made it very special for them. There were many friends and family in attendance and that made it even better. It is great to be surrounded by those you love and who love you too.
The reception was fun and fabulous. I will post pictures of that soon.
In the mean time enjoy a few of the happy couple and a happy mom.

Unforgettable

2010-06-02T09:47:00.001-07:00

I learned how to sing "Unforgettable" listening to Dinah Washington with my dad. I learned about alot of music with my dad. He loved to turn on music loud during the day.

This is how I know about Chopin, Beethoven, Strauss and yes, even Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass.

My dad left this earth on May 2nd and I never imagined it would hurt so much. I know the plan of our Heavenly Father, I know I will see him again, but I was his little girl and I miss him very much.

Harold Edwin McMaster - August 28 1928 - May 2 2010

The day after my dad passed away our family went out to the driving range to remember him.

Dad, you have the honor, swing away.

2010-04-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of Noah. He is now an Eagle Scout. He loves scouting and is always so enthusiastic about the activities and merit badges. His project was building cubbies for Faye's school for their after school program. He did a great job. We know he will continue to do many more great things.

Here he is pinning on the mentor pin on Uncle Dennis. Dennis has always been a big supporter of Noah, he has always been very encouraging to him.

Happy Birthday Faye

2010-03-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

We had a vintage Barbie glamour party for Faye's 7th birthday. It was alot of fun and Faye was so great and had a good time. We had 15 little girls and thank goodness Tess was here to help. I made the dress up clothes and used the china and made it all fancy.

Guess Who's Been Working Out?

2010-03-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

Glen is not going to like that I posted this.

How do you say C-a-r--i-b-b-e-a-n

2010-03-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

We recently took a cruise with Glen's parents to the Caribbean. It was their treat for their 50th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time with the family and It was so relaxing, We didn't have to lift a finger. It felt a little sinful.
Relaxing and eating on the ship.

The beautiful port we ferried into on St. Johns

Trunk Bay, one of the world's most beautiful beaches. It was lovely, but we didn't have enough time there to enjoy it.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. All of the buildings are painted fun colors one right after another. I was suprised at what a clean city it is.

My birthday cake. The waiters were so kind and they work so hard. They are from Indonesia. They loved Glen, because he is so kind back to them. They would say anything you want Mister Glen. We tried to do some dancing with the help of Glen's parents, they are great dancers.

Glen and I at Trunk Bay.

Alohaing It With Friends

2010-01-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

We spent a wonderful 5 days in Kauai with some great friends: Brent and Jana, Ann and Paul, Katie and Mark. We had so much fun together, snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, kayaking, talking, cooking and eating.

Our dirty feet after the 4 mile hike on the Napali Coast.

Before we boarded the airplane we ate at Humara Saimin, a noodle house. The whole atmosphere was an experience. We hovered over the counters waiting for people to finish eating and then ordered noodles with spam and other yummy stuff. There was 1 woman cooking and 2 others running around waiting serving and running the cash register. It was yummy but maybe not the best thing to eat before sitting on the plane for 5 hours. The salt in the food made my ankles look like cankles.

Glen and the boys on our last day looking for the turtles at Hideaway Beach. Don't they look hot!

Well us wives think so.

December

2010-01-03T18:31:00.001-08:00

A few pictures from the month of December. I wasn't very good at taking them this Christmas.

Faye at her Christmas program at Carden.

The gingerbread castle at the Rizt and a few pictures in front of the tree.

Brooke and Bret after we saw Brooke sing in the OCMCO concert. She was beautiful singing up there.

Faye and Brianna at the ward party with their headbands on that Sister Jones made for them.

Ward party with Santa.

Cute boys

Chelsea brought home her boyfriend for a few days. Dane was a very nice young man. We like him. They had a lot of fun together.

Christmas morning is always wonderful and magical.

Faye has her presents neatly stacked and wisked them up to her room. Now if I can only get everyone else to do the same.

Sunday Activity

2009-11-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

Tess and Noah had fun on a lzy Sunday afternoon making videos and taking pictures of themselves. I love it when they have fun together.

"Oh Say Can You See"

2009-11-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Noah sang the Star Spangled Banner for his school's commemoration of Veteran's Day. He did a great job. One of the men honored was a Tuskegee Airmen, they were the first black pilots, and they fought in WWII.

Halloween

2009-11-04T13:24:00.000-08:00

Halloween was alot of fun in the neighborhood. We had the neighbors over on our front driveway for a pot luck. We had pizza, pasta, salads and pumkin desserts. It was so fun to get together before trick or treating. There are a good group of boys for Noah to play with and ven a few girls for Faye. We live in a great place and love our neighbors.
This is Lana, she is the official hugger in the nieghborhood. We love her, she is always so positive and happy

Noah and the boys eating pizza, Noah is like a rock star to them.

Can you believe everyone of my girls wore this BYU Cheerleading outfit, from Brooke to Faye.
It was a great investment and is still in good shape. I'm sure Reese will wear it in a couple of years.

I made skunk costumes for Chelsea and a couple of her friends. Noah saw me making them and wanted to join in on the fun. He does not like to be anything scary and in fact still doesn't like to walk into a Halloween store.

Tess was a ballerina/butterfly.

She went out with a great group of girls. We are proud of her and all the good choices she is making.

Teenager!

2009-11-03T05:51:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it Noah is a TEENAGER!
13 years old and what a great boy. I don't know if there is a boy with a kinder heart than Noah. He is really maturing and in school he is growing by leaps and bounds.
There once was a time when he was 3 years old and he hadn't talked yet, oh my goodness, not so today. Noah is the master story teller and the wise giver of Noahisms. Just the other day a boy at school wasn't being very nice and Noah said,
"If he keeps that up, he is going to have a BAD Future."
We love our boy!

Where have all the flowers gone?

2009-09-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

I came out of the house last Saturday to find all my flowers gone. Not a single rose petal or geranium left in the front yard.
I asked, "Faye, What did you do?"
Faye replied, "I made a flower path just for you Mom, you're not mad at me are you?"
I paused then said, "Of course not"
How could I be, she made it just for me!

A Weekend Celebrating the Girls.

2009-09-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

We had a weekend celebrating the older girls in the family. First Glen and I flew to Utah to watch Chelsea play volleyball against the Utes. Wow, what a game, lost in 5, but it was a heart stopper. So fun to see her play.

Next we flew home on Saturday morning just in time to catch Tess play soccer. She had been sick with a fever the day before, but really wanted to play. She played keeper great and then score a goal in the second half. It was fun to watch her.

Third, it was Brooke's birthday on Sunday. We had Thai Dara, which I ordered on Saturday. And we got her an electronic piano for her home. She is awesome, "I have never wondered about you."

Love all my girls, it is wonderful to watch them grow into outstanding women.

You are no longer a woman, you're a Mom!

2009-09-26T22:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's the mom jeans of the 80's. Found these great Gitano Jeans at DI in Draper for Julie Vance's 40th birthday. And the blouse and bow were definitely my style. I don't know how we wore those pants or why. And Glen actually proposed and married me in the 80's. He must have been attracted to more than just my fashion sense.

Lowers

2009-09-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

Glen and I spent the morning yesterday with Diane and Curtis Reese relaxing on the beach. It was a beautiful day.

The Hurley pro surfing contest was taking place at lowers and we trecked on down took a sit and watched for about
2 1/2 hours. Talk about a relaxing time, with great friends. I had a house hold of things to do, but sometimes you just need to go anyway.

By the way Kelly Slater was awesome, he did a great 360.

I wish I could go watch again today, but the things of life are getting in the way.

Noah got a haircut.

2009-09-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

For the past 20 months, Noah has been growing his hair out in dreads. He and Glen drive to LA every 6 weeks and get his hair twisted.
Probably everyday someone commented to Noah about his cool hair. But sometimes, cool isn't where it's at. On the day of the last scheduled trip to LA, Noah didn't want to go. Seems it hurts a whole lot to get each piece twisted, it was comfort Noah wanted, and so he got it.
His comment when it was all gone, "
"My head feels so light" I think he looks super handsome.

1st Day of School

2009-09-09T11:05:00.001-07:00

Is is too cliche' to say, Time Flies? But it does, it truly does.

Tess is in 9th grade, high school at Dana Hills, she seems fine about it, but I have had a really hard time. She will be fine I know, she is a great girl.

Noah is in 7th grade, and everything is pretty much always fantastic to him. Don't know is there is a better boy than him.

Faye would have rather stayed in kindergarten forever, but alas she is a 1st grader. Change is hard for her, but she has a wonderful teacher and will be fine. It seems just like yesterday I got the phone call of her arrival.

Life brings changes and like Faye I have to deal, it's just hard when it's your little ones growing up and having to face the world. I am thankful for prayer.:)

...and so the sun sets on our San O summer nights

2009-09-01T11:13:00.001-07:00

Summer Monday nights at San Onofre are wonderful. I think if you ask my kids what their favorite tradition is it would be San O.

Our last night was fun, lots of friends and everyone had a great time being together. I think it being the last one made everyone stay just linger a little bit longer and have just a little bit more fun together.

Family, friends and the beauty of the earth.

What more can one ask for?

Party for 4

2009-08-31T15:06:00.000-07:00

Faye, Reese, Brooke and I had a tea party on Saturday. It was too hot outside to go any where and so Faye and I planned this special event. The cake was from Ralphs and surprisingly very good. Thank goodness Noah's friends in the neighborhood came after the party was over (noah did not want to take part in a girl's tea party) and finished off the cake so I wouldn't.

Happy Children make for a happy mommie and Gigi!

Baked Alaska

2009-08-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

This summer Tess has worked on and completed three of her value projects for Personal Progress. We spent 10 great hours in the kitchen together for her knowledge project and she learned about cooking. She learned how to chop and dice and slice many vegetables for minestrone soup, Glen really loved this dish. We rolled out sugar cookies (using Diane's famous recipe) for the boys who were working on Noah's eagle project. We also made homemade salsa and homemade ranch dressing, plus the yummy pretzel jello salad. The cream of the crop though was our Baked Alaska. We molded the ice cream in a dome shape and put it on top of some pound then Tess seperated eggs (very tricky) and whipped up some fluffy egg whites. She put it over the ice cream and popped it in the oven. And taada! the ice cream doesn't melt. Very fun and facinating to all.

Noah's Lego guy climbing the Baked Alaska.

The finished dessert.

Other projects we did were learning how to sew. She made a happy birthday banner for her future home and a car quilt. The last project was organizing her room and her wardrobe for the start of high school. It has been fun.

Fun At The Pool

2009-07-31T06:32:00.001-07:00

On the oceanside of Corolla Light is a pool. it is fun after the beach to jump into the pool.

All the sister-in-laws.

Brooke and Charlee enjoying the coolness of the pool.

Tess, Faye, Danny and Matthew

Chelsea getting some sun.

Push-up Contest

2009-07-31T06:04:00.000-07:00

Thru out the week there are contests going on. This day at the pool there was a pushup contest. Glen, Taylor, KC, and Brooke entered for our family.

Taylor was the ultimate winner!

Way to go Brooke, she was the top female.

I don't know how Glen didn't triumph with his Mitch Gaylord abs.

Crabbing

2009-07-30T18:11:00.001-07:00

Our house in the Outer Banks is on the sound side. Just out back we have a dock. The kids love to go down and tie up some chicken necks and throw them out for the crabs. The crabs start nibbling and then you pull up the string and get the crab in the net. Alot of the crabs were too small and fell right thru the net. But a couple were keepers. Below is the one that Faye caught.

Faye's catch with Tess' help

Matthew, Shae and Faye

Danny seeing what he caught.

The Redheaded Redneck

2009-07-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

We traveled across the country and are here in the beautiful state of North Carolina, final destination - the Outer Banks - Corolla Light. On our way we stopped at the home of the GRAVE DIGGER, monster truck. (I took Tess and Noah to a monster truck show a couple years ago and it was loud and crazy, I couldn't believe grown men standing up and hootin' and hollerin' about big trucks) Anyway, we had to take a ride in the monster truck. They didn't go too fast or get too crazy, but it was fun and when in the south, you gotta embrace the culture.

Faye wanted to go, but then didn't want to go. She was scared:(

On our drive out to the Outer Banks we passed many fruit and vegie stands. We stopped at one and got some tomatoes, yummy peaches and some corn on the cob that you could eat with out cooking eat. Good stuff!

Grandma and Grandpa Mac's

2009-07-24T19:11:00.001-07:00

We spent a great weekend with my parents. My mom suffers from a type of Parkinson's disease and can not do much for herself anymore. My dad is 81 and does most of the work for her. It is wonderful to watch him and his patience with her. He is on his feet pretty much all day except for a few minutes here and there. Every once in a while each day when he does sit down, he will go sit by my mom and hold her hand.

It is hard to go sometimes, there is not alot to do for the kids and I try to help out as best I can. I usually make a few freezer meals and help with making beds and things. I do sit with my mom and just keep her company and watch TV.

Glen insists he doesn't want to get old like that, but I feel we can learn so much from them and they have much to give. I have learned much from visiting my parents for just the few days I can every couple of months.

4th of July

2009-07-22T18:36:00.001-07:00

Just a few pictures from our neighborhood bike parade. It was short but sweet. the kids were so excited to show off their decorated bikes and wagons.

We had a great day. first beach with the Reese's down by T-street, then neighborhood block party. Next over to the Boud's for the annual diet pepsi and mentos spray and then back to the neighborhood for more fun and a walk up the hill to see the fireworks.

We have some great friends and neighbors.

Tess' 8th Grade Dance

2009-07-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Tess is done with middle school. She will be going to Dana Hills in the fall. She is a great girl and even let me make her dress for her 8th grade dance. She had a certain style in mind and everything we found in the stores like she wanted was way too short. so we put our heads together and came up with this pretty number. The bodice design was all her idea and then I executed it. It was a fun project to do together. And she looked beautiful. Of course in my opinion the prettiest one there!

Always have to pose with Daddy before leaving.

My angel baby is growing up.

Heal the World, Make It a Better Place

2009-07-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

(picture courtesy of Chelsea)
More and more each day my testimony is strengthened by the knowledge that we are ALL children of a loving Heavenly Father. He loves each and everyone of us. I will try to remember this and look past people's short comings or lack of knowledge, as I would want the same for me.

I need to treat Everyone with kindness and respect.
What will you do to make the world a better place?

Vacationing with the In-laws

2009-04-30T21:10:00.001-07:00

We have spent the last 6 days in Hawaii with Glen's parents and his 2 brothers, Nathan and Mark and their wives, Cheryl and Katherine. It has been a very enjoyable and relaxing time. We went snorkling at Ke'e beach, swimming at Hideaways, (my favorite place, I would prefer it alone with Glen:)), got a spiritual high watching the turtles at Queen's Bath (seriously I could watch them for hours). We also went to ancient gardens, lighthouse and saw soaring birds and hiked the Napali Coast trail aways.

It has been a wonderful trip. Here are a few pictures, I lost some of them on my other camera, of course they were the good ones, a picture of Glen's abs, thanks to Mitch Gaylord workout tapes and Grandpa's legs on the beach with socks to his knees and long shorts with a teeny tiny bit of skin showing, Awesome!

All of us at the lookout on the Napali trail.

Grandma and Grandpa were great. They hiked everywhere with us. Grandma on the trail made it to the lookout and Grandpa made it all the way to the beach. They were not going to be left behind. Grandma kept saying I am not 70 yet (May 5th is her birthday).

Queen Emma's Bath was going off. The waves were crashing hard up an over the rocks into the pool.

I love the turtles, they are beautiful.

Charlotte's blessing

2009-04-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Bret gave a beautiful blessing to Charlotte this morning. What a wonderful opportunity to give her a name and a father's blessing. He is a great dad and husband.

I made Charlee's dress this week as a surprise for Brooke. It turned out pretty good, if I may say so. Just don't look too close.

Brooke is beautiful as ever.

It was great to have Bret's parents here for the occasion. Everyone came over to our house for dinner afterward. We missed Chelsea, of course.

Jefferson's Monticello

2009-04-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

On Monday we visited Thomas Jefferson's home in Charlottesville. It is called Monticello. It was very interesting. My favorite part of the tour was the plantation tour. The stories of the slaves was very touching and their sacrifice was great. Thomas Jefferson wrote how slavery was an abomination and yet there must have been pressure of the times, the need for wealth or something like that because he owned several hundred slaves in his lifetime. The hardest story to listen to was after Jefferson died he only freed 7 slaves and because he was in so much debt he had to sell the other 100 he owned at the time. This meant that families were torn apart, any one over the age of 8 was sold. This brought tears to my eyes and I thought of the temple work we recently did for the names that Grandma Goodsell found in a will. I can only imagine the joy that is brought back to these families as we find their names and bring them back together in the temple.

Sunday Afternoon Conference Session

2009-04-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

This was Sunday afternoon session of conference. Taylor is the faithful one awake in the blue shirt. That's Glen on the couch, Grandpa in the foreground, Nathan on the floor in the background and Cheryl in the chair all sound asleep!.

Really though, it was a great conference. We totally enjoyed what we were able to hear (some more than others.) I look forward to reading the talks when the Ensign comes.

Virginia

2009-04-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since we had been to Glen's parents house in Virginia. The trip was a bit of a pain. Flight delay in the Atlanta Airport for 6 hours, so we finally got the rental car at 3am in the morning. Stayed the night at the Dulles airport(much to Glen's dismay and Amy's insistance) Marriott 6 hrs of sleep and headed down to Grandma and Grandpa's house. As you can see well worth the trouble. It is beautiful here and we are having a great time.

This is their beautiful home in Lexington, Va.

The view from the back of the Blue Ridge Mountains

The kids love the oreo cows.

Sorry about the sideways picture.

Grandma took us on an interesting tour of Lexington and then to the grave sight of her Momma and Daddy.

March Madness

2009-04-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

March came in like a lion and never left. It's been a busy month and I didn't get to blog. Here is a few pictures and little detail on some events.

We celebrated 2 birthdays in March. Faye turned 6 on March 4th, wow our baby is growing up. She is totally into her video DS these days. So the other day as we were driving down El Camino Real in San Clemente, she saw some people in a store front on treadmills. She is so into the game thing she wanted to know if they were real or a game.

Tess was 14 on the 21st of March. Isn't she beautiful. Look out church dances, here comes Tess!

Family party for Faye at her favorite place McDonald's

Glen and I went to a dinner dance for Faye's school. The party was so-so but the dressing up was fun.

I Love It!

2009-03-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

I only got one gift this year for my birthday and I love it!. Thank you Michelle and Kenya. I have been eyeing cocktail rings and think they are so much fun and this one is perfect. I plan on wearing it to a dinner dance I will be attending at the end of the month.

Now I only mention that this was my only gift, because it is true and not to make anyone feel bad. HaHa.

Wish my hand was younger and prettier.

A Boy Can Dream

2009-03-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

Noah and his friends were talking the other day about their dream cars.

Boy #1 "My dream car is a Ferrari"

Boy #2 "My dream car is a Lamborghini"

Noah "My dream car is a dodge truck. It's my dad's and it's awesome. I get it when I am 16."

Simple dreams.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2009-02-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday and so I treated myself to my favorite chocolate milk ever. I only have this on my birthday, because I am sure it is so full of calories and fat. but boy is it good. It's like a chocolate shake, it is so thick and creamy. And yes, I drank the whole bottle and loved it to the last drop. It's my birthday I can do what I want!

Chelsea's Home and Scones

2009-02-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

It was short, but of course sweet. Chelsea came home for a quick weekend to go to the PBR with us. After church we had her favorite breakfast, Scones. I have to admit they are one of my favorites too. It was good to have all the kids together. I love them all so much, they are all so great and they make me happy!

Don't you love Noah coming to the table with no shirt and you can't tell but only his boxers.

Too many scones!

The PBR

2009-02-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

For the past 6 years, Glen and I have been fans of the Professional Bull Riders tour or the PBR. We got into it when Faye came along and we were up late looking for something to watch on TV.

The tour comes to Anaheim every February and we go with friends and family. We always have a great time together. It is just something unique and different that we enjoy doing together. What's great is I have my few favorite riders like Chris Shivers and Wiley Peterson but you end up cheering for them all and hoping they can ride for the 8 seconds. These cowboys are amazing most of them are small and barely weigh anything and the bulls are massive and fiesty. Yeehaw!

The Rodeo Gang: Tess, Chelsea, Greg, Michelle, Curtis, Diane and Glen

The pyrotechnics!

This is Flint, the clown. He is awesome, very funny and a good dancer.

This was Tess' first time to go and Chelsea flew home for the weekend to go.

Faye's Fabulous Fun Week

2009-02-20T14:17:00.000-08:00

Faye had off for ski week this week. No skiing for her, but she got in plenty of fun.

Tuesday was a trip to Powell's Sweet Shoppe. I love going here, it is very nostaligic. Of course Faye loved it too. "Just one more thing, and that's it," I think I heard that about 3 or 4 times.

Wednesday was Disneyland. We had a great time together. We rode Small World, Casey Jr. Train, the Carousel, Took the raft to Tom Sawyer's Island, the Tiki Room and other fun things.

Thursday Faye and Glen went bike riding down to Doheny whle I had my hair cut and all. She had him riding for about an hour.

To cap the week off, Faye spent Friday with Aunt Geri, one of her favorite people!

Playing at the Mall

2009-02-16T16:17:00.000-08:00

The mall has a playground. Today it was pouring so I took Faye and Reese to play at the mall. ALONG WITH EVERY OTHER CHILD IN SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY. It was packed. the children don't seem to care how many kids are there, but there are some pretty uptight parents. I don't really see this at outdoor playgrounds but it exists at the mall. So nice to be a little older and just relax and to know that if your child doesn't get on the toy it is not the end of the world. Despite the fact that age gives me wrinkles and grey hair, I like that is gives me understanding. RELAX, it's all good!

Our Love Is True Blue

2009-02-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day we had steaks and baked potatoes. Glen made the steaks perfectly. (by the way, Glen had fish, no red meat for him, if he can help it.) I only had blue decorations so the theme was "Our Love is True Blue." Glen got me some beautiful roses and I got him a kumquat tree, he loves it!

Sweet Charlotte

2009-02-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

It was incredible to be in the delivery room. Brooke and Bret thanks for letting me be pushy and letting Tess and me stay. We tried to stay out of the way in the corner. It was incredible to be there. Brooke you are great and Bret is so good to you, very sweet to witness.

Charlotte is beautiful!

Poppa and Charlee

Three beautiful girls

Noah's On A Roll

2009-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

Noah "Dad, life is full of ups and downs isn't?" Dad "Yeah it is" (Glen was thinking something really profound was coming)

Noah "I know, I get bumps and bruises and my skin is really dry"

Dad "Why don't you put some lotion on?" (chuckling)

Noah "Dad! I'm part indian. We don't use lotion. I'm a Cherokee and we don't use lotion!

And I'm also part Irish, because of mom." (another noahism)

Chowder Says

2009-01-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

Noah told Glen today what he learned on the cartoon Chowder

#1 Rule Never Tell A Woman She Is Fat.

Chowder is teaching him the makings of a good husband.

It is amazing what he can learn from a cartoon and remember it. If only History, Science and English were taught in cartoons.

A Time To Pamper

2009-01-26T21:02:00.000-08:00

For FHE tonight we gave Brooke a facial and massaged her feet, to take her mind off her pregnancy woes. It was fun.

Facial Recipe

2 T plain yogurt (not non or lowfat)

2 t honey

Mix together

Brush on and leave for 15 minutes

Foot Scrub

1/2 cup sugar

1 T lotion

Which one are you gonna get?

2009-01-26T20:56:00.000-08:00

SUGAR (or)

SPICE!

Hawaii

2009-01-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

Glen and I are in Hawaii with some friends. It has been nice we are having fun and relaxing. Glen is getting in a little bit of surfer, which he was hoping for. We took a drive to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It was beautiful. A long drive though, once is enough for me.

It is Worth the Wait

2009-01-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

So, there is a little wait for the women's bathroom at the restaurant we were at tonight. Tim Shields came out of the men's bathroom and told me to just go in there because I could lock the door. So I did. I locked the door and just as I was doing my thing I thought to myself "I hope that lock works." Well I found out, because 2 seconds later it opened, there I was in all my glory, I yelled out and he quickly closed the door apologizing. And then probably wondering, why was he apologizing when I was in the men's bathroom with the door unlocked. A little embarrassing!

New Tradition

2008-12-31T17:16:00.000-08:00

Hopefully we started a new tradition this Christmas. We all went to the temple and did baptisms. It was awesome to be there together.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-31T17:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve brought much fun and tradition. First there was the annual fight at the dinner table, it must be the stress and anticipation of it all, because it never fails, but that's what makes it fun, right? After that everything seems to run smoothly. All the kids get to open their new pj's and put them on. Then we watch Mr. Krueger's Christmas, it doesn't matter how many times I watch that I still love it and I learn everytime from it. Next we watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas, again I love it and learn from it. It is a fun night.

Christmas Eve Jammies

Christmas morning. Faye got a new table for her playroom

Santa brought Rock Band. We have quite the group.

Ward Christmas party

2008-12-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

Michelle and Greg put on a great ward Christmas party. Breakfast was yummy with hot fresh cinnamon rolls. The primary kids sang and Noah too sang a fun gospel Christmas song. The high;ight of course was Santa. Faye sat on his lap for the first time.

One of Faye's favorite people Kelly Stoehr

Tess with Sierra Vance and Sierra Hansen two of the many great girls in the ward.

More Christmas Fun

2008-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

We had some fun outings in December. A trip to see the Disneyland parade. A trip to Sea World. And our annual evening with the Reese's and Smith-Warnick family. We have been getting together with the Reese's for about 17 years and with Michelle and kids and now how great Greg and his kids for at least 10. We have had alot of fun this Christmas.

Sea World

Disneyland

Waiting for Parade to start.
You can't see it but it is snowing on Main Street

Reese's Home

Tess has fun hanging out with McKay and Trevor

Bret playing some ping pong with Jared

Diane always has a fun game for us to play.

Faye's Christmas Program

2008-12-31T16:26:00.001-08:00

Faye's school put on a fun Christmas program. Her class sang "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Fron Teeth" She is always very serious. It is hard to get her to smile, but she did great. At the end of the program the kindergarteners came out as angels. It was awesome. She is shy, but this really helps build her confidence. She is one of our 7 angels. (soon to be 8!)

Flu Shots

2008-12-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

Kaiser called last week and told us we should all get a flu shot. So we took everyone and off we went. We didn't let on to Faye about it, until Noah got in the car from school and shouted, "Now it's time for our flu shot." Faye didn't miss that announcement and so the tears started flowing. We got her calmed down by telling her she would watch us get ours, she said she would but she was not getting one. Well, guess what?

Tess was the brave soul who went first

I don't really care for shots, but it really didn't hurt.

I think Glen was secretly afraid

Christmas Fun

2008-12-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

Besides all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we are having some fun too. Last weekend we went to the Ritz Carlton to see the giant gingerbread house. This year it was a gingerbread castle. It is fun to see.

I also love to bake during the holidays. I spent a full day last week baking and putting them away in the freezer to pull out on Christmas Eve for the family and some for Santa too.

Reese came by at just the right time. We used her thumb for the thumbprint cookies.

Faye is always so helpful in the kitchen and loves to do the sugar sprinkles.

The Best Christmas Gift Ever

2008-12-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

They have arrived! Bob Jones' cookies are here. It is the day we wait for every December. Bob spends all day and bakes cookies for his friends. We luck out and get 2 plate fulls. They are amazing. There are gingerbread men, peanut butter, sugar, chocolate chip, oatmeal, brownies, pinwheels and spritz wreaths. Wow! Thanks so much Bob.

Oops, Be Carfeul What You Leave Out

2008-12-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

This is Reese after she found Tess' make-up on the couch. It's amazing they know exactly what it is and what it is for.

It Doesn't Take Much To Make Him Happy:)

2008-12-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

Daddy was in heaven this past week. He went fishing with 3 of his kids and caught fish with each one and had a trip to Cabela's. first fishing with the kids. He was in Northern California with Noah and fished the Trinity River. Then in Utah, our hotel backed up to the Provo River. Tess went out with Glen for an hour and caught her first fish, she was quite happy with herself. Faye went our the next day and believe it or not she and Glen caught 5 fish. Happiness for Glen, it really doesn't take much.

Now for Cabela's. Cabela's is like Nordstrom except all manly. It has hunting, fishing all kinds of outdoor gear. And every time I have been there it is very crowded. But then you go to check out and nobody is in line. I think men just go there to hope and wish and dream of all the wonderful toys they can buy. I noticed Glen's eyes glossing over as he looked at a new fly rod.

Thanksgiving in Utah

2008-12-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful trip to Utah for Thanskgiving. We had dinner at Bret's parents house. It was a great meal and fun to be with everyone. After dinner and pie there, we went to our friends the Shield's house for more pumpkin pie. Needless to say we were stuffed!

On Friday we went ice skating in Provo. I wasn't feeling great so I watched and did some mending for Chelsea while everyone else skated or tried to skate. Tess and Chelsea were great, Tess even did a little jump. Faye held on to her daddy real tight, when she got brave enough to let go she would look ok for a few seconds, then the feet would come out from underneath her and bottom would hit ice. Then there was Noah, he couldn't get his ankles straight for the life of him. He was hanging on to the wall until he found the magic cone. The cone became his constant companion and he could skate!.

Happy Birthday Chelsea!

2008-12-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

Chelsea's favorite cake

Aunt Laura's Cake

Today is Chelsea's birthday. 2o years old, no longer a teenager. We were up in
Utah with her last week for Thanksgiving and took her to dinner at the Market Street Grill and to see the Temple lights (along with every other person in the Salt Lake Valley) It was great to all be together to celebrate. Chelsea , we love you.

"What's a motto" "I don't know whats a motto you"

2008-11-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago, we were at the dinner table. Tess dared Noah to eat something. Noah's response was "I don't do dares, I'm a Goodsell not a badsell." Just one of many Noahisms. We have adopted that for our family motto. Tess last night had Young Women's In Excellence, she made the family motto on a poster for her project.

(motto quote in title above from the Lion King)

Normal?

2008-11-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

Faye now on 2 occasions has asked me to be a normal mom. So normal she says is no silliness, talking in different voices or answering her in song (very tough for me to do.)
"Just be a normal mom."

Crazy Hair

2008-11-13T20:56:00.001-08:00

It was Crazy Hair Day At Carden. It took a little bit of coaxing to get Faye to be crazy, but finally she went along. I just ratted it all over. She's not very extreme. Wouldn't it be nice if she stayed that way.

Michelle Photography

2008-11-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Chelsea was home this past weekend (so great to have her here and the family all together) and we took family pictures. Michelle you are great. There were many to choose from and the individual ones you took were awesome. I think you ought to go into business.

Sometimes family pictures can be a little crazy, but all in all we did pretty good.

Oops!

Looking out for little bro

2008-11-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks Tess for looking out for Noah at middle school.

Okay she still picks on him a little bit.

I Did It For Her

2008-11-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks has been pretty busy with prop 8 things, especially the last few days. I waved banners, I hung door hangers, I watched polls and I made phone calls. It was fun and sometimes tiring and sometimes I just wanted it to be over. I was called a hater, I was called misinformed, and intolerent. I don't think I was any of those. I am not perfect and I struggle with likeing a couple people in this world, but I do not hate, expecially a group of people who can and do contribute a lot of good. I am not here to judge, I have my own problems to make right, but I just felt I couldn't take the chance on things that I felt inappropriate being taught in schools and diminishing the importance of the family. I just couldn't take the chance. So I did it for Reese and all of my future grandkids. I want them to be gathered beside me here in sunny so cal and know they are being taught good moral principles and values. I love you REESE.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Just a few pictures from Halloween. Noah was Mario, he won for best costume in the 6th grade. Faye was a butterfly, Reese was Cinderella and Tess for halloween was a baseball player but no pics, so instead I have primary party with her butterfly wings too. Kendall was a 50's diner girl.

Of course the highlight on Halloween was watching Karch dance in the homecoming halftime festivities. Wish I had a picture to post. He did awesome.

Noah's Birthday #12

2008-11-05T12:46:00.001-08:00

We had a few of the neighborhood kids over for Noah's birthday. Noah has some great friends in the neighborhood. They are good friends to him.

He is 12 years old! Can't believe how time flies. We've all heard the saying and it is really true. The weekend before we took him to Disneyland with Tess and Faye and stayed in the Disneyland Hotel. Thanks to Bret taking Noah, Faye and Reese the next morning to Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast. Noah had a fun birthday

Because Noah is 12 he is now ordained a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. Last week was his first time passing the sacrament. He can hardly wait for Chelsea to see him do it this Sunday. She will be home for the weekend!

I got tagged

2008-10-29T22:18:00.001-07:00

Chelsea tagged me so here are 7 things about me.

I love a good Chick Flick like Sleepless in Seattle. Don't they make any movies like that anymore. Annie " Now that was when people knew how to be in love. They knew it. time, distance...nothing could separate them because they knew. It was right. It was real. It was..."
Becky: "A movie! That's your problem you don't want to be in love. You want to be in love in a movie." Or how about "It's a sign." "You don't believe in signs" Sigh, that was a good flick.
I love a good book to curl up with. I just read Lust for Life by Irving Stone. Amazing. Thanks to my friend Kate for passing on the recommendation.

I hate scary movies. I really get freaked. We laugh at Noah when he hides his eyes when he sees a commercial. Well I'm right there with him.

I don't eat them very often. In fact I planned my next time to have In 'n Out Fries with spread to be on my birthday. Oh so good!

Ok. I am totally addicted to this game. It is called Wurdle. I play it every chance I get. It is crazy. When I go to bed at night I see letters and words in my head. My best score is 2300. I don't know if that is good or not.

I really don't like love handles on me. I'm having a hard time with some right now. Yugh!

Finally, I love, love, love chocolate milk. It has to be already mixed not the kind you add chocolate syrup to regular milk. Mmmmm so so good.

A boy and his ... fish?

2008-10-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

Glen went on his annual fishing trip with some of his buddies. Yes, he has a couple annuals. This one was to the Shasta area. He loves it there and he said this year was probably one of the best yet. It's great for him to go, he has a fun time with his friends and all of the guides. I know Noah looks forward to the day he can go on the trip and fish with his dad.

Just a Mom

2008-10-16T14:51:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had the thought, I'm just a mom. I have many times. I have the urge to change the world. but I'm just a mom. Perhaps, Whistler's mother had those same thoughts as she sat in her rocker and now she is one of the most famous mother's of all.

Am I changing the world, I think maybe so. One text, one story, one dinner, one phone call, one car pool, one hug at a time, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

If I Were In Charge of the World

2008-10-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, who would have thought I'd have two great writers in the family. First Chelsea writes a phenominal op ed essay for her english class and then Noah comes up with this masterpiece.

Enjoy the ending.

If I Were In Charge of the World

If I were in charge of the world

I'd cancel school during the week except for Friday,

And also have no homework.

If I were in charge of the world,

There'd be video games, toys, Legos and chocolate.

If I were in charge of the world

You wouldn't have homework, school or bag it's.

You wouldn't even have bullies.

If I were in charge of the world

A chocolate bar would be a vegetable,

All legos would be new.

And a person who sometimes forgot to feed the dog,

And sometimes forgot to flush,

Would still be allowed to be

In charge of the world.

Yahoo!

2008-09-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

Why am I smiling? Scroll down to next post.