Carving Pumpkins

For FHE last Monday night, we carved pumpkins. Daddy cut the pumkins and made the scary faces, and Mommy and Aspen cleaned out the pumpkins and separated the insides from the seeds. We cleaned the seeds and later cooked them after they dried out. I think we jumped the gun a little bit because our pumpkins are already starting to look a little scary--not like the good scary--like the eyes and mouths are already starting to sag a little bit scary. O well. Here are some pictures from that night.

Strep Throat

Is it just me, or does it seem like flu season is starting early this year? My kids have had little viruses, bacterias, stomach flues, etc the last month or so. A couple weeks ago I took Aspen to the doctor for a high fever and sore throat. She also had a rash on her chest. Her throat culture came back positive for strep. I opted for the first time to go with the shot instead of the oral medicine because the doctor told me it would kick in faster, and she would start feeling better sooner. I figured this was the best option since I had to be in Salt Lake exactly twenty four hours later to see my bro fly home from his mission.
Aspen must have heard me tell the doctor we would go with the shot because she immediatley clung to me for dear life and kept saying, "I want to go home mommy". I felt so guilty knowing I could have saved her from the pain of the shot had I opted for the medicine. I had to help hold her down as they gave her the shot in her upper thigh. I kept thinking about the one time in my life that I had had a penicilin shot, and how painful it had been. I tried to hold back the tears as she cried in pain.
It was a relief when it was over. We had to wait in the doctor's office for fifteen minutes to make sure she wouldn't have a reaction. We called Daddy on his cell phone, and Aspen cried and told Jared that she didn't want any more shots. Jared told her that he would spank the doctor's butt if he tried to give Aspen any more shots. After Aspen was done crying to her daddy, she handed the phone to me. He told me how sad their phone conversation had been. I didn't know if he was going to cry, or if he was reprimanding me for opting to go with the shot. He is such a teddy bear when it comes to his little girl :)
After we got home, Grandma Jody came to see Aspen and brought her a Dora watch and a necklace. Aspen loves Dora, and she was thrilled to see her Nana Jody :) Here are some pictures that I took at home later that day.
BTW--Aspen was feeling MUCH better the next day. I couldn't believe how she had improved in just one day. I guess the shot was a good choice afterall :) (Does that mean I am an evil mom?)

Aspen trying to be a good sport

Aspen happy about her new watch

Aspen with her sticker on a stick--She got at the doctor's office for being such a good girl :)

Home From Africa. . .

After two LONG years, my brother Joe returned home from his mission last Wednesday night. He served in Ghana Africa and spent the majority of his mission in small villages--where showering consisted of using buckets of water, clothes were hand washed, and electricity was little or none. He learned to speak Twi, and grew to love all the people there--especially the little children. For some of the small children, he was the first white boy they had ever seen. They sang songs to him O Broony--(white boy) :--and some even cried when he had to leave. He served a successful mission, and I am so proud of him. He has such a strong knowledge of the gospel, and his powerful testimony shines through in his countenance, and makes me want to be a better person. He is such a great example to me, and I love him so much.

It was awesome to welcome Joe home. He flew into the SLC airport at 11:00PM. He and three other missionaries flew in together. Of course, they let everyone else go first, and had to wait to be the last ones off the airplane--like the anticipation of the last two years wasn't enough already :) We held balloons and home made posters (that Liz's kids had made earlier that day).

It was overwhelming to see Joe for the first time in two years, and none of us could hold back the tears :) Here are some pictures from that night. Welcome Home Joe! I love you!!!

Mom, Dad, and Joe--Home at last :)

All of us, that weren't in bed at least--Chaz wouldn't stop digging at my teeth :)

Grandma and Moto. . .before the plane landed

Liz and I--my sister in crime :)

Mom and Dad--I promise these are not the latest invention

Jen and Cody (and baby Madision--in Jen's belly)

Welcome Home Joe :)

Happy Birthday To You. . .

Happy 28th Birthday Jared!!! Last Saturday (Aug. 30th) was Jared's birthday.


And although each year that passes brings another year of age, Jared will always be a boy at heart. This is one of the things that I love the most about Jared.


Jared loves life, motorbiking, fishing, camping, and hunting. He is all boy!


Jared loves being with his friends and his brother Josh.


He loves to play, and he plays hard.


But what he loves the most---is his family and his babies.


He adores his little girl Aspen Jo (Binky Baby)


And his blue eyed angel Chazie Moto Man.


Aspen is such a daddy's girl--and she has her daddy wrapped around her little pinky finger.


Jared melts into a puddle of mush every time his little girl wraps her tiny little arms around his neck, kisses him on the cheek, and tells him that she loves him.


Jared loves his little boy. He can't wait until the day that little Chaz will be old enough to play football, ride motorbikes, and be daddy's little hunting partner.


Jared is a giant teddy bear, with a big heart---hense the nickname Jare Bear. He is a hard worker in his business and in his church calling.


He helps everyone he meets, and has many friends.


He has grown into one of the best men that I know. He amazes me every day, and I love him more and more with each day that passes.


I don't know what I would do without him. He is a wonderful husband and father.


He is my life and my love.


I cherish the past, and look forward to the future and our lives together now and forever.


Here's to you Hunny--Thanks for all you do for me and for our family! Happy Birthday! I Love You!!!

Putting Up Tree Stands

We went camping this weekend for Labor Day Weekend. We went to Skyline Ridge. Jared and his brother Josh decided to try bow hunting this year. We rode four wheelers, hiked a little, ate a lot, and had a good time. The highlight was watching Jared and Josh put up their tree stands so they could hunt each morning and night. It was quite a process watching them put the hooks in the tree, pull the tree stand into the tree with a rope, while cutting the limbs off that were in the way with a saw--all while up in the air, trying to hold on, and not fall out of the tree.

Katie, me, and the kids watched from below, sitting in the shade of the tree drinking bottled water, until enough limbs had been cut that there wasn't much shade left. How rough for us! :) We had a little hike from the four wheelers to the trees, and from the trees back to the four wheelers, so I carried Chaz in a back pack and Aspen on my shoulders half the way, because she didn't want to step in the occasional cow poop that was in the trail. Girls!

Another Day At The Park

Fun in the sun. . .

On Friday afternoon, I took the kids to the park. It was such a beautiful day. They both had so much fun. The highlight was of course, swinging on the swings. Aspen kept saying "Higher! Higher! Mom--give me a dunderdog!" (She meant under dog). She squealed with joy each time I pushed her higher and higher. Chaz didn't seem to notice that his swing wasn't going quite as high--okay it was barely moving--but he loved it anyway.