Raising The Barr...

PROM 2010

2010-04-25T20:43:00.001-07:00

Whatever!

Say Cheese!

Princess Jade!

Look at their fists...a little too close for friends!

Jr. Prom...oh, I remember mine well and it is strange that Jade attended her's last night.

Her date was a friend of two years, Cameron. Cam asked Jade after his "girlfriend" said she couldn't go. Well, that became a little bit of drama at the dance when Cameron spotted his girlfriend across the dance floor with another date!( umm...did she really think he wouldn't know? I guess when you are 16 years old you don't think things ALL the way through) Jade was a good sport as Cameron left her with a group of his friends to question and solve his personal problem. Jade felt it worked out well because one of Cameron's friends, Jace, asked her to dance after he was ditched by his date and she is now thinking Jace is pretty cute!

This brought back a flood of memories...I too was ditched by my date at Jr. prom. My date had gone out with pretty much every girl in our high school so when he went missing I was not totally surprised. Life went on, I found some friends and went on to enjoy my prom. I loved my dress that year!

Being ditched is not such a bad thing. In the end you learn that you have to adapt to your situation and move forward...Life gives you many opprotunities to learn to move on , move forward and make the best of it. I am glad Jade is learning this valuable lesson now.

Jade you are a doll and I love that when I asked you how the dance was you said
"It was soooo FUN!". Your first response was so positive before the details of the night came. Way to look at things. Jade made Cam brownies today and wrote him a thank you note, holding no grudge and continuing to be friends with him.

Snow Canyon

2010-04-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

During spring break we had a chance to get away to southern Utah. We hiked in Snow Canyon and enjoyed the warm weather. All of the kids were quite adventurous in their climbing...even Tatum insisted on big climbs. We let him go ( keeping very close by) and he kept up with everyone. We hiked a round trip of over six miles and not a complaint out anyone.
Thanks to the generosity of our friends we stayed in a large three bedroom condo while away. Wow! that beats a hotel room. It was so nice to have a kitchen to prepare some of our meals and lots of room to sit and visit. My parents had planned to join us for the weekend but sadly had to change plans when grandpa was admitted to the hospital diagnosed with colon cancer.

Five For Fighting Concert

2010-04-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yeah...so I was a bit star struck! DeLane said I did not play it "cool" as I put my arms around John Ondrasik and smiled for this picture. Yes...it is a blurry picture but it's MINE. Mark had the camera on the wrong setting and as you know...there is not time for a full photo shoot when meeting famous people.

Our whole family fully enjoyed this concert at Tuacahn. John Ondrasik is an amazing song writer, vocalist, pianist - TRUE MUSICIAN
Tatum fell asleep 1/2 way through...not because it was boring, only because it was an hour past bedtime.Up until he fell asleep he was enjoying the music with the rest of us.

Jade, Chase and DeLane got their

"Five For Fighting" hoodies signed by the entire band. Our kids hooked us up to meet John and the band...at the end of the concert John commented on how many kids were in the audience. He said " After the concert I would love to meet all the kids who have the coolest parents for bringing them to the concert tonight." ( or something like that ). Fun memories...good times. I am glad our kids enjoyed going with us.

HAPPY

2010-02-18T15:45:00.001-08:00

Turning 38 is not too bad when a fun card like this one arrives in the mail. This came from my friend Jami. We attended Loma Linda U together from 1994 -1996 . Last Year Jami, Becky and I had a little reunion in California. Becky and I flew out of SLC together landing in Ontario where our convertible awaited us. We stayed three days at Jami's house and attended the LLU dental hygiene convention/luncheon together. It was a fun reunion. I am looking forward to 50 years from now. If this card holds true we will be pretty hot hygienists. I claim the lepard print dress. I love my friends!

Joy to Everyone

2010-01-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Joy to Everyone

Click on this hear amazing lyrics and video. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T21:47:00.000-08:00

Today I...

2009-12-23T20:06:00.000-08:00

Has anyone ever asked you "What did you do today?"
Maybe an unassuming husband as he arrives home from a busy day at work. Some days it may look like I have NOT done much...BUT most days I do more than I can recall! Like everyone...my days are jam packed and at the end of the day I still have many items not checked off my list. As I fall into bed those undone items become the top tomorrow's list.

Just for fun...TODAY I woke up at 6am and went to the gym. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill and did 30 min. of resistance training. The holiday treats this season have caught up with me and I regret every bite I have taken.
I got home at 8am, showered and got the baby bathed and ready. Inbetween getting ready and bathing Tatum I am sure I hollered at the other children to hurry up, clean their rooms and brush their teeth!

I met my dear friend, Stacey and her three children at McD at 11am for lunch and our Christmas party. McD works well because the little ones can play in the germ infested playland and we can visit.

We ate lunch and exchanged gifts. By 12:30 we were ready to go to the mall.

On the way to the mall I quickly stopped at Seagull Book for one Christmas item I still needed.

Snow was falling and the roads were becoming very slick as we traveled to see Santa. We arrived at just the right time...no line for Santa. A line of about 15 quickly formed after our picture was taken...whew! lucky day!

Jade and DeLane were so excited as usual (ha ! ha! look at the thrilled expression on Jade's face) and this is the year Chase got the "news" about Santa. Tatum was so excited, held Santa's hand and asked him for "a boat truck trailer and that's all". We shopped a bit at the mall for last minute items and arrived home at 2:20pm

I baked and baked for what felt like 24 hours...making Pam's famous sugar cookies, drizzled with white chocolate and pearl candies. Tatum helped ( make a huge mess).

I made the easiest yummiest "turtle" candies. Place a rolo on pretzel, melt in 200 degree oven, smash a pecan or almond in the center. Everyone is pretty impressed with these tasty treats!

I finished baking treats for all my neighbors around 5:30pm and quickly bundled up in my warmest winter clothes to sit on a trailer in the freezing cold and sing Christmas Carols with the youth.

Sitting by Jade and my friend Cyndi was the best part of caroling. I finished caroling by 7:30pm took Jade and DeLane home and left for MORE shopping. I went to Kmart and Tai Pan. Home by 9:00pm...my feet hurt and I think they might be swelling. I sat down to put this post together, tucked everyone into bed, picked up toys in the hall as I walked to my room and jumped in bed at 10:30...I am sure I was asleep by 10:35! and that is what I did TODAY!

The BIG "10"

2009-12-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

Birthday celebrations began with breakfast. Chase's favorite...pancakes.strawberries.whip cream & OJ.

Chase celebrated this birthday at Fat Cats with his buddies Gant and Taggart. In this picture he won 100 tickets on the arcade game.

Dinner at The Pizza Factory...those bread sticks are so Yummy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!

CHASE WAS BORN ON A COLD WINTER MORNING IN BILLINGS MONTANA.

IT WAS THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER , DECEMBER 21, 1999.

He was not due until January 16, 2000 but arrived early via c-section after complications in my pregnancy. It was the anticipated year of Y2K (every one remembers the frenzy) and I was hoping I would not be in the hospital as 1999 transitioned to 2000. I was lucky to be released from the hospital on Christmas Eve but stressed that I did not have any gifts for Christmas for my new baby boy! Mark did buy a tree ornament in the hospital gift shop marking Chase's first Christmas and my mom made him a darling blue stocking that we put him in and made his birth announcements with the picture.. My Parents came to Montana for Chase's arrival and to help with Jade and DeLane. I can remember how desperately they wanted me to be "doing well" so they could arrive home before the unknown events of Y2K. Laughing looking back...we all survived the transition.

This is video of Chase and his buddy anticipating the frightening flight simulator.

Temple Square

2009-12-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

We surprised the kids with a door bell ring and this note on our front door Saturday morning:

HO! HO! HO!

On an adventure you will go

Tonight around six, so don't be slow

Freezing cold it will be

Wearing a coat will be key

Bring gloves, scarfs and hats too

A family adventure (smile please) don't be blue

Be happy today so we can play

And make a memory this Saturday.

After a few minutes of confusion, they figured out we would be going to Temple Square. Just before six we bundled up and headed to the real surprise...a train trip to Salt Lake. There was a lot of loud excitement when we pulled into the station. We took Front Runner to Salt Lake and then got on TRAX which landed us at Temple Square. After a beautiful tour of the grounds we had a yummy dinner and hot chocolate and then headed home. Tatum was so well behaved... mesmerized by the train experience.

BEST DAY!

2009-12-10T20:48:00.001-08:00

Dear Steve,

Mark and I would like to thank you for taking such an interest in Chase. He is a curious nine year old with a passion for planes and your invitation to tour this jet that you pilot was a dream come true for him.

He is so impressed that you are the pilot of such a lavish aircraft. He went on and on about the beautiful interior.Chase was most impressed with the foot rest in the restroom and the possibility of putting ones feet up while going to the bathroom. (the things a nine year old thinks of).

Chase's biggest thrill was when you allowed him to start the engine. This was such a rush!
Chase has concluded that you have the BEST job in the world. You have inspired him to explore the possibility of becoming a pilot himself. Thank you for sharing with Chase and for being an awesome role model.This day will always be remembered as the BEST DAY!

Sincerely, Mark and Dannette

A Month of Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

A MONTH of THANKSGIVING

2009-11-15T19:43:00.001-08:00

MY DAD...SUPERMAN!

Today is my dad's 61st birthday. Happy Birthday Dad!

A childhood memory of my dad is his collection of Superman things...and over the years I have bought anything I find that has superman on it. I usually wrap it and give it to him for Father's day, his birthday or Christmas. My kids are good at eyeing interesting or unique Superman items also.In this picture he is wearing a Superman hat I gave him. He really is a SUPER MAN! Love you Dad.

I found a card I liked for my dad's birthday about Dads and and Daughters.

First guy to ever love me.

First to sweep me off my feet or plant those scratchy whisker kisses on my cheek.

First man to take me seriously.

First pal I ever had.

First guy I ever gave my heart to.

Today, I am thankful for a good father.

A MONTH of THANKSGIVING

2009-11-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Babies are such a nice way to start people

* Don Herold

Today, I am thankful for

sweet memories of baby Chase.

A MONTH of THANKSGIVING

2009-11-10T21:38:00.001-08:00

There are two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as if everything is. - Albert Einstein

Today, I am thankful for baby Tatum.

A MONTH of THANKSGIVING

2009-11-06T12:21:00.001-08:00

MOM & DAD

My parents are awesome! I appreciate them more and more as time passes. They have been married for almost 43 years. I feel blessed to have been raised in a loving home with both a mother and father. I was raised with a strong sense of right & wrong and strong religious values. I am so thankful for this.

Today, I am thankful for good parents.

A MONTH of THANKSGIVING

2009-11-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

Chase.Carson

Olivia.DeLane

Alec.Jade ( Jade loves boys! she just can't help but giggle)

These pictures were taken in the summer of 2007.

Wow! All of the kids have grown so much.

This is our friends Ray & Sheridan and their four children. We met them in 1998 ( I think, I will have to confirm that with Sheridan) while living in Billings, Montana. ( by the way was my very favorite place to live )! Anyway...we think they are just awesome. We moved to California in Dec. of 2000 and they moved shortly after that to Oregon. We have kept in touch over the years and met up in Park City a few years ago when these pictures were taken. Sheridan was so helpful with connecting me to the right people in Utah for Tatum's adoption. They adopted Addie just months after Tatum was born. Secretly, I want Addie and Tatum to marry...in 20 years!

I love friends that you may not see often but you can pick up the phone and have a laugh with. Friends you have fun memories with. Friends that ask you how you are doing. Friends who care about your family. Friends that are friends for life.

I love old friends...I treasure old friends...Today, I am thankful for old friends!

Mark.Tatum.Ray.Addie

Dannette.Tatum.Sheridan.Addie

A MONTH of THANKSGIVING

2009-11-04T21:00:00.001-08:00

MUSIC IS MAGICAL...it has the ability to lift me, make me dance and make me want to sing.

We enjoy all kinds of music in our home. Jon Schmidt is our favorite pianist and we enjoy his Christmas concert each year. We loved WICKED and the sound track is playing regularly. PHANTOM is a favorite of Mark, Jade and I. Mark loves Barber Shop quartets. We listen to choirs, bands, orchestras...you name it we truly do love it! Mark and I will always favor the 80's...those were our high school years!

Tonight DeLane had an orchestra concert. I love the violin. She is improving and beginning to enjoy playing more and more. My children love music as much as I do and each of them are taking lessons to develop their talents. Jade is taking voice, Chase piano, DeLane violin and Tatum has figured out that a hammer against my furniture makes noise. Our kids especially love a night of Karaoke...when Mark and I unveil our hidden talents!

Music is fun and you don't have to be super talented to enjoy it!

Today, I am thankful for music.

A MONTH of THANKSGIVING

2009-11-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

Edith Wells Snow...this is my grandma. She is funny. She asks personal questions. She says what she is thinking. She is always happy when I call. She wears hats. She wears wigs. She loves sparkles. She collects dolls. She collects many different random things. She shares her random collectables with my children. They like her collections. She drinks Dr. Pepper. She wears red nail polish. She loves Big Lots. She worked at Knott's Berry Farm. She beat breast cancer. She is from Waco, Texas. She lives in Hemet, California. She is the baby of her family. She likes to be taken care of. She likes fires in her fireplace. She keeps her house warm. She has a favorite chair. She gave me heart earings when I was a child. He kisses me when she sees me.

I like my grandma.

I love my grandma.

Today, I am thankful for my grandma.

A MONTH of THANKSGIVING

2009-11-02T21:19:00.001-08:00

What is never done, but has to be done?

At my house there are 12 -14 loads of laundry done every week. So much laundry means that we are blessed with many clothes. Our family is blessed with choices ( maybe too many ) and we can express our style and personality through our clothing.

I spend a lot of time in this room. I like this room. I am thankful to have a fun place to do a job that I do not like. I have not always had such a room. In our first home, my laundry area was in a makeshift detached garage and there was only cold water to wash with. The wash water drained out into the yard somewhere...maybe in the neighbors yard. I think the water was actually hooked up to the neighbors meter. In our second house, my laundry was in an unfinished basement. It was an improvement, but very cold down there in the winter. I did have hot water and it was indoors. In our third home, I had a laundry closet. It was in the back entry behind bifold doors. This was an even greater improvement. It was on the main level, indoors and I had hot water.

In this house the laundry room is the best I have ever had. I love it.

Today, I am thankful for laundry and my laundry room.

A MONTH of THANKSGIVING

2009-11-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

Alma 34:38

"...live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and

blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

My Personal Challenge:
Each day of this month until Thanksgiving I will strive to blog the

great blessings of my life and give sincere thanks.

It is the people in my life that are my greatest blessings.

(I have a few things that I like and consider blessings too),

but tonight I will start with this man...Love him, with a capital L!

Mark continues to be my rock! He supports me in every effort I make. He is the best friend and father. I appreciate his daily willingness to work hard for our family and provide me the opprotunity to be home with our children. He never complains. He is simply happy with dinner, clean clothes and an occasional back rub. His simplicity is an amazing quality. He is a great example to me.

Today, I am thankful for Mark.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2009-10-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

Curious George was not so curious this year. Tatum fell asleep around 6pm while I was driving Jade to a friend's party. He stayed asleep while we served 110 scones and 125 cups of hot chocolate to our neighborhood trick -or - treaters. No trick -or- treating for Tate this year. Chase enjoyed a little freedom trick -or- treating around the neighborhhood with his buddy Gant. DeLane had no desire for candy but did have fun putting together her costume and hanging out with the adults serving up treats. Jade went to an all girl costume party at her friend Abby's. Everyone went a different direction for a few hours. By 10:30pm we were all gathered back together sorting and swaping candy. Now it's time for teeth to be brushed, family prayer and bed! We get an extra hour tonight and that means so much to me right now.

This Halloween we have KITTY, WITCHY POOH, OZZY & GEORGE.

SURPRISE, mom...SURPRISE

2009-10-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

Just as I begin to get a handle on the messes in my house...Tatum gives me a SURPRISE. This is my dishwasher soap compartment filled with powdered hot chocolate and white sugar. I hope this is something he will grow out of because it really wears me out, trys my patience and I think my hair is turning gray from it.

Man School...Hand tools before Power tools.

2009-10-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

When the boys went to Lowes to buy the tree house materials this class was going on. Tatum was the one to notice first and ran right over to sign himself up.

Wow! that hammer is really swinging...good thing he has his safety glasses on and his form looks perfect for driving a nail.

Tatum was very proud of his Halloween box. Chase had fun but really wants to use power tools.

BOYZ ONLY

2009-10-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

OVER BREAKFAST LAST WEEK CHASE DISCUSSED THE POSSIBILITY OF BUILDING A TREE HOUSE IN OUR YARD. OK...SOMETHING TO CONSIDER. CHASE WAS CONSIDERATE TO RECOMMEND THAT IT BE BUILT ON THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE WHERE I WON'T SEE IT.

CHASE PROCEEDED TO EXPLAIN TO MARK THAT HE WANTS TO BUILD IT HIMSELF AND WANTED TO USE MAN TOOLS! MAN TOOLS...I BURST OUT LAUGHING. SERIOUSLY, CHASE EXPLAINED THAT ALL THE HOUSE CLEANING HE IS DOING IS NOT PREPARING HIM TO BE A MAN. I TOLD HIM IT IS PREPARING HIM TO BE A MAN HIS WIFE WILL APPRECIATE.

He looked at me funny...he'll get it in about 15 years!

He wants to use power tools...nail guns, skill saws and electric drills. Mark explained that he would need to help with the project if power tools were involved. The next morning Mark and Chase sketched a picture of the "tree house" and made a materials list.

Saturday morning the work began...digging, back filling, cutting, hammering. It was a good day for Chase and Tatum. They are lucky to have such a good dad...the best dad!

Sing your own Song!

2009-10-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Jade is singing in a womens choir in high

school this year. She is enjoying this class and developing a love for singing. She has also been taking private voice lessons this year and is planning to perform in Young Womens before the end of the year. Mark and I are loving Jade's performances and are so pleased she is develpoing her talants. More than anything watching our timid, anxious Jade build self confidence and a strong sense of self is rewarding.

GENERAL CONFERENCE

2009-10-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY MORNING SESSION

...Pajamas

Blankets...

...Crayons...Scissors...Attention Activities...

...Cinnamon Rolls...Orange Juice...

...Family Time...

...MOST IMPORTANTLY...

Listening and Learning from the Prophet and leaders of the church. My favorite phrase from conference this session is " Get a Grip"...Sister Ann Dibb.

HOMECOMING Sept.19, 2009

2009-09-21T21:32:00.001-07:00

JADE & DUNCAN

Homecoming in St. George. This is a long story...but the short version is that Jade met Duncan 5 weeks ago when she went on her "road trip" with her two other cousins (previous post). We welcomed the idea of her dating this nice young man since he lives 5 hours away and figured they wouldn't see much of each other. We could not have been more wrong. This is their fourth date in 5 weeks...like I said it is a long story.

Anyway...Jade and Duncan had a great time. Jade is all smiles and Duncan is a bit nervous (Jade laughs and smiles when she's nervous). She looked so lovely in her gown and Duncan so handsome in his tux. Fun times, good memories, positive dating experiences...
the life of a teenager.

... JUST JADE

2009-08-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

Just over 17 years ago

( July 24, 1992) a new rhythm began to play in our home. For many years we have called it "Jade Time". Her pattern is much different than Mark's and far different from mine.

It's JUST JADE and her drum beats to her own time. She makes her own music. She is unique and like no other. Over time, I have learned many things from Jade. Patience is still something I am working toward while I let her sing her own song. From Jade I have learned to enjoy the differences among people and appreciate that we are all different and recognize that these differences are for a reason. Loves to you Jade. You are a beautiful young lady. I am proud of the good choices you are making and the example of goodness that you are. Be proud of who you are and keep singing your own song!

Test Flight

2009-08-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

I am figuring out that it is difficult to have children grow up. Eventually we all hope that our children will leave the "nest" and create productive lives of their own. Before that time I guess "test flights" are necessary for them to have opprotunities to practice all the things they have been taught.

Today Jade left on her first "test flight". She went on a road trip with JaNae and Breanne. They are heading to St. George until Sunday for Kaylee's 16th birthday dance bash!

Three 17 year olds (all alone)...4 hour drive(JaNae is driving her mom's Navigator)...four days...FLY,FLY,FLY!

UNFORGETTABLE

2009-08-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

Twelve years ago, July 9 1997, we welcomed DeLane into our family. She pronounced her enthusiasm by screaming at the TOP of her lungs for 2 1/2 hours after her arrival. From the very beginning we knew she would be UNFORGETTABLE.DeLane is a delight. She is always singing

(I mean always...sometimes we need to quiet her), dancing and jumping! She is full of life and fun to be with. She has grown to be a strong young lady and we are proud of the good decisions she is making. We love you and hope this twelfth year is as exciting as you are!

Good News!

2009-07-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

Below are the minutes from the Utah Denal and Dental Hygienst Board meeting. I made an appeal to the dental hygiene licensing process in Utah. After submitting many noterized documents and preparing a comparision report...I was granted licensure to practice dental hygiene and administer local anesthetic...THERE MAY BE A FEW BRIGHTER SMILES IN UTAH THIS YEAR!

APPLICATIONS:
Lisa D. Barr, Examination Comparison Review

Ms. Bateman reviewed Ms. Barr’s comparison of the
WREB examination and the California examination
and determined the California examination was
equivalent to the WREB in 1996.

Ms. Policelli reviewed the comparison and concurred
with Ms. Bateman.

The Board recommended Ms. Barr be granted a
Dental Hygienist license in the State of Utah.

Sixth Grade Graduation

2009-07-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

DeLane is our families newest graduate! She is leaving her elementary years behind and beginning Jr. High. She is looking forward to the new adventure. We are proud of her accomplishments thus far.

At the graduation ceremony she was awarded with the
President's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
Congratulations DeLane...way to be!

SHOES

2009-07-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Just a peek at our new pictures...MUCH MORE TO COME

2009-06-19T08:51:00.001-07:00

MELTING MY HEART

2009-06-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Garden

2009-05-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

A gift from my family for Mother's Day was this garden. It will be forever called my Mother's Day Garden. The family worked all week to prepare this area, put in a drip system and plant three fruit trees, a variety of vegetables and strawberries. It's not a big garden but good for us and we can expand a little each year provided this is successful. Strawberries must be a no brainer because I checked the plants today and have so many strawberries popping out!
It was a little exciting! So we'll post another picture when the squash take over and consume this whole area.

God could not be everywhere so he gave us mothers - Jewish Proverb

To my mom...thank you will never be enough. I love you!

5 Year Anniversary

2009-05-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

You may be surprised to know that we have lived in this house for 5 years...we moved in Memorial weekend 2004. Yay!...we have actually set a record....why haven't we moved? I guess we like it here ( for now!...you never know what next year could bring).

This year was most enjoyable getting the yard ready. We only had to put down fresh bark in the planters. Mark is the master of weed abatement and I can honestly say I may pick 5 weeds a week all summer long! There are benefits to having an established yard and living in a home more than three years.

We will add three fruit trees and a strawberry patch to the yard this year. I guess this means we do have intentions on staying here since the fruit trees will be a year or two before they produce.

Tonight is family night...we are going to learn about why we should plant a garden and go to the nursery to pick up our fruit trees. In the next few weeks we will plant our vegetables in the planters so we can enjoy garden foods this summer.

PANCAKES anyone??????????

2009-05-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

TATE'S PLACE...fresh pancakes daily

While I was gathering laundry last Monday morning...

Tatum made pancakes.

He cut the bag open, dumped some mix in a bowl and most of the mix on the floor, added water, pulled out the griddle and dumped the mix. The mess extended from the pantry to the back of the couch. I only left him alone for 5 minutes! How was such a mess possible. At the very moment I saw the powder and turned the corner to see his proud face I was blessed with patience. To my surprise I was not upset and I quickly grabbed the camera for a memory. He was proud and I had a big mess to clean up. Tatum willingly helped me clean up the mess and by the time we were done we were both covered in pancake powder. Later in the day Mark came home and spotted powder on the back of the couch...he asked

WHAT HAPPENED?
My response...Tatum make pancakes!

Our new joke all week has been...Give Tatum 5 minutes and he'll make pancakes for the whole family!

Easter

2009-05-03T15:52:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed the Easter season with a few new traditions. Instead of a traditional Easter egg hunt we did something a bit different. The Monday before Easter we taught our children the Book of Mormon account of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Savior. We attempted to create destruction (furniture chairs and toys) and darkness (blindfolded and waited until dark) in the land and instructed them to gather their families (plastic eggs filled with candy) and head to the temple in Bountiful (top of the kitchen table). Once all the Easter eggs had been gathered and they sat on the top of our kitchen table we then read from the scriptures about the Resurrected Savior appearing to the Nephites on the American Continent. This was an enjoyable activity and our children said it was the best Easter egg hunt they had ever had. It was fun to learn together and celebrate this wonderful season.

A second Easter tradition will be chocolate covered marshmallow eggs. Instead of dying hard boiled eggs we made marshmallow eggs!...from scratch! Theses were very fun and much sweeter than hard boiled eggs.

Easter would not be complete without a snap shot of the children before church. It is always a mad rush to be ready a few minutes before church to take these pictures in the yard. These are for you mom!

Girls Night Out!

2009-03-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

Jade, DeLane and I went to the David Archuleta concert with some friends from our neighborhood. Who knew that a night out with the Bishop's wife would be so WILD!

(by this I just mean good clean fun with thirteen teenage girls!)

DAVID ARCHULETA

2009-03-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

Friday March 27,2009

DAVID touched Jade's arm and autograph-ed it with a black sharpie. He also signed DeLane's cellphone.

Life for the fans will never be the same!

The wait outside for over 2 hours in midnight temperatures in the 40s proved to be well worth the wait. David was sweet and kind to the girls as he quickly autographed one item for each of the waiting fans.

2009-03-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday March 29,2009

Mark and I had our 18th wedding anniversary yesterday. Our plans were simple since it was Sunday. I had Chase take a picture of us before we left for church to document this day and since we aren't getting younger we may as well take a picture while we are still young...or at least feel young ( don't you always still feel young).
As I lay in bed last night trying to fall asleep I thought about all the changes that have occurred in our lives since March 29, 1991.
Just for fun...
We have owned 4 homes
We have moved 6 times
We have lived in 3 states
We have owned 18 vehicles...7 of which we still have
We have welcomed 4 children to our family
some where around here I fell asleep...
Although there have been many changes in the past 18 years the most important things have not changed...
continued mutual adoration for one another,
continual support and help through life's challenges and
constant commitment to the covenants and promises we made the day we married.
Looking forward to eternity...
Love you!

I've Been Crafting

2009-02-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do is decorate and redecorate my home. In the past I would spend many hours in this manner and neglect some of the basics like laundry, dishes ect... So I must find a balance between things that have to be done and things I want to do.

I bought all the supplies for this shelf and hanging name over a year ago! And yesterday finally did this project. I first had to get Mark to hang this year old shelf with 12 months of dust on it. He had gone skiing the Friday before and I guilted him into owing me a favor! ( this technique doesn't always work for me but I try it when I can and if it works...I score!)

back to my BALANCE soap box... my extra bedroom closet it full of desired projects and I also have a desire to clean this closet out , move Chase into this room, organize myself & the entire house. So I must begin crafting on a regular basis to meet both goals. I will enjoy doing projects that fulfill my creative desires and be extremely organized at the same time...ultimately a very balance and happy gal.
I will post my projects to show my progress.

Happy Birthday TWO you!

2009-01-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

Tatum is TWO! ( and just a little terrible ) HA!

While Tatum is undoubtably our most active, verbal, loud, messy, distructive two year old , we wouldn't change a thing! He brings a laugh to our home every day. We feel so blessed to have such a beautiful baby boy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATUM

BIRTHDAY PARTY

2009-01-29T21:21:00.001-08:00

Ski Utah!

2009-01-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

I realize that I have not posted any pictures from our Christmas celebrations...I promise to post them before Valentine's Day! The pictures are on Jade's camera ( my camera was broken by fighting children...Santa brought me a new one for Christmas)...I need to borrow her camera to upload the Christmas pictures. For now I'll post our New Year's celebrations. New Year's Day we went skiing... fun time...just one fall and only a few sore muscles today!

HO! HO! HO!

2008-12-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

We hit the mall this morning to visit Santa. We arrived just 5 minutes after opening to find a parking spot and avoid a long Santa line. The weather this morning was enough to keep anyone home for the day...it was a complete white out. BUT...Chase insisted on a visit with Santa. Santa had to know which night vision goggles he wanted. NOT the cheap ones... he wants the $78 ones at Walmart. Chase was shocked Santa knew exactly the ones he wanted. Tatum actually liked Santa and blew him a kiss. I thought that this might be the year we got a photo with a screaming child...maybe next year. Both Jade and DeLane were slightly bothered that I would make them take a picture with Santa. They asked how many years they have to to this and I told them until they don't live at home. Jade bought one gift while we were at the mall ( for a boy!) , we ate lunch and left before the crowds arrived.

Happy Birthday Chase

2008-12-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

C cares about others

H hugs his mom daily

A always saying thank you

S says his prayers

E enthusiastic about math and science

Merry Christmas to ME!

2008-12-16T20:56:00.000-08:00

Pictures are my favorite! I inherited this love from my mom. I can not ever remember a time that she has not had her camera snapping away and capturing moments in time. When ever I can...I ask for pictures for Christmas from Santa. Generally my wishes have come true every other year. Last year we had family pictures so I figured this year we would not, BUT my very best friend since childhood flew to Utah from Michigan and photographed our family in October. Last week one of my Christmas gifts arrived. I love this 24 x 36 canvas wrap of my children. Every mom loves pictures of her children. The color edits are fabulous...I love the coffee undertones and the colors are a perfect match to our home. I am a little excited to remove my Christmas decor and foof up my mantel with the photograph as my new focal point.

THANKS SANTA!

(click on the photo to enlarge)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

DECORATING DASH

2008-12-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

The entry picture is of the chandalier...so fun to decorate.

We all live busy lives and I am sure that mine is no busier than any other. As of December 10 I still had no decorations up for Christmas and it began to drive me nuts that I was putting everything ahead of one of my favorite hobbies...decorating. So, I put Tatum down for a nap, unhooked the phone, turned up my ipod and began. I gave myself three hours to complete a task that usually is enjoyed over a week. I put up what ever I could in three hours and the rest will look new to me next year. Only one tree instead of two...the upstairs only no downstairs decorations, 6 of my 10 totes emptied but I love it just the same.

My mom made these to die for stockings.

I can brag about how cute they are because

I didn't make them. My mom is amazing

in everyway. I gave her a picture out of

Ballard Design and she produced these adorable

stockings.

Simple Card Idea

2008-12-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

For my mom...here is a simple card idea. I printed the holiday greeting in a label program, on cardstock and then cut them. I attached with a scrapbooking brad. The greeting then swings away from the picture so the whole photo can be viewed. I wrote my personal message on the back of the picture. Very easy...quick and kind of cute.Good luck!

Have fun choosing a photo...they all are so good. I love them and am so glad you did it. Love you, D.

PINEWOOD DERBY

2008-11-18T21:08:00.001-08:00

Tonight was the Cubscout Pinewood Derby.

While Chase was not the Derby Champ this year, he did enjoy spending time with Mark making an awesome car!

Tatum is looking forward to his Derby Days. He screamed his high pitched shrill and caught the attention of all the Derby spectators. Those who know Tatum are well aware of this ear piercing shrill.

Halloween...must post before Thanksgiving

2008-11-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

My mom reminded me that I have missed posting a few events. So...just a few weeks late, here is Halloween. Jade as a midnight fairy, DeLane as Cindy Lou, Chase as a sketeton and Tater as a dragon. Fun night... Jade and DeLane are too old to trick or treat, Tatum is too young and Chase was just right.

While Chase ran wild through our neighborhood the rest of us cooked up fresh scones & honey butter and sweet hot chocolate for our visiting trick or treaters. We had a blast with our friends doing this. We are thinking of making it a tradition...I love traditions!

CHANGE

2008-11-16T12:48:00.001-08:00

“There is a tendency to think of change
as the enemy. Many of us are suspect
of change and will often fight and resist
it before we have even discovered what
the actual effects will be. When change
is thought through carefully, it can
produce the most rewarding and profound
experiences in life.”

(Marvin J. Ashton, Conference Report, Oct. 1979, p. 61)

FIRST DATE

2008-11-03T11:36:00.001-08:00

Jade went on her first date October 24, 2008. We must document this moment! We all know that Jade's list of potential dates runs up to about 25. She would jump at the chance to go on a date with any of them. The boys on her list can consider it a compliment to be in her top 25. Each name represents a young man that has the same standards & morals as Jade.

Mr. "K" came out of the blue. He had never been listed on Jade's top picks. She saw him the Wednesday before at a choir concert at her high school where he had a guitar and vocal solo. That was enough to put him #1 on her list that night. Her friend Abby is in a class with him and the next day at lunch Abby introduced Jade and Mr."K". He called that night and asked Jade out! She indicated that she needed to double date so Mr. "K" set Jade's friend Abby up with a friend of his. Jade also told him that her PARENTS needed to meet him before the date. His response... " I would be happy to meet your parents, do you want to bring them to my work tonight?" Mr. "K" works at a deli near our house. Friday finally came...Jade was so nervous & excited. Mark tried not to drill him too hard when we met...just a few questions.

1. Do you go to seminary?

2. What was your favorite talk from conference?

3. How much money do you have saved for your mission?

We didn't want to embarrass Jade so we only asked a few questions( Ha! he didn't really ask those questions) and no pictures.

Mr. "K" took Jade miniature golfing, Arby's and back to our house for hot chocolate & donuts by the fire in our back yard. Mark and tried to not spy...we heard lots of laughing and other sounds as Mr. "K" impersonated Scooby Doo! The date ended by 11:00pm...good time.

Love This One!

2008-10-31T07:21:00.000-07:00

Here is another great photograph! Click on the left link to Rachael's blog and see all the fun images of our family. Pictures are my favorite !

TOO CUTE...

2008-10-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

I MUST RESIST POSTING ANYMORE PHOTOGRAPHS OR I WILL SPOIL THE FUN OF MY CHRISTMAS CARDS.

SNEAK PEEK...OH I LOVE THESE!

2008-10-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

SCARECROW FESTIVAL

2008-10-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

As a family we went to a Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point on Friday night. There were many activities and all of the children found something they liked to do. The evening started out with Tatum screaming his head off through dinner and Mark and I looking at each other both thinking...Maybe this wasn't such a good idea! After an hour...things got better and he enjoyed the night.

THE YEAR WAS 1990

2008-10-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

Yes...I know we look like this picture was taken yesterday (lol) but the reality is that it was taken in 1990...calculation = 18 years ago.
I love, love, love this picture. It has been framed and on Mark's nightstand for 17 years.It was my Senior Prom ( Mark graduated two years earlier in '88).
My mom made my dress. I loved the black velvet and sweetheart neckline! Thanks mom...I was probably a bit difficult while you were making it! I think that I finally figured out that Modest is Hottest this year because I remember wanting something knee length and simple. Years earlier it wasn't such an easy decision for me.
Thanks also to my mom for taking so many great pictures while I was growing up!

It's not a mid-life crisis...he's just figuring out what he wants when he has one!

2008-10-03T19:37:00.001-07:00

I still have never taken a picture of Mark and his little black car... My mom snapped this picture on Labor Day. Dad you want another car?

2008-10-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

This is where Rachael Brinton is planning to take our family photos next weekend.
CAN'T WAIT!

I must move from the 80's to modern day...

2008-10-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

DeLane was invited by her friend Kayla Costley to go horseback riding at her grandfather's ranch. She had a blast. Thanks Kayla for the invite!

Memory Lane Anyone?

2008-09-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have been scanning/digitizing my photos from the 80's. These are cracking me up. I have sent most of the photos to those in the pictures. We have been having fun remembering when...

Home with Mom

2008-09-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

Tatum won't start school for umm...(let me count) 4 years! Wow! The year after Jade graduates from High School he will begin kindergarten! For now he is loving eating his Cocoa Krispies and being home with me ( who knows really if he loves it...but I sure do!)

BACK TO SCHOOL

2008-08-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

Jade is a sophmore at Syracuse High. After the first day she reports that there are a TON of cute boyz at this school!
DeLane is in 6th grade at Syracuse Elementary... big man on Campus.
Chase is in third grade... growing up too fast.

I'm going to The JONAS BROTHERS CONCERT & PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!!!

2008-07-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

For Jade's 16th birthday we thought a fun trip would be memorable and knew she would love to see her favorite band... Jonas Brothers. We flew from SLC to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We spent an afternoon at "Chocolte World" YUM! YUM! in Hershey, Penn. The Concert was that night in Hershey. Jade got all decked out in her Jo Bro clothing and off to a great concert ( Mark and I really did like it too!) The next morning we boarded a train to NYC and went to Phantom of the Opera. The trip was very enjoyable and thanks to Ron and Cammy for watching our other children we were able to do this with Jade. Happy Birthday Jade! We love you!

JONAS BROTHERS... U ROCK!

NewYork City... Here comes Jade!

2008-07-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

We took a train from Pennsylvania to New York City. Jade enjoyed Phantom of the Opera and shopping. We enjoyed our visit to the city and look forward to going back!

Icing on the birthday cake!

2008-07-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

For Jade... this picture is the icing on her birthday cake. After our trip was over we went to Ron and Cammy's to pick up our children and Kyler was there hanging out with Tanner. With Tanner's help( note the tiny piece of red shorts showing...that's Tanner leaning out of the picture) this picture was taken. Kyler was a good sport! As everyone knows Jade has a running list of cute boys. Kyler has always been at the top of her list. Besides being hansome he is a nice young man.

Happy Birthday Jade & DeLane

2008-07-23T10:52:00.001-07:00

My two beautiful daughters have birthdays in July. Jade is 4 years 50 weeks older than DeLane. This picture was taken on July 9, 1997 in Billings Montana on the day DeLane was born. Jade and DeLane are polar opposites ...down to the color of their hair. I love each of them individually and appreciate their complete uniqueness. Wishing both of you a Happy Day!

SOCK PROBLEM!!!!

2008-07-20T20:58:00.001-07:00

I have managed to collect two laundry baskets full of unmatched socks. It's a burden because it makes it look like a never have my laundry done with these full baskets in the dryer. Does anyone else have this problem? I came home from church today determined to remove my excess baggage...unmatched socks is at the top of my list.
I have problem solving skills... and came up with a brilliant solution.

SOLUTION?

2008-07-20T20:44:00.001-07:00

The last time all my socks were sorted was two years ago when my Mom and Grandma Mitchell came to Utah to care for my children while I was at girls camp. Since then I have struggled to find the matches. Where are they going? I asked my sister-in-law how she controls the situation and she reported to me that she doesn't have a problem with socks. Her house cleaner who come 2x's a week and does her laundry is keeping up on the socks. Is this a house keeping problem? I guess my house cleaner
(myself) is not keeping up. Now for $200 a week I may be able to find all my sock matches! Well this is how I solved the problem... Tatum played in the socks for 30 minutes while the kids and I tried to find as many matches as possible and then I did what just HAD to be done... I put the socks in a kitchen garbage sack( It was filled to the top) and I threw them in the garbage. That's what you do when the problem is too overwhelming to solve...JUST GET RID OF IT! And from now on I am going to do that once a month and just buy new socks as needed. It's actually cheaper than a $200 a week house keeper!

Working on it!

2008-07-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

I must go do my laundry...I did manage to cleanup my sidebar. I am not sure why the images are not the same size. I this moving process I deleted all my links to my favorite family blogs. HELP! I can't figure out how to put them back on. I may need to call Dave...my brother. Okay! basically I feel like I am just blogging along to myself. Some one please respond!

I'm Trying

2008-07-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well... as you can see below I have created two slideshows of our Lake Powell trip and have some random pictures in my sidebar. I am trying to set this blog up so it is ME... wow! this is time consuming. Mark is in bed right now wondering what I am doing still up and on the computer. I have some obsessive disorder I am sure because making my blog dang cute is all I can think about! I should be washing a load of laundry so Mark has something to wear to work. I better not forget to start that load before I head to bed. What for my updated blog. I think it will be cute when I am done.

Lake Powell - Fourth of July

2008-07-16T22:10:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Lake Powell - Fourth of July

2008-07-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

BLOG MESS? YES!!!!!!

2008-07-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yes... my blog is a mess right now. I am in the process of Customizing it to suit my taste and because of my complete lack of experience it may take awhile. Just from this last week I have so many pictures and posts I want to make. We went to Lake Powell, DeLane turned 11,Jade went to a Jericho Road concert and I am sure Tatum did something adorable to report. Watch for my updates. After Young Women's tonight I plan to work on it! Love all who look at our blog and keep updated on our crazy life.

2nd Grade program

2008-06-19T20:25:00.001-07:00

Tonight was Chase's end of the year program. He had a speaking part and did a wonderful job remembering his lines and speaking clearly ( the best speaker in 2nd grade). It's hard to believe he is moving on to 3rd grade...time is going so quickly. The program was very cute and well put together too! We all enjoyed it. Great job Chase.

IT'S GREEN for our TWEEN!

2008-06-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

DeLane's room has enjoyed a makeover this past month. Out with the red ...in with the green!

With her 11th birthday approaching I think she is officially a TWEEN! She is getting a little girly-girl on us too! She agreed to a few daisies in her room. We have had fun putting her room together.
CLICK ON the Pictures to see the cute details!

YELLOWSTONE

2008-06-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

I took this picture myself...thought it was beautiful!

YELLOWSTONE - Memorial Weekend

2008-06-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

Camp fires... marshmellows...

pancake breakfasts... hot chocolate...

Sulpher smell(aahhh!)...Old Faithful...

bike riding...swimming...

snuggling & kisses( from Tatum)...family fun!

YELLOWSTONE - Memorial Weekend

2008-06-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

We traveled up to YNP over memorial weekend, Friday - Monday.

I think we had a good time. Sometimes with three children fighting and a baby crying I'm not sure how good of a time we are having. We go anyway ... in hopes that someday we'll look back on the trip with fond memories and the children will too.

We saw sooooo many animals...it was unbelievable. We have never been up there this early in the year and it was cool weather so the animals were out and about.

WEEKEND FUN!!!

2008-04-07T13:57:00.001-07:00

2008-04-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

DeLane and Tatum
MAMA...
DELANE BUG!
Chase Dog!

CHASE DOG...again

2008-04-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

ROUGH'N IT!
MARK...
Jade... riding DUNE BUG

CONFERENCE WEEKEND

2008-04-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

We went four-wheeling/motorcycling this last weekend. We stayed in our fifthwheel out in the middle of nowhere. Actually, the location has a name DELLE. It is just west of Salt Lake.
We can get the local stations so we watched conference on Sat. and Sun.

Very enjoyable and fun. I now have a mountain of laundry to wash, dry and put away... I'm sure it will take me ALL week.

Life is GOOD!

Tatum's Room... new paint & shutters

2008-03-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

Things I Love...

2008-03-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Loving this...

I am so thrilled to have plantation shutters covering my windows . The arches were annoying and had no covering on them before.

I will no longer have the moonlight falling on my face as a try to fall asleep nor will I have the early morning sun blinding me. Yeah!

2008-03-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

Memories...
Baby Tatum born January 29, 2007

My Little Brother Dave set up this blog for us...so lets try it out. This was the first picture I uploaded. It is so fun to remember the day Tatum was born. He's such a joy!