4th annual trip to ST. GEORGE!

Picture of Jared enjoying Pirate Island!




I sure love my favorite place on earth... St. George! It's always fun going on vacation with my dad during his water meetings. This year Ben couldn't go because of work but I wasn't about to miss the wonderful Dixie Sun! It was a little hard to have my 3 kids and then my 2 brothers all by myself in a hotel. But so worth it as I was driving home with a sunburn. We were at the pool for 3 days straight. The kids had so much fun just soaking up the sun.

My favorite part was watching Brynn wear her goggles the whole time. She wouldn't take them off. She loved wearing her floatie and then she would go around in circles in the big pool. Bracken just loved the little pool and played with every kid that would enter the little pool area. Jaylynn....well I didn't even see much of her. She is getting to be a great swimmer with her life jacket.

Jared and Justin were as great as ever. We went to Pirate Island. Remember I was alone with 5 kids. Jared wanted to help the kids play some games so they came and asked for some money. When I went to check on them Jared had his own cup of tokens...knowing that my 5 dollars wouldn't get him that many tokens I realized that he used his own 20 dollars to get tokens. He didn't share with the kids but he had a great time playing for hours. Oh well!

The funnest part about going down to St. George every year the same time is all the fun friends we have made. About 2 years ago we made friends with 2 families from Montana. So this year was no different. They were there and it was great to hang out at the pool!

Wanted!!! Hair for my Boy!

So Bracken got a new hair do from my dearest friend Leslie. She was just suppose to trim it and well it ended up like this. I have to admit that I was a little shocked and wanted to say a few choice words. When I got home I had to call Ben. He came straight home from work to help me dry my tears. All Bracken could say was..."Mom my hair is pretty!" What can you do...let's just hope it grows out before the wedding. What a memory!!!!

Note: Ben tried to fix a few spots during my screaming/crying moments!

Taylor and Josh's Wedding

What a busy, emotional, and wonderful week. It first started with Cheryl and Taylor going through the Temple on Wednesday. It was such a special experience...something I will never be able to put into words. Watching Cheryl and her special spirit made lots of tears come into all of our eyes that were able to share this special day. I just wish my mom could have been there physically. It's hard watching all these wonderful things without actually seeing my mom and her own excitment. But I know one thing for sure that we all felt her!

Then on to the wedding on Friday. What a wonderful day watching two people so in love....with Ben and I wondering if we were ever that crazy for each other. Just teasing but it's always fun to see newly weds!

The best part for me was watching Vic and Taylor hug each other after she walked out of the temple. Tears rolling down their cheeks and then all of us started to cry. Everything seemed to quiet down and their was a silent moment. Wow...what a sight to see. I don't know if Taylor knows what an example she has been to her parents through all of this. What an example to me!

Things I love!

I really shouldn't put a picture of Jay and Brynn in there undies but really I was loving how these girls were sitting while they ate a Popsicle. Yes..I know it's winter but I gave a lesson about goals today in Young Women's and I use Popsicles as my object lesson. I related it to making sure you make wise decisions now and don't wait because it might be to late. So the girls were loving the leftovers. Jaylynn said on the way home from church..."Mom, I love that you are in Young Women's and that I always get treats on Sunday." So as I was walking into the kitchen this is what I saw! Look at there feet...They are starting to be more and more alike. There looks and actions. hummmm....Brynn still has a lot of growing up to do. But she has a great big sis to help her!



So for Valentine's Day Makayla and Brooklynn some of my Young Women came over and gave us a fish! Yes..a little random but the kids loved it!!! It stayed alive for 6 days. Go us!The kids watched it go down the toilet to the ocean. Jaylynn said..." Mom..it comes alive when it gets to the ocean, right?" "Yes my dear, you are right!"

Valentine Day

We had a great Valentine's Day. The girls woke up to flowers on their breakfast plates. Bracken seemed to think that he got one too. I didn't want to break his heart or go on to explain flowers are for the girls so I let him enjoy the moment. He kept smelling them and just loved the thought of receiving a flower from his daddy. Jaylynn was excited beyond words. The girls always receive flowers...a tradition that Ben says will go on until he dies. But every year Jaylynn is thrilled and has that same surprise look on her face.

This day was extra special for us because Ben passed his insurance licensing tests. Yay!!!! Ben's new job has been great from day one. We are continuely impressed by Cambridge Finianical. We are so excited to be apart of this company. Ben has always loved sales and helping people. I have no doubt that this job is a perfect fit. I can't wait to see him succeed and do great things!

Taylor's Bridal Shower

We sure love Taylor and we are so excited for her wedding

It's Kindergarten Time!!

Jaylynn is so excited for Kindergarten. She was counting down the days until she could get her shots. (crazy girl...yes...but she has always liked going to the doctors. Maybe one day I can talk her into being one. But I think she is still planning on being a teacher. Yikes!) She got three shots and didn't even cry. Tough girl...or she just wanted her prize at the gas station. She is definitely a simple girl.

As I ponder on where she came from I can only thank my Heavenly Father for such a special daughter. It has nothing to do with parenting because we all know Brynn hasn't turned out the same way. Anyone that knows Jaylynn understands how amazing she is. She is wise beyond her years and understand life. Having the twins and a 2 year old would seem impossible but Jay was always there to help me. This past year has been so hard and she has always made comments about understanding the situation. She is always so grateful for what ever she is given. She is so talented with everything...she is just one of those people that can do anything and they are good at it. She is getting to be an amazing dancer and practices all the time because she hates barbies and dolls. Jay is simply beautiful....really I look at her and she amazing. She is becoming pretty famous with her Matilda Jane Photo Shoot. She is an amazing sister and is always telling Ben and I to talk nice to the twins. (giggle) But the thing that I love most about her is how much she loves the gospel. She is always reminding us to read our scriptures every night and to say out prayers. She is always wanting to know more....and more... and loving all the stories in the scriptures. Wow... words cannot even express this little angel in my life. I am so thankful that I have her now that I don't have my mom... I am blessed to still have wonderful examples in my life. Jaylynn I love you more then words can express....I will miss you next year even though you tell everyone that I cannot be your teacher again. "My mom has been my teacher for years!It's time to move on....right mom?"