YELLOWSTONE

Our family was able to enjoy a trip to Yellowstone. We had a wonderful time and the weather was perfect. We tented it for 3 nights in 3 different campgrounds. We had so much fun. We were able to see and do so many things. I don't think we left Yellowstone feeling like we missed something. We walked and walked and walked. The boys were troopers. I think they enjoyed camping the best though to be honest with you. They loved the campfires and the loved running and playing together. They got so silly and it is was fun to watch. I do have to say that my two boys are so good together. They truly are an example of how siblings should be. They take care of one another, love each other, play with each other and they truly do worry about each other. I LOVE IT and am so blessed to have them in my life.

Our first day we went through Cody and stopped at the Buffalo Bill Museum and then went on to find our campground. We set up camp and then we were able to play as a family a game of kickball. Then off to make tinfoil dinners.. YUM!!!!

The second day we left the campground early and went into Yellowstone. It was so much fun to be stopped twice by 2 huge herds of buffalo. The boys loved seeing these huge snorting animals touching the car. We did upper falls, lower falls and also mammoth hot springs plus everything from the East gates to Madison campground. (including a grizzly bear) Madison Campground was so nice, that night we were able to enjoy T-bone steaks. A treat since we usually don't buy them. DELICIOUS!!!

The third day we started our adventure and headed off and did everything from Madison to Grant Village. Sid loved the geysers. Robbie was enjoying the wildlife and the hot springs. We spent much time at Old Faithful and had the best ice cream. From there we headed to our third night location which was between tetons and Yellowstone. We had a great time playing at the campgrounds. Talking and acting Silly. Pigs on a blanket over a fire.. Don't you just love camping food?? we do and don't forget the s'mores all nights.

When we woke we drove to Jackson.. We stopped at a cabin (historic site) and walked and learned. Then stopped and looked at the Tetons and then drove into Jackson. Walked around there and stopped at a pretty good pizza joint and ate pizza the boys were on cloud 9. After pizza back in the car we go and back track to head home. We had to go back to Moran Junction and head towards Dubois.. Then to Riverton and on to home. The boys were amazing in the car and we were extremely blessed for the wonderful trip that we had (weather, no accidents, no harm, no fighting etc...)

Have I ever told you how lucky I am to be the mother of two handsome good boys and a wife to the most amazing man ever.

I posted a slide show at the bottom of this post so please enjoy our trip to Yellowstone (there are also pics from Yellowstone on a previous post) Oh and don't forget to see what happened to Sid the day before we left, it is also a previous post.

Broken Arm

What a fun Wednesday the 18th of August was. Tuesday night Robbie and Sid and one of the friends were outside playing and Sid came running in crying saying his arm hurt. We got an ice pack on it and all was fine.. no medication needed. We went about our evening and ran errands and came home got ready for bed and went to bed. Wednesday Sid woke up and we were doing school stuff and he couldn't hold a crayon or a pencil at that time I knew something was wrong. (I know bad mom) I had an appointment at the doctors already set up for Robbie because he was stung by a wasp the Saturday before and it was not going away and spreading up his arm. So I called the doctor and told them I needed to swap kids cause Sid was in more need to see the doctor. Thankfully they seen both kids. Robbie had an infection from the bite and they sent us from the doctors to the outpatient radiology department. So.... We go there... and sit.... and wait.... then they take x-ray's. At that point they tell me, "you will have to wait until Thursday or Friday to have these read" I got mad and said "this is a 6 year old with a possible break, we are leaving town first thing in the morning. You are seriously going to make him wait 1 week?" So at that point I call back the doctor and tell them. Within an hour they got results.. "Your son broke his arm, we need you know to go to orthopaedics associates." So off we go... We get in finally, get the cast and this adventure only lasted 6 hours. WOW!!! what a day it was. He did get a pretty cool cast and we go back on Thurs. Sept. 2, 2010 to cut this cast off and put on a cast that only goes to the elbow. So be watching for the new cast... hehehehe

p.s. stay tuned for our next 2 adventures.....

Spiritually Fed Wednesday

Our Heavenly Fathers Creations.... I am so very thankful for the beautiful sites that we get to enjoy each and every day... Here are a few I have been able to enjoy this last week. Lets not forget as we look around us each and every day to give thanks to the right person for the things we get to enjoy. Love to you all!!!

Spiritually Fed Wednesday

Trials and tests... What would life be without them? I am thankful for them but at the same time I think why? this post is going to be Holly doctrine.. (so bear with me)

I think TRIALS and TESTS are good, I think that they can strengthen. I have also lately have been on the other side that the trials and tests feel as if they are breaking me.

My grandmother has endured a lot since Christmas. One broken hip at Christmas.. surgery, rehab and home again. On Mother's day she broke the other hip, surgery, rehab and home again. This past week she found out that she now has breast cancer. Her spirits are high and I think wow! what an amazing person that can take all of that and still say I am okay. and be 85 to boot.

We learned at the Grand Council by our Heavenly Father that 'if we placed our faith in Him, obeying His word and following His example, we would be exalted and become like our Heavenly Father' We would receive a fulness of joy.

What a blessing. What a wonderful knowledge to have. We knew we would have trials we knew it would not be easy. Each one of us knew this and accepted it before we came to this earth. So when you are feeling down and your trials seem hard to bare, remember you are not alone. You have a loving Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ that is always there.. sometimes whispering in your ear saying you can do it, other times walking besides with a gentle push and sometimes carrying you along the way.

Also, remember.... I love you!!! and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

tractor pulls and baseball

Tractor Pulls and Baseball...... What better way to spend the weekend???

We have just been hanging out and enjoy the warm weather.. We have gone to the park, art classes, played with friends...

This weekend we have had 2 late nights but they have been so much fun. We drove to Douglas on Friday night for the tractor pulls. We went and picked Kennen up from work and headed out. We ate dinner at arby's one of the favorite places to eat then off to the pulls we went. It was so much fun and to watch the tires of those tractors start to look like a coke can being crushed is amazing.

Saturday the boys and I went to the farmers market bought some way yummy honey and then hung out at home. Saturday night we were able to go and enjoy a baseball game. We usually try to make it to at least one game when the Orem Owlz come to town. We had front row seats right next to the Orem dug out. It was so much fun.. After the game we were able to enjoy some fireworks. YIPPEE!!!

Happy Birthday to Kyle.. He is Robbie's best little buddy. Congratulations to Bob and Toni.. Sorry we were unable to make it to Utah. Love ya! (my little brother got married)

We hope you all have a wonderful week.

Spiritually Fed Wednesday

"Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee" (Moses 3:17)

Agency makes our life on earth a period of testing. When planning the mortal creation of His children, God said, "We will prove [test] them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them: (Abraham 3:25) Without the gift of agency, we would have been unable to show our Heavenly Father whether we would do all that He commanded us. Because we are able to choose, we are responsible for our actions.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to grow in faith, power, knowledge, wisdom, and all other good things. If we keep His commandments and make right choices, we will learn and understand. We will become like Him.

Konda Lee

The news of this dear dear sweet lady passing away has my heart aching.. How I loved this women. I loved how graceful and beautiful she was walking down our street. Her smile would melt any sadness that was in you. She had a quick hug for all. We were so blessed to be a part of Konda's life for over 11 years. I am so grateful for that opportunity. I am grateful for the fun times we had helping and loving her. I am grateful that my boys were able to know such a wonderful person.

During the winter we would go over and build snowmen in Konda's front yard so she could see them out her window. She told the boys once that she loved making snowmen and she was sad that she could not make them no more. So the boys came up with the brilliant plan to make them for her so she could still enjoy them.

Konda thank you for teaching us service and how to be intune with the spirit. Thank you for sharing your love with us. We have missed you dearly since moving. And I am very sad that I found out way too late to make it to the funeral.

So those who read this that live close please tell Kris and Doug we love them and are thinking of them. You may even send them to this blog...

May God Bless your family. Heaven has a beautiful angel.. Thank you for being you Konda we love you!!!

http://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/article_be88acc8-bb08-591a-8734-44e05e2ab8c5.html

you may look at the obituary here...

Spiritually Fed Wednesday

OUR LIVES SHOULD NOT BE DIVIDED UP


Danger lurks when we divide ourselves with expressions such as 'my private life,' 'my professional life,'or even 'my best behavior.' Living life in separate compartments can lead to internal conflict and exhausting tension....Inner peace comes only as we maintain the integrity of truth in all aspects of our lives. When we covenant to follow the Lord and obey His commandments, we accept His standards in every thought, action and deed"

by: Elder Russell M. Nelson

Firefighter Combat Challange

If this ever comes to your town I really suggest you go watch.. Or if you catch it on TV.. watch.. AMAZING!!

We spent 2 days watching the events of these firefighters and LOVED it. The first day was individual races. They had to start at the bottom of a 5 story building structure and they would have to lift 65 pounds over their shoulder and carry up the stairs. At the top, they would have to lift from the bottom a 45 pound weight, from there they would have to go hammer on a sled, then run an obstacle course.. Pick up a hose and when being pulled weighed 250 pounds.. go through doors and spray at a fire target. From there they would have to drag a dummy that weighed 275 pounds almost a 100 feet to the finish line. All of this done outside in 96 degree weather in full uniform including face masks and tanks (they were not breathing real air) So.. All of this has to be done in a time frame. 5 mins or more you are disqualified. The goal is 2 mins and under.

The second day of the competition was team relay and tandum relay. They were fun to watch also.. There were many competitors from all over.. Here are a few.. Warren Air Force Base, Casper Fire, Natrona County Fire, Idaho Falls Fire, Denver west and south metro, Rapid City, Custer SD (this team was all juniors and seniors from high school they did amazing), there was another military one and a few more teams.

It was way fun and the boys and I had a blast watching.

I also added a picture of our peas.. that was the second big bowl we got from the garden. yummy!!

Hope you all had a wonderful week. Love and hugs to you all.