Oh my, where did September go???? Dang! Time is flying by so fast! We've been busily homeschooling, working, and going crazy. I've hurt my ankle, wrenched my back, and gotten sick within the last couple months. I can't figure out where all the days go. I guess without having a birthday for a while it's not motivated me to be on here. But we are still here! To prove that we've still been around, here's a few pictures to catch you up with what we've been doing.


We went to a Predators game with free tickets! We had a blast!!























A little homeschool craft activity. We made some Halloween garland to put around the classroom.


















We went to the Opry Mills Hotel and got a bit of a horticulture tour from a horticulturist. It was great! If you ever go I suggest you ask one of the workers in leafed shirts to tell you a bit about their plants and flowers. They know it all! We now know there are banana and coconut trees in their atrium! It is amazing!!

















Isn't it amazing all of this is indoor? I think it is one of my favorite places to visit to gain serenity and peace!

Kaleb's 10th Birthday

Today my baby turned 10!! It's amazing what a wonderful young man he is turning into. He makes me so proud. Here are some shots from the last 2 days happenings.

We went to see Darius Rucker Monday night for FHE






The boys had a great time (and so did Will and I)







His rapidly melting ice cream cake






He was quite thrilled he finally got a rocket launcher






Enjoying the new game he got from Gramma and Grampa









Now, here's 10 reasons Kaleb is so special to me:

1. He is so kind to friends
2. He is thoughtful of others feelings (other than his brothers at times) :)
3. He is a huge help around the house
4. His job is to take care of the dog in the morning (that means I can stay in bed later than they all wake up)
5. He has such a love for music, singing, listening to his dad on the guitar, wanting to lead the music in Primary, wanting to play the piano and trombone, and the list goes on
6. His understanding of the gospel and Eternal Life
7. How much he always wants to ask questions and learn new things
8. His desire to help whenever he can
9. The active roll he plays as an older brother in helping take care of his younger brothers and how hard he tries to do what is right
10. Merely for being the wonderful young man he is.


I love you so much Kaleb-meister! You make my eyes sparkle with joy when I see you laugh and have fun. You make a momma proud!!

The passing of a wonderful woman

I am sad to write that Will's mom passed away on August 2nd at 8:45pm EST. Two days after her 62nd birthday. She fought a long battle and decided it was time to go home. She held on 1 1/2 years after her initial surgery for the family, she was on loan for that time. The Lord really needed her up in Heaven. She will be utterly missed by all who knew her. We have a hole in our lives that we now need to find a place for without pain. We are so grateful for the time we knew her on Earth and know she is in a place of peace and joy. We cannot wait for our chance to see her again in the Eternal realm on High.


We love you mom...always, and all ways!!

Derek's Birthday and the 4th of July

Here are some photos from Derek's Birthday



I had a lot of fun with his cake. He said the blue frosting made it look like a baby cake, so I had to add a little bling...so the Superman symbol was born. :)


We had neighbors set off some fireworks, which we were grateful for because the rain/tornado warning canceled the fireworks downtown which would have been spectacular. I wish I'd gotten a picture of what we were doing inside to celebrate. We made homemade pizza, an apple pizza dessert, and scones. We watched the Boston Fireworks online and played the Wii until 11 pm. Then the boys went to bed. It was a great day!!

Derek's 7!!!

I can't believe my little man is 7! These boys keep getting older and I can't figure out how they are doing this so quickly. Time has flown by. I'll never forget going to the hospital 2 days before my scheduled C-section knowing it would be the day Derek would be born. He is such an amazing addition to our family. His joy is contagious and his goofy-ness is adorable. Here are some pictures from previous birthdays. Unfortunately I don't have any digital of his birth and I have yet to scan in all the other pictures. So his 1st birthday is the earliest pic I have of him for this collage.

Here's 7 reasons why I love my Derek:
1. He has one of the most adorable smiles ever
2. His laugh is contagious
3. He loves so unconditionally - forever
4. His tender spirit helps me remember to be better
5. He is friends with everyone
6. His little frame gives him an added adorable edge
7. He's cute, and he knows it!

I love you so much Derek! You'll always be my precious little man and my amazing big D all at the same time! Happy 7th Birthday!!!

An Unexpected Posting

Alison is such an awesome person, wife and friend. I love her to death and I know I just don't really show it a lot nor do I tell her enough. One thing I do know for sure though is how much I love her and the example she sets for me with her unconditional love.

This love isn't just given to me, but she shares it with her kids and friends. Lately she has really been having a hard time missing her friends and family in California. Well my wonderful wife... here's to you with all my love. I know it is short, I just didn't have a lot of material to work with. I hope you and everyone enjoy.

LDS Singles

This is hilarious! Just know, it's a spoof, so don't be surprised when it seems stupid...make sure you're in the right mood. :)