Baisden Buzz

Change

2009-11-29T06:46:00.001-08:00

Recently I've been thinking a lot about change. Change is one of those sometimes dreaded, even difficult necessities. Other times, of course, it can be most welcomed. But, it's an inevitability nonetheless. And all though there is change we have no control over, I've come to realize, over my short lifetime of 30 years, that change can and should be embraced and can ultimately be loved for what it truly is, regardless of how it comes. I've come to be grateful for change, even, and most especially, the difficult ones. I have to say here, first, that there hasn't been any real big changes in my life recently, nothing that would blow any one's socks off or anything, nothing that would seemingly make a huge, or even a slight impact on my life. But, do you ever get the feeling like the subtle, small changes taking place in your life will one day, in retrospect, be noted as the bench mark experience(s) that will have lead you to some place in life you never really expected to be, or maybe some place you've dreamed of being but didn't really feel like it was going to be a part of your life simply because from the vantage point of current circumstances it just didn't even seem possible? I don't feel like I'm putting into words very well what I'm feeling, and maybe it's because I can't exactly put my finger on it yet, I don't know. What I do know is that it's a good feeling, a peaceful feeling and it is blessing me to be able to let "come what may, and love it." It's that feeling that all these little changes happening, cumulatively speaking, will one day, in retrospect, amount to a big change in who I am and what I'll be and what I will be doing. I suppose what's hard sometimes about change is that you don't realize or let yourself see the big picture, and because of that, it can be difficult to appreciate the challenge of change because, from our limited view point, it doesn't seem like it could possibly lead to anything greater.

So, I sit here today, in gratitude for this little lesson of life....That the change that takes place in our lives, even the ones, and probably most especially the ones beyond our personal control(because these seem to be the ones hardest for us to deal with, accept, and embrace...at least for me), are indeed the catalysts to something greater, something beyond us, beyond ourselves. I say beyond ourselves only because I know that without the guiding hand of an all knowing and all loving Father in Heaven in our lives, there could never be anything greater , and we alone could never make anything truly great of ourselves. It is this faith and hope that can carry us through these changes in our lives. It enables us to recognize change for what is really is and know with assurance that it is meant to be used for our good and betterment. It is truly a gift from God. Thus, we can grow to love with all of our hearts and be full of gratitude for, embrace and look forward to all the change that has and will come in our lives.

Early Birdy Gets The...

2009-11-29T06:44:00.000-08:00

FLANNEL!!! OH, yeah!

For the last couple of years my sister-in-law, Holly, has persuaded me to wake up before the crack of dawn on Black Friday to hit the door bustin' deal on flannel at JoAnn's. It's crazy(...she's more crazy:), but I have to admit, this year she hardly had to say a word to convince me to go. But, this year we weren't 5 min away from the store. Both of us had stayed here in Bonners for Thanksgiving, so we had to leave here at 4:00 to get there at a quarter to 6, fifteen minutes before they opened. I know it's nuts, but really who can pass up buying a year supply of flannel at 1.49 a yard? Not me! It's so great to have it on hand. Anyway, I saved over $200 dollars on my purchase, spending only 76 buckaroos! Isn't that fabulous?!! Love it!

However I have yet to be convinced that it's worth it to go anywhere else on black Friday. Lines, the lines are way too long:)

Thankgiving 2009

2009-11-29T06:43:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was hosted here at our house for the first time. I was a little nervous at first when I decided to take on the challenge. I've never been in charge of Thanksgiving for various reasons (mainly feeling the pressure of making things perfect so not to spoil everyone's most anticipated meal of the year), but I thought it was time for me overcome my apprehensions and fears. I prayed a lot and luckily my mom and sister were here to help and I knew they would be encouraging, and forgiving and would still love me if things went a little array. Things turned out great...even better than I had hoped. And the great part, I felt little stress. I worked really hard on Wednesday, got everything done that could be, and then Thursday, though still busy, was so not stressful. It was such a good experience for me...it was definitely a lot of work, but so, so worth it to prepare something so enjoyable for people that I love so much.

Everything was homemade. I know to others, that's like a given at Thanksgiving, but there were a lot of firsts for me, so I think I was rightfully nervous about preparing it all.

I made rolls (I guess it was the second time I made them...I tried the recipe last week to make sure I could handle it and that they would turn out okay.

I made homemade cranberry sauce. If I do say so myself, this was the best cranberry sauce I have ever had:)

Stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, Spiced Wassail, appetizers for earlier in the day, pumpkin bread.
Mom made all the pies, and Shawnte' made the turkey glaze and a wonderful green salad and breakfast for us that morning. It was so, so yummy.

We watched a movie and watched the boys play in the turkey bowl. Mostly just enjoyed one anothers coversation and company.

I'm so grateful for Thanksgiving...I love that we get together and celebrate our gratitude with each other. Wonderful, wonderful experience.

The 3 Stooges 8/17

2009-10-13T09:32:00.001-07:00

Here's some cute pictures of the girls and cousin Tory just hammin' it up. Love that kids can be so entertained and enthralled with the simplest of things.

Playin' in the Rain Aug 13-14

2009-10-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the aftermath of a warm summer's rain, while mom and dad clean out the garage. Love these pics!

Yellowstone Trip 8/9-8/12

2009-10-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

We only had a few days for a trip this year, so we decided to forego our usual trip to the Oregon Coast and hit Yellowstone instead. What an incredible place! It's so beautiful. 2 days in the park was hardly enough to see everything there is to see. But what we did see was impressive to say the least. It's definately a place we'd love to go back and spend more time. The sights are breathtaking. Really, it's hard to believe there is such a place that has so many strange and unusual geological things happening.

Let's Wiggle!!!! July 18,2009

2009-10-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Nana, bless her sweet heart, bought all of her little grandkiddies, and their mommies, tickets to see THE WIGGLES, Live! Oh, boy was it fun! I've never been to a cooler concert:) No, really...it was so fun to watch the kids get into it. Our little cousin Breck is way, way into the Wiggles, so it was especially fun to watch him. He was star struck! Here are some pictures of the this unforgettable event:

4th of July Weekend...

2009-07-03T22:54:00.000-07:00

The 4th was pretty low key and laid back. It was nice. Owen cooked up some burgers for us on the ol' grill and we played in the yard and had a nice bbq dinner. Then we waited.... and waited...and finally got to go into town to watch the fireworks show at the fairgrounds. It's so fun to watch the kids get excited about all the colors and fun shapes they could point out as they watched the display. It was really quite an impressive show for a little town. And the crowd was big, for Bonners Ferry anyway. Of course, nothing like CDA, so it wasn't as stressful trying to keep the kids together... and it only took us 15 min to get home... yeah!!!(...and we live at least 10 miles out of town.) Remembering the many 4th's spent at the lake in downtown Coeurd'Alene, the one big annoying bummer of the evening, was the drive home....it was a good 2 hours at least to get home traveling the same distance we do here. We got a much better deal this year, in my opinion.

Kaelynn took great care in making sure her ear drums didn't "blow out":)

Sunday, we headed up to Yaak, MT to see some of Owen's family who were up visiting from Kalispell, MT and Coeur d' Alene. It was a nice family get together. Owen's brother, John, blessed their son Alma while we were there. Afterwards we had a nice dinner and let the kids play while the rest of us chatted and caught up with one another.

Unfortunately I have no pictures to prove any of this happened...bummer!:(

Gone Fishin'! 7/1/09

2009-07-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

Braden has been begging us to take him fishing for some time, and so Owen brought home the conoe from the school and we decided one evening to take the family fishin. We went out to Bonner Lake, just a little lake up the road from our house. It was so awesome! I don't know exactly what was wrong with these fish but they were practically jumping in our boat...seriously. Kaelynn caught two fish with just a hook...no bait, just a hook. Crazy, but great for the kids. They loved it! Braden and Kaelynn both caught four fish each. Had it been left up to the kids, we would have stayed out there all night. Needless to say, we had a few meltdowns on our way back in...

Look, Papa, I did it!!!

Umm, Kaelynn, Are You Feeling Okay? 6/27-28

2009-07-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

So, Saturday, Kaelynn woke up with these little bumps all over her body...not a ton, but enough, and they looked like little mosquito bites. She was itching like crazy. I just thought the poor thing got eaten alive all night by some mosquito that somehow got stuck in bed with her.

Well, the day progressed and the "bites" seemed to be spreading, and not only spreading but getting bigger. By that afternoon I was convinced this probably wasn't mosquito bites. She acted totally normal, besides the itching, she was completely Kaelynn. So, I was baffled. Did I really need to worry about this? She seemed totally fine, but this rash thingy was looking uh, really scary.

That evening we were headed to Sandpoint to go out on the boat with Owen's Dad, so we decided to swing by urgent care on our way there. The doc looked a little shocked, but seemed convinced that this was simply a reaction to t a spider bit and that we would just need to manage the itching and it would go away. So we treated her with benadryl and oatmeal wash and dermacort in hopes we would see some improvement. Much to our dismay, that night was horrible and she started a fever and her body began swelling.

The next day, we obviously kept Kaelynn home from church, but in his early morning meetings, Owen mentioned to the Bishop, who is a local physician, that Kaelynn had gotten this strange rash, and to us seemed completely unexplainable. He told Owen to bring her to church after all the meetings were over, that afternoon, and he would take a look at her.

He was obviously not expecting what he saw, but he had apparently seen something similar. He had some crazy name for it...but in the medical field there was no known cause. He was certain this was not an allergic reaction, but just a rash that would take it's course and go away without any apparent cause.

And so we took it. We gave her Zyrtec and let it take it's course. And by Tuesday, there was no evidence there had ever been a rash of any kind. Her skin looked completely normal. It was the strangest thing, and nearly gave me a heart attack worrying about what was going on with my little girl. But all is well and now we have some great pictures of this inexplicable rash that will make for some awesome story telling in the years to come!

Weekend in Tri-Cities 6/19-21

2009-06-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went down this weekend to Tri-Cities for my sister Karen's baby shower. This will be Karens 4th baby, and the 7th child of her newly blended family. Everyone did a great job contributing to make this a special day for her. Shawnte' and Sarah are creative geniuses and so everything looked cute and adorable!! And the food was fabulous thanks to Travis and Katrina!

The last few years for Karen have been a bit crazy, to put it mildly. She really has been through a lot. But through it all she still remains faithful and as wonderful as she's always been...and dare I say, maybe even better! She's taken her challenges and her adversities and used them to raise herself up, not bring her down. She is a fighter, and boy this girl just never gives up! Honestly where she has overcome, I have often wondered if I would have cracked, fallen and lost hope. But she never did...or at least not for long. With everything she's overcome, really she is an inspiration and example for us all!!!! She is truly one of life's heroes and I'm so, so thankful that life has brought us together so that I would have this opportunity to learn from such an amazing woman!! I'm deeply indebted.

This a picture of my sister in law, Sarah, Shawnte', and myself and Karen is of course in the middle with her cute little baby belly front and center!

Here's Karen with some of her goofy friends at her shower.Karen cutting the adorable cake Shawnte' made

It was a great weekend to be with my Dad and Katrina and the rest of the fam. It seems like forever since we've been there....and it has! I can't even remember the last time we were there. Anyway, it was wonderful to be with family and just hangout and catch up.

Hanging out on the swing in the back yard. Mackenzie, Vance, Shawnte', Sarah, Sienna, Karen, and Shyanne.

Cutsie patootsie, Makenna B, held still for a spit second to let Grandma take her picture. It was nearly impossible for us to get her to sit still...there was way to much going on, too much to explore. She just didn't have time for this kind of stuff!

This is Papa and Braden on Papa's lawn mower. He's got a lawn maintenance business and so he's got to have the big tough machines. Braden feels pretty cool on that thing...(so does papa I think:)

Kaelynn and Papa on the beast

I love these pictures of Braden and Breck getting tutored by Papa on the mechanics of auto maintenance. They seem very enthralled, if you ask me!!! Grandma set up her fondue out on the back patio and the kids all roasted marshmallows over it and made s'mores. They loved it!!!

Grandma K, Kaelynn, Mackenzie, Colby, Aunt Shawnte', Braden and Shyane

Grandma Katrina, Kaelynn, and Mackenzie

Peek-a-Bum! 6/17

2009-06-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

I just thought this was super cute. The other night when we went to check on Makenna before going to bed, this is how we found her. I'm not sure if she was cold or if she was playing before she fell asleep, but anyway, it made for a good laugh and a cute picture!

Mommy's Day 5/8-10

2009-06-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Mom had a fabulous Mother's Day weekend! Owen watched the kids while I got to go spend Friday and Saturday in Coeurd'Alene with my Mom and my sister. We pretty much just relaxed and hung out and did a little shopping for my Mom's newly remodeled kitchen. It was such a treat to have a little weekend gettaway with the girls.

Sunday morning I woke up to the fresh aroma of breakfast cooking in the kitchen, courtesy of Dad and Kaelynn. It was absolutely spendid! (partially because I didn't have to cook...woo,hoo!) Braden himself had no small task in the effort of making Mother's Day morning special for me, as he so dutifully tended to Makenna while Dad and Kaelynn prepared the meal.

I have such a wonderful little family that loves me and takes care of me. Thanks you guys...you're the BEST!!!

While I was gone over the weekend, Owen and the kids did a little landscaping in the front yard. They went out to Moose Valley to carefully select the perfect Mother's Day bushes to go in the newly lanscaped plot. Didn't they do a fabulous job?!!! We have 3 Peony plants and I forget what the other ones are called, but they look great. I was so happy. I love driving up to our house now, as they have made it so welcoming and inviting.

YOU'RE ALL JUST SO INCREDIBLE and I'm grateful you're mine!!! I have to say that this experience called Motherhood has been the most exciting, challenging and rewarding experience of my life. I love it with all my heart!!! There is no other place I'd rather be, nothing else I'd rather be doing and no other title I'd rather have than wife and mother. Truly life is brought into perspective and it's true meaning, in it's fullest, is made manifest as I'm anxiously engaged in this, the greatest of all work.

I love you, my darling little family!!!

Kaelynn's 3! 4/19

2009-05-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Has it really been another year? Is my sweet little girl really 3 already? It's hard to imagine that that much time has passed since she was born. And, I love her more than ever! She is such a joy to me... to our family! I'm so grateful for her! She definitely brings an element to our family dynamics that uh, how should I say this.....well, lets just say she keeps us on our toes. She's quick... very quick, smart, (a smarty pants even:), sensitive, compassionate, helpful, has the cutest little giggle, affectionate, independent, persistent, loves to learn and sing and sing and sing and sing! It's so exciting to watch her blossom into such a beautiful person, both inside and out. I can't believe she's my little girl and mine forever!!!! What a blessing!

We had a little family birthday party for her on Sunday. She had Nana and Tapa, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Shawnte' and Uncle Cameron, Vancey Pants, Aunt Holly and Uncle Carl and cutie pie Tori all here to celebrate her special day with her.

Shawnte' made an adorable princess cake, at Kaelynn's request, and it turned out absolutely adorable! She's amazing!

Kaelynn's definitely my little sugar lover and could hardly contain herself knowing full well how yummy that cake would be. Her taste buds got the better of her and could no longer control herself....she just dug right in....

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH LINNY! HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY!

Easter 4/11-12

2009-05-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend was fun filled. On Saturday we down to the fairgrounds for a little Egg hunt. Unfortunately we arrived right on time, which apparently was too late, because most of the eggs were gone by the time we got in the field to look. Oh, well. A nice man noticed that Kaelynn and Braden hadn't found any eggs and so he gave them a couple. Then we just played on the swings and peeled eggs and ate....what they could choke down anyway:)

Here's cousin Tory and Kaelynn workin on peeling an egg

My Mom and Gary came up for the weekend. It was so fun to have them here as always. She helped me cook a nice ham dinner and Shawnte' and Cameron and little Vance came up on Sunday to enjoy the meal, which was fantastic, if I do say so myself:) It was so great to have them all here.
I love having family around and wish it could happen more often. I really cherish all the moments we do have together....

Happy 60th Birthday, Grandpa Baisden!!!!

2009-04-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Birthday, Grandpa dear!

Grandpa Baisden turned 60 on Tuesday and Grandma threw him a surprise birthday party. I'm pretty sure he had some sort of inkling there was something going on... there was a leak or two coming into the event, but, we won't mention any names;) However, I don't think that spoiled any of the fun and excitement. How much he knew, he won't say, and really it doesn't matter. He loved every minute of the evening as he was surrounded and doted on by the people he loves, and that love him, most. He was gracious and completely elated!

His mom, Great Grandma Beverly, his two sisters, Carol and Linda, brother-in-law, Carl, and Jeff and Anita all flew up from Utah for the day. That had to have been the best and biggest surprise of all.

We had a fabulous dinner and lots of fun. There must have been 30 or so people, all family, there. And cousins galore! Kids everywhere. If you're not use to kids, this definitely was not the place for you. It was pretty crazy and chaotic...my sister-in-law and I like to call it "The Circus". There were 12 little cousins running around all under the age of 5...a circus indeed:)

Owen's Aunt Linda got us all together to get pictures and what a feat that was. Holy cow! Getting pictures and managing that many kids is a wee bit daunting, and nearly impossible I might add, and therefore we never do it. But, we accomplished the impossible that day, thanks to Aunt Linda and her determination to keep us motivated and encouraged as she and others snapped away. We got great pictures and they're so nice to have, and though the process was rather exhausting, it was well worth it and thankfully should hold us over for a good while:) Thanks, Linda! And to everyone else that took turns taking pics!

Here's an idea of how crazy it was

Great Grandmas Beverly and Joy, Grandpa and Grandma Baisden, all their children and grandchildren...(minus 1)

John and Charmaine with all their kids. This one turned out well I think.

Here's a pretty good pic

We just want to say how much we love you, Grandpa, and how grateful we are to have you in our lives. You are a blessing to us all in so many, many ways. Thanks for loving us and thanks for being YOU!!!

Happy Birthday!

Vance's Blessing Day

2009-04-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday our little nephew/cousin Vance was blessed. Oh, he really is just so adorable!!!! I couldn't get enough of that little face! My mom made the most adorable outfit for him. He looked like a mini Joseph Smith with his little outfit. I loved it!

Anyway, I am without much want for pictures this time around. We remembered the camera, (thanks to Owen), and between the 2 of us, and others, we got lots of pictures to share.

Nana and Baby Vance

Vance looking oh, so adorable in his outfit!

Cameron, Shawnte' and Vance. What a cute little family!!

Mama Shawn and her baby boy. Love this pic!

It was so special to be there. I know I say this all the time, but I think it is just so amazing these little (really, great) souls coming to us. Little Vance has such a strong spirit and I know he is going to be a great joy to his family...and to all of us!

So, we had yet another fabulous weekend with lots of family. Even Uncle Jehkiah got to come. And Ta'pa is back from South America, so it was great have him there, too. And Uncle Jeremy.... all these wonderful people we haven't seen in a long time! So, it was great fun!!! WE missed Gramma Trina, Uncle Jayden (Jayden got horribly sick right at the last minute. Stink!) and Aunt Karen and her family. It was a bummer not having them, but it was great to be with everyone there including Cameron's family!

Here are some more pics of the weekend:

These are some pictures of Papa with his grand babies...minus Sienna and Vance...don't know what happen to them during this pic.

This is a picture of Uncle Jehkiah and Kaelynn trying to get a good picture for his cell phone. Gotta love Kaelynn's cheesy "com'on lets get this over with" grin.

Owen and Papa shootin' the breeze....(where exactly did that phrase come from anyway?...shootin' the breeze...funny)

Jehkiah and Jer-Bear Reynolds...aka Jeremy

Nana and Ta'pa. Gary's lookin pretty South American himself with that nice tan and all:)

Jonathan and Nicole Morton....Cameron's brother and sister-in-law. Aren't they cute?!!

Natalie (Cameron's sister) and her daughter

Miss B trying on everyone's shoes

Little Breckel Freckel

Uncle Josten torturing Braden...I'm sure very deservedly:)

Makenna and Kaelynn

Cute little Ella (Cameron and Shawnte's niece)

Mikin Morton (Cameron's brother's wife and Ella's mom) and her son Asa

Our 2nd Little Mama

2009-04-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

The other day, Braden was having a rough one. I'm not really sure what the deal was, and I was not being very patient and loving as maybe I ought to have been. We were just getting over this horrific bug, and I was exhausted! On top of being sick with who knows what, I had this annoying ear infection that would not go away and it made me just that much more irritable. Anyway, Braden was pouting and whining about something, and I seriously thought I was gonna go mad if I heard him one more time. He wanted me to hold him, of course when I was right in the middle of taking care of Makenna...and I was frustrated to say the least, and I admit the last thing I wanted to do was hold him. I told him that I wasn't going to until he stopped his whining. Of course it didn't stop and I felt myself getting more and more frustrated with every second. Just when I felt like I would explode, I hear this sweet voice say, "Braden, do you want me to hold you?" Kaelynn walks up to Braden and gently puts her hand on his arm and says, "Come here, I will hold you", and then walks to the rocking chair and climbs up waiting for Braden with open arms. Braden follows right behind her, and, with a very dramatic pouty face, climbs up onto her lap.

As annoyed as I was, this little moment calmed my emotions and softened my heart. I'm so grateful for my little Kaelynn, who, in this moment, filled our needs and became our "saving grace".

We're Finally Out....

2009-04-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

....Of the house that is! This winter stretch has been almost more than I, or the kids, can bear! Even now, as I write, it's snowing, and it's April for heavens sake! But we did have a bit of a break and had some nice weather to get out and play in. On Saturday we went for a little hike with some friends, (who also just happen to be Owen's cousin 'n family). They moved up here back in November. In fact, they live right behind us...across the field. (We can spy on them from our back patio:) It's great to have them here, but we haven't been able to really get together much since they've been here. With their new baby, and the 3, 4 rounds of sickness that's plagued us this winter, it was pretty much impossible. Anyway, we've really taken advantage of our healthiness and the weather the last couple weeks. On Saturday we decided a nice little hike in the wildlife refuge would be refreshing.

Enoch and Amanda's baby, Malachi is so scrumptously cute! I love his little cheeks! He loved riding in his pack on Daddy's back....oh, to be a baby:)

Family Time

2009-03-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

It was such a fun weekend...the weather was fantastic!!! Friday was absolutely beautiful and fittingly so, since it was the first day of spring and all. What a relief!!! Winter felt like it would never end.

Well, on top of having wonderful weather, we got to spend our time with wonderful people! What could be better? Anyway, Mom, Dad, Katrina, Jayden, Karen and her family, Josten and his family, and of course our little family all met together at Shawnte' and Cameron's. Jayden had a state select band concert in Spokane Saturday afternoon, so it made for a great excuse for us to get together and have some fun. We just hung out and talked the day and night away....really. We didn't get home till after midnight. It was hard to pull ourselves away from all the invigorating conversation going on:)

Jayden's band was amazing! What was so amazing about this group is that Saturday was the first and only day they had practiced together and then they went and put on this fabulous show! It was incredible....very entertaining! He made us all proud:)

Jayden, you did a great job; you're amazing... and everyone, it was so good to be with you! We love you and miss you!!!!

Here's a picture I got (okay, stole) from my sister (from her blog...thanks:) I love it! Grandma is trying to get all the grandkiddies together for a picture...this is the best they could do. Way too much fun!!

"Lessons I Learned as a Boy"

2009-03-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

I was just reading a blog of a dear friend of mine from high school, Carrie Drake. It's been years since we've actually seen each other, and I dont' even know the last time we've talked, but I love her just the same! It was just awesome, though we are hundreds of miles apart, that she can still influence my life. That is so incredible to me, and indeed makes me so grateful that I know her! Her blog entry was very simple, but to me, so profound. She shared a short video that I'm about to post, and then wrote a short little blurb. Simple, but so inspiring!!!

I love that we can do that for each other, all of us. What an opportunity we have to lift each other up by sharing our simple experiences that bring us closer to what matters most.

So, on that note, I will share the short video and hopefully you, too, will feel uplifted, inspired, motivated, and resolute...

"Lessons I Learned as a Boy", Gordon B. Hinckley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naqX9iYE0V0

Breckel Freckle, this is for YOU!

2009-03-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry we're a little late on this, but we still want you to know that we love you and hope you had a wonderful birthday yesterday!!! Bummer we can't make it to your party, but we'll see ya next weekend!!!!

(I totally stole this idea from Dad, but the kids loved it and thought Breck might, too!)

Date Day

2009-03-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

So, Saturday, Owen's mom came up to play with the kids so Owen could take me on a "hot date". It was actually quite a cold one, but totally fun! We got to take out the snowmobiles from the school and go play in the mountains for a few hours. The whole way down the mountain I swore that Owen was never going to take me again considering all the times he had to get me unstuck. Mind you, I'm a very inexperienced sledder. In fact, my only experience has been on a big open field...no hills, no trees, no obstacles of any kind... just me, the sled, and speed. It was so fun, but it kind of skewed my view of what snowmobiling really is. Playing in the mountains was a little more, what would I say... challenging. Physically demanding. I mean this really takes some skill, (as all you die hards already know), and I ain't got it....not yet anyway. Owen showed me some good tricks and I think I got better there towards the end. But really, it must be so exhausting, (and annoying) to go out with someone who's so amateur like me...totally green. But, he said he loved it ( I think he's being nice) and he can't wait to take me out again. ( He must see potential...his little protege' maybe? I do have to give myself a little credit here...for the first time going out and only getting stuck a handful of times in 3 1/2 feet of fresh powder...okay, we stayed on the trails for the most part, but still... I think I did pretty well, you know, concidering:)

Well, bless his heart... trust me, he's a trooper!!!!!!

Afterwards we went out for hot chocolate and went home.

Fantastic date, honey! Love you!

And thank you so much, Charmaine, for hanging out with the kids for a few hours. They loved it!!!! What a Grandma!!!!!

Come on...Just Picture It, Honey.....

2009-03-01T09:37:00.001-08:00

This is from last weekend. We went out to lunch together at this cute, little, everything from scratch, deli and bakery, just down the road. They had this beautiful hand crafted swing out front (that I drooled and wanted over). I insisted that we test it out and get a picture (mainly in hopes that Owen would see a vision of summer evenings swinging in OUR cute little swing, in our cute yard, snuggling together while watching the sunset, and then that he would be in "want" too.)

Oh, I think this suits us well, don't you?

"The eyes of my eyes are opened."

2009-02-27T09:58:00.000-08:00

I read this great quote yesterday as I was reading President Monson's (LDS church president) conference talk "Finding Joy in the Journey". I loved, loved, loved this talk!!!!! Everything was so perfectly worded...at least for me. It spoke to my heart. I was really touched by one of the quotes he shared by Sarah Ban Breathnach. I don't know exactly why this seemed to reach me so deeply yesterday and even now as I contemplate it, it just stikes a chord. It's not something new really, but for whatever reason, the way it is said just makes me think a litte more deeply and it reaches my soul.

"Both abundance and lack of abundance exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend...when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present--love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us happiness--the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth."

Makenna, Where Are You?....

2009-02-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

...Oh, there you are!

Our Special Visitors

2009-02-19T15:22:00.001-08:00

While Owen and I were on our weekend getaway, (to be posted shortly) Braden, Kaelynn and Makenna got to spend the weekend with Nana and little cousin Brecky! Totally fun deal I'm sure...well cause that's all they could talk about when we came home. Nana took great pictures and videos, but of course I forgot to download them to my computer before she left.

Anyway, they had a great time... (pictures are evidence, and I've seen them, and yes, it looked like a blast.) They played and played and played and, did I mention they played?... to their little hearts' content! Nana is the best at playing and she brought fun activities to do. They even made us special little Valentines! They were so cute!

So, as I mentioned above, once again my neglagence has caused me to postpone posting, but I realized that there's no need for that any longer, I HAVE PICTURES that I took while Breck was still here! Nana was gone unfortunately, but Brecky got to stay an extra couple days with us, so I got a few. Postponing is over...yeah!

We really LOVED having Brecker here (his real name is Breck... in case you weren't really sure on that). What a sweet boy he is and so, so fun! Thanks Aunt Sarah and Uncle Josten for letting us spend all this time with him...He's is welcome back anytime! (so are all of you!!) He's such a treat to have around! I love this little guy...he's quite the little ham. He was constantly making us laugh. And he is just soooooooooo sweet! I have just a quick little example, (and I hope Jos and Sarah don't mind me sharing)...anyway, I had to put him in time out a couple of times, not because I wanted to, and I probably wouldn't have, but there were a couple of times he would do something that he felt was naughty and he would instantly look at me like, "I know, I did something wrong. I have to go to time out". So he would grab my hand and together we would walk to time out and he would sit down, fold his hands in his lap, put on the pouty, "I'm sorry" face, and bow his head and sit there and not move a muscle. It melted my heart and I thought, how can I let him sit there, he's so sweet (and obviously remorseful). I would leave the room for a few, and them come back to get him. He'd still be sitting in the exact some position I left him. When I said "okay, Brecky, you can get out now", he'd get the biggest smile on his face and wrap his arms around my neck and give me a nice big squeezer! It was so cute. Anyway, he won me over and the kids, of course, love and adore their "little Brecky", too!

For a couple days after he left, the kids would wake up and say, "where's Brecky?" Then they'd remember and say "Uncle Josten came and taked him home."

We love you Breckster! Come back soon!!!

And we especially want to thank Nana, too, for coming and spending time with the kids. She is so amazing, and truly one of the best grandmas around! It was a special weekend for Owen and I, and thanks to her we got to have it. And what fun memories she made with the kids. We so love her for it!!!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!! (p.s. I'll be needing to get those pics/videos from you soon. remind me-k?)

We love you Nana! Come back soon!

A weekend with my Valentine

2009-02-19T15:21:00.001-08:00

Owen and I had the most wonderful weekend together. I'll spare you all the gushy, mushy details and leave it at it was fabulous!!!!! All the thanks goes to my mom who came up and spent the weekend with the kids and let us have this little getaway.

We really had no idea what we were going to do. I tried to plan, but you know how that goes...or maybe it just goes this way for me, but I can never surprise Owen....somehow it all comes out and then he has his own ideas. But anyway, we knew we we wanted some "fly by the seat of our pants" adventure and so for starters leaving the country sounded pretty adventurous. Granted, it only takes about 20 minutes or so to 'leave the country' from here, but hey, for us, this was really pushin' the limits! And adventure it was!

Getting across the border was not exactly what we had expected. Things had supposedly tightened up there at customs and so we weren't even sure that I would be able to get across since I really didn't have all the "required" documentation. We just decided that we'd give it a shot, I mean the worst that could happen is that we would have to turn around and go home, right? Anyway, I got all worked up over nothing cause all they asked going in was if we had our ID with us. That was it and we were across the border. I had this crazy adrenaline rush like I had just gotten away with something...dumb I know, but like I said, since being married, this was pushing the limits for us. I was so excited I had to call my mom and tell her "We're in!".

We stopped at a few places, but decided we were enjoying the drive so much that we'd just keep driving. We kept right on going 'til we ended up in Calgary, Alberta. So, so fun!! It's an amazing drive. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys beautiful sights. Honestly this was some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever encountered. The mountains...I can't even put in to words how majestic they are!! Incredible!!! These pictures DO NOT do them justice.

Anyway, so, that's what we ended up doing, we played around in Calgary and then went to a little tourist town, I'm sure you've all heard of, called Banff. I'm in love! It's beautiful and so picturesque. I can't wait to go back!

These are pictures of downtown Banff. Isn't it so cute?!!

This is at Olympic Park in Calgary. The '88 Olympics were held here. Pretty neat facility. Remember the movie "Cool Runnings" about the Jamaican bobsled team?....well, their original bobsled is on display there at the museum hall of fame.

This is a picture of this amazing hotel we happened upon in Banff. The setting is absolutely gorgeous. We just walked around and enjoyed the views.

A Gift in Good Use

2009-02-19T15:07:00.001-08:00

This post really is for Gramma Trina and Papa. For Christmas, Gramma made these adorable placemats for the kids that have a collage of fun pictures of everyone in the family. How fun, huh? The kids love it. However, they have a hard time using them for what they are intended for. Instead of their plates/bowls going ON the mats, they sort of set them off to the side so they can look at all the pictures while they are eating. I think it's pretty cute and had to take some pictures for you guys to see how well they are being "used":)

I guess Kaelynn, in this picture, is using it, but truth be told, most of the time the bowl is off so to get a good look at everything.

Thanks for such a great gift. We love them and we love you guys. We can see you everyday now:)

Happy, Happy Birthday Braden, Dear!

2009-02-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

Braden turned 4 on January 23. What a big boy he is. I just love this kid! He's such a good big brother and such a joy for mom and dad (for the most part:) Braden has such a goodness about him. He melts my heart. He loves his family and he tries so hard to be a good boy...and he is!!! He's now out of nursery and going proudly to his Primary class, and he loves it! Every Sunday he tells us all about his lesson, ( he has great teachers!), sings us the songs he's learning. It's fun to watch his excitement.

We had some family over for dinner and cake for Braden's big day. We had lots of fun.

Happy Birthday Big Boy! WE Love YOU!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-19T13:58:00.001-08:00

Okay, this is totally out of order, and because I'm so not on the ball, I'm posting Christmas.. umm, what is it?... 3 weeks later. That's okay, I've learned to forgive myself, most of the time:)

WE had a wonderful Christmas. Can I just say, I love SIMPLE!!!! I love HOME!!!! Nothing in this world feels better to me than to be at home with my family celebrating in simplicity. Stress is so overrated! Anyone who knows me, knows I can stress and stress till my heart feels like it's going to explode. I'm a freak. And I know I do it to myself. But I am learning to be okay with simple. I don't have to do it all for everything to be perfect. I just get so caught up sometimes with what everyone else seems to be capable of getting done, and I just expect myself to be able to do it, too, or rather that I HAVE to do it or I, or we, or my kids will be deprived and miss out. It's so not worth a heart attack, let alone being a stressed out meany head. So, my point to all this rambling, is that I just loved keeping it simple, being with my family and enjoying each other. I have to say it was perfect...in my new found idea of perfection.

My mom came up on Christmas Eve and together we cooked a nice ham dinner. We had the missionaries over. Each of us opened our 1 traditional Christmas Eve gift then Owen gave a little devotional. We then turned off all the lights, (like I would always make my family do when we were kids, which I think they hated, but now that I'm the mom I can actually enforce it:) and we sat around with just the Christmas tree lights on and sang Christmas Carols. Simple and stress free. It was so great. I loved watching the kids. It was magical to them. It was magical for us all I think.

Christmas morning was so special. I loved my mom being there and it was just so fun to see the kids excited about their new toys. Their stockings probably would have sufficed. I almost felt guilty about giving them more, because they were already so content. I mean it wasn't much at all...but they were just satisfied and their little hearts were so elated with what they had already gotten that I didn't want to overwhelm them. They only had a couple presents each to open, but somehow it just seemed too much. Oh, well, we opened them. And it was fun. But it really made me think a little bit.

You know, children really have a way of teaching you important truths about life. What a blessing they are. They taught me, again, how important it is to have a grateful heart. As I watched Braden and Kaelynn, they were so happy, ecstatic really... so grateful with what they had already gotten in their stockings. We could have ended Christmas morning right there and all would have been perfect to them. I think about myself sometimes and how often I expect to have certain things, or have things done a certain way, get certain blessings from Heavenly Father because "I know" that's what I need, and when I don't get them, I'm upset, or hurt, depressed sometimes even. The reality is I'm looking beyond the mark and I miss the abundance I already have or the blessing that Heavenly Father (my all wise and all knowing father) decided I needed instead. I miss the little things that could have given me my greatest pleasure and satisfaction if only I had paid attention and had a grateful heart. I truly believe that so much of our happiness and joy in life comes from our sincere, genuine gratitude. If we can appreciate the little things, we will be so much more satisfied and content in life, with an over abundance of love, joy and peace...everything that Christmas is meant to be and so much of what life can be.

I love children. Having kids has helped me understand and grasp a little more fully the Savior's response to His disciples' question of "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Setting a child in the midst of them, He said "...except ye be converted and becometh as little children , ye shall not enter the kindom of heaven...whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

I'm coming to know the truth of that.

Vance Nathanial Morton

2009-01-19T13:25:00.001-08:00

He's here! Shawnte' and Cameron had their little boy on Thursday, January 15th. What a precious little soul! Unfortunately I'm going to have to call upon the mama to send me some pictures, because wouldn't you know, I forgot my camera. Brainless. A new baby, and no camera...what is wrong with me? I don't know, but anyway, little baby Vance is perfect and in my opinion looks like a mini Cameron. We just love that little guy and can't wait till he gets to go home. He got some fluid in his lungs and so has had to be on oxygen and antibiotics, but the he's getting better, and the hope is to be home by Thursday.

I have to say my sister, and her husband are amazing. Shawnte' made it through her labor and delivery beautifully (and alive! She said she thought she was going to die:) and Cameron couldn't have been a more perfect coach, (though he claims he almost puked and passed out several times...but he kept that to himself and kept Shawnte' going. Now, that's a man!) They made a perfect team!

I love watching new parents. I can't explain exactly how I feel about it, but I love it. There something so spiritual about it, that words can't even describe. I suppose I look at them and remember the blessed day that I gave birth to our little Braden. It was the most humbling, exhausting, spiritual experience of my life. And so I'm kinda taken back and I get to ponder on those special moments again as I watch new parents. I think a new bond takes place with the couple and whole new level of love opens up... it's so so incredible! That's what I saw in their eyes that day and it melted me. Nothing in this world compares to such an experience...well, at least it hasn't for me.

Makenna's 1st Birthday

2009-01-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

Where does time go, I say, where does time go? My baby turned 1 yr. on December 20th...1yr! Has it really been that long? I find myself a little less anxious for this one to get older, a little less anxious for her to meet those milestones. I remember with Braden and Kaelynn, I would get so excited with the anticipation of some new skill they would learn. With Makenna, I'm excited and I love to see her excitement, especially, when she does something new, but I admit, I wish she would hold back, or that I could hold her back a little longer...keep her my baby. Sounds horrible, I know. But the crawling, the walking, the first tooth, all that stuff hasn't been something I would sit on the edge of my seat waiting for like I did with the other two. And now I wish I could or would have taken those days slower, too. I just want to take it all in. Relish in every moment of their life. Remember every breath, every smile. Okay, maybe not every minute detail is necessary to capture, but you get the idea. It just happens so quickly, and I know this sounds so cliche', but whatever! It's the truth! These are moments we can never get back. I look forward to what is to come, but I love the now, more than I ever realized. My children are my life! I have no greater joy!! I'm suddenly realizing that it's really going to pass like it was a dream. I'll wake up one day and my kids will all be gone, building families of their own. Crazy. Anyway, I just want live every moment and soak it up, not rush through it.

Okay, back to topic. Our sweet, dear of a soul, little Makenna, turned one. I love her! Oh, how she warms my heart! Our hearts! She is our smile in a stressful day, truly our peacemaker. How does a one year old become the peacemaker, you ask...it happens because she is so loved and adored by us all! Her presence brings light, eases tension and makes us all want to kiss!...okay, her, but it works! Her sweetness is beyond description and her smile worth a thousand words... (the words she can't say, yet:) She is a blessing of enormous measure!

For her birthday we had a little party at home with just us. (Aunt Holly and cousin Tory came by, too) It was perfect and comfortable, and I know she felt so loved! It wasn't chaotic, hectic, or stressful. It was just pure, cozy family time. It was great. She loved it and so did we. We did miss everyone. The roads were pretty icky, so we cancelled her "big event" party with all the cousins, Aunts and Uncles and Grandparents, who would have undoubtedly traveled far and wide to be here, but we felt much better knowing that they were safe at home rather than driving the treacherous roads here to booneyville.

Here are some pictures of the night:

She started out so sweet and innocent...

Then the sugar started to settle in....

And it snowed....

2009-01-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

...and snowed, and well, we just better be lovin' snow because we got it, and lots of it, and I think it's gonna be here a while. Here's some pics of Braden and Kaelynn playing in one of the first snowfalls of the year. It came uncharacteristically late this year, but when it hit, it hit and it hasn't let up. The kids love it. It's pretty, but it's only pretty for so long, you know. I'm a tough women, so I can handle it through February, but really, if it sticks around any longer, I think I'll just, I don't know, freak out or something! As of now, we have so much snow we can't even go outside to play cause well, the kids will just drown in it. Driving is something of a chore...just a bit hazardous, which makes me just a bit edgy. So, I really don't like to take my kids on the road when I don't have to. And so, I'm stuck, at home, A LOT, and I think we're all going just a bit crazy. Pray for us.
I really shouldn't complain. It could be way worse. I could be without electricity and running water and I'm not. And we could have a whole lot more snow, like they have down south in CDA and surrounding area, then we'd reeeheelly be stuck! However, because we live so far away from everything, even what we have is enough to keep us isolated way up here, alone, far, far away..........okay I'm done already; really.

Here are some pictures my mom sent me of all the snow they got in Post Falls in just a 24 hr. period. Okay, this is a lot of snow.

It was only a matter of time...

2008-12-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Does every kid have to do this? Is it some sort of rite of passage or something?

Kaelynn found some some scissors yesterday. Need I say more?

She's still cute, but I'm glad we got our Christmas pictures done early this year!

And Braden, well he still loves her...or he just really wanted his picture taken, too. Now, how am I suppose to be upset with all these cute faces around me?:)

Daddy Daughter Date

2008-12-09T16:26:00.000-08:00

Kaelynn and Owen got to go on a little date together to see the Alberta Ballet's production of the Nutcracker at the Spokane Opera House on Saturday. Originally, it was a date Owen and I had planned on going on together, but some things came up and we suddenly didn't have anyone to watch our kids. But, I'm really kinda glad it worked out that way, because Kaelynn loved it! She had so much fun with her Daddy. Kaelynn and I spent time that morning getting her all done up and dressed into her beautiful Christmas dress. Then Braden, Makenna and I sent them off on their first "Daddy Daughter Date". She was such a little princess all day Owen said. She felt so special. I wish I could have seen her reaction to it all, but still, just her coming home to tell me all about it, made it all so worth it! She was so adorable! She's still dancing around like a little ballerina.

Grandma and Grandpa Baisden and some others of our friends went along too. They all enjoyed having Kaelynn there. These are some pictures taken with Owen's phone.

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Your Branches!!

2008-12-09T16:02:00.000-08:00

December 6, 2008

Here she is all decorated and beautified! This was so cool for us, because for the last 2 years we had just a tiny little fake tree (3ft?) that came pre decorated with berries and lights, because our house was too small to fit a normal size one and all our Christmas stuff was in storage...deep in storage. So this is the first year in 3 that we've seen our beloved Christmas ornaments. I forgot what a great collection we have! I love our tree! It fits perfectly and feels so cozy like it belongs here!!

Our Christmas Tree Hunt

2008-12-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 5, 2008

Owen and I got to take the kids to this amazing Christmas ranch called Camden Ranch. It's huge....lots and lots of trees grown there. It was so cute! They take you up the mountain on a hay ride and drop you off and let you find a tree. They have saws and everything up there for you. Even measuring sticks. Braden and Kaelynn thought it was pretty cool. They loved helping us find the perfect tree to take home.

At first their idea of the perfect tree was the dead branches that they found, because these were the ones they could pick up and manage themselves. But when they realized that we could cut a big one down and take it with us, they were right there with us hunting down the "big" perfect tree.

Weather sort of motivated us to hurry and find one to our liking. It was getting a bit chilly and it started to drizzle. We didn't want to get too wet. It didn't take us long. There really was so many to choose from.

Dad cut it down for us and we drug it to where the hay ride would pick us up again. They had a nice fire pit for us to warm up by while we waited. Then they loaded us up and took us back down to the barn where they put our tree in this cool tree shaker thingy to get all the bugs, loose branches and dead debris off. Then the bound it up, and got it ready for us to transport home.

Braden pretty much freaked out because we had to leave the tree to get the van. He so did not want us to leave that tree we had worked so hard to find. As soon as we got him to calm down enough so we could explain what we were doing, he was all right with us leaving, but just for a minute.

They also had this way cute Christmas gift shop and cider house. It was so, so adorable. It felt like we were in the North Pole...only we had no snow. But snow is overrated, anyhow:) It was still so cheery and Christmasy. It warmed our hearts being there. What an awesome place. I think we'll be doin that again. Thanks Carl and Holly for the tip!

Oops...forgot this one

2008-12-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

November 21, 2008
These are some pictures of the kids at the Cedar Grove just across state line in Montana. Owen took them there all by himself a couple of weeks ago, while I got to go to see the Twilight movie with some friends.

Good, Golly! Will I ever be on the BALL?

2008-12-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

...Mmm...probably not. Just when I think I'm finally getting it together, I realize I don't. Whatever. Sorry it's been a while since our last post. It's been a wee bit busy. All I can say is I'm trying...that has to mean something, right?

Anyhoo....lets see, what's happened since Halloween?...

November 1,2008

So, yeah, I had a birthday, (turned 29 on the 2nd), which I would normally not mention, but I think if I overlooked this one I'd be pretty ungrateful. I feel totally spoiled, and loved. This was probably the best birthday I can remember. And it's all thanks to a wonderful husband who adores me...( I love that I know that...what a blessing!) I can't give him all the credit I suppose, but he did initiate it. He's a super great delegater, so lots of wonderful people I love were involved in getting this together. So, yeah, anyway, the point-- I got a surprise Birthday Party! It was awesome. Most of mine and Owen's family were here...travelling far and wide to get to the sticks way up here in the BF of I. It melts my heart just thinking of their sacrifice... just for me! I also had some friends here, and well, it was just awesome. My mom, my sister and sister-in-law came up earlier in the day to take me away for a while. We had lots of fun. We went out to lunch, got pedicures, and went shopping. It was a good distraction while the main event was being orchestrated here at home. We had a packed house, lots of food, festive decorations and nice thoughtful gifts. Thanks so much everyone! I love you all for thinking of me. Well, I love you all anyway....not just because you thought of me. It was really nice to know, though, that even little ol' me occupied a portion of your thoughts that day. I feel special. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

This is the cake Shawnte' (my sister) made for me. I feel bad I don't have any pictures of her. She did a lot of work getting the party together. I was so busy talking with everyone I forgot to take pictures...Anyway, thanks so much, Shawnyte'! You're the best!

I'm pretty sure I didn't take these next pictures, but bless his heart, I think Owen did. Poor guy. I'm sure he had "a day" as it was, juggling the kids and getting a party together, but then to remember to take pictures, too... What a man!!!!!!

These are of Owen's brother, Carl, and his Mom, Charmaine.

All these next pictures were taken as I set out with good intentions to get shots of everyone there...but I got distracted after just a couple...and actually, some were taken the next day on Sunday. Needless to say, I didn't get very far, as there are so many missing. Sorry guys:(

Here's a picture of my friend Penny and Holly w/cute little Tory

Here's my beautiful Mama #2. Her, Dad and Jayden were my biggest surprise. I had no idea they were coming. It was such a treat to have them here. I miss them so, so much!!!

Here's my Daddy with my baby girl.

And Scott Vaniman with his little girl, Molly, who's Makenna's age.

November 2, 2008

Today was my actual Birthday. It was pretty low key, but nice. Dad, Katrina and Jayden stayed the night and went to church with us in the morning. They stayed till late afternoon then took off for home (Richland, WA).

This is Makkena picking on Jayden

That evening and Carl, Holly and Tory came over and had dinner with us. It was nice.

Here's a couple cute pictures of Tory and Makenna, little twinner cousins, playing in the laundry basket together that night.

November 15, 2008

We had Shawnte's baby shower two weekends later. It was fun getting it together for her. It's her first, so we wanted to make it extra special, as she has anticipated this day for years. I hope that it turned out all right. She had lots and lots of friends and family there to support her, so I bet it's safe to say, in that respect, she had a fabulous time, even if the hostess

was not the best "party planner" around:)

She looked absolutely adorable with her ever growing baby belly! It made us all smile watching her open her gifts as she is always so gracious and entertaining as she expresses it!

We love you!

Thanksgiving Day

We were back down in Coeur d' Alene celebrating with Owen's family at his parents house on Thanksgiving. What a fabulous, delicious meal that was prepared for us. It was beautifully put together. John and Charmaine are wonderful hosts and as always made us feel so welcomed and loved. It was so fun to be together with all of the family. It's been a while since all of us have been together. We were actually missing one family...one of Owen's brother's and his wife and kids, (and they were missed), but we still had a packed house, as you can imagine with 8 pre-school, toddler age kids, and 12 adults. It was crazy...but festive and fun!

That night we all played Apples to Apples. It was a crack up. I love that game. The longer you play the sillier it gets...and it did just that! It was so fun!

BLACK FRIDAY

Well, to kick off the Christmas season, Holly and I woke up early and left the house before 6 to make to JoAnn's by the time they opened. We got there and waited in line 'till the doors opened. It was crazy! Everyone there was headed for flannel. And there was a ton of it! I don't think I've seen so much flannel before...and at such a good deal! It was awesome! We just started loadin' it up. Though we were one of the firsts in line to get our fabric cut, we still didn't get out there until after 8. It was a mad house, but it was totally fun to be out early bird shopping with my dear friend.

Owen and I and the kids along with John, (Owen's oldest brother), Kara and their kids all stayed there at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a couple nights. The kids had fun together. We took them all to the fireworks show on Friday night in downtown CDA. WE were a little late getting down there, so parking was not easy to find. We ended up parking at a Wells Fargo Bank, under the drive through and sat in our cars to watch the fire works. After it was over and people started leaving we found a couple spots to park and went into the resort to the Festival of Trees. The kids played on this huge blow up slide they had there. Braden and Kaelynn of course were a bit hesitant at first but warmed up and loved going down...at least with mom and dad anyway:)

We met up with Shawnte' and Cameron and Javis and Chaylia while we were down there. Josten and Sarah were apparently there as well, but some how got lost, to us, in the masses of people that were there.

The kids got to meet Santa Clause, and then we went home and had hot chocolate. It was a good night.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Today, Owen and I got to go shopping. The kids got to hang out with Grandma Baisden all day. They had a great time. So did we!

We were on a mission to find Owen a suit. Men's Warehouse was having a buy one get one free sale... so that was our first stop. Owen's Dad came along, too...it's been about a decade now since they've gotten new suites. Owen is still wearing the two he got before his mission. They're getting a little worn out these days, a little see through, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, we searched our options, and found two that fit Owen perfect. I love, love, love these suits on him! It's amazing the difference. These definitely should last at least another decade or so, considering the last couple endured the wear and tear of a mission and 4 years of kids!

It was way fun to hang out with Owen. I love him! And it was fun hanging out with you, too, John:)

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Thanksgiving #2-- This time at my Mom's. As always, it was great getting together with everyone. We missed Jehkiah, though. It's pretty nice cause most of us live close enough, where a trip isn't impossible. Jehkiah, though, has it a little harder being 11 hours or so away. But he did call, and sang karaoke with us.

My mom did a fantastic job with the food, as always. It's a nice feeling to be back at home surrounded by familiar faces, smells and scenery of our growing up days. It's just comfortable and I love it! I feel so blessed to have grown up how I did and with who I did. I couldn't have picked a better scenario for me. It seems it was all perfectly orchestrated for me...and I believe it was.

That night, Shawnte' and Cameron planned a fun game of Family Feud...The "inlaws" (spouses) vs. the "outlaws"(Cornett siblings) We won, of course,....but only because we've had a few extra years experience together...(We've always made a great team:) We do realize however, that our new additions make us even better...so, they're still keepers;)

Ta'pa announced that he was going to Central America for a few months to do some volunteer, charity work, and to get to some sun for the winter. We were all pretty bummed that he'll be gone for a while, but know this will be good for him and are excited to hear all about his adventures, as he's promised to keep us posted through his and mom's new blog. We'll sure miss him, especially the kids. They always look forward to seeing Ta'pa, so he better make good on his promise so they can...even if it is only blog style:)

WE all love you and will miss seeing you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By special request, since he won't be here for Christmas, Gary asked us to do a little Christmas Karaoke with him. It was fun. Kaelynn loved it especially. So much so, she wore herself out and fell asleep in my lap even with all the commotion going on.

Braden and Breck had a great time playing together. I love that the age gap is sorta closing a bit as they're getting older. Its so fun to watch them play.

Well, that's pretty much November in a nut shell. Wish I had more pictures. I think I'll steal some from my brother and mom so I can post some. Until then.......................happy days and a Merry Christmas Season!

Happy Halloween! (late)

2008-11-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

So, these are going up a little late, but what the hey. We had an alright, (little stressful) Halloween. We spent most of the day getting some much needed grocery and birthday shopping done, and then we went trunk-or-treating at the church.
I have to admit, Halloween is not my favorite, and it overwhelms me coming up with costume ideas and then getting all the kids ready and looking cute. I kind of turn into a grinch about it, and it almost makes me want to bag it all, but then I think of the memories we're making for the kids, and I comply with tradition.

This year we were spared some of the stress of finding and picking costumes, thanks to a wonderful friend who shared her bounty with a pathetic mom who had nothing. I only had to find one more. And even then, this dear friend told me where to go to find it. I got the costume, assuming it would fit my 3 year old, (since it did say it would fit a toddler 2-4 years). We rushed home from our long shopping day to get ready. We only had about a half hour before our party started. I got Kaelynn and Makenna into their costumes and I was proud. They looked adorable. Then it was Braden's turn. His costume was the one I had just bought that day...the one that said would fit a 2-4 year old. Well, it didn't. I did everything I could to get that thing to fit. It was pathetic, but I couldn't do anything about it. I had nothing else. I couldn't send my kid trick-or-treating without a costume. What kind of mom would I be then? It was quite humorous really. Poor Braden. I wish I could have gotten some pictures of him standing so you could see how bad it was. When I was at home getting him ready, with time running against me and no other options available, I some how rationalized that it wasn't that bad. Then we got to the church and one of our old home teachers came up to Braden and asked him what he was and all Braden could do was look at him, annoyed and miserable, and moan. I realized how bad it really was and I felt horrible. Bro. Beazer said, " yeah, I couldn't quite figure out what was wrong with the outfit, but now that I'm getting a closer look, it looks a little wedgie-ish. I would would be miserable too."
So, there. Let's face it. I'm not a great Halloween mom. Whatever. I'll probably be hated and resented for it the rest of my life. I'm sure this will cause some serious internal issues with my kids if I do not get it together and be better at Halloween.....

Pumpkin Carving, and a surprise!

2008-10-30T04:01:00.000-07:00

Monday, we went and got pumpkins to carve for FHE. At first I was a little worried this wasn't going to be much of a hit because both Braden and Kaelynn were a little turned off by the slimy grime we had to clean out first. But to my great relief, when we got to the carving part, they were all over it!

Makenna had no problems with goopy stuff. Apparently it tastes pretty good, too.

Grandpa and Grandma Baisden paid us a little visit and brought some treats. They helped us take pictures and enjoyed watching the kids have fun.

And they had a little Halloween surprise: An exclusive performance of their latest hit--sung to us LIVE, right in our very own playroom!!! Take a look...

Fall Happies

2008-10-30T03:26:00.000-07:00

I love the fall! It is absolutely my favorite season. I've been waiting all year for the leaves to change and fall so we could play! Well it's here, and it's so beautiful, and so, so fun! These were taken last Thursday, the 23rd, at the Library. Afterwards we walked downtown and got some icecream. Anyway, I love these pictures and I love the memory!

5 Years!!!

2008-10-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

On the 17th, Owen and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! Wow! It's been an amazing ride. To go through all the details would take me way too long, and probably bore you. So, I will spare you the details. Of course, there is so much that I love and hold dear and that I've learned so far during this experience we call marriage. There's been rough roads, rocks and bumps, some hills to climb, but, at the same time there has been joy and happiness throughout the journey. And as I look back, there's nothing I would change, because of where we are today. It's the most beautiful view from here! And I can only see greater things to come!!! How grateful I am for the choice I made to marry such an great person, who just keeps getting more and more amazing as time goes by. I am so in love! I didn't know my heart could love so much! It was unimaginable a few years back when we were first married, because I loved as much as my heart could. Though, it was full to the brim then, somehow, through our experiences together and through my own, my heart has grown and the capacity to love is that much greater. I'm a better person today because of Owen. I'm so grateful for him and for the life we share together and the eternity of life we have yet to live!!!!!

On Friday, my mom so generously volunteered, (took off work and everything) to watch the kids for the day, and over night, so Owen and I could spend some time alone together. It was great. We went to breakfast at our favorite breakfast place...(don't even remember the last time we were there)... then we did a little reminiscing. We drove to the park where Owen first held my hand and where we had a little encounter with a police officer (we were there past the 10 o'clock curfew...apparently we looked a little too jovial, and so he thought surely we had been drinking. It only took a bit to convince him otherwise.) We took a little stroll through the park where we recounted the most pivotal conversation of our dating experience. We drove past some of our other special places and relived some special moments together. Then we went to our appointment for a couple's massage at the spa. It was the best massage I've ever had!!! After that, we drove to the mall...(can't remember the last time I was there either:) Owen was feeling a little wheezy, so he took a little break to rest, while I shopped, alone, with no one hanging on me, whining and begging me to go. I could look however long I wanted to, at one thing, and there was no one to care but me. It was nice. That evening we went and saw "The Phantom of the Opera" with Shawnte' and Cameron. It was amazing! I love that show! I wanted to break out in song all night, but I controlled the urge. However, the ladies behind us had a little more difficult time doing so. It was nice, anyway, and fun to be with my sister. That night we stayed at the first hotel we stayed at after we got married. We even got the same room! That was fun.

All in all, it was a wonderful day, a day that I'm so grateful for. Thanks to all those who made it possible and perfect!!!

This is "the spot" where Owen mustered up the courage to hold my hand. We were sitting right here on the boardwalk behind the dam in Post Falls, watching the the falls in front of us.

As you can see, Owen's a little more comfortable these days:)

2008-10-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

You've both had a Birthday! Shout, Hurray!... One year older and wiser, too! Happy Birthdays to YOU--

Aunt Holly and Cousin Tory!

It's been a tradition for Aunt Holly to go to the pumpkin patch every year for her birthday. And now it's all the more exciting for her because Tory has a birthday that month, too! And so, the tradition lives on..now for them both! On the 18th we got to go to the pumpkin patch to celebrate. All of the little Baisden cousins were there. There's quite a troop these days as you can see. And they are all 4 and under! It was a feat getting them all to stay put for a picture. But so worth it! Aren't they cute?!! We had a great time! Thanks for sharing your day with us!!!!!!!

2008-10-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Aunt Shawnte', Happy Birthday to You!!!

(this is a picture of her at her birthday party a couple of years ago...forgot the camera this year)

We love you!!!

Here's a picture of the fantabulous cake that Cameron made for Shawnte'. Isn't it amazing? Way to go Cam!!

We got to go to my mom's house for a little celebration on the 11th. It was nice to see everyone and Shawnte's cute (and growing) baby bump! I was bummed that we forgot the camera so I couldn't take any pictures of that belly! (and of everyone else too!) She's such a dear and we are so excited to add another little guy to the fam!!!

October 9, 2008

2008-10-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

Braden, Kaelynn, and yes, Makenna, too, got to spend a whole day with Dad while Mom got to stay home and do some much needed cleaning. While, I don't think our house gets absolutely horrid ( I'm mean I'm sure by some standards it does) I certainly don't get to all the cracks and crevises of every place in the house like I would want, and so, naturally, grime tends to build up in those places. And so, it felt great to get to the deep stuff....stuff that I definately notice and that certainly drive me crazy, but that have to get looked over and put off because things like keeping the house tidy, doing laundry and dishes, cooking meals, well, those alone pretty much take up all the extra time I've got. I love to clean (because I love things clean...and organized)...Mind you, I love it when that's all I have to do or worry about. In recent years, however, it has become more of an annoyance, a burden, a disagreeable task (and daunting at that) one, because I don't get to do it like I want to, (minor time constraints and some small distractions) and two, it seems it's never finished. Anyway, it was just so amazing to pull apart my table and scrape away at all the food and gunk that was built up in the cracks. I got to scrub down the chairs...all the dried up, crustified peanutbutter and jelly--gone! I got to dust...EVERYTHING! Actually finished the laundry ( and there was noboday home to throw a dirty shirt in the EMPTY hamper). Washed windows, deep cleaned the bathroom...well the list could go on. And all the while, I got to listen to a fantastic lecture series by Truman Madsen, unenterrupted for approximately 7 hours! What a day! I loved it!!!!

And so did everyone else. Here are some pictures they took on their day with Dad:

Picture Tag

2008-10-02T18:52:00.001-07:00

This is a fun little tag that I saw on a friend's blog... and although I wasn't tagged, it looked fun and thought I would do it and pass it on: So, go to your 4th picture file and and post the 4th picture in that file and tell us what it's about:)

Here's ours:
This was taken a couple years ago in October 2006 on our little weekend trip across the border to Canada. We are in waiting for the fairy to pick us up and take us across Kootenai Lake to Nelson, BC. From there we took a little drive to Ainsworth Hot Springs and stayed the night. It was so beautiful. And, look how little the kids are! Kaelynn was around 6 months ,Braden then was about 21 mo.

Wasn't this just so fun?!! I love to remember, to reminisce...oh, how the memories make me smile!!! I think I'll do this every now and again...just pick a random picture from a random file and post it. It so fun to look back!

and I tag: Katrina, Karen, Sarah, Chaylia, Amy, Holly, Ginny, Megan, Shayla, Elisha, Joan, Melony, and whoever else wants to do it!

"So, how 'bout that Mr. Darcey?"

2008-09-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

We had our second annual Pride and Prejudice Party this last Saturday hosted by, none other than-- my mama! My mom decided to start this a few years ago. She loves the BBC production of Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice (the 6 hour version), and so she created an excuse to sit and watch it ALL DAY, once a year...(I guess, now, twice a year for her.) Anyway, it started with a few of her friends and family, and now, she has two parties...one with friends, and one with her family. Anyway, it's just a lot of fun, and it was especially so, this year, for me. We got to raid my mom's closet and dress up in fun period appropriate attire (that we wore all day... it was quite comfy actually...of course we weren't wearing those obnoxious corsets either!)
It really was such a treat. I felt so pampered! Cooked for all day, served and catered to; dining with my best of friends, talking of what ever came to mind, and, of course, about that blasted Mr. Darcey! What more could you ask for?

This year was a little extra fun because Kaelynn got to come and be with me and the girls. She had a great time...especially eating off the cute princess tea set Nana got for her. She felt so special as we helped her get all dressed up and ready for our "tea party". She loved it so much! So much, in fact, that instead of watching the movie with us, she recruited Ta'pa to be her little tea party guest so she could play "tea party" to her little heart's content...well , until Ta'pa was partied out, anyway. What a sport, though, I must say...it was a pretty long tea party:)

Having her there just added a whole new element to the event. It made it so much more special for me to watch my little girl's eyes light up and get all excited about this new tradition for her. It just warmed my heart. I love her so much!!!! Of, course now she always want to have a tea party and put on pretty lipstick. But, I love it. She's such a girl...she's Kaelynn and I love her!!! I know it meant so much to her to be able to spend time with her lovely Aunts, her mom, and Nana and Tapa all by herself! Next year will be exciting, too, because Makenna will be ready to join us. I just loved being together with the girls. I love them and so enjoy their company! I miss them so much and my heart aches not being able to be around them more to be able to enjoy everyday life together. But, since that is not possible right now, I suppose this will more than suffice. I had a great time. Thanks for being there, my ladies. You're the best!

Until next year.....................................happy dancing!

That's for you Shawnte':)

Sienna's Blessing Day

2008-09-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, we drove down to Moscow for our sweet little niece's/cousin's baby blessing. As always, it was great getting together with family. It seems we've had quite a few of these blessed occasions recently that has brought my (Shasta's) side of the family together, and I'm so grateful! I've loved it because I feel like I don't get to see much of them and I hate it!!! I know I get to see them more often than other people get to see their families..... but I do miss them so!The blessing was beautiful, of course. You can just feel the greatness of these spirits that are coming to us as their blessings are pronounced upon them, and Sienna is no exception! What a valiant spirit she has! She has a great many and wonderful things to do in assisting the Lord in His great work. We love her and are so grateful we have a part in her life.(I think she looks a lot like my kids did when they were little itty bitty like this.)There was quite a feast prepared afterwards and we had lots of fun eating it! (one of the highlights of the day for sure!) It was so great sitting outside, sipping on my Dad's specialty homemade root beer, eating fabulous food, hanging out together chatting, and laughing, all the while watching the kids play around and do crazy things all on the little grassy knoll in their back yard. It was a moment of pure bliss.

Later before we left, we all gathered in Josten and Sarah's living room, where they shared a very miraculous and sacred experience they had recently. They will probably never know how inspiring that was and is to each of us...well, at least to our little family. For many reasons their experience has made us reflect, remember, and re-examine our own lives, and in so doing has allowed the spirit to touch our hearts and fill our minds with pure revelation. It became our own little miracle. Thank you and we love you!

Just Some Thoughts

2008-09-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is sort of old news, but I was just online today and I ran into some blog about Sister Beck's conference talk called "Mother's Who Know". I loved this talk and I remember feeling the spirit so strongly as I listened to her words. Anyway, I was just really saddened by the response that some people, and mostly women, had and have for this talk. The more searching I did, the more I learned how much this talk had sparked some heated debate and discussion among church members. It was boggling to me at first, that something that touched me so deeply, uplifted and strengthened me, was such a source of contention for others. Then I thought of the Savior and His mortal ministry, and how his sermons, to those even of his faith, sparked the same sort of contention and venomous repute. Not that I'm comparing Sister Beck to the Savior, but, as a called and chosen leader of His Church, I assume, especially during conference, when all the talks have been pre-approved by the First Presidency, that she is speaking the will and mind of the Lord. Still, I feel the spirit strongly, testifying to me, personally, as I read and re-read this talk, that it is indeed inspired of God. It has been a strength and guiding influence in my life, as the whirlwind of the world rushes around me.

This is a comment I made today on one blog that I had commented on earlier this year:

I just want to reiterate, again, how grateful I am for Sister Beck’s talk. Again, I feel it’s powerful influence in guiding my life to a happier and holier state. The pull of the world is so great. Satan loves to distract us from our most important roles, and he does so in such crafty and deceiving ways. And, in doing so, he has a little victory.

One of Satan’s greatest lies to women is that we can and we should be doing everything, and being everything, and have everything right NOW. He would have have us look at others, knowing full well, that most often, from our limited perspective, it would seem that they do have it all and are doing it all. And,just as his crafty plan would calculate, we feel the pressure that we, too, can, need and must do it all, be it all, and have it all. But we know better! That is simply not true! We know that when we try to do it all, something(s) suffers,(this is true for everyone) and he knows that what will suffer is ourselves, our homes, and our families. And so, he works fervently day in and day out to get us to focus elsewhere. If the home is weak, surely, the onslaught of pressures and influences of the world today will cause the home break. If the home breaks, we are on the road to misery, right where he wants us.

Our most important stewardship is our family, our children. In our world today, we just can’t take the chance of letting Satan get his shots in. We must fortify our homes. Men and women who are on the Lord's side of the line know this is true and will sift through, and give up, all the unnecessary distraction in order to protect their homes and families.

I’m so grateful for the constant reminders of what is most important, of what my role is in this plan, and what I can do to help the Lord and those who are on his side of the line, once and for all, win this battle that has been raging since before the world began. In proper perspective, the glamour, distraction, and pull of the world weakens in light of the hope of Eternal Life…a life of pure joy and happiness, of which we all, at one time, came here fighting for.

My thanks to Sister Beck and all of our leaders, whom the Lord has chosen to guide us in our journey back to our Heavenly Home. My heart is full of gratitude to the Lord and for these men and women, these watchmen on the tower, who are fighting so diligently for the welfare of our souls.

IT's.....BLUE!!!!!

2008-09-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

So, it looks like the vast majority of us are a little off radar or something, because Shawnte' is having a BOY! I'm becoming more and more convinced of Katrina's little method with each coming kid...Has she ever been wrong? I thought that maybe she was wrong with Braden, but now that I'm doing the math correctly, she was right. Anyway, the only winners of this game were the parents...well, as far as I know. Katrina, Dad, Mom...way to go. The rest of us, well, it looks like we're in need of a little more experience and some fine tuning before we're able to keep in the game with the older (but wiser), more experienced, big whigs of gender projecting.

To the Winners of our little game...Congratulations! I'll be posting your heroic mugs soon...so stay tuned eveyone! These should be GREAT!

Most importantly, Congratulations to Shawnte' and Cameron! What a beautiful little angel boy you have coming to you! He's perfect in every way. We love him all ready and are anxiously awaiting his arrival!

Pics coming soon.....

PINK or BLUE...whatta 'bout you?' cast your votes now!

2008-09-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

My sister, Shawnte', is having a BABY! Woo, hoo! We are so stinkin' excited for her and Cameron! I, for one, can hardly stand it! Since they don't have a blog, (some sort of strike or something. But, we'll get 'em;) Anyway, I'm creating this post for them so to broadcast their great news to all the world, (well, at least to those that read our blog, which may not be many, but whatever) and have a little fun. Now, in the not so distance future, they will be having the ultra-sound to find out the sex of their baby....only 4 days and counting!

This is really, really exciting. I love the anticipation of it all!! What will it be? It could be pink, it could be blue...I'm thinking pink, whatta 'bout you? Cast your vote here and we'll see who's really "in tune", in 4 short days! (Winners get their mugs posted on our blog. Now, who wouldn't want that?)

It's Green!

2008-08-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, many moons ago, I promised some "after" pics of the yard. Well, we are nearing the end of the summer and so I think we're due. If you remember in April/May my bear of a husband put in our sprinkler system. It's fantastic! He did a superbular (is that a word?...sounds cool anyway:) job. It did take a while, but after a lot of sweat and tears and dirt, it was finally completed. (I think it was something like a 7-8 week project as opposed to Owen's "rough" estimate of "a few days, tops, hon". But I'm not complaining, because, now we have a yard.) Yippy!! We may be watering a lot of weeds still, but, as my darling sister-in-law kindly and encouragingly points out, it's GREEN! Quite honestly, I'm suprised at how well the seed took. We have some really nice thick patches out there that we are quite proud of. We even have our picnics on them..and yes, there are several choices to choose from. Anyhoo, I'm grateful the dirt is gone and that we have green stuff. It's still a work in progress, but nontheless, I think my boy deserves a big pat on the back and nice little post for all to see his wonderful hard work paying off. I do adore you honey and thanks for having a vision and the patience to see it through. Amazing, amazing are you, my dear!!

Here's one of our most flourishing patches

Like cousin, like....cousin!

2008-08-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Apparently this runs in the family. My sweet sister-in-law emailed me this morning after reading our last post. She thought I might be being a little hard on myself. So, in effort to help me feel better about the whole ordeal, she included this cute picture of Breck in time-out...asleep. (Whattaya think... must run in the family? Yeah, I would have to conclude that too. Thanks, Sarah...I'm feeling much better!:)

Really, when I saw this I couldn't stop laughing. This is just too funny! Maybe it's because I know these two kiddos and their personalities. It just cracks me up! How do they do that?

Time Out, Zonk Out!

2008-08-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm a little hesitant to post this picture. But, really, this is just too funny not to, even though it taints my image a bit.

When she's tired, this girl can fall asleep any where, any way!

Here's Kaelynn asleep on the window sill (in time out, because she kept getting up out of bed during nap time). My sister-in-law, Holly, was over visiting at the time, and, being the distracted, neglectful mom that I apparently am, I forgot that I put her there. In my defense, though, she had fallen asleep. Generally, I can count on her "gentle" reminders to let me know she's still there. Anyway, Holly discovered her as she was leaving. I shamefully admit, if she hadn't noticed her in the window, I would have completely forgot that I had put her there, until I heard the loud thump of her fall, that, no doubt, would have eventually happened.

"Look, Mom!...She's sooo pitty!"

2008-08-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

We're counting our blessings today, for we have escaped, yet again,

what could have been a complete DISASTER!

The kids were having a great morning, and consequently, so was I. I had taken this rare opportunity to work on a project, (against my better judgement) as they seemed pretty occupied and content. I left the door open to the room I was working in so that I would be able to hear if anything went array.

I was so engaged in my project that I lost track of time, all due, in part, because I hadn't heard anything from the kids. I've grown accustomed to the constant interruption from them, usually because of some conflict they're having. I can pretty much count on Kaelynn's screaming, or Braden's whining interrupting me when I'm trying to get something done. It leaves me frustrated and annoyed, though, I am learning to be more patient, realizing things are simply going to take more time to get done at this point in our lives... much longer than I want, of course. But, I recognize coming to grips with this concept, will only help alleviate my stress and frustration. So, it's a work in progress (as is everything else in my life!). Anyway, today I was actually getting something done, and it felt great! Of course, then the Mom instinct had to chime in. Things were just going a little too smooth, too perfect, too quiet...and any mom knows that that usually means trouble. But oh, how I didn't want to believe that! I was getting so much done! Why couldn't it just mean that they were having a great day?...Sure, things were going a bit on the unusual side, but who cares! Maybe all the screaming and whining and fighting were behind us! Yeah, it happened over night, but hey, miracles can happen!.....

Mmm, probably not. The mom side of me decided I'd better put things away and check on the kids.

As I entered the play room, I was surprised a bit by the extremely excited greeting I got from Kaelynn ...then, alarmed, as I saw the pink wand...err, nail polish brush she was waving in front of me. Instantly, I took a quick panoramic of the room and noticed that there was no bottle anywhere in sight. It had to be somewhere and of course all I could envision was pink polish generously spilled across my house, as the path from my bathroom, (where she undoubtedly found it), to the playroom is no small trek. It was a dreadful thought.

"Mommy, look! I paint Makenna's fingo nails. She's soo pitty!"

Though, inside I felt nothing but panic, I could hardly be mad at her. She obviously was certain I would find this most praiseworthy. This was very evident in her excited countenance as she beckoned me to come observe her handy work.

After her presentation, I ask Kaelynn where the nail polish bottle was. She took me straight to my bathroom and opened up the top drawer. There it lied, in all it's pink glory...along with all of the other contents of the drawer. So, there, the mess was isolated, and I couldn't have been more relieved!!!

I started to clean everything up, but before I finished, I thought, I need some pics to post! (thinking more and more like a blogger everyday, huh?) Anyway, I thought about this experience later and this blogging deal can help me in more ways than one, I think. If I can get myself to think, when something seemingly horrible happens, "oh, this would make a great post!" then perhaps I might not react so negatively about it-- cause I'll need a good pic to go with it! Of course, if I'm frustrated or mad, I'm certainly not going to get anyone to cooperate enough to get picture. Anyway, just a thought I had...maybe inspired, maybe not.

Anyhoo, so, yeah, here's what I got of the job:

These are Kaelynn's fingers:

These are Makenna's toes:

Wedding Highlights

2008-07-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

So, my little brother Javis is a married man!!! Crazy!...weird!...but definitely wonderful!! It was a fabulous weekend spent with family and friends celebrating this beautiful occasion. It really was one of the neatest wedding ceremonies I've been to. The words were perfect--not too many, not too little-- little bit of humor, lots of love, little bit of emotion, and of course, lots of happy faces. They are perfect for each other. We absolutely adore Chaylia!!! She certainly brings out the best in Jav. We couldn't thank her enough for all that she brings to the family and to Javis' life. We love her and him and we are so excited for what life will bring for the both of them together. We didn't get a ton of pictures because I was part of the wedding party and Owen had his hands full with kiddos, and so, yeah, it just wasn't a conducive situation to taking pictures. But we got a few during the reception. However, I am looking forward to seeing all the others out there that people took(...if we could just hurry and get all those passed around folks..that'd be great:).

I so love to get together with people that I love! Our family is awesome and it feels so great to be with them and wish we could be around them more. One of my favorite parts of the evening (besides eating...the food was fabulous!) was the dancing. I don't know what it is, but I feel such a bond when we all dance together. We just get goofy and have a great time. It's fun to watch everyone "let their hair down" and dance away. I was talking to my mom, and I said I think it will be kinda sad once everyone is married...no more dance parties to look forward to. We decided we just can't let it end. We'll just have to keep having weddings, without a bride and groom. (Basically, we'll just have to have some pretty knock out family reunions!) I just love to dance...especially with the fam. I wonder if everyone or anyone else feels the same? Gramma 'trina and Papa Dancing

Kaelynn and Uncle Jayden dancing

Everyone dancing

Here's some more random pics of the evening. Enjoy:

Owen, Dad, and Jayden

Owen, Josten and brand new baby Sienna

Uncle Travis, Auntie Karen, Gramma 'trina

Shasta, Owen and Kaelynn

Auntie Shawnte'

Uncle Josten and cousin Sienna

Auntie Sarah

Shasta and Shawnte'

Uncle Josten and Uncle Cameron

cousins Shyane, Makenna, and Mackenzie

Uncle Jehkiah and Shyane

Me and the hubby

Cindy and Makenna

Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Amy and little Sienna

Me and my Daddio

Crazy pic of Jayden, Shasta, Colby and Shyane

I'm sorry we have missing pics of other family members. If you have some more of others, send them our way...Johnbrock, Sheri, Zoe, Kevin, Lindsey, Lesley...need a good one of Karen and Travis and Katrina. Need some of Mom and Gary, the Breckster and little Tytan...I'd love some of Aunt Kaye and the crew too. Well, anyway...if you have any, pass them on!

Thanks for a such great time!! It's a memory we'll cherish for many years to come . Love you all!!!!!!!!

Our Visit to Nana and Tapa's

2008-07-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

We have a big weekend coming up so I wanted to get up to date with all the pics I've wanted to post. Gary just sent these ones to me (thanks!) These pics are of the kids when we went and stayed at Nana's and Tapa's house a couple weekends ago. It was really fun to be there and of course the kids enjoyed their time. I feel a little bad for my Mom and Gary because the kids were sick for most of that trip and were a bit crabby, to say the least. But they were loved anyway...Thanks! It's so wonderful to have family who love us no matter what, rain or shine, at our best or worst! It's such a comfortable and safe place to be. We love you Nana and Tapa!!!!!!!

Braden and Kaelynn helped Tapa put their new bench together. It was so cute! And Braden's infactuation with the Kayaks became a real love affair when Tapa let him get in one and pretend they were rowing down the river going over rapids and waterfalls...

Papa and Gramma 'trina's house

2008-07-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend spent with some of our most favorite people in the world, Papa, Gramma 'trina, Uncle Jayden, Aunt Karen and Uncle Travis, Shyane, Mackenzie, and Colby. It was great to spend some time with them. It's been way too long since we've gotten out that direction, so I'm glad we broke down and made the trip. It's the first we've taken with Makenna. I was a little nervous to do it with our now three kids, but it wasn't bad. We survived. Now that Braden's potty trained, (and I'm not complaining) it seems we are stopping a lot to let him go, and I had to nurse Makenna, too. Anyway, it just seems like the 4 1/2 trip takes a bit longer with all the little stops we had to make. In any case, it was well worth it to be with our wonderful family. Braden and Kaelynn were great. They had so, so, so much fun and they're still talking about it.

We mostly hung out at the house and played outside, which was so nice and cozy and relaxing. The boys (Owen, my dad, Jayden and Braden) had their little rendezvous at Sportsman's Warehouse (and who knows where else...they were gone for like 4 hours) which of course qualified the girls for a night out on the town ourselves. So we took a little trip to the mall and shopped around. It was fun just to spend sometime together and talk. We were pretty worn out from the day's activities that we didn't stay out too late, though.
Sunday we went to church and met up with old friends. Then Owen and I went to a wedding of a really good friend of mine from college, Rachel Drury. It was great to see her again. It's been over six years since we've seen each other and so it was an emotional reunion for the both of us. It was so great to see her and meet her now husband, Joe. He's absolutely perfect for her... they're perfect for each other. They both seem so happy together. And I know Rachel enough to know when she is truly happy. They are amazing people and I'm so glad I was able to go and be a part of their special day. It's pretty neat actually that they got married in Tri-Cities since they both live in Texas...south, south Texas. Her mom had moved from Moscow, ID a few years back and they decided they would get married up here instead of Texas, where I probably wouldn't have been able to attend. Anyway, it was all very beautiful and lovely. I love it when you have friends that though years and years have passed since being together, you still feel like the same ol' chums. Honestly it felt like no time had even passed as we sat together and chatted for the few moments she could get away from the festivities. (which, by the way made me feel so special. Love you, Rach!) Well, that sums up our fabulous weekend. Thanks Dad and Katrina for such a wonderful time and for hosting such a rowdy bunch like ourselves. We love you guys and can't wait for next weekend for more family and fun and wedding festivities!!!!

What is this??

2008-07-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

Last week Braden and I found this gigantico of a bug that fell out of a plant on our front porch. I have no idea what it is. It sorta gives me the creeps, mostly because it's hairy like a tarantula... I mean it doesn't look like a tarantula or anything, it's just hairy and when bugs are big enough to be hairy it gives me the willies!!!! I remember huge bugs like this in Texas and Virginia, but here in sweet little Idaho, well I just had no idea that were such things in existence. And I've lived here most of my life.

Braden was pretty excited about it though, so we got a mason jar and made a little cozy home for him...just for a day or so. We named him Fred. Oh, I almost forgot. This bug was not only hairy and huge, but it hissed. Crazy! Freaked me out...but Braden loved it! Kaelynn of course got all into it too, but it was definitely Braden's baby, and boy was he excited to show Dad when he got home.
Fred was released back out into the wild on Friday July 18th. He continues to roam the great outdoors, fulfilling the measure of his creation.

The Taggedy, Tag, Tag

2008-07-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've been tagged!...and it's quite flattering, I might add, to be thought of (thanks Jer)..anyhoo, in case any of you care to know, here are my answers:

Attached or Single? Absolutely attached...FOREVER!!!

Best Friend? Well, my best, bestest, better than all the restest friend would definately be Owen. But I have a few best friends...my family. No one knows me or loves me better then them!

Cake or Pie? Normally, I would say pie, hands down. But, HollyAnne makes this amazing layered chocolate cake, with a chocolate whipped creamy middle, topped with cool whip that is absolutely to die for!! So, if it's between pie and that cake, I would definately take the cake.

Day of Choice? If I had older kids, I think it would be Sunday...because that's what it used to be, but I think these days, I like Saturday...or Wednesday...I don't know anymore, really. It's not so much the day of the week as it is the day that Owen is home with us. It's the best to be all together.

Essential Items? binky, snacks, diapers, wipes, wallet, keys...and the kids, a husband's nice too...okay, I think we're good to go! (no matter, though, how "essential" these items are, I've managed to forget all of them at one point or another, (to my own dismay and detriment)...except the kids. But, I've forgotten the husband once or twice, I think. Anyway, it's this new brain I got after having kids....

Favorite Color? I'm totally into blue right now.

Gummy Bears or Worms? Worms...the sour ones!!

Home Town? Post Falls, Idaho

Indulgences? Organics brand Palmagranite Italian Soda (my current kick), BTC chocolate chip cookies, clearance racks, Jamba Juice, and books

January or July? July... but, January's getting a little more exciting now since Braden's birthday is that month.

Kids? 3 cute, adorable, funny, full of personality and occationally sassy little ones:) (okay, it's more than occational)

Like or Love? I'm a lover. If I like it...well, "I LOVE IT!"

Marriage Date? October 17, 2003

Number of Siblings? Okay, this gets a little hairy, but hang in there with me... here it goes: 4, plus 4 more, plus 5--- reaches a grand total of 13! whew!

Phobias/fears? Drowning. Jumping into water from high places. Getting stuck in the green water pipeline by the old "green house" on Ohio Match Road, crawling as fast as I can, but the water is rushing behind me much faster than I am moving. Not being a good enough mom. Not being a good enough wife. Not doing enough.

Quotes? Oh, I have so many! I'm a quote girl. I LOVE them!!! I need them to keep me up, to keep me focused, or get me refocused, to feel the spirit and get direction.

Here's a few that are especially inspiring to me today:

"That which we elect to surround ourselves with becomes the museum of our soul, and the archive of our experiences."

--Thomas Jefferson

"It is important to understand that obedience is not simply a requirement of a capricious God who wants us to jump hurdles for the entertainment of a royal court. It is really the pleading of a loving Father for you and me to discover, as quickly as we can, that there are key concepts and principles that will bring happiness in a planned but otherwise cold universe. We simply have to rely on faith and obedience to carry us forward when our personal experience and knowledge are inadequate."
---Neal A. Maxwell

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you do with what happens to you." (roughly:)
---unknown

Reasons to Smile? Braden, Kaelynn, Makenna, Owen...my life! (I really do have it good even when in certain moments I think I don't. I just gotta look at the big picture and then I can smile with great satisfaction!!!!)

Season? I love the FALL!!!!!!!

Tag Six...Owen, Josten, Sarah, Shawnte'& Cameron (guess that means you have to start a blog:) HollyAnne (you too:) and I'm gonna tag some more people who actually have blogs...that I think haven't already been tagged...so here we go...Chelsea, Andrea, Ginny, Carrie, Megan,...and I think that covers the six.

Unknown fact about me? I have a total of EIGHT very ugly, unattractive, unfeminine, but, nonetheless, very visable scars on my knees all that I incurred before the age of 23...(the year I got married. Does that say something?)But, proudly, I have a story for them all. I believe they will stay with me my whole life just so I'll have fun stories to tell my kids and grandkids and have the "proof" that it happened!!

Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? I'm not going to get hate email for this, right? Cause guess what, I LOVE TO EAT MEAT...LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!! Call me what you want.

X-rays or Ultrasounds? Well, ultrasounds have only meant good news for me, so I go with UTRASOUND

Your Favorite Food? FOOD! I love Food! Good food that is. I have way too many favorites to list them all. I just enjoy eating and I am grateful that we've been given such a pleasure in life.

Zodiac? scorpio is it? somethin' like that...anyway, I think it means I'm really sweet, except, you know, on my bad days, you might watch out for those...I'm thinkin I can get a little fiesty!

Mmm, Mmm, Good!

2008-07-13T18:28:00.001-07:00

Makenna has started eating solid foods, and the other day we thought we'd try some biter biscuits to see how she'd like those. From the looks of it, I'm pretty sure they were a hit.

Sleepy Head

2008-07-13T18:14:00.001-07:00

What a classic! The other day, after I had made the kids some lunch, I took the moment I had, while they were busy eating, to finish up some chore that I had been trying to get done. Not 5 minutes later, when I returned to the kitchen, this is how I found my dear little Kaelynn.

It's tough to play outside all morning and then try and stay awake through lunch... I mean, it's practically impossble.

Our little tribute to "LADY LIBERTY"

2008-07-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, she's finally arrived and we couldn't be more excited to have a new baby girl cousin! Quite fittingly, she's inherited the nickname "lady liberty", (which I think is absolutely adorable) since she was born on the 4th of July. It's perfect, and so is she!!! Now, since I haven't seen her in person yet, I had to hijack this pic from Josten and Sarah's blog. (Sorry, guys, but I had to have a picture! I'll add more of my own as so as I get them.) Anyway, we just wanted to say how excited we are for little Sienna's safe, and timely, arrival. This family has truly been blessed. I won't go through all the details, but if you're interested in knowing all about their story, check out their blog. It's great. I'm sure there will be a better version coming up as soon as Sarah is feeling up to blogging again. Until then, Josten's little blurb with have to suffice.

We are so excited to have this new additon to our great family! WE can't wait to meet you, little "lady liberty"!

UNCLE JEHKIAH!!

2008-06-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

So, part of our fun week included a special visit from "the incomparable, Pam Flind..."... I mean, Uncle Jehkiah! (okay, little joke there, if you didn't catch it... which is probably about 95% or more of you. Really only my family stands a reasonalble chance at getting it and, even then, I admit, it's a pretty pathetic attempt to be funny. So I'll be lucky if I get a smirk or two, even from them. I , obviously, would not make a very good comedian and so this is not an attempt to do the impossible. However, if I know my sister like I think I do, my ray of hope lies in her. If Shawnte' gets it, and she laughs, which I am banking on, why, then it was all worth it;)
So, anyway, this is quite exciting, since we haven't seen Jehkiah since Makenna was born. He's a busy man, a very busy man...and so, we count ourselves lucky to be among the chosen few to be graced with a visit from him this last week. Jehkiah has one more year until he is done with his Nuclear Medicine program. This final year is his externship in Coos Bay, Or. It will be a while until we will see him again (okay, except for Javis' wedding and when we vacation to the beach) There's no breaks for him this year. No Christmas vacation for, no spring break...nothing. So, needless to say we are thrilled to have had this one on one time with him before he starts.

It really is so fun to be around Uncle Jehkiah. Everyone adores him and our kids are no exception. He had Kaelynn (probably Braden, too) wrapped around his finger...(or was it the other way around?) In anycase, it was lots of fun to have him here to play with, to talk to.... and do our dishes...I mean, well, you know, he's just one of those people that volunteers that sort of thing. And it's not like I expect it or anything, he just does it. You know how it is. It was just worth mentioning cause it's nice. Among all the other wonderful reasons why he's great to have around, he's just really helpful, and I, particularly, appreciate his sensitivity and generosity. He's always serving us and we so, so appreciate all he does!

While he was here we went on a little hike to a new waterfall we found (new to us, anyway) in the wildlife refuge we're exploring. It was a really easy, kid friendly hike, for most of the way, so the kids did really well. It was fun.

It's always fun when Uncle Jehkiah's around. We are so grateful he took the time to come and visit us. It was such a treat!!!!

OUR DAY WITH DAD

2008-06-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

Owen has the week off, so we have some fun little outings planned... well at least one:) Yesterday we decided to take a little drive to eastern Washington, to a cat zoo called CAT TAILS. Now, these aren't just your ordinary house cats...no, no these are the "BIG ONES". When we asked Braden if he wanted to go see the BIG CATs, he was all game...but, when we asked if he wanted to go see the TIGERS and LIONS he said "NO! the TIGERS are too naughty! They might eat you!" So, it took the trip over (and some) to convince him and Kaelynn (of course, because whatever Braden thinks, so does she), that, though these tigers and lions are big and strong, these ones were nice, because they were in a cage. Owen told them that, "if by chance, one day, you were to see a lion or a tiger, and they weren't in a cage, they might be naughty, so you better pray!".

nice kitty, nice, nice kitty...

To ensure their safety, Braden and Kaelynn like to hold hands and stay close to mom and dad ( just a little habbit we've helped them develop:)...and they were more than willing to "stay safe" in a park with a bunch of possible naughty Lions and Tigers around. One of the tour guides showed us a couple particularly motivating exibits:

Needless to say, we had no problems.

After our little adventure at CAT TAILS, we went out for ice cream. A yummy, scrumptious way to finish off the day!

Father's Day Prep

2008-06-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of the kids making special Father's Day pictures for DAD! They are such great little artists, aren't they?!

WE Love YOU DAD!!
Uh, oh, Dad...will you kiss it better?

I couldn't be a happier woman! Thanks for being the man you are. I love you with all my heart!

Hilarious SNL clip!

2008-06-20T13:02:00.001-07:00

Embed Great Saturday Night Live Videos!
Embed Great Saturday Night Live Videos!

2008-06-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday the kids and I thought we would surprise dad at the office and take him out to dinner at this cute little pizza parlor downtown. I had talked to Owen earlier that day and he said he wouldn't be leaving until around 5 or 5:30, so I thought I was safe when we left the house at 4:30 to make our surprise visit. But somehow, on the way, (mind you, there is only one route to take to get home from the office)... and even though I was on the lookout for his car, if by some unforeseeable chance he had decided to leave early... we missed him. So, of course, because I saw no car, we continued our trek all the way into town, only find him not there. What a bummer! But instead of letting it ruin our plans, we just drove back home and picked him up and drove back into town. And I'm so glad we did! It turned out to be a great evening!

What a great little restaurant and fabulous pizza! The kids were good for the most part (as good as you can expect 3 little kids to be in a restaurant). What made it extra great was the friendly service. Our waitress even held Kaelynn and entertained Braden while Owen and I finished our dinner. Now where else can you find service like that? Only in Bonners Ferry!!!! It was wonderful!

Then we decided to take a short drive out to the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge that just follows the Kootenai River from downtown. It was so beautiful! We had never driven out there and we were kicking ourselves for not having taken the opportunity before. There's lots of trails for hiking and biking and day use areas for picnicking and stuff. We've been all around this area exploring and finding new waterfalls and hiking trails, and all along we knew about this place, (which happens to be closer than any of the other hiking trails we've been to), and we never came out here. So, now we know where to hang out this summer. It was a bit cold outside and it started to rain a little, so we just drove around, on the lookout for some moose.

Like always, when there is no restroom in sight, Braden calls from the back of the van, "Oh, no.. I gotta go potty!" (Is that legal in a national wildlife refuge? I don't know, but when Braden says he has to go, he has to go and that means now! So, that was our only choice, legal or not.) So we pulled over by this pretty little pond and let Braden relieve himself.

The boys got a little distracted and decided it would be fun to throw rocks in the pond. Kaelynn, Makenna and I were, of course, waiting in the car, until we realized they were just out there playing. So, Kaelynn and I decided to join them (Makenna was asleep). Anyway, we spent the next half hour or so throwing rocks in the pond. Braden would throw his little pebble of a rock and Owen would be right behind him throwing his boulder of one, of course making a monstrous splash, all the while Braden thinking it's coming from his throw. Braden would lean forward every time waiting for the big splash to come and then turn around with a big surprised, but proud look on his face and say "WOW!" Kaelynn couldn't resist joining in the fun and after a few throwing lessons from dad, she was making big splashes too. Kaelynn, however leaned a little too far forward, at one point, and took a little tumble down the hill...luckily dad caught her. She was a bit shaken up, but was over it in a matter of seconds and went right back to throwing.

I had remembered I had the camera in my bag, so I got a few pictures before the rain really started in. Wish I would have thought about it earlier, then I really could have gotten some real classics...but, oh, well...here's the ones we got.............

2008-06-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, I really enjoy using Picasa.:) I'm not very good, but I have a lot of fun with it. I'm hoping to one day get an even better program (hint, hint, Owen. Anyway, I think this is the coolest picture. It looks like something right out of my dad's baby book. Ha, it even looks like my dad! I love vintage!

2008-06-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful girls

2008-06-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

I just thought Makenna looked adorable in this pic. It was taken a couple of weeks ago. She's just getting so big! I love her! She's such a happy, smiley baby!!!!!

2008-06-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I don't remember the last time we took a family picture. It's hard to get us all together to take one...somebody's usually cranky and we just don't feel like fighting with it, or we just forget to do it all together. But we finally got one! It's not the greatest, and we have an extra, but, hey, what can you say?...We're all there! This was taken this last weekend with Elder Simonsen, who went home this last Monday. We had a little going away party for him at our house. It was fun. Anyway, so here you go....
I just have to say, that we thought the world of this missionary. What an exemplary young man. Through his faith, obedience, hard work and love, his influence will be felt for a long time here. We'll never forget his wonderful warm smile. It was an honor to have him and his companion in our home from time to time. What a spirit they bring and a reminder of what is most important. It so nice to feel that fire again. Not that it was lost, I guess, but I think it's just easy to get caught up in the grind of day to day life. But their influence and missionary zeal really fed our sometimes flickering flame. We wish him the best of luck back home and most importantly thank him for all he has done to bless our area and our family through his selfless service.

FATHERs' and SONs' CAMPOUT

2008-05-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

After only a few trial runs in the back yard last year, Owen and Braden were ready for their first fathers and sons campout this last weekend. From what I hear it was "so fun, mom!" I was informed that my name was only a "hiss in the wind". ( I guess that was supposed to mean it went well?? :) Anyway, it was obvious that Braden enjoyed himself because that's all he could talk about for the next 2 days! I'm sure it was an exciting, adventurous experience for them both. Of course, I can only imagine. I am happy they got to have some male, father/son bonding time together, even if I was forgotten about for a bit :)

BEFORE.....

2008-05-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

Here's some pics of the yard. We'll do the after pics too. Hopefully it'll look better than this!

WORK! WORK! WORK! for 3 WEEKS LONG!

2008-05-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

We didn't know what we were getting ourselves into when we decided Owen would put in our sprinkler system! Wow, it's been a long, dusty (and dirty) road, and it just keeps going. Will we ever be done????? We're saving thousands, right?....it's worth it...right?? I'm about dirted out! How many times a day can one sweep and mop floors without going crazy?!! On a more grateful note, it's a good thing we have some amazing friends, (who actually know what they are doing) who have selflessly given so much so we can have. No, seriously they have sacrificed so much time and brains for our cause. Thanks Scott (truly the brains of the operation), Kevin, Earnie, Elder Simonson, Elder Meyers, and Robert! You guys are the best! Thanks for knowing what you're doing and for all your help. And, honey, thanks for wanting to save us money and for being willing to put yourself out there to do something you've never done before. You're my hero!!! We just might have a yard this year, thanks to you and all you wonderful people!! Oh, and thank you Braden and Kaelynn for your tremendous support and supervision of the entire project. We couldn't have done it without you!!

AIRPORT FIELD TRIP

2008-05-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

April 21, 2008
Last Monday, for "family day" (since Owen had to work that night) we took the kids to our local airport. Braden has been an airplane fanatic since the day he was born almost. I think it's an obsession...or something close to it. Anyway, so we pass this airport quite often since it's on our way to town. Braden and Kaelynn both, actually, always like to point out to us the airplanes as they're taking off or landing as they fly right over the hwy. Braden always begs us to "go ride in the airplane". So, we decided to take a little field trip over there. It was a slow day, so lucky for us they took us out to one of the buildings housing 3 of their planes. Two were getting some maintenance work done, but one was calling Braden's name. He ran right to it. He was sort of "star struck" at first and didn't know what to do. He just sat there staring at it in complete awe. But it wasn't long before he was convinced he could actually get in. They were all so cute sitting in there. I think Braden would have stayed the night if we
would have let him. We had a bit of a struggle leaving, (remember Braden has close to what we think might be an "obsession"...so, we'll just leave it to your imagination to figure out what sort of parting that was) But, anyway, all in all it was fun to see the kids get all excited about it.

Kaelynn's 2!

2008-05-03T13:44:00.001-07:00

April 19, 2008

Contrary to the number of candles you see on the cake here, Kaelynn only turned 2! I'm not sure what my deal was. I don't know, maybe it had something to do with the fact that I was up till 5:30 in the morning with my sister in-law, Holly, decorating the new office for Family Solutions. Well, that's just a whole other story....Anyhoo, so yeah, I put three candles on the cake...(what kind of mom am I?) I did notice, however, before we sang, so she only had to blow out two.

I can't believe she was once my baby!!! Look at her! She's such a little lady now. Like I always say, "Where does the time go?" She's got such a sweet (and sassy) personality (Owen likes to call it "sweet and sour". I don't like that so much:) that is so adored...(most of the time:)

I think she really enjoyed the attention. After only a few moments of bashfulness, she soaked it up. She felt special, I could tell.
Kaelynn has a giant of a heart! I love to watch her play and interact. She makes me smile. Sometimes I sit and wonder what our relationship will be like as she grows older. She's so independent, and stubborn at times, but such a softy, too. Sometimes I see "traces"( others claim more) of myself in her personality and I wonder if that may pose problems in the future or just make us really great friends. I would venture to say, that we will probably butt heads every now and again, but in the end( if not sooner, and hopefully so), I think our experiences together will make us the best of friends. I love her soooooo, soooooo, much!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAELYNN! WE LOVE YOU With all our HEARTS!!!!!!

TIME OUT!!!!!

2008-04-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

That's a common phrase in our house these days, but this time it was TIME OUT! for Mom! Now I know this date has come and gone, umm, like over a month ago, but since we've been out of internet service for the last little while I didn't have a way to blog this amazing experience I had with my MOMS and my SISTERS. (Yes, I said "MOMS". It's a long story, but most of you know it well enough, so I won't explain. I just have a pretty amazing family, lets just put it that way.)

Dereret Book puts on this great event for women and they tour the country with it called TIME OUT! for Women. You've heard of it I'm sure. Anyway they came to Spokane this year. It was a perfect exuse for us to get together and make a weekend of it. It really was amazing and so inspiring. I even got to meet some of my most favorite "famous" mormon people. That was really exciting! But I think the best part of it all, besides getting to be with the girls, was the spirit and edification I felt as I heard each presentation. It certainly was a much needed and most welcomed spiritual exerience!

Here are a list of the different presenters and just imagine what an event would be like with all these amazing people there:

*Sheri Dew (one of my personal favorites... and We took a picture with her, my sister just has to send it to me. )

*Wendy Watson Nelson (Elder Russel M. Nelson's wife and quite sassy I might add:)...took a picture with her too....)

*Virginia Hinckley Pearce (she's just like her Dad...need I say more:)... and yes, we have a picture with her as well...)

*Chieko Okazaki (who couldn't adore her!)

well those names alone did me in...I was there!....but there was more!!!!......

*Jane Clayson Johnson ( Have you read "I am a Mother"? Great book! She's a new hero of mine!)

*Hillary Weeks (I've loved her music since my mission. Now I just adore her!) *Michael McLean (What an amazing person! I love his music more than ever now)

*Mercy River (never heard of them before, but after hearing them they are now one of my favorite singing goups! I love their music!)

*Dr. Wayne Boss (didn't know of him before this, but now is now on my top 40's list)

*Mary Ellen Edmonds (she's so funny!)

*Merrilee Boyack

*Elia Gourgouris

*Carolyn Rasmus

A few of these people I had never heard of, but I'm so glad I got to go to this event and be inspired by each one of them. There are so many wonderful people in the church who do so much good.

When we got to meet some of these people, I was just struck with how real they are. I don't know what else I was expecting, but I guess it's just a bit weird to meet people you only see on T.V. or read about. They are amazing people and I'm not trying to minimize that at all. I just love that they joke around and are fun loving people who poke fun at each other a little bit. Okay, I'll just share a short little diddy. When we were talking with Sister Dew, Sister Nelson, and Sister Pearce they were so genuinely interested in everyone. That was so neat. But, what really brought everything down to earth, I guess I would say, was when we were all standing together to get a picture taken with them. Sister Nelson was standing at my left and Sister Dew was just on the other side of her to her left. We all had arms around each other at our waists. Anyway, Sister Dew kept on saying "Wendy, what is that? What is that?" I had felt her touch/brush me a couple times, so I said "oh, that's me I think." "No", she said, "I think I'm grabbing Wendy's fat!" They just kept joking about each other's chubbies. Anyway, it was just real. And I appreciated that:)

For those of you who have never gone to one of these events, I highly recommend it! Go, be inspired, uplifed, and rejuvenated! It's so worth it!

Here are some quotes that have just come to my mind...(obviously for a reason):

speaking of leadership principles Sister Dew says "LESS is MORE". No one can do everything at once. We learn line upon line. And, everything does not deserve your best effort and somethings demand your best effort! We have to figure out what those things are.

Dr. Wayne Boss left us with this (and I'm paraphrasing) ...You only have power to the extent that people trust you.

There were so many wonderful thoughts and inspiring words...one of these days I'll take some time and blog some of those for you (and me! I need to be reminded.)

COUSIN MANIA!!

2008-03-07T17:57:00.001-08:00

With the advent of Makenna's blessing we had lots of family here, particularly kids!!! It's always been great getting together with family, but as we grow and more kids come, it creates and adds a whole new, exciting element to our get-togethers, and, for me, makes it
extra special and entertaining. Not everyone was able to make it, and they were missed. But we still had lots of fun with those that were here. Between mine and Owen's family there are 14 grandkids,... actually, my sister Karen, just got married and inherited 3 more kids, (Wow!! That's a total of six for her. She's amazing!)... so, make that 17. And, my brother Josten and his wife Sarah are expecting # 2 in July(?). And then there's Koda...Shawnte' and Cameron's dog who might as well be a kid:) Anyway we had 9 cousins here this last weekend. It was loads of fun!

Here
are some pics of them having a great time together attacking the air mattress, (or rather the mattress attacking them:) Then there's some posing on the stairs by Braden, Kaelynn, Breck and Koda the dog, and other misc. pics of cousins, aunts, uncles,....

Oh, the things that will entertain...
Aren't they cute!!!!

MAKENNA'S BLESSING DAY

2008-03-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend! We had lots of family up to visit for Makenna's blessing. It was really special, as it always is. I always look forward to when our kids are blessed. I feel like I get some insight on who they are and I'm always taken back with awe at the greatness of their spirits. I feel so inadequate at times to be their mom.

My mom made the dress that Makenna is wearing. It's actually the same dress that Kaelynn wore as well. I love it!!! It's beautiful. The pictures simply do not do it justice. Nana also made a new bonnet to go with it...something special just for her. It'll be fun to pass these down to the girls when they have their own little babies. I always think about stuff like that, probably because I love it when my parents pass on some family heirloom to me! I hope my kids will appreciate things like this. I suppose I will have to be selective and make sure I'm not passing on everything. I can just see 2o years from now all the kids sitting around laughing hysterically about all the things I seem to find sentiment about and then insist on passing it on; how each of them have piles upon piles of stuff that they don't know what to do with but don't have the heart to throw it out because it's a "family heirloom". Anyway, just one of those things I can see getting grief about till the day I die and after if I'm not careful:)

Here are some pics of Papa and Gramma Cornett, Nana, Grandma and Grampa Baisden (as soon as I get them) and Owen and I each with our sweet little Makenna.

TWO MONTHS TODAY!

2008-02-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

Makenna is 2 months old today! WOW! Time flies and I wish it would slow down. We were just talking about how unbelievable it is that Braden is 3 and Kaelynn is almost 2 and now we have a 3rd just cruzin along. It's amazing what life can bring in such a short amount of time. I can only imagine what 50 or more years under our belt will do. It's exciting.
Makenna really is getting so big. She's got to be almost 11 lbs or more by now. When we were in the hospital a couple weeks ago with her when she had RSV she weighed 10 lbs. I feel like I'm carrying a load now. Anyway, she has her 2 mo. check up, so, we'll see. She's not so teeny tiny now...but she sure is stinkin' cute! She loves to try and talk to us. When ever we start to talk to her she'll open her mouth as wide and she can and squeeze out as much noise as possible...not screaming or crying, but, you know, cute baby squeals. And then of course she is always smiling. I love that she is happy. She's so, so sweet and we can't imagine life without her. Braden and Kaelynn absolutely adore her and it's so good for them. They are so tender and gentle and they love to help take care of her. They are growing so much from this experience...and so are WE!!

LITTLE REMINDERS

2008-02-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

Sometimes as I'm busily going about doing chores or whatever it is I'm caught up in, the spirit redirects me. Maybe I'll catch in the background the tender little voices of our sweet Braden and Kaelynn playing together. It catches my attention enough that I'll stop what I'm doing and go and peek. And so it was this morning. Braden and Kaelynn were playing so well...no fighting or screaming. I heard only the gentle sweet tones of little toddler voices exchanging conversation. Braden was putting Kaelynn "night, night" in the dump truck. Ever so gently he tucked her in and tried to make her feel as comfortable as possible. It was so precious . It was one of those moments that easily could have been missed if I hadn't taken the time to listen and peek. I had to ask myself, "How often do these moments slip by without me ever noticing?". Anyway to someone else it may have meant nothing, but today, for me, it meant everything! I'm so grateful for this blessing from the Lord. Though seemingly small, simple and insignificant, this moment was absolutely a tender mercy sent to me from the Lord to help me feel his spirit, look deeper into life and what is most important, and fill my heart with gratitude for this priceless gift I've been given...motherhood!
I was reminded today, as I watched my kids, of Sister Beck's talk this last conference, "Mothers Who Know". I remember the powerful spirit I felt as she gave it, and today I feel it again. I love this quote from it:

"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less distraction, less activity that draws theIr children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children---more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to do it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power."

"...FOR PURPLE MOUNTAIN MAJESTIES ..."

2008-02-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

We live in probably some of the most beautiful country in the whole US of A! This afternoon I took these fantastic pictures of the Cabinet Mountains just out our back door. What a view, huh?Ahh, the majesty of it all...simply breath taking!!!!!

DAD...these are for you! The scene has been captured. Revisit it anytime!

"BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION..."

2008-01-30T21:40:00.001-08:00

So, here we go, our first post. I'm not sure where to start really, so, I guess I'll just start from the beginning. I'll make it short and sweet and to the point. Though we thoroughly enjoy talking about the details of our romantic courtship, we'll spare you the details. It would probably not be so exciting for you, or quite possibly, if you're reading this, you've already heard it a thousand times, so....
Owen and I met shortly after coming home home from my mission in 2002 (about Septemberish we met). However, we didn't start dating until the summer of 2003. We got engaged and married ( in the Spokane Washington Temple) all in a matter of a few months and found ourselves working, going to school @ North Idaho College (Owen anyway), and living in the cutest 1 bedroom apartment ever in Post Falls, ID! Well, we loved it anyway. Roughly 14 months later we had our first baby, while still living in our adorable, ONE bedroom apartment. We set up the crib in our room. He had his own little corner all decorated and organized to perfection...well as perfect as you can in a little corner:)

Braden William was born in January 2005 weighing 9lbs 3oz

About six months later the family buisness, which Owen is a part of, relocated to Montana, about 3 hours away from Post Falls. Prior to the change, the business was in Cocolalla, ID, only about an hour drive from our apartment. So, we moved a wee bit closer, but only to Cocolalla ( just south of Sandpoint) and stayed there for about a year. (The house was much bigger, but not so cute)

In April we had our second baby, this time a beautiful little girl.

Kaelynn was born in April 2006 weighing 8lbs 6oz

Cocolalla was a good place, but the commute was getting to us (still a 2 hour drive) and so we decided to take the plundge and move as far north as we...okay, I was willing, and landed oursleves in Bonners Ferry, Idaho where we are currently living. We found a brand new little, tiny, 3 bedroom house (under 1000 sq ft.) to live in. And it was perfect for us. Now work is only 45-50 minutes away...well, on a good day I guess. But, in any case, we are a lot closer, which makes it so much nicer. (Owen tried to move us even closer, but to no avail. We needed civilization, at least!)

To our great delight, we found out we were pregnant with #3 in the spring of '07... she was due on Christmas day. (This made for a bit of stress for Mom. But it all worked out and she even came 5 days early!)

Makenna was born December 2007 weighing 6lbs 14 oz.

So, Owen continues to go to school, making a trip once a week for class in Coeur d' Alene, and takes the rest of his courses online, and then works full time with his family. It makes for quite the busy schedule, but somehow he does it and still has time for us, which of course is his biggest priority.

Things are a bit more crowded in our little house, but I do have high hopes that one day we'll have a bigger home. But hey, we're happy...what more could ya ask for?!!!