California Trip

Two weeks ago my Sweetest Grandma Brooks passed away, being 98 years old. She was MORE than willing and ready to go. I have so many fond memories with her as I child. I am glad that I was able to spend 11 years with her before my Dad got a job transfer to Redmond Washington. She made the BEST chocolate birthday cakes, and she always knew how to make one feel special on their birthday. I remember looking forward to such fun sleepovers at her house, on my birthday weekends. My grandma would take me to Toysrus, where I got to choose any 1 toy that I wanted, (obviously within reason.) She has an amazing green thumb, and could make ANYTHING grow. Her love for ALL birds has grown on me, and now my daughter, Liahona. I remember my grandma humming all the time, and I loved hearing her, it always made me feel safe. I would like to say that I am very much like my grandma, when it comes to humming. She would hum as she walked around the house doing things, as I do too. She will greatly be missed, but at times like this I am thankful that I can lean on the gospel. As I focus on the eternal perspective of things, and how we believe that Families are Forever. =)

After a super intense, emotional, family gathering in honor of my Grandma Brooks, my siblings and I tried to have a little fun at Six Flags Magic Mountain. I haven't been there since I was 11, before my family move to Washington. It was really weird going down memory-lane. I and 3 of my siblings went on so many rides. I am so proud of myself that I didn't wimp out, but did go on almost ALL the roller coaster rides. Plus extra Fun water ones. It was a nice, yet weird time being without kids. I kept feeling like I was naked and wasn't sure at times what to do with myself. Yet, over all I had a great time in California.


Got a Need for Speed?

( 'Goliath has your answer.Towering over 255 feet above earth, this massive steel superstructure hit speeds of 85 mph, making it one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters around.' Here we are enjoying a 3 minute, high speed adventure over 4,500 feet of steel track, together as siblings.)

Our Cinco de Mayo Party

So in honor of our very special sister, Carmen, that passed away about three years ago, we decided to have a special party....
We had all of the Missionaries that was from our ward, which was FOUR, over for a Fiesta dinner. Mainly because Carmen LOVED the Elders, and of course we had to have a pinata, right? I think the Missionaries were more into hitting it than my kids. It was super funny to see the Elders run after that candy... he he he

Elder 1 (sorry i forgot all their names.)

Elder 2

Elders 3

Elder 4

Caleb swinging

Liahona hitting

Tamara missing

Ready GO......and off everyone went for the crazy hunt, searching for the candy.

Montey getting out a lolipop from the broken pinata.

And the one with ALL the muscles broken the pinata, If you said Eric you were right! He was so quick that we didn't even get a picture of him hitting away. It was a fun day to remember a special person! Luv you Carmen.

The BIG 1 year old Boy!

So here are the pictures from the great family PARTY, in celebration of a little baby turing into a BIG 1 year old. Happy Birthday Montey! Don't grown up too fast. We love you!!!

Blowing out the candles was a Family Team Effort.


First taste of cake and ice cream, still not good enough when it comes to needing a nap.


Present Time, present time, open the present see what's inside..........

First Birthday Haircut

Here is Montey sitting in his highchair, getting ready for his very first haircut. Look at the mop of hair on his head!


Squirmy, wormy kids? Nothing works better than a nice lollipop to keep them still.

Here is our little guy after his haircut! What a cute little man huh?

Spring Soccer

Caleb had his first soccer game last Saturday, and it was super COLD! He had to wear his black warm up sweatshirt the whole game. After, we had to get warm... so went to Chuckie Cheese for an early birthday party for Montey, with friends. Caleb just LOVES this sport to play, yet football is his favorite to watch.

Chuckie Cheese Party

Here is Montey with his best friend. These too cutie boys have their birthdays so close to eachother, that our two families decided to have a party inbetween their special days. Notice his shirt!? Yeah Washington!

Montey Walking?

Back in the end of March, Montey was finally starting to use his walker, to help him get around. After a few trial runs, he was cruising and learned how to turn around quick. He loves to ram into things with it, especially his dad and siblings. He laughs so hard as he charges after them, and then giggles once he finally hits them, or runs them over.... whatever happens first. =)

As of April 4th, he decided to take that leap of faith and walk without his handy, dandy walker. He has made LARGE strides, yet he still prefers to crawl or push his walker to get around. We are at least grateful, that he has finally figured out how to go feet first, down our wide staircase! Which means, No more bumps and thumps and lumps... phew!

Easter Season brings JOY

Our Easter preparation family party... Dying easter eggs, and hands?



Getting ready to hunt for their easter eggs and easter basket of goodies!

Ready, Set, GO.............




Opening the box ceremony, which was filled with easter goodies and toys from my Aunt Phyllis. She is one SUPER Aunt!

This was one of the couple easter egg hunts that we went too this year. Caleb's best friend Dylan, was standing next to him in the last picture.



Easter time is of course fun when it comes to the Easter bunny, and candied eggs. But it has such a bigger meaning of importance, in which we are so grateful to be reminded each year.... of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! What an amazing blessing that gift is to us all!

Our Conference Party

We were so excited for Conference Day to finally have come. The kids had a count down going....it was really cute. I LOVED conference growing up as a child, notice how I didn't say teenager, but secretly I loved it inspite of my outward expressions. I looked forward to eating donuts and having a yummy pancake breakfast, and of course playing the super FUN bingo game. It's times like this that help me to remember how important a parent's example is... if you are happy and postive about something, your kids will; and visa versa.
So for those of my friends who do not know that Conference is? It is a time where, we as a church, come together to listen to our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and other leaders. So you may ask what has Our Prophet said lately? He has said this...

" My brothers and sisters, may we strive to live closer to the Lord. May we remember to "pray always lest [we] enter into temptation.To you parents, express your love to your children. Pray for them that they may be able to withstand the evils of the world. Pray that they may grow in faith and testimony. Pray that they may pursue lives of goodness and of service to others.Children, let your parents know you love them. Let them know how much you appreciate all they have done and continue to do for you.
Now, a word of caution to all—both young and old, both male and female. We live at a time when the adversary is using every means possible to ensnare us in his web of deceit, trying desperately to take us down with him. There are many pathways along which he entices us to go—pathways that can lead to our destruction. Advances in many areas that can be used for good can also be used to speed us along those heinous pathways.
I feel to mention one in particular, and that is the Internet. On one hand, it provides nearly limitless opportunities for acquiring useful and important information. Through it we can communicate with others around the world. The Church itself has a wonderful Web site, filled with valuable and uplifting information and priceless resources.
On the other hand, however—and extremely alarming—are the reports of the number of individuals who are utilizing the Internet for evil and degrading purposes, the viewing of pornography being the most prevalent of these purposes. My brothers and sisters, involvement in such will literally destroy the spirit. Be strong. Be clean. Avoid such degrading and destructive types of content at all costs—wherever they may be! I sound this warning to everyone, everywhere.."

How grateful we are for our Prophet to guide us through these Latterdays. =)

Family Comupter STILL Down!!! Forgotten Fall 2008 pictures.

Grrr.... This is getting a little frustrating with our main computer being down. Using Eric's laptop has been nice, but all of our pictures from Easter are currently on our main comupter so we are unable to post any nice new pics at this time. We are having a little difficutly finding some extra time to take in the computer to get backed up, before we can re-install all the Dell software. Please stay posted for our Easter Fun weekend news with pictures. =) So here are some nice forgotten Fall pictures that were taken on my phone from last year's Family Fun Day at our local pumpkin patch. It was kind of pricey (sp?) but the kids liked it enough to want to go again there this year. They had a ton of different haunted houses to go through, ranging from kid friendly to adult scarey!


Caleb at the pumpkin patch





Liahona at the pumpkin patch





Tamara at the pumpkin patch





Montey with no hair at the pumpkin patch


Can anyone see Eric in the background? Great timing on my part!