Lila's 9th Birthday

 We had a great celebration for Lila's 9th birthday.  Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bart were able to come visit and we had fun.  Grandma surprised Lila with a recipe box full of hand-written recipes.  Lila LOVED it and I was so touched at the labor of love.  I think Lila already realizes how special of a gift that was, but I know one day when she has children of her own, it will have added meaning as she shares her Grandma's recipes. 
The one gift that Lila wanted most was a picture of the temple to put in her room.    Lila is so darling, sweet, loving and in tune to the Spirit.  I just love this girl SO MUCH!

June 2012 Highlights

LAKE POWELL

This was our first family vacation to Lake Powell.  It was SO MUCH FUN!  I was a bit hesitant at first in going because of our very busy 5 year old and our 2 year old.   Children and water pretty much gives me serious anxiety.  However,  they were SO GOOD!  I was shocked, but so grateful.  It made for a fabulous vacation. We were there with some of our good friends.  There was always something for everybody to do.  We can hardly wait for next year!

May 2012 Highlights

  After church, we drove down to southern Utah to watch the Eclipse with some friends.  It was amazing!

 Caleb's Preschool Graduation.   He had the best teachers and really learned a lot!

Caleb turns 5!

Caleb:

Doesn't believe in walking.  He RUNS everywhere he goes!

Is currently very fascinated with bodily sounds.

Is ALWAYS smiling and giggling.

Can ride his bike without training wheels.

Loves visiting the neighbors and coming home with an assortment of desserts.

Is full of love and life.

We love you, Peanut!

 

April 2012

ZION'S NATIONAL PARK

 Me and my girls :)

 Always on an adventure...

 Tal and the older kids

 This is a very disturbing picture for a mother...

 Angel's Landing

March 2012

 Collin made a "cookie" out of the dough from his Cookie Dough Ice Cream.  Funny!

 Dr. Seuss Day!

 A rare occasion....  Caleb holding still.  HA!

 Enjoying So. Cal.  Thank you CME Meetings! :)

 Braden's DNA.  I was pretty impressed!

 Which cookie to eat first?  Such a hard decision.

Caleb's first dentist appt.  He was so great!

February 2012 Highlights

 Our neighbor dogs still come to visit.  I think they miss Charlie, too.

 Valentine's Day.  Chocolate's for breakfast!

 Tal and I went down to St. George with his family for a little planning get-away.  It was lovely.

 Went to listen to and meet Governor Romney.

 Tubing :)

 Emma's first time at the public pool.  It took her a bit to warm up to the idea, but by the end was having fun!

Some super cool clouds

December 2011 Highlights

I awoke to an awful noise and I thought the house was coming down.  I ran and grabbed my children at about 3 am and took them all to the basement.  Talmage was out of town.  Out of nowhere CRAZY 100 mph wind storms came.  No big clouds or storms, just wind.  There was A LOT of devastation throughout our area.  After the winds stopped everybody emerged from their homes to access the damage.  We all spent the next week helping each other clear trees and debris.  Another wind storm was in the forecast and there was worry that all the branches would become weapons in the wind.  The Stake President cancelled church for the entire Stake and EVERYBODY went to work to help each other.  It was truly amazing and inspiring to see all of the selfless acts of service.  We will never forget it!  I was SO happy to get Talmage back home!

 Braden had a gum graft.  He was SO BRAVE!

 Our annual Girl's Day out for lunch and the Nutcracker.  I love it!

 Our neighborhood Nativity.  So precious.

 Collin's first time to the temple. It was a special day.

 Visiting Temple Square

 My whole family.

 

The Shill's :)

 

Getting my hair back into a pony tail after chemotherapy.  Silly, but kind of a big deal to me.