Thank you Burbank Photography!

I decided I wanted to have some outdoorsy family pictures taken, so a few weeks ago I got all the family up early (no it was not a pleasant experience and I have to admit that I was wondering why I even bothered for a while) on a Saturday morning and we headed off to the South Hills with Randy Burbank of Burbank Photography -he is seriously the nicest person you will ever meet! After we got there we just started taking pictures and everyone enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and fresh mountain air. After the first wardrobe change I realized I packed jeans for everyone except myself. Brittany said she brought an extra pair and I said "Ya right" but all the stars in the heavens aligned and I got into them somehow. I couldn't breath, but hey, it worked.
The kids.

Us looking serious.

Serious aka cranky in color! The water was extremely cold, that is why we look cranky.

Brad and Britt

Mom and Britt.

Our "happy feet"

Family pic!

Brad and I

More kids pics.

The family in color.



Handsome Jake!

The family sitting on a huge rock.

In color!

Time Out and my cute boys!

On Sept. 18 and 19 I got the opportunity to go to Time Out for Women with Jan Peterson (it is our third time going together in the last few years) in Logan, Utah. We had an excellent time. Even though our first hotel room's air conditioner started to catch on fire. We ended up getting a new room so all was good.

The main thing that I took away from the weekend was that we should never judge ourselves harshly or compare ourselves to others. That we should not fear and that we should let virture garnish our thoughts (there is nothing virtuous about thinking how you are not good enough, don't do enough, etc.). Heavenly Father knows you are doing the best that you can. And heck, I know my best is not as good as someone elses best, but it is my best!

Another thing I learned was that children are like fruit and fruit takes a long time to ripen. And that instead of judging my self worth by how my children turn out, focus on what I have learned as a mother and how raising children has made me a better person. Being a mother is truly the hardest thing I have ever done. But I know that Heavenly Father makes up for my mistakes and short comings as long as I keep him close and ask for his help. He loves my children even more than I do and only wants the best for them. That doesn't mean that they will be perfect, act perfect, or never make mistakes. It is when we sin, make mistakes or are in need that we truly come to know who our Heavenly Father is. My prayer for them is that when the rain comes (and it will) that they will know who to turn to for guidance and solace. It has taken me a few years to learn that myself.

This is a picture of the venue, during a break.

This is a picture of our program and our free tote bag. (You get bored during some of the breaks!)

Out hotel and our Time out For Women cute bags.

Jan and I trying to take pictures of ourselves with both our cameras at the same time.

Us eating our chocolate! You absolutely cannot have a time out without Cafe Rio and chocolate!

Michael McLean! He is awesome!

While I was gone, I really missed my family. They really are wonderful people. I had the camera out and just thought I would take a few pics of my boys getting ready for church.

Jake was NOT cooperating!

My handsome Kaden getting a little help from Dad!

Only one more week of the cast.

And this picture is just delightful. Tator Pop was wanting to type on the keyboard and Tank was in her way, so she just used him for a chair. So Cute!

Catching up with photos!

So I have been busy "catching up" and downloading some of the pictures that I have taken during my no-blog summer. Instead of stressing about getting everything in order, I thought I would just take the photos as they come and write a little about each one. It will probably look like a real mess, but oh well. I am the boss of my own blog. Ha!

Kaden got his arm broke at football practice on August 24. He was hit hard (for no reason might I add) and didn't see it coming. He fell was writhing in pain, I was thinking he will shake it off like he always does until the coach yelled "we need an ambulance!". When he stood up he looked at me with pain and terror and showed me that his arm was broke clean in half and it was horrific to look at. Luckily the ambulance got there quickly and his dad was able to make it there and ride with him. Well an ER visit, surgery, 2 metal plates and 8 screws later, he is now in a hard cast for the next three weeks. We are grateful that he made it through. He is tough and brave. Much more so than his mom!

Kaden after he caught a foul ball at the Salt Lake City Bees game on Aug. 22!

Jordan enjoying her sparkler on the 4th of July!

Best buds, Bailey and Britt at the fourth of July BBQ at Vern and Joys.

Jordan and Britt on the boat. Our favorite place to be in the summer!


Kaden and McCoy playing king of the tube!

All of us enjoying the Bees game!

Jake's 14th Birthday!

The Cake!

Kaden playing catcher during baseball!

Jack and Kaden wrestling at the 4th of July BBQ.

Bailey, Britt and Tator Pop getting ready for fireworks!

Taylor loving her sparkler.

Brian and Jake wrestling at the BBQ.

Cori and Taylor playing in the pool of bubbles on the 4th!

Will enjoying his 4th of July lunch!

The crowd at the 4th of July BBQ watching the wrestling match. This happened after the intense dodge ball game!

Will getting a little "assistance" at the slip n slide.

Our visist to the Blue Turf. Go Broncos!

My mom's new house, right next door to ours. We love having them so close and they have a really cool shop with lots of tools!

Britt and Derek. We grew to love Derek and although it didn't work out with him and Britt we wish him the best and hope he finds love and happiness! If it were up to me they would be married already with a grandbaby on the way! haha

The End!