Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I need to send a shout out of thanks to my wonderful daughter Bailey. We have company coming this weekend and she has known that I have desperately needed to get the spare bedroom cleaned up, but have found no time. Yesterday, she cleaned the entire room. It looks wonderful! I had asked if she would pick up the things she had gotten out and she did the whole room. She will never know how much I appreciate this until she becomes a mother herself. Bailey thank you so much, I am so proud to be your mother! I love you!

A hunting we did go.....

So these pictures are out of order, late getting posted, but at last I've gotten my computer to cooperate. I've been trying to post these pictures every few days since Dec. 23 and my computer would not upload them. I think I've finally figured it out, so here they are and now maybe I can get some others posted sooner than these. We did have a great time and the proof is in the pictures!

Life is a whirlwind

First, to all those moms who seem to be able to do it all, I admire you. I don't see how you do it, but you are my hero. I feel like I can't keep up with my pretty basic life. Life has been a whirlwind since the week before Thanksgiving, and I don't know when it's going to let up. It started by me going with some friends from work to the midnight showing of Twilight and I don't think I've caught up since. It was a lot of fun and a great movie, but I've been spinning out of control ever since. Bailey and I worked at the Jubilee of Trees that weekend and also again on Monday with Bart. A couple of days to recoup and it was Thanksgiving. Thanks to Bart's sister Jolene for hosting, at least I didn't have to feel the pressure of that. Bart and I got up Friday at 4:30 am to participate in the madness of Black Friday, not because we enjoy it, but because we are on such a tight budget this year (like most people). We did get a few things bought and then I headed off to work a full day. On Saturday we made our annual trek to get our Christmas tree. We always have a great time and this year didn't disappoint. We didn't think we were going to have any snow, but boy were we surprised! I think there was more snow on the ground and trees than any other year. We found our tree quicker than normal and were able to make a snowman, including an extra beanie for his hat. Bailey named it Herman, so it could be a boy or girl. By the time Sunday of that week rolled around, Bailey wasn't feeling very well. She ended up staying home Monday and Tuesday from school. Wednesday we went to our nephew Kyle's allstar football game. Even though Bailey stayed home from that, she ended up missing school again on Thursday. Friday was the ward party and I was so relieved when it was finished. One more thing to cross off my list. Saturday morning Bart and I left to Salt Lake to attend my annual Christmas work party. We left Bailey at a friend's house, with plans to be home by 4 pm Sunday so Bart and Bailey could participate in the Stake choir program. The party was a success, but Bart started getting sick in the night. I let Bart sleep in until 10:45 am, but we had to leave the hotel by 11, so we loaded up and headed out. By the time we got to Orem, Bart was throwing up. Needless to say, it was a long ride home for him in the back seat of the Escape. We made it home by 4, but all those weeks of practicing with the choir didn't pay off for Bart, he was unable to participate. At this point, I wasn't feeling so well and Bailey went to choir with Grandpa while Bart and I stayed home. Bart and I stayed home from work on Monday and slept pretty much the whole day. Bart was back to work Tuesday, but I stayed home and slept for one more day. By Wednesday, I was doing much better, and we had basketball practice (Bart is coaching) and Bailey's band concert to attend. By the time Thursday rolled around, I was looking forward to Bailey going babysitting and Bart being gone for a prior commitment, so I could work on some much needed housework. My evening was spent decluttering the kitchen and dining room table. On Friday, Bailey went babysitting again, so Bart and I went and finished up the last of our Christmas shopping! Saturday we had tithing settlement, dance recital rehearsal, basketball game at 4 and dance recital at 5. Somewhere in this madness, I did manage to get my primary lesson planned, but I'm not exactly sure when. Have I mentioned that my Christmas tree still isn't decorated? It's supposed to happen sometime tonight, maybe after the primary meeting. If you have read through all this mess, then you will see why kudos go out to all those women who seem to get it all done much better than me! And if you're wondering why I haven't been blogging, now you know. I will post some pictures of the annual Christmas tree hunt, but it will have to be in the middle of next week, since a primary meeting and a Christmas tree decorating party are waiting for me! Ta ta for now!

Halloween

It's about time I get some pictures posted from Halloween. I don't have any good excuses, just that I haven't taken the time to upload them. We had our traditional pumpkin carving party, except this time we each did our own pumpkin (we usually only do one). We did it for family home evening and it was a lot of fun and laughter. Bailey went trick or treating with some friends from school. She had a sleepover the next weekend to celebrate her birthday. Bart and Bailey cleaned up the basement so they could have their party down there. Bart said that was the only way she could invite twelve teenage girls to sleepover. I think there ended up being about 10 of them. I ordered five pizzas from Costco thinking they would eat like the scouts do, but they only ate 1 1/2 pizzas. We had pizza out our ears for the next week. I think Bart was about sick of me saying that pizza was for dinner. This is kind of a rambling blog, so I'll close and let the pictures speak for themselves.

Mine, Bart's and Bailey's--Didn't they turn out good?

I forgot to mention, Bart worked hard to get the jacuzzi up and going. As you can see, the girls barely fit. I think they had a great time!

Congratulations!

I just wanted to jot a quick blog before I headed off to work this morning. Congratulations are in order for my mom. She is engaged to be married. I am so excited for her. She sounds so giddy and I truly want her to be happy. I haven't met Herb yet, but am looking forward to meeting him. Anyone who will treat my mom like a "queen" has my vote. They haven't set a date yet, but congrats go out to the happy couple. Love you mom!

Disneyland

I'm finally getting our Disneyland pictures posted from UEA weekend. My computer is having issues uploading pictures, so it has taken me awhile to get these updated. The way it's been working, you'll be lucky to see Halloween before Thanksgiving. Anyway, it has become a tradition to go to Disneyland every other year with Bart's sister Jolene and his brother Bryan and their families. It really is a lot of fun to be together, it's especially fun for Bailey, since she doesn't have siblings, to have someone other than mom and dad to hang with. My nephew Tanner asked his mom why we were at Disneyland and she told him that her and I had planned it for our families. He then came to me and said next time you and my mom plan a trip can we go to Legoland. I guess Disneyland isn't the happiest place on earth for everyone. I think Tanner still had a fun time. This is Bailey and I by the giant Mickey pumpkin. Don't you just love it? The other side has a different face on it. If you have never been to Disneyland in October, I highly recommend it. As usual, the decorations are outstanding.

Here's the three of us in California Adventures. It looks like I have something in my hair, but it's just the spout to Bart's camelback.On Thursday, it was Jolene's family and ours(Bryan hadn't arrived yet). This picture was taken before we went on Raging Rapids(I think that's what it's called) right before California Adventures closed for the day and the sun was going to be going down, so we put on these ponchos Jolene had brought so we wouldn't get caught in wet clothes. Bart took the picture, because he wasn't going to be caught wearing one of those ponchos(he actually didn't wear one).

Here's the same ride, next day with all the cousins, excluding Austin. We have Leighton, Bailey, Tanner, Brayden, Joshua, Jason and Kyle. I'm not sure how Austin got out of that one.
Bailey and her cousin Leighton, do they look frightened? This is the Maliboomer ride in California Adventures. It shoots you clear up(who knows how high) and drops you. I love rides like that. Bart and Bailey hate them, so I either have to go by myself or wait for times like this when my nephews Josh and Brayden will go with me. I haven't decided if that's a puke shield in front of you or a shield to catch hats and glasses. I prefer to think it's the latter, but who knows.
Here's a picture of all 14 of us at the end of Friday. I think by this point we are a bit worn down. We met up with Bart's friend Ben, who lives in Salt Lake, and he was able to take the picture for us. They took a picture of Ben with Bart and Bryan, but my camera battery had gone dead, so I haven't got a copy of that one yet. (Hint, hint, whoever has one on their camera, I would like a copy!)

We also went to the beach(just the three of us), but we only took video and I haven't advanced enough to be able to post stuff like that yet. When we got back to the car, Bailey wanted me to take a picture of her sandy feet. At least the pedicure still looks good. A girl's gotta have her toes done, right?

It's Official...

For those of you who may have heard the rumors, I've decided to let you know the truth. It's official, as of today I am the mother of a teenager. AAAHHHHHHH!!!!! I can't believe it. My baby girl turns 13 today. It seems like yesterday that she was born, yet it is hard to remember life before Bailey. It's amazing how your children become your life. I am so proud to be Bailey's mom. She is growing up to be a fine young lady. For those of you who might need a babysitter, I'm a little prejudice, but she is a fantastic babysitter. She loves children. I hope you have a wonderful day Bailey. I love you!

Vote your conscience

I don't really get involved in politics, but I do think it is my patriotic duty to vote. Bart and I went down to the mall on Saturday and early voted. Those who live in our same area, you can early vote at the mall today thru Thursday 11 am -7 pm. We did not have to wait at all and we just needed a government issued picture id. So my plug for the day is to get out and vote your conscience. Sometimes I don't feel like there is a candidate I can truly get behind, but you have to vote for the better of the evils (if that makes any sense). So do your duty and VOTE!

Hogle Zoo

Over conference weekend we went to Salt Lake to visit some friends, so Bart could do some electrical work at their house. While Ben and Bart worked away, the girls (and Gidian) did play. We went to the Hogle Zoo in the pouring rain. It actually was pretty fun, because it wasn't crowded and we were able to see all the animals.Of course, we had to take a picture in the peacock on the carousel. We took the picture and then Gidian and Bailey chose to ride on something else. The gorilla was right up against the glass smiling at us. We told Gidian to give him a kiss, and when he tried the gorilla puckered up just like he was kissing him back. It was hilarious. I wish I could have gotten a picture of it.

Gidian and Bailey in the rain by the elephant.
The real reason we had to go to Salt Lake for the weekend! We had to see the new baby Elspeth. This is the only picture I got of her with her dad, Ben. Isn't she a cutie? All the other times I was taking pictures she was asleep in the stroller, covered up to keep out of the rain.

Family Home Evening

Bart's whole family got together for family home evening this week. Morris and Mary Jo were in charge and we met at the park on the red hill. We ate sloppy joes, chips and salads and also yummy cake to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday. Everyone had a great time. Bart climbed the rocks with the kids and this is a picture of Leighton, Bailey, Bart and Tanner on top of the Sugar Loaf.

This is a picture of Bart's dad helping my nephew climb the rocks on the red hill. I just couldn't resist this picture, since Trevor is such a cutie and Grandpa is so good with him. I couldn't ask for better in-laws. We are so blessed to be able to live by Bart's whole family and just love the times when we can get together.

A NEW DO!

I scheduled an appointment for Bailey to get her hair trimmed Saturday with her cousin Amber who is just finishing hair school. About an hour before the appointment, Bailey told me she wanted to cut her hair short. I was hesitant, but it is her hair and not worth an argument. It turned out so cute. I love it! Bailey loves to have Amber cut her hair, she looks up to her so much. Amber and her sister Aubrey have always been such good examples for Bailey and her cousins. I just had to get this picture with Amber, so Bailey could always remember what a great cousin and friend she is. Also, just a coincidence, but Bailey was Amber's first haircut and her last haircut at hair school! Congratulations Amber on graduating from hair school! I know you will do great wherever you go.

Pine Valley

Our friends, Scott (who Bart works with) and Amy, invited us to go to Pine Valley to Amy's family cabin. I didn't take very many pictures, a few of the kids and Bart being a little crazy on the four wheeler. We went up last Friday night and came home Sunday morning before church. The four adults always stay up late playing a card game called hand and foot. It was my Grandma Vander Wall's favorite game of all time and it is becoming mine as well. We play guys against girls. The girls usually win, but not always. I'll save the guys some embarassment and not post the score from this one!!! We decided next time maybe we should play couples instead. We also went on (of course) a four wheeler ride and I spent the afternoon with the kids playing on the cricut (especially with Megan). I loved every minute of it. I'm so glad we have become such good friends with the Read family. We love getting together with them and always have a fabulous time! Thanks guys!

Bailey did Megan's hair, so we had to get a picture.
Bailey loves to do hair. Isn't Megan a cutie?

Ryan, Megan, Bailey and Wyatt just chilling after our ride.

Wyatt-tough guy on the four wheeler.

Megan wanted her picture taken just like Wyatt.

Ryan didn't want his picture taken, but we snuck one anyway.

Bart--just out having fun.

Labor Day Weekend!

So my good friend Ellen from work invited us to go camping at her in-law's property at Duck Creek. Even though we had lots of rain and a pretty massive hail storm, we had tons of fun. We played a lot of card games, which I absolutely love, and went on a couple of four wheeler rides. We went to Mammoth caves, which the kids thought was wonderful. Thanks Paddocks for a fabulous weekend! Hope we can do it again sometime!
Here's Bart and Bailey with the trailer Bart has

spent hours on building for our family.

He is always doing something for us.

Bailey hanging out with Mason and Ellen's kids,

Zack and Megan and their cousin Jolyn.

This is Bailey holding the horny toad that

Mason's brother Boyd caught.

Bailey preparing to drive the four wheeler.

Bailey jumping on the catapult tree.

Bailey swinging on the swing that Bart built for the kids.

He always has to have a project, even when we're camping.

Bailey took this picture of Bart and me after our ride.
We are filthy! I look like I am smiling crooked,
but it is actually just the dirt.

I took this picture of myself after our four wheeler
ride on Saturday. The trails were crowded and
extremely dusty. I don't think I have ever been so dirty in my life.

Starting Out!

Okay, I'm finally joining the world of blogging! After admitting to my neighbor's last week that I've been snooping on them by reading their blogs, I've decided that I should join the ranks. There is no promises of how often I will update, but I will do my best!