Yellowwood State Forest

So about two weekends ago, we decided we needed a break. Chris travels almost weekly and then we spend the weekends working on the house to get things ready to sell (yes, we will be moving - just don't know when...). We wanted to just spend the day having fun with the kids, so that is what we did. We packed a lunch and headed out to the Yellowwood State Forest for a nice little hike. Who's that handsome guy on the bridge?

Such good buddies! Zach is such a good older brother! Chloe just loves to hang out with him and do whatever he does. I hope they always stay good friends!

I love how small Chris and Chloe look compared to these massive trees!

We found this interesting residence on our way....

We then went down to a cute little town named, Nashville and walked around and window shopped. They just have all kinds of cute stuff there. On our way home, we stopped by our local apple orchard, Anderson Orchards to pick some apples and let Zach climb the trees. He was a little bummed that they weren't as big as he remembered them being last year. I guess that is what you get from growing....things aren't quite as big as they used to be!

Where's Zach?....

YEAH!!

I don't know if you all heard this mornings session of General Conference (Saturday), but President Monson announced 5 new temples to be built. I don't remember all of them except that one will be in Calgary and the other is in KANSAS CITY!!! That is my home turf and I am totally excited! What a huge blessing that will be to so many people I know and love that still live there! I remember when the St. Louis temple was announced and then when it was done being built. What an exciting time that was for us who lived close by. Before that, we would either have to go to the Denver, Chicago or Dallas temples. Quite a long trip, although it made for fun youth temple trips! I remember I was a senior when the St. Louis, MO temple was dedicated. I took two trips to help out at the open house and then another trip with my family for the dedication. What an amazing experience that was for my family and I. I remember as I was going through that beautiful temple that I would someday be married there for eternity! I am so excited that another beautiful temple will be so close to the place I call "home!" Blessings, blessings, blessings!!!! Here is where it will be....

Where do I begin?....

So I know it has been quite a while since I have posted anything. There are a lot of things to blog about, but sometimes there never quite seems time to do it. Either that, or I just don't feel like it sometimes. But I know how buggy it can be to check in on a blog and there is always the same old stuff! (right, sister of mine!!) I thought I would just start from the beginning of the school year.

Here is a picture of my handsome Zach on the first day of 3rd grade. Can you even believe he is in 3rd grade already!!! It's just not fair! I tell my kids all the time to quit growing and stay little, but they don't seem to be listening. Zach tells me that if he stops growing, he will never be able to get his driver's liscense....his whole purpose in being alive! Honestly, I am kind of scared for that day to come!!

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3rd grade field trip to Connor Prairie. It was such a fun place. The kids really enjoyed it. We didn't even get to go around to everything. Connor Prairie is a hands-on reinactment of life in the 1800's. The kids can learn about the Indian's that were living here in Indiana, farm life, learning how to make differnt things such as candles, rugs, houses, food, quilts, etc and what life was like. The people that worked there stayed in character and talked to the kids like they were their visitors. It was fun! I am glad I got to go. It was fun spending time with my Zach-o Boy!

Learning about the Indians

They were in a schoolhouse and the teacher was explaining about how the class was run back in those days.

Zach helping load the hay onto the wagon.

I guess he is watering the grass after filling up the bucket from the water pump.

Watching a guy make a canoe like the Indian's used to.

Mrs. Maple - Zach's teacher

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Zach's very 1st PINE WOOD DERBY!

Zach did a very good job building his first Pine Wood derby car. He and Chris had a great time working together and spent a lot of time on it. They wanted it just perfect....go figure! Zach did almost all the work on it except when he wasn't quite able to use a certain tool or needed extra help. Other than that, he did most all of it. He wanted his to look like a Nascar. It was black with a red lightning bolt "Z" on both sides!

The boy that he is racing in this picture is the one that won the derby. His car looked like a rocket. It was pretty cool.

Here are most of the boys in Zach's troop. I bet you know who I think is the most handsome kid there.....!

Here is a little video of the race Zach won.

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ZACH'S 1ST CAKE! Zach decided he was really craving a cake one Sunday last month. So I told him he could make it all by himself! How could he pass down that?! That means he would be able to eat as much batter as he wanted!!

Notice all the batter still in the bowl? Yeah. I left these two alone while they made the cake and then decided to come check on them at the end. I asked Zach why he didn't clean out the bowl all the way. (Dumb question - I know! I just wanted to hear his reason) He said, "Well, I wasn't able to get all the batter out into the pan. I tried."

As you can tell, it seems like he has it all figured out now! He ended up getting out the rubber spatula to clean out the bowl. (Maybe we need to have an honesty lesson for Family Night...whatcha think?)

Chloe was thrilled to help him solve the problem!

Leegabub's and Flowers

My sister, Julianne took this video at my Grandma Brammer's house on our vacation. Totally cute!

Princess in training....

I know I haven't finished posting pictures from our vacation, but today Chloe was just super darling that I had to take pictures and get them posted. I told her this morning that we were going to go to lunch with Carrie and TJ and their kids - her buddies.

I got her dressed and then she disappeared into her room for a bit. I just went and started to get ready. She then brought me some hair ties and said excitedly, "Look mom, these are cool ones!!" I then put her hair in pigtails, but then she ran right back in her room over and over and brought me more "cool ones."
After we did her hair, she went and asked for her jewelry (pretty fancy and expensive, I know!) and her purse. Thanks Grandma Clay for the purse!! She keeps her little tiny baby doll in her purse. After she had all that on, I went back to my bathroom to finish getting ready. When I was putting my makeup on, she also wanted to wear my lip gloss.
It was totally fun having her get all dolled up! Such fun to have a girl! She ended up wearing everything - including the pinchy clip-on earrings for about 2 1/2 hours! She drew a lot of attention to herself....but hey - I guess that is what happens when you are a princess for a day!!
(I couldn't decide on which picture I liked best....)

Family Vacation....finally!

So - I know that I have been a complete slacker in getting anything posted! There are a lot of pictures to post from our vacation and just have not had time to put them up. So sorry! Plus that - for those of you that haven't heard yet, I have had a lot of morning sickness (or shall I say...all day sickness), so that has also been my excuse for not posting. Baby number 4 will be showing up around Feb. 21st. We are excited! Chris and Zach think it's a boy and totally want another boy! Chloe always says it is a girl. With as sick as I have felt - I think it's a boy! Who else can make you so miserable!!! (kidding, kidding!!) So anyway, I will start, but may have to do it in multiple posts....we'll see.

At the end of July, we headed out on a cross-country drive from Indiana to Utah for the Clay family reunion! LONG drive! The kids were such troopers and did a good job keeping themselves entertained and happy. We stopped in Omaha, NE for a couple hours to load up my sister, Julianne, her husband Ryan and their 5 month old baby, Sam. The van was quite packed, but we had a good time hanging out. Even baby Sam did a great job!

Just hangin' out trying not to be too bored!

At one of our pitstops, Zach found a toad jumping in the grass. This little guy kept the kids entertained for a bit. I remember when I was younger I would catch toads that looked just like this and tie a string around it's neck (if it has a neck!). Then I would take it for a walk down the sidewalk. Ahh, memories!

We made it to Colorado and spent the night at Chris's parents house. That was a lot of fun to see them, even if it was only for a couple hours. Grandma Stimpson made us a wonderful pancake breakfast that next morning and helped us pack a lunch for the days drive to UT.

We did get to stop by and see Chris's Grandparents for a few minutes on our way out, but missed seeing Chris's sister Stephanie and her family. We miss living close to everyone. I sure wish we would have had time to stop by and see all of our fabulous friends out there too, but there just wasn't time.

One of our most important stops along the way was in CO just before we headed out to UT. We stopped by the Johnstown cemetary where our sweet Karleigh is buried. We were flattered that Chris's parents had cleaned up her headstone and put some flowers there, knowing that we would be coming. That was special to us. I wish we lived close so that we could visit more often and keep it clean. But we are very thankful to our family and friends that so lovingly help take care of it for us. It comes with a lot of mixed emotions for everyone everytime we are there. Last summer I had a lot of tears. This time, I felt a lot more peace - still sad - but more at peace.













Chloe really enjoyed playing with Karleigh's "leegabub" (ladybug) and putting her face right up to Karleigh's picture. I know she knows her big sister and can't wait for the day that I can see them together again.













We finally made it to UT!! My wonderful Grandma Brammer was so kind in letting us invade her cute little home. Although, it wasn't just my family and Julianne's family! My parents, my brother Brian and sister Joy, and eventually my other sister, Marci and her 2 kids all crowded in the same house. Let's just say....crowded! But it was still fun, none the less. Chloe loved the shirts that Grandma would wear. The first one (not the one pictured below) was her favorite. If you ask her what is on Grandma's shirt, she will still tell you, "um, leegabub's and flowers!"


















Monday, we went up to Syracuse to see Chris's Grandpa and Grandma Stimpson. They are just wonderful! Grandma made us a fresh homemade rubarb pie - one of Grandpa and Chris's favorite. We are grateful we got to be with them, especially Grandpa. He is suffering from Parkinson's and has been having a hard time lately. Grandma is caring for him so lovingly, but is also getting pretty worn out. Caring for someone who is sick is not an easy thing, and I think it is even more amazing when you are elderly and doing it!











One the way home, we decided to stop by Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. I absolutely LOVE to look at the flowers there. It just makes me want to come home and redo all my flower beds!














Here are just some of my favorite pictures of our outing at the Temple Square!

I love watching these three play! Chloe was chasing Zach so that she could put grass in his hair! For those of you who know about my grass game....yes, my kids are learning all the tricks....a bit at a time. Maybe someday I will reveal the entire game! My siblings used to LOVE that game - right guys!!!

Not a fabulous picture of myself, but hey - I finally have a picture with my husband! So, I had to include it - yucky or not! Thanks, Zach, for being our photographer!

More to come in another post.....for now.....bedtime!

PS - With fingers crossed.....potty training is a success!!! YEAH for Chloe!

10 YEARS!!!!

In 1997, I was an mere freshman at Rick's College (now BYU-Idaho). I was so excited to be away at school and experience life on my own, but yet still a bit homesick. I missed my family and friends back home. I was lucky enough to have my older sister there to show me the ropes of college life. Mindi had been up there the year before me, and then I joined her in the fun of college life.

Mindi told me about Chris, a good friend of hers, about a year before when she came home for Christmas. She (and he) came to my apartment to find me many times after I got up to school so that I could meet him. I was a little freaked out by him when I finally did meet him because of his....well, let's just say - not so wonderful pick-up line and his stalking tendencies!

I thought he was quite cute, but kind of blew it off because he was 5 years older than me. I soon learned something that has been replayed over and over - his persistant nature! I soon found myself falling for this handsome guy. I had no intention to go away to school and get myself hitched that following summer - but boy, I sure am glad I did.

Today Chris and I celebrate 10 years of marriage! I can not believe it has already been so long! I have so many wonderful memories of our years together. It is amazing to me how you think you love someone at one point in your life, but you realize just how much you didn't know about the word "love." I am grateful for the lessons that we have learned along the way, the trials we have been through, the beautiful children we have, and the deepened realization of just what a wonderful husband I have!

I love my Chris so much! I am so grateful that we have been sealed together for eternity and that this love that we share will not end at death! What an amazing blessing we have been given to have that opportunity. I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Chris - I love you. I am so grateful you are in my life. I am grateful for the support you give me. You are an amazing father which makes me so proud. You are a wonderful husband and provider for our family. I pray that the years to come bring us much happiness and joy!

Happy Anniversary!

"Just Let Me Cry"

So, I occasionaly check Hilary Weeks blog on her website. (http://www.hilaryweeks.com/) (can anyone tell me how to do the hyperlink thing - I think that is what it is called - where you can't see the link just the name) She usually has something uplifting to say on there. I absolutely love her music and listen to it quite often. She has been working on a new album and is in the process of recording it right now. I just thought I would post what she wrote the other day because it struck a cord with me. Sometimes, but not always - this poem is exactly the way I feel. The poem below just says it all! Hopefully she doesn't mind me posting her post on here.

Day 2 of Recording July 15th, 2008

Today we recorded “Just Let Me Cry.” This song was inspired by a poem I received from a family who lost their 8 year-old daughter to cancer. This is the poem:

Please, don’t ask us if we’re over “it” yet.

We’ll never be over it.

Please, don’t tell us they’re in a better place.

They aren’t with us.

Please don’t say, “At least they aren’t suffering.”

We haven’t come to terms with why they had to suffer at all.

Please, don’t tell us you know how we feel unless you have lost a child.

Please, don’t ask us if we feel better.

Bereavement isn’t a condition that clears up.

Please don’t tell us, “At least you had them for a time.”

What year would you choose for you child to die?

Please, don’t tell us, “God never gives you more than you can bear.”

Please, just tell us you are sorry.

Please, just say you remember our children, if you do.

Please, just let us talk about our children.

Please, mention our children’s names.

Please just let us cry.

When I read the last line of that poem, I knew a song had to be written. Sometimes when we are going through something difficult, something heart-breaking, nothing anyone says or does is going to make it better. We simply need to mourn. We just need to cry. It doesn’t mean we don’t have faith. It doesn’t mean we don’t believe in the Atonement or Christ’s ability to heal our hearts. It is just part of the healing process. And it has to happen. We have to let ourselves cry sometimes.

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So - if you are one of the lucky ones that gets to see and hear me cry sometimes - please just know that it is just something that I have learned that I will probably do for the rest of my life. I miss my sweet Karleigh. Sometimes the pain can be extreme and overwhelming, but sometimes the comfort that comes is more than I will ever be able to describe. Many times I cry in private and no one ever knows. For me, these are the times I have felt the hand of God the most as He has held me up and gotten me through my sorrow. Now that there has been some time since Karleigh's passing, I look back and see countless ways that I was carried through difficult times. There would have been no way I could have done it alone. He carried so many of my burdens during that time and still does. My burdens were also made light by many caring and loving family and friends. I will be forever grateful to my Savior and to all of you who make my burdens light.

Surviving Girls Camp!

Things have been quite busy all month! On July 1st, my wonderful Mom and little sister, Joy flew out to stay for a couple of weeks. They came out to take care of my kids because Chris also had to be gone at Scout Camp that week. July 8-12th was Girls Camp for our stake. I went up with 14 girls from my ward, and unfortunately, forgot to take pictures most of the time! Anyone reading this that has some....send them my way, please!

Camp was a lot of fun. I got to know the girls much better and whether they liked it or not, they got to know me better! We stayed in these huge bunker type cabins, so we separated each wards area with a big curtain divider. It worked out pretty well. The bathrooms weren't absolutely horrible, but sure weren't anything to rave about. Luckily, a few other leaders (Thanks for driving TJ!) and I were able to drive up the road to some nicer bathrooms to shower. I think the girls will always remember me as the leader that made them shower and brush their teeth! To me, common sense. But to some - they really didn't feel the need! I am sorry but I have a sensitive nose and don't like to smell people's pits and see fuzzy teeth!!! Mean leader - I know!

This was the first time I have been away from my kids for more than one night. It was not the easiest thing to do, but I think it was a lot easier knowing that they were in good hands. Chris ended up being here part of the time too. But I am so thankful to my fabulous mom for taking such good care of my little family while I was away....and while I was home! She went home on Tuesday morning, and I already miss her a lot! It was so wonderful to come home and have Chloe and Zach run to the front door to see me! Chloe looked so huge and grown up - only after a week. She has been pretty attached to me since getting home. Zach gave me a big hug, showed me the Welcome Home sign he made and then headed out to play! Punk boy! I was ready to kiss his face off and he took off outside - probably because he knew I would! Chris was also home to give me a big hug and kiss! Luckily he hasn't had to travel much at all this month, so he has been here! yeah! That will all change very soon, I'm sure!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their summer! We will be heading out for a short trip out west next weekend for a family reunion. It will be quite the drive, but hopefully we will have a great time! School starts for Zach about a week after we get home (Aug. 13th), so we are already doing some school shopping! I can't believe summer is almost over! I have enjoyed the time with my kids this summer. We have gone on many bike rides and little outings. I sure have fun kids! When school starts, I have told myself that is when I have to start potty training Chloe. Auugghh - the messes! I certainly don't like this phase of life! But hopefully she will do well. She is already showing a lot of interest in it, but I don't want to start before our trip. That would not be fun for anyone! Now if I can just remember how to do this! I haven't done it for over 5 years!

Have a fabulous week!!

Toothfairy

So I should be in bed right now because it is very late and I have to get up very early. But I just had to post an adorable letter that Zach wrote to the Toothfairy. I saw the note taped onto his lamp next to his bed when I was tucking him into bed tonight. I wonder if she came tonight and how much money she left him......??? Here's the letter....


Please let me keep my tooth. Please keep note forever so you will remember me.
Zach, Stimpson