A New Addition

Joseph and Jacob wanted everyone to meet our new family member Squirt. He is a Red-Eared Slider Turtle. Right now he is the size of a 50 cent piece but, he will grow to be 6-12 inches long. His life span is 20-50 years (hopefully one of the boys will take him when they move out LOL). You may be asking, "Why would you get a turtle as a pet? You can't even play with it!" But if you know me, you would know that I love turtles and tortoises. So I will leave you with a few words of wisdom "Relax and Go with the Flow of the Tide Dude!" --Crush, from 'Finding Nemo '

The Three Little Pigs

Last night Jacob read his very first book ever. All by himself, Hurray!!!! Don't get me wrong he has read the 1 page, folded in half, sight word books the teacher sends home. I was walking down the hall and heard him talking. I asked him what he was doing, he looked at me like I was blind and said, "I'm reading this book." I thought he was pretending so I sat next to him and said read to me and he did. He read The Three Little Pigs by Paul Galdone. I was amazed it is 28 pages and he only needed help with sow (mother pig) and know (that silent k is tricky). It was so cute he made a scary, deep, raspy voice for the wolf. This is the classic story where the wolf eats the first two pigs. Then the third pig eats the wolf. Needless to say I was not happy with the story line but, I couldn't stop him he was so proud of himself. I am so proud of him. Yet, I feel a little sad that my baby is growing up.

Veterans Day!!

As most of you know November 11th is Veterans Day!! But, what is veterans day? Is it just a day we don't have to go to work or school? Just another day to sleep in?
Veterans Day is an American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is celebrated on the same day as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)
Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.
With more and more of our veterans of wars past passing away. I encourage you all to thank those who so proudly and honorably served this great nation. Also thank those soldier who are fighting in this war. One person I would like to thank is my brother Ian. He is doing his second tour in Iraq. He and the many other soldiers who are serving in the military are keeping our freedoms (even your freedom to disagree with the war) safe. We love him. Joseph and Jacob look up to him and tell everyone how proud they are of their "Uncle Ian."
I would also like to tell Tausha, Carter, Brodi and Trevan thank you. With out the support of family I don't think any service member would be able to make it through a tour, let alone two. We love you all and think about you often. In some way you are all Veterans too!!

Max

All of you who know me have known that I have taken care of Max for almost five years; until he encouraged me to go back to school to become a Nurse. I make calls and visit him often since I have been in the Nursing Program. I was with Max this morning when he took his final breathes and had his hand taken by loved ones who have passed on to guide him home. In a way I feel that Max gave me a gift of keeping my word. I have told him, everytime he was told he wouldn't make it, that when the time came I would be with him and tell him it was okay to go. I feel that he held on long enough for me to get there and say "I love you. It's okay to go."

I feel blessed to have known him and to have the unbreakable bond we had. Although, he didn't have children I felt that I was one of his children; I grew in his heart. This will be a tough time for my children who loved him from the start. I know that you hear it often but, don't take one day for granted. Tell the people who mean so much to you that you love them.

I love you all!!!!

Crazy Daisy and Kenai Our Grumpy Old Man

I have talked about our dogs and have posted at least one picture of Kenai. But, I didn't have any of Daisy. Kenai is a Schnauzer. Daisy is a Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle mix). They compliment each other well. Daisy is only 5 months old so shes very, very playful. Kenai is 5 years old so he is more relaxed. The best part about the two of them is that Kenai taught Daisy to go to the back door and scratch so she can go outside when she has to go potty.

Halloween Parade for School

Jacob was a Storm Trooper. Joey was a Sumo Wrestler. Their School is the only one in the district to still do a Halloween parade. The kids get to march through the shopping center, next to the school, and collect candy from the businesses there. That's why Jacob isn't wearing his mask; he needed it to collect candy.

Joseph's 9th Birthday

I know that these pictures were taken on Labor Day weekend but, it's better late than never. It's remarkable that the giant slide, pool, swing set, and about 40 people all fit in the back yard. The water slide was sooooooo much fun!!!! Even the adults took their turns. At the bottom of the slide is an area that collects the water. The kids made a splash but the adults appeared to make a tsunami.

Getting Wet with the Cousins in Utah