Well sick or not we decide it was a great idea to go sledding. We found this great little hill at a near by school to Bob and Carmen's house. Brad had went out earlier that day and bought 4 sleds. There were 4 adults and 4 children. Carmen at the camera, Bob and Brad at the top and I played catcher. The hill was step and Zack hated it! If you didn't stop you would go right into the building. That is why you see so much snow flying I had to put on the breaks as soon as we hit the road or we were in trouble. Zack will go on the smaller hills. As usual he is scared of the big ones, he has to get use to things before he is courageous enough to try them solo. It didn't help much that these sleds are really fast. They have this really slick bottom and you really can get going. I came down alone on my belly and was headed right at Carmen. She thought she could stop my like the kids just stick out your leg and stop me. Well with the speed and my dainty frame. I kinda took her out. At least she fell on me and not the ice. I had to compose my self I thought it was hilarious! Brad said he saw it coming from a mile away. Oh well didn't to either of us any good. Good times. Next time I think I will take Zack to Robert Frost.( my elementary) we had big and small hills I think Zack might have more fun and there are no buildings to run into. Just as long as we can get him to hold on to the sled and not bail when he gets scared. Then he should do great! ( in theory)

Christmas Day

Well we had a great plan...that didn't work. We were tired of getting up first thing Christmas morning. Someone hehem, loves to wake Zack up around 4 am. So we made sure that the tree and presents were not ready until 6. So that hopefully Zack would wake up around 7 and we could have a nice morning. Well all was going as planned we woke up at 4 to get ready as I was heading down stairs, Zack calls my name.(Oh crap!) He asked if Santa had come yet. I said I don't think so let me check. (stuck a few gifts under the tree) I told Zack it must be to early so lets get back to bed so he won't skip our house. So he and I laid in his bed.(while brad worked solo) Then Brad came up to check on us and Zack asked if Dad would lay with us. He did. 5 min later we heard bells ringing. Zack told us to go to sleep! We all pretended to sleep and then when the bells stopped we asked Zack if Dad should go check. He said "NO wait till morning, he could still be here!" maybe 3 min passed and then he wanted Brad to go check. Low and behold there were gifts! We had to go "wake up Brian" to come join in.
Zack got a lot and I really mean a lot of star wars toys. He also got a coloring book, Doodle pad, Indiana Jones lego's for the Wii, Acme Wars for the Wii, clothes, jammies. Way to much as usual. I think I gave away 4 bags of toys, and threw away another 2. So at least we have room for them. I got a beautiful neckless from Zack, two beautiful sweaters and a coat from brad, a gift card from Brian, and a pedicure from my parents, and a Ipod docking station from Cindy. Brad got a new hat from me and Zack, a NY licence plate cover from Zack, clothes a really nice coat from his mom, and some NY and raiders memorabilia from Brian. We got Brian a Digital Camera. I really think he likes it. Brad had a dream about it so that is what we gave him.
Brad and I didn't go crazy on each other this year. We want new interior doors and a Dyson vacuum so we are saving to get them.
We were sick all day I wasn't so bad but Brad and Zack were coughing and had body aches and fevers. So we made sure to not expose every one to it. But eventually made it around to see our families. I got it later and we all have been sick ever since. No fun! But we had a Merry Christmas and hope you and yours did too.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Pictures at wheeler

So I had my friend come and take pictures of our family at Wheeler Farm on Monday. Brad has Mondays off now and I didn't go to work, so it worked out well. I am really happy with the results. We are sending them for Christmas cards, late I know are you really surprised? I also wanted some just to have for the house. It has been so long scence we went and had pics taken. I am good at taking pics of others or just Zack. But it isn't often that I really think about our whole family. (Bad MOM!) I think I just needed some inspiration to get it done. Like most things. OH I am planning to have that craft party mid Jan with all my friends and family. I will want to do it on a Friday. I will keep you posted. Till then Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hopefully I post before then but ya never know.

Just another day

So today I got one of those wild hairs and decide to organize a little. This meant tearing my whole house apart just to get my craft room/office lay ed out. Nothing is put away and the rest of the house looks like we let bowzer loose and just after the rabbit has run and hid allover the place. Okay not quite that bad but you know thing always look worse before they get better. One of my new years resolutions is that I will be more organized and take some time for myself. I want to catch up on allot of projects I have wanted to do for a long time. I am planning on having a scrap book or craft party some time with my family. I have so much stuff and need to share it. I have a wonderful machine that I think I have used three times. I need to get my husbands money out of it.(he he) I know it would be a blast to have all the sisters over to be creative.
I have a little confession. I have still been cheating on my diet. I have fallen off the wagon and back into my old routine. Every day I say I am going to be good and then I blow it. I start by one little cookie and then I am eating 4 slices of pizza!!! I thought I was stronger than this! I have to say I am disappointed but I know I can do it, and at least I haven't gained much back (3lbs) So I employ you to help me keep on track If I am at your house of even socially and I am doing or about to do something you know I will regret. HIT ME! Go ahead I give you permission in writing! I have to stick this.
Well the last thing on my mind is my animals. I have probably more than Brad wants and Bowzer has been a pain. When ever we leave him home alone he howls barks and whines until we get back. Even if Brian is home and trying to sleep and we kennel Bowzer he will. I think he has anxiety. He is with the big dogs thru the day and then when Brad gets home he can come back in the house so he is always with someone. When he is alone he freaks out! But he is fine to sleep in his kennel and he obey's pretty well. He is still learning. I just don't know how to get him to be okay with us leaving him home alone. Any suggestions? Lastly we were at the pet store and Zack asked if he could trade a fish for a dwarf hamster. It was really cute the way he was trying to barder with Brad. I can only imagine what I put my parents thru and I must not have been very good. With pets I only remember saying no twice. If we had our own home at the time I am sure we would have had them with us as well. I am lucky that Brad is willing to put up with them I enjoy having them in our home. Even if they aren't perfect.

Christmas Shopping

So today I was shopping with Zack and we were at the mall. We passed the Photo booth and Zack insisted that we step inside. We took a pic that looked like we were on a post card from the nortth pole, it was really cute! We also took 4 standard booth pics. One with bunny ears one with Zack kissing my cheek, smiling and one goofy. He was so excited to get home and show dad what we did. He is really fun to go shopping with at the mall he wants to go on the escalators and show me that he is not scared and he can do it all on his own! I am so glad that he is wanting to be more independant. Christmas hasn't been very stressfull YET...finding gifts wasn't as hard this year. I made alot of them and Zack doesen't exaclty try and hide what he wants. Santa won't have to guess what he wants this year. I am not happy that we haven't given to a family in need this year. I really didn't make the effort that I ususlly do. I will take alot of Zacks old toys to DI but I don't think that really counts. I did donate to a child in need at work but I like to see the faces of those I have helped It makes it more memorable. Well I guess I had better get looking!

Thanks giving

Another loss! I did well on thanksgiving up untill it was time to eat. I think I kept it under 2,000 claories but who knows. I gained 3lbs last week so I am sure my figures are all wrong. So I am being extra strict. I have 60 more lbs to loose so I had better get to it!
Enough about me oh wait that is what this blog is for haha.
Well we had a great time on thanksgiving. First we went to my parents and ate a hearty meal there. But only stayed for an hour or two as I had to get home to finish the cooking before our guests arived. Even with 15 dinner guests we still had so much food we are still eating left overs. We had about 8 more people come for pie, I wish they would have had more. I made 4 banana cream, a huge pumpkin,and they brought grandma's brownies. By the end of the knight I just wanted to sleep. The dishes can wait!

The day after Thanksgiving we had a new little bundle of joy join our family my brother Aaron and his wife Katie had there new baby boy Taytan. He was three weeks early but healthy and was able to go home with mom and dad.

Recovery

Well it is all over, those darn tonsils and adnoids are OUT OF HERE! The surery went very well. No complications. We had to be to the hospital at 6am. So we went to bed a little early. Zack woke up with no problem, but soon realized that it was the day for surgery. He freaked and asked if we could do this another day. I was strong and said "No hunny, the Dr had told all of his other patients to wait, just so he could take care of you." That made him feel pretty special, after that there was no problems. We went to the waiting room and the nurse gave him some medicine for anxiety. I don't know what it was but man if that is on the streets I totally understand why you would want it. Zack was helarious to watch. He went from normal 100 question zack to stoner in under 5 min. He kept staring at me and saying "Mom you have three eyes!" Then he would reach for me even though I was to far away. I will see if I can get the clip I recorded on my phone up here.
So then they came to put an IV in and couldn't find any veins. He has my luck there. They had to put one in his foot. So then they put him in a wagon and wheeled him off. He smiled and waived good bye. Brad and I waited for about 1 hr and then he was all done. We went to his room and tried to help him wake up and drink and eat a popcicle. That was a challenge. But he soon woke up and we took him home with some minor pain meds and antibiotics. So from then till now he has done well he wants to eat things that he can yet. Brad and I are closet eaters now. We don't want to torcher him so we only cook things he can eat and we don't eat what he cant infront of him.
So all was well up untill last night, Zack woke up three times screaming and crying that his throat hurt. I gave him medicine as I could but in the middle I had to just give him cold things to suck on to help. Poor guy. All day he has had to have his medicine on time or else I am suprized with another screaming crying attack. They warned me about days 5-7 of the recovery, saying that the scabs are comming off and so there is a higher chance of bleeding and more pain. Cory also gave me a little heads up. Zack is worried that he won't be able to eat on thanksgiving. I was thinking about that and really the only things he can't have are the meat,rolls or crunchy things. Like the topping of green bean casarole but he can have the beans and sauce. etc.
We are having Thanks Giving at hour house for the McMackins. Not many are coming this year maybe 16. But we are also going to my mom's in the afternoon. I enjoy cooking and epending family time together. I think this is my favorite holiday. Also I love the colors and time of year so that probably has alot to do with it. The one bad thing is this is going to ruin my diet! I haven't been really good but all this good food won't help. I have a game plan that I have to eat all my healthy food first and only 3TBS of yummy stuff. I hope that will help. We will see. I am still at 30 lbs nothing more lost and none gained(thank goodness). I have so much diet food I won't need to order again till next year. I am determined to meet my goal so after this excuse of a meal I will be on the ban wagon again! To do the things I want to do I have to drop atleast 60 more LBS. SO help me stay on track and DON'T TEMPT ME!
Aside from all that I am doing well. I had a Scentsy party last week and it was a good one. I have had three orders and over $1300.00 of product sold and more orders everyday. This side job really has paid off. It pays for my diet food and I get free stuff. What girl doesn't like that? Well I have lots to prepare for the up comming day so TaTa for now.

Doctors Visit

Well today I took Zack to the Dr office to check up on his adnoids. We had taken him back in August and they were large, not infected, not swolen, just large. They are blocking his air ways thru his nose and affect him while he is sleeping. You may have noticed that he has an airyness to his voice, that is also due to the darn adnoids. When we first went to the dentist he asked that we have Zack breath thru his nose as much as possible, it is the healthier way to breath you have a natural filter in your nose(hair), and it helps with bad breath and cavities. Well Zack can't do it for even one minuete untill he has to open his mouth to breathe. To understand what it is like press your thumb to soft top of your mouth way in back and then try and breathe. Not easy huh!?!
So today I saw his tonsils, all of them. They are blocking 75% of the airway thru his mouth. So he can't breathe thru his nose and can't hardly breathe thru his mouth. This means that we will have to take them all out. Surgery is planned for next week. He will only miss two days of school and I will just go in late to work. (I am so glad my job is flexiable!) Zack is so worried that he is going to die in surgery. He said well PaPa Ross needed surgery and he died. I had to explain alot before he understod the difference. I am not relly nervous about him haveing this surgery, I am more concerned with how he is handeling it. Brad of coarse is not doing well he is going to be sick untill it is all finished(maybe I should have sceduled it sooner so he doesn't stress for so long).
Other that the above we are all well. I am excited to have everyone over for my Scentsy party. I don't usually have these kinds of parties at my house, but I sell the dang stuff and I don't want to place an order every week till christmas. So this is your chance to get all that you want and in time for the holidays.
I am going take this blog private. I read the KSL story and there really are just to many weirdo's in this world. I have had people I don't even know comment on mine before so I guess I had better do is today. If you want to be added to my list of people then email me or leave a comment. I will change to privete on 11.14.08. Hope to see you all soon!

Haloween with Grandma

Halloween

I am so excited for Halloween this year! I have decorated my house and it looks so cool! I usually don't get to it till the night of Halloween, but this year it will be up for two whole weeks ahead of time! Zack is pretty excited too. We went to shop for a costume and he is done with the cute costumes. He is going to be the grime reaper. I didn't want to let him(I think it is to scarry for this age),but I wanted him to really like what ever he picked. He has been asking about Haunted Houses for about a month now and has been begging for us to take him. Last week we happend to come across the Carnival of Fear(where the old petsmart is on 5400s and Redwood was) and they had the Disney radio van there. So I figure that it is probably kid friendly. We took him there last night and never made it inside. I wanted to make sure that he was really ready. We sat in the car for a few min to see how he reacted and he said he will try next year. He was afraid that the people inside would touch him.(even though we had asured him they wouldn't)I have to say it was pretty funny seeing him scared. I tried not to laugh. So when we got home Brad was flipping through the channels and found some old scary movies to show Zack. BAD IDEA! I had to make him change the channels a few times. Brad and his dad use to always watch scary movies when he was Zacks age. Zack is not ready for that though. Needless to say Brad got to sleep with Zack last night.(that's what he gets for scaring my boy!)

At work our theme is MOCK HOLLYWOOD. I can't decide if I want to be Kristy Aley and have a slimfast in one hand and a cheesecake in the other, dressed in long black baggy dress,
or Evelyn from The Island and the Gauntlet(on MTV). She is always the toughest and every one is scared of her cause "She will take you out of the GAME!" she always has her hair in a high pony tail on top of her head, black vizer, tank top, shorts, and tennies. Oh and all the makup she wears is one thick line of eyeliner just on the top lid. Some of the other people are going to be Jessica Simpson,Katie Holmes,Martha Stewart,Larry the cable guy,Angelina Jo Lee. It should be a good time.

As for daily life every one is good. Zack is doing well in school he is a little cheater with reading(he looks at the pick and guesses the word) and needs a little extra attention with that subject. He also is like his mom and wants to talk in class. Even if he is not talking, he will just stop and watch other kids work. I once again think this is due to being an only child and just soaking up other kids company. One day maybe we can have another. I have looked into addoption latley but It costs any where from $10k to $30k. I found out that with LDS family services Brad and I have to be sealed in the temple and current on tithing for two years. So even if we caught up and went to the temple tommorrow it would be two years just to be eligable. Then it ususally takes 1-4 years to get a child placed. SUCKS! They were the cheapest too. Oh well I don't want us to feel like we did the right thing just to get a child, we should be doing that stuff any ways.

So that is about it. Oh with my weight loss I am at 30lbs! YEAH! I have been a bad girl this last week so I just maintained. At least I didn't gain any back. But I am focused again so the number on the scale should get smaller. Love you all and welcome new friends that have asked for this blog. I am excited to see yours! PEACE!

My favorite time of year!

Awe Fall! I love It!! This year I have had a rough season with my garden. I didn't produce nearly what I though I would. I did plant late due to the wall being put in, but I thought that I still would have a good crop. I have been able to make two batches of chili sauce, but would have liked to make 5 or 6. Oh well better luck next year.
So I know I have not been quiet about my diet but just in case you have missed it. I am down 26 LBS! I have to tally the inches but I am at least one pant size down. I am trying to pin or use a belt as needed so I am not buying tons of new clothes that are temporary. My diet costs enough with out me wasting money on clothes.
The Boys stooped their diet the first week, so it has been solo for me. I did allow myself to cheat last weekend for two reasons. One is that I reached 1/4 my goal, and the other is to confuse my body a little so I will keep loosing consistently. I have had the discussion with a few people about saggy skin. I don't have that problem yet but face it I have so much extra weight I am sure to have some! So I called one of my Plastic Surgeons that I bill for, and asked him what the best preventative measure is for this issue. He said that weight training is the best thing to do. I have a weight machine that I need to Finnish setting up in the spare room. That is on the to do list this weekend. I will need the elliptical machine any way now that it is getting cold.
Zack has begun playing soccer (here are a few pics of him with his team). I am surprised how well he is doing. He can run almost the whole game! I do have to bring the albuteral and he usually needs one treatment each game/practice. We have two wins and one tie, we won't discuss the losses. I don't think this is going to be his fav game to play but for now it will do. I think he will be into base ball or football more.
Work is good I have decided to change my schedule again. I will work from 10-5. m-f and 8-4 thurs. It seams to work the best with my life. I have been thinking about what goals I want for my career. I think that I want to work in the AR Support which are the training Staff for all the Clinics. I figure this way I will be able to transition into a Clinic Manager Position someday and thus may be able to work at a clinic that is in a small town so I can have the country life I have always wanted. Well time will tell.
I forgot to mention THANKSGIVING! My plans are DeJongs from 11-2ish and my house 4-7 for Brad's side of the family. Hope to see ya all soon! Love Ya!!!!!

Better Life

My family has made the decision to finally make some changes for a better life. I have started a new diet that I have thus far been success full in. I have lost 8lbs and 5inches so far. It is called the take shape for life program. My BFF has been on it for 5 weeks and is down 25lbs and I don't know how many inches. It is nice to see results and know that I am not wasting my money. Brad and Brian are both slim fasting and Zack is eating more often but smaller meals. I have been making healthy meals and I am surprised that I haven't had much resistance.
I go walking every morning with Zack and the dogs. If I don't work late we try to go again in the evenings. Oh I didn't realize I have not announced that we have a new puppy. His name is Bowzer. He is a beagle,13inch,male not neutered,traditional markings, he is now 6months old. Of coarse he chews anything he can find, and his nose has no limits. It does not matter what we say to call him,if he smells something delicious he is out of here! He is pretty well behaved. He will come and sit, we are working on stay and kennel, he is getting the idea.
Zack starts school in one week! 1st grade! WOW, this will be the hardest year for Brad and I. We are use to having him home half of the day. A full day without him oh how we will miss him. But at least Brad will have some undisturbed time for naps. Zack's teacher this year is Mrs. Bricker. My neighbor said Zack and her should be a good match. I think it wouldn't matter who he had, he is a great kid. He may need a little firm hand to keep him working. Being an only child he likes to watch other children do anything. He is a sponge. I don't have a hard time at home with him but I can see how he just wants to talk to other children, he misses so much not having siblings. Alas, what can we do?
I forgot Zacks Birthday. We took a few of his friends to the dinosaur park and had the G-parents over for dinner. He had a really good time with both parties. We bought a new game for Zack that he loves it is ladder golf. He played with the grandparents for at least an hour. He got 3 different sets of walkie talkies this year. He could have a set for every friend he has in the neighborhood. Zack has a range of kids that he likes to play with, he can play with 2yr olds or 10 yr olds and be just as happy with either. We invited 7 children to go to the park. It was loads of fun driving an hour with young children asking when will we get there? or how much longer? I was lucky and my car load fell asleep half way there, o in the traffic I had a nice quiet ride. I can't say the same for Brad. (poor fella) Once we got there it was a blast they ran and played we didn't have to entertain at all it was great! I think I will do something like that every year. Away from our house,no mess, always activities and take them home tired. Yep that is the way to go.
I have changed my schedule at work now that Zack is back in school I will work 4-9hr shifts, and have Wednesdays off. I won't go in till after I have taken Zack to school and Brad will be here when he gets out so we won't need a sitter. It has been difficult without Ross he has always kept Zack up on his words and numbers. I wasn't going to interrupt or complain when he was teaching Zack. Awe all the things that we take for granted till they are gone! I am so grateful for the people in my life. I could tell stories how each person has influenced me to be who I am today. I love you all.

Construction!

Hello all!
We are all a mess at our house. We are in the process of putting on a new roof. It is so loud during the day poor Brad can't hardly take a nap. The crew we have are really hard workers they have been here scence Tuesday and will probably finish on this next Tuesday. It will look so nice when they are done. They are putting on a membrane roofing system that is white so it will reflect the sun and be more energy efficent. We also had thicker insulation put down that will help with cooling and heating costs. We have also had trouble with our car, we found that the altinator is shot, so we have been playing musical truck while that is out of commision. I love getting up at 3:30am to take brad to work! Okay that was a lot of exageration. But it is nice to spend some time together early in the morning.

Zack is doing well. He has been such a good helper around the house. He is so proud of himself that he has chors and that he can clean the toilet. He askes me almost every day if there is any chors he needs to do. It is so cute and you know I am not going to stop him. Our neighors have been out of town and they have chickens. So we have been caring for them and Zack has made it his job to remind me every night that we have to go collect the eggs. We had his cousin over and hewanted to show his him that he could catch and hold a chicken, and if he wanted Zack would catch one for him. Way cute! Brings a tear to my eye just thinking of the special spirit that has yet to join us and have the privelage to be Zack's little sibling. They will be so well cared for they will be begging to be left alone and be independent.

Well on that subject I was really sick the first of May so I had to change my dr apt but I am going in Aug with a new temp chart that they are having me do. We are so blessed with Zack that sometimes I feel silly even asking for more but, I can't stand to think that Zack won't be a big brother. I have spoken with a few friends that have adopted and I am heavly thinking of that option if we are not pregnant by Jan 09. Well that is the news of the week I am going to be better at writing more consistantly.

June already!

WOW! Can you believe it is June already? I sure can't, Zack will be out of school in three days! I had to change my work schedule to stay at home with Zack, until Brad gets home at noon. Then I will work till 6 or 7. He is so excited to have almost 100 days of no school! I am trying to think of fun things for him to do to keep him busy and his mind stimulated. I do not want him to sit infront of the tv playing the Wii all summer. We plan to go to the dinosaur park this year and camp tonz as we have not gone much the last two years.
In my last blog I spoke of the wall that I was getting for my birthday, I LOVE IT! my yard looks so nice and trim now. I can't wait until my garden is grown and producing. I still have the stupid birds to deal with they already ate half of what I planted! Stupid birds! I will have to do cages every year until the plants are big enough. Spaking of the birds, Drake has found a new pasion..bird hunting the dog is on CRACK! When we let him out he FLY'S thru my garden and to the cinder blick wall where the birds nest and stalks them all day. He may trample my plants but if he gets those stupid birds then he wont be in as much trouble.
Spring has brought us such nice suprizes. I got my i-pod for mothers day, my wall for my birthday, and brad and I just bought a new bed set that is really nice. We needed a new mattress and one that would be good for brads back. So off to crown bed rooms we went. We had thought about a new set but we were going to wait. Well untill I set my sights on this set. I wanted it from moment I saw it, and with the sale I had to get it. We got a really nice mattress as well that Brad loves. After getting out of bed even hours later you can still remember how comfy it is, how it feals. ahhh!
If you haven't heard we thought we had a baby on the way! But with more complications we are not pregnant. I changed doctors and am seeing a specialist to see what we can do. I am going later this month.
Well I had better get back to the grind. Talk to you soon!

Tooth Fairy Overload

Well as most of you know Zack lost his first teeth today. Ya I know two teeth in one day. This morning he woke me up and said "Mom I think my tooth is loose." I turned on the light and it was bairly hanging on. I told him to wiggle it some more and see if he could get it out. I went to the bathroom and then he yelled "Mom I got it I got my tooth!" So we got out the Tooth Fairy Bear and put the tooth away so not to get lost. We went on our day not thinking to much about the morning events. I got home and Brad said Zack's other tooth was loose, low and behold again the tooth was bairly hanging on. And after dinner out it came. So looks like the tooth fairy will be leaving a small fortune here tonight!
I also found out today in school that Zack got in his first fight. Not some thing I am proud of necessarily. He started to wrestle with some boys at school and one of them popped him in the eye and pushed his face into the ground! Zack got him off and then put him in a choke hold (thanks to dad and UFC)the teacher saw and broke it up. I know I shouldn't be but I am a little glad that our little tyke is not such a push over. I have to admit I was worried that he would allow others to bully him. But it seams that he can take care of himself.
Well we are looking foward to having everyone over this weekend. It should be a lot easier to have a bunch of helpers than me trying to do it alone or with Brad. I have wanted this silly wall for a long time and am glad I am finally getting it! Brad really does all that he can to make me happy. I guess I am just a lucky girl. Well if I don't see ya soon this is hello and good bye for now.

Easter Sunday

Happy late Easter! We had a wonderful Easter Zack wasn't woken up until 7am! The Bunny was good to him this year. There was a Lego starwars game for the Wii in his basket. That was the first thing he said was " Lego Star Wars for La Wii" he hasn't got it down that it is "The Wii" we refer to. It is to cute to hear him say it, it sounds like he has a French accent. After digging through the basket he follow the bunny trail out side to hunt for eggs, Man was is cold!!! He found them all pretty easy the bunny will have to be more challenging next year. We then went to G-Cindy's and had a huge breakfast, she also had a few prizes and a egg hunt for Zack. He really is spoiled by her, I wonder if she will ever just get him one thing for a Holiday. Some times she gets him more than the bunny or old st nick. Well he is her only G-son so I will have to give her some slack.
We then went home for a little nap and then it was off to G-DeJongs. We had a nice Easter dinner and had an egg hunt in the backyard for all the G-kids there are 6 of them now, two girls and four boys, most of them are Cory and Jamie's. I doubt we will ever catch up!
It was difficult to not have Ross here for the Holiday. We pulled out the video recorder and realized we haven't used it in over a year! We recorded Easter Morning and watched a few older tapes and It almost brought us to tears when we would hear Ross's voice. He was always there, not in the line of the lens, but you could hear him commentating from the side lines. We even found the tape from when Zack was born and Ross held him for the first time, he was so worried that Zack wasn't crying and if that was normal. We miss him every day and talk about him often we don't want to let let his memory become just that a memory. Even though he has passed,we want him to be alive in out thoughts and have his spirit in our home.
Here is a cute photo of me and Zack as well as some Easter Pics.
Until next time. Love you all!

Easter Sunday

Come on Spring!!!

I totally have spring fever! I have so many plans for my yard this year. I had a good garden last year but not as good as I wanted. Some of the projects we have in store are; to build a retaining wall around my garden, it will only be about three feet high and maybe some stairs. We are turning the Shed on the side of the house into a play hut for Zack and his friends. We have some of the supplies for the roof already so we just have the rest of the project to figure out. Last fall we had the park strip torn out so that I can have some boulders and flowers there instead of weedy grass. Our friend Misty and Justin are getting the boulders and I got starts to the plants last year from Cindy(mother-in-law)so It shouldn't be to difficult.
We also plan to tear out the gate on the north side of the house, and put in a double gate so that we can put our trailer behind them. This will make it easier to get a truck back there so we can clean out the shed and the garbage from construction, and to deliver the dirt I will need for my garden with out having to make 100 trips with a wheel barell. This may seem like a lot but I am determined and so excited!!! Zack is so anxious to plant the garden he is already "helping" with spring clean-up. Brad is excited to have the house and yard look nice but I can't say the he is looking forward to the labor he will be doing. :)
Zack is doing well in school He is learning to read already, Back when I was his age it was still finger painting and numbers and ABC's. Just another reminder that times are a changing. Zack has a few new friends Zach L from school went to feed the ducks with us and they had a blast! Even though it was FREEZING! His other friend is Tayton, He is the son Misty and Justin, Misty worked with me at IHC. He had his first sleep over that was not at families house, he took a while to relax enough to fall asleep, but other wise it went well. I wonder how he would feel about a sleep over at his friend Enrique's house in Rock Springs Wyoming? (HA HA)
We all are doing well we still think of Ross every day and some days are harder than others. I see a change in Brad that was not expected. He is so motivated and is taking charge with almost everything in the house. I feel like I am playing catch up with him for a change. I really like it but don't tell him that, I'd hate for it to stop. hehe

Tough Times

As most of you know we have had a terrible loss in our family. My father inlaw Ross McMackin passed away on Feb,18,2008. He will always be with us in spirit but he is soarly missed. It has taken me a little while to write about him, as his death was unexpected and diffecult. We are trying to pick up the peaces and move foward. It is more difficult than I could have imagined. There doesn't go a day that we don't expect him to come down the stairs with a news update, or the weather forcast. Every morning that Brad leaves to work, he almost forgets half the things he needs, because Ross is not there to check off the list. We here a funny story and think "I need to tell Ross that one." as soon as the thought hits we realize that he is gone.
The house feels empty. Even though his room is untouched, we know he is not going to come home.
We have so many loving family members and friends! I want to thank you all. even if you were not able to be at the services. We felt you there in our hearts and know that you love and support us. For those of you that did attend, Thank you! Especially if you stood up to speak, I couldn't have planned for it to go so well.
I will right again soon when things are better. If you are reading this you should know that I love you. But if you had a doubt here you go again, I LOVE YOU!!!

Tough Times

Love of My Life

As we welcome a new month I am compelled to express the love and grattitude I have for my husband. I am such a lucky girl to have Brad as my life companion. We have had many trials and challenges in our life that has tested our relationship. I am pleased that we have overcome most of those challenges with a deeper love for one another. The support that I have is unmeasurable. There is nothing I want to do that is not fully supported by him.


As most of you know we have been trying to conseve a child for a long time now. We are getting close to knowing if we should explore other options. I am excited for answers and being able to make some decisions. Zack has been praying for a sibling for so long. He deserves the chance to be a big brother. He really is attune to others feelings and is so considerate of other children.

He has a few new friends, one of which has brittle bone syndrome. I am excited for Zack to have an experince with someone who has a life challange. I think this will help him to be humble and appreciative for the blessing of health. Also, this little boy does not have many friends because he is so scared of being hurt when they ruff house. He has to ride a bike to school, and he is late everyday because it is so dangerous for him to be pushed with the rush of the bell. I hope he bonds with Zack and they become strengths for each other.

We have sorly missed our friends the Allens. But they are doing well in Rock Springs and we are planning a visit soon. I knew this would be hard, but am glad that we have the technoligy to speak with them frequently. We had a few friends and family over last weekend. We have a few new games we played, Curese, True Colors, and Would you Rather. They are all helarious!!! I think we will be having game night more often. Don't worry DeJongs I will have them for FHE in March. One more thing, Bob and Carmen tied the not on Fri. Congrats!!! and I am glad they have choosen each other to share there lives. Carmen, I know you have been in the family longer than I have but offically Welcome!
Thats all for now folks. Happy Valentines I love you all.

Christmas

It seems the holidays find us so busy,

That we all begin to get a little dizzy.

So...take some time off, prop up your feet,

Then, open the coca, and put on the water to heat.

Don't forget the true meaning isn't found it the hassle.

Nor the presents, to the tinsel or dazzle.

The spirit of Christmas is found in our love.

The kind brought to heart by a babe from above.

So take this brief time to ponder...

To think of our Savior the joy and the wonder.

This Christmas we had wonderful time with family and friends. One that I will remember for years to come. We woke early Christmas morn, (well Brian woke us early in the morn) and Zack was very excited. We went down and he got the Tricycle he has been asking for for months. He was so excited he began to drive it right away. It is to big for the house he was running into the couches then the wall. We had to pull him off just to open the other gifts. He is very blessed with loving family who all bought him way to much. again... Well I got brad cordless remote controls for his sony and they are fashioned after the Raiders! I have to admit they are pretty awesome. But no one got a better gift than I did. Brads family all pitched in and got me the Cricket Machine. Not just the standard one but the expression! (the most expensive) It does so many things I have to go take classes to learn how to use it. I am so excited to put it to use. If you don't know what it is, it is a dye cut machine, that can cut things as hard as wood or as delicate ad velum or vinyl lettering. he he he I am one happy chick. Look it has been almost three weeks and I am still giddy.

Well, we have had a great year so far. Brad and I have mad new years resolutions and we haven't faltered yet. I am still enjoying my job and the flexibility it has. I am allowed to come in when ever I want as long as I get my hours, so if Old Navy is having a great sale, I can go after taking Zack to school. Speaking of taking Zack to school my walking party is falling apart. My neighbor CC has gone to work and her husband isn't down with walking with the girls in the morning. So we are one down, well that is until the 17th. My BFF is moving to Rock Springs, Wyoming. The truck is at there house now, packing her up as I write, I am very sad that I will not have my buddy to visit and play with. She keeps telling me she will find a job for me and Brad so we can move there with her. But that won't happen, we can't leave Ross. Zack is his life line and with out him I don't know how well he would do. I love Gerri and her Family and I know Zack will miss Enrique very much, they to are BFF's. There family are such a good example to us and have played such a vital role in our eternal happiness. I cam not express the love and gratitude that I feel for them. The trip to there new house is only 3 hours away and has great four wheeling area's. So I am sure we will make it a point to visit. But in the mean time we will have to visit via phone and email. So as we part with old friends we also say hello to new friends.

I have met a really awesome couple, Tyler and Stephanie. They came over and played hand and foot on Sat with the Allen's. Tyler works with me and I knew with how cool he is his, wife must be a shoe in for fun.

My family is doing well my grandma is going in for surgery and grandpa is having a bout with his medical problems. But they received blessing from my dad and brother so I expect they will do fine.

Brad's family is doing well. Ross still plays with Don and Shirley at Jerry's on Tuesdays. And Cindy and Lynn are doing well. Brad and I are happy and on the road to being healthy as is Zack , he is the reason we are so happy. If you know him you'd agree it is hard to be a grump with him trying to tickle you for loves.

Be safe, and well, after all that's what we've been praying for! Love You All!!