Welcome to Our Adventure

2012-01-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

LIttle Em. is 10 months old and couldn't be cuter......at this age at least. She is into everything, dumps everything out, empty's every bin, trash container, cupboard and anything else that she can reach. Resulting in a ginormous mess.....but one happy, accomplished baby.

Isn't it funny that at this age we think it is cute, but when they are 2 and 3 we want to ring their necks?!

Here she is basking in her latest mess.

And........Little Emrie is walking EVERYWHERE! Only 10 months old.

And.....she made it. Destination mom.

I love taking pictures of her walking. You can almost see in each picture the anticipation of her falling, but she didn't.

Busy Weekend!

2012-01-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

It has been a fun, busy 2 weekends. We have been so excited to have family in town, back to back. For a couple of different new, exciting reasons.

Ammon will begin a new chapter in his life, as far as callings go. He served as the Stake Young Men's President for 5 years and this Sunday was officially released and called to serve in the Bishopric, as the 2nd Counselor. We are excited for him and know that he will do a great job serving in this calling. As most people know, these callings usually mean that the family has the calling as well. The kids and I are 100% behind Ammon and support him in every capacity that this calling may require.

I am so grateful that his dad and mom were able to come down. Cliven ordained Ammon as a high priest and gave him a powerful priesthood blessing. It was so great to be apart of that and feel the spirit just take over and fill the room.

Visiting with them is all so great.

Bowen holding little Laila. HE just loves her so much.

Grandpa showed Bowen how to dial and use the phone. Oh my goodness, Grandpa was in for it. Bowen called his phone as much as he possibly could in a 2 day period. We finally has to put a stop to that. Here they are talking on the phone to each other.

We played hard and stayed up way too late. Brinklee was exhausted!

Bowen came home from school and was beat. He found Grandpa's nice, cozy, warm arm and snuggled right up against it. It wasn't long and he was in dreamland. SO sweet.

Grandma Carol was so great and was helping Halle do her homework. She loved the extra attention.

Baby Laila was so much fun and super happy. We all couldn't get enough of her. Everyone loves a happy baby!

Other Happenings

2012-01-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hayden is doing really great in school and I am so grateful for good teacher's. His teacher acknowledges students that go above and beyond the usual good character traits and Hayden was on that list this week.

Ammon and the kids picked up pecans, shelled them and then sugar-cinnamon roasted them. And they were absolutely delicious. I started to help, but was then pulled away by the littlest Bundy baby, little Em.

It is really beautiful weather, but still a little chilly in the morning. So this is what the kids all do before beginning our morning routine. Warm their little tooshy's by the fire.

Halle is becoming more and more beautiful as the days go by. Growing up and maturing. She is a great helper and when she is not pestering the family her extra help is so nice to have.

Pictures, Cards and Letters......Oh My

2012-01-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas is my favorite time of the year.......This being one of the reason's why. It is so great to see friends and family and their families. I really look forward to getting everyone's Christmas pictures, cards and letters. Thank you for sending them.

This year we did not send one out. It was a very crazy, busy time....more than normal. But, we will send one out next year, so don't give up on us.

Scissors......great tools?

2012-01-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

Scissors are such great tools........except when we are 3 and use them for cutting our own hair.

I had just done Brinklee's hair so cute, twist...just like aunt Suzanne does it. She wanted it out of her face so I specifically asked her how she would like it. She said, "Uum, like Suzanne, a twist".

Then we went about our day, had a nap, woke up happy, had a snack.........and then......it happened!

I was cleaning the kitchen and Brinklee walked by, looked at me (very peculiar...might I add) and then ran away. I followed her and nicely asked Brinklee to look at me. She shyly looked at me and then we made eye contact.......and then I saw it. I could have screamed.

At first she lied about it......for a long time. Saying that Halle was the one that did it, and Halle was denying it. Unfortunately, we have had some truths that aren't complete from our dear Halle who is 9 years old, because of those moments I wasn't sure if I could believe her. Still, she stuck to her story.

Eventually, I told Brinklee that I would not be mad at her if she cut her hair. She looked at me and said, "promise, mommy". I said, "I promise".

Afterall, that is usually the reason we lie, or not tell the whole truth. We are afraid of getting in trouble....even as adults. So I had to keep my promise because I really want the truth.

She looks at me in a very sassy 3 year old look and says, "Moooom, my hair was in my face". "That's why".

So, because I promised that I could not be mad.....I COULDN'T BE MAD. Under my breath, clinching my teeth together.....smiled and said, "Brinklee, mom is not mad, BUT YOU MAY NEVER USE SCISSORS FOR CUTTING HAIR....EVER AGAIN."

Carriage Ride

2012-01-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

When we lived in Maricopa we had some friends that lived just right down the street from us and they became some of our greatest friends. The day came that they had to move away for work. We were so sad, but occasionally get the treat of seeing them. This December, right after Christmas, they came into town and brought their clydesdale horses, and were happily giving friends and family carriage rides. The kids loved it and we were so happy to see good friends we hadn't seen in a while.

Thanks Ulrich's for the ride.

It was very memorable and so kind of you!

2012...Ringing in the New Year

2012-01-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Ammon had to help chaperone the stake youth dance for New Year's. After 5 years of sharing my husband with the youth Ammon and I decided that we would like to figure out a way to spend ringing in the new year together. So one of our dear friends planted an idea and we decided to roll with it and invited Ammon's counselor 's family as well.

We all loaded up and headed to the church together. We brought treats, snacks, movies, games, the Halterman's brought their Wii and the night was their for the picking.

It was a great time and the kids did well.....until about 10 pm. Then the kids started melting down, one by one. But we did all make it til' midnight. I am grateful for this time together as a family. It probably will never happen again, because we are all still recovering from staying up so late. But I don't regret it. It is great to see Ammon in action and all of his service to the youth. We even got to dance a couple of times. Visiting with the Halterman's was a ton of fun, too.

Happy New Year's to everyone!

A New Focus

2012-01-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

I guess it is that time of the year that everyone talks about the changes they are going to try during the new year. I love "a new". Anything new, everyday when I wake up I feel like it is the beginning of a new day. A chance to do anything and everything I didn't do the previous day or change something that I did the previous day (better patients with my kids). But while I love "a new" I am sort of burned out of hearing about the same old things. Seriously.....how many times can we hear about how much weight we all want to lose? So this year, while I certainly want to lose weight, I am going to focus more on the awesome blessings that I have in my life and try and make them better. Which, always ends up meaning more anyways.

Speaking of things that mean more....I just love visiting with family and especially reminded of the things of my childhood and growing up years. This last Christmas we went to my parent's house for Christmas and it never fails everytime we are there I always HAVE to have/enjoy all the many things that I love and miss......because of certain memories attached to them. So because this is my blog, I feel it a given that I can rant about silly little things that bring nostalgia and always make my trip just that much better when I am in Salt Lake. So here is my list of things I just absolutely LOVE about Salt Lake.....and yes most of the have to do with food.

*Francesco's.
*Schmidt's Pastry Cottage
*East Coast Subs
*Relaxing and Chilling in my parent's basement
*An abundance of delicious, homemade meals
*Shopping, shopping and more shopping
*Movies
*My parent's nice, inviting, warm (I mean the feel of it) house
*Grandma Sycamore Bread...I LOVE THIS BREAD!!!!!!
*Getting to see and visit with family
*Sconecutter
*Sledding (although due to the absence of snow we didn't get to do this one)
*Playing games
*So much entertainment and activities
*The Training Table
*Family....Family.....Family
*Love

I hope that when our children are grown they feel the exact same way about coming home.

Some Special Christmas...

2011-12-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

Our kids must have been so incredibly good (?), because Santa came to visit them twice. The only thing we can think is that because we were in Salt Lake he left the big presents at our house and brought the other not so big presents.....stockings and such, to Mimi and Papa's house.

Either way, the kids woke up the next morning when we got home and SURPRISE they each had a sparkling gift waiting for them in front of the Christmas Tree.

Brinklee got her first real bike (pinkalicious), Bowen got a new bike, Hayden got a new wagon and Halle got the one thing that she has been wanting for many years, her very own desk. It was a happy morning for all the kids.

Halle was so sweet. She got and wrapped presents for everyone in the family. She was so upset when we had forgotten them and didn't bring them with us to Salt Lake.

Halle gave Ammon a coupon for free "cooking".

Halle and big mama. She had a carnival in her class before the break an got to cash in her tickets for gifts. She got this candle for me. So sweet.

Can you say "big"? Oh the beauty of having children. Worth it, though it takes a toll on my "everything" about me.

She gave Brinklee her perfume.

She gave Hayden her pocket knife.

She gave Bowen one of her dollars.

So thoughtful!

Thanks Halle, you are such a sweet girl.

Christmas Trip Part 1

2011-12-30T20:45:00.001-08:00

We headed towards Salt Lake for our last Christmas hurrah.....at least for a few years. We departed on Wednesday night, drove to St. George, stayed the night in my parents house (have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE THIS HOUSE?) Then, Thursday headed towards my parents house in Salt Lake. The drive was as good as it could be with 5 little one's. They were pretty good though. I am just really grateful for certain things that really make a long trip easier.......hhmmmh....DVD player.

As Ammon and I decided that this year was going to be the last Christmas in Salt Lake I was really trying to soak up every little tradition that our family has done every year. This being the last year for a while....for many reasons. The main one was decided because our kids are getting older and would really like to just stay home and hang out in our pj's all day and lay low. Not to mention just how hard it is to travel with 5 kids on a drive over 12 hours long. Ammon and I decided that it is probably time to start focusing on our own traditions. That being said I really really wanted to focus on the many wonderful traditions that we have had all through my childhood years. I love my family and I love those traditions. I will also say that I will be carrying on a lot of my families traditions onto our own little family, because they are so fun and great.

To me Christmas just isn't Christmas without the many little things that come with it.

So we started the trip off with our #1 tradition. Night at the movies! We watched Arthur Christmas and it was really really good. Thank you dad and mom for this treat. It was, as usual, so much fun! Emrie was a little stinker towards the end, but she did pretty good for a 9 month old.

Brinklee and her little buddie and cousin, Ava. Cute friends.

The line up on the left side.

Oh my, I wish you all could have seen little Em. She was sitting on Ammon's lap and just grabbing some popcorn out of the bucket, as if it was all about her business. She thinks she is so big.

View from the right side. We almost took up the whole back row.

The lovely sista! Love You Chels!!!

Christmas Trip...Part 2...Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

Every year on Christmas Eve my parents make a huge feast...mostly just crab, but a with a few other fabulous dishes. This preparation pretty much takes all day to prepare. While we all waited anxiously for a the delicious dinner we hung out, played games and enjoyed all of the chaos that 10 little kids bring.

This is by far one of the things I look forward too. Never underestimate my parents and their second Fridge and Freezer.....loaded with all kinds of different soda pop, fruit, juice, water and usually delicious treats. There for the picking. Everyone is welcome and everyone that comes to my parents house knows this. I love that anyone and everyone is welcome to get whatever they want, whenever they want from any cupboard and fridge/freezer. This being one of the things that I practice in my home. Nothing is off limits.

Games, games and more games. I LOVE THIS TIME TOGETHER. Another tradition!

Christmas Eve Dinner

My grandparents have always joined in the feast. They are great company.....I think so at least.

The three musketeers.

Oklan, Gage and Hayden....all 7 years old!

Ahhhhh.....the crab. YUMMY!

Dinner was great, but chaotic and I have to throw in there the FUNNIEST comment that my brother in law Ty said. It was loud, food was everywhere, tight space, everyone was talking at the same time, especially some very energetic 10 children. Ty says what we were all thinking, "let's get these kids fed and get them the he** out of here". It was hilarious! I am laughing just writing it. You have got to know Ty, he is so funny to me.

Ammon LOVES that I take pictures of the chaos......NOT. This look pretty much explains it all.

Halle loves her Great-Grandma Sundloff. Great Grandma Sundloff loves her.

Another tradition.....pajama's and slippers the night before Christmas.

Emrie was tearing it up...who cares about pajama's this paper is way more exciting.

The two little naughties......Jake and Ava eating their famous sugar cookies from

Schmidt's Pastry Cottage.

Love my Grandpa Sundloff

Fabulous, fun day.

Christmas Trip....Part 3....Christmas Day

2011-12-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning

The kids stockings

Ammon talking to the kids about the meaning of Christmas, just like we do every year. I am sure by the time they are teenagers they are going to be enacting the whole thing by themselves. They already know it almost, word for word.

We are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Emrie, tearing into her present. The boys thought that she needed their help.

Uncle Ty spoiled Bowen and got him his own bat, glove and balls. Santa brought Bowen bases and the such.

Awww....the eclairs. This is one of the #1 things that I look forward to on Christmas morning. Schmidts Pastry Cottage and their delicious baked goods. Sugar cookies on Christmas Eve and Eclairs on Christmas morning. Yummmmmm! Thanks Suz for bringing them. Forget the gifts, give me the eclairs. These things are gone in like 8 seconds flat. IF you don't get one right when they are out, you are not going to get one at all.

And all of the other delicious treats that my mom puts out. See's chocolates, homemade peanut brittle, homemade banana bread and zucchini bread, homemade english toffee, and her new homemade christmas mix. My dad has got to have his turnover's, cherry and apple. This year we had to sacrifice the cherry...they were no where to be found. So we had to be okay with apple and blueberry....I guess it will do.

Mom and dad, I am so grateful for all of your hard work and effort in making all of the Christmas festivities traditions. I value them more than anything.

We certainly are blessed. Another year of everything we all wanted and more. Thanks to the uncle's, aunt's, cousin's and Papa and Mimi for the wonderful, thoughtful gifts.

Emrie, riding on her present from Mimi and Papa

Another family tradition that has been going on for generations is that the men of the family make Christmas morning breakfast. I love this tradition for more reason's than any of the other one's. I love it because the woman are ALWAYS expected to do the cooking, but for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day my dad and mom do a ton of cooking to make it possible. He is not biased because he is the man of the family. In fact, I think he loves the tradition as much as the rest of us. My mom, of course, behind the scenes doing a lot to make all of it possible.

Ammon and Hayden working on his erector set that Papa and Mimi got him. Right down Hayden alley......and Ammon's too.

My parents gift. Every year their gift to the families is a summer trip. Every year we will be going on a summer trip........and I love this present. These gifts are invaluable because of the memories that are made. Thanks dad and mom for the gift. I can't wait to go to California this summer.

She made all of the families a cozy minky blanket and bought all of the family members new towels with their names enbroidered on them. Bowen ran off with his before I could take a picture.

Christmas morning Breakfast....Yum!

Ammon sporting his apron. He is such a stinker. He is totally mocking me in this picture. I keep telling him that though he doesn't care too much about the pictures I take, our posterity will.

I am so glad that we got a visit from my grandma Olsen (Mimi's mom). She is 82 and all by herself. I think she would prefer it that way. She is pretty independent. My grandpa past away quite a few years back, about 6 years ago. We miss him and his sense of humor terribly.

My grandma, Leola (82), Halle (9) and Emrie (9months).

All dressed up and ready to go to church.
Let the chaos begin.

My beautiful parents.

Carl. A family friend. It wouldn't be the same without a visit from our good family friends.

Christmas Trip....Part 4...Mimi and Papa and 10 kids

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

My dad and mom got to be the "babysitters", so that us adults could go out together. We went to a movie and it was so peaceful and nice to be together. Sad that this was the only picture I have to document the fabulous time together.

Saddest part about this was that my mom ended up coming down with the flu and had to take care of the ten kids. All the while, running to the bathroom every 15 seconds. Sad! Can't say that she wouldn't do anything for her kids. We didn't know it was as bad as it was, otherwise we never would have left her there with all the kids. Mom you really are superwoman! In my eyes at least.

On a side note, I would like to mention that my parents are always so inviting about watching the kids. They would never consider it "babysitting".

Christmas Trip.....Part 5...Great-Grandma Bundy

2011-12-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Tuesday morning we deep cleaned my parents house, packed up to head to see great-grandma Bundy, but not before we grabbed some lunch at Red Robin.

Ammon and I looked over and we snapped this picture. These are the kind of pictures that both he and I love to see. Halle sharing her MP3 player with her brother, Hayden. Cute!

Grandma Bundy's house. Bowen get's to feed the sheep, Hayden get's to climb on the haystack, Brinklee get's to play with all of Grandma's plastic animals and pretty flowers and we get to have a great visit with our Great Grandma Bundy.

I loved seeing this. One of Grandma Bundy's grand-daughter's wrote down all of grandma Bundy's descendants. This was as of August 2011. There have been more great-grand babies born since then.

I love this picture! Great-Grandma Bundy with all of our kids.

Great Grandma Bundy.....88 years old, 89 years old on February 3.

Ammon with his precious Grandma Bundy. I love her almost as much as he does. When I hear about stories of how she would come down to the ranch and bring food, cook meals, bring gifts and help the kids tidy up the house. She loved those kids as if they were hers'. Helped fill in all the gaps that their sweet dad couldn't do because he was busy trying to make a living to take care of them. She took care of my husband, the man that I married, the man that I love. It means a lot to me to know that she cared for him so much and showed him the example of a mother's love. Grandma Bodel, you are an amazing, inspiring woman. Thank you for your love and example to the many descendants that follow you. You have a heart that loves unconditionally, something that is very admirable.

We Love You Bianca!

2011-12-20T21:58:00.000-08:00

You know there are few things in life that only happen once and I do believe that our Bianca is one of those things. This girl has been nothing but a blessing to our family.....I do believe that I probably miss her more than my kids do. I think this because she is so wonderful to my kids and truly loves them. She is patient, kind, fun and truly loves each one of my kids for the person that they are, but I do believe that she so wonderful to me because she tolerates them more than I think anyone I know. She knows them and engages herself into each one of their lives.

She came into town for the holidays and when I saw her I couldn't help but cry I was so happy to see her. The first thing she does is track me down so that she can see the kids. Who does that? What 19 year old does that? THe first thing she does when she gets in town is call me to see when she can come over and see the kids. She takes time out of her busy schedule because she can't stand being in town and not hanging out with MY kids. I love her because she loves my kids.

When the day comes that she marries and has children, those children will by far be the luckiest little people in the world, probably. Wonderful, wonderful person. We love you Bianca!

Work Christmas Party

2011-12-16T21:12:00.000-08:00

Ammon threw his annual work party, and this year he decided to do it for the Christmas season. He reserved our Stake center. It has a huge open area in the back of it, which made a perfect place for racing the go-carts. He rented the 2 big bounce houses and the kids were is HEAVEN! Ammon cooked fajitas for everyone and most everyone brought sides. I love a good reason for good food and great company. It was a fabulous success. We missed 6 of the employees, but everyone else came. Everyone that came scored, and everyone else MISSSSSEEEEEDDDDD OOOOOOUUUUUTTTTT! We played the white elephant game, but tweeked it a bit and it was so much fun. There is something to say about good food, games and gifts....it really livens up the crowd. So so so much fun!

Halle and Brinklee bouncing it up.

Our lovely Staci. This woman is one wonderful person. We are so blessed to have her as our office manager. LOVE HER! She is so great to our kids.

The girlies

Brinklee and her adventurous self.

The white elephant gifts

Everyone loved riding the go-carts.

....and we are worn out and party exhausted.

Another successful work party and loads of fun that went with it.

Fun Run

2011-12-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

The kids school is a charter school and so they pretty much rely on fundraisers. Usually I shy away from fundraisers because I have always worried about the funds actually going where they say they will. I am definitely a fan of this fundraiser. It required physical activity and really is going towards a good thing.

The kids were to get sponsors for every lap they ran. Each lap would give the child what ever was sponsored or the sponsor could just sponsor a flat amount. They did great and were wanting to be completely engaged. All 3 kids ran awesomely and it was by no means easy. Halle ran around 40+, Hayden ran 40+ and Bowen ran 31 laps. It was great to be there cheering them on and volunteering. These are the moments that I really enjoy being a mom. I was so happy and proud of them. I am my usual crazy self and couldn't help but be a little emotional when they each finished. I love these kids of mine.

We barely missed Bowen's run and that made me so sad, but I had a little missy 3 year old giving me one of her fits, which have been almost obsolete. Anyways, I didn't get any pictures of Bowen, but there are plenty of Hayden and Halle.

I would really like to express my gratitude to those who sponsored our kids. I know that these can sometimes get old and I promise that this will be the only fundraiser we do this year. It really does mean a lot to me and the kids.

This was their class's name.

Hayden's teacher tying his shoe. I cannot express enough how awesomely supportive and great Hayden's teacher, Miss Ward is. She never stops encouraging Hayden and truly is a good teacher. I could get pretty emotional thinking about that as well. It is such a gratifying feeling knowing that your child is in good hands while at school. This teacher has bent over backwards for him.

The cheerleaders

The shot of the gun and the beginning of the first lap.

Starting to get pooped out.

This is Halle's teacher this year and was Hayden's teacher last year. Love her! Miss Peterson

I asked Hayden if Brinklee and I could run with him and he was like, "no way mom. Don't even think about it." Sniff, sniff. He is getting so big, turning from my sweet little boy to a big boy.

Halle's first lap.

Halle and one of her friends, Megan.

This was Halle's class's name.

I absolutely loved this. Brinklee wanted to run with her Halle (in her own words). Halle was so great about it. I think that Brinklee ran 10 laps with her. I couldn't even believe that. I kept asking if she was done and she was like, "NO MOM, I RUNNING WITH MY HALLE"! The moments that I love.

I got roped into helping with filling up the water for the kids so I didn't have the time to take as many pictures, but it was great to be there supporting.

Great job kids! You are amazing.

Joyschool Christmas Recital

2011-12-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

Oh our little Miss Brinklee could not wait and practiced her heart out for her little recital. She sang those songs everyday, all day long, most the time with vigor, and sharing her songs with all that surround, no matter if they were/are strangers. They enacted the birth of Jesus story and Brinklee was "the last inn keeper". She knew her line really good and would tell it to me, usually in the middle of some conversation or yell it throughout the house to whom ever would listen. It really was quite cute.

Then the night of the presentation......

NOTHING! Not a sound or peep from our vigorous little Bink. Just a sad little, almost silently face screaming, "I'm scared".

If you look real close you can see her little pouty face. I asked her afterwards what was wrong and she said, "MOOOOOM, I was scared (while shaking her head)". I later asked her why she was scared and she said, "MOOOOOM, I told you I was just scared". With so much 3 year old attitude that I could not help but think how dang cute she looked expressing herself to me.

This was her face all night long.

She still was so cute and I am glad that we went. Best part about it is that we get to still hear her sing her heart out all day long, even in the middle of the grocery store. Next time you see her ask her to sing her "Jingle Bells" song. It is too cute!

Thanks Wendy for the experience. I loved watching the Baby Jesus enactment. Chills! They all did a great job.

Halle's Science Project/Presentation

2011-12-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

Being a mom of now 3 children in school I am coming to realize that before the end of every quarter there will....and you better count on, some sort of project or presentation. I know that these are so good for the kids, but I also know that I think the teacher's are testing the parents to see just how involved they are in their child's school life. THESE PROJECTS ARE ALL ABOUT THE PARENTS.

The kids will still get them done without parental involvement, well maybe. But I am telling you right now if you have ever been in the classrooms and watched these children present their projects you can definitely tell if a parent helped....or sometimes did the whole thing (ha ha ha). There have been times that I have felt bad for some kids.

Anyways, Halle and her partner did a fantastic job. She pretty much had it all done by last Friday, but brought it home over the weekend to finish and tie things up. Ammon looked at it and Halle asked what he thought. He said he thought it was great, but that she should add a model and then print the words out and paste them on the poster. I thought that was a perfect amount of parental involvement. Halle was so proud when it was all finished. What I loved seeing is that she knew that she did a good job...ALL BY HERSELF. I could tell that she was pretty sure she was going to do good on presenting it.

So while they were presenting it Ammon had suggested to Halle that she should do dry ice under the volcano and it would look more real. She loved the idea. So guess who has to track down some dry ice? No, it really wasn't that big of a deal. And in the end it really is all that matters. You never remember how hard it was to put cleaning the house and everything else that I had planned out for that day...on the back burner so that you can help your daughter with her science project. She especially will remember that her dad and I helped her. That is what matters.

Magic Number 7

2011-12-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

As I was hanging up the stockings I couldn't believe that we were adding another stocking to our stocking family. 7! Wow, that is a lot. The number 7 will be our number for a long time now, until we add a spouse to the family (crazy).

Royalty

2011-12-14T20:23:00.001-08:00

...and she loved every second of it.

Stinkbug

2011-12-14T20:21:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how much I just love this little bum in the air. She is so dang cute to me!

Laying on her belly, feet crossed and bum in the air. Every time she sleeps.

For the Love of Baths...

2011-12-14T20:18:00.000-08:00

I think that these two would be in the bath ALL DAY LONG if I would let them. There are days that Brinklee will ask me over and over and over again if she can take a bath. If one of them is in the bath than the other usually ends up joining the other. I can't tell you how many times I have found multiple children in the bath together. I will walk away for only a minute and come back to splashing, giggling and all kinds of giddy mayhem. Every single one of my kids loves the bath. I think it mostly has a lot to do with them and their love of water.

Even though some times I don't feel like I have the time for everyone to jump in the bath (swimming), I still think it is so cute to see the kids laughing together.

Joyschool Happy Birthday!

2011-12-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for my dear friend Wendy. She is Brinklee's joyschool teacher. She does so many wonderful thing with the kids. Brinklee just really has a great time learning and being with friends.

Because Brinklee's birthday was on Sunday, Miss Wendy said that Brinklee could bring in cupcakes the Thursday before. Brinklee was so excited and felt really special. I am grateful for her to have this opportunity. All of the kids were so cute and excited.

Miss Wendy even bought Brinklee a present. Thanks Wendy. Our kids love chalk and the first thing Brinklee did was come home and color with them. So thoughtful!

Happy Birthday "Binks"...3 Years Old

2011-12-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that our 4th child is 3 years old. In the last 6 months she has developed and grown up so much that it is hard to believe that she is the same child she was 6 months ago. Since she can talk and we can communicate about what she wants and her feelings it is amazing how awesome our relationship has turned into.

Brinklee is very smart and really into to how people are feeling. She will notice behavior and things about people that I haven't picked up on until she points it out.

Like usual she woke up to a birthday sign, balloons, another hanging birthday sign
and her favorite breakfast.

Brinklee said that she wanted eggs, bacon and french toast.

Yes! Please! Yum.

Oh my....so darling!

Birthday Dinner

Presents

All of the kids couldn't wait to see what Papa and Mimi sent. The anticipation was what they just couldn't stand any longer. They have been looking at the package for a couple weeks now. Brinklee said that Bowen could help her open it up.

Brinklee really liked getting the La La Loopsy Doll. Emrie absolutely LOVED it.

Darling boots. Thanks mom.

I loved this picture because Hayden took it upon himself to open all of the packaging. I loved that he just took over (with Ammon's input). It was a great idea! I can't help but laugh at Hayden's leg, he was putting his whole might into opening that la la loopsy box.

Halle got talked into dressing up with Brinklee. You can tell by her face that she was so excited. But I thought it was such a nice gesture to do as her big sister.

She wanted Strawberry Shortcake for her cake. So I make a little star cake for her and she was so excited about that.

Happy Birthday sweet Brinklee!

We are so grateful for family and their support. Brinklee loved the birthday calls and songs. Dad and mom, thanks for the gift. Going through and spending the time to do what it takes to actually send a gift I think means more to me than what the gift actually was. I know that our kids will one day appreciate that as well. You are a great example of support and making extra efforts.

9 Months, curiosity and MAJOR MESSES

2011-12-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

You know what I love about this age?! It is that they are so curious about EVERYTHING. It really is so much fun to watch Emrie. Laundry has got to be her favorite by far and away. As soon as she see's the basket full of laundry she smile, giggles and crawls as fast as those little knees and hands could possibly go. It ends up everywhere. I guess I love this age too because she is so adorable. Even if she is throwing my clean clothes everywhere.

She has also found a lot of joy with toilet paper, cupboards and crumbs. I captured a few pictures of her enjoyment. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Ammon was eating a chicken wings and holding Emrie. Just as Ammon was going to put it in his mouth she snatched it right out of his hands. As if it was all about her business. What were we thinking not giving her her own chicken wing?! Duh! Apparently she doesn't care how old she is and if she can eat it without choking or not. If she wants it.......she grabs it.

Emrie...9 Months

2011-12-06T12:25:00.000-08:00

Emrie is growing up right before our eyes, but yet it seems like just yesterday she was born. I am really having a hard time with her getting big. She is so active and everywhere. Crawling to her has become second nature and now she is onto bigger and better things.....walking along things and just standing without holding onto anything. I have no doubt that this little girl will probably take her first step before she is 10 months. I love that she challenges herself. Just yesterday I walked past her and noticed that she was holding onto the laundry basket and kept seeing if she could let go without no hands.....she did.

She is feeling so much better from the chicken pox, but has now decided to get her 2 front top teeth. Just as soon as she started feeling better she faces yet another hurdle of life. I guess that is just how it works. We are all praying (literally) that she will sleep better at night, not only for the rest of the family, but because she needs it as well. I was so worried about her complexion, because it was so pretty before, but the scabs are healing a lot better and looking really good. She is her happy self too. Smiling, giggling, and showing off has returned. We sure have missed it!

So here are some pictures of her the last few days. Being her active self.

Look mom no hands!

Happy 9 months to our darling baby girl.

Sweet Moment

2011-12-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

I love when I walk by and see these moments. Emrie has been restless lately and not in the mood to cuddle much. So when I saw this I had to snap a picture. I do have to say that Emrie really is a daddy's girl. He can't even walk by her without her fussing like, "don't walk past me dad without picking me up".

P.S. Did you notice the wood floor? It was installed last week, Ammon put the floor boards on and painted last weekend......and we are soooooooo happy to have our front room back!

Annual Cookie Party

2011-12-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite friends, Sharon. We were laughing about hiding our double chins! So funny.

Peanut Butter Babies....mini reeses peanut butter cup with peanut butter cookie surrounding it.

Only a few words to say...........Love every chance to see my dear friends. I don't really even care about the cookies. Hard to get there and prepare all 144 cookies, but more than worth it!

Hayden's School Invention

2011-12-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hayden did awesome with his invention. It was suppose to be a constellation viewer. He and Ammon worked on it for quite some time. When he presented it he was so quiet and reserved, but great at explaining and presenting it. We talked afterwards about how sometimes it is hard to stand in front of a group of people. But he did wonderfully. I think that if Hayden were to have a few more minutes he wouldn't have been so rushed. We are thinking that maybe he would like to put this in the science fair one day. It really is a great concept.

I love you Hayden and I am so proud of your amazing mind. He had a ton of ideas, but they all had to be done outside and one of the rules specifically explained that it had to be something inside. Amazing, amazing little mind.

Soon...

2011-12-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

Wow! You think it is about time for some pictures and fun stories from the Bundy home. Stay tuned. They are coming tomorrow, Sunday.

We have been soooooo soooooo busy. I feel like since before Thanksgiving we have hit the ground running and haven't stopped since. Last week went so fast, we were on Thursday and I was still wondering what happened to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

This is our life.....oh what a grand one at that.

...Little Things

2011-12-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

Today, I am most grateful for a teacher that LOVES my child enough to design her curriculum around children that have a great desire to invent things.

Today, I am also grateful for a husband who's mind works just like my child that loves to invent things.

Yesterday, I was so so so grateful for Walmart (which is saying a lot because, though I shop there, I usually end up mad about my experience). Yesterday was NOT one of those days.

Today, I am reminded about how much I love my little family. My children, who love their brother enough to help him in anyway they possibly can. My husband, who not only works hard everyday, but that will then put many hours and stay up late hours of the night helping his son on a school project. And care enough to do the many extra things and sacrifices that are required in helping his children have a healthy self-esteem.

Today, I am especially grateful to be a mom and a wife who witnessed such huge loving acts of service and love towards each other, and not even know they were doing it. That is a blessing that I will probably always remember.

Today, I am grateful for a dear friend who provides not only a joyschool experience but a loving home for my child when she is away from her comforts at home. And welcome her with open arms.

****************************************************
Sometimes life can get the better of you. Lately, that is how I have been feeling. Just plain yucky. Certain things happen that you can't really control and some things happen that can be controlled. Then, we just don't follow through, providing for us something that is unexpected. Today was a reminder that the many little things in life......are sometimes a lot bigger than the big things. I am grateful for those little reminders.

My husband, who is someone that has turned out to be a fantastic individual. I am grateful to have found him as my companion for the eternities. He is a very strong person who has taught himself many things. Life's lessons that he has learned on his own.. He is a GREAT dad. Dad.....not father. Often times I will sit back and admire the things that he teaches our children and the unimaginable love that he has for them......and shows it. He builds them up and comforts them when needed. He is a wonderful example to me and I hope that with what Ammon and I have together our children will think that they had it all, though there are many short comings, as we are all just trying to figure things out.

Three

2011-11-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

Us three girls ended up alone together one night, I can't remember why, but it was fun.

Oh the wonders of a 7 year old and dad's leatherman!

2011-11-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

So we are just driving along......on a very weary drive home from Bunkerville and Hayden says out of the clear blue sky, "dad, can I have your leatherman"? Ammon asks, "what for"? Hayden then replies (just no big deal like) I am going to pull my tooth out. All of us were like, okay we will see. A few minutes later, out screams Hayden, "I DID IT, I PULLED MY OWN TOOTH OUT WITH DAD'S LEATHERMAN". Well that sure livened up our trip for a while. Thanks Hayden I think we all needed a surprised like that.

Thanksgiving....Bundy Ranch Style

2011-11-23T20:14:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving at the ranch this year. It was very eventful and busy, but a good time. I am grateful that we were able to travel and visit everyone. It was nice weather and the kids are in their heaven when they are here. Lots of cousins to play with, acres and acres to roam and play with. Adventures just waiting to happen. I don't think I saw our kids hardly at all most of the days we were there.

Emrie didn't waste any time digging right into her food. The messy face explains it all.

Most days Brinklee was worn out she played so hard. I love those days!

We brought down our trailer to sleep in and that was nice to have a little bit of our own space. When your family is as big as ours it is so nice to have a little uninterrupted time and space. The 2 girls were able to nap-uninterrupted. They both woke up from their naps happy and continued happy throughout the day.

.......And I got talked into black friday with my sister in laws. It was my first black friday experience. I have to admit that is not normally my thing. The whole rush and millions of people all crowded together makes me very very anxious. But it was way fun and I was so glad that I went with them. We had a lot of fun talking and laughing together. Thanks ladies!

Another fun Thanksgiving.

Turkey (?)

2011-11-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Brinklee is in joyschool and LOVES it. This is one of the activities they did. I think it is a turkey, I can't remember, I know that's bad. My mind really is a huge blur about so many things. But, I know one thing....I love that she is in a loving, fun environment and I am grateful for that. She is learning so much and really takes ownership in all she learns. Right now they are singing Christmas songs in preparation to sharing them with us mom's and dad's and I will sing along with her....she immediately says, "stop mom, that my song". It is so darling listening to her sing. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

As the Days go By...So do the moments

2011-11-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

Oh yes he DID!

2011-11-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

Ammon took me to twilight...Breaking Dawn part 1. He is such a good man. He has taken me to all of them, even if I went with my girlfriends the night before on some of them. It was fun and we both liked the movie.

All you men out there, I don't care what you say. If you love your wife you will and should take her to do the things that she enjoys, even if they might not be the type of things you enjoy. Us wives would do and do the same. I think that is a healthy relationship. Thanks Am, it is always great getting to spend time together with just you.

Scabs

2011-11-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

Little Em, scabs and all. This is November 14th, so about 3 weeks ago. She looks a ton better now. These pictures make me so sad, but she was happy and not too bothered by them, so I guess I shouldn't have been.

She is walking along everything and very very active, just like all the other kids. Hard to keep up with, but it is nice to have active healthy children.

Jumper Cables

2011-11-14T20:15:00.000-08:00

A few Christmas's ago my sister Chelsey and b-i-l Ty gave us this Emergency Jumper cable thing. Today I was never so happy in my life at that very moment for this gift. IF you are like me, Ammon and I love practical gifts. I wanted to jump through my phone and give her the biggest hug I have ever given anyone. It may sound a bit ridiculous, but if you have ever been stranded because of your battery than you understand why this would be such a big deal. Best part about it was that it was easy as pie for me to do it. All I needed to know was how to put jumper cables on my battery. Cake! Thank you Ty and Chels!

Since it is the Christmas season....If you are looking for a gift for someone, this is one that I think people would appreciate. Especially long term. You can thank me later.

Polka-A-Dotted and Blue Eyed

2011-11-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

Little Emrie at 8 months. She is so fun. Emrie is crawling everywhere and into everything. But because she is so cute we are all not seeming to care too much. Recently she has started pulling herself up to things.....everything. She was sleeping wonderfully, until the chicken pox hit her then it went down hill from there. Poor thing has been miserable, BUT she is starting to feel a lot better the last few days.

This is how she is most the time. Crawling is so over-rated to her. I think she would rather walk.

She is still very much loved by everyone. Being carried is something that she could rather do without. Her independence is really showing through the older she gets.

Most days she is just Brinklee's "sticker" model.

Her eyes are the very pretty Bundy Blue, just like her dad.

The kids have started introducing her to all of the many joys of outside, with my permission......most the time. She LOVES to be outside, and would prefer to be with her brothers and sisters.

Loves the little buggy!

LOVES our dog, Roxie!

Roxie is so patient.

We are really enjoying having Emrie in our adventurous family. She is proving to be as active as the other 4 kids. We can't wait to see more of her personality as she grows older. She is in a size 3 diaper, weighs 20 pounds, drinks 6 ounce bottles, doesn't really like baby-food (would rather prefer the real stuff).

way...way....way WORSE!

2011-11-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

Chicken Pox (2nd time around)= MISERY

DAY ONE

Bowen got it first. With only a few, we didn't think it was going to be that bad. But, we were wrong. He was itchy and completely uncomfortable by the end of day 2. He had probably around 400 spots. He couldn't eat or drink because it hurt his throat and sleeping was terrible. He was up every 40 minutes or so.

DAY TWO

Emrie woke up with a few, by the end of the day they have multiplied and multiplied. She was still pretty good. Happy, but only a little uncomfortable. Bowen's were pretty bad. He was in a lot of discomfort and WAY itchy.

DAY THREE

Both kids were in complete MISERY. Neither one of them could sleep, because it hurt and itched to lay down. Both of their head were completely covered! It was very sad, especially Emrie because of the amount. You can tell by the pictures that they explain a lot of their comfort. Everything that Bowen walked by he itched his back on. It looked really, really funny, but I was trying not to laugh because he was so sad. Emrie also had them all over in her mouth. She didn't want to eat because it hurt. I tried everything, finally Benadryl did the trip ....for the most part. She also kept rubbing her hand on her head constantly.

Awwww. Don't you just want to cry with her? So so sad. If I took her anywhere everyone was concerned.

DAY FOUR

Bowen was feeling a ton better, a lot of his had scabbed over. SO the were no longer itchy, well for the most part. But Emrie was sadder than any one of my kids all put together. She has cried non-stop, pretty much 3/4 of the day and night. Besides rotating Motrin and Tylenol, Benadryl occasionally and Caladryl there really is not much else you can do. She seems to be happiest when she is taking a bath, so that is where are most the day.

I know that this isn't about anyone but these 2 sweet kids, but I wanted to mention how interesting it is when one person in a family is affected by something like this, whole family feels it. It was so great to see the other kids help out, even Brinklee. They couldn't stand to see Bowen and Emrie in so much pain and discomfort. As far as Ammon and I, WE ARE JUST PLAIN TIRED. When you are sleep deprived, we all know how hard it is to run as if things are normal.

I am still glad that the kids got it now rather than when they are older.

Being the Oldest by Halle

2011-11-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

Being the Oldest

By: Halle Bundy

Did you know actually being the oldest is pretty cool? Yes, there is lots of unpleasant things about being the oldest ,but I don’t pay attention to them. And there are lots of good things. Like, you get to have more responsibilities, you get to go on more rides at Disneyland, and when you get older you get to have your own car first!!!.

Sometimes I wish I wasn’t the oldest. But then I remember that being the oldest means I get to be the boss when my mom isn’t around. And I can teach my brother’s and sister’s how to be just like me. I like to be the boss. Now you know that I’m the oldest and that there are bad and good things about being the oldest.

****Halle had to write this for her class assignment. I loved it. It made me laugh, especially about the "boss" part. So cute. Had to share.

...just a little bit

2011-11-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

It is 10:39 PM and I honestly don't know why I am still awake. I suppose it is the silent, peaceful house. I have been getting into a habit the last week or so of staying up way to late. I can't help it. It is so nice to just sit in my home, with absolute quiet.

I am sitting here in my kitchen typing away as I am enjoying the wonderful smell of rain. It is pouring and freezing and I am in heaven! I love this season. LOVE IT!

Lately, I have started regaining my energy back. It is a wonderful thing! And it is a slow process, but it is slowly peeking it's head out and I am so grateful. Although, IT IS a slow process. The fabulous hormones are a bit unbalanced still and be careful because I might just start crying and not even know why. Just kidding.....well sort of. I don't just cry out randomly, but it doesn't take much for the faucet to trickle. Can't wait to see what menopause brings.

BUT, it is a very nice thing to start to see a little bit of who I know I really am.

AND.......I did something today that I absolutely LOVE to do. I organized something! The medicine cabinet. My husband is a HUGE HUGE HUGE organizer crazy man. Which makes the 2 of us a match in this way, but I have been slacking on my part. Hard to be on top of having a clean house, let alone an organized one when you are tired all the time. Our home really is quite clean and organized, just not as much as we would both like it to be. I know that I have been driving him crazy with certain areas of the home that are not quite so organized as they could be. I told him to just be patient and eventually he will get all that he would love to see in a home.

Today was a good start. I love it!

...and while we are talking about things I love, I LOVE mint M&M's. I could just sit and eat them ALL day long...

Luckily I don't have time to.

My dear friend Molly inspired me a few months ago and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. Thank you Molly.

I am off to go climb into some sweats and my nice warm comfortable bed......doze off to dreamland. Good night!

Seriously?!!!!!!

2011-11-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

You know what I love most about this picture? The fact that Emrie is just looking up at Brinklee, not even phased by what she is doing. She is just so used to bouncing around with her older sister. They really do have such a cute relationship though. Brinklee can get Emrie just giggling. It really is so adorable.

But seriously!

Do you think most people see this kind of picture on a regular basis.

My guess is NO!

Always an adventure!

Halloween

2011-11-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

Bowen, Hayden, Halle w/Emrie and Brinklee

Our next door neighbor always spoils my kids on Halloween. She called a whole week in advance just to make sure we were going come over to their house. She said that she had a special treat for the kids this year! So we headed over there and this year she totally went all out. She got them trick or treat bags just filled with treats and all kinds of stuff. They are awesome neighbors. Kaye is the daughter and she is in her 50's and has not been able to have children....and so she loves being able to spoil our's. Great people!

We went over to our good friends, the Haynie's for dinner and fun. We took the kids trick or treating in their neighborhood and they really had a great time.

Brother Haynie is a dentist and they had this awesome dentist set-up. Hayden decide to be one of the patients. It was great. They asked him if he was going to brush his teeth tonight and if not, he was not going to get the drill. So Funny!

Homemade Rootbeer, Tostadas, homemade salsa (pico de geyo), fruits, veggies, seven layer dip and chips and yummy dips to go along with it all. I love opportunities to enjoy friends and eat yummy food.

..........and this is what a very busy Halloween weekend and night brings. One tired little 2 year old. She couldn't even make it to her bed.

***Something funny. Bowen kept putting off bedtime, his excuse this time was, "but, mom I can't get those scary faces out of my head and I am scared". Ahhhhh, that made me sad. He also said, "mom, I can't get all those bad thoughts out of my head". Sweet boy, at the time Ammon and I were not very happy and very patient. But now that we look back on it, it is kind of funny. Next year we are to have a happy theme with our costume endeavor. Happy thoughts and costumes. It was a very busy last 5 days...we had something every single day, with chicken pox thrown into the mix. Fun, happy time, but I am tired and feel worn out.

7 Layers

2011-11-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Seven Layer Dip is okay for Breakfast....right? Maybe not the Diet Dr. Pepper. One of those mornings. I LOVE my life!

Annual Bundy Pumpkin Family

2011-10-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Let the carving begin........

The kids getting ready to carve their pumpkins.

Emrie wanted a part in scooping the insides of the pumpkin out. Then they went straight into the mouth.

Bowen and his pumpkin

Hayden and his pumpkin

Ammon's Pumpkin....Ahhhh

Emrie's Pumpkin...carved by her daddy

Sweet Emrie and one very tired momma

The pumpkin mess! Just like every year before, a rotten pumpkin gut mess. BUT, just like all the years before.......totally worth it!

Lighting the candles....Dad's favorite part.

Brinklee and her pumpkin

Our Bundy Pumpkin Family....it seems to grow every year, but this will be the last year of growth. From here on out, there will always be 7 pumpkins.

From left to right.....

Brinklee's, Bowen's, Emrie's, Hayden's, Halle's, Mom's and Dad's

Viewing our masterpieces

Then we went inside for the pumpkin pie part. Emrie loved the sweetness!

....I LOVE TRADITIONS....

"Chicken Pops"....Update

2011-10-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

I tried to get a couple of pictures of when her chicken pox was at it's worst and quite frankly, she just didn't get them too bad. I am grateful for that. She probably got a total about 50-60 bumps. Which, they say when kids get them they usually get between 150-300 bumps. They didn't really affect her too much. She got a few fevers and achy-ness and threw up once, but other than that she didn't really act too much differently. So these pictures are when they were starting to scab, which is the end of chicken pox.

I just wanted to note how funny people are. I got the extreme's some people seemed like they were running away from us as if we were carrying the plague and other;s were asking if they could bring their kids over and subject them to it. As much as I tried to be strong and try to not care I have to admit that my feelings did get hurt. While on a social network I had posted a picture of Brinklee the first day she got the pox and while most of the conversations were fairly normal and fine. One particular comment just was really hard to read. You think you know someone and then something like this happens and I suppose you find out who your friends really are. The true colors really shine through! My feelings are this.....I think that being a mom is hard....then you add a sickness or something like this and then the stress just duplicates. They don't mean to be rude, but they are....due to stress. I feel like some people are just plain superficial and shallow. Comments were made such as these, "my children CANNOT get chicken pox, I really do not have the time to take care of them while sick", "there really is no good time for my kids to get sick", "it is just a real inconvenience". While I have felt this way, I guess I am glad that I heard these such comments verbalized, because it made me realize that the world doesn't revolve around me and that I am my children's mother and yes that is what I signed up for. Actually, taking care of Brinklee was kind of refreshing because I got to snuggle her a lot more than she has let me.....due to her activity. She was a bit low key, well more than she normally is.

A lot was learned on this journey and I am grateful for the many friends that I do have that are awesome and NOT superficial. I don't have time for superficial. But I do have time for fabulous true friends.......and the bonus is that Brinklee will probably never get chicken pox again! That was the bonus.

More of the Emmie

2011-10-30T18:27:00.001-07:00

"Me pwitty"

2011-10-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

Brinklee got into my lipstick while she was taking a shower. The lipstick just happened to be semi-permanent...........GREAT!

I took this picture and showed her. When she looked at it, she said, "oh mom, poop on my face". I laughed so hard I was crying. The look on her face when she said that was so memorable.

Sheriff's

2011-10-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

Just one of our Sunday activities. The kids came up with this idea. So we converted 3 of the kids white shirts into Sheriff shirts. Brinklee was just fine running around in her panties. Good grief does that girl have any clothes?!

Nothing but the BLING

2011-10-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Brinklee continues to share her vibrant personality with us daily. She is getting cuter and cuter as she is talking a ton. I love to here her view on things. They are so smart at this age! One of my friends gave Brinklee these shoes and they light up when you walk. She was in heaven. So much that those shoes was all she wanted to wear.

This was our conversation:
Me: "Bink, cute shoes but do you think that you ought to put some clothes on"?

Brinklee: She looks at me with her cute face as says, "No mom, me got deeze on (as she points to her panties) and dats good nough."

Me: "Well, we really aren't suppose to show other people our panties."

Brinklee: "it all right, mom, really it is". (While saying that she has got her hands in the air expressively).

Me: "Okay, but I really don't think so."

****Not a battle worth picking.

2 Teeth and Crawling

2011-10-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Our little baby is beginning to look more and more older as the days go by. She is crawling everywhere and I haven't even had the chance to film it yet we have been so dang busy. I put her down in the middle of the room and before I know it she is no where to be found, but in the hallway....on her way to explore. Holding and snuggling are things of the past and Ammon and I are having a hard time with it. She would rather hold her own bottle and be laid down in her crib, no more rocking her to sleep and that is hard to handle. But she is so much fun as she has discovered that there is much adventure to find and figure out. Dang she is so darling with those 2 teeth on the bottom. Just want to squeeze her and never let go!

She is 7 1/2 Months

"Chicken Pops"

2011-10-25T09:45:00.001-07:00

I Love a Little Culture...

2011-10-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night my dear friend Wendy called and invited Halle and I to go to the Ballet West, Cinderella. Uum yeah. I didn't even need a second to think about that. What a great opportunity. She had 6 tickets, so she took her 3 girls and we all were excited to just be getting out of the house, let alone to watch a ballet.

One of the best-est person's ever!

Wendy and her girls. She has 5 girls, the oldest was babysitting and the baby was home with dad.

Hal and mom

The 4 girlies

It was Maggie's birthday on Monday and so she got to go. Maggie is turning the big 5. She is the cutest little, raspy voiced girl you've ever met. About 1/2 way through the nice, calming ballet music put her to sleep. So cute!

The 3 girls in the back. Fast asleep.

Thanks Wendy for the fabulous outing. It was so great of you to invite us and the company was even better. But my favorite part was talking in the car until midnight. You are great!

Good Looking Kids

2011-10-23T18:25:00.001-07:00

When I look at this picture I cannot believe how big Hayden looks. I think that he is so handsome! We had parent teacher conferences and all of the kids are doing good. Bowen's teacher just cannot get enough of him and told me so many funny things that he does in class. While talking with her she had said, "Mrs. Bundy, you have one good kid". I loved hearing that. She said that he is really really good at math. One of the days she had given the whole class a math worksheet and was getting ready to explain it, but by the time she had finished handing the worksheet out to everyone Bowen had his completely done, with only one wrong. She hadn't even explained how to do it. I am so grateful that Bowen loves school and is doing good. When he gets his weekly homework packet he wants to come home and do it all the first day he is given it, rather than just a little at a time.

Both Halle and Hayden's teacher had said that they are both really good behaved children and both of them are so kind to their classmates. I loved hearing that too. Halle is doing good, but her little chatti-ness is coming out. She has made a lot of friends this year and Miss Peterson said that she is very popular with both the boys and the girls.....heaven help us.

Hayden's teacher said that she could not believe how amazing he is with his sciences and history and social studies.....way above grade level. Ummm can you say, his father's child! He is still struggling a bit with reading and spelling, but he is definitely getting better. He says to me all the time, "but mom it is just so boring". He is such a hands on kid, that we are trying to find something that goes with using your hands and remembering how things are spelled. When he applies himself, he just wizzes right through his homework and reading. But, when he doesn't apply himself, we are doing homework for hours. It is ridiculous, we got from homework done in about 8 minutes to homework done in almost 3 hours. Same amount of pages.

You know, I am constantly amazed at how different children learn and the things that they are good at. All 3 of these school aged kids that we have learn at their own pace. There certainly isn't a carbon copy in our family. It really makes life interesting. I love these kids!

Character Counts Week

2011-10-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

One of the reason I love the school my kids go to is that they have all of these fun things they do. So this week was character counts week and on Thursday the kids got to where their grades character color. Well, 2nd grades color is Purple. Hayden was mortified to have to wear purple. I told him that they didn't have to wear their color, it is just something that they could choose to participate in. He couldn't stand the idea of not participating so I tried to think of something that wouldn't seem too girlish. I broke out my fabric paints and we painted one of his shirts with the color purple and white and silver. He was like, "okay, mom I guess I will wear that". I personally thought the shirt was cool. We wrote his teacher's name, the year and "Eagle" on the front. Now days MEN wear pink and purple a ton. My brother in law, Ty, can attest to that. Love you Ty!

So he agreed to wear it and off he went. When he got home I asked him if his class like the shirt, he said that everyone wanted a shirt just like that. I said, "even boys"? He responded, "even boys". Mission accomplished. Mom's hard work pays off. All for the kiddies!

SUCKER...oh my!

2011-10-23T18:03:00.001-07:00

Brinklee really is not selfish at all when it comes to sharing with Emrie. I cannot tell you all the many times I have caught Brinklee sharing whatever it is that she has, with Emrie.

As soon as Emrie tasted that sweet taste of sugar, it was over. There was no going back. Brinklee tried to tell her no more, but Emrie was not having it.

She ended up giving her the whole sucker, which I thought was really nice of her. I am sure it wasn't that easy of a choice. I, of course, let her have a few more sucks and then distracted her and got rid of it. Just a little too much sugar for a little 7 month old.

Such a big helper...Yikes!

2011-10-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

Beds...Closets and...Everywhere

2011-10-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Our little Emrie is rolling, rolling and rolling. And she has found herself in all kinds of precarious places. I can't tell you how many times I have found her just like the picture above, stuck underneath our bed. WE have found her in closets, bathrooms and in the middle of the hallway. Only having left her for a few minutes and she is not where we left her.

.......and she has started to crawl. She has been on her belly scooting around in a circle for quite sometime, but a few days ago she has been moving her hands and knees, one at a times and before she knows it she is across the room. So cute. Brinklee thinks that as her "big sister" role she needs to help Emrie doing everything. It really is so very tender, but a little mauling at times.

It is so cure to watch Brinklee. If Emrie does something new or even something a little different Brinklee is right there praising Emrie and cheering her on. It is cute. Sometimes I will hide and watch Brinklee from behind the door just to see what she will do, and she really is so cute with her.

I won't lie, I am quite sad to see my baby grow up. It does seem like it is too fast. We are all trying to enjoy every moment of her sweet baby-ness.

Precious

2011-10-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

Make-up Birthday Cake

2011-10-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Because things were so crazy around Ammon's birthday I told him that I would make him a birthday cake when we get back into town. He really didn't care if I made him a cake at all. Like usual, I cared more about him getting his cake than he did. Birthday's have and always will be really important to me. Probably until the day I die.

Anyways, I finally got around to making his birthday cake. It is only 1 month late, good grief. As per his request homemade carrot cake. This recipe really is so delicious, filled with sugar and butter.

Here he is singing right along with the rest of us.

Happy Birthday Ammon. Just plan on getting a big birthday every year, and with that a cake. So you might as well just enjoy it.

Babysitting Co-op..Lines last time...

2011-10-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Our 3 families have been a part of our own babysitting co-op and it has been so awesome! Our 3 families just work so great together and parent similar....these nights of co-op are so much fun. The Lines family, our dear friends have a daughter that is now old enough to watch her brothers and sister. It really is sad for everyone. I do not handle change well, but at the same time I am really happy for them. So it will just be our 2 families now.

So we thought is would be fitting to celebrate. We made cookies and everyone got to frost their own and decorate theirs themselves. It was so fun! Then everyone got to decorate their own little bag.

Little Ammon King

Halle...Cheeser....Bundy

Brinklee showing mom her cookie.....the plethera of sugar going straight into her veins.

Charlie and Hayden

Can't disappoint! Movie night, of course!

Everyone's bags.

Someday

2011-10-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

Someday I will be somebody's favorite. As for now I am only their mom.

Someone who has to discipline so that they understand that it is not okay nor appropriate to behave in certain ways. Someone that doesn't let them have everything that they want or their little heart desires. Someone that doesn't let them get spoons and eat from the sugar container. Someone that tells them to clean their rooms and make their beds. Someone that reminds those little hands to do their chores. Someone that explains why bathing is so important and then reminds them to take their showers. Someone that tells them to brush their teeth and wash their hands. Someone that encourages to love theirs brothers and sisters, though at times it may be hard. Someone who explains why the words "sorry" are very important and then encourages them to use them when needed.

Someday they will understand that those 8 things are great things that their mom taught them and applied, because I do love them. But as for now I am only their mom.

That someday will be nice. Nice to be somebody's favorite. Right now, I don't think I am anybody's favorite. Though that makes me sad, I guess I can live with it.

Until that day.....I guess dad will be their favorite.

Dad, I'm Gonna Do It!

2011-10-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Hayden noticed that his tooth was loose about a week ago. Ammon looked at it and said that it wasn't quite ready. So after a few days of wiggling and playing with it, Hayden ended up pulling it out himself. It was so funny, he had turned it about 3/4 around and said "mom, look". Quite frankly I thought it was disgusting. Later that night, he was playing with Halle and Bowen and all of a sudden we hear, "I did it, I pulled it out"! He was so excited...Hayden's usual excitement.

Family Time

2011-10-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to be better at holding family home evening. So we decided that once a month we would do something fun as a family. We also changed FHE from Mondays to Tuesdays. Ammon works late on Mondays and never gets home before 7. Tuesday's just worked better for us.

The kids have been wanting to see Dolphin Tale ever since they heard about it, so Ammon and I figured we would go to dinner first and then the movie. And our kids LOVE Red Robin. It is a fun place. After dinner we headed to the movie. It was so great. We were the only one's there! We could sit anywhere and be as loud as we wanted to without anyone caring. Right before the movie started a couple more people came in, but they were really nice.

Great movie. Fun family time!

Fall Break is Upon Us...2 Weeks Long

2011-10-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

I love that the kids have 2 week breaks, but each time I get a little worried about what we are going to do. How to keep them busy and not destroy everything in their path's is the mission. We didn't have any plans this fall break. We figured that our busy Summer was good enough for a while. Plus, we are trying to put our house back together. With the accumulation of art projects, yard work, chores, swimming at our friends house, friends over, amongst other everyday things we would be fine.

I saw these markers at the store and thought that it would be fun for the kids. When I pulled them out they were so excited that they could actually draw on the windows. Brinklee asked, "mom, I okay to draw on these (as she pointed the windows)?" I said yep. She looks at me completely confused. I had to explain that these are special markers that can draw on windows and then wipe off. The other markers are a big no-no.

We have been loving having our playroom back and have been wrestling around on the carpet and enjoying hanging out together. Here is Brinklee and Bowen playing with each other. I thought it was cute so I snapped a picture.

Brinklee always climbs on my back and Bowen thought it was a perfect opportunity to hop on as well. Em's, just hangin'.

I love that they still play imaginatively. They played house, orphanage, animals, and babies as you can see in this picture.

I took a picture of this because I thought it was so Hayden style. I knew it was him without even asking the rest of the kids. I asked Hayden to sweep up the floor and he gladly says yes. Then he put the broom back like this. My craziness looks at this and think, "oh my goodness it is upside down and then right away turn it around, but because Hayden did it I left it just the way he did it". Hayden thinks, "my mom is going to be so happy that I put the broom back without her even asking". Later I told him thank you for sweeping the floor for me and that is exactly what he said, "mom, did you see that I put the broom back, without you even asking". Great mom moment!

The cleaners brought back our stuff after cleaning it and it all came back in boxes. I am sure you can guess what I am going to write next. Yep, they loved it. I walked through the kitchen and saw Bowen just hanging out in the box, whole body and all. Silly kid.

I am actually really quite proud of the kids. They have been getting along pretty good. After day one of us all being home together I quickly realized that I needed to have a positive encouragement reward. So I made a good deeds sticker chart. Focusing on only good behavior and then rewarding it, maybe without them even knowing. It has been really good and worked.....for the most part. We still have fighting, tattling, crying, whining, disobedience and anything else that you can think of....BUT just not as much as we usually do.

We also sat down together as a family and made a Routine schedule. Everybody does better when they are on a schedule. It has been WONDERFUL! I only say it that expressive because ever since we have had kids, which has been 8 years bed time has been aweful, I mean AWEFUL. This schedule has been just what we have been looking for. It does help that the kids are getting older and easier in understanding. I am sure through the years it will change some, but we are bound and determined to stick to it until we need to tweak it a bit. All I know, is that everyone is happier and well rested.

Well that is a recap for week one. We will see what week 2 brings. Wish us all luck.

Growing...Growing...Growing

2011-10-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

Emrie is an eating fool. Whatever is put in her hands goes right into her mouth and there isn't anything she doesn't like yet. But when she's done, she's done. Watch out, cause it is goes a flying.

I love that she is holding her bottle herself, but way sad at the same time. She is beginning to be very particular about who feeds her. Sadly, she doesn't want anything to do with nursing. I think that I have been in mourning. I know it sounds strange, but I have been so sad and couldn't really pin anything on it. After talking with a friend about that, I am pretty sure that is the cause. Thank you Wendy for lending an ear. It was so nice to talk to someone about what I had experiencing.

Baby roller Bundy. Rolling is what this girl does, and she is good at it.

Emrie loves baths and water. She splashes and laughs the whole time.

Here she is telling me what is on her mind. She has certainly found her voice. She babbles constantly. And, of course, her first word is, dadda.

7 Months Old

Little Missy is Potty Trained

2011-10-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

When they're ready......they are ready! It was super easy, with only a few accidents throughout the day and none at night...so far, but it has been almost 3 weeks. She is 2 yrs. and 10 mos.

We are proud of her and she is so proud of herself. Great job Brinklee!

Friends are Great

2011-10-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Since the 3 older Bundy's have gone to school Brinklee has been pretty much lost. Like usual she is stuck to my hip.....even more. All day she asks when we can go get Halle, Hayden and Bowen. So we decided to have some friends over it was so fun and changed her day.

Comfort at our Finest...

2011-10-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hurray our carpet finally arrived last week and this is pretty much how we all feel about it. We found Hayden in the playroom closet, door shut and book in hand...and fast asleep. I can't tell you when I found him like this last. It is amazing how carpet really does provide so much comfort. It feels so homey and warm.

We are finding ourselves wanting to all gather in the playroom. Ammon has done a FANTASTIC job putting it back together. I will show pictures in a different post with all the rest of the projects he has been working on. It is comfortable and bright. Who would have thought that carpet could really change the feel in a home?! Well, I sand to testify that it does. After 2 months of concrete we feel like kissing this carpet we love it so much.

I put this picture on because it looks like Emrie is kissing it. Since we have had the carpet she is rolling EVERYWHERE. We have found her in the most precarious of places, under beds, in closets, behind couches. She is loving it, probably more than any of us.

I felt like telling the guys that installed it that I felt like kissing them I was so excited. Glad I thought twice about that thought. I probably would have been embarrassed later and sorry that I said that to 3 strangers.

WE ARE A HAPPY PEOPLE!

Mysterious Ways

2011-10-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

There are many, many things that I have realized since having my fifth child. You know the Lord works in mysterious ways and I have been wondering if I was suppose to have 5 children for more reasons than I realized. Lots of thoughts have been running through this crazy head of mine and I am trying to understand what is reality and what is just plain crazy.

On a funny note....I was very seriously saying to Ammon that before long I think I might end up in the crazy house, he in his funny sense of humor says, "maybe you are already here". HA HA HA, is what I responded with and then I really thought about it and really started to laugh. Before long we were all laughing....Ammon, the 4 crazy kids and me. The kids didn't even know what we were laughing about. I thought that was cute......they were just happy that mom and dad were happy. Yes, we did create this!

Anyways, back to the Lord's mysterious ways.
1) So the first thing that I have realized is that I have really great, easy babies. Emrie topped it off with by far and away being the easiest one. That actual idea did not take me 5 kids to realize, but what did was that they are great when they are babies.......but then when they are about 6 months....DA DA DA DUH...they all have the same traits as each one of our little Bundy persons before them, they become.....BUSY.....crazy busy! Emrie has begun to enter into the busy, entertain me stage and it is so dang cute! BUT, I can't get anything done...unless she is asleep.
2) Something else is that I am realizing that it is more important for me to serve other's than to be self-serving. I love to serve my loved one's. I guess I needed 5 children to accomplish this, because there certainly is no time for myself.
3) This one is BIG! Postpartum. When I had our first child, Halle, it was only a few short days before I began to feel the effects of this crippling condition. I had no idea what exactly this entailed and that it would be a long year before I even began to feel better. These feelings are something that I have experienced with every single child that I have had. So initially, I knew that after having Emrie, our 5th child, I would once again feel this way, again. Which, I will openly admit that I put off getting pregnant with her because I couldn't bare the feelings of what postpartum was to bring to our home, through me. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that sweet Emrie was to come to our family. It was one of the strongest impressions that I have ever felt. I went to the Temple every week for about 6 months and sincerely asked our Father in Heaven if these impressions were right. Every single time I prayed or asked about it, the answer was stronger and stronger that we were to have her in our family. This was a very difficult decision for me, only because of the postpartum. And could I really take good care of another child the way HEavenly Father would expect me too. But that whole experience deserves it's own post. And we are more than delighted and happy that Emrie is a part of our family. We love her so much! BUT the one thing about postpartum depression that I have realized, that has taken me 5 children later, is that it does not matter what I do to try and make it better, the only thing that helps is having patience and giving it time. I have tried everything, all five times. I am currently experiencing these feelings every day, some worse than others. Prayers, diligent scripture study, exercise, drinking a large amount of water, vitamins, attending all church meetings, herbs, essential oils and anything else that says it might help. NOTHING HAS WORKED. I think that they have definitely helped, but not cured it. But I know, because of the last 4 children, that it does go away after about 1 year. My doctor said that it takes about 2 years for a woman's body to evenly regulate hormonally once she has had a baby. That is a dang long time and something that I have not experienced in between children. All of my children are about 2 years a part in age. Do I even know what feeling like myself even feels like?
4) I am also learning that although I try my very hardest to do everything on my own. There are many days that it would be easier if I asked for help, more importantly accepted it when offered. I am grateful for the amazing friends that I have. Learning that there really is no shame in accepting help has made me realize that Heavenly Father wants us to lean on each other and help carry each other's loads, at times burdens that life throws us. Letting people serve me is giving them the opportunity to receive those blessings.
5) Monetary things mean nothing. I am looking at our flood as a confirmation about this. I have never really been a person that cares too much about "things", but I do care about taking care of what I have. A flood will certainly override any of those cares. I have come to realize that though taking care of all of those tangible things is important, there are other things/person that are more important. One question has been in my mind, "am I taking good CARE of my children and their building of self-worth? Something that is way more important than tangible things. This is very difficult for me to do with 5 children.
6) I am coming to realize that no matter how hard I work to have a nice skinny body, I am just not going to walk out of that hospital with a flat stomach, nor am I going to have it in 6 months or 1 year. My body just isn't made that way. But what is more important is having a healthy child and focusing on that. That is what is more important!!! How much time am I thinking about how grateful I am for my beautiful child compared to how much time I am worrying about not liking my body and wishing I was skinny again? There is a constant voice telling me, "the way your physical appearance is, does not define you, Lisa. Love yourself for the good you do. That is more important". If we are telling the truth about loving ourselves, then that is very hard for me to do. The Lord is softly whispering to me that it is a greater desire to focus on the beautiful children that were given to me, than to constantly focus on how my pregnancies have wreaked havoc on my body.
7) I have realized that no matter how many children I have, 1 or 5, I cannot and will not enjoy them 100% until I learn patience. It will be then and only then that I can truly enjoy them.
8) I am continually learning that my Heavenly Father really does love me. For two of many reasons. He has shown me by lovingly protecting our children in many different situations. More than I could even count. I know he loves me because he sent his son to this earth so that I can correct my wrong choices and be given a second chance. I am grateful everyday for that great sacrifice.
9) Last of all, but I am sure there are zillions more, I have realized that I have a lot to learn in my life. I had to have 5 children to remind me and teach me about all the many most important things. Even our 2 year old has helped me to learn such a large amount of patience and long suffering, and how to be a better mom.

My children are wonderful beings. I am grateful that Heavenly Father entrusted me enough to send 5 of his most precious children. At times I feel like this is a very heavy load, but I love them very much and know that I can carry such a load. I know that with his help it will be a lot easier.

I have a lot to learn about life, especially about being a mom. Not just a mom, but a mom that our children can grow up and know that their mom loved them very much and that I tried my hardest. I know that I make mistakes, but I try to acknowledge them, apologize and then try better.

Doing all of these things would be a lot easier if I only had a smidge of the energy of only one of them.

Here's to patience, love and trying my best in raising our 5 fabulously, energetic and amazing children.

The End

Familia Updates...

2011-09-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

Updates seem like they could be daily with as much that goes on in our family. I just need to remind myself to focus on what is important and let the other stuff go. My mother in law always says, "remember to enjoy the rose buds while waiting for the rose". That is so appropriate for my life right now. I appreciate the advice, probably more than she realizes.

In the last 4 months we have been so busy and done so much that most people could say they did it in 1 years time, or maybe even 2 years. Seems as if I need to remind myself to breath. I think having 5 kids is busy alone by itself, not even adding everything else with it. But, we just keep moving forward and we are doing just fine.

Emrie is still a fantastic baby and has been wanting to gnaw on everything that comes into her arms length. Carrots seem to do the trick, cold and hard. We are all loving on her just as much as we all did the day she entered this world.

Hayden has been up to his usual projects and is pretty proud of himself. He could really care less about the whole reading and writing stuff. He would rather build, construct and figure things out with his hands. We keep reminding him that you have to learn to read and write in order to be good at anything you can construct. He is very good at math and has no problem in that area. Just like his dad. Lately we have noticed that he is so awesome at being obedient, which hasn't always been the case. It is so nice that he just will do it without an argument.

Emrie, 6 1/2 months

This is our living room right now. It is an accumulation of everybody's room, the playroom and pretty much anything else that doesn't have a home. It is starting to wear on me, but I am trying really really hard to be patient. That is my trial!

The Playroom

Brinklee is loving being home with only mom and Emrie. She is a big helper. I loved running into this. I asked her to put this bag of bottle nipples in mom's closet and here they are in dad's drawer. Cute! I was kind of having a rough day and after stumbling across this, it was brightened.

And low and behold here Brinklee is right with Emrie. Only every second of every minute. Brinklee is very loving and nurturing to Emrie, sometimes a little smothering, but at least it is all in good intentions.

You see what I mean by smothering. Good thing Emrie is a good sport and very good natured.

Here is the boys room. We took out their bed because it was in the way and then I decided it was time to get them their own beds. So in about 4 weeks they will have their own beds, bunk beds. We found out in Bear Lake, after sleeping on this kind of blow-up mattress for 7 days it wasn't half bad. The boys think it is an adventure, of course. Wouldn't be any other way if there weren't some type of adventure attached to whatever we are doing.

This is our room. Luckily we only had to sleep like this for one day.

Our whole bedroom is in our master bathroom. Feeling a little claustrophobic, but grateful at the same time for the new carpet to be put in.

So through all of the many changes and different directions that we are and have been going it has been good but trying, for me especially. I won't lie I have had a lot of up's and down's....for many different reasons. Not only because of the flood, but for other reasons. Postpartum seems to still be lurking around and I hate feeling like I do. Just not myself. So between that and everything else, most days I feel defeated. My thoughts lately have been......Me being a mother, there has only been "moments of greatness". I hope that my children do know that I love them very much and everything I do, is for them. I know that I am not perfect and fall short in many areas, but I am trying......everyday.

Things are looking up as far as the flood issue. We got carpet this last Tuesday in all of the bedrooms and it is beautiful and very comfortable. We are scheduled to be getting the wood installed this coming Tuesday, that is if Ammon takes care of some things that he is not so happy about. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Wish us luck!

We are all healthy and really have a lot to be grateful. That is the good!

Rosebuds

2011-09-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

Trying to enjoy the rosebuds, while waiting for the rose to bloom! In reference to this lovely, old, dumb, flood-destructed house...

BUT....I am grateful for a husband that does know how to do the work. That is a big positive!

Someone give me some sort of inspiration. I am in desperate need.

Thanks to my lovely mother-in-law for great advice...

Houston's Come to Play

2011-09-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

Bear Lake...Grandpa Turner we miss you and love you!

2011-09-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Bear Lake...Water, Games and Races

2011-09-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

Kickball

Volleyball

Races

Water

Bear Lake...Some More

2011-09-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

Boating Time!!!!

After Tuesday the lake was bare. It was awesome. It felt like we had our own little island to ourselves.

These are the condos that dad and mom rented and we stayed in.

Halle was so brave. She said that she wanted to wakeboard. We put her out there and she popped up right away. Didn't stay up long, but we could not believe how good she did. Next time we just have to figure out which direction for her to turn.

Building sandcastles.....is a lot of work. Just ask uncle Nate.

Ammon and Nate wake boarding. They were awesome! I only wish that I had gotten a picture of Nate doing "Superman". It was great!

Painting Uncle Ty's toenails.

Bear Lake...Family Pictures

2011-09-14T13:03:00.002-07:00

Family Pictures

The Girlies

All the Grandkids

(Silly Face)

The Boys

The Whole Family

Our Fun Family

The Guys

The Girls...

...Sorry Suz, this is the only non-blurry picture of all of us.

The 2 that started this adventure!

So grateful for you, dad and mom, it was a wonderful trip.

Extra's

LOVE THIS FAMILY OF OUR'S! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...

Bear Lake 2011...Day 1

2011-09-14T13:03:00.000-07:00