Thanksgiving Campout 2007

If you click on the pictures you can view them a bit larger.

We had such an amazing time on our week long camping trip as you can see. The kids were in heaven from sun up to bed time...where they pretty much passed out. They played in the dirt, rode bikes, climbed trees, fished and so much more. I think one of the coolest things was that my cousin Cameron set up a movie outside each night. He brought a screen and set it up in the grass, and with his technical abilities was able to have the kids watch movies like Shrek The 3rd and Elf to name a couple. Camping sure has come a long way since I was a kid. I made sure to tell my parents "thank you" on this trip...for instilling the love for camping in me. So much hard work goes into a week like that...and as a child, you don't see that part of it. Because of all the incredible memories I have....I want to make sure to give the same to my children. So far, I think we are accomplishing just that! Fortunately Rich has learned to love it too...so much that we are going again this coming weekend. Back to the mound of laundry awaiting me. The whole wash room smells like a fire pit! Until next time....

Have a good one!

Just want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! We pray that you travel safely wherever you may be headed and enjoy spending time with all of your families. We are heading out this afternoon on our annual camping trip, and look forward to a week of relaxing and getting away from the monotony of the routine. The kids can't wait to get out there. So, to some of you...we'll see you in a few days...LET'S EAT!!

The boys and I had this taken at the movie theatre the other day. They can be so silly sometimes...they must get it from their father!:)

Brennen's 1st day of swim team

Brennen really worked hard for his cheeseburger tonight...and boy did he scarf it down. He was also fast asleep by 7:30 pm. He had his first day of swim team this afternoon, and he did so good! I couldnt' believe what a natural he was. I spent a little time going over the freestyle stroke during the summer, but not much. His technique really surprised me today. The coach was very impressed for his 1st day and thinks that he needs to be moved up with the bigger kids, but for a few weeks this will be good to build his endurance...and his confidence.



He really did have a blast and felt this his "fast pants" really made a difference in his speed compared to regular swim trunks. I agreed :) It was really great to see him be the "bigger" kid today...with more skill than the others. He's always the little guy, and while he keeps his head high and tries his best at all times...he was pretty excited to be the fastest at practice. Until next time....

Happy 44th Anniversary!!

This post is dedicated to my amazing parents who celebrated their 44 year wedding anniversary this weekend. They are an awesome example of what a marriage should be. They have taught me how to compromise, work together, be patient, forgiving, to apologize, be thankful, selfless, thoughtful and loving. I know that they have struggled at times through the years...dealing with one brothers accident and an others cancer, and my dad's heart problems. These are things that can tear people apart because the pain is just too great to endure while also focusing on being a good spouse. I pray that I will always be reminded of their strength and courage throughout the course of my marriage. Rich and I are so blessed by the example before us. If you asked my parents how they made it this far...I know that they would give all the glory to the Lord. I don't think marriage's like theirs exist without HIM! So, happy anniversary mom and dad. We loved having you over for dinner last night to honor you and the commitment you made 44 years ago. Thank you for loving each other so deeply, so much for so long!!

Fall Treats

Here are a couple of "sweet eats" for the Thanksgiving holiday. Both of these recipes are so yummy...and a great addition to your dessert table (or mouth)!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread:

3 1/2 C. sifted flour

1 1/2 tsp. of table salt
1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. of nutmeg (freshly grated works best)

1 tsp. cinnamon (freshly grated works best)

4 eggs

2/3 C. water

2 C. pumpkin (fresh or canned)

3 C. sugar

1 C. oil
1 C. chocolate chips

Sift all dry ingredients together. Beat eggs, add water, oil pumpkin and mix. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix. Fold in chocolate chips. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Bake at 350. Check after one hour. You don't want it to jiggle in the pan, but you want it to be nice and moist to where it actually looks a bit wet. Don't over bake!!

Apple Brickle Dip: Oh, so good!

1 8 oz. package cream cheese softened

1/2 C. packed brown sugar

1/4 C. granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 package Heath toffee bits (7 1/2 oz.)
tart apples slices for dipping

tip: soak the apple slices in lemon-lime soda so they don't turn brown

Enjoy! Until next time...

Trial Run

Rich took the kids and I to Ocatillo Wells this weekend to test out our new 5th wheel and dust off our dirt bikes! Turns out I need a new battery in my bike, so I did't get much riding in. But I really enjoyed watching the kids accomplish a few new things. The tradgedy of the weekend (besides forgetting to pack towels for showers) was that I left the CF card for my camera in the computer...and the only one I had held 3 pictures. So here they are!
Here is our little moto man with no training wheels!! He has been riding a two wheel bike for a while now, but was nervous to take the trainers of his dirt bike. I can totally relate, as I have dumped mine in the thick sand way more than I would like to admit! But Rich started it up for him and he took off...and I could here him singing songs from High school Musical while he was riding!
And little Brycee got geared up for the first time to ride the bike Brennen used to ride (with the trainers of course). We thought about letting him go by himself, but after Rich's test ride with him, discovered that he is completely out of control and pretty much rides full throttle the whole time. For now...dad will accompany him to ensure the safety of Bryce, and anyone or thing that may be near Bryce!

So, back to the forgotten towels....and yes we did shower after our day in the dirt. We had a couple dish towels and some paper towels. Not super funny, but not the end of the world. you can bet it won't happen again! We really enjoyed the time together and look forward to getting more trips on the calendar with family and friends! Until next time....

Happy Harvest

The boys had a blast at the Harvest Festival at our church. Here they are with the Phillips boys. I had surprised the boys with costumes that I had ordered on line. They had each been talking about the Star Wars characters they wanted to be since the Summer time. So Brennen was "Jengo Fet" and Bryce was supposed to be a Storm Trooper, but at the last minute he decided to add a little pre drama to the evening...he just had to wear his "surfer Indian" costume instead. Money well spent!



The most important part of the night for Bryce was this slide and the potential candy he was going to get. When someone would hand him a piece he would say, "I don't like that kind, I want sumping else." I guess you can't fault the kid for being honest. I try to remind myself sometimes that if I never say what I desire...chances are, I won't get it.

Brennen really was more excited than he looks in this picture. They were so busy and on the go, I had to chase them down just to snap a few phots. He was much more into the games and his friends...not so much the sweet stuff.

Okay, I had to come up with something! Rich was supposed to come with me in a school uniform costume, but he got tied up with work (Good one babe). So, I guess I looked more like Britney Spears (nice) than the image I was trying to achieve...but the boys thought it was pretty cool that mom dressed up. Bryce loved the pig tails!! Unfortunately the photo is out of focus, but the only we were able to get of Mia and I in costume.

Hope you all had a fun and safe night. Until next time....