MJ turns 10!!

Mark turned 10 today!!! YEAH!!!
It started out a sunndy day that quickly turned to snow. What a fun suprise. A little too cold for me this time of year ~ we were just starting to break out the summer cloths.
So our new tradition is that Mom and Dad take the "Birthday Kid" out to a dinner of their choice. MJ chose Olive Garden because they have good bread sticks, we agree.
When we got home MJ was so excited to open his presents and have cake. He was really excited because when he walked through the door everyone yelled "SUPRISE!!!!"
It was a great day! Jason, Dana and the kids came up early Friday and after presents and cake we went to their hotel and the kids swam in the pool, went in the hot tub, jumped in the pool, and it was a never ending circle of fun!! MJ said " this is the best birthday ever".
On Saturday we went out to the Yamaha shop where the kids watched a few guys do some fun jumps. To Cold to stay so we went out to eat and went swimming and played games for the night. A Fun Weekend.........6 WEEKS!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday MJ!! You are growing into such a nice young man.. I love you Lots..XOXOXOXOXOX


He said it was his best birthday ever.

It's Here, Its Here....

Its Here, It's here... Enchanted movie has been released on DVD. In my opinion it is one of the best movies out there AND its PG. A fantastic musical movie. If you havn't seen it yet you must go buy it today!!!! Its a magical tale of true loves kiss. I don't want to say too much to spoil the story for those who have not seen it yet, So enjoy the music.....

March 17th ~

Happy St. Pattys day to you!!
Remember to wear something green.
And if you must pinch, Don't be mean..

Calling all cars..

Maybe I can pass for an old beat-up car. I sure feel like it. What do you think..

Urgent Casting Notice

We are looking for OLD, BEAT UP CARS & TRUCKS for the feature film TWILIGHT. The vehicles can be dented, scratched, wrecked, etc.

You and you car would need to be available NEXT WEEK (MON through FRI) to work on the film. Shooting will take place in Kalama, WA (about an hour north of Portland). The pay is $65/day, OT after 10hrs. You would also receive $40/day reimbursement for travel and a $20 car bump.

If you are interested in being considered, please e-mail the following to sally@extrasonly.com:

Name
Contact Info
Recent Photo of you AND your car

Thank you and we will contact you if we are interested.

Happy Birthday Eric!!

Today is Eric's Birthday but he is nowhere to be found.
He's out having fun, while my paper work mounds and mounds!!!!

It's not fair as I sit here all day..
While he's out having fun with no work and all Play!!!!

Eric's the oldest brother I got..
I'm glad he's my brother and I love him alot!!!

So I don't really mind that he's gone to Mexico..
Where the people are nice and he has lots of amigo's!!!!

Celebrate your birthday today with a smile..
We send you hugs & kisses from over the miles!!!

We love you Eric Hope you have a great Day!! XOXOXOX

My Mom and Dad

Yesterday was my mom and dads 45th Anniversary. I have to say that I am so proud of them. They have been through soo much the last 45 years and through all of the struggles and joys they are still together. They have been a wonderful example for me too look up to. I believe that marriage is a commitment and wether things are going great or going south, your in it together (even though it may not seem like it). There are not very many marriages that last this long. Thanks Mom and Dad for being an example of Love, Patience and Endurance.

Poem to MOM

Sorry guys this is long. I heard this on Dr. Laura yesterday I thought it was cute.

Poem to MOM


My son came home from school one day, With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough, To put me in my place.

"Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today, The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room, Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think, Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion, And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head, And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want, And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like, Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me, I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges, With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me, My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses, that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals, Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control, And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights, So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division, Better known as C.S.D."

Mom's Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully, I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face, he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping At the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, "Pick ou t all you want, there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D .. Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes Instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned So I'll decide what's best. "

I said "No time to stop and eat, Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite, And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions, A favorite dish of mine."

He asked "Can I please rent a movie, To watch on my VCR?"
"Sorry, but I sold your TV, For new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room, You'll take the couch instead.
The C .S.D. Requires Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now, I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get, Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski, Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights', It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying, Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out, Instead of C.S.D..?"

MOM (Mean Old Mother)

OK Already

Enough of Jordan talk..... Lets talk about something funeristedly.

Silly Boy

So last night we came home and Jordan was at our house AGAIN!! Oh My Gosh!! Jordan is one of Stephanies New " Boy - Friends " (you all know what I mean by that)! He is pretty fun to have around. He hasn't been too wild until last night. I think his true colors came out. (OK Paula, True colors [only an American Idol fan can understand that comment] ~ I'm not sure what color Jordan is here but I will let you decide).. Once Jordan got all fancied up in his attire he made Stephanie go to the store with him. He of course got to embarrass Steph while he pushed her around the store in a shopping cart. How spontaneistedly is that.

Angela Kay

Angela Kay Barkley was Born on February 26th and Weighed 7Lbs, 2oz and was 21 Inches long. She was the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. She looked like a little indian baby. I called her my little pappouse. She was quite and hardly ever cried. I remember the night she was born she slept all night. The nurses said they have never seen such a beautiful quite baby. How lucky I was to be blessed with such a wonderful gift from heaven. She has always been our angel. Thanks Angie for letting me be your mom!! I love You..
For Angelas 15th Birthday Mom and dad took her out for dinner to Olive Garden... Her favorite Place ever. She had Chicken Fettechini Alfredo with a Strawberry Daiquiri (virgin of course). While we were out to dinner the siblings decorated the house and surprised Angela. It was fun! Angela was very surprised too because I had told her that morning that we were going to do her b-day on Friday ~ she was glad that we didn't wait. She said it was the best birthdat ever!!

A little Family time!!

I love our family!!!! This last weekend Jer, Stef and Kohen can over to see us. It is soo nice to have them here. We don't ever do much except hang out and relax. Which I so appreciate. Thursday we didn't do much and Friday I had to work. Saturday they went to the park. I stayed at home. Sorry guys, I just felt really icky that morning and Sunday our family went home. We had a couple events on Friday night Steph had a peanut reaction from using a dish rag. Yep, she had a reaction by just touching the dish rag. This was the first time that she had to give herself her epi-pen. I am glad it was just a mild reaction. On Saturday Mark, Jer , Stef and I went to lunch. We ended up going to Outback. Stef is allergic to shellfish. Jer asked for a table away from people because of Stef's alleries to shrimp. The had justed opened at 3:00 so We all thought we'd be ok ~ not too many people around. It was ok Until one of the waitresses broght us some bread and waived a large plate of shrimp right in front of Stef's face! So needless to say Stef almost immediately broke out in hives and we quickly left to get benydryl. Another mild reaction, Luckily. So while Stef slept the benedryl off I worked on her pillows. Which gets me excited to work on my own once the house is done and we get to decorate. Stef helped me make some major color decisions ~ Thank you Stef. I can't wait to see them on the wall. I only chose a few colors. and accent wall for the Dining room and bathroom colors. Oh, and accent color for my bedroom. There is soooo much to chose from... I am so glad that Doug & Julie taught me how to start or I would have been in a constant state of confusion. Thanks you!!
I am always bummed when family has to go home. It takes us a day or so to get our spirits back and then we start looking forward when they will be coming again.. I love you all!!!

Angela's got some Bling Bling in her mouth!!

So Friday Angela went to get her braces on. She has been excited for weeks (or should I say months) to get these braces. She will have them on for about 18 months. So far she is doing well and with the new no ban technology she is having very little discomfort. She has been eating soft foods. The only sad thing she said is that she has to give up chewing on ice and gum which are her favorite (Darn.. The ice chewing and bubble popping always drove me nuts!!). I think she looks so adorable!!

A very Busy Week

What started out this week to be somewhat busy turned out to be pure crazyness!!
Sunday we found out that the Pinewood Derby was Thursday and being unprepared it threw us for a loop. Mark and MJ started working between building appointments on the pinewood derby car Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was weigh in and Thursday was the Pinewood derby. Thursday @ 6:00 was also Curriculum night ~ This is where the 4th graders did math games and the fifth graders had a night at the Museum. They dressed up in a character and had several poses. A button on their shirt that had to be pressed or a word that had to be said then the statue would come to life. Emily was a female soldier named Deborah Sampson. She dressed like a boy to cover up the fact that she was a girl. They found out she was a girl when she got shot and they had to examine her. Promptly at 7:00 we went to the church for the Pinewood derby. MJ had a great design and it did pretty well. He made it all the way to the second to the last round. Not bad for your first pinewood derby race. Great Job MJ and Emily.

It's official

It's official!! We ARE the offical owners of our house. After meeting with an attorney on Wednesday we found out what our rights were as a home buyer. (Which are pretty close to none ~ suggestion, before you sign a contract have an attorney look it over and NEVER take a builder for his word. Get everything in writing.) I suggest from the headaches that we have had and from what our attorney said, "building a home is very difficult and once you sign that contract your stuck! Your better off finding a home to buy". So friday we went in and closed our house. We felt much better as the day progressed and are excited to move into our home that we have been planning on for the last few months. We can now offically get excited for flooring and colors and cabnits. WHEW!!! It has truely been an experience that I really don't ever what to do again ~ Unless we are the general contrators. Enough said. Hopefully the hard part is over.

Baby Shower

Sunday, Stephanie and I went into Hillsboro for my cousins baby shower.
It was soo much fun. It has been nice now that Mark has been finished with school we can do these little trips. I remember when Cecily was a little baby and I use to push her stroller around in the park. This last year she finished her accounting degree at Portland State and has been working for the IRS for the last 5 years or so. She just took a new position as an IRS Auditor for businesses. Shes a smartie! and has done very well for herself. It was nice to also see my Cousin Tina. I haven't seen her for a very long time. She just has another little boy Giovannie. He is cute!! Tina is starting a Baby online resale store. I am excited for her too. She is doing so well. I am proud of my cousins! I missed my cousin Tony's wife Krisi and her new baby. On a sad note my cousin Tony is being called back to Iraq. He may be there for upto 18 months.
After the Baby shower we spent the night at my brothers house and we worked on the lighting for our new house. We went to dinner and visited with Sarah, She is doing so good. She has been accepted to Southern Oregon. She wants to be a birth nurse. And Monday I went and did our taxes. UGH!! and got home Monday night. This week will be a little calmer.... I hope.
BY THE WAY.... CHECK OUT THOSE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS. MY UNCLE BILL DID THOSE. HE IS SOO TALENTED!!!

L ~ O ~ V ~ E

Valentines day is almost here.. I love Valentines Day, It always reminds me of the true meaning of love and what a very special relationship I have with Mark. I know most of you think that we are too feisty with eachother. I call it the way we communicate. In fact it is been scientifically proven that couples who tend to be on the feisty side stay married longer and live longer. So, see we are normal in our own way.
I LOVE Mark and the many joys that he has brought into my life. I couldn't ask for a better husband who tries so hard to make his life and the life of his family better. He has stuck with me through so many trials that I have had in my personal life and Loves me no matter what. He has taken his family to the temple to be sealed for eternity. He has gone to school and sacrificed his time to help those in need. He Loves his family and has always been there for them. He is dedicated to serving the Lord and does so with a smile.
So I am really lucky to you Mark!! I LOVE YOU!! XOXOXOXOX

S~N~O~W

On saturday it started to rain, the temperature was below freezing and it was raining so hard that it couldn't freeze fast enough. Church was cancelled. Sunday about 4:30am it started to snow, and snow and snow snow snow snow!!!! It just wouldn't stop. It was snowing big fluffy flakes. We love the snow!! The kids had no school anyways on Monday so they got out their snow gear and headed outside. YEAH!! Quite in the house. Roads were bad and it snowed again last night, so today school was cancelled. Kids were outside building snow forts.
Mom and Dad came up to visit mom's Brother in Hermiston on friday night and mom's Aunt and cousins that live in Prosser, about 30 min away, on Saturday. They got to our house just in time for the rain to really start freezing. I 82 was closed Saturday and reopened sunday AM (darn). I was hoping that it would be closed so they could spend time with us. We had fun though. They left about 10:30am Sunday and didn't get home until about 6:00pm I think. What a long drive in bad weather. Was snowy all the way to Portland. I am so thankful they got home ok. I was really worried.

Stephanie has a hot date!!!

So Stephanie has a hot date tonight. Steph has set a rule that she doesn't date (I should say "Steady Date") until she is done with college. Sounds good to us. Steph has been on several group dates and has lots of "boy" friends but this is the first time she will be on a one-on-one date. I think she is a little nervous.
Its fun to her "boy" friends come over to the house and have Steph beat them in their own video games and I like making up names for them and Mark likes intimidating them with his big muscles (inside joke). I think its sad that most kids now-a-days think in order to be friends with the opposite sex they have to be steady dating them. I am glad that we have taught the kids be friends first have lots of interaction so they can learn about each other with out the emotional roller coaster that comes with being "boyfriend/girlfriend"..
Stephanie needs help picking her outfit. Which one should she wear?

House Update

Well as you can see by the pictures that the house is slowly progressing and of course our blood pressures are slowly progressing too! When people stated that a construction was the hardest thing to do I thought ~ Na, no problem, we've been through worst. All I can say is never trust anyone no matter how nice they are. Always get everything in writing and if you don't well ~ your screwed!! Now all we have to do is make the best of it. I guess thats life... full of ups and downs. Sometimes a little more downs than ups but everything will work out just fine in the end. Thats where patience comes in.

A little girl time

This last weekend Jer, Stef and Baby Kohen came over. The boys played their obnoxious video games while Stef did our hair and had girl time. Stef did my hair which, turned out to be the best color that I have ever had!! We all feel so pretty. Because Stef was coloring the girls hair (Emme's too!)I had to relax and put alot of trust into knowing that she wouldn't go too wild or extream and she didn't. Thank you Stef!!
I did however go to Macys after feeling so pretty and got make-up and perfume and vowed to Mark that I'd wear it everyday. Upon return I was suprised by Angies short hair which I wouldn't have chosen but I have to realize its not my hair (darn, I hate the fact that I can't make all these decisions anymore ~ my girls are growing up so fast) and she does look soo adorable with it cut short and sassy.

Speaking of Angela.... Here are a few pictures she took of her and the Cat. Steph Had her hair cut short about a week ago too. I'm coming to realize its just hair ~ It'll grow back, Right? Right! I love girl time!!

Rewind to Christmas 2007

OK I have to go back to The Widing Christmas get together. My neice Braley an Mark had a great time. Here are a few pictures of Unkl Mark being a good sport!! Gotta Love that Braley!!

It is going to be a Great 2008

I can just feel it. 2008 is going to be the year that starts the future years to be the best!! As I look over the last few weeks it has been a blessing to be able to enjoy every ones company. On the Widing side we had a nice little dinner and played the left - Right game with ornaments. It was fun to see everyone laugh. Then on Christmas morning We fed the homeless shelter in Albany. We are getting quicker each year. They are so many people in our areas that can use our help. On the Ellingson/Barkley side Stef make a great brunch on Christmas which was really yummy! The day after Christmas we went to HooDoo and Mark, Jason and I Skied while the stronger, limber kids snowboarded. (I'm Sorry Stef I know I call you a kid but your not. Its a habit because that's what I called Aaron and Jer for so many years). I was surprised that we weren't too sore. We were really worried we wouldn't get out of bed the next morning. It was a fun but way too busy trip for all of us.
We rang in the New Year obnoxiously banging pots and pans at 12:am with 7 kidlets!! So Happy New Year to all!!!

Dance, Dance and more Dance

Stephanie has been taking dance classes for the last few months. She is getting pretty good. On Monday she takes ballroom dancing with a friend named Curtis. She loves it and her teacher said she is a natural and always uses her for demonstrations. On Tuesday She has Hip Hop. I don't know if it should be called Hip Hop or Flop Hop. No real dance moves, the body just gyrates around into some sort of pattern. I am not a fan of it but Steph likes its and that is what counts, Right? Then on Wednesday Night is my ultimate favorite, Ballet. I think Steph was born to be a Ballerina. After all she did start walking on her tippy toes first. She has the grace the poise to become very good and I know she will. Here are some photos and a video of dance class.

Funny, funny Mother

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Funny, Funny Mother!


See Mother.
See Mother laugh.
Mother is happy.
Mother is happy about Christmas.
Mother has many plans.
Mother has many plans for Christmas.
Mother is organized.
Mother smiles all the time.
Funny, funny Mother!

See Mother.
See Mother smile.
Mother is happy.
The shopping is all done.
See the children watch TV.
Watch children, watch.
See the children change their minds.
See them ask Santa for different toys.
Look! Look!
Mother is not smiling.
Funny, funny Mother!

See Mother.
See Mother sew.
Mother will make dresses.
Mother will make robes.
Mother will make shirts.
See Mother put the zipper in wrong.
See Mother sew the dress on the wrong side.
See Mother cut the skirt too short.
See Mother
Put the materials away until January.
Look! Look!
See Mother take a tranquilizer.
Funny, funny Mother!

See Mother.
See Mother buy raisins and nuts.
See Mother buy candied pineapple
And powdered sugar.
See Mother buy flour, dates, pecans,
Brown sugar, bananas and spices.
Look! Look!
Mother is mixing everything together.
See the children press out cookies.
See the flour on their elbows.
See the cookies burn.
See the cake fall.
See the children pull taffy.
See Mother pull her hair.
See Mother clean the kitchen
With the garden hose.
Funny, funny Mother!

See Mother.
See Mother wrap presents.
See Mother look for the end
On the Scotch tape roll.
See Mother bite her fingernails.
See Mother go.
See Mother go to the store
Ten times in one hour.
Go Mother, go.
See Mother go faster.
Run, Mother, run!

See Mother trim the tree.
See Mother have a party.
See Mother make popcorn.
See Mother wash the walls.
See Mother scrub the rug.
See Mother tear up organized plan.
See Mother forget gift for Uncle Harold.
See Mother get hives.
Go, Mother, go!
See the faraway look in Mother's eyes.
Mother has become disorganized.
Mother has become disoriented.
Funny, funny Mother!

It is finally Christmas morning.
See the happy family.
See Father smile.
Father is happy.
Smile, Father, smile.
Father loves fruitcake.
Father loves Christmas pudding.
Father loves all his new neckties.
Look! Look!
See the happy children.
See the children's new toys.
Santa was very good to the children.
The children will remember this Christmas.

See Mother.
Mother is slumped in a chair.
Mother is crying uncontrollably.
Mother does not look well.
Mother has ugly dark circles
Under her bloodshot eyes.
Everyone helps Mother to her bed.
See Mother sleep quietly
Under heavy sedation.
See Mother smile.
Funny, funny Mother!


This was read at our Relief Society activity last night.
I had to share, Merry Christmas Mothers!!

Friday Night

I love December. Mostly because it is the Christmas season. I love to bake, listen to holiday music and mostly enjoy the season of giving.
I must admit that I am a home body. I like to stay home and sew or bake. This last few months I have been very busy. It seems like I have spent every waking minute of the day sewing, but of course I have no complaints ~ since its what I love to do.
Since I am a home body we don't do much. I admire my Brother Jason and his Wife
Dana they always seem to be doing fun things with their kids. Not me. It has been a long time since I have done something fun with the kids. So Friday night The girls ~ Stephanie, Angela & Emily ~ and I went out. We had some much needed girl time. We went to see Enchanted (which I would highly recommend), went shopping for make-up at Macy's, did some window watching and went to Cinnebon's where I bought "six Cinnebon Cinnamon Rolls". I was so excited it had been years since I had a cinnebon roll only to get home and be disapointed. They were not how I remembered. Oh well. So I got my cookbook out today and Emily and I made cinnamon rolls. They turned out so good, much much better than Cinnebon's. I made a batch and then Emme made a batch. She did so good rolling out the dough, adding the cinnamon and rolling up to cut with string. It was the best time we have had together in a long while. I needed that. I cant wait till next time.

The House part 2

heres an up date on the house!! The first 2 pictures is the foundation sides finished. The Foundation walls are in the ground about 3 feet with 2" insulation on the inside of the foundation walls.


The next 2 pictures is the plumbing in the ground. The White is the water pipes and the black is the septic piping.

This long pipe out of the ground goes to the AC in the ceiling.

The next phase they will put gravel all over the inside and then pour the final slab on foundation. This may be a week or so since it has been snowing every day since Monday. Thats OK. We love the snow!!

Family...

I have to admit when it come to family I think we have the best family on the planet Earth ~ or is it Mars? Not sure, I think we are aliens for we can all be a little weird at times. I consider family as every person I know ~ Are we not all brothers and sisters from the same father?
I had the best time this last weekend with family. I remember not too long ago a certain young man wasn't very hip on marriage and kids. Just look how things change? Jer has a great family and I am so proud of him. He has really done a great job in choosing such a wonderful wife and mommy to baby Kohen. Jer is a good daddy too. I am so happy that Stef came along for Jer.
We also have a unique situation where Stef's family is as our family. They are family to us. We love them too and I am soo happy to be able to be apart of their lives. Thanks for coming and spending the holiday with us Jason, Lahia, Jeffy, Kohen, Stef, Jer, Julie and Doug. We Love you all!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

I wanted to take a moment and tell you all that I love you!!! I really miss all of you very much and grateful for all the love and support that everyone has given to Mark, the kids and I during the last 6 years. It has been very challenging at times but your prayers and encouragement has helped us through.
We really do have so much to be thankful for. Unfortunately I have been looking at my glass as thought it is half empty and it is not. So what do we do? We need to give more service to those in need, We need to cherish every moment whether good or bad as though it is the last moment we have on this mortal earth. We need to embrace the Gospel and live it.
As we continue this moral journey we have on this mortal earth let us finish it with with humility and reverence towards our friends, family and to ourselves. The one true thing that I am and will always be grateful for is the love our Heavenly Father has for all of us. That I am a daughter of God and I have a noble birthright in his kingdom as a Queen. I truly love my Brother Jesus Christ and all that he has done for us, to show us the way to live, to be the example to us and that he loved us so much. Someday we will return home and live with our Father and I can tell him Thank you for giving me the blessings of living.
I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving, I love you much, XOXOXO

lil' miss Emily

I have to tell you that having Emily has been fun and exciting, She is just soo dang cute!!! Don't you think So??
E~ Energy with attitude
M~ Minds her Manners
I~ Intelligent ,she's reading at 8th Grade
L~ Loving heart and crys at movies
Y~ Y'see Emily Smile. She loves sugar-free chocolate pudding

Emily has been a very busy girl lately. She is doing great in school and always excels she gives alot of effort to do her best. Em is also taking Irish dancing and will be performing next year. Those of you who have been around Emily since birth know that Emily loves to sing. Therefore we thought it appropriate to get Emily singing lessons. She loves it and I love the fact that she is singing in front of others in her class so she won't be so shy. If she can overcome being shy she will go along ways.
I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for allowing Emily to stay with us here on earth. Sh is a joy to have around and I love her so much. XOXOXO Emme, Love Mom

Blessings this week

Life really is Good. Top 10 blessing of this week!
1) We have foundation walls on the house.
2) Emily went to the hospital for severe abdominal pain. She is feeling much better ~ A bout with gastroineritis.
3) We have hot food on our plates and a warm place to live.
4) Mark loves his job.
5) Angela and Stephanie still love eachother and stay up late acting like silly little 5 year old girls.
6) Mark Jr still has an abundance of energy and most always has a smile.
7) Staying on my diet of healthy eating.
8) I am getting alot of sewing done this week. I even learned how to do a twisted nine.
9) My mom is here and has been a great help to me this week. It is fun to sew with her and Emme likes staying up late with Grams.
10) The top blessing is this week is that I am alive and get to enjoy my family. I love them so much!!!

Happy Tuesday to you!!

Happy Tuesday to you!! I have not much to say but I thought I'd jot a thought. Do you sometimes wonder what people really think? I have issues! I love to read people. The only thing I can't read is there thoughts.
I don't believe people when they are asked, "What are you thinking about?" and they respond with, "oh, nothing.". I'm sorry I just don't buy it! I don't believe that a person can just shut off their brain so it does not think. I would rather hear, " Oh, honey I was just thinking how fat you've become and how nice it would be if you were skinny again." or " I really just don't feel like taking to you today". I guess it would make me feel a whole heck of alot better if I knew. But for now body language has to do!! What do you think? Happy Tuesday.

I Love Thanksgiving

I am so glad Halloween is over. Don't get me wrong I love the fact that we can dress up and play pretend, watch scary movies late at night and carve pumpkins (which we failed to do this year). But, I love the Thanksgiving season. For me it is a time to self reflect and think of the blessing that I seem to forget the rest of the year when it feels like I am flying Mach 10. ThanksGiving is a time to slow down, cuddle up to the one you love and drink Hot Cocoa.

THE HOUSE IS STARTING

Well the builder has finally started on our house. We got a call last week and he said that he got the approval with the permits to start. I could hardly believe it. Here are a few photos of the start of the foundation. Warning: House postings may be extreme in the next 6 months.
The first and third Picture is looking West on out property.
The Second picture is looking East.The Fouth picture is looking North West.

It is hard to believe that we are finally building. It feels so right to be here in this area. The new church building is only a few blocks away. I am learning that having patience pays off.

I am so thankful for my blessings for they are many.

Barkley Family Murder Mystery 2007

This year Jer had a 1920 mobster theme. The scene took place on October 27th, 1927 at the pinnacle of Prohibition. The mafia and the criminal underworld ruled the streets in chicago. Today we were held hostage in a small bank while a couple of mobsters, "Mad" Paulie Moretto (jer) & "Pretty" Tommy Piccoli (Mark), cleaned out the vault. In the meantime Robert Worthlin ownner of the Worthlin Bank of Chicago layed on the floor dead from a gunshot.
Who did it? As we played the game we had to uncover the clues scene by scene. In the end we fould out that Mr James Cantwell (Jason) killed Robert Worthlin because he stole Mr. Cantwells share of the Bank. All too fun and can't wait till next year. check out the Photos. I wish I had everyone.

Our Fun Trip

I can't believe it. We finally got away. Mark and I figured it had been about 3 years since we had a trip longer than a quick overnighter. We decided to go to Uncle Don and Aunt Carols new home in Spring Creek. We missed our visits with them every year and it was at the top of our to do list. It was a blessing to be able to see them and look forward to next year.

It was beautiful ~ the pictures do not show the true beauty. We have a full mixture of weather from 75 degree weather on Friday to snow in the afternoon on Saturday.
Friday we went up the canyon where we came across a nice heard of what looked to be Angus Cattle. I think they might have been herding them down for winter (At least that is what I'd like to think for they were way too cute to send to the slaughter house). As we went up the canyon it was so beautiful! The pictures do not do justice. We came to the glaciers and at the bottom was a Boy Scout camp. WOW ~ It looked like the Swiss Alps. We continued to the top which was about 8,800 feer in elevation. Check out the web site I have posted. What a wonderful trip it would be to go hiking there.

Saturday friends on Don and Carols, Ron and Linda old neighbors brought one of the final loads to complete their move ~ lots and lots of rocks. It was fun to sit and visit. Ron and Linda are wonderful people.

Sunday we had breakfast and went into the casino. It was fun. Aunt Carol hit bank on the penny slots and took us to dinner. It was another great day.

Of course Aunt Carol cooked us some great dinners. I can' wait to make them. One of my favorite parts of the trip was the birthday cake Aunt Carol suprised me with for dessert. It was soo nice. Uncle Don and Aunt Carol look GREAT! Aunt Carol reminds me of Grandma ~ So down to earth and so sweet and kind. I love the fact that you can just sit and talk. Both Uncle Don and Aunt Carol have such a great insight on life. We love them alot! Can't wait till next year.

Oh Beautiful Day!!!

It is such a beautiful day today, I feel trapped all stuck inside the house. The sprinklers have just kicked on reminding me that we have such beautiful weather in Richland. I even had to turn the AC on today.
My favorite part in fall is the cool crisp mornings with a cup of hot cocoa, watching the leaves turn from yellow to orange to bright red. Then the wind just blows them around getting in the perfect spot to walk on.
When I was a kid I don't remember ever walking on the sidewalk when the leaves were falling. I do however remembering the old man on the corner yelling at me because I always cut across his lawn right thru the leaves. How rude of me! He probably enjoyed looking at his leaves all beautifully fallen on his yard. I guess I am much more mature to understand that now. LOL.
Anyways, I hope everyone is enjoying the outdoors.
Smiles

HERITAGE DAYS

It was a nice day with just Emily and MJ. Dad and I took the little-ones to Heritage days where we got to look at some pretty cool stuff from the old west. We watched and learned how a blacksmith heats iron and twist it into decorative iron rods. This was MJ's favorite. My favorite was the hats. Check out the hats in the pictures. These are hand made & Beautiful. We visited many trading post and learned how to speak an indian language. The Lewis and Clark musuem had many interesting facts about there journey.

All in all it was a relaxing day with the kids. I forgot what it was like to only have two kids to take around. It was sure alot less complicated. The older kids stayed home and did homework. We are having lots of fun up here in the Tri-Cities.

Mark's Big B-day

As you know Mark turned "40" this year. This year Mark's family decided to surprise him by driving up to wish him Happy Birthday. Let me tell you it is hard to keep a secret from your husband. I slipped a couple times but thankfully his brothers bailed me out with playing Battlefield. It was a great seeing Mark come out of his room with a big "WHAT THE HE??" look on his face. We all got a great laugh out of it. Mark was very happy to spend time with his family ~ He misses his Brothers alot.
I Love you Mark!! It has been an eventful past 25 years with you. I think it is so sexy to watch your man grow old. This may be sick but I love those gray hairs on your head. Happy B-lated B-Day.

A fun and exciting morning

Every morning we wake up and get ready for school. This week, Wednesday was picture day. Emme and MJ were excited. They got up did there chores, got ready for school and then made lunch. After I did my morning workout I was getting ready myself. I had a few extra minutes so I sat at my computer trying to get ahead of the game for the day. I overheard Emme amd MJ singing, for a long time I might add. It was so cute so I had to get my new video camera a try. Heres a clip. Enjoy. I think we might have the next future American Idols here..... I guess it wont upload. I'll have to post another time.

So much to do So little time.

Well with the kids off to school its has been great. Sometimes a little too quiet in the house. I wish I had a little more time. I envy all you mothers out there who sit and eat bonbon's. (LOL) Don't you wish.
So While Mark was gone last week hunting I had some alone time (somewhat I still had the kids) but you know what I mean. I realized that I have really let myself go. Not only physically but sometimes mentally too. I'm sure you know what that means.
I feel as if I need to start my life over. Go back to the basics. But how. I have so much I want to do and have so little time to do it in and I am running out of steam.
So this is what I have decided to do.

Get back to reading my scriptures daily: On BYU.EDU they have in the independent study gospel doctrine classes. I want to know more details about the church. It is a free class and I can work on it in my own free time.

Exercise daily and eat healthy: The exercising is easily. I get up in the Mornings and go down to the fitness room here at home. The eating thing is a little more challenging since it seems like I eat to make me feel better but yet it doesn't because I keep getting fatter and fatter!! ygh. So I am going to eat slow and drink lots and lots of water.

Have me time: I had Mark bring my sewing boxes up to the house. In that box I am going to finish all my UFO (un finished objects) crafts. Here's is one that I have just finished. I probably got it about 10 years ago with Lorena. It was a fun short project but I now have a sense of accomplishment.


So there it is. The question is can I fit it all in between Work, cleaning house, making diners ect... ect... You Bet!
Have a great Day!!

Off to School we Go!!

How cute they are so eager to get to school. Mj and Emme Love school. They have been fortunate to have the same class together this year. Alot of teachers mistake them for twins. I don't think they mind too much.
The School is brand spankin' new. Just opened two weeks before school started.

The Kids love the open soccer field and have made lots of new friends. Look at the view. It is nice. You can see for miles and has a view of the Columbia River. I love it here. Since we have been here we have had only 3 days where it sprinkled and 2 days where we had thunder storms for only a couple hours. The kids get to even wear shorts.
So during the day I get to sit around and be lazy. Eat bonbons...? I wish. No our day starts at dawn and goes to dusk. Then we are lucky enough to do it again.

I am sooo excited!!!

So this weekend my Brother Jason his wife Dana and Jayden, Brayley and Ansen came to Richland to visit with me. While they were here Dana told me that I needed to Blog more, which I agreed ~ and now that I can remember my password, I can. I still wasn't excited enough so she dragged me to Costco. With my arm in intense pain from her tight grip she insisted I had to buy a digital camera. She said that blogging would be alot of fun with a camera. So I did. I didn't want to get on her bad side. (all Hell would brake loose!!) lol. So I am Soooo Excited.
Here is my first blog with my new camera.
I think pretty much the pictures speak for themselves....Don't You??