Priceless...

They say a picture is worth a thousand words....I think they are wrong. I think some pictures are worth more than words...They are simply priceless. See if you agree:

Amber and I got together today and I got to see the finished product of her hard work! She did an amazing job from start to finish on our pictures. My kiddos look too cute! I can't possibly choose a favorite...each one is my favorite! I could hardly choose which pics to put on here (so sorry there are so many to see--I just can't help showing them off!!!) Its going to be impossible to choose which to print!

Don't forget to check out Amber's websites: halversenphotography.blogspot.com and ambersmondernphotography.com.

Pay It Foreward...

A friend from high school is doing this and I thought it would be fun to keep it going....So Let's Play!
--Here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. Then come back, let me know you're going to play, and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick! It sounds like fun so lets keep it going....thanks for playing!

Mommy Finally Gave In...

Yep, its true. I finally gave in and cut off all Travis's cute curls yesterday. It almost broke my heart! We made a trip downtown to see Aunt Amy and she make a little boy out of my baby! Travis sat pretty still, but got restless at the end which was easily cured by a sucker. Amy did a great job. Travis looks SOOOO different now! Its amazing how grown up he looks, but still just as cute! I already miss my baby!

Before:

After:

No School Means Fun!

Reagan was out of school on Monday. We didn't really have a plan for the day and since I had to work that night, we knew we couldn't be to adventurous. So, I asked Reagan what she wanted to do she said, "GO FISHING!" What a girl I have! So, fishing at Frye Mesa Lake it was! And as usual...no fish, we didn't catch any--not even one! The weather was perfect and the kids had a great time playing in the rocks, mud, and water. Travis even managed to fall face first into the lake, soaking him from the waist up and also giving himself a bloody, fat lip. What a boy I have! (Mind you I made him wear his big coat until his clothes dried so he didn't look redneck bare chested or get sunburned....)B., B., and boys joined us after a bit and so the kids played harder and we just sat up there and visited and soaked up some winter sun (which successfully managed to turn us all pink for the day). I never thought I would be, but I am so glad for "No School Days"--they give us a chance to have some more fun!

February 14, 2009

Today was a day full of meanings. First, it was Valentines Day--a day of love and compassion. My sweet husband brought me roses and came home early from work the night before...so thoughtful. It was also Arizona Statehood Day. I didn't even know or perhaps remember this fact until I started dating Jason. It is his preferred meaning for the date...such a guy. It has been a joke since we were dating--no Happy Valentines on the cards, etc...just Happy Statehood Day. This Feb. 14th also brought another meaning--the Gila Valley Arizona Temple Groundbreaking ceremony. I think this may be MY new preferred meaning of the date. We attended as a family which I was grateful for. (Jason was had the opportunity to work security, but decided to brave the morning with us.) We had no real idea what to expect except for cool weather and crowds. We even debated a bit about going, but I was persistent and have no regrets. It was a brisk morning, but my inventive father-in-law parked his motor home in the field behind the ball fields so we had a place to stay warm until it was time to take our seats. The crowd was there, but not in the number I think anyone expected. Jason and Kent guesstimated roughly 2,000 or so present on site. It was perfect--no crowding, appeared pretty orderly, and even surprisingly quiet (Jason even commented on that aspect.). We got to hear some beautiful words spoken my the Lord's appointed. The theme seemed to repeat itself: As these temple walls are lifted, lift yourselves...do better, be better, and know that you are loved because of your obedience and faith. I truly enjoyed each speaker and each one seemed to have something that I seemed to relate to. This surprised me...not because of the many reasons you are thinking...it just surprises me that as I look at the program, I realize I actually heard all these talks....even with my 1 year old traipsing back and forth and my 5 yr old whispering loudly with her cousins....I was really there and I really heard what was being said. I can honestly say this doesn't really happen in my life lately at church--it all seems to be a jumble as I just try to get through another sacrament meeting as I juggle my little ones. I know it was The Spirit that helped my to hear with my heart on this day and for that I am truly grateful.

I am so excited to have a "temple at my fingertips". This day reinforced that...it reminded me of how grateful I am for a forever family. It reminded me of what truly is important--not diamond earrings and fancy flowers---just pure Christ-like love. I am grateful for my new meaning of February 14.

Ps--At the ground breaking, I also got to see some faces, hear so words, and even chat with some people that have been important in my life in the church.....my bishop as a sunbeam from Silver City (I have always had a special place in my heart for him), my bishop when I was baptized (who now is a local stake president), a lady/friend who I worked for in HS who wasn't actively living the gospel but encouraged me to, and a friend who has been a good gospel example to me for the past 10 years. What a cool day!

Twice In One Year!

Snow! It snowed in Thatcher twice this year! We woke up on Tues. to a cold and wet winter day and this is what we saw!

Reagan was so excited! She said, "See--that thing saw his shadow and now its winter again!" I'm assuming she meant the ground hog...smart kid! And cold day! It was just too bad there really wasn't enough to really play in and that Reagan had school and didn't get to enjoy it much!

Ash Creek

2/7/09

Our weekends just wouldn't be complete without a ranger ride...so on Saturday, we drove up Ash Creek with some friends. It was dusty and bumpy, but we had fun just the same. The water at the creek was ice cold and Reagan of course jumped right in--luckily for her the water was only a few inches deep where she got in and quickly got out, but not without wet feet! She was a billy goat and climbed up all the rocks and only stopped when we convinced her we had gone far enough. Travis's observation was simple,"WOW!" He was right. It is beautiful up there! It is almost daily that I seem to be reminded of how blessed we are to live where we do. Believe it or not--I love this little valley as much as Jason does!R and R...too cute!

Just Too Precious!

Can you believe how cute my kids are???

Okay, I have to confess! Its not just that my kids are gorgeous--credit is also due to my friend Amber. She just uploaded these pics to her site...I haven't even seen all she took yet, but so far I am so impressed and excited! I can't wait to get these on my wall!

Amber offered to take some pics of my kiddos and I of course accepted. We tried 2 weeks ago, but Reagan woke up with the stomach bug and N/V/D again and Amber's twins were running fevers so we postponed to last Sat. I could hardly wait...but I'm so glad we did. Her pics are just too precious! Amber actually just started a photography business here in town and wanted some more practice. Well, if you ask me she doesn't need practice! Her photos are simply amazing--even if I am a bit biased, at least about my kids' pictures! Check out her sites: halversenphotography.blogspot.com and ambersmodernphoto.com to see more precious photos of mine and other kids and to make your own appointment! Thanks again Amber!