40....wow funny how that isn't old anymore

What a fun night, and a great way to celebrate Ian turning 40!














'Oh what a night'... 'A Professional D.J'- a friend of ours used to dj in Utah and pulled some strings and had an old associate put together a remix of a bunch of 80's music....'totally awesome!!' Oh and we found out that it isn't only the 'girls that just want to have fun...'
We danced ,sang, ate, laughed and ate some more....It was so fun to see all the different styles of the times (and how 'the banker' used to be a 'rock on') The valley girls were there by the dozens.... Wow am I glad I made it through the 80's without to many scares... (It does remind me not to rebuke my children to much for their 'creative dress' ...though I must admit they are ultra conservative) ....The scariest news is....THE 80's ARE COMING BACK..... yes you heard me right....Madonna gloves and Cindi shirts are in a store near you.....FAME I want to live forever..is even out in theaters...I guess this proves we are old when the cycle o your teenage years come back in style to haunt you ....big bangs hear I come xoxoxo
P>S I want to thank all those who were involved in the planning of this event...it will be spoken about for many years to come!

Our little girl turns 16

Can you believe it? Our little girl is 16.....I have a 16 year old ...I can remember being 16..
Ian, the boyz and I could not have asked for a better 16 year old.
She is thoughtful, loving,compassionate and has a strong testimony of who she is and her relationship with her Heavenly parents.
What do you do when your only daughter turns 16 on a Sunday? We had a little celebration for her at a friends home. It was wonderful to see so many people gather to celebrate Emma's special day. All day at church, sisters handed Emma a single flower with a card attatched saying something special (a real treasure for Em)
On the Saturday before our phone rang and a 'special young man' called to ask for a date.."I have been waiting 16 years to ask you ..." her dad took her out to the movies...He came to the door with a dozen daisies and a single pink rose....be your own kind of beautiful xoxoxo We love you Emma enjoy the next few years xoxoxothey will be fun ones!

The flourgirls

My girlfriend and I have started a new business!

Come visit us online www.theflourgirls.net
We are at the beginning stages, but are very excited. As parents, we understand how tough it can be to make school lunches everyday and we are here to help. Go picnic! offers delicious, homemade, earth-friendly lunches made fresh to order and delivered right to your childs homeroom. Our lunches cater to every child's needs and are guaranteed to please. Vegetarians, children with allergies and even fussy eaters will enjoy eating the lunch that was made just for them. School lunches have never been easier. We truly believe this is an inspired business. We are able to serve our community and still be at home with our families.... Wish us luck!


These are some pictures taken at our photo shoot...enjoy - we hope you can hear the laughter of this day xoxo

Emma's 'family' b-day party

Emma is turning 16 on Sunday.... We really can not believe it. Honestly, sometimes I still feel like I am going to wake up from a dream...how did those years fly by so quickly?
We could not have asked for a better daughter and friend, her heart is pure and she has no guile, she has brought joy and peace to our family, she is an awesome example of what we should be doing and how we should treat others .... Emma, always let your light so shine , and thank you for being such a big part of our lives xoxoxo

Family Reunion

The weather didn't always agree with us;

But fun times were had by all !

The Food was great, the games were entertaining,

everything from kickball (making homemade icecream)

to bouchey ball - it wasn't my idea to do pushups!

the children enjoyed the crafts - & so did some of the adults.

my favourite was sitting around the campfire listening to delightful chatter

and the sound of impromto song.

- Thank you to all who joined in the fun

sorry to all those who couldn't make this one.....maybe next time!

A 'boyz' Adventures in Zarahemla

Our son's have spent most of their summer in a secluded park area. It is located very close to our home, it is a wooded area with walking paths, streams and all the creepy crawly creatures a young boys heart could desire! They have claimed it their own and have "declared it be known from this day forth as Zarahemla!" These are pictures from one of their adventures 'finding the waters of Mormon' Hope you enjoy it as much as we did xoxoxo

Traditions

We have created many traditions over the last 18 years. One of my favourites being, our trek down to "The Hill". Every year at this time we pack up our van and head down to Palmyra N.Y, where it all began.....We love renting a cabin and cooking over the fire,like days gone by. We enjoy spending time with family and friends, swimming,searching for frogs,climbing the obstacle coarse, paddling in the paddle boats and quiet evenings roasting s'mores around the fire.
Though the true purpose of our trip is to watch North America's largest outdoor pageant/play. It is spectacular! We get to the 'Hill' about 3 hours before it begins to find the perfect spot for our family - mid way - Why you ask? We like leaving room ahead of us for first timers and room behind us for the excitement of the crowd.
We leave some blankets and sweaters on our chairs to reserve our seats then walk among the saints....I remember being a young child and walking in these same crowds and wishing I could freeze everyone....so I could go around to each individual and meet them. I love the feeling that comes when you see so many people that have your same beliefs and understanding of the plan!
The next morning, we quietly head off to the sacred grove. A reverent and peaceful walk through a wooded area. A place for reflection and council. One of my favourite places on Earth.