All My Life, All My Love

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas.

It was been over a year since we have had family pictures done. Thank you to my brother and sister in law and their newborn baby for braving the cold with us on short notice to take the photo's!

Huntyr turns the BIG 4

2010-08-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

July 19, 2010

I can't believe my baby is 4. He is so big and is so fun to be around. He has the biggest imagination and I just love everything that comes out of this mouth, well almost everything.

We had the grandparents up and my sister and her hubby. As you will be able to tell he made a haul.

Gun
Tent
Toy Story 3 Toys
Soccer Net with ball and cones
2 Movies
T-Ball
Camp Chair
Clothes

He is one spoiled 4 year old.

Island Park, Idaho

2010-08-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

July 24th Holiday

Every year my family and extended family always go on a big camping trip. This year everyone bailed. Josh, Huntyr and I were still determined to go, so we packed up the trailer and headed to Island Park for a week.

We had so much fun being together as a family. We fished one day, well Josh fished with two poles (his and Huntyr's) Huntyr threw rocks in the water and I read a book.

We spent a day in Yellowstone, where we seen 1 Grizzly and her two cubs, 2 black bear, and one brown bear. My favorite part was this, I love it up there its so beautiful, around every corner is a new kind of scenery.

We rented a paddle boat which was a complete work out, two bull moose decided to hang out in the river where we were.

We had a good time, watching movies in the trailer and trying to teach Huntyr to ride a bike without training wheels.

On the way home we took a detour and hit the Mesa Falls, both lower and upper. They are such a beautiful sight

All in all it was a great camping trip.

Mesa Falls

The amazing paddle boat experience

Yellowstone

Eating lunch in Mamouth

This bear was right on the side of the road

Tower

This is where we camped, right on the Island Park Resevoir

Night Time

Daytime, and our fishing excursion

We kind of forgot the legs to the camp chef so we cooked like this :)

A good past time, coloring at the table

Mr Fix-It

2010-02-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

Feb 2010

Huntyr has such the sweetest disposition (most of the time). Sunday after we got done eating breakfast and was trying to hurry to make it to church Huntyr noticed that one of the legs on the kitchen table had broken. He announced that he had just the tools to fix it. He carried out his huge work bench he got for Christmas to the kitchen and worked and worked on it for what seemed like an hour. He came in later and said "I think it can't be fixed". I would assume not with plastic power tools but I loved watching.

Mr. Cleopatra

2010-02-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

Feb 2010

I had to capture a few of these shots. It was so funny to watch Huntyr try to hop on top of Josh and then cross his legs like he was Cleopatra.

AriAnna, this post is for you :)

Valentines Weekend

2010-02-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Feb 2010

I'm so slow with my posts, but hope to catch up soon. The trouble seems to be lately I don't take my camera anywhere to try and capture the moments.

This year "Love" day fell on Sunday. Josh had roses sent to my work the Thursday before because I wasn't working on Friday. They were beautiful. I got a dozen from him and then one from Huntyr, they smelled amazing.

Then on Saturday night we had my brothers little girls up to play. They are so cute, and Brooklyn adores Josh so it was perfect to have them over. Huntyr seems to have a hard time sharing his toys when kids come to play so he tends to cry alot. BrylieAnn told him "Huntyr I don't want to hear you cry anymore" it was the cutest thing I'd ever heard. I did get them calmed down enough to chill on Huntyr's bed and watch a movie.

Brooklyn, BrylieAnn and Huntyr

My New love for Winter

2010-01-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2010

A few years ago Josh took up ice fishing and I can't even begin to describe how dang fun it is. Now most of you would think brrrr it would be so cold out, which it is but when you have an ice tent and a heater inside its the best ever. New years day Huntyr's Day Care, Gina Denton (love her) offered to take him this day so Josh and I dropped him off bright and early and off we went. We ended up in Deep Creek and between the two of us we caught 10 fish. The best part was it was snowing like crazy, and there were a few guys about 20 yards away 6 or so all cramed in 1 tent. At lunch Josh wipped out the grill and cooked us cheeseburgers, not long after the grill was going, those other guys packed up and they were gone. I'm sure they were hungry with the smell of our burgers out on the grill.

Josh purchased me a year fishing license so I am good to go as long as there is ice.

One of the fish that didn't get away, a few I pulled up but then got off the hook and slid back down the hole.

Christmas Nyman Style

2010-01-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

Dec 25, 2009

Our morning began 6:00am I have two boys that could not stand the anticipation any longer and had to see if Santa had come... He came and in a big way. He brought Huntyr ever toy known to man, and brought Josh what could have only been the entire Cabela's Store. I however, wasn't left out I got an Ipod Touch and many other things.

But... With much sadness shortly after the presents were opened and there was a lull at thy Nyman's for excitment Huntyr decided he wanted to come down with the 12 hour flu, he didn't stop all day until that night :( Its okay next year will be rockin.

The Marshmellow Gun

Pop the pig, a game Santa had to bring no matter what, I think Santa loves ebay

Huntyr and all his loot

As Josh was making breakfast Christmas morning this is what I found in our backyard, a 4x4 with eye guards,now why can't we find him during hunting season.

Our Family Tradition

2010-01-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Dec 19,2009
I'm yet again a little behind. It is my little families tradition to head to Salt Lake for a day of play and see the lights. This time we thought it would be fun if we took the train to SL. Huntyr has been so into trains lately he loved the idea. We drove to Odgen loaded onto the Frontrunner and then headed to SL. Once we got there we just rode the trax where ever we needed to go. Which included clear to Sandy to eat at Joe's Crab Shack. I love seafood so it was a good move for us.

It was a very long day but so fun and very exciting for Huntyr. We did manage to find a Santa at the Gateway. Never knew that Santa was missing so many teeth :). He was nice though and was very sweet to Huntyr so I guess that is all that matters. We ended up letting Huntyr play at the Discovery Gateway Center which was fun to watch him get all excited over all the fun things to see and do.

At Dark we made it to Temple Square, my most favorite part is the Nativity that they have set up outside with the story they tell. Its such a great feeling of peace when you are on those grounds.

Burgers for lunch on the Front Runner

Discovery Center

A kitchen all his size, he made Josh and I carrot soup as he called it, yummy!

Waiting for the Train in Sandy, brrr its cold!

There were so many people yet it was so peaceful

The ride home, and we are sooo tired.

Jimmy, Dierks and Brad

2009-09-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2009

Didn't know how much I liked these men until I actually seen them in concert. Wowsers, they were smokin, mmm Hot lets be honest :)
It was so much fun to spend some time with friends shopping, eating and going to the concert. These are my great friends that I went to High School with, and we have had lots of fun and stayed close ever since and I truly admire each of them and their friendships. Thanks ladies for a great time, I'm sad to see our concerts be done with.

The concert was so fun, they played and played, I had no idea that Brad Pasley could play the guitar like the does, he is so dang good. Deirks was the main reason I went I mean look at that face, need I say more. I had no idea who Jimmy Wayne was but he was actually really good. The concert was so fun, it started to pour with rain but I don't think that bothered anyone one bit.

Brad
Dierks

Jimmy

all us girls!

Mandy, Amelia, Tara, me and Tana

Calling

2009-09-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sept 12th, 2009

Saturday night we received a call from one of the counselors in the Bishiopric asking if Josh and I could meet with the Bishop on Sunday morning. Josh was panicked about what new calling he was going to get. I was positive the job was for him so I wasn't worried one little bit. They had just called a new Elders Qurom president and also needed a new Scout Master. However, while we were sitting in the Bishops' office the counselors kept looking at me and I thought "why are you looking at me, its Josh you want" To my disbelieve the calling was for me. I am now the 1st counselor in the YW presidency and honestly I couldn't be more excited. I had so much fun at Girls Camp with these young girls that I was thrilled to now be apart of their world. Wish me luck!

Digital Photography

2009-09-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Aug 2009

I've decided to try my hand at photgraphy an though I'm a total amature I'm just trying to find a perfect camera to buy. A guy at my work does photography and I'm trying to convince him to sell his camera. He has thought about it to the point I brought it home one night to try out. Here is all I could come up with.

Toby Keith and Trace Adkins @ Usana

2009-08-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

August 22, 2009

Five of us girlfriends got together and decided we would purchase the Mega Ticket, which was 3 concerts in the summer for a pretty incredable price. July we seen George Straight, Blake Shelton and Juliann Huff. The concert in August was Trace Adkins and Toby Keith and then September will be Brad Paisley and Derks Bently (mmm, can't wait for this one :). Anyway it seems since we got the tickets we have yet to all go together to them. This time Tana, Amelia and I went and Josh came with us because of the extra tickets. He has been to other concerts where it was just him and all the girls and we have always had a blast. This time was no exception. I'm so glad my girls love my guy, makes it easy to all play together. Thanks Ladies for a rockin time, and to Josh for putting up with all our crazyness..

Tana and Amelia - love my ladies!
Josh posing with his girls!

We had so much fun and so many laughs, never lauged so hard!

Bear Lake, Sun and Fun

2009-08-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

August 2009.

I am a full-time working mom so anytime someone invites us to go anywhere I am game for taking a day off work. My cousin Mandie had called and asked Huntyr and I to go play at Bear Lake with her and her kids. It was an all time blast! No work, no hubby's and no stress. It was so relaxing just to lay on the beach and enjoy ourselves while the kids played in the sand. I didn't have to worry much about Huntyr as he doesn't like the water so the beach with his bucket and shovel was the great love of that day.

The best picture of Mandie I could get - she is going to kill me for this :)
Wylie and Lyndie, they are so cute!

Huntyr just chilling "bear"ly off the beach

Quake Lake, Montana

2009-08-23T09:23:00.001-07:00

July 24th,

I can't begin to explain the feeling you get when you visit Quake Lake. For those of you that don't know this was a massive earth quake that happened on August 17, 1959 at 11:37PM. I can only hope that the people who lost their lives that night were fast asleep and didn't realize what was happening. At the visitor center we visited it said it took less than one minute for 300 feet of rock and debri to have buried what was underneath it.

28 people lost their lives in the quake that night and hundreds of others were left without homes and vehicles and transportation out of the area. Homes that were upstream from the quake were washed away in the flood waters of Hebgen Lake. It really is an awesome place to visit but one that leaves you with an eery feeling. My grandparents were camping at the campground at this time and it took 5 days for help to get them out because the road had been destroyed.

Here is an excerpt regarding the quake.

Aug. 17 1959 at 11:37 p.m. At that time, the Red Canyon fault and the Hebgen fault, both in the Madison River area, moved simultaneously and triggered an earthquake that measured 7.5 on the Richter scale. That earthquake forced a massive landslide that screamed down mountains and hills at about 100 miles per hour. Tons of rocks and earth crashed into Madison Canyon. The results were catastrophic. The force of the slide caused a flood and high winds swept a giant wave downstream. Five people died in the flood alone. The landslide killed another 28 people. It also dropped the north shore of Hebgen Lake 19 feet. Cabins on the shore washed into the water as huge waves crested over Hebgen Dam. Three sections of Highway 287 fell into the lake, the dam cracked in at least four places and hundreds of campers were trapped. The landslide eventually stopped, essentially damming the Madison River and creating Earthquake, or “Quake Lake,” a 190-foot deep, six mile long lake stocked with German and Brown Trout.

Over looking where the slide had happened.
Remember this boulder, it slid from the other side of the mountain and landed here. The information in the center said that it never rolled or broke any part of rock from its body it was still all intact, so they knew it slid all the way to were it sits now.

Here is the rock and where it landed. Below is the mountain where it came from. Keep in mind they are on opposite sides of the highway. It was an impressive distance for sure.

My Family!

Josh and Huntyr standing next to the boulder

John and Joann (Josh's parents)

Josh and I

Kandi and Rogers

The slide area

This is a reminder for me of the lives that were lost, you can see all the tree's that were once here now buried deep in the water.

Hebgen Lake, Yest Wellowston Montana

2009-08-23T09:01:00.001-07:00

July 24th

Every year we plan a big camping trip with my family and Josh parents come, which always makes for a very fun adventure. This year we picked a place none of us had really gone. From the moment we stepped out of the truck we were greeted with mosquito's and I'm not meaning the little ones down home but these were gigantic and in swarms. We should have taken stock in repellent before we left. We had some but it was not keeping them away, and we applied every 5 to 10 minutes. I would sit at the fire, with repellent all over me holding a citranilla candle in hopes it would help. We did have an awesome time despite those mosquito's. One day I went fishing out on the platoon boats with my dad and I knew right when he got done fishing that is when I would get the entire paddling thing down(which was the only place away from the mosquito's). We drove into West Yellowstone and looked around and we also went to Quake Lake which I'll do a seperate post about that. We all had a good time and even though we came home looking like we had some type of disease with red dots with all the bites we got, it was still a lot of fun to go and be with the family.

I'd never seen such a huge massive lake in all my life. It was so pretty that all I remembered to do were take pictures of the lake....sorry

Tyler above out on the platoon boat fishing (above) Huntyr (below) fishing on the banks with his dad.

Time Fly's Huntyr is 3

2009-08-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

July 19, 2009

3 years ago my life changed forever!

After I returned from Camp on the 17. I had to hurry and plan the birthday party for Huntyr. His birthday fell on a Sunday which turned out to be perfect. After church we set up ballons, had my parents and Josh parents up for dinner and then invited all my siblings up for cake and ice cream. Our theme this year was Thomas the train. Huntyr I know had the best time. He got 2 new trains, a different track, Lighting Mcqueen magnets, bat and ball, sleeping bag, a toy shot gun, matchbox cars and his new big boy bike, with "big tires" He is so grown up now and almost overnight turned into a little boy, no longer a baby or toddler but a little boy. Happy birthday baby!

I love you buddy, so glad you picked me to be your mom!

His Mcqueen magnet box from his favorite Aunt Kandi

heading back to the table for more presents

auhh look what I found mom, more presents

scooby doo, cars. I told him to hold it by his face so we could get a picture. He did what he was told :)

opening his shot gun from Grandpa Nyman (now he can shoot the deer off the deck when they range in our backyard for the winter)

I can't believe he is 3, have I said that already?

His new wheels!

I think this will be the only time he rides it in the house

His cousins came to the party, they love to play together

Its my party and I'll cry if I want too, cry if I want too, you would cry too if it happened to you!!!

Girls Camp 2009 "Hero's of Light"

2009-07-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

I'm so far behind "AGAIN"

July 14-17 - Cinnamon Creek Camp

If you recall I was called to be the YW camp director. After getting it all put together (well some) most was done by the Stake and they did an awesome job. After all the stress and sleepless nights to get it all ready, the camp was so worth it. I have never been with a bunch of girls that were more fun than these ladies. I must even say with so many girls we never had any drama, tears (except perhaps at Testimony meeting) or any accidents. We had a huge tent that I managed to fit all 16 girls in, at first they were a little apprehensive about it but it all worked out and I know those girls loved being together. The experience was so amazing, I loved every minute of it and I can't wait for next year. Watch out ladies we might do something crazy!!!

Our Hike to the Mine

myself and Alesha, Young Womens President, she just got done whooping me in sumo wrestling.

Sumo Wrestling in our Olympic events

Our Skit! I think it was about Hannah Montana if I remember correctly

Our group at the Mine

Tug a war on the hike, they had 7 pitstops along the hike to stop and do tasks, most were done for certification (good idea)

Craft time! They made scrapbooks, had wood crafts to paint, the stake went to a lot of work!

Brrrrr Lake

2009-07-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

July 4, 2009

Every year on the 4th of July my family always get's together at some water place. It was decided we would head to Riverdale in Preston for the party. This was until we found out that people were getting some type of eye fungus there so we opted not to go. Instead we landed our self a spot at Bear Lake and rented a boat for a day.

It was a lot of fun. Huntyr is so scared of water so I thought this might be good we can all go as a family and his cousins will be there playing surely he will want to get in the water. Not a chance! He stayed out of the water clear until the last 30 minutes of the day when we were getting ready to leave then he would wade around in the shallow part. I tried my best, I couldn't get him on the boat with me, in the water on a tube or just in the water with me holding him. I hope soon he gets out of the scary stage..any one have ideas on how to overcome this? We have done swimming lessons and he was fine then. I guess I'll have to put him back in them.

Family on what little beach was there. The water is so high there wasn't much sand. Mom Dad, Tyler and his little girl BrylieAnn
Getting out in the water to try wake boarding

Rogers and Devin, lovin life

Josh loved to drive, I think he loved to turn sharpe out in that water, me not so much

We had a lot of fun. Don't be making fun of those awesome tan lines on my legs :)

The sista's

my sad little attempt to wake board. I did get up once but that was about it. It was sure fun to try.

auhh my little handsome "devil"

BrylieAnn and Huntyr

This was as good as it got, with him in the water

Fireworks with a little technical difficulty.

2009-07-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

July 3, 2009

I love the 4th of Julyweekend, its always filled with so many people, food and fun. Every year we spend the fireworks at my in-laws they always have the entire family over including my own family and we just eat, visit, eat, watch the fireworks and did I mention eat.

I loved it this year especially when Al Lewis the local radio man was giving us a play by play of the technical difficutly that Fireworks West was having with getting the show on the road. Once it started it was good. Huntyr wasn't much for liking them but a little daddy love and he was all better.

Kandi making sure all the kiddo's get a sparkler
Huntyr wasn't too sure but finally got him to hold one, barely

Photo Giveaway

2009-07-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I love pictures and this lovely talented lady is having a give away, visit her blog and sign up. I sure did!

http://ashleymaephoto.com/blog/

Why even bother?

2009-06-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is just a fun little post to throw in. Why is it when your bed is not made no one wants to play in it, but the moment its all made and the pillow's are in place its like a light turns on and it becomes a jungle gym. It doesn't really matter as long as I get to see that sweet sweet smile.

16,000 SF

2009-06-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

June 19 & 20

I never thought this day would ever come. Instead of celebrating father's day in the normal way, bbq, cook-outs. We choose to let all the fathers come to our house and help lay sod. Let me just thank everyone who came up to help. We started Friday at 5:00pm and got the side and the front yard done around 8:00. Then Friday night Josh checked the weather like he had been doing the past 3 weeks in hope's we could lay the grass. We found out that the storm that was suppose to hit Sunday may be hitting on Saturday around 9am, so at 5:00am Josh and I went outside to start on the back and the other side of the house. Soon after more and more people started to show up. We were completely done with the sod, garden, stepping stones and the sprinklers at 2:00pm just in time to see it start raining. What a welcome relief to have the grass in. That dirt before hand is a complete killer. A few more weeks and we can finally go out and play on it.

I think we had around 14 pallets total delived on Friday, Saturday we had to go get 3 more pallets and 15 more rolls
The semi was loaded full, I was nervous when I saw all that grass I thought it would take us a week to get it down.

another final grade, and the skidster (spelling?) unloading the pallets in different places

look at all those packers, I was the tucker, the one on my knees making sure it was in the right spot.

the front yard is done. You guys rocked!

Saturday it was lunch time and time to feed the crew. Nothing like a little burgers and dogs on the grill to surpress those men's apetites

back yard, and down below the rock wall where the fire pit is

nice little stepping stones out to Blaze's dog kennel. This should help with not making a trail in the new yard.

my most exciting part, I have never had a garden. Yes we had one growing up and I helped, but I am so excited to try it myself, we even went and got the compost from twin rivers dairy before the grass went down so I am completely ready to plant.

last but not least the final part of laying the sod. Making sure the sprinklers are ready to go.

Riding for a Reason

2009-06-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

June 6, 2009

Many of you know that a year ago I took up cycling and have loved it. I train all though the spring to get ready for the Little Red Riding Hood. This is an all women (2,600 riders) ride which raises money for cancer research. Having had a sister go through cancer and make it through all the treatments, I figure I can make it 80 miles for her. It started Friday night in Wellsville where Josh, Huntyr and I went to pick up the packet and have dinner at their Hawaiian Luai. It was a fun atmospher with all the people from all over the US, Canada and even some from France. I was shocked. They have all different miles you can ride. The 80's ladies got to start at 8:30 so of course I was there bright and early saturday morning by 8:00 just to get all ready to head out.

You start in Wellsville and then head to Mendon, Cache Junction, Newton, Clarkston, Cornish and Lewiston where they serve you lunch. I was only able to stay there about 20 minutes then I took off for the end. Through Lewiston, Trenton, Newton, Benson, Logan (10th west) then head back to Mendon and then finally back to Wellsville. 80 miles in 5.5 hours, I beat my goal from last year by 2 hours and only stopping once. There were so many times I wanted to stop and call Josh to come and get me. I remembered all those times I'm sure Kandi wanted to stop doing Chemo Treatments but she kept it up.

Thanks to the awesome support team I had for this race, it was awesome to finish my goal of 80 miles and see everyone at the finish line waiting, what a support team I have. love you guys. For a few more pictures and more details, visit my sisters blog http://kandikorner.blogspot.com/

Quick stop in Lewiston for Lunch, my mom and I, just chilling.
I had my lunch, but man couldn't hardly even eat anything except those oranges and bananna's

Made it to the finish line

My sister Kandi and I

you can't tell but I'm bending over so Huntyr can drink out of my camel pak, he loves to drink from that straw

Last of the Catch up posts

2009-06-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

May, 2009

This is the last of my catch up posts. Our life lately is revolved around yard work and my biking and since I have no pictures of me on my bike just yet, you get to see the yard instead. We have our curbing done and our firepit in. In the next week or so we will be laying our sod and hopefully we will finally have some green for Huntyr to play on....I can't wait to get rid of the dirt!

A few shout outs to the companies who helped so if you are need I recommend these guys. First is the concreate and stamping we got done for the firepit. TW Jensen Construction. Tim did an awesome job and was incredibly fast, and of course married to the best gal ever :). Next was our curbing. Buzz Co Curbing and he did excellent. He was easy to work with and I'd recommend him to anyone. Thanks to both companies for a job well done.

Curbing off the deck "before"
our rock wall "before"

The amazing job on the firepit, man I can't wait to use this

curbing around our rock wall

curbing down both sides, leading to the firepit

Memorial Day - Bear World Yellowstone

2009-06-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

May 2009

After working on the yard for every good day we had in May it was time to have a family day. So we headed to Rexburg and spent the day at Bear World. I'm pretty sure I liked it just a tad more than my boys. Huntyr kept calling it "bear woord' but I think he liked looking at all the animals. His favorite part was the train ride and feeding the fish, and the "stupid goose"

Welcome to Bear World

1 in 6 million elk are born white, pretty cool
This is the stupid "Goose" more like a Swan but does it really matter to a 2 year old? Huntyr kept getting mad because he was eating the fish food.

Huntyr feeding the deer

We spent lots of time on the train ride

The mighty grizzly. I would have loved to see one stand straight up.

you drive through the park right where they live and walk around. You are told to keep your car moving at all times and the windows up at all time. We might have snuk a few pictures with our window down.

Landscaping is for the birds

2009-05-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

May 31,st

Before I get to my catch up posts I wanted to just post these. 1:00 church is so hard on the boys. I was making dinner and they were on the couch watching cartoons, I think it was all but 5 minutes and they were out.

May 2009

We did the daunting task of building a home, now the task is really putting in the yard. My hats are off to all the landscapers because this is hard work. Luckily we have had a guy in our ward who has been so awesome to help us, he owns a landscaping company, so he dug all the trenches for Josh to put the sprinklers in. Josh is the plumber so we knew he would be doing the sprinklers. I had no idea how long it would actually take. 2 full saturdays and a week straight after work till dark. Josh has worked so hard (and 95% by himself) I did try to help but when I have a two year old running around really all I did was carry the pipe out of the garage and put them by the trenches and then the occasional finding the pieces he needed. Josh is such a hard worker and I know when we get our yard done it will look amazing.

after awhile we just dumped the box out, made it easier

trucks and dirt, what else does a boy need???

we used it all!

before

after

to be continued with pictures of curbing and the firepit (my favorite)

Tyson and Brandy's Big Day

2009-05-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

May 2nd 2009, (see I'm getting caught up)

Today was the day for Tyson and Brandy to tie the knot! Tyson is my younger brother and the baby of the family and he has been the last to get married for a long time. I'm so glad he found someone as compatible as Brandy, they are so perfect for each other. They weren't high school sweet hearts but they did go to the same school, same graduating class but just found each other later in life and really hit it off.

They took a short honeymoon and then started their new life in Alaska working out of Heli (spelling?) which I believe is close to the Denali National Forest, but dont' quote me on that. They will be back in September but sure seems like they are far, far away now!

oh yeah, look at those boys, so glad their mine!
all the cousins, don't they look sharp

Tyson and Brandy at the reception

Huntyr giving Brandy a little love (notice Tess the dog) stayed under Brandy's dress the entire day, she was their ring barer

Tyson's friends did justice on this truck, it was completely wild and you should have seen the inside..what a mess

Easter Celebration

2009-05-28T21:52:00.001-07:00

I always love Easter for the reason it represents, plus all the fun little Easter egg hunts. We took Huntyr to the little Easter egg hunt that they do here in Franklin, it was so much fun they had it all seperated in age so he was with the babies to 3 year olds which was nice so all the older kids didn't have to take over. We prepped and prepped before it started I told Huntyr once he heard the horn to run and get all the candy all over the ground, he was all ready to go. The horn goes off and he turns to me and says what was that, he started looking all around and swarms of little kids took off. Josh took him by his hand and led him to find a few candy pieces. What a funny little dude!

Hunt at Grandma's

my boys are so handsome!

Private blog/blog-a-day

2009-05-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

I thought about it even more and have decided not to go private, the reason being is for myself I find it harder to go to people's blogs when they are private so I will keep mine up and public for the time being. With that said I have so much to blog about so I will do a blog a day to catch up, so check back often.

Baby Animals Days April 10, 2009 (see how far behind I am)

I had this day off from work, yippy! I wanted to take Huntyr to baby animal days, it wasn't too nice of a day but at least it wasn't raining so I went and asked my mom to come along. There were so many people there you couldn't even get in to any of the places to see the animals, should have know it was spring break.

Huntyr didn't care to hold any of the animals, I guess that was ok because we couldn't even get into to spots to hold any of them. It was a bit of a rough day because he was so cross this day and for the people who know me, know I don't do well it big crowds with a not so happy child. A big note to self, we won't go to this again unless we have Josh (daddy) with us to help out. All in all though Huntyr liked it and talked it about it for days after. I love to watch him be happy and excited over things.

death to that bunny, scratched the heck out of us..

Yikes!!!!

2009-04-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

So I just read this scary thing that happened to someone on the blog which has forced me to totally change my mind on the blog and go private. Its time I move on into a private sector. For all you that leave comments or just blog stalk now you have to leave me your emails.

Thanks Trisha for giving me the extra push I needed.

Big Boy Bed and no more binki's

2009-04-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

**mothers don't pass judgement that Huntyr still had a binki**

My story begins with an idea to serach for Huntyr a big boy bed. I started out with the local furniture stores, then moved on to KSL.com to search for a used one. I knew what I wanted, the beds with the storage underneath, because his room is not that big. I finally found a newer one on KSL called and they had sold it just prior to me calling (go figure it was super nice). I emailed this person back the next day to ask where they had purchased the bed. RC Willey, so on Saturday we headed down there to check it out. It was much more than I wanted to spend but we decided to bite the bullet and buy it anyway (sort of) we put 20% down and then was going to go home and measure to see which one we wanted to get the twin or the full. Then we would call back and pay for the rest. When we got home from a long day in Layton and Odgen I decided to check one more time on KSL to see if I could find this bed set, and to my surprise, one had been posted just an hour prior to me checking. I called and told them I wanted it, a nightstand and an entertainment center went along with the bed, all for 300.00 cheaper than what I was about to spend at RC Willey's just for the bed itsefl. At 8:30 at night we headed back to Odgen to get the bed, once we got out of the canyon Huntyr decided he wanted to be car sick, so we had quiet a mess on our hands. At Midnight we rolled back into our driveway with the bed in tow..Who knew the bed would be such trauma, but I wanted it so bad, I'm sure Huntyr could have cared less.

Prior to us getting the bed, every night before Huntyr went to bed, we reminded him when he got his big boy bed, he couldn't have his binki anymore. We set the bed up and he was really good about throwing the bink in the garbage, it was easier than I thought and he has been 3 days without it. Its a miracle, my little baby is growing on up.

The new bed complete with the dresser under the bed
There is a cubby door with storage under the bed, I'm not sure who is having more fun playing in it

The cubby door that lead to Josh and Huntyr's secret hide-a-way

He looks so tiny in this huge bed, I'm sure that will change quickly.

Taking down the little ol' crib

Sunday Stroll

2009-03-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that spring might actually be on its way. After church on Sunday I had to take advantage of it and since my bike is still hung up high in the garage I figured we would go for a walk as a family. This Sunday was particulary fun, we have church at 1:00 and this Sunday I opted to not put Huntyr down for a nap and instead we would hit all of church. Needless to say this is how he ended up on the walk...Worn out dead asleep.

**Matt you can't be mad now :)

Potty "TRAINED"

2009-03-18T20:10:00.001-07:00

We did it, no actually Huntyr did it. He is potty trained. We tried and tried for awhile but we could not get him trained..we gave up! Then one day out of the blue he tells me he needs to go potty so off we go, then again and again, finally I put him in "big boy underwear" It has been two week and no accidents, we made it. I'm so happy and so is he, I think we made a big enough deal out of it and only after one big bag of smarties for rewards. Way to go bud, love you pieces!

My Birthday Bash

2009-03-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

March 1, (yes I'm a little behind blogging) Happy birthday to me. Josh surprised me the Friday before with a dinner to my all time favorite place "Maddox" He even planned for the sitter, he was not alone my friend Becky helped get it planned. It was fun to have them along.

My actual b-day was sort of an odd day, only because it was on a Sunday. We had breakfast at the in-laws (always yummy) then we went to church. Josh baked a fabulous cake just for me complete with decorations, he did mention in the almost 30 years of life he has never frosted a cake so that was pretty exciting he ventured from his box to make me the cake :) Then after church we headed off to my sisters for a litle cake and ice cream and boy her cakes were to die for, a little chocolate on chocolate my favorite then a yummy pineapple cake, mmm mmm tasty! The kids playing having so much fun and everyone just visiting. I've said it before but I love all the chaos and noise.

Josh's Famous Cake
Josh and Jordan, doing what they do, Chill

Becky, Jordan and Rog oh and Buddee (dog)

Kandi, Andrea & Brooklyn

My third calling

2009-02-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

I head off to church yesterday to teach my primary class. I'm sitting in sharing time and lo and behold here comes a member of the bishopric asking if he can talk to me. I thought sure (thinking I might be released from leading the music in Relief Society). Come to find out they would like to extend a 3rd calling to me. I said "Is this how you treat new people in your ward", with a laugh. So I am now the YW camp director. Amazingly enough I think I am kind of excited. I mean I love the outdoors, camping so I hope they just go hand in hand. I'm sure it will be an experience for sure but I accepted with an open mind. Wish me luck now with all 3 of my callings

Valentines in Driggs

2009-02-15T18:19:00.000-08:00

I think I had the best V-day ever. My little brother Tyson lives in Driggs Idaho and is a snowmobiling guide for Teton Valley Adventures He is a breath of fresh air and it was so nice to get to spend time with him. We stayed at his beatiful cabin and it was good to spend time with him and his "finance" Brandy. We arrived on Friday night and met at the snowmobile place to get our suits, boots and helmets. We then headed back to their cabin where Brandy had dinner all ready. It was so good!!!. Saturday we woke up and Tyson fixed us an awesome breakfast, and then we got ready to go. The drive to get unloaded and go was just about an hour from Driggs. It was a nice day, a little overcast and light snow, every once and awhile the sun would peak out. We rode the Mesa Falls tour and it was awesome we went through Island Park and the scenery was gorgeous, I apologize for so many nature shots but that is what I love.

The ride was simply amazing. I wish we could have stayed for days.

Thanks Tyson and Brandy for letting us come and stay, and for taking us out on the ride. It was awesome!!!

ps..sorry for so many pics

Tyson, and as you can see we totally took over his house with all our bags and clothes

This is the kitchen and I loved the green they painted

Tyson and Brandy, the latter behind them goes up to the loft where their bed and closet is.

Josh hates this picture I think its funny, these are just his thermals and under armour he had on underneath his snow suit, and you gotta love his boots...he is a hotty and he's all mine!!

Tyson and Brandy, we are unloaded and ready to go, almost!

Tyson and Brandy rode on the "cadillac" its the two seater and that is what Tyson kept calling it.

Josh is dang near ready

Poor Josh always has to help his wife, I couldn't get those dang straps to work.

This is the Lower Mesa Falls, someone actually went down it in a kayak (crazy)

At the falls

This is the sign for the upper Mesa Falls

The mountain has some crazy formations because of the mist that comes off the waterfall

top of the upper Mesa Falls

And here it is, the tallest waterfall in Idaho

Tyson was telling us this area has its own eco system its like a troprical rain forest because of the mist that it puts off next to the mountain. I can't wait to check it out in the summer

so this picture not sure if you can see it or not, but those are tracks of some kind of animal and the only way it crossed was through that icy cold water

that bar in this picture is the top of the railing, generally when there is no snow that would hit you about waist high. I was standing level with the bar.

Tyson is going to show us how its done in the powder

Josh is going to give it a try

This was our lunch stop at The Pines lodge

Tyson thought it was a succesful lunch :)

This water is called Warm River Springs, the water is 50 degrees, I'm sure when its hot that water might feel good.

the warm water bubbling out of the mountain

See that little cabin, you can rent that from the forest service for 50.00 a night and it sleeps 32 people, everyone get ready I might check into this for a family trip :)

Feeling Pressured

2009-01-21T15:08:00.000-08:00

This will be kind of a lame post, but I have to release it and see if it helps. So lately I have been feeling really pressured to have another baby. I do not feel near ready to have another one and quite enjoy my time with Huntyr. I can't get over the pressure I am feeling by no fault of anyone but me.

This is why I am feeling pressured.

I only have one child the pressure to not have an only child...is pressure
All my friends, well most have more than one child
I want my kids close but how close is close, should I be having one now
I don't want to be old when they get grown up..selfish reason I know
I am getting older (by Utah standards) as having kids
We have been married for 8 1/2 years and only have 1 child
people at work telling me I need to have another one

Can someone just tell me its okay to wait until I'm completely ready and that my points are valid?

I just want to enjoy this mug for a while longer

Inversion, what Inversion

2009-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to get away and get out of this crazy inversion we are having. Those of you from Cache Valley,and that are still here know what I am talking about. We took a drive up to Hardware Ranch to check out the elk. It was so cold here in the Valley, I packed our coats, hats and blankets. When we arrived I stepped out of the car and it was like spring/winter weather, the sun was shining, it was so nice and warm. We took our coats but left the blanket in the car.

It was fun to get Huntyr up there, and be that close. He loved it said he wanted to shoot the elk.

Dad and Huntyr heading to the sleigh

Yesterday their count was 424 head of elk at the Ranch, not that many today

One of only a few bulls, its so warm up there, not many have come down to feed.
This is the biggest bull they have right now. Sorry about catching it in the act!
Resting, must have been a long ride (maybe 10 minutes)

Holiday Happenings

2008-12-31T21:25:00.001-08:00

We have had a very happening Christmas. I hope everyone else has as well. We started our festivities at the Nyman's on Christmas Eve, where we always have a faboulous dinner. Cornish game hens are not to be messed with they are one of the things I look forward to the most at Christmas. They are these perfect little birds that you cook and everyone gets their own, not to mention all the other trimmings. Thanks John and Joann for always having us there.

Just to let you all in on a little secret, Josh loves Christmas he gets so excited that he can't even sleep the night before (I love it also but being older I can sleep) anyway he always wants to get up early (5:30am) before we had Huntyr I was always like his mother telling him we had to at least wait until 6:00. Now that we have Huntyr we get up when he gets up which was like 7:30 this year (hurray), that didn't stop Josh from getting up at 6:30 and waiting around. I loved how excited both Huntyr, and Josh were this year. Huntyr was so excited he opened all our gifts including mine and Josh's, but who cares, isn't that what its all about? Josh always cooks us a nice breakfast, this year it was my favorite, French toast. We then always head to my mom's which I love, I wish I could spend the entire time there, all my family comes over, all my brothers and my sister and all the kids. I love to be there and listen to the 50 different conversations going on, just fills like home. We always head over to the Nyman's last. They give each of the kids a 1/2 of beef which is an extremely nice gift, Huntyr got his first gun so he will be ready to shoot the deer...quick story...Huntyr and I were sitting at home the other night and we tend to have lots of deer in our backyard, one night we looked out and there they were so I let Huntyr sit on the kitchen table and check them out, as he was watching them he turnes to me so serious and says "mom, get my gun so i can shoot them" what the heck, he doesn't even have a gun. I told this to his Grandpa Nyman and this would have probably been the reason for the toy gun, so now he can shoot the deer. I tell ya, he is a funny kid!.

We have had a nice Holiday, Josh and I were able to take this week off so we have been pleny busy with playing around. Stay tuned for our other adventures this week.

Happy New Year!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008-12-08T07:38:00.001-08:00

I have neglected to post lately since Jackie and Mandy made me so freaked out about the weirdo's that read peoples blog, I haven't been sure I would keep mine or not.

However, its Christmas time and I have some cute decor, not to mention finally my wall is done that has taken me months to really put it together. Here are a few of the photos I came up with.

In case you can't tell our stockings are Elk, go figure in this family

Finally I have a place to put up my Nativity scene, I just love it!

My Living room decor

Here is my wall of fame, it probably took me a little longer to put together, I had to find a custom wrought iron that would match with my house, and of course I found a moose one with a tree, next was getting the vinyl ordered it came and it was 8 ft long talk about a task to hang that over the stairs, but with the help of Josh we got it done, last weekend my pictures where done so I got them strung and hung!!

I'll love you forever

2008-11-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

So today marks our 8 year anniversary. There are so many things I could say about Josh. I love him so much, I truly believe we are soul mates, we complete each other. I have never met anyone I could laugh with, cry with, tease, poke fun at and yet at the end of the day our relationship is more strong, more recilent and even more better than I could have imagined. We have so many things in common. He has given me the most beautiful son I could have asked for. He has given me a beautiful home. He works hard so we can have nice things. I can't imagine my life without him. So honey, here is to our 8 years and many more to come. This is for you, and you know why!

Well it's Saturday night

You're all dressed up in blue

I've been watching you awhile

Maybe you've been watching me too

And so somebody ran out

Left somebody's heart in a mess

Well if you're looking for love
Honey I'm tougher than the rest

Some girls they want a handsome Dan

Or some good-lookin' Joe

On their arm some girls want a sweet-talkin' Romeo

But around here baby

I've learned you get what you can get

So if you're looking for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest

Oh your road is darkAnd it's a thin, thin line

But I want you to know

I'd walk it for you anytime

And all your other boyfriends

They couldn't pass the test

So if you're looking for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest

Well it ain't no secret

I've been around a time or two

Well I don't know but maybe

You've been around too

Well there's another dance

All you gotta do is say yes

And if you're looking for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest

And if you're ready for love

Honey I'm tougher than the rest

I love you, with all my heart, you are my life, my love and I would be lost in this world without you!

We are blessed beyond measure

2008-11-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a very scary experience in my family. My dad who is a diabetic went into what we can only assume was an insulin attack. My sister has blogged about it so If you would like to read about it. Click here http://kandikorner.blogspot.com/. She is right angels walk among us everyday. I am crying now just thinking about how lucky my family is to still have our Dad, Husband, Grandpa still with us.

And the Jazz win it.

2008-11-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was such an awesome play day. First it was the Christmas show at the Golden Spike Arean in Odgen that my mom and sister go to every year. We went early so we could hit the mall before the show opened at 1:00. The best part was, Josh took the day off (which he never, never, never, never (get my point) takes a day off) but..he did to stay home and watch Huntyr so I could go with the girls. We had a blast and I got a lot of cute x-mas decorations. Then Josh came down to Odgen and picked me up for the Jazz game, now I know everyone is thinking big deal the Jazz which is what I think also. However, the tickets that we get everyonce in a while are awesome, oh yeah and awesome. You get free parking, a VIP dinner in the basement of the Delta Center, you have row one tickets. Then at 1/2 time you go back to the VIP room to fill up your soda, get some nacho's or popcorn which ever suites your fancy, then you head on back to your seats. This time the seats were cool we sat right behind the visitor bench so it was a lot of fun.

and yes for the girls, here is Kyle Korver

Carlos Boooozzzzzeeeeerrrr

There introductions are so cool, I couldn't really get a good picture, but they turn off all the lights and have fireworks, it was entertaining

Good Ol' Paul Millsap (or as we like to call him, Ronnie Millsap)

So Glad its over

2008-11-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, Josh and I had to speak in church today. I think we did okay, and for the first time so did Huntyr (after a shopping spree to walmart to pick up everything I could think of to keep him entertained) He did fabulous, I think my mom and josh's parents should come every Sunday and sit with us. For those of you interested. Here is a copy of my talk. Enjoy.

Good afternoon brothers and sisters. I’ll start with our introductions first. We are the Nyman’s. My husband Josh and I’m Kristina. We moved into this ward about 2 months ago. We built our home in the Max Atkinson subdivision and are excited to be here. We absolutely love the area, which is the main reason we moved up here. We sold our home in Nibley and lived with my parents during construction. Josh and I have been married for 8 years this month. We were married in the Logan Temple on a very cold but beautiful sunny November day. 5 ½ years later we were blessed with a beautiful little boy Huntyr. He is the joy of our life, the stressful part of life and the love of our life.

Josh Grew up in North Logan and graduated high school in Monticello Utah. Josh is a journeyman plumber full time and also teaches the plumbing class at Bridgerland in Logan. Josh is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, camping, fishing and any type of sports. I know when we first moved into the ward he was worried if they were going to have a basketball team or not J

I grew up in Smithfield, and graduated from Sky View High School. I work full time at Thermo Scientific which was formely HyClone Labortories in Logan. I am very blessed to be able to work a few days a week out of my home, which allows me to spend more time with Huntyr.

I am very certain Josh and I are soul mates, either that or he is very lucky guy to have me as I share the same love for the outdoors as he does. During hunting season you can usually find me dressed in camo as well ready to hit the mountains. I love the outdoors, we are a camping family and love to spend as much time as we can in the mountains. I also enjoy, biking, and of course Scrapbooking.

I do think Huntyr will follow in our paths of loving the outdoors, he already knows where is bed is in the camp trailer, and where we keep all the snacks. He is always talking about shooting a big deer and instead of telling you what the cow or the pig says, he will tell you what the elk says.

I am so thankful for the blessings that I have in my life. This time of year it’s hard not to focus on those things we are most thankful for.

We were asked to speak on anything thanksgiving which for me was a broad subject, so I hope the talk I prepared meets the criteria.

How can we live in thanksgiving daily? In the book of alma chapter 34 verse 38 it states “ live in thanksgiving daily for the many mercies and blessings which he gives us”

Can you imagine for a minute how our lives would change if we lived in thanksgiving daily.

President Joseph F. Smith stated: quote “The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and the light drives darkness out of this life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!”

Think for a moment, if you will of someone you know who is truly happy. We’ve all met those who seem to radiate happiness. They seem to smile more than others; they laugh more than others – just being around them makes us happier as well.

Now think of someone you know who isn’t happy all the time. Perhaps they seem older than they are, drained of energy – perhaps they are angry or bitter or depressed.

What is the difference between them? What are the characteristics that differentiate the happy from the miserable? Is there something that unhappy people can do to be happier?

Let me tell of a story that illustrates this.

A long time ago in a faraway village lived a man who everyone did their best to avoid. He was the type of person who believed that there was only one competent person in the world, and that one person was himself. Consequently, he was never satisfied with anything. His shoes never fit right. His shirt never felt comfortable. When his food wasn’t to cold, it was too salty, and when it wasn’t to hot it was too bland.

If a field wasn’t’ sowed by himself, it was not sowed well. If he didn’t close the door, the door was not closed properly.

In short, he made a career of frowning, lecturing, criticizing, and mumbling about the incompetence’s of the every other person in the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, the man was married, which made matters all the worse. No matter what his wife did, in his eyes it was wrong. No matter what the unfortunate woman cooked, sewed, or cleaned – or even when she milked the cow – it was never satisfactory, and he let her know it.

She tried very hard to be a good wife, but it seemed the harder she tried, the less she pleased him. Finally, one evening she could take no more.

“I’ll tell you what we’ll do,” she told him. “Tomorrow I will do your chores and you will do mine.”

“But you can’t do my chores,” the man replied. “You don’t know the first thing about sowing, hoeing, or irrigating.”

But the woman was adamant. And on top of that, she was filled with a righteous anger that frankly astonished and frightened the man to the point where he didn’t dare disagree.

So, the next morning the wife went off to the fields and the man began the domestic chores. After thinking about it, he actually convinced himself he was looking forward to it. Once and for all, he would demonstrate to his wife how things should be done.

Unfortunately, not everything went according to the plan. In fact, nearly everything the man touched turned to disaster. He spilled the milk, let the pig get into the house, lost the cow, burned the dinner, and ultimately set the house on fire, narrowly escaping with his own life.

When his wife returned, she discovered her husband sitting on a pile of ashes, smoke still rising from his clothes. But the woman wasn’t the type to rub things in. She helped him up, wiped the soot from his beard, fixed him a little something to eat, and then prepared a bed of straw for them to sleep on.

Form that day forward, the man never complained about anyone or anything else for as long as he lived.

In this story, it is the absence of gratitude that made this man miserable. His inability to appreciate others caused him to be critical of their efforts. Not only did he not empathize with people, he couldn’t allow himself to acknowledge their contributions.

The disasters that confronted him surely made him humble, but, more particularly, they made him appreciate and be grateful for his wife.

Earlier I asked you to think of someone you knew that was truly happy. Think of that person again. Does that person live in thanksgiving daily?

What about the person you thought of who is unhappy. We have all had times in our lives were we unhappy, no one can predict happiness.

However, living in thanksgiving daily is a habit that will enrich our lives and the lives of those we love. I think if we were to all start to make a list of the things that we are grateful for, we might all be surprised.

For instance:
I am thankful for a strong marriage, when divorce and infidelity are so comman I am thankful everyday for my marriage and eternal families.
I am thankful for my health, for my family’s health
I am thankful for a nice home that I have, a place my family can feel peace, comfort.
I am thankful for my husband and for his love for both Huntyr and I
I am thankful for this nation that we live in and the freedoms we have

And the list goes on and on and on. And as you think of the things that you are grateful for you will see your list go on and on also

Now, how can we live in Thanksgiving Daily? I would like to suggest three things that will help us strive to do this

First: We must open our eyes:

I encourage you to look around you. Notice the people you care about. Notice the fragrance of the flowers the song of the birds. Notice and give thanks for the blue of the sky, the color of the leaves, and the white of the clouds. Enjoy every sight, every smell, every taste, and every sound.

As I mentioned earlier I enjoy biking. Last year I took part in an 80 mile bike tour across the valley. That is a long time to be on a bike but it was so fun. Most of the time I was alone in the ride, which allowed time for my mind to wonder, along those valley roads, I saw many things I was thankful for. The mountains, the trees, this very place that we live and are able to raise a family. I was truly blessed this day, not only to finish the race but to have my eyes opened to things that I am thankful for.

In Luke chapter 17 verses 12-17 it says:

I hope that we will not forget to show our thanks to the One that does give us all things

When we open our eyes and give thanks for the bountiful beauty of this life, and what we truly have been given, we live in thanksgiving daily.

Second: We must open our hearts

We must let go of the negative emotions that bind our hearts and instead fill our souls with love, faith, and thanksgiving.

Anger, resentment, and bitterness stunt our spiritual growth. You don’t have to harbor thoughts and feelings that drag you down and destroy your spirit.

The Lord has said “Drink deeply of the living waters of the gospel. Pray with all of your heart. Fill your heart with those things that are noble, encourage and inspire you.

Most of us know Rulon Gardner. Rulon grew up in a small town of Afton, Wyoming. He is one of nine children. His mother and father are faithful members of the Church and instilled proper values in their children.

But because Rulon was so large, his classmates teased him. The taunts and name calling troubled Rulon, but he never became angry or resentful. He could have withdrawn and become bitter. Like so many others, he could have counted all the things that were going wrong and simply given up.

Instead he used the insults as motivation. He was determined he would use his size to his advantage. He would make something out of himself.

He milked cows twice a day, often in subzero temperatures. He lifted frozen bales of hay to feed the cows. At times he would carry a newborn calf into he safety of a warm barn. After school he either went to wrestling or football practice and then back to the barn for more chores.

Rulon found that his size wasn’t a disadvantage for him as an athlete in fact, it was an asset. Wrestling particularly came easy for him, and he became the Wyoming state champion. After graduation from high school, he decided that perhaps he might be good enough to compete in the Olympic Games.

In Atlanta in 1996, due to a miscommunication, he arrived at the weigh-in 22 seconds too late and missed his chance to compete. Again he could have despaired. He could have become resentful and bitter.

But instead he worked harder, after four years of hard work he wanted to compete again in the Olympic Games in the year 2000 he went to Sydney. This time he did not miss the weigh-in. He advanced through the preliminary rounds until he reached the final obstacle to his gaining a gold metal.

That obstacle was a man the world called the Siberian Bear, Alexander Karelin. This Russian bear was considered by most as the greatest Greco-Roman wrestler. Not only had he not lost a match in thirteen years, no one had scored a point on him in more than a decade. Karelin had won the gold metal in the previous three Olympic Games, and he was favored to win.

We all know how it ended Rulon took home the Gold metal that night. In a letter written to his stake president, Rulon said “The Lord has given me the chance to work for all my dreams. I feel the church has helped me to focus and live my life in the ways that have helped me to train and become an Olympic Champ.

That day Rulon knew what it was like to be grateful.
He

Third: We must open our arms

One of the best ways to show gratitude is by blessing the lives of those around us. Every time we cheer another’s heart, every time we ease another’s burden, every time we lift a weary hand, we show our gratitude to that God to whom we owe all that we have and all that we are.

As we strive to open our eyes, our hearts, and arms our own step will become a little lighter, our smile will become a little brighter, and the darkness that sometimes hangs over our lives will become a little lighter.

I know that he Lord doesn’t give us promises that he is not willing to fulfill. Choice blessings await those who live in Thanksgiving daily. In the Doctrine and Covenants section 78 verse 19 It states And he who receiveth all things with “thankfulness shall be make glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea more.

A few words really stick out to me we will be made Glorious, and a hundred fold. Can you imagine the things of this earth that we desire times one hundred. With a promise like that we need to start today to live in Thanksgiving Daily.

Brothers and sisters I have a testimony of being thankful for what we have. I am blessed to be a part of this church, to know that families are forever. I love my family, Josh and Huntyr for the great blessings they bring into my life. I love my parents, and Josh’s parents, for the blessings that both of them give me and my family. I am forever in their debt for giving me life, for giving Josh life, so that we could raise our little man in this true church. I have a testimony of families, that they are the center of God’s plan. I hope as this season draws nearer that we can all remember to be thankful, to give thanks to the Lord for all he has blessed us with, and I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Holiday Expo

2008-11-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Just quickly wanted to drop a line and let you know of the Holiday Expo going on tomorrow at the Eccles Conference center up on campus. Its the very first of its kinds so come on out and see what vendors are there and help support the local Expo.

The expo goes from 9-5

I will also have my Usborne Books there so stop by and say hello.

Goodbye October Hello November

2008-11-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

Warning this will be a long post!

Today its raining and I am feeling the way it looks outside. I woke up today in a pretty good mood, that turned rather quickly as I tried to get us ready to go to church. Why is this such a task with a 2 year old. I quickly think to myself, why even bother going now, its been such a pain to even get us out the door, then not to mention sacrament meeting is never enjoyable when you have someone fighting you to keep quiet, spilling the cereal you brought. How can one ever feel the spirit this way? After church one of the counselors called me into the office, just me. (keep in mind this ward is very very small) He called me to not 1 but 2 positions in the ward. The first being a primary teacher for the sunbeams, yeah okay fine I can do that. The next is being the chorister in relief society. Uh hello I don't have any type of musical skill that way. Seems easy enough for someone with skill, fine I'll do this one also.

Then I take Huntyr to nursery, thankfully he didn't scream and cry this time to go (one blessing noted today) Then I meet Josh for Sunday school and he tells me he go nabbed by the other counselor, they want him to be over the preist group. Oh and for us to talk in church in 2 weeks. Welcome to the ward!

Like everyone else I am so glad Halloween is over. It was fun while it lasted but happy to be back to normal for just a bit.

Our Halloween started out with me taking Huntyr to my work trick o' treatin. He made out like a bandit. We had to pick Josh up from work. We hit both sets of Huntyr's grandparents and then went with my mom and dad to their Ward party (I never really knew when ours was) It was fun, actually it wasn't, there was so much chaos no one even knew if they were coming or going. We grabbed a free hotdog and hit the road.

Halloween was fun, lot of work for one big day, not to mention I had to beg Huntyr to dress up, bribed him with everything I had to get it to go off with a hitch. special thanks to my sista for following me around with the camera

Sorry if this post seems negative, I am feeling really down today!

Huntyr and his cousin BrylieAnn, she was a super model, isn't she cute!
My Parents ward party!

My mom and dad ready to head to the party in their FAB!! costumes

Trick or treating and my work

Batman and Cat women sharing a moment!

Hey mom, look at all my candy in my bucket (truley what he said)

off to find more candy!

auhhh found some

The Mighty Hunter and the soon to be Hunter

2008-10-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

I finally got my camera to work and download properly on my computer. Josh was successful in the Ut deer hunt, which is pretty exceptional considering the deer population is dwindling at a rapid speed. I think I read in the Logan Liar that on the opening morning of the hunt only like 23 deer were checked at the checking station in Logan canyon. I am proud of Josh, he loves to hunt and this year brought one home. Not the biggest one but still a pretty good size. I'm excited to have him home and really excited for that beard to be gone.
Good Job Honey!!!

We can't all be little

2008-10-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Remember those times when you were little and it was fall, you could play out in the leaves for hours? Yesterday Huntyr got that chance with his little cousins. I attended a craft project yesterday and Josh went deer hunting so my mom said she would take the kids. I called on my way to her house to pick him up and my dad said they were out playing in the leaves so I hurried and stopped by my house picked up my camera and headed to Smithfield.

Huntyr was having so much fun he was sweating, his little cheeks were so pink from all the running around...and when I got to my mom's I found my dad out mowing the front yard. He just had shoulder surgery 2 days ago. He finished and I told him I would take care of the back yard...what a guy!!

PS. Josh got a deer and if I could get my camera to cooperate I'll post them..

Huntyr and his cousins, Austin and Brackin

Fall is a time for change

2008-10-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

I have been so inspired by other people chopping their hair off, I have found myself joining in with a cut and color. Thanks to Kandi and Melissa and others who have recently posted their new hair on the blog.

When I came home, Huntyr said to me "mom hair cut, pretty (complete with petting it) I love that kid!

Thanks Mandy I love it!

P.S I hate pictures of myself, but I guess I have to face it, that is how I look.. Bummer!!

I've been Tagged

2008-10-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Gentry so here goes

Eight tv shows I like to watch (I don't think I have 8 so I'll name as many as I watch)

1- Dancing with the stars

2- Amazing Race

3- Brooke knows best

4- Jay Leno

5- Two and 1/2 Men

6- I Love Money

7- CSI Las Vegas

8 - House

Eight things that happened yesterday

1- I took a shower

2- I went to work

3- I bought my halloween costume to match with Huntyr

4- I helped my mom make her church newsletter

5- I checked out the local grocery store for the first time

6- I went to dinner with my most favorite boys

7- I did my weekly cleaning of the house

8- Took very hot bath before retiring to bed

Eight places I love to eat

1- Josh's Kitchen

2- Maddox

3- Happy Sushi

4- Iggy's

5- Cafe Sabor

6- Coppermill

7- Taco Time (running out of places to pick)

8- Hamilton's

Eight things I look forward too

1- completing another 80 mile bike tour and completing the Lotoja race

2- loosing weight

3- having another baby with my wonderful husband (no I'm not announcing anything)

4- spending every minute I can with Huntyr

5- Christmas

6- Hunting season being over with

7- parties on my deck

8- putting in my yard ( I know that is lame to look forward too)

Eight people I have tagged

1- Kandi

2- Danielle

3- Becky

4- Jackie

5- Tara

6- Mandy

7- Haylee

8- Hayley

All Over Dirt

2008-10-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get my yard in order before the weather turns bad, so come spring we can immediately start with the yard work. Well on Tuesday I had someone come over and help me with my yard, he told me that I needed more dirt, a lot more dirt because I can't have the grater come to grate it all out until I get more. There are two empty building lots next to my house with a ton of dirt piled up from when they put the road in. I went to the owner of the lots and asked if I could have the dirt, (I was fully prepared to offer to pay her) she kindly said we could have it and said she would be glad to see the piles gone, they have been there for a few years. She mentioned that her grandson wanted to have some of the dirt but he mentioned that in the spring time so she was sure he didn't need it.

Later that night - the grandson came over to our house, Josh was outside working and he stopped by and said, "that is my dirt, my grandma said I could have it" he asked Josh what she told us, and Josh said "that we could have it as well".

Now we thought he would have said, okay you take 1/2 I take 1/2 or thought he would have said I'm taking it all, but he didn't and just kind of left after that very brief conversation.

Yesterday when I got home from work over 1/2 the dirt was gone. I was so livid last night over it I could hardly go to sleep.

This morning when I woke up there were 2 dump trucks parked on the road getting loaded up with more of the dirt.

There is still a little dirt left over from when we dug our hole that we kind of just pushed to the side for now, well I had a feeling they would try and take that as well....They did so I marched myself outside this morning early, my hair was still wet from the shower and I stood there until the backhoe driver stopped (he was a worker from Facer's trucking) and I told him to not touch that dirt (i know I am so mad over this stupid dirt) that dirt was left over from our house and it was mine. I came back in the house and watched him, he got on the phone which I could only imagine he was calling the grandson. Sure enough a few hours later here came the grandson after the Facer trucking people had left and started piling up another dirt pile. He scooped up a big bucket full of "my dirt" so again I marched right outside to have a word with the little weasil. He wasn't going to stop the backhoe and I thought, hey buddy I can stand out here all day until you stop. After a bit he finally did and I just said to him "I'd appreciate it if you left that for me since your taking EVERY other little ounce. I told him that was dirt left over from us digging" and he said "yeah you can have that" believe me its not much to the 6 double dump trucks he loaded and still has a pile I'm sure he'll be back to get.

I'm sorry for such a long post but freak, dirt is a lot of money. The grandma hasn't even bothered to come over and say sorry for the mix-up. I think if maybe I could have at least gotten an apologize maybe I would have been so mad.....

Not to sure about this little town, not ONE person has come and welcomed us to the neighborhood, (except the relief society president, a month after we have been here) I love my house and where it is, but haven't been impressed with the people.

poor poor me!!

Usborne Book Show

2008-10-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

I did it! I am now a consultant of Usborne Books. These are pretty new to the area and I'm not sure how many people have heard of these books. I am so excited to be a part of this team and help promote literacy. Books are the future for our kids to learn. If anyone is interested in getting free books let me know, I can do a show, a book party or even an online party. I am really excited to share these books with as many people as I can. Click http://www.ubah.com/ecommerce/default.asp?sid=Y2067&gid=69601397 to see more about these books and what they have to offer.

Vacation Coming to a Close

2008-09-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

I took two weeks off work to get us all moved in and settled in our new place. Today is the last day of that freedom. I am sad, these past two weeks have been the best time of my life. I have gotten to spend all that time with my little guy and to be honest I thought I would go insane..the total opposite happened, we have had the best time ever. This time has made me really see what I want in life and that is to stay at home with my baby. Unfortanetly as luck would have it I am not able to stay home for the obvious financial reasons. (mom's who get to stay home, count your blessings)

So I have decided to try my luck at a home business for awhile see if anything happens with that. I recently have become a Usborne Book Consultant. For those of you who don't know what that is, these are childrens books and are wonderful, for little ones, toddlers, kids learning to read and so on. They have great stories, learning books and the books little ones love, the touchy feely ones. I will be hosting my own show next month and would love for everybody to come and check them out (plus you can check out the new house). I don't feel guilty going to these shows and spending money on books when they are going to a good cause, my little Huntyr. If anyone is interested in coming, leave me your email and I'll send you the info along with my address.

Here are just a few pictures of the house almost put together, and of Huntyr just chilling the past two weeks. (in no particular order)

Redneck curtains before we got the blinds installed

ScrapBook USA

2008-09-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the ScrapBook USA Expo down in Salt Lake. This is a ritual for my sister and I to spend some time together. We have always taken the Friday off work and headed down and then stay the night and scrap all day Saturday. This time we weren't so lucky to stay overnight and even take the day off. We headed down to Salt Lake about 3:30 and then scrapped until it closed at midnight and then headed back home.

We always have a group of friends we meet down there. We always have so much fun with these gals, they are a lot of fun and the conversations can be really interesting.

Thanks Pookie for a good time!!

Complete with line dancing competitions, you go girl!!
This is as close to meeting a famous person as I will ever get. Casey Scott Newscaster from KUTV channel 2 news, he is just like he is on the news, so sweet, and so very nice.

She was up and ready to do the chicken dance...Check out all that junk food!

Last but not least our big group of gals that we meet every year and hang with.

Football Season is here!!!

2008-09-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

Now don't get me wrong, I like football and all I just hate to watch every game, every night its on, then watch ESPN the next morning to see the highlights. I would much rather be to the game in person, now that is fun!!

Josh wants to get the football package when we move into our house. 14 games on Sunday, oh heaven help us I don't think I can watch them all. Sunday's are the best day for movies on TV. Oh well I'll live. I have lived with it for 8 years so far, I just didn't think my little one would start so early. Its so cute!!!

I have the keys

2008-09-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

We are to the very last of our building adventure. The doors are locked and I have the keys.

I promise darlin I won't ask again for another new house. Josh told me when we started if I wanted another new house I would also be looking for a new husband. Not to worry, this area is perfect. Perfect lot perfect house. Just a few items to check out. We will be moving in next weekend I can hardly wait..YEAH!!!!

Keep in mind our house is very rustic, we very much like the outdoors and wildlife..

Josh let me pick everything inside the house, I think I did quite well.
This I still think is kind of a cool idea. I did a wood border down the hall with carpet in the middle

I couldn't help but share the beauty off our desk this night, it was rouring with colors

Pretty Bird, Pretty Bird

2008-08-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Pretty Bird, Pretty Bird, this is the line from dumb and dumber which is what I thought this bird was.

My parents are doing a little remodling on the outside of the house and this pheasant just happened to wonder into the yard the day the construction workers were ripping the house apart. It didn't seem to mind that the guys were walking all around it, that the radio was blasting out tunes, or that the air compresser was on and the nail gun going off. Nothing seemed to bother this pheasant.

Who knows where it came from, and it stuck around most of the day.

Enjoy the photo's, its just the simple things in life I guess.

Locked and Ready to go

2008-08-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

So today we locked our interest rates which means we have 20 total days to be funded and closed. We have to be completely done with the house in 15 days so it can be inspected. Can it be done? If anyone knows me it will. I am the most bossy person I know.

I went up to the house tonight to try and attemp more cleaning before they delivery the appliances tomorrow. I can't tell you the surprise I walked into. The countertops are simply amazing. Josh worked his little heiny off doing side work so we could get in trade granite countertops and let me tell you, it paid off. They are so beautiful. Next I turn my gaze to rest upon the fireplace that has been rocked. I can not wait to cuddle up next to this fire with my sweet "love" and my baby.

I feel like when I go up there I don't get anything done because I am just constantly looking around checking everything out. It will be so nice to be back on our own and getting our lives back on track.

I am fighting a cold that has been coming on all day today and I pray it doesn't get worse. There is so much that needs to be done up their (cleaning) before I will ever be ready for them to lay carpet. Keep your fingers crossed and hopefully it will all work out.
I hope I haven't been to crazy on this post. I took a big dose of vics nyquil before I started. So until later GoodNite!!!

Master Bath - the note on the counter top says "do not set tools or supplies on countertops or you will be responsablie for any scratches or damages (please everyone be careful)
I love the marble it turned out so good (thank you Cottonwood Marble)
Huntyr has a freaking swimming pool for a tub, but it was free so we couldn't pass it up
ahhhhhh, the raised bar in the kitchen, I love it!!! I also love the radious angle they did..Thank you Innovative Countertops!!!
Yes Yes Yes, thank you Goose Ridge builders

We choice to go with the rough edge for the countertops, looks amazing

House and Tempers

2008-08-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Its all starting to take shape. I can't tell you how badly I want to be in our house. Smithfield is just not my town anymore...Here's why:

Last night there was a knock on the door around 9:30pm. Josh answered the door to find 2 cops standing on the porch. Apparently one of the neighbors had complained about our dog barking. Said he had barked all day. I find that funny because I was home all day long except for the hour I went to church. Now if anyone knows our dog you will know that he is so mello and rarely barks unless he is provoked. He was barking a few minutes before they showed up because Josh and I were outside getting our clothes off the clothes line and the neighbors were outside screaming (I'll get to this part of the story in a minute) Of course he was barking we were outside and people were screaming across the canal.

The cop proceeded to take down Josh's information, birthdate. phone number. He asked if the dog was registered and of course he isn't. Why would we register the dog we are not a perminent resident of Smithfield and we will be leaving in a few weeks. The cop said he would let us off with a warning but then just kept saying that the dog was a nusiance and that he could be taken away. At this point I lost it, I am very hot tempered and boy did it come out and the cop got the brunt of it (oops) I told him that I couldn't believe that he was coming over to our house for the dog when there are drugs going on over at the houe next door (hence the kids screaming next door) That house has so many cars coming and going all day long and all night long, the kid doesn't have a job and all he does over there is smoke pot and mushrooms according to his dad (why they don't do anything about it is beyong me) In anycase my parents have to put up with that and now that we are there I don't want drugs being dealt next door. I have a baby and I don't want to worry about the drug lords across the street when we are outside playing.

Okay so back to the story. I got realy hot at the cop going over all this with him and he said hey I could go head and give you a citation right now and I just said "go ahead" probably shouldn't have said that but I was fuming. Josh kind of pushed me back in the house and the cop told me to go in the house he would just talk to my husband probably better anyway but man I was mad.

Anyway a lovely way to spend a Sunday night.

PS, they said they are aware of the situation across the way and are working on it but it takes time. I wondered how long it would take before something was done.

Little boys and Tractors

Idaho Update

2008-08-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

We are getting even closer to being done and able to move in. Just think my child will grow up being known as an Idaho Spud. Lots of stuff has been going on at the house, so if you are sick of hearing about it click the red X at the top right of your screen and close me out.

The paint is finished, flooring is in, (all but the carpet), cabinets will be installed today, and the marble for the bathrooms will be started on Friday.
Here are just a few of the pictures (in no particular order) I have taken thus far.
We are shooting to be done and hopefully starting to move in by the end of the month, if all goes smoothly (keep your fingers crossed)

Incase anyone couldn't tell our house will be very rustic.

Love the banister, the stain turned out so good
I told Brady I had to have a solid wood door, I have always loved the look of them, even though it cost an arm and a leg it was one thing this house had to have, I would scrimpt in another place to have the door
Oh even our other family member was in on the fun this day. This is Huntyr's chocolate Lab - Blaze
The tile turned out even better than I thought. I had ordered 20 x 20 tile for the entry way but they had delivered all 20 x 20 size it actually turned out really good
This is a border of hardwood I did in our hall way, the inside will be carpet. This should give it a sharper look.
Hardwood in the kitchen. I have always had lighter wood this time decided to go with the dark it has so many variances that is just fits the house.
On to the paint. This is Huntyr's room I painted 3 walls the softer tan and then the other wall Mt. Moss turned out so good. I also need a cute saying for his walls, something to do with hunting (any idea's)
This is out room, we went with a very deep brown. It looks so good and even makes the room look a little bigger, if that is possible

Clean Bill of Health

2008-08-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

I took Huntyr in today for his 2 year (well) baby check-up. I am happy to report he is happy and healthier (knock on wood) then ever. He weighs a whopping 34.8lbs and is measuring in at 3ft tall. If the tail is true what they say he will be 6ft tall when he is grown.

The doctor say's he is healthy, is weight and height are right in line with where he should be at.

Huntyr's doctor which also happens to be our family doctor is amazing, he is so nice, caring and so good with my family. He told me to get him into sports as soon as he is old enough so he can use that little body he was blessed with. He knows Josh and I very well and so as soon as he is ready we will sign him up for any sport he wants to play.

Dr. Firth also said I am taking very good care of him and that I am doing an excellent job, thank you thank you.

I'll have a big post coming soon about the house!!

Offically Tagged

2008-07-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

The RULES
1. The person who tagged you...Haylee
2. Post these rules.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them

Quirk Numero Uno

If Josh and I leave for a vacation or go out of town, I have to make sure the house is clean or I will not be able to go drives Josh up the wall. I always have a set night of the week that I like to clean the entire house, (also drives him crazy). I would rather not clean on the weekend and leave those days open for something fun.

Quirk Numero Dos

When I am alone in the car driving, you bet I am singing at the top of my lungs, pretending like I am Diana Ross or something. I love to sing along to my ipod while taking long bike rides. If anyone ever sees a crazy lady on the highway riding her bike singing out loud, don't look back just know its me.

Quirk Numero Tres

I can not stand to go to the movies, its not the movie part I hate. It's once I get into the movie theater and people are laughing and talking all the time, sends me through the roof. I can't stand to hear people talk during a movie. Thank goodness for the redbox I can watch new releases for 1.00 rather than the 6.50 charge (bonus)

Quirk Numero Quatro

You know the little bit of dust that accumulates on your stereo in your car that sits right on the window that shows the time or the station you are on. My husband likes to get in my car and wipe that off with his finger, I'm not sure why but that drives me nuts!! I get so mad, why I'm not quite sure.

Quirk Numero Cinco

At night right before I am ready to go to bed. I spend like an hour in the bathroom getting ready for bed. The funny thing is I'm not really even doing anything. Wash my face, brush my teeth, usually take my hair out of a pony tail, and you know use the bathroom. Other than that its it. It a habit that I always just hang out I think it just helps me to wind down. Strange I know.

Sorry Honey I can't help it!

Quirk Numero Seis (not sure on the spelling on six)

I hope all the mom's out there won't think I am totally crazy. I haven't and not sure I am ready just yet to let Huntyr play in places like the playlands at mcd's and the fun park, where there are so many kids, with snot noses and dirty other parts. I'm not saying that Huntyr is always the cleanest but those places I think are always a festation of serious germs. I get sick just thinking of these places.

There you have it my 6 crazy quirks, not sure if they are lame or just me, but you asked for it so you got it (thanks Haylee). I now tag, Mandy, Tara, Gentry, Jackie, Charee, Shelli

2008-07-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

I haven't shown very much of the house lately, but it is still coming along. At this point they are doing all the finish work inside the house and we should hopefully be able to start painting early next week. I am really excited about the paint I picked out some really cool colors that I think will go with the theme of the house. I can't wait to show everyone when that part gets done. Actually just can't wait for it to be done in general.

Happy Birthday Baby

2008-07-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe that my little baby has turned 2. He had the most specatular day (I'm sure if I was 2 this day rocked) It started out by heading to the store and picking him some ballons of his choice, no doubt he picked the ballons with the big fire truck on them. Then to the bakery to pick up the cupcakes I had ordered for his little party. I know 2 years old and he is having a party, but I'm the mom and I wanted to make it the best ever. We went to the park where his cousins came to play and have treats. Josh and I gave Huntyr a trike that is adjustable so it can grow with him the bigger he gets, it was a big hit. He also got bubbles, and a motorcyle toy, dump trucks, tractors and more. Everything he loves. Thanks everbody!

After the party at the park it was unfortuately nap time so we brought him up for a little rest. When he woke up his cousins showed up at the house and Grandma got the slip and slide out and he loved it. I think all the kids had fun. I am so glad he had such a good day and that his birthday was a success.

I can't believe we have had him for 2 years. I look at him often and wonder what we did before without him. I love him so much and I am blessed to have him call me mommy.

Enjoy the slides from the happy day!

Huntyr's First Hair Cut

2008-07-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

I heard some where that it's bad luck to cut your kids hair before they were 2, well I had to get it done one day prior to his 2nd birthday. I can't believe how good he was, he sat in the chair and let Mandy cut his hair, he was awesome. I saved some of the curls for my scrapbook. He is so dang cute and looks so grown up.

Thanks Mandy you did a fantastic job!

Before

Little Game

2008-07-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

I got this from Haylee's blog and it looks like fun!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.EVERYBODY PLAY! I want to see what memories are out there!

Shaving a little early

2008-07-13T21:11:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist taking these shots. We were getting ready for church today and in the middle of shaving Huntyr was over taken by the white stuff that covered his daddy's face. Next thing I know Josh is asking him if he wants to shave and he said yes, so Josh got him all lathered up.

I tell ya, I can't leave these boys alone for one second :)

PS, sorry about the garment shots!

"Best" week in Review

2008-07-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

4th of July

We had a lot of fun this day as well. All my family, well most of us went to Lava Hot Springs for a day in the sun. It was a lot of fun. We all brought our own treats to share and had a blast in the water. We finally got Huntyr to go down the little kiddy slides and then that was all he wanted to do.

Tyler and Tyson jumped off the 3rd story tower, you will see the picture of Tyler in a swan dive. Tyson and Brandy had fun on the slide and in the water, but most of all with each other, love you guys!! (Tyson is my little brother)

Tyler Andrea, BrylieAnn and Brooklyn I think enjoyed being there with family (Tyler is my brother, for those of you who don't know) The best was watching BrylieAnn and Huntyr play around in the little tent. It is so much fun to see little kids interact with each other. Huntyr is just 4 months younger than her, you would never know it from his size.

Kandi and Rogers where there with his 2 kids. I know they had a blast, we all left early and I think they stayed for another 4 hours.

On another note, after Tyler had jumped off the 3rd tower on the way home he was really having some pain in his ear. He ended up going to the emergency room when he got home. He had really done some damage to his ear. The doctors had to go in and clean things out and take some pieces out of his ear. I think from juimping that high into the water sometimes just puts to much pressure on the ears. I hope you are feeling better Tyler!

other than this little adventure, it was fun for everybody!

My little family, I love those boys!!
Tyson and Kandi
Huntyr found this little tube from one of our neighbors on the lawn
Brandy and Tyson, did he do good picking her, she is a doll!
Huntyr and the ball, the kid loves balls
Isn't this cute, BrylieAnn kept trying to hold his hand and I finally caught a shot.

Tyler and his cute cute family!
Ohhhh cute picture, both cheesers
Tyler and Tyson getting ready to jump
Tyler in his swan position

"Best" Week in Review Continued

2008-07-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

3rd of July
I'm with Hayley on this one, why does Logan celebrate on the 3rd. Anyway its always a big party at the in-laws. They live in North Logan close to USU so we always go to their house and have a big bbq and watch the fireworks. I think this time we counted close to 60 people had come. Its a lot of fun because not only is it Josh's family, cousins, aunts, uncles, but my family comes and joins in the party.
We always have a big water slide for the kids, sparklers and little glow in the dark bracelets which were a big hit this year. It was nice to have those I could keep a close eye on Huntyr in the dark.

All the guys, Josh, his cousins, my brother and some friends are all in the mix.
Huntyr is just getting to try a sparkler for the first time, he wasn't to sure about them. (notice the big slide in the back.
Trying to get it cleaned out and down before it got dark.
Trying again to see if he might like the sparklers
Andrea and Brooklyn (my sister-in-law and her baby)
Aunt Jolene and Jodi (Josh's aunt and Cousin) I love this family, they rock!
Kristy and her hubby (Kristy is Josh's cousin)
my mom and dad have all the kids around getting ready for the sparklers My mom helping out!
Brady, Daneille and Brooklyn hanging out posing for the camera.

"Best" Week in Review Continued again

2008-07-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Okay so let me first start with the house (I know, boring right!) Not for me, its getting to be so exciting. We are now working on the inside of the house. I can truly see an end in sight. Serious love goes out to my brother Brady for hurrying this little project along. For those of you who don't know Brady is our contractor and he is doing most (okay all) the work of making sure the contractors show up, setting up the inspections and just making sure it all goes smooth. Thank you Goose Ridge Builders, Brady Ward.

Now let me back up a little, back to Tuesday. Brady was working on another house and while he was working he was working with some kind of nail gun that shoots nails into concreate. The nails are the size of a .22 shell. You have to cock the gun back and then is shoots through the concreate. Well the gun miss fired and he shot the nail through his hand. Needless to say he broke most of the bones in his hand. It is in a temporay cast. They can't cast it because of the open wound and they are worried about infection.

Okay so Wednesday where was he, he was at my house framing up my fireplace. I seriously can't believe what a hard worker he is. My hat goes off to the man for working the next day after he broke his hand. I can't say thank you enough Brady, Thank you!

Here are a few of the pictures from the house. I just took these this week. The stucco on the house is done and they will start on the rock this week. Also this week they will insulate and sheetrock. So the inside stuff is starting, I can't believe how fast it is going.

Happy Holiday

2008-07-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to wish everbody a safe and happy 4th. I'm sure everybody will be busy with family and friends so enjoy.

Until the next post!

Back at the Barnyard

2008-06-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

Today happened to be one of my days I work from home. Huntyr woke up from his nap and I still had about 40 minutes left of the work day. I asked him if we could just turn on some cartoons until mommy got done working, he said "yeah" All of the sudden it got really quiet I scooted my chair out to peek at him in the other room and I saw him intently watching the animals on Back at the Barnyard.

After he saw the flash it was all over and he wanted to say "Cheese"

Update in the house of Crazy

2008-06-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone even read these???

It has been one heck of a crazy week. Last week I was completely consumed by preparing for a talk. That's right Josh and I had to speak in Church on Sunday. It completely took over my world. Josh worked all week long until way passed dark on the house (shame, shame).

He is busting his little butt to get this house done but its Wednesday night and I think he is 99% done with the plumbing after working for a week and 1/2 on it. This only means he will start on the electical and the heating the rest of the week.

The weekend was busy but good. We took a little trip to Riverdale Resort over the weekend, it was fun to get away and have a little fun. Josh was working on the house and arrived later to meet us. Funny Huntyr didn't want to even get in the water until "daddy" came oh and then he was all about swimming around.

I'll post pictures as soon as I get some more taken, promise.

Until later everyone be safe and enjoy the summer heat (boy doesn't that sound like a year book signing)

Father's Day

2008-06-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Father's Day 2008

It was Josh's day, we had a really nice time. Huntyr got him a wallet and I put together a really nice DVD of pictures of Huntyr and Josh together set to some of Josh's songs he likes, like Gary Allen (tough little boys), Rodney Atkins (Watching You) and Kenny Chesney (Young). It was a big hit, He loved it and I think Huntyr even loved it, he would watch the video and then say "daee" (daddy) and Huntyr, he refers to himself in 3rd person, I love it.

We went to Josh's dad for lunch and all the kids played in the sprinkler, Huntyr had never done that before, he was having the best time.

Getting a little braver and stepping a little closer to the water
He would get wet and then come running over to me saying "thad funny, water"

That diaper is getting a little more soggy from the water :)

More house I know

2008-06-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is my life right now so its the only thing I can post :)

I went up last night to check on the progress and the roof is on and will actually be sheeted today. My brother is doing an awesome job getting this done. Kudos to him and his team. It is such hard labor to build houses.

Walls are almost up in the house
Front View of the house
Couldn't resist the wrangler bum!!
My awesome view out the back of the house, this is looking out the kitchen window off the deck
Back of the garage

This is what they got done the day after framing (the first pictures) They are fast!!

Huntyr and Josh on the Deck
Back of the house, covered deck and patio - We didn't realize the patio was covered until last week. When Josh found out he was so excited (more room to store crap)

I DID IT!!!!!!!

2008-06-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Little Red Riding Hood 2008 (June 7)
I did it, after many months of trying to get ready, my first real biking tour was here. I rode 80 miles in one day in the Little Red Riding Hood bike tour. Its a women's only which helps raise money for breast cancer. In all 2,200 riders were there and believe me, there was a lot of women.

Here is a map of the 80 miles we took. We Started in Wellsville road through, Mendon, Cache Junction, Newton, Clarkston, Cornish, Lewiston (where they served us lunch), Trenton, Newton, Benson, Logan, Mendon and then ended back in Wellsville.

8:00 am the start of the ride, check out all those bikers
Like I said 2,200 riders, from all over the United States
This is Laura, her husband works with me at Thermo. We met for the first time here and rode together until Lewiston and from there she rode home to Preston
Little Red Riding hood her (him) self :)

They had a big lunch in Lewiston for the 80 mile course. My Mom, Huntyr and Josh met me there and ate lunch with me. The weather was a little cold & rainy through out the ride, so when I wasn't riding I was really cold. The sun happened to come out for a minute so I soaked up as much as I could wrapped in a blanket.

This is my sign tht Kandi and Rogers made for me. I rode past their house on my way back, Kandi was sitting out on her lawn waiting for me and when I came by she had it out just a waving it. It was nice to have so much support through out the race.
I MADE IT!!! At 5:30 I came riding in, this was the end. I was so emotional that when I finished and saw everyone there waiting for me, all I could do was just cry in excitment, I was so proud of myself for making it, there were times when I didn't think I could go any farther.
My best boys were waiting for me at the end, Josh and Huntyr were there along with my in-laws and sister in-law. Thanks to Josh and Huntyr for all there support for this ride. I couldn't have made it without you boys. I love you both very much!!!

Hogle Zoo

2008-06-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 31

We all (the ward family) headed to the zoo. I think Huntyr liked being outside all day, he is such an outside baby. He wasn't sure about the elephants and rhino's but other than that he loved it. We even bought him a cute little hat to bring home. It was such a nice day I worried about him getting sun burned so the little hat helped keep the sun off.

Standing in line to see the white alligator, Josh, Huntyr & Tyson all concentrating on seeing him,

He was let loose from his stroller and all he wanted to do was run

The train ride was the best, the entire ride, Huntyr was saying "choo choo", "choo choo"

WOW look how we have grown in only a week

2008-05-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

I love this little man in the dirt, so dang cute

Hi -

I'm a little slow with getting all these posted, but bare with me. We have done the footings, the plumbing, foundation, back fill, and Josh put in a garage drain.

Oh and I just love the ones of Huntyr playing in the dirt piles. He had so much fun. When I got him home and in the tub he had dirt everyone from his ears clear down to his bum :)

Sick Sick little Boy

2008-05-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

Life has been a little hectic lately. After 2 trips to the doctor we finally found out what was bugging our little man. He came down with Hand, Foot & Mouth. This is some type of virus you get from not washing your hands. I assume he got this from the daycare as I am very paranoid with washing at our house. These are just a few shots of when he was the worst. He has the worst sores in his mouth, he had a kanker the size of a nickel on his tongue and horrible bumps from the waste down in every crease of his body. Poor little thing. Josh and I didn't sleep for about 3 nights.

We got him on some medication and he is feeling much much better.

Oh Yes the Play List

2008-05-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone -

We finally set up our play list I hope you enjoy it. I got Josh excited for the blog when I told him he could add some music. If anyone knows Josh you will know he loves the 80's (80's butt rocker) and also the big hair bands.

Enjoy all his hits :) I know they have grown 0n me!

We have finally broke ground

2008-05-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hi -

We have finally broke ground on our lot and have dug the hole to start the process of building our home. I have posted a few pictures, the first few are of our land pre-digging.

The others are after we (the excavator) dug the hole. Stay tuned for more of these to come as we progress through the months.

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2008. We now live in Smithfield in my parents basement while we are building our home in Franklin (Idaho) Its a little strange to be back home and its been hard for Huntyr to adjust.

Huntyr has enjoyed his cousins being here to play with. He is always asking me where Bracky is (Brackin) I had to share a few pictures I took of the boys in the evening as Mother's Day was winding down.

Enjoy, until the next post.

Love the Nyman's

Brooklyns Blessing Day

2008-05-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

May 3rd

It was the best weekend day we have had in a long time. This was last Sunday at my brother Tyler's house. It was so nice just to sit out in the sun and enjoy ourselves and each others company. They had blessed Brooklyn earlier in the day and it was nice to be outside and let all the kids run around.

I love it after Huntyr runs around and gets hot, his hair seems to get a little more curly the hotter he gets, I love all those curls.

We haven't had a picture together all the kids for a long time so incase you don't know who we are, it goes

Tyler, Kandi, Brady, Kristina (me), Tyson

2008-05-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Blog. This is somewhat new, but I wanted to give it a try it looks like so much fun. Things in the Nyman house are definately crazy. We are in the process of selling our house and moving things out. Moving with a toddler can be somewhat of an adventure. We will be moving from our current home in with my parents until our house is finished being built.

Check back often for updates into the crazy life of the Nyman's and also any new pics of the family.