Lasagna Anyone???

I don't think just a wipe will clean this big mess up!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Garrison playing his new Wii game

Our new Trampoline (safety net is not up yet)

After Santa came

Jammies opened up on Christmas Eve

Our family wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Let us all take some time to remember that without our Savior Jesus Christ, none of us would be here. I am grateful for Him and all that he did and continues to do for me and my family. I am grateful for Mary and Joseph and their undying faith. I am grateful for the great care they took in caring for the Prince of Peace.

I am thankful for my family. This year has not been an easy one for me or them and I know that without each of them, I would not have made it through. My children give me strength to go on and to realize that this beautiful life is truly a treasure.

I am thankful for my husband. He truly is my everything. Without him, I would be nothing. I am grateful for all of the sacrifices he has made for our family. I am grateful for his testimony of the gospel and his love for our Heavenly Father and Savior. Thank you Buddy for everything.

I am grateful for my friends. You know who you are. I am grateful for their love and guidance. I am grateful for their faith during tough times. I am grateful for their love for me no matter what. They do not judge me and love and respect me for who I am. Some who read this have been my friend since birth (literally) and others have been my friend for a few months but you all mean so much to me. Omaha, I love you!!!!!

I am grateful for my wonderful parents who have given me so much. The testimony of my parents has carried me through many difficult times. Even though my mom lives far away, and my dad is gone, I feel their love each and every day.

I am thankful for this wonderful day. I am thankful that it gives me the opportunity to sit and realize just how lucky I truly am. I have four beautiful children, an amazing husband, friends and family that all mean everything to me. I am thankful for the gospel. It is why I am who I am.

I am most importantly thankful for my Savior. I cant express enough how thankful I am for the Atonement. He paid the price for me and my sins and I find myself much less than worthy of that kind of love. However, He gives it to me none-the-less. I try every day to do as He would have me do. I can never repay Him for all of my blessings. Merry Christmas everyone. We love you.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today would have been my dads 69th birthday. This day is always rough especially since it is so close to Christmas. Christmas always makes me miss my dad as it was such an important holiday to him. My dad LOVED Christmas. It meant that he got to buy gifts for not only his family but many times other families as well. He loved to make others happy. He was such a generous man. He also loved to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. My dad had such a love for the Savior. He had an incredible testimony of the gospel. He loved The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints. He was proud to be a member of this great church.

My dad was such an amazing man. Of course he had his faults and knew very well how to embarrass me but what an incredible dad he was. He loved his family unconditionally. He treated my mom like a queen and expected her children to do the same. He always complemented me. It is funny how siblings can be to each other and he would hear some comments made and then later in the day would pull me aside and let me know how special I was. I cannot tell you how many of those instances I still remember and carry with me close to my heart.

When my father passed away, it was just me and my mom there with him waiting together for the paramedics. The last thing my dad ever said to me was "Don't cry Heather, everything is going to be okay." I knew at that moment that he was going to die that morning. Moments later he did. Once we found out that my dad had a terminal illness (8 days prior to his death) he was not afraid of dying. He knew the gospel was true and he knew that he had tried his hardest to live righteously. His concerns laid with his wife and family. He was worried about us being okay without him. That is the kind of man my father was. He never worried about himself. Always putting others in front of him. At times when you thought he would be so angry at you for something, those were the times that he was the most compassionate. At least with me. I cannot speak for my other siblings.

I miss my dad so very much. There is not a minute of a day that goes by that I do not think of him. I miss him so much. I just want him to be proud of me and know that I love him so very much. Thanks for being my dad. Thanks for loving me and giving me such a wonderful childhood. Thanks for loving our mom and showing us how to not only respect others but to be respected. I love you daddy poo!!!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!!!

It has been snowing all day today and the kids couldn't be more excited. Now when it snows here, it doesn't always stick like it does in Nebraska but sometimes we get lucky. By the end of the storm later this week we may actually have some decent accumulation. As of now we have a few inches. The kids came right home from school and started playing. After they played for a little bit, they came in and had some hot chocolate. It was so fun.

Happy Anniversary!!!!

Today, (Pretend this is being posted on December 13) is our 11 year anniversary. It has been such a wonderful day and an amazing 11 years. First off, I want to tell my husband Buddy just how much I love him. He truly is the love of my life. He is my soul mate. I am so blessed to have him in my life. He has stood by me through thick and thin and loves me no matter what. He has put up with quite a lot being married to me and I will be eternally grateful to him for loving me so very much. He truly is the most amazing husband ever. Thanks babe for being so wonderful. I love you with all that I am.

The day started off with a beautiful boquet of a dozen yellow roses. Then, he let me go have a few hours to myself. Then tonight, we got all dressed up and went to his work Christmas party. We have been to many work Christmas parties but this one was by far the most fun. We had a blast. The highlight of the evening however, was when Buddy participated in a singing contest. It was not really Karoke because there was no screen to read the words off of and it was with a live band on stage. So Buddy sang "Sweet Home Alabama" and did awesome. So many people were amazed that Buddy really did know how to sing and sang very well. Out of the 5 contestents, it was down to Buddy and one other guy. They had a sing off and Buddy was hillarious. He didn't really know the song but he got up there and shook his booty and just had a ball. Everyone loved it!!! A side to Buddy that most have never ever seen. He won a $1000 American Airlines gift card!!!! It was so much fun.

Now it is very late and we have Church VERY early so I am off to bed. What an amazing day!!!

Our Thanksgiving Trip

My, my sister Tiffany, my sister Linda, all holding my cute mama.

My niece Melissa

My sister in law Jen, her son Luke, and her daughter Camryn

My brother Richard, Buddy, my brother Darren and my nephew Ryan playing Rook.

My nephew Eric being so silly

Well, we left on November 22 and went as far as Flagstaff and spent the night with Buddy's parents. We woke up the next morning and went to Hurricane to spend some time with my family. All of my siblings except for one came so it was a lot of fun to see everyone. We left there on Wednesday and went back to Flagstaff to spend Thanksgiving with my husbands family. We had a lot of fun there as well including early morning shopping on Friday. I didn't take nearly enough pictures but here are some of what I did take.

Are You Going???

I have been waiting for today for a very long time. The movie Twilight comes out today. However, I cannot go and I am soooo sad about that. We are leaving around 5:00 today to go and see family for Thanksgiving. I am so happy to see my family but man...I really wanted to go on opening night. Oh well. To those of you going tonight, think of me. Have a great time.

The Reason We Are NOT Having Any More Children!!!

Need I say More????

PROUD TO BE A MORMON!!!!

It seems that every time I sit down on my couch to take a few minutes to just relax and watch some t.v. I hear only sadness and anger yelling at me from the screen. My sadness has deepened lately as the headlines are filled with stories regarding proposition 8 in California. I just want to say how much it has angered me that the gay and lesbian groups across the nation have put the blame on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for the passing of Proposition 8. As a member of this great church I will say, that had I lived in California, I would have absolutely voted yes on this. IN MY OPINION, marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman. As an American, I am entitled to that opinion. Those who feel otherwise are also entitled to their thoughts and views. However, when did it become okay to go to our sacred temples and spray paint things on our gates and walls. How is that okay? At no time did the LDS church provide any money to anyone or any organization in regards to this proposition. In our church meetings we are not told how to vote or whom to vote for. How dare these people vandalize our buildings. I love this church with all my heart. I have friends who are gay and/or lesbian. I do not judge them just as they do not judge me. There are countless groups out there (including hundreds of other religions) who are also against the legalization of gay marriages. Why is it that these groups are not being targeted?

Lets clear things up here. MORMONS ARE NOT POLYGAMYSTS. My husband only has one wife. Every single mormon on this planet only has one wife. If you are so caught up in your narrow minded ways that you cannot take 10 minutes to go to any member of this great church to get the facts before you plaster ridiculous sayings on your stupid signs then you are even more shallow than I thought. Our church does not go to your homes or any other place where you worship and vandalize your buildings. Stop already. If you think that such horrific acts are going to in any way bring anyone to see your side of the story, you are sadly mistaken.

I am very proud to be a member of this great church. I will tell anyone and everyone that I am a Mormon. I stand for what I do because I believe in it. If that offends you...then move to a country where you are not allowed to think or believe in anyway other than what you are told to think and/or believe. God bless America and God bless the sacred covenenant of marriage between a MAN AND A WOMAN!!!!

I Vote For......KIMBO!!!!

Happy Birthday sweet girl. Kimbo turns 6 today. Kimberly has been such a joy in our lives. For a long time, (2 years) it was just me and my Kimbo at home. She was my sidekick. She has always been such a big helper to me. If any of us are having a rough day, Kimbo is our gal. She can make anyone smile. She has such a fun and sweet spirit. She is the first to say I love you and the first to pick you up when you are down. She has a sincere love for her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She tries so hard to make us all proud of her. We are indeed very proud of her. She is a shining light to us all. Kimberly, I am so grateful that you are my precious daughter. I love you so very much. Thank you for brightening my life each and every day!

Happy Halloween!!!!

We had a very fun Halloween!! After school, the kids went next door for pumpkin carving.

(Ethan, Sophie, Rachel, and Kimbo)

Then we went back next door for pizza. Buddy and the kids then went trick or treating with their friends. Garrison wore a Lightning McQueen fire suit, Rachel was a black cat, Kimbo was a witch and Naddie was a poodle.

(Isn't she so cute??)

Thanks Becky and Eric for a very fun night. Thanks for being such good friends and welcoming our family so warmly. Omaha...we missed you so much. Everyone send pictures. We love you!!!
Happy Halloween Everyone!!!!

Burn Update

(My next door neighbor took this picture. He said he thinks I was in the ambulance at this time)

Well, I went to the doctor again today and the burn is healing beautifully. He said I have about a week left of pain but I should be feeling much better after that. I did take some pictures on Monday but those ones are VERY NASTY as the burn got much worse. So I will not post those. The doctor said I hopefully will have minimal scarring. I have to continue to clean and bandage it twice a day and that is NEVER fun. If I take my pain meds about 30 minutes prior to that, it helps but oh the pain of it all. I remain ever grateful that it didn't go 1 inch farther or I would still be in the hospital. I am convinced that was a blessing of protection from my Heavenly Father.

I will have to miss Kimbo's field trip to the Pumpkin Patch. That literally brings tears to my eyes. Kimbo has always gone to sitters while I took the older 2 kids on their field trips and now I cannot go on her first one. It will be okay though. She was very sweet about it. "Mommy, you can't go on my field trip. It would hurt your leg to walk around that much. You have to stay home and get some rest." I bawled. Sweet girl.

Pictures Of My Burn

I have had a couple of people ask to see pictures of my burn. If you have a weak stomach, this post is not for you. So if you don't want to see...look away NOW.

Ouch That's Hot!!!!

Oh what a day. Yesterday, I made myself some Cup O' Ramen. All was well until I went to sit down and oops!!!! The entire thing fell into my lap. There are no words to tell one just how excruciating that pain was/is. To make a very long story short, my neighbor came over, called 9-1-1 and I went to the E.R. Buddy was at work so he met me there. After SEVERAL doses of pain medication I was sent home with a long list of very strict instructions. The top and inner part of my left thigh is by far the worst. I have many blisters and it is just awful. The right thigh has a spot about the size of the palm of my hand. They gave me Morphine and Vicodin. The Morphine leaves me with the worst headache I've ever had and the Vicodin leaves me puking. So...it hasn't been a pleasent couple of days. I go back tomorrow for them to check and I will contiue to go back until the doctor is sure that no infection will occur. They want to watch it very closely due to the large amount of area the burn covers.

My kids were all home and I cannot express how grateful I was. Rachel and Kimbo were AMAZING!!! Naddie was in bed and Garrison was freaked out but did rather well. The girls answered the phone when necessary, waited out front for the ambulance and showed the paramedics where I was and just over all were very brave and helpful.

I am in a lot of pain of course but grateful that I am going to be just fine. Pants are my worst enemy at this given time. I will refrain from posting pictures as I don't want anyone to join me in the "losing your lunch" festivities.

Happy Birthday Mama!!!

Today is the birthday of the greatest woman to ever walk the earth. It is my mama's birthday. I have no idea where to even begin about how much I love my mom. Anyone who reads this, has a mother and therefore knows how I feel. She is everything to me. She has been there holding my hand and playing with my hair (something she knows I love for her to do) through all 4 labor and deliveries. Even though I lived 1/2 way across the country, she came. She has always let me talk her ear off and never complained about me talking too much. She has always given me council and guidance when I have needed it. Even though I am extremely far from perfect, she has loved me in spite of myself. She froze to death at the high school football games just to watch me do the exact same cheers over and over again every Friday night (but she loved going to the basketball games even though again, it was the same cheers over and over again). She provided such a good example to me throughout my life. I can remember countless times walking in on her in her room as she was kneeling by her bed and praying or sitting in her special chair next to her little table and reading her scriptures. Those are moments that will be forever instilled in my head. Moments that I hope to copy for my own children to witness. Her love of the gospel is unwavering. She loves her family with everything inside of her. She is little BUT mighty. So often when I was growing up, friends told me time and time again how they wished they had my mom. She is so admired and loved by so many people. I am incredibly proud to say that she is my mom. I love you so much mama!!!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

This gown is amazing!!! Very talented lady.

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Rachel!!!!

Today is our beautiful daughters birthday, and she is turning 8!!! We are so blessed to have such a special little girl in our home. Rachel is so kind and loving. She is always thinking of others. She loves the Gospel and school. She is a very gifted artist. Rachel loves to cook and help take care of her other siblings. In our religion, 8 is a very special birthday. When a child turns 8, they reach the age of accountability therefore they are given the opportunity to be baptized. Rachel is so excited to be baptized and we are very proud of her for making the choice to do so. Rachel, we are so very proud of you and all that you do. We love you so very much and feel very blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter.

Good Friends = Good Times

Nichole, Chris and their sweet boy Matthew.

Little Matthew. He has the most beautiful brown eyes ever!!!

Angela, John and Emma.
I am so sad that I don't have a better picture of this beautiful baby girl.

Nichole, Me, and Angela.

My hottie husband.

Tonight we had some very special visitors over for dinner. John and Angela and their little girl Emma, and Nichole and Chris and their little boy Matthew. Angela and Nichole are friends of mine from my home town of Kingman. Both of their mothers taught me in Young Women and I used to babysit them both. These two girls have always meant so much to me in my life. It was so wonderful to visit with them. They have grown into beautiful women and absolutely wonderful mothers. They both chose great men as their eternal companions. They both just have very special little families. Our families were all very good friends growing up so one of the nicest parts of the night was being able to tell stories of my dad and having someone who knew him. I often talk about my dad but many of my friends have never met him so it was nice to have that. Thank you for driving all the way out here girls. I know it is a long drive but I loved having your very special spirits in my home. I love you both very much.

The Next American Idol!!!

Rachel has a High School Musical game for the Wii and it has a microphone in which you use to sing along with all the songs from the movie. Well, last night, Rachel was playing with it and Naddie kept screaming because she wanted a turn. Once she had that microphone in her hand, it was no turning back. She was just a singing like crazy. She would sing for a few seconds and then put her hand over her mouth and laugh. It was HILARIOUS. We were all laughing so hard. The best part of it??? Buddy was able to be here to enjoy it with us. What an adorable baby I have.