Gift # 8 Today

I know this sounds kinda lame, but let me explain myself. Today was a wild day! It seemed like all of us were going in different directions. We had Saturday chores, Ron had to work, we had more shopping, we had kids running in and out of the house all day long, and we have Ellie running all day long. Tonight while we were at the dinner table Ellie announced at 6:00 that she was tired and wanted to go to bed and therefore put herself to bed. For those of you who don't know Ellie, she is a pistol! She does not stop ever! Because of this she wares me out! So for her to choose to go to bed without a fight is a dream. Because of this Gift # 8 is Today!

Gift # 7 Tara

Most of you know Tara. She is my older sister by 18 months, because of this we have always been close. All through growing up her and I played together. We mostly played house and school. Even though Tara insisted on being the Teacher or the Mom all the time, I have wonderful memories of the fun times we had then. In high school we each had our own friends, but my friends were her friends and vice versa. In fact I just ran into one of my friends from MHS, Scott, and he asked how Tara was and then said she was like the big sister he never had.

When I went away to college Tara always came to visit me. When Ron and I started dating she was there listening to me when I needed a sounding board. When Ron and I lived in Morenci, Tara was the only one we could get to visit us there. For a while Tara moved to Colorado and then to Utah and I really missed her, but then she got wise and moved back.

Tara now lives only 5 minutes away from me and I love it. I always say I am so lucky my kids have 2 moms. My kids love Tara also. She is their confidant. She can get them to open up and talk to her when they are closed mouthed around me. Tara is always willing to come over and help me out with my kids when I am in a bind. On Tuesdays Ron has meetings, Bryn and Porter have YW and YM, and Torie and Kymber have gymnastics. For a while there I had to take all the girls (Torie on down) with me to gym and not get home till 8:30. It was a nightmare. Tara found out about this and offered to come every Tuesday and watch my 3 younger girls and put them to bed. Tara gives my kids piano lessons at my house and is willing to work around our schedule. Every Sunday after her meetings are over Tara comes to my ward and takes Taralee to my house and puts her to bed. While she sleeps, Tara finishes up the dinner that I have prepd and when we come home from church we have dinner on the table. What a blessing Tara is. She is a wonderful sister, aunt, and friend! Gift #7 Tara. Everyone needs a Tara! We love you and you can stop crying now! :o}

Gift # 6 To Be Able To Breathe

I have a horrible cold today! Need I say more? Gift #6 to be able to breathe! :o}

Gift # 5 Good Books

I bet you thought I was going to be a slacker today and not post. But I am proving you wrong. It is 11:14 pm (way past my bedtime!) and I am still up. Porter went with Tara to the Sun's game tonight so I stayed up finishing a book while I waited for him. I love to read a good book. To be perfectly honest, I didn't read a book on purpose (I read books all the time for school, but I didn't enjoy it probably because I had to read it. I don't like being told what to do.) until I was bed-ridden while I was pregnant with Bryndee. I got so tired of TV that I picked up the book Anne Of Green Gables and loved it. That was the start of my love of reading. I tend to be fond of series. Yes I have read the Twilight series, but I have to say I didn't love it. Before you all gasp in disgust, let me explain. I loved the first book, I could not put it down. My house was a pit for 2 days. I was so excited to read the 2nd book. When it came out I read it right away. I liked it but I didn't love it. When the 3rd book came out I read it but not right away. I was so done with this story that when I heard there was a 4th book coming I was kinda irritated. I wanted it to be done with the 3rd book. So here it is months after Breaking Dawn was published and I can't make myself read it. I know crazy. Anyway back to some of my favorites...Goose Girl by Shanon Hale-love it! These Is My Words series by Nancy E. Turner-LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austin-Love It! In fact any story related to Pride and Prejudice I love! There are many many more good series and books but these are a few of my favorites. Gift #5 Good Books! If any one has one to recommend please let me know Thanks!

Gift # 4 Mom's Rolls

Gift # 4 is my Mom's Rolls. My Mom is known for her rolls. They are light, they are golden, and they are delicious. It does not matter how many times I try to make my Mom's rolls they never taste like hers. Today I spent the afternoon making rolls as a trial run for Christmas Dinner and guess what? They are in no way like the rolls I had for Thanksgiving Dinner that my Mom made. They are good, but they are not wonderful. So my Gift #4 is my Mom's Rolls.

Mom making her rolls for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Gift # 3 Sunday

I went to bed last night with a different gift in mind, but when I woke up I thought of a different gift that I felt was perfect for today. My gift #3 is today, Sunday. What? You may ask? I have not always viewed Sunday as a gift, in fact there are some Sundays that I view as a trial. I learned to like Sundays when Ron was serving as Bishop. I think it was because inorder to survive, we had to come up with something quick! When Ron was called I had 4 kids and was due any day with Abby, my 5th. My oldest, Bryndee, was 8 years old. My thoughts, as well as many others I am sure, were how in the world am I going to do Sundays? We learned to rely on each other, and enjoy the day.

When our meetings permit, we all take naps! I love Sunday naps. Those of my kids that do not want to nap just take time in their rooms and read, play legos, color, or whatever they can find that is quiet. When we are not napping my kids are playing, together! On every other day we have to compete with TV and friends. On Sundays we don't have either. I also look forward to a wonderful Sunday Dinner. Tara comes over while we are at church, and with our combined efforts (my prep time before church and her getting everything together while we are at church) we come home to a meal sitting on the table ready to be eaten. While Ron was the Bishop we didn't get to sit by him for 5 years, but we did get to see him every Sunday. He was sitting on the stand always smiling down at us. Sometimes shaking his head at us, and sometimes giving a certain child the look. Now with his new calling we don't get to see him during church very often. But because he is the 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency and the 1st counselor is also in our ward, when they both visit at the same time Ron gets to sit with us as a family. We love this. My kids ask every week if he will be attending our ward. He usually has 2 kids on his lap and another one leaning on him. I love it because I get to listen and enjoy the meeting. Like I said not every Sunday is view as a gift, but for the most part they are. Gift #3 Sundays! Happy Sunday Everyone!

Gift # 2 My Family

Wow! I don't realize how large my family is until I see us all in a picture! There are alot of people in this picture!


This is my family! I think they are a wonderful gift that I have been blessed with! Let's start with my dear husband, Ron. He is an amazing blessing in my life. He is my best friend and the person I want to spend eternity with! Bryndee has jumped head first into the teenage years, and I am really enjoying them with her. She is a perfect example for her younger brother and sisters. She is a huge help to me with the 2 younger girls. Being my only boy, I have always considered Porter my bonus child. He is alot of fun to be around. When he smiles, his whole face lights up. He is such a good boy and is always trying to do what is right. Torie is my happy child. Her smile is so contagious you can't help but smile with her. Kymber is my artistic child. She has been drawing since she was 3 years old. I can't wait to see this talent develop more. Abby is my sweetheart. So kind and such a peacemaker. Ellie is my spunky, feisty girl. She is definitely the boss of our family, but we all seem to be ok with that. Taralee is my baby girl. I kinda feel sorry for her because she will always be known as our baby. I have really enjoyed having her and her easy going attitude. It is amazing you would think being the 7th child we wouldn't be too interested in her "firsts", but that couldn't be further from the truth. It is like she is the only baby we have had in our house. Well there you have it my gift #2 MY FAMILY!

My Gifts

Lately I have been kinda in a funk if you will call it. There have been so many things going on around me that have affected me personally or my family that I have had a hard time just being happy, which had added to my funk. This is supposed to be the happiest season of the year. We have just completed Thanksgiving and I have so many things to be thankful for, and we are just starting into the Christmas Season which is wonderful. So I have been trying to think of something that will help me be happy again. I got a wonderful idea from a friend I have just reconnected with. Erin was challenged to list and describe 1 "gift" everyday for the month of December. Reading her "Gifts" made me realize this might be just what I needed to remove my funk. I hope Erin doesn't mind me taking on this challenge as well. So here we go and in no particular order...

Gift #1

Shelley Conway

After a short courageous battle with cancer, Shelley Marie Conway, 47, was called home on November 26, 2008. A native to Arizona, Shelley was born May 15, 1961 and was named Shelley M. Shelley and nicknamed “Shelley Squared”. She married and raised 8 children and one husband! Even though a full time mother, she always made time to help and be involved with serving others in church, school, sports, politics and scouting. She knew by serving others she was serving God which fulfilled her life in every way. Shelley is survived by her husband and best friend Michael, first daughter Britney; sons, Taylor, Gannon, Colter, Lincoln, Prescott, Briggs and her last daughter Zaida Coleen; father, Eldon (Bobbie) Shelley; siblings, Robert Shelley, Richard (Debbie) Shelley, Lyn (Allen) Bracken and Eldona (Jim) Stevens; over 150 nephews, nieces and brothers and sisters-in-law not counting her many aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by her mother, Zaida Marian Shelley and brother, Asael Reed Shelley. Visitation will be held 6-8:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008.

Shelley was the mother of my Porter's best friend. Shelley was a wonderful mother to her 8 kids. She was very supportive of each of her kids. I never knew how she did it, but she was at every event her kids had. Porter spent alot of time at the Conway home. With 6 boys in their family we liked Porter to be around other boys so he could see how boys really act and function. Porter was treated as though he belonged in their family. We felt the same way about Prescott.

When I got word of Shelley's illness (2 months before her passing, and just weeks after news of my Dad's diagnosis of cancer) I became physically ill. I questioned how this could happen to someone so wonderful. I had the opportunity to visit Shelley in the hospital a couple of times and never was there a word of complaint from her. In fact she always asked how I was, or how Porter was doing. I always came away from our visits feeling better.

Shelley's funeral was beautiful! I was not surprised to see the amount of people there to celebrate her life. The entire stake center was packed to the back of the gym. Her dear husband, Michael, choose to speak and invited his kids to share with everyone what they loved about their mom. Talk about a tear jerker! But what a lovely tribute to their wonderful mom. I truly think of Shelley as a gift in my life and am so thankful for the wisdom she shared with me and the wonderful example she was to so many people.

My Talented Daughter

Tonight I was working on the computer (OK wasting time on the computer) and Bryndee came out of her room very excited. "Mom you have got to hear this!" Putting her cell phone to my ear she proceeded to play We Thank Thee Oh God For Our Prophet by pushing the buttons on her cell phone. She can't play the piano, but she sure can play the phone. I am so proud! She is so talented!

Abby's Christmas List

I woke up this morning and found this list on the table:
1. A giant paint set
2. A Nintendo DS
3. A Barbie House
4. About 5 more Barbies
5. Nail polish
6. Lipstick
7. DS Games (If I get a DS)
8. Pet Shops
9. WebKinz: Bunnie, Rino, Duck, & a Raindeer
10. High School Musical 3 on DVD
11. GRANDPA ALLAN TO GET BETTER!!!!

Isn't she a sweetheart? All I want is number 11 also! I love you Dad!

Full Of Truth!

While I was preparing for a talk I get to give for the San Tan 1st Ward's Enrichment Night, I came across this quote. I feel it is full of truth especially with the outcome of this election!

“Whatever the era, whatever the times, one thing will never change: Fathers and mothers, if you have children, they must come first. You must read to your children and you must hug your children and you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House but on what happens inside your house.” Barbra Bush

Halloween

My kids start talking about their costumes for Halloween in February. I have finally made a rule that costumes can not be discussed until October 1st. This year Kymber wanted to be a witch. We didn't have any which costumes on hand so Bryndee offered to make her costume for one of her value projects. What a great idea! So I bought the pattern and fabric and Bryndee went to town. She did most of it by herself and did a great job. The only problem was the project was to take 10 hours and she only took 6 hours. So we are trying to figure out what she can do to make up the remaining 4 hours. Anyway Kymber was thrilled and so was Bryndee. I enjoy watching her sew and developing a new talent.

Bryndee working hard!

The finished project

Here are my kids...Kymber the witch, Torie a Pajama Party Princess, Ellie as Cinderella (we were lucky to get this dress off her for church today), and Abby the Queen.

Ron even got into it this year. Tara let him borrow her Harry Potter costume she wore to work earlier that day. The sad thing is Ron and I had to look Harry Potter up on the Internet because neither of us had seen any of the movies and had no idea what he looked like. The kids were pretty pleased that their Dad would dress up. Way to go Ron!

Raising Teenagers!

My friend Ginger wrote this for her blog and gave me permission to post it on my blog. I thought it was very profound!

I've decided people are like butterflies. Our kids are like the caterpillars when they are little. Parents are like the cocoon. We shelter them as they grow and as they change (puberty). But then before long they are wanting out of that shell and they start trying to get out. They want to be free and spread their wings. So they start pushing and stretching to try to get out... I've decided the whole experience is a very painful process... for the cocoon!

Too Funny!

I stole this off my friend, Carey's blog. I hope she does not mind, but I don't think she will seeing as how she stole it from someone else. I found it quite funny! Thanks Carey!

Porter And His Buddies!!!

Porter and I had a surprise this past week. Some of our good friends came home for a surprise visit. My good friend Marissa and her family (Breton, one of Porter's best buddies) moved last January to Peru for a couple of years. Monday afternoon I get a call from Marissa informing me they are in town for a surprise for her dad. I was thrilled for 2 reasons: 1. Obviously I was excited to see her and her family, and 2. It had been a month since I could get in contact with her no telephone (Vonage is not all it is cracked up to be), and no Internet therefore no e-mail. I just knew something was wrong. It was so good to see them. We talked Breton into coming with us to Porter's B-Ball game and surprising him. When Porter saw Breton walk in he could not believe it. Too bad they lost their game, but it was fun for Breton to watch Porter play. Porter had another game on Wed. so Breton came with us again. Porter's team lost again. I told Breton if we weren't so excited to see him we would think he was bad luck for Porter. :o}

Porter and Breton wanted to spend Friday night together since Breton was leaving early Sun. morning. We went ahead and invited Prescott over as well since he and Breton knew each other already. They had such a good time. I am so grateful for the friends that Porter has chosen. He is always surrounded by good kids. It is so funny to me the difference of Porter's friends. We have the sport's nuts, the extremely intelligent kids, the really big guys (not hard to be this considering how small Porter is), and the younger guys. Porter doesn't care what people look like or who they are, he is just friends with everyone. I had to take a picture of these 3 boys Friday night. Look at the size difference of these kids. We have Porter on the left, then Prescott, then Breton. There are only 6 months separating these boys. Kinda funny Huh?

Happy 16th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary Ron! It has been a wonderful 16 years! I love you~A

Laser Tag

I know I know don't hate me because I am beautiful! Cherai was suppost to "Dr." up my photo before she sent it to me and she must have forgot. Anyway Saturday night Ron and I had a great time with about 25 other couples. We played Laser Tag. We had such a good time. George Miller was the "Master Mind" behind this fun evening. He reserved the whole place for our group, we were able to play 2 rounds. Needless to say, shooting is not my sport. The first round I scored 55 out of 57. Ron was not much better I think he got 49. The second round I improved I got 47 out of 52. Ron also improved he got 29 out of 52. It was alot of fun and I am glad we did it! Thanks Debbie for inviting us!

I HATE CANCER!!!!!

Happy Birthday Grandma Sharon

Happy Birthday Mom! Hope your day is wonderful! I asked some of my kids (Bryndee had already left for school when I thought of this) what they thought of when I said Grandma Sharon and here are their responses:

Porter: "I think of always having fun with her oh yea and her rolls they are the best!"
Torie: "I think of her always having gingersnaps to eat, they are so yummy! She is also funny!"
Kymber: "I think she is so nice. I also love the orange slices she has for me to eat."
Abby: "When I think of Grandma I think I smell a Baker. I also think of the ice cream sandwiches she always has for us."
Ellie: "I love to play blue play dough at Grandma Sharon's house."

Happy Birthday! We sure love you and wish we were with you celebrating with the nurses.

Update On Dad

Once again I took this off Cassie's Blog:

Here is a quick update on what is going on with my dad and his cancer. Last week he had what is called a PET Scan and a Scope. The Scan is really the last test they can do on him to try and figure out what type of Cancer he has. Today the Doctors were able to show us the scan over the computer. It goes through his entire body, major organs and glands. The result of that was nothing that we don't already know. It is in his hip, lung and a few glands, but his Heart, Liver, Pancreas, Stomach and Kidneys all are clean, they look great! (Due to the cancer he has lost 30 pounds .) They still cannot figure out where the source of the cancer is. So right now his condition is labeled "Cancer of the Unknown Primary" which is only about 5% of all cancers, very rare. They admitted him today up at Huntsman Cancer Hospital to start his prep for his surgery on Wednesday. Today they are doing an Embolism which is where the doctors cut off all blood supply to his tumor in his hip (about a 2 1/2 hour procedure). Then on Wednesday he will be getting a full hip replacement and a removal of that yucky tumor. That procedure will be about 6 hours. Then he will have a recovery in the hospital anywhere from 5-10 days. His healing at home will be about 4 weeks. After the 4 weeks then the doctors will discuss what type of Chemo he will be on. They only have two to choose from. They will try one type for about 2-3 months and then x-ray to see if the cancer is shrinking. If that doesn't work than they have one more to try. We still have a long road of waiting. Please keep him in your prayers, especially on Wednesday.

Thanks again Cassie for the info.

Happy Birthday Abby!

The fall is a busy time at our house. Three birthdays within 4 weeks what were we thinking? Anyway today is Abby's B-Day she turned 6 years old. I can't believe she is already 6 years old where has the time gone? Abby is my SWEETHEART! She is a very kind and compassionate child. Maybe it is because she has been through so much her first couple of years that she has a high tolerance of others and their ways. Abby is a very smart girl that loves to learn. Because of her size (she is really tall) we started her in school a year early and we are glad we did. Abby is the youngest and the tallest in her class, but you would not know she is young because she fits right in academically. Abby has the funniest personality! She always makes us laugh. From the very beginning Abby has been a wonderful eater. She loves her veggies. I remember giving her celery and carrots to eat for a snack one afternoon and hearing her giggling at the table. I asked her what was so funny and she said she was just so happy to be having the very best snack ever. We love you Abby! You are WONDERFUL!!

When Abby was 2 she ended up in the hospital for 9 days with an abscess on her liver (I know very weird). There was a time there when the Dr's. didn't know if she would make it. It was an awful time in our family. This picture was taken just weeks before this whole ordeal. Ron gave her a blessing just days before she went into the hospital and I clung to the promises made in that blessing. I honestly believe that is what got me through this awful time.

Abby choose to go to Olive Garden for her birthday dinner. After dinner Ellie asked when we were going to go to "All the Gardens" it took some convincing to help her realize that we said Olive Garden and not All the Gardens.

Porter And His Rubiks Cube

Yesterday while I was out and about I get a call from Porter asking me if I will pick him up a Rubiks Cube. Ever since the school student council elections when one kid solved a rubiks cube while giving his speech (proving he could solve any problem that came his way, which I think was rather clever by the way) Porter has been fascinated with that toy. I picked him up one and immediately he went to work. Within minutes he had that thing so messed up I thought well it is ruined. From 4:00 pm till bed time he worked on that thing. Every once in a while I would hear "Oh dang it", or "Oh NO", or "Dang now I have to start over!" But he would continue on with it. Last night at 9:45 pm I came in to tell Porter I was going to bed. He could continue working, but be quiet and turn off the lights when you are done. This morning after he had been up for about 1 hour I hear "Yes! I did it!" He came running in just a pleased as anything-he did it the cube was perfect again! I was amazed. When I was a kid I would peel off the stickers. Ron said even he could never figure it out and he is one of the smartest people I know. Way to go Porter! As he was running to show his sisters he dropped the cube and and crash! The Cube was in pieces and so was Porter. Needless to say we will be going back to the store and purchasing a new cube and he will be starting all over again. Can't wait to see you complete it again!

Happy Birthday Taralee!

My baby is 1 year old today! I can't believe it. I have always said "9 months is a long time to get a baby here, it is not fair that 1 year goes by so fast!" Taralee is such a joy! She is a very calm, happy baby and has been this way from day one (I think Heavenly Father knew this family would not function if our baby was not calm). She slept through the night when she was one week old and has continued to be a good sleeper. She looks a little like Porter she even has the animated eyebrows and the tongue that sticks out when she concentrates. All our kids adore her and think she is the cutest baby ever. We love you Taralee (Talula)!

A couple weeks old
Just about 6 months old. I can't believe how much Bryndee has grown up in the last 6 months.
About 9 months old
1 year old!

6th Grade Science Camp

I had the opportunity to go to Science Camp with Torie this year. We had a wonderful time! We took off on Wed. morning and headed up to Prescott to the escape the heat and to enjoy a terrific camp in the Prescott Mts. called Friendly Pines. We slept in cabins, ate good food, and walked a whole lot (I wish I had a pedometer to keep track). Don't get me wrong there was some learning as well. Cherai and I were chaperons of the "Pink Panther" group which consisted of Torie, Sadie, and 6 other girls. We were a little worried at the beginning about some of these girls, a little to spoiled and pretty affected with themselves (so we thought), but we were wrong. We learned a lesson, as well as our daughters, that you shouldn't judge others by the way they look you may miss out on an opportunity of friendship.

I was very impressed with how well everything went. There were close to 100 students, about 10 school teachers, and 20 parent chaperons. Were were there for 3 days and 2 nights. We had a schedule we had to keep with sessions that we had to attend. Some sessions were...rock wall climbing, obstacle course (with team building strategies), hiking, using compasses, owl pellets, and a few others. During our free time we had to come up with a cabin cheer, a flag, and a skit. The girls did a great job working together coming up with their cheer and their flag. While we were there Cherai came up with a clever skit about the "Pink Panther" and the girls did a great job acting. By the time we got home I was exhausted, but glad I went. Only 3 years till I get to go with Kymber and she is already counting down the time.

The Hot Pink Panthers
Cherai and I and our girls
Torie competing in one of the obstacle course games. It was a hilarious game whoever came up with it was very cleaver! The kids had a ball with it! If you look close, you can see the kids are standing on a log that is suspended in air by 2 chains on each end. The object is to balance on this log for a few seconds by working together as a team. It is very difficult because when one looses it's balance everyone begins to fall. It was fun to see the kids come up with their own way to make this happen.
I had to take this picture because in 6th grade girls and boys are just starting to discover each other. In this particular game the kids had to hold hands which meant at least 1 boy and 1 girl would be touching. If you look closely, their hands are not clasping but just barely touching. It cracked me up.

My Dad Is Still A Mystery!

Once again I got this off of Cassie's Blog...

"Today I went up with my parents to Huntsman Cancer Center to meet with the tumor doctor. Well after the biopsy last week they have determined that he will need a total hip replacement because the cancer has eaten away at the bone. He (the doctor) said it looked as though there had been termites in there. The bone is so bad that they have to create a new part out of cement and something like re barb but not. The Hip Replacement Surgery will be on October 15 up at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital. He will be admitted there for about 5-7 days. At that time they will also remove the tumor. They also discovered that the tumor is not the source of the cancer and so they are passing him onto a new doctor. A "Gut" doctor. They believe that the cancer is somewhere in his GI tract. But are still unsure where it is. So next Monday he has an appointment with that doctor and a possible scope that will go down his throat and check all through his GI tract from above. So here we go again...Hurry up and Wait! We are still feeling positive, this appointment today went well, we feel like they are at least narrowing the search down. But we are quickly beginning to dread Mondays since that is when every appointment is. My dad is recovering pretty well from his biopsy, still pretty sore because where the tumor is they had to move around some muscle and make a great big incision. It is located near his Sciatic Nerve which makes that nerve "angry" and causes some pretty bad discomfort. But he is off his pain meds and is looking better"

I am grateful that Cassie is able to go to the Dr. Apt. with Mom and Dad. It is nice having another set of ears when we are dealing with something so complicated. Once again thanks Cassie!

How Cute Is That?

How come Baby Fat is so CUTE! Now that Taralee is walking (she prefers walking to crawling) we got her some shoes to walk in. These HOT PINK sparklie crocs fit the bill not only the bill, but her little fat feet as well. I loved the way they looked I just had to share so enjoy!

Happy Birthday Kymber!

Happy birthday Kymberlie! I can't believe you are 9 years old. Kymber is a very creative and passionate little girl. When it comes to creativity, there isn't anything she can't do. She is a wonderful artist, she writes amazing stories, she tells amazing stories off the top of her head, we like the ones thatare ment for entertainment and not the ones trying to cover something up. :o} She is passionate about what she believes in. If she gets something in her head there is no changing her mind. Kymber is also very musical. She is always singing and has a pretty little voice. She also loves the piano. Not necessarly practicing, but making up songs and playing them for her family. She does a pretty good job too. Here are some pictures of Kymber this past year...

When we went to Disneyland she got up on stage and danced and sang with this group of performers. Notice she is the only one of my kids up there. The others would not be cought dead up there, but Kymber ate it up.
Kymber and Minnie Mouse!

Taralee loves Kymber! And so does the rest of her family! Happy Birthday Kymber We love you!!

Update On Dad!

I took this info off Cassie's blog, it pretty much sums up what is going on with Dad.

"Today I went with my parents up to Salt Lake to the Huntsman Cancer Center. It really is a big, beautiful facility. After finally seeing the Dr (we only had to wait 4 hours) he has decided that he will do an open biopsy on the tumor on my dad's pelvic bone this Wednesday. He (my dad) continues to be a mystery to the Doctors. Because they found cancer in my dad's lung but it is NOT lung cancer they have traced the cancer cells to his liver. But his liver looks clean and healthy. Then they find this tumor (11 centimeters long) on his pelvic bone. So the doctor thinks he needs to go into that tumor and get some tissue from it and see if they can trace it to the lungs. I think they labeled him "super complex". The doctor/surgeon he is working with now is the best. He is the number one tumor specialist for Huntsman. So we feel he is in good hands. After the biopsy then the surgeons and doctors will meet on Monday and have a "Treatment Planning Conference" where they will discuss his case specifically and see what they think the treatment and plan should be. So we know nothing more now but feel very confident in who is working with him. Now we are on to the waiting game...again. Thanks for your prayers and support...Keep them coming! "

Thanks for the info Cassie!

EXCITING NEWS!!

Taralee walks and Ellie sits on the "Big Girl Potty"! Life is exciting at the Derrick House!
Just this last week something clicked with Taralee and she just started walking. The kids act like she is the only baby we have had in the house they are so into her and her accomplishments. Maybe it is because they know she is our last one. Anyway we are all enjoying her and the fun things she does.
Don't you just love the panties hanging out of her gym suit. Just like Taralee with walking something just clicked and the rest was history. I guess we can't hope for free preschool anymore.

Bryndee's First Game!

Bryndee cheered at her first high school game tonight! It was so fun to see her out there on the side lines. She looked really good, the whole squad looked great tonight! I know she was not thrilled with her mom taking pictures of her so I sent Torie down to the side lines to be my photographer. Oh and by the way our school won! 34-6

Bryndee waiting for direction from her coach.

Look how happy she is. She actually called out some of the cheers and I could even hear her. She is coming out of her shell and becoming a great teenager!
I know this is a terrible picture, (I don't know what happened) but I wanted a picture of Bryndee and Lexi being flyers. I though I would be nervous having Bryn balance on girls hands and then be thrown in the air, but it was so neat seeing how their hard work has paid off.

How Would You Like Hair Like This!

My Nephew Jake (the one on the left) is serving an LDS mission in the West Indies and this is a man he and his comp met on the street. Jake informed us that this man is not interested in religion he is happy with his own beliefs and his pot. Go figure!

This Really Stinks!!!!

As some of you know my parents returned home from their mission in New York in February of this year. Since they have been home my dad has had numerous health issues. A blood clot in his hip, constant coughing, weight loss just to name a few. Well this past week his Pulmonary (lung) Dr. requested that he get a biopsy on his lungs to find out what was there, she had seen some unusual spots and wanted to check them out. After a biopsy of the lung (from what I understand this is an awful surgery) the report is in and the spots are Cancer. Not lung cancer but another form that is coming from another source in his body. So this next week he will be undergoing some more x-rays as well as more testing to find the source of the cancer. He is scared. I am scared. My dad has always been very healthy. He exercises, eats right, he has never let anything "harmful" enter his body. He has come from healthy stock. His mom just died earlier this year at the age of 96 she was healthy, her body just quit. His dad was 82 when he left us and the only thing wrong with him was he was hard of hearing. I guess I just always thought he would be just like his parents. I guess I was naive. I hate that he is going through this. My mom is being strong. He has always taken care of my mom and now it is her turn to take care of him (she had a really good teacher).

I have always had a strong testimony of our Heavenly Father's Plan, but I don't think I was truly grateful for it. Being "thrown" in this situation has really made me ponder His plan and I am going to rely heavily on it to get me through this next phase in my dad's life. I am grateful for my Father in Heaven who knows me personally and is aware of what my family is going through. I can't even imagine going through this without this knowledge. I am sad, but I feel peace.

What A Fun Night We Had!!!

WARNING THIS IS A LONG ONE!

Lately our kids have been "bickering" and fighting more than usual. It has been driving me crazy! Monday night it was my turn to teach the lesson for FHE. I was not looking forward to this because I knew it would turn into another "Family Home Grieving" night. I was determined to come up with a fun lesson that would help my kids realize that they could have friends within their own family. I mean look at Tara and I we have always been good friends. I am not saying we were perfect because I know we had our moments of frustration with each other, but we made the most out of our situation and are still to this day very close friends as well as sisters.

I found an idea on the Internet that was perfect for my plan. We started out the night with the song "Happy Family". Then after a prayer, we promptly went into the kitchen. We were then put into groups; Mom and Abby, Bryndee and Porter, Torie and Kymber (I am determined to get these 2 to enjoy each other). Bryndee, Torie, and I sat down and our "partners" were blindfolded and then told they would be applying make up on those of us sitting on the chairs. I know what you are thinking, the same thing Ron was thinking...Where is this going? All of us had the best time. It has been a long time since I have heard our whole family laughing together having pure clean fun with no teasing involved.

After we were done, we went into the living room (this is our usual FHE spot) with make up and all and asked the kids if they knew why we did that? The response was I don't know why, but it sure was fun. I then read to them: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and WHOLESOME RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World") This prompted a great discussion about what we can do as a family so we can enjoy each other. We came up with lots of ideas that we can do as a family that #1 don't cost anything, and #2 that we can enjoy together without having to include others outside the family.

To finish the lesson I brought out the "For the Strength of Youth pamphlet" and read: "Being part of a family is a great blessing. Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life. Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Father's plan.

"Do your part to build a happy home. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others. Many problems in the home are created because family members speak and act selfishly or unkindly. Concern yourself with the needs of other family members. Seek to be a peacemaker rather than to tease, fight, and quarrel. Remember that the family is the most sacred unit of the Church.

"Honor your parents by showing love and respect for them and by being obedient. Be willing to help in the home with chores that need to be done. Participate in family activities and traditions, including family prayer, family home evenings, and family scripture reading. These traditions strengthen and unify families. Set a good example for other family members.

"Strengthen your relationships with your brothers and sisters. They can become your closest friends. Support them in their interests and help them with problems they may be facing."

After a closing prayer we had cookies and a quick game of charades. It turned out to be a wonderful night. And by the way, the makeup came off with only a little bit of scrubbing. If you do this, I suggest not using waterproof mascara. :0}

Abby applying make up on Mom

Porter and Kymber working their "magic"! Porter was so funny he kept waving his hand and shaking his hips saying "Just call me a Stylists!" It was so out of character for him. Either Tara or Ron took the picture and they were laughing so hard the camera shook hence the blurry picture.

The end result. Aren't we lovely!

I think we had a little too much fun. Ron crashed on the couch at 8:30 pm. I am the one to blame for this blurry picture I was laughing at him this time.

Abby's Declaration

Ok Ok Cherai I am moving on...The other day I came to Abby's room and found this posted on the outside of her door...
Translation... It is a picture of a boy with a circle around and a slash through it. It reads No not one peek (in brown letters on the top) I do not like boys (in pink letters in the middle) unless it is my brother (in brown letters on the left) and then signed Abby and Ellie. I love the innocence of little kids. Lets just hope she stays this way a long time.

MEMORIES

I got this from my sister's blog. I thought this would be fun. I hope you will play along. Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together (or my husband). It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Here we go...

SCHOOL STARTED!!!!!!!

Yesterday was the first day of School! Did you hear shouts of joy coming from my house? It didn't only come from me, my kids were ready and excited to start school again. Bryndee is a big freshman at high school this year. It is really weird for me to have a child that old, I remember vividly things that happened that year. I am excited for her to be in Seminary and experience what a fun and rewarding class that is. Her teacher is Bro. Corey Goodman. He went to Mesa High school with Tara and was one of her really good friends. She was excited to make that connection. Porter is in 7th grade, Torie is in 6th grade, Kymber is in 3rd grade, and Abby is in 1st grade. They are all growing so fast I can't believe it!

Torie (11), Porter (12), Abby (5), and Kymber (8) on the first day of school.

Bryndee (14) coming home on the first day of school. She had to leave that day at 6:30am so I didn't get a picture of her before she left. Look at the big smile on her face she enjoyed her day!

I have heard complaints about school starting too soon this year. I disagree with anyone who says that. If you think about it Aug is an awful month as far as weather is concerned. All the kids do is sit inside and watch TV or play the Wii. This way they are in school doing something productive. And they now get out earlier in May and that is a wonderful month so they can still go outdoors and enjoy themselves. I was thrilled with this new schedule. :o)

Our Utah Adventure Comes To An End

We are home! We have been home for a couple of days, but the flu bug hit our home and we have been out of commission. So I will try to remember the details of the remainder of our adventures so I can share them everyone.

Torie sure enjoyed having Sadie visit her while in Utah. They spent a lot of time talking and just being silly. After 2 months they had a lot of catching up to do.

Torie and Sadie pulled branches off of Mom's Weeping Willow tree and made hula skirts. They made up a dance and performed for Mom, Dad, and I. They did a pretty good job! It is so wonderful that my kids have good friends to "hang" with! I really enjoy all their friends.

On the day that Tara and Sadie left home, Ron flew into town. It was so good to see him! 3 weeks is too long to be apart! Most of the kids were just as excited to see him as I was, Taralee on the other hand wasn't quite sure of him. She just kept looking at him like "I think I know you." Once Ron got there we just kinda hung out with the family. He and my Dad and Torie went to Spanish Fork on the morning of the 24th to watch Porter run in the "Speedy Spaniard", a mile fun run that Porter was really excited about running. He did a really good job, out of about 100 kids Porter got 21st. That night we found ourselves back in Spanish Fork with Stacey and Kirk and their kids. After really good pizza, Ron and Kirk took the kids out to the "hills" to go shooting. Isn't it funny in AZ we go out to the desert to shoot in Utah they go to the hills. Anyway, they had a blast! We then waited around for fireworks. It took forever for them to start we were about the leave because it was after 10:00pm but I am glad we waited. This was probably the best fireworks show I have ever seen. Well worth the wait.

Then on Friday July 25th Mom, Dad, Ron, and I went back to Salt Lake and the Conference Center for a wonderful concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Osmond Family. I really enjoyed this concert. Pres. Monson and his wife were at this concert also. It was really neat to be sitting there talking and having it very loud around you and then all of a sudden silence. Even though we could not see him at first we knew that the Prophet had just entered. What a neat experience. It was kinda different though being in the conference center for something other than General Conference. At first it was hard to clap after the songs. Then when the Osmonds were singing some of their old songs from the 70's tie died lights were dancing around on the organ pipes kinda different but fun.

Saturday morning it was time for us to pick up Bryndee and Joselyn from EFY. They had a blast! I will let you read Bryndee's blog to learn more about her time but here are a few pictures from her week.

Bryndee and Joselyn after registering. They were in search of their dorm room.

Bryndee and Joselyn during a class. It is so good to see them enjoying the scriptures!

Bryndee and her new found friends!

On of the advantages to having your brother-in-law direct EFY, you get your own personal spy. We have lots of pictures of Bryndee and her friends dancing with really cute guys! At one of the classes on dating, Chad called Bryndee up on the stage in front of everyone (about 800 youth) and had her do a role play about dating and the importance about waiting till 16. After this Chad and Cassie had numerous guys ask them when their niece would be 16. Sorry boys, not for a couple of years! Thank goodness I am not ready to cross this bridge!

Cassie and Bryn!

Another advantage to having Chad direct was that Torie and Reagan got to go and help judge the skits. This just gave her a taste of EFY and she can't wait till she is old enough to go and enjoy the fun.

Apparently sleeping is not an option at EFY. After a week of fun and no sleep this is Bryndee and Joselyn just minutes after arriving home.

Saturday being our only day to spend as a family Ron wanted to take the kids on a Pioneer trail that he found a couple years ago. I was not too keen on this idea because we were going to spend lots of time together in the car Monday on our drive home, but Ron won and I am really glad he stood firm. Because we just got through with the pioneer trek in June he really wanted Bryndee to witness first hand the "Rocky Ridge" and the trails that the pioneers had to cross. At one point you can see the actual path the pioneers walked and the ruts that were created by the hand carts. It was a really neat experience for us all. At the end of the trail you end up in "Emigration Canyon". This is the place were Brigham Young announced this is the place. A state monument is there and a recreated pioneer village is also there. It is an actual village with real pioneer homes that were relocated to that spot. I think we would have really enjoyed it if it had not been so dang hot. I think I would like to go back in the spring or fall some time.

Ron and the kids on the start of the pioneer trail.

In the village they have little crafts for the kids to do. Here they are branding leather.
They had a barber shop where Porter was given an "shave"
Abby on a pony ride. Porter, Torie, and Kymber on their pony ride.

Sunday was a day spent with family. We barbecued for dinner with Mom, Dad, Stacey and her family, Cassie and her family, Aunt Micky, Uncle Bryant, and some of their family. It was really good to see them again. Then 4:00am (3:00 Az time) Monday morning we started our journey home. At about 2:00 pm we drove into our garage and at 3:00 I was back in the car taking Bryndee to the high school for cheer practice. Nothing like being thrown right back into the fire right? Thanks Mom and Dad for having us and or ciaos for the month of July. We really enjoyed ourselves. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and if you miss the noise I know where you can find some.