E & L Wagner Family

"It is so good!"

2012-01-17T14:48:00.002-07:00

Christmas and New Year's Eve 2011

2012-01-07T08:55:00.005-07:00

Notice that the fire is on the TV not in the fireplace? Darn fireplace is on the fritz.. oh well..

We had a wild New Year's Eve, lots of fun! Only Eric, Ethan and I made it to midnight, everyone else pooped out. 2011 was a good year. I am going to do everything in my power to make sure 2012 is a better one!

This is Eric's "I'm sexy and I know it" face.

Temple Square 2011

2011-12-07T20:09:00.002-07:00

This is the coolest thing ever! We could have looked at it all night.

This is Eric's favorite tree, it is a cedar of Lebanon. They only put lights on it every other year because it is quite rare.

My boys in front of the Nativity scene.

I love this Nativity on the reflecting pond, it is beautiful.

Turns out that 5pm is the best time to be there, hardly anybody out yet.

ThanksGiving

2011-11-26T17:45:00.003-07:00

I cannot believe I didn't take any pictures this year! I went searching and found this picture of E from Thanksgiving 2002 (I think). We ate dinner at my Grandma Kroff's house that year and I remember my Aunt Julie made a really yummy dish that had apples and sweet potatoes in it.

This year (2011) we had dinner at my Mom and Dad's house. Colby & Marcie, Angie & her dogs, and me and my family were there and of course we had more pies than we knew what to do with. The boys had a sleepover at grandma's with Aunt Angie and of course did not sleep very well and were up bright and early at 6:30am, much to Aunt Angie's dismay. My boys (except Ry) are early birds like their Grandpa Ron and their dad.

I am so thankful for the life I live. I know that I have struggles and sometimes I think my life is pretty tough, but in all actuality I have nothing I should complain about. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of my Heavenly Father's kindness, mercy and love.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-26T16:48:00.003-07:00

I'm pretty sure Ry has been Batman for the past 3 Halloweens... oh well, it makes life easy for me! E was a ghost pirate and Arch was... I dunno really.. We went trick-or-treating on Main street then came back to our house to eat dinner. After dinner we let the kids out to terrorize the neighborhood.

mom + giraffes

2011-10-26T13:31:00.000-06:00

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

2011-10-24T09:14:00.003-06:00

into the wild blue yonder

2011-10-02T17:59:00.004-06:00

Hill Aerospace Museum is awesome! My boys were in heaven!

Playing with Grandma

2011-09-07T16:20:00.002-06:00

Is this how you think of "Alzheimer's disease"?? I THINK NOT!!!

Happy New School Year!!

2011-09-07T16:16:00.004-06:00

Ethan 5th Grade

Archer 2nd Grade

Ryder Pre-School

outdoor movies are fun!

2011-08-10T09:09:00.002-06:00

No time to Blog.. too much fun

2011-08-07T19:54:00.002-06:00

I LOVE summertime! and I LOVE when the kids go back to school even more!!

Splishin' and a Splashin'

2011-06-28T09:53:00.002-06:00

2011 Kroff Reunion

2011-06-26T18:59:00.005-06:00

The first day of the reunion Ryder and his cousin Urban celebrated thier birthdays! I totally ripped off the idea for Ryder's cake from my friend Stacee, thanks girlie!!

Eric spotted movement in the grass next to our tent...it was a baby rattle snake!!! He caught it and showed it off to everyone there.. The boys voted to let it go, I voted to kill it!!! But in the end Eric took it a couple miles away and let it go.

Ryder got stung twice by a very angry wasp, once between the fingers and once on the side of this face..stupid wasps anyway.

My cousin's wife does balloon twisting and it was a hit!! Ryder got a very sharp sword, a helmet and a sword belt.

Archer requested this awesome octopus.

This is what it all about.. hanging out with family by the fire.

This is our little camping area, very nice! Being the indoor girl I am, I left camp each night to sleep in my own bed but returned bright and early each morning to be with my family.

Happy 4th Ryder!

2011-06-23T09:42:00.003-06:00

Four years ago today Eric and I were outside walking around our yard and I looked at Eric and told him that it would be a good day to have a baby! We went to the hospital around 10am or so and Ryder was born at around 6:30pm. We are so thankful he came to our family!

He loves life and is a very funny kid. WE LOVE YOU RYDER ROO!!

Smile and I'll give you $5.00

2011-06-06T20:42:00.003-06:00

Just kidding..I'm not giving you five dollars..
I am a mean mom..

Scouting

2011-05-20T09:59:00.003-06:00

Ethan earned his Webelos patch last night (after only a couple of months in Webelos!) It helps to have a dad that is the Cub Master and a mom that is a Bear Den leader. Needless to say; we encourage scouting in our home.

2011-05-20T09:56:00.000-06:00

My little family :}

Missing:

2011-05-19T14:11:00.006-06:00

The Sun.
It is the large bright thing in the sky that gives us warmth and makes our flowers grow. It has been missing now for 4 days and everything in my yard is growing moss. I think it has Utah confused with the North West.

If seen, please contact mother nature so she can punish it severely and put it to its place.

Breaking Spring in Colorado Springs

2011-04-21T19:55:00.004-06:00

This picture is so funny to me because everyone is holding a phone or an ipod, I guess this is how the future is going to be, we will lose all capacity to socialize personally. This is my very handsome and such a great kid, nephew Jackson (or Jerkson) either way he responds to both. The last morning we were at my sisters we woke up the the yard being toilet papered. Darn teenage girls.. We went to Garden of the Gods (a maz ing) so beautiful and the boys had such a great time climbing all over the rocks with their cousin Sam and Aunt Kimmy. Ryder "helped" Aunt Kimmy down the mountain on her bum, everyone had a great time! Time to brag about my family..we invaded my sister's house. I say invaded because there were a total of 15 people and 5 dogs. It was crazy at times but it was so much fun. I am so thankful to have such wonderful parents and great brothers and sisters!

This is Hank and Roxy, they played the whole time. Hank was totally covered in Roxy drool constantly.

Swallowed Dollar

2011-03-12T10:39:00.005-07:00

Last night,early this morning; or sometime in between.. Ethan woke us up in a panic! He told us that he swallowed a gold dollar coin (grandpa gives my boys gold dollars). We thought he was sleep walking and still dreaming so we tried to wake him up but he was already awake! He was crying and scared, so I asked him why he had a gold dollar in his mouth and he said he didn't Know why but he was positive he had swallowed it and that he was going to have to have it cut our of his tummy. Finally we convinced him that he didn't have a gold dollar by his bed and he would have needed to get out of bed, find his wallet, locate a gold dollar and then swallow it. No need to panic!.... anyone got change for a dollar?

Birthdays, Bikes and a Black eye

2011-02-28T09:47:00.004-07:00

Well, since the last post we have had 3 birthdays at our house. Archer turned 7, I turned 33 and Ethan turned 10. Every year I let the boys pick out there own cake mix, frosting and decorations for their b-day cake. Archer chose a funfetti cake with chocolate frosting and lots of deco. Ethan chose a lemon cake with lemon frosting and just the number 10. I think he chose lemon just to be different but it was really yummy! The boys got new bikes and I got a prescription for the medicine you put on your eyelashes to make them grow (It really works!) and Eric got a black eye

Long story short : He was working on the snow plow attached to his truck and lost his footing and the antenna like thing( it is actually a marker to help you see how your snowplow is aimed) jabbed him about an inch under his eye. He actually bent the metal that connects the inch thick antenna thing to the plow. He is actually really blessed that he didn't lose his eye! This happened on Friday night and most of the swelling is gone but it is really colorful now; mostly dark purple. The boys keep telling him it looks like he is wearing makeup.

Gotta love hand-me-downs

2011-01-20T09:14:00.002-07:00

My parents bought a brand new washer and dryer so I got their "old" ones that aren't old at all!!! I am very excited but I have a brand new (1 load used) gain laundry soap that I cant use because it isn't HE! Anybody want it?

1/11/11

2011-01-11T22:18:00.002-07:00

lots of ONES today..
E had a "procedure" today to remove the little tendon that holds your upper lip to your gums removed, apparently that is going to help reduce the gap between his front teeth. Little did I know this little "procedure" was going to cost $165.00, I hope it works!

I guess I need to get off of my bum and get back to the gym... I really like being at the gym, i just have GOING (getting myself ready and in the freezing car). This is going to be a year of getting myself together, mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially (I am a little obsessed with couponing at the moment.

not such an interesting post but I couldn't let 1/11/11 pass me by.

Snow Play

2010-12-31T16:47:00.004-07:00

Ry has been begging to play in the snow and I told him he could when I got done working but when I was done brudder and udder brudder (E and Arch) were not home to play with him. I suited him up and let him loose all by himself, he was only out there for 10 minutes in the 12 degree weather. Hank (the dog) was wishing he was out there with him too and kept pawing at the sliding glass door.

Christmas pictures

2010-12-28T10:09:00.002-07:00

Christmas Eve morning Eric and the boys had a mini donut eating contest,there was lots of coughing and gaggin, who knew those little donuts are so dry?!? It was a 3 way win Eric, Ethan and Archer won with Ryder coming in a not so close 4th place.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner at Sostanza (very nice place here in T) then drove around town to look at the lights.

Christmas morning the troops woke up around 6:30 but we had to wait until 7is for Aunt Angie and Grandma and Grandpa to get to our house. Once they had arrived the festivities began!

Last year Eric and I decided to scale back on how many gift the kids got (one year we went way over board and half of the stuff they received never got played with). They each got 3 presents from Santa and we got 2 wii games as a family, the grown-ups gave each other much needed items of clothing.

I love Christmas and I love spending time with my family!

Provo Tabernacle :(

2010-12-17T13:22:00.003-07:00

The Provo Tabenacle caught on fire in the wee hours of the morning and it is a total loss. I was looking at pictures on the news and got teary eyed, this building was so beautiful. I am greatful that I was able to visit this place at least once to be able to appreciate what a great loss it will be.

Together again

2010-12-13T16:07:00.005-07:00

This weekend was so great! We had our family Christmas party and then a Homecoming party for my aunt and uncle who just returned home from their mission in Argentina.
My cousins Marianne and Dana and I work hard every year for the family Christmas party and we weren't sure what kind of turn out we were going to have this year. We were surprised at how many Aunt, Uncles, cousins and friends showed up!
All of my dad's sibling and spouses were there! It was so great to see everyone!

The annual pinata is always a big hit with the kids!

anxiously anticipating the rain of candy

I couldn't resist posting this picture of "adult braces girl" with chocolate in her braces :}

Fall Family Pictures

2010-11-27T12:29:00.011-07:00

ellen & david beckham (FUNNY!!)

2010-11-04T13:06:00.000-06:00

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2010/10/david_beckhams_hidden_camera_fun_1027.php

HaLlOwEeN nIgHt

2010-10-31T09:17:00.004-06:00

This year we actually carved pumpkins!

Ryder dressed up as batman, Archer dressed up as a Vampire and Ethan dressed up as a snakebite victim.

dog sitting

2010-10-27T13:00:00.002-06:00

No, I don't sit on dogs.. you silly people..

Halloween faces

2010-10-22T19:29:00.002-06:00

In the lab late one night

2010-10-20T09:01:00.002-06:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Archer-O-Lantern

2010-10-16T21:21:00.003-06:00

Archer lost one of his top front teeth today.....It makes me very sad that he is going to grow a big huge jagged tooth in its place, oh well, he has to grow up sometime.

Thank you Heavenly Father

2010-09-27T22:31:00.002-06:00

once again, turn it up because she is quiet!
PRICELESS!

junk food knock out

2010-09-10T16:43:00.003-06:00

This is what happens when the 3 year old is left to his own devises...two fisting the cheetos while watching sponge bob just tuckered him right out.

Delivery from Great Grandpa

2010-08-27T18:35:00.003-06:00

We received a package from Eric's Grandpa and Grandma today. It was a load of books all about cowboys, airplanes, soldiers, knights and speed kings. Ethan has been pouring over them for hours now.

Fam Reunion 2010

2010-08-10T10:10:00.002-06:00

Every year the Kroff family has a reunion up at the Ophir campgroud. It is always a blast and this year was no exception. There were very few who could attent this year so we had to keep our selves busy. We borrowed a 4 wheeler and took amazing rides up into the cayon. The campground also added a mini zip line and that was really fun. My wonderful cousins had us play "minute to win it" and that was so funny, my niece ripped the crotch out of her pants trying to finish one of the challenges... wish I had a picture of that.. darn!
Most of all it is just great to be able to sit back and relax and have fun with family.

wonderful life

2010-08-02T12:43:00.002-06:00

she is quiet so turn your sound up.

The 2nd day is always worse.

2010-07-24T18:14:00.003-06:00

I'm pretty sure I broke my toe earlier this month..it is fine now but I thought I would share. Day 1
Day 2
Hank got stepped on and broke his toes. Day 1
Day 2

Zoo fun

2010-07-24T18:10:00.003-06:00

Ryder love bugs.. this big spider didn't freek him out at all!

We were smart this year and got to the zoo at 9:30am, the parking lot wasn't even half full and all of the animals were out and active.

4th fun

2010-07-24T17:42:00.003-06:00

We love the 4th of July, we always sit in the same spot to watch the parade.. in the shade. This 4th it was a cold morning in the shade and we wished we sat in the sun but other than that it was a great p-rade. dad and mom joined us the the fun but i had to find mom a blanket, she was freezing! I love this pic of my honey :) All my boys (and my mom in her blankie)

check out the heading bobbing and the parade wave from Ry... it makes me giggle.

Ryder is THREE!

2010-06-24T12:05:00.003-06:00

Our baby turned 3 yesterday! We went to swim lessons, had lunch, went to see Toy Story 3 with Grandma, had a bbq, ate cake, opened presents and played outside! It was a day packed with fun.

8 weeks

2010-06-21T16:41:00.004-06:00

Our little pup is now 8 weeks old. this week he will get his shots and his first hair cut!

More HANK

2010-06-13T18:07:00.003-06:00

Hank is 7 weeks old today. I feel like I have a new baby in the house, he wakes up every 2-3 hours to go outside and he also wakes up just a bit earlier in the morning than i prefer. He is a hungry little guy and even though he has never had people food he is always very eager when it comes to what we people are eating. The boys love him! Sometimes they love him a little too much, but they are very good at helping to take him outside. He loves to chase the boys around the house. It is fun having a dog in our family again.

Meet HANK!

2010-06-09T17:42:00.003-06:00

This is Hank; he is our sweet little 6 week old min-schnauzer. I have the greatest cousin in the world that did everything in her power to make sure that my family got this little guy! Thank you so much Dana!! We love him so much.

squeeky clean

2010-06-08T13:27:00.003-06:00

grandpa's bathtub + grandpa's axe body wash = lots of bubbles that burn your eyes!

little ducks

2010-05-20T13:39:00.002-06:00

Baby Ang graduates from Seminary

2010-05-19T12:41:00.002-06:00

So did one of my other nieces, but that family doesn't believe in taking pictures :).

left to right: Allen (my big bro) Angela(my niece that graduated) Anaise (my sis-in-law) Aaron (nephew) my cute Mama and my Daddy then Alita (my niece). I miss them so much and I am very proud of Angie!

Isn't she the cutest darn thing?!?

2010-05-09T21:27:00.002-06:00

I am going through Mom withdrawals..My parents have been in Hawaii since the middle of March. They are staying with my brother and his family and one of my nieces is graduating from high school in a week or so. They will leave Hawaii in two weeks and have about a 3 hour layover in Salt Lake (long enough for me to hug and kiss them) then they are off again to Illinois where another one of my nieces is graduating.

I normally get to see my mom almost everyday... I am having a hard time today..very emotional. I did get to Skype with my parents today and I am very grateful for that but it just isn't the same as making her give me a hug in person (because of the Alzheimer's she isn't much of a hugger, I have to make her put her arms around me :)

I did get a mom fix about a month ago when Eric's parents came to visit and I love her so much. I am so lucky to have such great mothers in my life!

Take me out..

2010-04-25T19:39:00.002-06:00

to the ball game!

E's first baseball game was on Saturday. It was so awesome! I am pretty sure he is the smallest and most inexperienced on the team. I was so nervous when he stepped up to plate for the first time, he hit the ball and got a single! He did such a great job. His team ended up losing 2-1 but hey my kid hit the ball!!!

Spring once again

2010-04-19T19:41:00.002-06:00

I love spring.... I hate allergies.

Family History

2010-04-19T19:35:00.004-06:00

Eric and Gpa Ron caught the family history fever and worked on finding relatives. It is so great to spend time with Eric's dad (he is a very busy guy!)

In the kitchen with Mama Jane

2010-04-19T19:27:00.002-06:00

Easter Weekend we got a very fun surprise. Gma Jane ang Gpa Ron came for a visit! One of the boys' favorite things to do is to make snicker doodles. It snowed almost a foot while they were here, crazy spring weather.

retired people on vacation

2010-04-07T10:39:00.001-06:00

A whole new place to take a nap!

giveaway

2010-04-05T08:30:00.001-06:00

Head on over to http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/ they are having a very fun giveaway!! Lots of really great stuff.

7 Wonders of the Everyday World

2010-03-11T11:16:00.002-07:00

I saw this in the Readers Digest and thought it was great!

1. Wearing underwear just out of the dryer
2. When cashiers open up new checkout lanes at the grocery store
3. Intergenerational dancing
4. Paying with exact change
5. Fixing electronics by smacking them
6. High-fiving babies
7. The other side of the pillow

two wheels, circles and an E in a tree

2010-03-07T15:44:00.003-07:00

Watch out world, Archer is on two wheels now!

My little lefty loves to draw..especially circles.

And and E in a willow treeeeeeeee

Go ahead...

2010-02-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Make my day!

Sighting..

2010-02-19T16:14:00.002-07:00

Eric spotted the man vs. food guy in SLC today.. wonder where he is going to eat??

Happy Anniversary to us!

2010-02-12T13:32:00.004-07:00

Today is our anniversary. 11 years ago today Eric and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. I can't imagine time going bye any faster than it has. I am so thankful that Eric chosen to spend forever with me and I am very blessed to have such a wonderful man by my side.

last couple of weeks

2010-01-29T11:28:00.004-07:00

So we begin with Ethan's first pinewood derby. My dad, Eric and Ethan had so much fun designing and making this car. He took 10th place out of 20. not to bad but there is much to be improved upon for next time. Next we move on to Archer's 6th birthday. We had such a fun day, we started out by going to the store and picking out what kind of b-day cake he wanted me to make him. Then we picked out 3 very fun presents.. a nerf type of gun that is like a tommy gun (super fun, both g-pa and eric want one) a super box of playdoh (24 cans!) and a set of markers. G-pa Dave & G-ma Michele gave him $10 and so did G-pa Ron and G-ma Jane so we went to the store again and he bought spongebob operation.

After that came my b-day; the big 32. I got breakfast in bed and my favorite chicken for dinner and of course a yummy chocolate cake. For my birthday I got my hair done. I put some red in it as that is something i don't think i have ever done before. I quite like it!

the new "do" straight

the new "do" curly. Eric likes my curls...

beef..it's whats for dinner

2010-01-12T11:57:00.001-07:00

don't worry; they did get vegatables too!

ice forms

2010-01-04T17:16:00.003-07:00

The week before Christmas we had FOG and at night it would freeze and stick to everything. Very cool!

Christmas Jammies

2009-12-26T16:11:00.003-07:00

When Eric was little, his Aunt Diana would give him and his sister pajamas, a toothbrush and an ornament to open Christmas Eve. She has kept that tradition alive by doing it for my kids! We look forward to it every year and we always say "we need to take a picture of the kids in their pj's and send it to Aunt Diana" but for some reason that never happens!!! This year I am dedicating a whole post to the PJs.

Kroff Christmas Party 09

2009-12-20T18:05:00.003-07:00

Again, a huge THANK YOU to Marianne and Dana for their hard work to produce the party again this year (I helped a little; however I have requested more work for next year). I was pleased that so many cousins were able to make it this year! I'll try to list them off the top of my head..All of Uncle Jerry's kids were there! Out of Uncle Bob's family was Diane; Susie and Ron; Steph, Mike and Donna made a special appearance,they were driving back to Montana from Vegas. From Uncle Paul's family was Stacy, Shelby and Shalese. We missed all the cousins from Uncle Brian's family, Uncle Joel's family and Aunt Kathy's family!
We ate soup, had a visit from Santa, had an amazing lady do face painting for the kids and one adult... and of course we had the pinatas. So much work goes into this family get together and I know that Grandma and Grandpa are watching and smiling knowing that we keep the tradition.
I only got a couple of pictures and then the batteries on my camera died!!

handsomeness

2009-12-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

isn't he handsome?!?

Lynx of the month

2009-12-15T20:05:00.004-07:00

Archer brought this home today!

I was so proud; I even cried a little.

We made 3D gingerbread cookies today.

And Ethan was diagnosed with a rip roarin' case of strep throat. HE IS SO SICK! poor kid. He is mad because he missed school today and he has had perfect attendance for two years and this ruins his record... darn germs anyway...

16 degrees

2009-12-09T15:21:00.005-07:00

and this is what the boys are doing!

I remember making snow forts.. fun stuff!

this bird was in my yard today, eating a dead bird..

I have been keeping the DIET CHERRY PEPSI in the garage and look what happened!!!
can you see the frozen goodness??? H.E.A.V.E.N

help wanted ASAP!

2009-12-03T11:02:00.003-07:00

Well, my family and I are in the process of looking for a new couple/family to take over management of my parents motel. Eric and I were there for 2 years and absolutely loved it. I would jump at the chance to go back but we have only been back in our house for 4 months and I don't feel good about uprooting my boys again.
The couple that has been managing it for the past 4 months are moving out on Saturday and we need someone as soon as possible. The longer we go with out live-in help the longer my dad and mom (who has alzheimer's disease) have to take care of it.
This is a really great opportunity for a couple or small family just starting out. Or any family for that matter. If you or anyone you know might be interested please leave a comment; email me or call me.
Thanks friends!

11/20 weekend update

2009-12-02T17:14:00.002-07:00

So the big surprise was that my big sis, Kim, was flying in on 11/19 and would have arrived at 9:30pm, just in time to go the the midnight N ew M oon movie. Long story short she missed her connecting flight and had to spend the night in DETROIT instead of at the movie with her sisters! Needless to say, I was very upset because I had built this whole thing up in my head. I did go to the movie with my sis Angie, my (i-hope-to-be-soon-sis-in-law)Marcie, my bestest friend Stacee and her sister.
My parents didn't know Kim was flying in so after I picked her up from the airport I went to their house. There was a big commotion due to the wildness of my 3 boys and the 2 dogs at my parents house. Kim stayed in the car and called my dad's cell phone. She asked him what he was doing and he told her he was making a bowl of cereal for mom; as this is happening Kim is walking into the house and mom is looking directly at her and turns to my brother and asks him "who is that?" I think she thought it was me for a second and realized that I was behind her. So Kim is on the phone with dad and she is standing within 4 feet of him and he still doesn't realize; he turns around and there she is.. IT WAS GREAT!!!
We did have a fun weekend full of bumming around and doing our toes.
I love my sisters and I am grateful that I got to spend some time with them.

Countdown begins...4...

2009-11-16T16:20:00.002-07:00

I don't get "silly" over things, I really never have.

I am so looking forward to Thursday night, of course for the movie, but for more!

It is a secret that I cannot tell.

Who else gets to spend 5 whole days with their best friends with nothing to do but have FUN??!?!?!?

I love my husband for letting me be "silly" about this, I know he doesn't understand it fully, but because I want it he is willing to play along.

Hopefully my next blog entry in a week will contain lots of fun pictures of "silly" girls.

NOV is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

2009-11-12T17:14:00.002-07:00

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month
According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 10 million family caregivers.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Every day, millions of American families experience the difficult reality of Alzheimer's disease. The physical and emotional demands of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can be overwhelming, but no one should face this disease alone. During National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, we recognize all those living with Alzheimer's disease and honor the caregivers, including families and friends, who support them. We also renew our commitment to research that is improving treatments for this illness and may one day prevent it entirely.

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Symptoms usually appear after age 60, but many scientists now believe damage to the brain may begin decades earlier. Research conducted and supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Veterans Health Administration has shed light on these early effects and identified genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's. Doctors are now able to start treatments earlier, slowing the loss of brain cells and the progression of debilitating physical and mental impairments.

As we seek hope for families struggling with Alzheimer's disease, we must leave no avenue unexplored. Embryonic stem cells may hold the key for us to better understand, and possibly cure, some of our most devastating diseases and conditions. That is why I signed an Executive Order lifting the ban on Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, with proper guidelines and strict oversight to prohibit abuse.

We must continue the urgent work of giving substance to hope for all who dream of a day when words like "terminal" and "incurable" are finally retired from our vocabulary. Until then, we must strive to ease the burden of every individual struggling to recall a spouse's name; every parent unable to recognize a child's face; and every family member or friend who brings them comfort and care.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Ethanism

2009-11-09T09:12:00.001-07:00

"mom, do you think I should join the military and be a ninja? I have pretty good reflexes..."

kind of home made Halloween

2009-11-01T18:48:00.002-07:00

2 of the 3 costumes were homemade. Ryder's was a hand me hand me hand me down. Ethan's consisted of bed sheets. I made most of Archer's costume with poster board and bubble wrap. We had a very fun night!

They're creepy and they're cooky

2009-10-23T19:32:00.003-06:00

Tonight was the fall carnival at the elementary school (we missed you so much this year aunt kelly!) The boys wanted to wear their costumes, but since I am attempting to make them this year they won't be done until the 31st..My friend Christin Saling has been teaching a Halloween face painting class this month so I enlisted her help. We got so many compliments! And the best part is I didn't have to do anything but sit there and watch : }

my NEW favorite show

2009-10-22T17:48:00.003-06:00

Ok, this show is "great tv". It is uplifting and for the whole family. This man finds birthparents and children that have been adopted and all different senarios. I seriously cry at the end of every show. It is funny but I was watching it the other day and telling Eric that this is the only "show" I have ever watched that is truely uplifting and it reminds me of D&C 98:16 (Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children.) It is litteraley knitting families together. You should check it out!

Liz's GIRLS

2009-10-01T12:30:00.005-06:00

This picture was taken at around midnight after a VERY long day.

I just have to share how much I love my sisters...They are truly my best friends and the women I look up to most. Kim is always ready for whatever mommy questions I throw at her and always good for a laugh at the funny way she seems to hurt herself..falling into a crawlspace opening..sewing through her finger and having to pull the needle out of the back of her finger..you get the point.
Angie is a strong, smart, amazing women. Everyone loves to be around her because she is the life of the party.
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have these great women as my sisters. They have both seen good times and terrible times and continue come out on top. They are such a support during my low times and especially with everything that goes along with having a mom with Alzheimer's Disease. I love them too much for words!

trampoline + big brother = OUCH!!

2009-09-17T16:07:00.003-06:00

Poor Ryderroo, he hurt the ligiments behind his knee the other night.. he was on the trampoline with E. I am just glad he didn't break his leg, or neck for that matter. He is being as patient as a 2 year old can be. He can't put any weight on it at all. At least I can take it off at night.
He has been begging to play in the sandbox so I took him outside for a "picnic" and decided I could let him attempt standing between the sandbox and the stairs and he did great!

shiny girly stuff : }

2009-09-14T14:51:00.003-06:00

When my sister Angie comes to town we always have fun doing girly stuff. She is awesome and always finds the greatest stuff to do. check out the funness.. is that a word?!?!

This is hair bling. it is really fine tinsel that you tie into a couple of strands of hair. It is really fun! I am kind of worried to do my hair curly because these shiny things don't have natural curl.

These are glitter toes, it involves accrylic, a UV lamp, fine glitter and layers of other stuff. It usually lasts for about 3 weeks and so far I've had a golden sand color, bright silver and now this cool purple.

I wonder what we will do next?!?!?

kids say..

2009-09-01T11:37:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I was walking Archer into the school when a little girl (she was very chubby and cute!) came running toward the door. As she passed me she said "I hope I didn't miss recess!!" I had to giggle :}

Finally!!! Arch is in K

2009-08-27T16:20:00.003-06:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

He did so great! I know he will make lots of friends :}

E-dog is a 3rd grader!

2009-08-24T15:52:00.002-06:00

little brothers waiting for big brother to get home from school

monster in the lavender

2009-08-20T16:16:00.003-06:00

She has caught at least 3 honey bees and 1 moth already today. It is huge and gives me the heebee jeebees!! If it were sitting in my hand (blahhhhhhh!!!) it would take up my whole palm.

catching up

2009-08-14T11:52:00.004-06:00

The past couple of weeks have been crazy!! Run down of events.. moving, reunion, lagoon, playing and getting ready for school.

We are loving being home again. Eric says it feels like we are on vacation but I have fallen right back into the swing of things. It is wonderful to be just a mom and not have to worry about renting rooms or answering the phone. The boys are doing great! They run around the neighborhood all day from house to house playing and going to the park. I do miss the 3rd ward and I'm sure I always will.

We attended the anual family reunion this year but did not camp out. I am sure the other people that did camp out appreciate this due to Eric's snoring problem. We always hear about it in the morning "Who was that snoring last night?" "You should get a sleep test done" He gets really annoyed with it. We thought about handing out earplugs but decided it was best to not camp out. I loved catching up with Aunts and Uncles and Cousins. I especially loved watching all of the little kids running around and playing together. I can't forget the dogs, almost everyone has dogs and brought them so it was fun watching the dogs play together too.

I got to go to Lagoon with my sis Angie for her work lagoon day. I didn't have to take any kids!! We went on almost all of the big rides. Angie is a ride freak so I couldn't let her down by not going on all the rides she wanted to go on. It got really hot in the late afternoon so we headed back to Tooele and she fixed my glitter toes (love them!) and at about 7pm she said she needed to head home to Orem. Come to find out she went back up to Lagoon with out me!!! She is in so much trouble! I love spending time with her and we had a blast! We will have to do it again soon.

Stacee came down to our house and played with us for a little while and I got really cute pics of Ry and Miss Belle.

Now I have to get the boys ready to start school in a week and a half. E will be in the 3rd grade and Arch will be in Kindergarten.

We are in!!

2009-08-04T11:13:00.002-06:00

We are all moved back in, well almost, we still need to bring the trampoline and the sandbox but other than that WE ARE HOME!!

In other news Archer lost both of this two front bottom teeth this week.

Did I mention how busy we have been?!?!?!?

More to come later..

too much family fun!!

2009-07-26T16:02:00.004-06:00

It was my mom's 66th birthday so of course we took her to the zoo in 90 degree weather! My dad rented her a wheelchair so she didn't get too tired out before the real party began. We had a great time..looking at the animals but always finding shady spots to cool off in.
After the zoo, we prepared for the birthday party. My dad, my hubby, my brother and brother-in-law were all out in the garage putting the porch swing together that we all bought for mom.. mom kept asking where dad was (that is her new "thing" he can not leave her sight for long before she is wondering where he is). We kept telling her that he was over to the motel fixing something.. I don't think she ever really believed us. When the swing was finished we all went outside and waited for dad to bring her out. She came out of the front door and we were all wearing those silly glasses and crazy cat hats, it was a great sight to behold. She walked through the front door and we shot off confetti rockets -big ones- the neighbors weren't very happy I'm sure but we had a blast and so did she. We finished it off by singing happy birthday and setting the sparkler candles aflame. She deserves it all!!

mom & dad, brothers & sisters

2009-07-12T13:58:00.002-06:00

I am so blessed to have such great parents and best friends for brothers and sisters.

something you just don't see everyday..

2009-07-06T15:14:00.003-06:00

"working"

2009-06-29T08:55:00.002-06:00

Notice how he "starts" his mower and how he yells "good job dada" to Eric..
SO CUTE!

Fun Stuff

2009-06-29T08:19:00.007-06:00

Friday morning we hit the pool for swimming lessons and it was COLD!!!!
Saturday Ryder got his birthday present and I do have to say it was a BIG HIT!
Random picture of Eric's garden..looks good huh?

Sunday we had dinner out on the picnic table.. fun times were had by all!

Ryderoo is TWO!!

2009-06-24T07:34:00.005-06:00

Wow.. I cannot believe that my baby is 2 already.

Ryder picked out his own cake this year. He insisted upon having a Nemo and Dori cake and that is all he could talk about.

Ryder's 1st birthday.

The day Ryder was born.

Aviation adventure

2009-06-06T21:36:00.004-06:00

Late last night Eric decided to take the boys to the air show at HAFB, he had gone to some airshows when he was a kid and has great memories to show for it. This afternoon after helping my dad fix his TV, Eric, my Dad and 2 of my 3 sons headed out on their adventure. I opted to stay home with the 2 year old (he will be 2 in just 17 more days!) and Grandma Michele.
They were gone all afternoon and when they got home I heard about how long it took in traffic to get there and how much walking they had to do and how Grandpa's hip hurt, but most of all I watched the 8 year old's eyes light up when he was telling me about the airplanes and how he wishes he could be a pilot and actually fly in one.
I am so glad that my dad decided to go with my boys I am sure that my sons will have priceless memories just like Eric has!

If Mama ain't happy...

2009-06-05T13:07:00.002-06:00

I am not looking for advice or suggestions I just have to vent. Here I go...
It is the 2nd official day of summer vacation and I already want to throw my 8 year old out of the window!!! It is as if a small monster has taken over his body. I have given the kids chores to do everyday and I am trying to keep everything on schedule so they know when it is acceptable to play the XBOX and Wii. Yesterday morning the boys woke up at 6:30 and began doing chores.. emptying the dishwasher and spraying everything in the kitchen down with Lysol. Now some of you might say "what great kids" yes the part where they are doing work is fantastic, but at 6:30 a.m.?!?!? Here comes the 8 year old into my bedroom to empty the trash..I hear the 5 year old spraying who knows what on whatever is standing still. Keep in mind that the 2 year old sleeps until 8 a.m. and I like it that way. So this morning I tried to explain that chores will be done at a certain time and XBOX and Wii will have a specific time to be played. Here is where the 8 year old transforms into the small monster. He thinks that because he finished his chores at 7 a.m. that he can play XBOX for the rest of the day and the fight begins. I am not proud to say that there was screaming from both sides. I know that I am not the best mom and I still have lots of things to learn but I thought for sure that we could calmly discuss the situation and come through it. But nothing is resolved for now. I need to write the schedule down and post it on the fridge. Another problem comes about when I and the 8 year old are not fighting than the 8 year old and the 5 year old are fighting about playing together, playing alone, he's kicking me, he's talking too loud, he's not listening to my demands, he's touching me.. and the list goes on and on. Oh the sounds of summer...
Patience.. I am learning (no, i have always known this) that my children have NO patience, they ask 3 times in less than 2 seconds for the same thing and then i get angry. Take for instance right now, the 8 year old is insisting that I get him something RIGHT NOW! How is it that I have to ask them ten times to do something before they actually hear me and respond when I get angry and they can expect me to get them what they want the first time?!?!? ARGHHHHH!!!!! And now the 8 year old is screaming "when are you going to get it?" "Please mommy!!" and the tears are coming now over a ding dong XBOX game. Why do I even have a stupid XBOX all it does is cause problems.
I am done.

Are you excited yet?!?!

2009-05-30T17:59:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Kelly

2009-05-23T10:24:00.002-06:00

We love you and hope you have a fantastic time in Washington.
wish we were there!

Pre-School Grad

2009-05-22T16:20:00.003-06:00

Arch is officially done with PRE SCHOOL. He graduated this morning. Very cute!

Miss Debbie, Arhcer, Miss Heather

do you see a theme here???

Happy Birthday Princess Angie!!

2009-05-21T08:16:00.003-06:00

We love you <----------this big much----------->

Stunning Two Story Home on 1/2 acre in Frankfort IL

2009-05-15T10:21:00.002-06:00

Anything to help a sista out!! My sister Kim and her family have put their house on the market. It is BEAutiful. Check it out! http://www.lincolnwayrealty.com/Property_Search_listings/3B97E5D6-0003-8077-0A6F28679E6D4071.shtml#