Taze Lost His First Tooth!

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What We Have Been Doing Lately!

I went shopping and bought Taze and Tesi some very needed new church clothes. They looked so good I just had to take some pictures of them. I was going to make Tesi wait until Easter to wear her new dresses but I just couldn't wait that long.



Taze looks so handsome in his new suit. But it sure does show how fast he is growing up. Tesi really likes this bright pink dress. She told me it is her favorite.

A couple weeks ago we celebrated Chris's birthday. We had a really fun party with family. We ate a lot of good food, cake and pie. I love birthdays and birthday parties. Chris is always such a good sport to go along with all my plans and partying.

Taze lost his very first tooth today. It was loose enough it started to drive him crazy and he wanted it pulled out. I tried my best but couldn't get it. Then Chris came in and he was able to pull it out. When he pulled on it the tooth flew out and hit him in the face. We then had to find it on the carpet. Taze is really excited to put it under his pillow and get some money. I am so happy for him but sad at the same time because it is just another step to him getting older. I just have to realize it is going to happen and I am enjoying every step of the incredible journey. Way to go Taze - you look fantastic toothless!

Wow, What a Beautiful Sight!

There are a lot of beautiful things in this world - but one I really love - is to watch horses run and play. I took my camera out one day when I let my horses run. It was so fun to watch them. They are so beautiful the way they run through the snow and buck and snort. They truly are magnificent animals!

Chili - Enjoying his run!

Chili and Tuff - Tuff was trying to ignore him - he wasn't in too playing as much that day!

Chili - Still running and having fun!

Tuff and Chili are playing with Tuff's tail cover from his blanket he ripped off!




Tuff, Chili and Mani!



Tuff, Chili and Mani still playing!



Mani - he is really growing. He is such a nice colt to be around!



Tuff and Chili still playing with the tail cover!

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Fun Pictures!

We went and had pictures taken tonight. I am a little slow getting Tesi's 3 year old pictures done. So finally I had them taken. (Now that she is almost 4) Better late then never is what I say!

Chris and I decided to get our picture taken together since the last time we had it done was for our wedding announcements!

Taze and Tesi are getting so grown up. It is hard to believe how fast time flies!

Here she is - my gorgeous 3 year old little girl. What a delight she is to have in our home.

I bought them chaps and new shirts while I was in Vegas in December. They looked so cute on them I wanted to get their picture taken in them. I think they turned out great!

Taze already looks like a world champion. I think this picture makes him look a lot older than 5. Kind of sad, but boy is he handsome. The girl taking the pictures told me he is going to be a heart breaker. I'm afraid she is right!

Two future rodeo stars - or not. I just love them for who they are and the great little people they choose to be each day. I love them with all my heart and I am so proud of them!

My Hair!

So I am sitting here at the computer trying to catch up on a few things - Tesi asked if she could play with my hair. I said "Oh sure, go ahead". So she went to the bathroom and brought back all kinds of good hair stuff to play with. She got elastics, barrettes, clips, a comb, hairspray and some perfume. First she tried to spray the perfume on my neck. Then she put some clips and bobby pins in my hair. Next she had to add some hairspray so it would all stay in place. I finally had to say enough with that - I think my hair will stay in any style now. Well, this is the not so good part. I am sitting here trying to concentrate on what I am doing and I feel my hair being pulled right out and Tesi saying "Oh this technology". I said "What?" She said "Oh this technology." Then she starts to pull again. So I stop what I am doing and tell her to let me help her. Well, she has the comb wrapped around my hair so tight I can't get it out. I said to her, "Tesi the comb is stuck how am I going to get it out?" So then my sweet little daughter says to me "I don't know, it's your fault mom." I just laughed, what a little character. I had to ask Chris to come and get the comb untangled. He was a little worried at first and wondered how she tangled my hair around the comb so well. After some pulling and twisting he finally got it out. Next time I might have to pay closer attention to exactly what she is doing to my hair!

Yes, this would be my little hair doer! But isn't she cute?
Don't let that grin fool you!



Hey, who is this bad boy? Don't be scared it's just
Taze dressed up like Roy Rogers. One of his favorite
things to do is play cowboys. You just don't want to be
the bad guy because he is a really good shot!

I had to add these pictures. I think they are great and besides pictures are always fun to look at.

On a Lighter Note!

I realize my last post was a little intense. I just can't help but be upset and a little protective of my family. I hate to see them have such a hard time. As if the accident wasn't enough the trial just made it worse. Anyway they are doing great and moving past this incredibly difficult time. I am so proud of them and I am so grateful they are all ok. This past weekend we had the rare opportunity to get away as a family. Chris was actually off for a weekend so we decided to go to the scoot and shoot in Rexburg. We left Friday night and stayed at a hotel so Taze and Tesi could swim. Saturday morning after they swam we went to the scoot and shoot. For those that don't know what this is it is sponsored by the Moody Powder Pushers. They are the snowmobile club in the Rexburg area. What you do is you ride your snowmobile to 6 different stations they have set up in the mountains just beyond the dry farms. At each station you shoot at targets or clay pigeons. You also throw darts. It is super fun and challenging. This year the weather was perfect. The sun was shining, the wind was not blowing, I know a miracle considering it was Rexburg, and it was pretty warm. Taze rode his 120 for about 3 miles in then he decided he was tired of that and wanted to go faster so he hopped on with Chris. Tesi rode with me. The kids did great at shooting and throwing the darts. Most of all we had a great time spending time with another. That night they have the awards ceremony and raffle great prizes. We decided to stay and have a little more fun. Good thing we did because I won 2nd in the women's shooting contest. I won $15.00. I was so excited. Tesi won the best dressed award and her and Taze both got ribbons for entering the Peewee division. They thought that was wonderful. We were also lucky enough to win a few of the raffle prizes. Daren's boy, Brayden, (I think) won the big prize - the new gun. We were all excited for him. Sandra, Chris's sister, won 1st in the women's shooting division. She did awesome. I am so proud of Taze and Tesi and how well they did. They never complained about being cold. They are such troopers. I am so lucky they love to be outside. I must add that Chris and I had to sneak in a little race. I think he keeps thinking he is going to beat me someday. But guess what? He didn't! My 700 can still beat his newer 800. And he wonders why I won't upgrade. I love racing and my sled is dang good at it. Anybody want to race?

Then on Sunday we got up and drove to Bryce and Jerin's for the day. It was so nice because we just got to sit and visit. I also got to hold Brekk most of the day. She is growing so fast but what a cutie. Anyway it was a great day and we all enjoyed our visit. It was just nice to have a wonderful weekend after such a stressful week.

If I Hit You, I Am Not Guilty!

Sometimes, well all the time, I wonder what this world is coming to. Back in July my brother-in-law was hit by a car. It is a bloody miracle that he is alive. We are so grateful he is doing so well. Anyway, the county he was hit in ticketed the guy that hit him. So he, my sister and their 12 year old daughter were all supeoned to court to testify against this guy. They appeared in court today at 9:00 a.m. It took all day for questioning, final remarks and deliberation. If you can believe this - the jury actually found the guy not guilty. How in the world can you be found not guilty when you are guilty. I really don't understand. The defense attorney, the scum bag that he is, had the nerve to present the case that my brother-in-law was at fault. He minimized this accident so well the jury bought it. My sister still has nightmares about the accident, as well as, her three daughters that witnessed it. The old guy was the only witness for his story yet he wins. If you can't tell, this has really upset me. So I have decided the next time I see somebody I don't like I am going to run them over. Because you know what - if I can afford the slimiest stinken lawyer that exists I will get off scott free and I won't have to put up with that person that bothered me, anymore. Our justice system sucks!! I don't even think we can call it a system and why is the word justice even part of it. I am grateful he is ok and he will be fine - anyway as good as someone can be after being hit by huge tank of a car at 60 MPH. I just don't understand how when someone is guilty they can also be not guilty. Go figure!!

Why Do They Have To Grow Up So Fast?

My beautiful little girl is growing up so fast. Last Sunday she started primary as a little sunbeam. I was really worried she wasn't going to go to her class because she thought she already had a class - mine. I teach the oldest girls in primary and she loved going to class with me. Every now and then she would say she needed to go to her class so I would take her. This is nursery she is talking about. Well, when we would get there she would say "Ok, I'm done. I just had to check on my friends." Then we would have to leave and she would come with me. Anyway, when I took her in Sunday she was a little hesitant but she stayed. I think I was the one having the hard time. I really enjoyed having her in my class with me. I inched out of the primary room really slowly. Everyone was looking at me and wondering when I would finally leave. When we came in for singing time the Primary Presidency reassured me she did just great. They said she answered questions and sat still like a big girl. I was so proud of her I'm just a little sad she is growing up so fast. (Ok, I'm really a lot sad) I just enjoy spending every minute with her and all that she teaches me each day!

What a wonderful little sweetheart!

2008 - The Year in Review

Wow, 2008 is finally over! All I can say is - it was quite a year. There were so many ups and downs it is hard to remember them all. It was certainly a year of many trials, but through the trials were many, many good times as well. I am just so grateful for a wonderful family who is always there to listen and help. They are the most wonderful people in the world. I couldn't be more blessed. Here is a little breakdown of what happened in our lives in 2008! In January we had my grandpa Harman's funeral. It was a great tribute to him and my grandma. Also in January we bought more property - 77 acres with a house. I was sure it was just more stress and worry but I am warming up to the idea. In February we celebrated Chris's 4oth Birthday with as much family as could be there. Chris turning 40 wasn't so fun but the party sure was.

The kids really enjoyed helping Chris with his presents!

We had a lot of great food and good company!

In March we went to St. George for spring break. It was so fun and so nice to feel the sun and enjoy the nice weather. I am such a warm weather person I can never wait till spring. This is always a good opportunity to fill my wishes until it turns nice in Cache Valley. We did a lot of fun things while we were down there including hiking in the sand dunes. Oh, and of course we swam, and swam and did a little more swimming. Taze and Tesi can never get enough.

Taze and Tesi had fun driving the cars at the fun Park!

The go carts were a blast. We loved racing each other!

The warm sand felt so good on our bare feet and the scenery was spectacular!

Of course we had fun snowmobiling all winter too. Taze could never get enough. Taze and Tesi got new snowmobiles for Christmas and they sure had fun breaking them in. It was really fun watching them learn to drive them. Taze learned really fast and is a natural like his dad. Tesi likes to look around a little too much to leave her unsupervised. Although, I have to say this winter she is doing much better. She does love to go fast. I think she got that speed thing from me.

I am so proud of them they both do such a great job!

In May we celebrated both Taze and Tesi's birthdays. Taze turned 5 and Tesi 3. I can hardly believe it. My beautiful babies are growing up so fast. They are so much fun and I have enjoyed every age and phase they have gone through.

May and June brought t-ball. Taze was so excited. Somehow I got the lucky opportunity to be his t-ball coach. We had one game and one practice a week. Thank goodness it wasn't more than that. Those little balls of energy wore me out. Plus with the unpredictable weather we had last spring a couple practices and games were cancelled. The games we did make-up. Taze played very well for his first year. He was just a little disappointed the game wasn't a little faster. He wanted to be where ever the ball was. He is just a little beyond t-ball I think. So this year I believe we will just play at home and wait til he can play real baseball. Ya-hoo! Also in June Taze took swimming lessons. He loved it. Of course they didn't last long enough for him because he could swim all day long. Tesi felt bad she couldn't swim with him. Taze did very well and is looking forward to lessons this summer. Tesi is too - because this year she is old enough to take them. It will be really fun to watch and see their progress.

July was a busy month with some very trying moments. My sister Jerin and her husband Bryce and their girls had a tough month. Bryce was hit by a car when they were out walking the girls sheep one Sunday night. The car was going about 55 or 60 MPH. I am so thankful he is OK and the rest of the family was not hit. Jerin was expecting and was 6 months along. Talk about a stressful few weeks. I know there are angels watching out for us and that miracles do happen. I saw it first hand. The doctors kept telling Bryce and Jerin they could not believe the condition he was in. They teased him that there must be something about being a bishop. This trial was a true test of faith and a testimony builder that prayers are answered.

August was another busy month with the fairs, barrel racing and school starting. I felt very lucky this summer because for the few times I was able to barrel race I won a buckle and a great check. Tuff is just awesome - that sums it up about him.

I don't think by this picture you can tell how happy I am. What do you think?

School started on August 21st. Oh boy, what a day. It was one I have been dreading for 5 years. I can not believe my little boy is 5 and old enough to start school. Taze was pretty excited for the 1st day. He thought riding the bus was fun too for the first few days. Now he looks for every excuse there is to miss school and stay at home. I think he is afraid of missing out on something. He does a really good job though and he gets better in school each day. We are really proud of him.

This is Taze the 1st day of school, he had to have a watch and wear it. He needed to know when school would be out and he could come home.



Here we are walking Taze to the bus. I am really trying not to cry!



Taze is getting on the bus and I am trying not to run after him . . .



Oh look! I changed my mind, I am running after him. I can't let him go. "Taze, wait, don't go!"



I really did let him go to school. This is Taze and Tesi with his teacher Mrs. Lucia.

Tesi really misses Taze when he is at school. Everyday when we take him she has to give him a hug and a kiss goodbye. It is so cute. They are so good to each other and are such good friends. Taze is so funny because while he is walking into the school he will blow me kisses and sends hugs. I cherish these moments.

The end of August, then September and October we started working on construction projects for our other property. Things are moving along and with the great fall we had we were able to accomplish more than we thought. Halloween was fun. I had the opportunity to help with Taze's school party. All the kids got to dress up in their costumes and play games. I think they all had a really good time. Taze was superman and Tesi was Belle. They were both so cute.

My super hero and my princess!

November was a fantastic month. Bryce and Jerin welcomed their beautiful baby girl here on the 6th. She is absolutely darling. Of course Jerin went into labor during the night and had her fairly early in the morning so I was not able to be there for the birth. But I did make it over later with my Dad, Mom, Taze and Tesi. We had so much fun seeing them and taking them lots of great presents. Her name is Brekk and we love her so much.

What a beautiful baby girl!

We had Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Everyone was able to make it except for Landis. He joined the Army in September and won't have a break until Christmas. He did call though and everyone got to talk to him. It was such a treat. All the kids (big and small) made gingerbread houses after dinner. They really turned out cute and some were even pretty fancy. Some went out and shot skeet. Thank goodness it wasn't to cold. Then some played basketball. We really enjoyed visiting and eating and eating and visiting. It is always fun when everyone gets together.

In December we took our annual trip to Las Vegas. That is my Mom, Lori, Jerin, Camrell and I. And of course Brekk got to go this year. We weren't letting Jerin out of it just because she had a baby. We were all to excited to take her with so we could love her as much as we wanted without the kids getting a turn. Anyway, the trip was a blast. We decided to drive this year instead of fly. After last year we found out we couldn't fit everything we bought in our suitcases. We took my Sequoia and we had it jam packed plus a luggage carrier on top and one hooked into the receiver hitch. Yes, we did look like the modern day Clampets. We went to the rodeo one night. The performances are awesome. Then we just shopped and had fun spending time with each other. We even got some great pictures with famous cowboys.

Mom, me, Jerin and Lori the Morning of the 1st big shopping day!

Jerin, me, Camrell and Lori the morning of the 1st big shopping day!



Lori, Camrell, Jerin and Mom with Luke Branquinho, the reigning world champion steer wrestler! I think he won because of this picture, all our good luck rubbed off on him. He is so cute in person and such a nice guy.



Jerin, Camrell, Brekk, Lori and Mom with Stran Smith, reigning world champion calf roper. Jeez our luck must of rubbed off on him too. He is super good looking too. We were so lucky!



I had to put this one in just for Camrell. Yes it is me alone in the picture with Luke Branquinho! Eat your heart out Sis!!!

This picture makes me laugh. As if we were not loaded down enough and shopped enough for 3 days straight, we stopped in St. George and went to Tai Pan. We only came out with a few things from here so it wasn't too bad. We still had one little corner to stuff something in, so we did!

When we arrived home it was time to think about Christmas. I still needed to get things ready for our family Christmas party as well as Christmas at home. As unprepared as I felt the party went well and so did Christmas day. Taze and Tesi had a ball on Christmas. Of course they were really spoiled but they deserve it. I think they are the best kids a mom could ask for.

Taze is surveying everything Santa left. He can't wait to get his hands on his presents!



Tesi just waiting to rip into her presents!

We had a great Christmas and a fun break. It was so nice just hanging out together and not having a set schedule to be somewhere. We visited with family, went snowmobiling and played lots of games with Taze and Tesi. What a great life.

I do have to say I am excited for 2009. I am hoping it is a little more smooth sailing this year. Although I do know we do not grow unless we have trials. I just don't think they need to come all at once. If they were spread out a little I wouldn't mind. My advice for 2009 is: If you find yourself down and in the dumps it is ok to cry. Cry hard and long if you need to but when you stand up, put a smile on your face and be grateful for all the blessings you do have and don't concentrate on those you don't. Life is what we make it - so make it great!

Taze & Tesi - Fall 2008!

I just couldn't help but share these pictures. I have been doing a bunch of reorganizing and came across these pictures. They are so happy and playful and they make each day a delight. I love them and I am so grateful I am their mom. They are such a joy to have in our home. I am always amazed at all I learn from them each day. You're the best Taze and Tesi!