Sweets from Crash

Crash has said a couple of sweet things that I have to blog about or I won't remember them.

The first one, happened on the evening before Chris left to go back to VA. Crash was watching TV, and Chris was sitting next to him. Crash gave the remote to Chris, and said "here dad you can watch whatever you want since it is your last night here." My heart just melted, what a sweet boy. I was blessed with a sweet reward of being a parent.

The second one, happened yesterday. We had just finished eating dinner, and Crash said " I don't think Santa's naughty list exists, because I've gotten presents every year." I just had to laugh at that one.

Christmas 2010

Christmas was awesome this year because Chris was able to be home with us, after not seeing him for 2 months. We felt so blessed to be together as a family again. We realized what was most important about Christmas, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and being together as a family. Maybe we wouldn't have such extremes in our lives, like being separated for 2 months, if we would choose to learn what is most important on our own.

Claire and Carter on Christmas Eve, excited to open their new pj's.

Christmas morning, waiting to head downstairs to see what Santa brought.

Carter, pleased with Santa's choice of an air soft gun.

Claire with some new clothes.

Chase with a new camera.

Hawk Silver 2010 Superbowl Champions

This year Chase's football team set the goal to go to the superbowl, and win. What an amazing season it was watching them achieve their goal through awesome teamwork! What a great experience for Chase to learn about setting a goal, hard work, and success.

We are grateful that Chase had this opportunity, and are grateful

for the fabulous boys on the team, and the fabulous coaches.

Halloween

Since Halloween was on Sunday this year, only Carter dressed up for the ward trunk or treat that was on Saturday. He wanted to be a football player, and dressed in Chase's old football gear.

pumpkins

Halloween pumpkins the kids created. I know Halloween was a few weeks back---better late than never.

Doughy

My parents came for a visit a few weeks ago. My dad was slouching(not sitting) on the sofa watching TV. Carter came into the room, and saw my dad on the sofa
"Grandpa your a little doughy." said Carter
"What?" asked my dad
"Your a little doughy." replied Carter
"What do you mean?" questioned my dad
"Your shirt is up, and I can see your belly." responded Carter
"What do you mean I'm a little doughy?" asked my dad
"You know, your a little doughy." replied Carter
"What do you mean? I'm doughy like the Michellan man?" questioned my dad
"No" said Carter
"I'm doughy like the Pillsbury dough boy." said my dad
"No" replied Carter
"What do you mean I'm a little doughy?" asked my dad again
"You're a little f-a-t (Carter spells out the word fat) grandpa." responded Carter
My dad started laughing, and so did Chris, who overheard this converstion from the other room.

WOW

I saw this on Facebook yesterday, and while I was watching it, I found myself with tears in my eyes. I know I've learned, and I've grown in my life through different trials and challenges, but WOW, after seeing this I'm reminded I still have so much to learn. I guess for me that means a life full of more trials and challenges. A good thing about that, is my life won't be boring, and the possibilities are endless, kind of exciting. I know it's through my trials and challenges that I learn the most and grow the most. Now, if I could only learn what I need to learn without the trials and challenges.....

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

My sister-in-law, Erin, had this on her blog, and it is inspiring. I wanted to post it too. I need to watch this everyday. Thanks Erin!

Gavel x 3

While in Utah, Chase was able to make 3 gavel's with my dad.

In case your wondering what a gavel is, it is what a judge uses in the courtroom---the judge slams it down as he says order in the court.

This is Chase with 1 of the gavel's he made.

I have a wonderful father, who has many talents, skills, and knowledge. I am so grateful for him, for taking the time to teach Chase how to make a gavel.

I know Chase felt special, and important while spending time with my dad.

Another precious memory to hold close to our hearts.

I wished we lived closer to my parents, so my children could learn and see my dad's many skills, and talents more often! Thanks dad!

Pretty impressive!!!!!

Timpanogos Cave

We decided to go see Timpanogos Cave while in Utah.

It was beautiful!

I forgot what a work-out that hike is to get to the cave.

The kids kept reminding us about the difficulty of the hike all the way to the top.

It was worth it--all smiles on the hike back down from the cave.

Fun in the Sun---Bear Lake

We had a fun, filled week in Bear Lake with my family.

Plenty of laughter,kids crying, fun, and lasting memories.

Thanks mom and dad for the great trip, we will hold the memories close to our hearts.

Chase with his cousins Josh, and Matthew.

Claire with cousins Sarah, and Kate.

My sister Renee with her youngest, Anna. Where's my spicy's?

My awesome dad taking a break in the man-made shade.

Crash swimming with his cousin Luke.

Chase's first attempt at water-skiing.

Grandpa Pittman, the pro, helping Chase water-ski.

Chase wasn't able to get up, but he made great effort! We are so proud of you Chase!

Claire, and Kate working on their sun-tans.

Chase and Josh playing some football on the beach, practicing for this fall.

Garden of the Gods

We decided to go down to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs on Monday after the 4th of July. It was a beautiful day, and it actually wasn't too hot. I love this place because it reminds me of Lake Powell, where I spent many summers vacationing with my family. I have fun, happy memories of these past vacations at Lake Powell. Garden of the Gods doesn't have the lake, but fun rocks to climb on, and explore. Oh, and the best part is that it is free.

The kids had a great time climbing, and exploring together.

After climbing, we finished the day off with a "Hamburger of the Gods", (as Chris described it)

a Five Guys burger---yum!

Days in Colorado don't get much better than this.

7 Years of Carter

Happy 7th Birthday Carter! We are so blessed to have Carter as part of our family.

He brings a lot of energy, and excitement to our lives!

Carter is playful, decisive, inquisitive, attentive, and can light up a room with his sweet spirit,

and his bright blue eyes!

We love you Crash!

Carter on the morning of his Birthday, a new Star Wars book.

Blowing out 7 candles is a lot of work.

Carter opening presents at his friend Birthday party.

Carter with all of his great friends. What a fun party!

Track Meet

Chase has been running track this Spring. He has truly enjoyed it. We have enjoyed it too, despite the crazy, cold weather we have had for most of the meets. I had to pull out my winter gear to stay warm at the meets. Chase did awesome, and improved his times. Way to go Chase!

Chase competing in the long jump.

Chase running in the 800.

ArT ShOw

A note came home in Claire's backpack yesterday, it read "Congratulations your artwork is going to be in the Douglas County Elementary Art show. The artwork will be on display in the Park Meadows Mall. The reception day for Parker area students is April 22nd between 6-8pm."

When we arrived at the mall this is what we saw

Claire's piano creation on display.

We are so proud of you Claire, and love that you love to create!

Fair Claire

Claire celebrated her 11th Birthday recently. How fast time flies by. Claire brings happiness to our home. She is a nuturing, loving, helpful, silly, crafty, peaceful, and beautiful girl, to name a few. She can be sassy at times, but has a tender heart. We are grateful for her in our lives!

Fun in SLC

Claire getting a manicure with her cousins, Kate and Sarah.

Beautiful nails girls!!!! We will have to do it again sometime soon!