Rachel and Mark

Christmas Day

2011-12-31T12:56:00.004-07:00

Mark had to work Christmas morning from 5:30 to 2. So Joseph and I went to our 9:00, one hour of Church for the Christmas program. Then we went to Dad's ward at 11. He was singing in the program which was amazing. About half way through I got a text from Mark saying he would be off at 12. :) So Joseph and I left church early to go pick up Mark, run home, change and pick some things up then headed back to Dad's. We had Dad's famous Sunday brunch then had Christmas with Dad and Lisa. Then Shelby,Jaeson, Mark, Joseph and I headed to Mom's. It was wonderful to be able to be abe to see all of our family on Christmas Day. Joseph got a potty from Grandma which I think I am more excited for then he was. :) After spending time with Mom we headed back to Dad's for Dinner and games. It was a very spiritual and peaceful day. I love being able to go to church on Christmas day.

Mom gave us our first pack of size 1 diapers!!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-31T12:50:00.002-07:00

The three of us did our Christmas Morning on Christmas Eve morning because Mark had to work Christmas day. I didn't get a lot of pictures because we did a lot of video taping. We all had a great moring. Joseph got the hang of opening gifts pretty quickly but wanted to stop and play with each toy. So we had a long morning but to see his face when he got a new gift was priceless. He would say "oh Wow" or "nice". AMAZING!!

Having our son in our home made Christmas that much more SPECIAL!!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-31T12:27:00.005-07:00

For Christmas Eve we all went over to Mom's. We had yummy snack food and then a wonderful dinner. All 3 of girls brought foood, what a team effort. After dinner we opened a few gifts from Mom and from Grandpa. Grandpa (with the help of the Farrs) made us beautiful scrapbooks. They are amazing.

It was a very special night to spend with the Family. We surely did miss all of our family especially Aaron and Monic. We are definitly blessed to have Joseph and to celebrate this wonderful season with him and family.

Putting up the Christmas Tree

2011-11-29T10:28:00.002-07:00

Last Sunday Mark, Joseph and I put up our Christmas tree. Joseph loved it. He kept crawling under the tree and playing with the ornaments. This year all of our breakable ornaments are up high. Its' going to be a very special Christmas.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-29T10:23:00.003-07:00

Our Thanksgiving this year was wonderful. At 2 we went to the Shafers home for dinner. We have become really good friends with them. The food was delicious which I had been craving forever. Then we headed to Dad's for desert and games. Then ended our evening at Mom's for more desert. Here are the few pictures we took.

Joseph spent the night at Mom's while Mark and I went Black Friday shopping.

McCall Weekend

2011-11-06T17:10:00.005-07:00

This weekend we were able to go to the condo in McCall. We invited our friends Michael, Vanessa and their daughter Emma. It didn't get above 30 degrees the whole weekend. We had fun playing games, watching football, playing the Wii and walking in town. It was a nice relaxing weekend.

Mark making Burgers

Joseph loved looking out at the snow!!

Emma and Joseph

Playing in the snow

Family Picture

Vanessa, Emma and Michael

He loved this stone bear

After church picture. You can't tell but there is lots of snow on the ground.

HUGS!!!

They were giving eachother kisses all weekend but in this one Joseph is all for it

but Emma is not having it!

The window sill was perfect for them to sit on!

Halloween

2011-11-01T15:35:00.004-06:00

Last night we took Joseph out Trick or Treating. It was so cold and windy but Joseph stayed nice and warm in his costume. We stopped at the Browns, to Dad's and Lisa and then to Mom's. We hit a few houses around Dad's but it was cold!!

Pumpkin Time

2011-10-31T10:11:00.004-06:00

Last night for FHE we painted and carved our pumpkins. Joseph and I painted them and Mark carved. Joseph had paint in his hair all over hands and face he even tried tasting it. We sure had a fun night.

Mark carved out Mater!!

Ward Trunk or Treat

2011-10-29T20:57:00.003-06:00

This evening was our ward Trunk or Treat!! We had so much fun. Joseph was a monkey (minus the pants he wasn't having it) Mark was Nephi with his gold plates and I was a watermelon. I have not been feeling well so it was the most creative idea I had. Joseph can't say Trick or Treat but he loved carrying his pumpkin and playing with friends.

Joseph Pictures

2011-10-26T15:46:00.003-06:00

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-26T15:41:00.002-06:00

Last week we went to Linder Farms. We got to play in a hay maze with Joseph, ride a tractor and pick our pumpkins. My camera ended up dieing so all of our pics our on the video camera so I will post those later. Joseph loved hitting all the pumpkins so cute!!

JAM

2011-10-03T17:58:00.002-06:00

So for awhile now I have been wanting to make jam. Since being pregnant I eat a lot of PB&J. I have never canned anything. Today my friend Vanessa came over and we made jam. For 2 hrs of work and less then $10 we made a total of like 8 jars of jam. It is so yummy!! Thanks Vanessa!!

Mark's Birthday

2011-10-03T17:52:00.003-06:00

Mark's birthday was the 14 of September. He had to work but Joseph and I took him out to Tuscano for dinner and got him a red velvet cake.

And then over the weekend we had a friends and family BBQ. WE had yummy food, cake, played volleyball and had great company!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!

Mark's Company Picnic

2011-09-13T18:50:00.005-06:00

Saturday was Mark's Company Picnic and Softball game. Brandon came with us to play and so did Desee, Austin and Grant. Mark and Brandon Suma Wrestled. Mark is in the blue and Brandon is in the red.

Austin, Desee and Grant

Dad came with Ben and Jacob to watch the game

Brandon up to bat

Mark running home

Temples

2011-09-13T18:41:00.003-06:00

Mom and I stayed in Idaho Falls so we were able to see the Idaho Falls Temple.

On Friday we met back up with Shelby and the family. We went with Shelby to get her books and pay tuition. We walked around campus and then went to the Rexburg Temple.

After the temple Mom, Joseph and I drove home. We hope Shelby has a great time at school.

BYU IDAHO

2011-09-13T18:31:00.004-06:00

On Thursday Mom, Joseph, Dad Jaeson and I took Shelby to BYU I. She has a very nice apartment very close to campus. When we got there we helped her unpack and get settled. Then we all went to Walmart to get groceries. Then we met Erik and Carolee for dinner at AppleBees. Dad and Jaeson spent the night in Rexburg and Mom and I got a hotel in Idaho Falls.

Dad and Lisa

2011-08-27T10:49:00.003-06:00

Last night Dad married Lisa in a nice ceremony. I didn't get a lot of pictures I was busy chasing after Joseph. And Mark helped with the food. But here is a few that I took.

The Big Day

2011-08-22T18:02:00.008-06:00

Saturday August 20th my baby brother got married to Monic at the Red Lion in Jantzen Beach. It was beautiful ceremony. Jeff married them. It was wonderful to be there at so see family and friends.

Mike did the archway

The Groom and is Mens

The Rehearsal Dinner

2011-08-22T17:46:00.005-06:00

Friday night the Rehearsal Dinner was at Olive Garden. We had a great evening with Family and Friends. Afterwards we went back to Aaron's and had a little rehearsal of the ceremony.

Chantel, Michelle and Ricardo

(Monic's sister and parents)

Mom, Katie and Justin

(Matron of Honor and Best Man)

Craig, Cassie and Mom

(Grooms Man)

Groomsmen and Bridesmaid

Grandma and Mark

Monic and Aaron

(Bride and Groom)

Monic's Grandparents

Dad and Lisa

Spending time with Grandpa Keith

2011-08-22T17:38:00.003-06:00

We got to spend some time with Grandpa which was wonderful. We we able to hear him play the guitar and show him our ultra sound pictures.

Aaron and Joseph were matching but Joseph wasn't having it.

On Thursday morning we left Joseph with Shelby and were able to go to the temple.

The Guys Night Out

Justin, Aaron, Craig Mark and Jaeson

Lincoln City with the Ranjels

2011-08-22T17:24:00.003-06:00

Sunday the 14th we headed to Vancouver to support Aaron and Monic and their wedding. On Tuesday we went to the Beach with the Ranjels, Mom, Shelby and Jaeson. We had lunch at Mo's (yummy) we shopping at the outlet mall and then played on the beach. We built sand castles while the guys played football!! Then Mark and I along with Joseph (of course) went with the Ranjels to dinner at the Spirit Mountain Casino buffet. I was so stuffed afterwards. It was a wonderful fun filled family day!!

Craig and Cassie's Wedding

2011-07-15T08:58:00.007-06:00

On Saturday July 9, 2011 Craig and Cassie were married. It was a gorgeous setting and Cassie looked amazing. Craig was pretty handsome too.

Jospeh had so much fun dancing with Isabel and Lindsey

The Portland Zoo

2011-07-12T10:00:00.005-06:00

Thursday night, Mom, Mark, Joseph and I left for Vancouver. We left at 7pm and got to Grandpa's house around 2 am.

Friday morning we went to the Zoo with Mari, Jayden and Gloria. It started of cold but then warmed up. The Portland Zoo is huge compared to our little Boise Zoo.

He fell asleep about half way through.

Later that eveing we had a BBQ at Mari's and we were able to see Loreen, Danny and Rudy. Taylor was out of town.

Swimming

2011-07-12T09:52:00.003-06:00

Last Wednesday I took Joseph over to Mom's to go swimming. Mom of course bought him cute swim trunks and a hat. At first he just put is feet in and then he was sitting in the water by himself and then in his tube a floaties. I don't have any pictures of him with arm floaties on but we were afraid he would slip right through the tube. The floaties helped im stay on top of the tube.

4th of July

2011-07-05T17:17:00.006-06:00

First I had to throw this picture in here. This dresser used to be my Mother's when she was a kid, then its been at G & G for years and then it make Mark's dresser. And now its my new project. I sanded it down (and found craig's name carved into it :)) and now am painting in a somewhat dark brown. For now its going to be Joseph's dresser.

Last night we had a BBQ at Dad's house. I invited friends from our new ward to come eat and shoot off fireworks. It was a wonderful evening. We had 3 toddlers running around and having a great time.

Mom provided the decorations then Shelby and Jaeson put them up!!

Father's Day

2011-06-20T18:55:00.003-06:00

On Sunday for Father's Day we had a BBQ at Dad's house. Mark did all the grilling and it was yummy!!

Grandma and Aaron

2011-06-12T18:18:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we all drove to Pendleton to meet Grandma and Aaron for lunch. We did not get a lot of pictures but here are a few.

A Day at the Park

2011-06-04T17:48:00.006-06:00

Today Mark and I with Jopseph went to Camelsback Park. We hiked the Boise foothills and did 2 miles. It was a perfect sunny day about 78 degrees. Joseph slept the whole time we were walking. Now I am sunburned with a nice farmers tan and Mark just got a little darker. After the hike I had packed a lunch and we sat at the playground and had lunch.

A great day with the Hubby and our little guy Joseph!!

High School Graduation

2011-05-29T14:50:00.004-06:00

Last night was Shelby's High School Graduation. She graduates from Rocky Mountain HS 2011!
It was a great ceremony and Shelby did not fall in her high heels

Shelby's Seminary Graduation

2011-05-22T22:04:00.004-06:00

This evening my little sister graduated from Seminary!! WooHoo!! We are so proud of her!!

Cleaning

2011-05-22T22:00:00.002-06:00

Shelby is cleaning houses to raise money for School. So she came over yesterday to do some cleaning for me. She did a wonderful job!! Even up to my obsessiveness!(sp)

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T17:54:00.005-06:00

For Mother's Day, Mark and I went to church with Mom. Later that evening we had a bbq at our house. We invited Mom(of course), our Ward Missionaries, Shelby and her friend Jason. Mark was our Grill Master. We made steak shish kabobs with onions, peppers and of course grilled pineapple!! Our Missionaries got approval to Skype with their families. So Mom brought over her computer and we had ours so they could both skype at the same time with their families.

It was a great evening to celebrate our Mother!!

I made home made potatoe salad

Mark preparing all the veggies

Gotta have grilled pineapple

Mark and I gave Mom a plaque from Desert Book

Shelby and Jason

Had to throw a picture of Joseph in here!!

New Backpack

2011-04-30T11:40:00.002-06:00

We were at Costco the other day with Mom and Mark found this kiking backpack. It was a great price and now that he is Scouts he might just need one!

And here is my Dude Joseph. He is getting so big and can almost walk all by himself.

Easter

2011-04-30T11:36:00.002-06:00

We had Easte Dinner at our house. Mom made the ham. I made mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and rolls. And Shelby brought the desert. It was nice evening but we missed Dad.

I felt like Grandma Marge because I could not get a nice picture. My Husband and Sister kept makin weird faces.

Cub Master

2011-04-20T20:47:00.002-06:00

That's right!! My Husband's new calling in our new ward is the Cub Master. He is so excited. Last night was the Pine Wood Derby and he loved it. This week he has been doing his training on line and is looking forward to getting to know everything!

Mom's Birthday

2011-04-18T12:03:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was Mom's Birthday!! We had her Birthday dinner at my house along with her Birthday Party!! Shelby made the cake and I made dinner. Her 4 kids all went in and got her a docking station for her IPOD, I made her an egg garland and Shelby got her a Donald Duck Pen from Disney land.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

Taylor

2011-04-13T10:11:00.003-06:00

Taylor got here around 6:30 Friday night. Him and his Dad were in CA and Las Vegas for Spring Break and decided to stop in Boise. Taylor stayed with us the weekend while his Dad drove home. Saturday the boys went to play a game of golf. We also took Taylor to Boise State and to the bookstore. Saturday night we rented games and movies and ordered pizza. It was so much fun to see Taylor and to watch him beat Mark at wrestling. Pickles got squished a few times but no major injuries !

We took Taylor to the airport Sunday morning!!

Shelby's Birthday

2011-04-13T10:08:00.002-06:00

We celebrated Shleby's Birthday earlier inthe week since she would be on choir tour on her actual birthday. We all went to the Olive Garden for her Birthday Dinner.

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-04-05T18:00:00.003-06:00

Saturday was Dad's Birthday!! After Priesthood Shelby and I met Dad and Mark at Texas Roadhouse for dinner.

We all gave him some new shirts andd new ties!!

A Quick Weekend

2011-03-07T15:10:00.004-07:00

Saturday afternoon Aaron and Monic got here. They are here for a quick weekend Vacation. They stayed at Mom's. When they got here we drove around Boise and stopped at a candy store. Then we all went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner.

On Sunday we all went to Mom's ward at 1:00.

Sunday evening, we had a Family dinner at our place.

Then we all hung out, talked and played games.

This morning (Monday) we all went to Dad's for Breakfast.

It was weird to do things separate and not as a Family but I am so glad that Aaron and Monic were able to come!!

Storage

2011-02-17T08:04:00.002-07:00

Mom gave me these wire stacking shelves. We are using it as our small food storage and for other things. My 2nd bedroom os driving me crazy!! Some days I just don't want to deal with and others I am in there sorting and cleaning. Hopefully someday it will be finished!!

Our New Place

2011-01-22T12:56:00.003-07:00

Don't mind our mess. We ar ealmost done unpacking boxes. There are no pictures of our bedrooms. The downstairs bedroom is a mess. Its our storage/office which has not been set up yet. Our bedroom which is upstairs is not finished. Those pic will come hopefully soon!

Hall closet, laundry room and bathroom. The door to the right that you can't see is the office

Christmas Eve and Christmas Afternoon

2011-01-01T11:05:00.004-07:00

Sorry my pictures are backwards. We did Christmas afternoon because Mark had to work Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve I made dinner. I made ham, holiday potatos, green bean casserole,

jello, rolls and chocolate cream pie.

Christmas Decorations

2010-12-11T19:20:00.003-07:00

Mom, Mark and I put up our artificial Christmas tree the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It is our decorative tree in the front window. Hopefully this week we will go get a real tree for all of our fun ornaments. Thank you to Grandma Lois over the years for all the beanie babies and Hallmark snowmen. It sure does make things festive.

Did you notice our advent calendars? We don't like the chocolate in them but its fun to count down the days!!

Hockey

2010-12-02T22:20:00.002-07:00

This evening Dad invited Mark and I to the Idaho Steelhead Hockey game. Dad had a meetings today with his reps and they were going to the game and had extra tickets. So we went, we had never been to a hockey game. It was fun. We were in a luxury box. All the food was provided along with drinks and desert. Hockey is fun to watch, there were no fights but lots of pushing.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T17:05:00.002-07:00

Thanksgiving was very nice this year. It was my first Thanksgiving being the Hostess and cooking everything.(See Mom's post) We enjoyed good food and after we ate we enjoyed looking through all the ads for Black Friday.

Let it Snow...

2010-11-20T20:29:00.002-07:00

Beautiful snow this morning. It was Joseph's first experience with snow. It snowed for awhile and then melted away. We are supposed to get more tonight and tomorrow. I love snow. This afternoon we put up our Christmas lights before it starts to snow again.

HP

2010-11-18T11:22:00.003-07:00

Mom, Mark and I are going to go see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows tomorrow!!

SO EXCITED!!! I am glad that they made it into two movies because that means there will be more in them.

Monic's Baptism

2010-11-10T16:24:00.008-07:00

Last Friday, Mom and I drove to Vancouver for Monic's Baptism. Friday night we had dinner with Aaron at Mars. Saturday morning I was able to go see Rudy, Glora and Loreen. We had nice hour or so to sit and chat. Then it was a busy afternoon running errands and getting food for the evening. At 7pm Monic was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Aaron baptized her. We had lots of family show up. Monic's parents and sister, my Dad, Grandma Lois, the Bret Claytons, Jen and Spencer, Aunt Cindy, Missy and Nathan, Uncle John and then friends from work and church. Afterwards we had a nice gathering at Aaron's house with food and cake and good friends. Sunday morning we went to 11:00 church where Dad confirmed Monic. Mom and I left after church to head home. It was a quick weekend but a very spiritual weekend.

Ricardo, Michelle, Monic and Chantel

The Benitez Family plus Aaron

Aaron and Monic

The Elders

Aaron, Monic and Grandma Lois

Some of the Family

All the Family plus the Elders

Katie, Chantel, Monic and I

Dad gave Monic a CTR ring

(Choose the Right)

Justin (Katie's Husband) and Craig

Mom gave Monic a set of Scriptures

Pretty trees on the way home

Trunk or Treat

2010-10-31T10:54:00.002-06:00

Last night was our ward Trunk or Treat. We had a chili and cornbread dinner followed by trunk or treating. It was a fun night but alittle cold. It was Mark's first experience with Trunk or Treating. The kids were so cute!!

Mom was a way cute pumpkin. We found the apron a few

weeks ago. And Mom made the hat!!

SO CUTE!!

Savannah was Annie

Sydney was a Vampire

Gavin was Batman

Mark's Pumpkin

2010-10-27T20:32:00.002-06:00

Mark's pumpkin was supposed to say "Happy Halloween." You can see the Halloween part at the bottom. The Happy is harder to see but we had a great time doing it. Even if it took Mark 3 hours to do it.

A Fall Sunday Night

2010-10-24T19:38:00.003-06:00

This evening I made a graham cracker pie crust and pumpkin pie from scratch. It's in the oven now so hopefully it tastes YUMMY!!!

We (meaning Mark, Mom and I) carved out our pumpkins. As some of you know I name my pumpkins and they are usually male. Well this year his name is Archibald Craven and he has lice and warts. The lice came from his Toupee' which is his top and stem. The warts are on his backside. I was trying to kill to little bugs (lice) with a pumpkin scraper and trying to make sure he didn't have a lazy eye. I also thought I had a bug (lice) on my arm but it was just a freckle. None the less we had a nice evening.

Above is Mom's pumpkin aka David Duchovny from X files.

Her pumpkin is supposed to be an Alien. It kind of looks like 2 eyes and a very

big smile or bat wings.

Meet Archibald Craven.

Mark has been working very hard on his pumpkin. He did a stencil that was pretty difficcult. He is still working on it and we are going on 2 1/2 hours. He just announced he is half way done. I will keep you updated as he continues.

Shelby's Choir Concert

2010-10-24T19:27:00.003-06:00

Tuesday night Mom and I joined Dad to watch Shelby's Choir Concert!!

More Vegas

2010-10-12T13:32:00.008-06:00

It was a fun filled weekend, crammed with lots of things to do. We even got to do a show with the In laws. We saw the Tournment of Kings at the Excalibur. That was fun! We saw the Pawn Show from the History Channel show and the Fountain Show at the Bellgio Hotel.

Vegas Baby

2010-10-12T11:55:00.004-06:00

Early Friday morning Mark and I drove to Las Vegas. We left Meridian at 4 am and got to our hotel about 3pm. So it was a very long drive. Mark's parents, Aunt and Grandpa didn't get to Vegas until Saturday. So Friday night Mark and I went to a great Mexican Restaurant by our hotel and then went to the Palms Casino.

The Excalibur Hotel and Casino

Saturday with the Family we went to the Rain Forest Cafe for dinner inside the MGM. Yummy!!

I went and wandered while the family gambled!! I missed the lions by 20 minutes!

More TOFW

2010-09-22T20:14:00.002-06:00

On Saturday I was watching Joseph while at TOFW. He was very well behaved to problems. But here are a few more pictures.

Time Out For Women

2010-09-19T19:04:00.003-06:00

Friday night Mom, Shelby and I went to Time Out For Women. It was a great evening and Jericho Road was there. I have been listening to their music since I was in High School. It was great to meet them.

More pictures to come

Mark's Birthday

2010-09-15T17:36:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was Mark's 26th Birthday. We both had to work but I got off first so Mom and I made meatloaf, mashed potatos and green bean casserole. For desert I made Mark a Red Velvet Cake. It was just the three of us because Dad was out of town and Shelby was busy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!

Lasagna

2010-09-12T21:28:00.002-06:00

I am definitly not the best cook but I do try. I got this lasagna recipe from Paula Deen and I made it for dinner. Thank goodness it came out delicious. But of course it was a huge amount so I made two dishes. One for us plus leftovers and one for the Crawfords.

YUMMY!!!

Softball

2010-09-11T20:55:00.003-06:00

Today Mark had a company picnic and softball game. As you know Mark works for St. Luke's in Meridian. Well the softball game was Meridian vs the Boise St. Luke's. It got a little competitive but it was fun. A few of you may know that a couple of years ago Mark and I were on a Co-Ed softball team. When we were playing he slid a couple of times and tore up his knee. So today I made him promise not too slide which he did NOT!!!

It was a great afternoon with the Family who came to watch.

Mom's Surgery

2010-09-08T20:58:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago Mom had her ankle surgery. It was more than bone spurs like Dad but hopefully now its all fixed. I have been there to help her get to the bathroom, to shower and to get her to her apps. She is doing much better and is able to put weight on her foot while in the boot.

Love you Mom!!!!

Shelby is a Senior

2010-08-31T21:29:00.003-06:00

Shelby is officially a Senior in High School! WOOHOO!!

Sorry about the picture!

Family Pics

2010-08-21T14:25:00.004-06:00

There are 3 new posts so you might have to continue to the next page.

These are just more pictures from our trip.

A day at the Beach and more Family pics

2010-08-21T13:49:00.007-06:00

On Monday we all headed to Lincoln City to go to Mo's for lunch, we hit the Outlet Mall and played on the beach. Mom and I also "Heart Attacked" Lindsey's apartment door. Then we headed to the Tilamook Cheese Factory. Gotta love cheese and ice cream.

Adrian and Uncle Mark

Kendle, Kelsey and Me

Erik and Carolee's Reception

2010-08-21T13:10:00.008-06:00

On Saturday night at the Hazel Dell church building we had a reception for Erik and Carolee.

Aunt Nancy, Uncle Dan, Carolee, Erik and the Saunders

Aaron and cousin Steve

Carolee, Erik and Grandpa

Michael, Jeff, Grandpa, Lindsey, Uncle Scott and Wanda

Jason, Laurel, Isabel, Uncle Dan, Aunt Nancy and Craig

Kendle, Isabel, Kelsey, Hayley, Aunt Tanya, Uncle Mark and Adrian

Erik and Me

The Neilsons, Farrs, Claytons, Richardsons, Sanders and Ranjels

Monic, Lindsey, Me, Kendle and Kelsey

Uncle Scott and Wanda

Craig and Cassie

Jeff, Me and Michael

Mom and Hayley

Kendle did not want to catch the bouqet but guess what? She did!!

Tanya, Karla, Nancy, Grandpa and Scott

Me, Aaron, Shelby and Grandpa

Blood Girl Cousins with Grandpa

All girl Cousins

Granpa with his Great Granddaughters

Craig, Cassie, Monic and Aaron

Monic and Aaron

Isabel and Hayley

Dad and Daughter

The Newly Weds

Me and Hayley

Trip to Washington

2010-08-20T17:28:00.002-06:00

Mom and I left last Wednesday to head to Vancouver. We went to see Erik and Caralee at their reception but we also saw some family. I got to have lunch with Grandma and go to the Clark County Fair.

I met Mark's family Friday morning for Breakfast.

Driving to Vancouver we saw the Wiener Mobile

Brigham City, Ogden,Bountiful and Twin Falls

2010-08-07T12:21:00.005-06:00

On Wednesday Mark and I decided to take the long way home so we could stop to see a few Temples. First we drove to Brigham City where they just started working on the new Temple. Well when we got there it was all fenced off with covers covering the fence. We peeked in and it was just dirt and construction workers.

Then we headed to Ogden.

The Ogden Temple

(which was closed for cleaning so we were the only one's there)

The Bountiful Temple

The Twin Falls Temple

It was a great drive with Mark and we really enjoyed seeing more Temples.

Erik and Carolee

2010-08-06T09:28:00.010-06:00

Tuesday night after Mark was off work we headed to Logan Utah for Erik and Carolee's Wedding. They were sealed in the Logan Temple on Wednesday. It was a fun filled day with the sealing, a luncheon and a reception.

To finish the day, all the family that was still in town went to Chili's for dinner.

Saving Money

2010-07-24T15:12:00.003-06:00

I have never been into coupons or looking for things on sale. But right now since I am a stay at home wife with a barely part time job I have gotten into coupons. Well today Mom and I went to Albertsons. I spent $25 but I saved $26. It made me so excited that I couldn't wait to call Mark and tell him. I feel like its my responsibiltiy to make our money go further.

I am a little bit of a dork but I am so excited!

A Day at the Zoo

2010-07-09T15:02:00.005-06:00

Yesterday Mom and I took Savannah, Sydney and Gavin to the Boise Zoo. It was a great day but half the animals we could not see or were not there. It was definitly smaller than the Portland Zoo. We got there around 11:30 because we knew it was going to be a hot day. So by the time 2 came around we were done.

Rachel Palooza

2010-07-07T11:19:00.008-06:00

WooHoo, I am 24!!! On Thursday Mom took Mark and I to see Eclipse. It was great! On Saturday Mom took Mark, Shelby and I to AppleBees for dinner.

I found this cute dress at Old Navy for my Birthday. It fell on Suday so it was a good excuse to get a new dress.

Sunday, late afternoon, the Crawford Family came down for a BBQ, birthday cake and presents. Mom made me a cute picture hanging ribbon.

She also made me 2 cute boards. One for pictures and one for my hair clips. They are so cute!

Mark got me (us) the Wii.

Brandon and Gavin

Sydney, Me, Savannah, Gavin and Jenalee

Mom and Shelby

Happy Birthday

Make a Wish

Gavin loves the Poppers

Savannah

Yes I am wearing rubber boots with shorts.

At first I was bare foot and the only shoes in the garage were my boots.

On Monday Dad got home from a week trip in Colorado. So he took me to the Olive Garden for my Birthday dinner!!! Yummy alfredo sauce that I can dip my breadsticks in!!

It was a great Birthday

Save the Whales

2010-07-03T15:29:00.002-06:00

Eclipse

2010-07-01T22:41:00.003-06:00

Happy Thursday of Rachel Palooza. For an early gift Mom gave me two movies tickets so of course I wanted to see Eclipse. This evening at 7:30 Mom, Mark and I went to see it. And I absolutly LOVED it!!! It was AWESOME!!!! Oh my I can't stop talking about it.

What a Day

2010-06-29T22:03:00.002-06:00

As most of you know I babysit 3 kids a couple days a week. Well today was kind of a hard day with the kids. I felt a little overwhelmed. Well this evening there was a knock on the door and the kids were there with some flowers and "I'm sorry" cards. It was the sweetest thing ever. I love them!

OCD

2010-06-19T18:15:00.002-06:00

I am sure that everyone has little quirks or ways that they like things to be. For instance most people have a routine in the morning when getting ready for the day.( I like my money to be in order and facing the right way in my wallet.) But what happends if you can't do that routine? Most people would not care but there are those who it would send in to panic or anxiety attacks.

Mark jokes that I have obsessive tendencies but I really think its getting worse. I hate big crowds! It makes me nervous, my heart beats fast and I get shaky. I hate when people bump inot me because I don't know them and they have germs. I don't touch the ketchup bottles at restaurants, I try very hard not to touch door knobs, I don't touch the sacrement trays and I tend to wash my hands a lot. Last week at church it was just Shelby and I. And it was the first time I touched a sacrement tray in months. Usually Mark is on one side so he will hand it to Shelby. Weird I know. Well I carry hand sanitizer and wipes in my purse (I'm not even a mom who needs all that) but the hand sanitizer was just not working. So I got up and left the meeting to go wash my hands and not just once. The kids I teach in Primary know that I always have wipes so they can wash their hands. When my hands feel dirty it make me nervous and I have to wash. Yes people laugh at me and Mark gets frusturated.

If I can't do things a certain way it makes me anxious. I would wear gloves if it didn't make me look weird.

I wonder if family stress is making it worse?

Happy 4th Anniversary

2010-06-17T16:09:00.003-06:00

Today is Mark and I 4th anniversary!!! WooHoo 4 years!!! Mark had to work from 5:30am to 2:00pm. When he got home he brought me flowers and the new Jodi Picoult book. He also got my two vases from Desert Book that say love and family. But of course I had no clue what to get him. So I gave him an Itunes GC.

I sure do love that man!

Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins

2010-06-07T18:09:00.004-06:00

Tonight starts the Women's College World Series. Arizona vs UCLA. As you know I am all Wildcats and Mark is all UCLA. So Mark and I have a nice little bet going. We bet $10 per game. It is best 2 out of 3.

LETS GO WILDCATS!!!!!

And for Mark: LETS GO BRUINS!!!

A trip to see Aaron

2010-06-01T22:02:00.005-06:00

This blog is a little backwards. But first, Dad, Shelby and Madi drove to Pendleton late Thursday night. Then Friday continued to Depoe Bay to Grandma's Condo. Mom and I left Friday to head to Grandpa's in Vancouver. We headed there to support Aaron in being ordained to an Elder.

Sunday night, Mark and I headed over to his Parent's house for dinner. It was nice. Everyone was there and we just sat and talked. Mark got to play with Taylor and Jayden and wrestle.

Loreen playing with Jayden

The Boys wrestling

Loreen jumping in to help

Go Boys, Go!

Sunday afternoon at 3 pm the Richardsons came over to Grandpa's for a late lunch. Craig and Cassie were there also. As well as Uncle John.

Mark flew to Vancouver Sunday morning. He landed at 10am. It was just enough time to get him to Grandpa's, eat breakfast and head to 11 o'clock church. Aaron goes to the Young Single Adult Ward. It was so fun to go and see some old friends.

Grandma, Dad, Shelby and her friend Madi drove from the beach to go to church with us. After Dad ordained Aaron they headed back to the beach.

It was wonderful to spend 3 days with Grandpa and Family. Thanks everyone for a great weekend.

More WA and McCall

2010-05-24T20:56:00.004-06:00

Here are two more pictures from my Washington trip. We had lunch with Aaron before heading to the airport.

Last weekend we all headed to McCall. Mom and I headed there on Thursday, Dad, Shelby and her friend came Friday after school and Mark came Saturday morning. It was a nice relaxing weekend. We swam and hot tubbed. We had a hot tub right outside on our balcony. But I didn't get a lot of pictures, SORRY!!

A FUN NOTE: A few posts ago I wrote of Mark's new job at Pinnacle Sports Bar and Grill. Well he filled out all his paper work and was told to wait for a call on when to start training. Well the call never came. Mark called everyday for a week and a half and emailed but never heard anything. So last week on Tuesday he had an interview at St. Luke's Hospital to work in the Cafeteria. Then on Friday he had a second interview and two hours after the interview he got a call saying he got the job. :) So that afternoon he went to fill out papers and pee in a cup. That was all last Friday and today (Monday) he started at 10 am. How cool?!

Back in the Day....

2010-05-12T23:41:00.002-06:00

Two weekends ago Mom and I held a garage sale. (With Marks help) It was our annual neighborhood garage sale. We decided Thursday we were going to do it which started on Friday. So we were up pretty late getting things ready. Anyways, to get ready Mark and I were cleaning and sorting boxes in our storage unit and I came across a box of CD's that have been packed since I got married and moved out of my Parent's house. The CD's that didn't sell, I have been listening too. Some songs I had to skip because I didn't listen to the best music when I was in school. But I thought it was way cool how certain songs bring up certain memories. I found songs that reminded me of the Volleyball team in New Jersey, of Sr. Prom, driving to lunch with friends, even some church youth dance songs and parties with friends. Mark was laughing at some of the stories that went with certain songs but it was so much fun!!!!

Mark

2010-05-10T13:53:00.002-06:00

Today Mark had an interview at Pinnacle Sports Bar and Grill. It is new restaurant about 10 minutes away from us. And he got the job. WOO HOO!!!! He starts training next week and the restaurant will open either the last week in May or the first week in June.

All I know is that prayers are answered in His time not ours. We are so grateful for the prayers from our family and friends. Thank you!!!!

He is one Spiffy Dude!!!

Iron Man 2

2010-05-08T22:40:00.003-06:00

AWESOME MOVIE!!!!

Last night Dad took all 5 of us to see it. We saw a 9:30 showing, we were there an hour early and were first in line!!!:) As most of you know I don't like crowds they make me nervous and don't like to be touched so my wonderful Husband and Mother waited in line. I joined them when Dad and Shelby got there. But we all loved it.

P.S. Eclipse was a preview at the beginning of the movie. SO EXCITED!!!

Aaron Palooza/ Trip to WA

2010-05-07T11:38:00.003-06:00

On Tuesday I flew with Dad to Washington. I had some things to do and it just happened to be Aaron's birthday while we were there. So I stayed with Aaron at Grandpa's and we did all our running around.

Tuesday evening I went over to Mari's house for Jayden's birthday and for dinner. It was great to see more family. After dinner with the Ranjels Aaron and I met Dad at at Big Al's for dinner and then bowling. I lost bad but Aaron beat Dad!!!!

I did better doing granny shots then the "normal" way.

On Wednesday for Aaron's birthday dinner he decided to go to Claim Jumper out in Clackamas. Dad met us there and Aunt Cindy joined us. Aaron, Monic and I drove with Grandma.

Dad and I flew home Thursday evening. It was great to be there for Aaron's birthday. And to see as much family as possible. I do have more pics but before we went to Claim Jumper the batteries in my camera died so Aaron gave me more. We got to dinner and my camera was freaking out and wouldn't turn on. Then Aaron told me he gave me Dollar Store batteries. The Dollar Store is great but not for batteries. So dinner pictures and pictures of the Ranjel Dinner are on my phone and I am still figuring out how to get them on my blog. So more pics are to come.

Pickles

2010-04-28T12:21:00.003-06:00

On Monday Pickles had to go to the vet to get shots and her toe nails clipped. And yes she has gained more weight. What can I say, the dog loves popcorn as much as I do. On the drive home she was so calm and relaxed sitting next to and on Mark.

I LOVE MY PICKLES!!!!!

Not the Popcorn we wanted

2010-04-28T12:13:00.003-06:00

So yesterday we had a huge thunderstorm come in. The wind was howling and it was pouring rain and hail. Mom said the hail looked like popcorn. The storm only lasted about ten minutes but it made an impact.

More Momma Palooza

2010-04-23T16:53:00.003-06:00

On Sunday night Dad and Shelby came over and we had a BBQ. It was such a nice day. This past week we had 80 degree weather. Then we got Mom a birthday cake. It was a great ending to Momma Palooza.

Momma Palooza

2010-04-18T21:32:00.003-06:00

After we sent Shelby off to the Prom, Mom wanted to go to The Melting Pot for her birthday dinner. We had never been there before and it was absolutely delicious. It was so good, we were there from 8 - 10:30. And of course we were stuffed afterwards. It was YUMMY!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!

Shelby's Junior Prom

2010-04-18T21:27:00.002-06:00

Last night was Shelby's prom. She went with at Friend named Colt. We went to take pictures before they left.

They went with a group of 6. She said they had a great time.

I looked out the window and what did I see...

2010-04-16T15:46:00.001-06:00

...Popcorn popping on the Apricot Trees.

Today it was 70 degrees and beautiful.

Old Idaho State Penitentiary and Table Rock

2010-04-11T18:18:00.006-06:00

On Thursday, Mom, Aaron, Mark, and I went to The Old Idaho State Penitentiary and to Table Rock. Table Rock is a huge hill or in Idaho a mountain, that overlooks Boise. It had a huge Cross that is lit at night. I have been fighting a very bad cough so I didn't climb to the top but Aaron and Mark did. Where Mom and I were in the car was super windy, it was shaking the car. Mark and Aaron said that they could barely stand when they reached the top.

On the Travel Channel, Mark watches Ghost Adventures. Well we surprised to see that they were in Boise at this Prison. We have wanted to go but never had the opportunity. But with Aaron here it was something fun to do. And of course this week has been all rain and barely any sun but we went. Mom and Mark were trying to "talk" to the Spirits but no luck.:)

More of Shelby Palooza

2010-04-11T18:08:00.003-06:00

On Wednesday night Shelby decided to go to Red Lobster for her birthday. Her friends Madi came along with us. It was kind of a late dinner at 8:30 because Dad had to umpire but it was evening.

Early Shelby Palooza

2010-04-07T22:44:00.002-06:00

Shelby is leaving tomorrow for a 3 day choir tour to BYU. So she won't be here on her actual Birthday. This evening she chose to go to Red Lobster for dinner. (I have to get those pics from Aaron) Then we came home and ate cake and ice cream. Shelby wanted a white cake with strawberry filling.

Another Surprise

2010-04-07T22:37:00.004-06:00

On Friday night Mom received a phone call from Uncle Scott. He was in Nampa, which is about 20 minutes away from us. He was driving a choir group and was going to have Saturday off. So on Saturday we spent the day with Uncle Scott. He drove his big red bus and parked it in front of our house. We got to sit and chat. Then went and had pizza.

Surprise

2010-04-03T12:57:00.002-06:00

Dad surprised all of us. It was huge. We had all gathered at the house to open presents and get ready for dinner when to door bell rang. Guess Who it was? It was Aaron. He came to celebrate birthdays. It was wonderful he will be here for a week. After we opened presents we went to Texas Roadhouse for Yoda's birthday

Yoda Palooza

2010-04-03T12:51:00.002-06:00

So yesterday was Dad's birthday. Mark and I took him to lunch and then came back to his Apartment and decorated his bedroom. Mark and I blew up balloons and put streamers everywhere. We even blocked off the toilet.

Play Time

2010-04-03T12:47:00.003-06:00

As it was Spring Break this week, I had all three kids. So we decided to go to the Zoo. But only in Boise will it rain and snow during Spring Break. It was horrible weather so we stayed inside and played.

BSU Weekend

2010-03-21T22:58:00.003-06:00

This weekend, Dad was doing a tournament at BSU (Boise State University). On Saturday Mark and I took Savannah to the games. It was a gorgeous day we all came home a little pink.