Family Pictures

Here are the pictures we had taken earlier this summer down in Holden. We were lucky to get down there for them. Grant had a fever that day of 105 and ended up going to the ER that night. It was a crazy day!

Summer Fun

It's been a while, so I thought I'd post a few pictures of our summer fun.
We went camping for the first time as a little family. We usually go with people, so this was a new experience. Thankfully, we found a spot up Mapleton Canyon and had a blast. The boys beg to go every week now.
Will begged to take cousin Elle down to the Fillmore 4th of July Parade this year. They had so much fun on the 4wheeler (as usual) and then at the parade the next morning. Uncle Mark & Aunt Hillary were in it this year. That night, we came back up to SF and my Uncle and Aunt from Vegas cooked authentic Mexican food. Jeff asked them if we were celebrating the Independence of Mexico...:)
It was absolutely delicious though and we followed it by some fun fireworks.

We got our family pictures back, so I'll get those up next!

Hot...Hot...Hot!

Last week we took a super quick drive down to Arizona. Cousin Sherri was tying the knot to an awesome guy named Scot. The trip was really quick (we were only there for a little over 48 hours) so we missed seeing a lot of our favorite faces...but hopefully we'll be back again soon. The weather was soooo hot! Every day was in the 100's. Perfect swimming weather. Here are a few of the pictures.

We could not get Will out of the pool. He and Chase went swimming every day. I went to Shopko to buy him a pool after we got home and he said he would like a big one like the one in Arizona please. He said it so seriously I wasn't sure how to respond...



We were able to go have breakfast with Grandma & Grandpa Porter while we were there. Grandma had such a beautiful spread out with her famous whole wheat pancakes, freshly picked blackberries and much more. I adore my grandparents and any time spent with them is simply delightful. **I swear I didn't pinch Grant in this picture!**



Here is Sherri just about ready to walk down the aisle... She looks stunning!



I usually stay with my cousin DeAnn when I go down. I adore her sweet family sooo much. Richard & Jessi (my Aunt & Uncle from Vegas) also stayed with DeAnn this time and we had such a great time with them. We went to get pedicures, swam, bbq'd...and went for some long walks in Queen Creek where DeAnn lives. It was such a relaxing and fun time.



Kids & weddings don't mix too much. Our boys were doing anything they could to entertain themselves.



Can't wait to go back again.

Fishing, Forts & Summer Hair

We love summer. Who doesn't though? On Memorial Day we went up to Deer Creek to try our hand at fishing. We have been looking for a new hobby to get the boys involved in and decided fishing would be fun. Although Memorial Day was beautiful...the wind started to pick up right when we got our fishing poles all ready to cast. The wind was coming right at us, so we only stayed for a bit. Will still had a blast and keeps asking when we're going back. He also asked if we could catch a duck next time... hmmm...

Grant did what Grant does best. Eat.



Uncle Jor spent the night Saturday and built a fort for the kids. They loved it.



The boys hair has been out of control lately. So we thought we'd give them their summer hair cuts. I think they look adorable. I love these little guys so much. I was thinking about them last night before I drifted off and couldn't imagine a luckier mother.

She is more precious than rubies....

...and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.



My grandma is taking her final steps on this journey we call life.
She is a woman who never knew wealth.
She is a woman who knew the true meaning of work.
Caring for the sick was a way of life to her.
She never tired of reading to us, singing to us, or spending time with us.
Her testimony got her through the hard times...and there were plenty.

And now...Jeff & I are lucky enough to have her with us. She has moved in so she won't have to be alone as she makes her way towards her husband & daughter once again. I love the idea that through our service, we are becoming like her. So these final days/weeks...we enjoy every moment with her. Every story, song, or conversation will be tucked away in my heart to be cherished for the rest of my own life. I love you Grandma. You are truly more precious than all the jewels on earth.

With Spring Comes.....

Branding!

We went down this weekend to help Grandpa brand the new cows. Along with branding comes the castrating and shots. I am sure glad I'm not a cow around this time of year. One of my friends asked if we eat the "Rocky Mountain Oysters" after the branding is done. Although I consider myself to be a non-picky eater, I can say that RMO's are something I truly don't think I could stomach. Here are some fun pictures of the weekend.

Of course, the boys made a beeline right to the swing when we arrived on Friday.


Our favorite old Apricot tree.


Grant is in heaven on the farm. Dirt, rocks...and plenty of room to roam...what else could a guy want?


I don't think we even made it in the house before Jeff got out the 4 wheeler.



During branding we pack the guys up lunch and bring it out for them. The boys are always excited to go see exactly what it is that is going on.





We sure love Spring on the farm.

Two Reasons....

...never to leave chocolate frosting on the kitchen counter.

My Little Cowboy's Birthday

I just barely uploaded Will's birthday pictures although it was a couple months ago now. It was such a fun day with our "sunshine."
All Will wanted for his birthday was new cowboy attire. He had grown out of his boots which made him quite frustrated when he went down to the farm. So everyone chipped in and got him all suited up for his big #4 b-day.



We went bowling for the first time and both little guys fell in love with the sport.



Even Granters was able to join in on the fun.



Cousin Elle drew him an awesome picture.



And fortunately...he got the soccer ball cake he was dreaming of.



It was one fun birthday.

Bend in the Road

What a beautifully stated poem.

Sometime’s we come to life’s crossroads
And view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And He knows that it’s only a bend—
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we’ve stopped for a rest,
The path, that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God Share your load,
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow—
You’ve just come to a bend in the road.

Simply Overwhelming

I was washing the dishes and singing to myself when I heard the garage open. I wasn't expecting anyone, but was glad to see my husband step through the door. My joy soon turned to worry when I saw tears in his eyes. He simply said "Stay inside."
I continued about my morning chores until curiosity got the best of me. I tiptoed to Will & Grant's room and peered through the wood blinds. It was then I realized what was happening. There was Jeff unloading his Chevy truck as another employee watched over him. I ran outside and asked "Jeff, What is going on?" Again he asked me to go inside and said he'd be in shortly.
I sat in the kitchen silently crying as he walked through the door. Here was my strong and mighty husband with shoulders shaking and tears falling. He had lost his job.
If you know Jeff, you know how much he loves his work. He treated the company as if he owned it. When Jeff would dream, it would be about work. I believe that is exactly why it hurt so bad.
It's been a week since that day. Although losing a job is overwhelming, it is bleak in comparison to the outpouring of love we have received. Family has provided food, money, and even a car. We have received sweet phone calls and emails expressing concern. Although I'm shamed to admit it, I truly didn't have a clue how wonderful my family and friends really were. Losing our job has been a gift. God's love has been richly manifested and we are grateful. I have learned life changing characteristics that I want to carry with me always. Thank you for all of your examples to me. I stand in awe of all of you and your Christ like love you show. It is simply overwhelming.

So Much for the Soul to Love...

Suzie gave me a cookbook for Christmas this year.
I love it.
Imagine a book that radiates comfort, warmth and darn tasty recipes.
I thankfully now have it.
For anyone who loves cooking for your family and friends...
The Pioneer Woman will captivate your heart the second you open her book.
Oh and try the brisket.
It's absolutely amazing.

The Holiday Season

What a wonderfully warm and cozy holiday season we had. Although my goal was a little less than Chevy Chase's in his infamous Christmas movie, I still wanted a fun old fashioned Christmas we could all remember. Between Jeff's finals and all the other activities we had going on, we managed to make some terrific memories.

What a better gift could there be in December than snow? None for these 2 litle guys.



My charming husband and wonderful best friend, Tonya, gave me a terrific 30th birthday party. We had such a great turnout with all of our dearest family and friends. I felt a little silly opening presents...but as Josalyn said "You only turn 30 once...you better enjoy it!" After opening presents I think I'll be scheduling another 30th party for next year. You guys are the best!



We hit my parents for Christmas this year. Mom and Dad threw a great Christmas Eve get together with Grandpa and Grandma Jones and the Tuckers. The next morning, the upstairs crew were ready to get rockin'. It's a tradition in our home to wait at the top of the stairs until camera's are put into place.



So, Will has been asking for a Lightning Mcqueen bike from Santa for the past several months. Thank goodness the Santa at the mall is real and came through on the little guys' request. Thank you Santa! His little brother got a top of the line mower to help dad in the summer time. I think he might cut more grass than Jeff with that bad boy!




The night before Christmas Eve Jor and I hit KMart for some last minute stocking stuffers. We saw these slippers for Ma and couldn't resist. haha They still crack me up. I think they match her Christmas sweater quite nicely.



So, Jor and I also were fortunate to pick up this outfit for him to wear. Aren't brother's the funnest? (It even has bells on the bottom that jingled as he walked!)



Jeff really came through this year. He got me the present I've been asking for since we've been married. (Yes I did switch it for another model, but you still get an "A" for the thought sweetie!)



No, this wasn't Jeff's main gift, but I'm betting it was his favorite. (Well that or the Wild Mustang cologne he got..Aaaarrrrrr.)He just had to get dart guns for him and Will. Boys will be boys.



After a long and wonderful Christmas day, Grant looked just about how I felt. We were ready to head on down to Holden for part 2. We were met with a beautiful dinner, such fun presents, and sweet grandparents ready to take us in. Isn't Holden a sight?




One of my favorite memories this season was with a newer friend, Rachel. We let our little ones build a snowman and then Rachel had us in for hot cocoa and homemade ice cream made out of snow! It actually tasted so good! That afternoon made me remember that the best memories are made from the simplest ingredients. Yes, you've reached the end of this novel...finally. However, we truly hope your holiday season was as sweet as ours was.