MOM! I'm a teenager now!

Happy 13th Birthday Spencer!

Mom and Dad made a cake with Spencer's favorite guy in mind "Jack Skelington".

What a handsome young man Spencer is turning into.

Spencer, Dad, and Andrew Disneyland "08" Our little boys are sure growing up. 

Spencer played Soccer this last spring. He playing the "Forward" position Spencer makes a great Goalie.

Spencer swimming at the Clayton family's pool in Summerlin, Las Vegas this last spring. Spence loves visiting the Clayton's just as much as Disneyland.  

And we have another teenager in the house! Spencer has been reminding me for a long while know that he is going to officially be a teenager on (XX) amount of days.. I say " Wahoo! Luck me! What a fun time of life for Spence. I absolutly loved junior high. I was so ready to leave Elementary and make new friends. What a great two years I had. Lucky Spencer get 3 years where we live in Middle school he has 7-9th. I would have loved an extra year at good old "Clayton Junior High" I miss all my friends that went to Highland High While I went to East High. With the exception of my best girlfriends Lis my BFF sense kindergarten and Jen my BFF from Junior high. Ironically all three of us went to the "University of Utah" together as well. While all of our friend/traders went to BYU. We also join the same Sorority together.

Back to Spencer. Spencer just finished his first Quarter/term in 7th and made the Honor Roll. He is so good about motivating himself for the most part. I have had more that a few late nights these last few weeks up with him while he finished his report on "Brigham Young" for Utah History and "Andy Worhol" for Art History. Know one ever told me I had to go back to Junior High so many times ...Well I still have 2 repeats to go. Spencer is not currently in any sport. He is going to tryout for the school basketball team really soon. Last year he played in a city league but being in 7th grade is awhole new world. Spencer just finished helping plan and participating in the school Halloween Carnival and did a great job. Today Spencer and Andrew attended a Utah County council scout "POW-POW" they are taking class to advance in there scout rankings. Spencer just passed his board of review last Sunday and is now a "Star" and is working on his "Life". Andrew is one away from earning his "Life" maybe they can receive their "Eagle" ranks together. Spencer is such a great kid. I always have people come up to me an pay such great compliments about him. He is the kind of kid you send out into the world and don't worry about his choices. He has a lot of integrity about him. Spencer has a few friend that can get permission to just about anything as long as Spencer is going. They know that he will help them to make good choices. One of the Coolest things about Spence is that he is not afraid to leave if things are not right and we have received phone calls from mom's to thank him for his good example. Mom's always feel like they are doing there job when they send their kids out into the world and they are making good choices. Spencer is a gentleman as well. He hold the door open and has learned to wait until everyone is served to eat. Spencer is not with out fault believe me he has a little temper every know and then. Especially if it's his night for dishes. When he gets a little testy he gets it out quickly and doesn't let it eat at him. After a little disagreement he ALWAYS comes and apologies for acting "Stupid or being a Jerk" as he says. Spence and the kids ended piano this summer. Due to their teacher having a 3 baby. They were all so excited to quit. DANG says mom. Spencer and Andrew were getting so good too. Spencer has an amazing voice but is way to shy to share it. I once threatened him with voice lessons to keep him in piano. (he,he I am bad mom) Spencer is not as much a die hard Sports fan as his dad and brother are. He is a UTAH fan and a bit of a BYU fan as well. He likes to go to the Utah games with the guys but not all the time he lets Abbie take his place now and then. Spencer is a great help in the Kitchen and loves to cook. He is a huge fan of "Food Network" as is the family. He has his own cook books and Chef attire. Spencer really enjoys science and how things work. Spencer is a great brother and is trying to learn patience. (aren't we all) Spence is also a magnet for really cute friends too(wink-wink) but would kill me if I said anymore. Spencer is the one kid that will go to bed the rest are just plain RATS! Spencer's room on the other hand is always in need of help. He is always behind on his laundry. And when he is doing his laundry you can tell, the walls start to shake and the noise coming from the washroom.. Yikes! You could say he like to make his loads efficient (overloads) I should say. At least he is trying.

List of Spencer's current favorites:
Games: cards, board, Wii-Kung foo Panda (b-day present)
Movies: Comedy- Brian Regan, Home along, Young Frankenstein", Monty Python, Nightmare Before Christmas, Kung-Foo Panda
Treat: Kit-Kat
Collects: Nightmare Before Christmas-shirts, pins.
Book/Author: Erragon/ Cornelia Funk and has a good wish list.
Sports team: UTAH & a little BYU, What ever team he is playing on. Andrew school team.
T.V. shows: Myth Busters, Rewind, Food Network
Cloths: Anything but his school Uniform.
Seasons: Spring and Fall.
Pastime: Hanging out with the Family.
Wants to be a Pediatrician when he grows up. I think he would be great! Spence is so good with kids. SPENCER BABY SITES IF YOU NEED A BREAK. He is happy to not have to watch Zach. (should I say wrangle)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEENAGER! WE LOVE YOU!

Zach turnes 5!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACHARY!

All the boys in the family got new white shirts for church so little Z got one too. Most of the time he would rather wear a polo shirt he is mister casual man.. I had to get a birthday photo on in he looked so cute in his white shirt and tie... His little friend Ellie even noticed how dapper he looked and said" Mom look Zach is wearing a tie".  How cute is that. After church Ellie and Ben (who we call by multiple names like "bellie and en" or "Benellie") came over to give Zach a b-day present. They had made him card and gave him candy and a dry-erase marker with dry-erase handwriting practice sheets. Wahoo! Know Zach can master his Surname now. What friends.

The Anderson's family Derek, Cassie, Katie and Joshy came over as well. They had picked out a really cool b-day present for Zach. A red Power Ranger guy with a Ranger car (or what ever it's called). He played with it all day by the way.

Spencer and Abbie had such a great idea to give Zachy his presents. They made a fishing pond. For every present he opened he had to fish for it.. How stinking clever.. They opened the French doors to the office and strung up a sheet and made a little sign that said "fishing pond". They re-strung the fishing pool that was in the mud-room with yarn and voila!  Andrew was the fisherman's assistant. What cool brothers and sister Zachy has to help make his day so fun. Zach pick out a "Power Ranger" motorcycle that came with three guys at the store and has been dyeing to play with it.. I also found other "Power Ranger" gifts on clearance on the Disney store on-line really cheep. The kids wrapped up thing that they had in there room that they though he might like to have.. Abbie gave his "Wilber the Pig" from "Charolett's Web".  Spencer gave him a little puppy that Zach named "Duddly".  Abbie also wrapped up 5 pennies. Zach love it.

Zach wanted me to make him a red "Power Ranger" cake but we have been under the weather and just dang busy around here so we talked him into warm brownies and ice cream. YUMMY!

I love this picture if Zachy because it's dark you can really see him and not have any distractions.. He was so excited to be sung too. He makes his daddy proud taking after his like that(bring attention to your birthday) In fact Zach told I think the whole ward that it was his b-day. He would see someone he knew and run up to them and say "Hey today is my birthday".

 We had combine primary today so we could practice for the primary program coming up so Zach got to stand up in front of all the kids and he was so proud of himself he was grinning from ear to ear. He thought it was so funny that they gave him a coupon to get a special treat from the bishop after church.. He was probably thinking I get one after church every week from dadda. But the birthday one is much bigger. He also got a small figurine of a little boy praying from the Primary which he was so excited to receive because big sister Abbie has one too. 

Is this so cute he shut his eyes to make a wish!  When Zach was all done blowing out the candled we asked what did you wish for? A Power Ranger". Go figure.. Oh when life was so simple. 

Happy Birthday little man.. We love you so much.

Summer Family night fun.

FAMILY NIGHT FUN

I came across these photos from July and couldn't resist sharing.. Every month we meet together at my Mom and Dads house and have family dinner and celebrate all birthday's in that month.. 

After Dinner Spencer and Abbie had planned an little activity for us all to do... Face painting!!! It was so much fun..  All the Kids were the Artists.. It was hilarious... Spencer painted Cameron to look like Captain Jack Sparrow he even painted his own face using a mirror (cool picture arrr!!!) 

Sienna stayed still for about 20 min while Abbie painter he face. I have never seem a 2 year old sit so still and be so patient. 

Mindy and I were the only Adults who were brave enough to let the kids paint there faces.

Zach Painting mommy.
The masterpiece.. "A lady Bug"

Alex painting his Mom Mindy. Maddy painter Mindy's other cheek. She got a double dose of fun.

The Birthday BOY!!!

Regan

Later in the summer the we had a ward party and the youth were in charge of face painting.. Let's just say we had a lot of Jack Sparrows walking around.

Abbie has been bugging me for a hair cut for ever... Every time I take the boy for a cut of say we need hair cuts in this house she says: I know Mom We ALL DO" ! and she is looking right at me and points to her hair... She was within seconds of cutting 10 inches of so she could donate it to lock of love again.. She donated her hair by her own choice when she was 7... She couldn't bare to cut it that short this time....

                                                                                 before

And six inches after.... One excited girl.  

                                                                             After

This biggest change for Abbie is  NEW GLASSES!!! 

Abbie has been getting a lot of headaches so we made an appointment with the eye doctor and sure enough.... She has 20/20 vision... but has astigmatism which was making her eyes really work overtime... She can see close up as well but her eye have to work a little harder.. now the can chill out and see so much better and hopefully not get so many headaches... Abbie picked out her glasses. She tried on lots of frames and these were her favorite... Her aunt Mindy said she was proud of her for not picking out pink.... And being a little more practical...  Lucky for Abbie the doc. told her she only has to wear them when she wants to. Because unlike the rest of us who can't see a thing when we take our glasses of she can see still... She might even grow out of this he said... I definitely enjoy lasik and not having to wear glasses...

Is she cute or what!!!

Look who started pre-school today.

I can't believe my baby is in his last year of pre-school. I just had the little guy.. I have to day I I have truly enjoyed having this wild little big boy with me every day of my life. Zach has so much energy he never give up.. He can stay up until 12:00 am and it doesn't even phase him.. He might just sleep until 8:00 a.m at the latest he is the early riser at out house. He usually get up around 7:00 am. I will miss my little shadow when he is in school full time. Zach is a easy to please guy. Hence the outfit.  I had a brand new pair of plaid brumuda's and a polo shirt laid out and ready for the first day of school and like all the guys in my house "I want to wear the new tee-shirt and shorts mom it has a cool motor cycle on it". Will know one in my house ever willingly  wear something just a little dresser. Zach has been looking forward to going back to school at Teacher Wendy's sense the last day of school. Zach learned so much last year and I can't wait to see him blossom even more this year.. I LOVE YOU ZACH... Thanks Daddy for making it all possible.

First Day of School

The big kids started school today. Andrew is officially in High School and decided to attend the new Charter High School YAA!!!!!! We (mom and dad) are so excited with his choice.  Spencer is a middle schooler this year. Spencer started the 7th grade. He was so excited to be a big kid he told me "I have been waiting my hole life to be in 7th grade and have my own locker". Abbie is at the same school and is in the 5th grade this year.. She was excited about her new teacher.. And was thrilled to have her 2 BFF's in her class. I love having the ability to decide what class my children are in...  This picture is so funny Andrew has grown so much as well as Spencer.. Andrew and Spencer are both wearing Andrew's shirts from last year we have not had time to do school shopping only for supplies.. The shirt is a lot to big for Spencer and a Little short for Andrew.. (giggle) Abbie is just a little pip squeak she stays in the same size forever she can still wear a 8-10 and she is 10.5 years old. Her little brother Zach weighs about the same and he will be 5 in Oct.... Abbie was luck enough to get a new shirt and pants for school in time. She still fits all her other cloths with the exception of a few white shirts needed.. I have to say I LOVE Uniforms!!! It's so Easy....  This year the kids all start at the same time yikes. To top it off I have to drive them all. Regan is in a carpool know (waaaaah) He drove the kids to school last year I was so spoiled and I know it! I am such a night owl as is all of my family.. It's going to be rough getting back into the swing of school... Andrew will also have drivers-ed this year he will be 16 in January.. I can't believe it my self... At least we don't have early morning Seminary Andrew said no way to it because he would rather have release time this year... He even said her would give up weigh training if he had to.. Weird... I choose early morning ever year in high school so I didn't have to give up any classes... To each his own...

Zach was sad yesterday to realize that he had to wait for Teacher Wendy (pre-school) to start in Sept. He loves going to school and will go 3 days a week this year. I am also excited to see his mind grow. He learned so much last year...

Last night we had back to school blessing from dad and we hope the the best year yet!!!

Time to do chores sense all the child slaves are at school..(he,he) at least that's what they think...

Happy 40th Birthday AGAIN Regan!

Happy Birthday To our Sweetheart and Daddy!

Regan Turned 40 + 1 today... And does he like to celebrate his birthday.

This morning her woke up early and went to the Grocery store "Smith's" and bought 30 boxes of cereal and a gallon of milk for $33.00 dollars... He was so excited his said  "what it was a great deal and I might even go again tomorrow". 

Way to look out for us DAD. 

After Lunch Daddy took the kids swimming and Mommy Followed not to swim but to decorate his car. And pick balloons and dessert. (I will post pictures in the morning of the party)

This evening we went out with out the kids. We drove downtown to S.L.C. and went shopping at the Gateway. We went to dinner at Z- tajas. (Yummo!) and Saw the best movie ever "Mama Mia" Hilarious. It was a great movie and Love the Music of course.. ABBA.. We had that in 8 track and cassette growing up. Great 70s early 80's memories... We had a great evening together. HAPPY BIRTHDAY REGAN WE LOVE YOU!!!

Summer is definitely here!

The first part of  July we had an Extended family sleep-over for the Forth of July Celebration. On the 4th we had a Flag ceremony, Breakfast and bike race in for all the neighborhood. Then Later that day we had a water party in Mom and Dad Roberts yard. We had a water slide, Water toys picnic and Snow cones... Later that night we had neighborhood Fireworks and the Amazing Volcano!! (long story) 

Sorry that you will have to view the pictures out of order sometimes blogger is a nightmare to work with I don't always develop a story backwards I don't know about you! Please bear with me.

Uncle Carl and Daddy made us all snow cones with there snow cone machines.

 

Abbie had a great time on the water-slide. 

I {HEART} all things WATER!!!  (ZACH)

Spencer rode his scooter for the offical bike race but thought the little bike was pretty funny to ride so he was dying to rider it around the block. GO SPENCER! He is so big for the bike he looks like he is in a circus act.

Andrew couldn't see Milo be left out so he joined in the fun with our little boy(dog) Milo.

 

Abbie is quite the little Rip-Sticker! She is really good Actually!!!

.

Flag ceremony in front of Grandpa Da's House.

 

Zach loves to be involved in everything that is 

going on he is a hoot! He is so easy to please. 

Look at the sure happiness on his face.

Congratulations Ginger and Cologne

Me and my little sisters, Mindy, Ginger and Amber. (Not to bad for 30+ years old girls ah!)

Pretty amazing cake.

Close up of the Monogram and Pipe work.

First Dance just about to begin.

Bride and little flower girls. My DD is the tallest one with red hair.

Yummy Cake!

We had a great week-end. My sister Ginger was married on Saturday! She looked SO BEAUTIFUL. All my little sister looked beautiful in fact. Regan got to marry the happy couple and did a fabulous job! Our Wonderful Mother altered and added to the dark purple dressed and made the light purple dress along with her mothers outfit. She is so talented! My sister Amber made the wedding cake so amazing.. We now have an amazing new brother in-law who is so loving and supporting to my sister and her son. He is a very self-less person and brings out the best in both of them. We got to meet my Bro. in-law family that flew in from St. Thomas He has a great family and they were so much fun to meet. We dance to a great mix of music like current hits, 80's(Bobby Brown for all the sister and cousins for old times), Scooby Doo theme (bro-in law hand picked it out for my 4 yrs old how cute is that) to great music from the Caribbean. Our cousin Garrett was there still during the dance and from outside we heard a Bobby Brown song starting. Garrett was dying for us all to dance is was a hoot. This brought back all our movie days what a great memory. Ginger and Cologne had picked out all the songs for special reason it was really cool. 

June! Going going almost gone.

This has been a very fast month. We have been keeping pretty busy. Andrew went to E.F.Y the 9th-14th came home and went to a movie that afternoon and had two dances that night. Doesn't life suck for him!

Did he sign up for the all girls EFY 

or is he just the luckiest guy alive.. How cute!

Spencer and Abbie started tutoring with a Neighbor to make sure they get a jump start on things for the new school year. She is so amazing she even has them log in to her school account and take online tests to see what progress they are making and wow am I busier than I ever thought I would be with summer with home work. Spencer only has a half hour of math so he is fully understand all the math concepts his teacher didn't get to. Abbie has a heavy load of language arts and Math. We should say Mommy and Abbie have a lot of work. I get to do it with her. Ya me!! I am hoping to pass of all my times tables this summer(he,he). 

Our piano teacher has resigned she is having a baby the end of the summer and she wanted to spend more time with her kids. She taught about 12 or so kids. I must say it's been one less thing to have to

 fight about this summer. Kinda nice if I don't say so myself.

Soccer mates(Zach and Daddy)


Go Zachy Go!! When he was focused  he really had a ball. Especially the last game. Maybe because he knew it was the only way to con mom into signing him up for soccer next year. Zach and his cousin Lydia were on the same team. We had great coaches. Dan Doney and Nichole Metcalf. Thanks guys!!!

Spencer, Zach and Daddy ended soccer this month. Andrew was a reefed for the city his soccer season ended in the first if May so he was able to make a little money. Zach had a 40 year old team mate named daddy who helped his stay interested  in the game not the bugs in the grass. Even Mommy got to be a team mate every now and then.

Andrew is gone again this week on a week long scout camp and Spencer is scheduled to have a 5 mile backpacking trip for this week-end. He told us he would rather stay and go to the Temple and do baptisms. He had such an amazing time last time it made such a huge impression on him. He was so excited to have the opportunity to go again. 

Abbie just had her dance showcase and she did fab!!! She is growing up so fast... I want her to stay little forever. She is taking a dance camp for a week in July. She is excited about that. Thanks to all who came to support Abbie at her showcase.

Abbie and Zach love to play in the blow-up pool. We usually spend the whole day outside when we fill the pool. We usually have Katie(3 yrds) and Cassie(mom) our BFF neighbors with us for the day. Zach is an escape artist this summer and usually just runs out the front door to find a friend, play at the park in the backyard or follow the ice cream man(dang nuisance). I am a prisoner to my 4 yrs old so he doesn't fly the coop looking for fun. (I would rather be in my studio stamping.) 

We have a family shower for my sister Ginger this Saturday she is getting married July 12. We are so excited for her she is marrying a major awesome guy. He is so amazing with her son and has brought out the best in her. (All people should be so lucky). We love that awesome family. He even came to Abbie's dance recital. How cool is that! They have been together for quite awhile now so it was genuine to come not just to make an impression. They have bought a house together and he changed his job schedule to make sure he is there for Dom after school and when he is off track. He is such an angel. I love Ginger so much and am so impressed with how she has handled all she has had on her plate over the years. She is so strong and has a good head on her shoulders. Being single is one thing to deal with but to be a single mother is another. She has had her struggles for sure and she has handled them with grace. She has provided for herself and son so well. She also has a child with special needs and what a blessing he is to her and our family. We love him so much and would be lost if he was not apart of our family. He is the most loving and trusting person I have ever know. We love you Dominick!!!!!! I am so honored to be related to her. Regan is going to preform there marriage he is so honored that they asked. How cool is that.. We can't wait until the big day. 

I have been busy teaching my scrapbook and card making classes and what a blessing that has been to have in my life. I truly love the ladies I teach and it provides a little time out for me and a income to support my crafty habits...

Come visit me on my blog:

http://www.designsbybrooke.blogspot.com

 We have also done so much yard work this month we even got out garden planted.. We still have more yard work to do.. It's all good. We have enjoyed every moment of it.

 Regan also started a new position at Ingenix. He has been with them for 9 years. He is really enjoying the change and the team atmosphere this new department has.. Regan has also been busy preparing talks for church this month. He was asked to be the main speaker for Stake priesthood. It's also 5th sunday that means Bishop gets to teach. He is going to present a huge food storage/ preparedness plan. I am really excited about it. I wish I could hear his talks. I teach the sunbeams which I love but I don't get to hear much of him. He also speaks to the youth a lot he loves them and likes to spend lots of time with them.

Abbie and I are going to the Joseph Smith Movie downtown with the Activity day girls this week. It will be fun to have mommy and daughter time. Sorry for Spencer he get to play bad cop with Zach. Spencer is a good sport. Speaking of Spencer.. He went swimming with friends today and took his wallet. I had asked him to leave it home because it would get stolen. Andrew has had cloths taken from the pool before. I took out the money he had in his wallet and asked him to leave it home. He insisted on taking it and sure enough is was stolen. He said I hide it in my underwear and then  rolled it up in my pant's. I just had to roll my eyes and not say anything. Our sweet neighbor helped him file a police report at the pool and it took over an hour for the officer to even get there. When Spencer told them that he had hid the money in his underwear they said "and they still took it yikes!" When he left for the pool I thought he had only taken $5.00. $4 for swimming a $1 for a treat. But know he said "Mom I put the other money in my pant's so you wouldn't take it out because I wanted to take it. Other people always take a lot of money to the pool. I wanted to too. He lost $24.00 and a $5.00 gift card to a ice cream store. His wallet was a D.C. brand he bought with his birthday money and he insisted on taking it. I told him that I would not run him to the mall to replace it if it was stoled. Life sucks when you don't listen to your Mom and Dad. What a price to pay. I asked him if he was going to listen to me next time and trust what I have to say. He said yes. Lesson learned.. the hard way. Anyone need a babysitter?? Slave labor.. I know a 12yr old who needs a job. To boot he forgot his swim bag at the pool and I had to drive him back to find it. Lehi is having town days celebration and had  Lehi power in the parking lot and they were giving rides in there "boom" trucks Abbie and Spencer wanted to have a ride but Zach wouldn't have anything to do with it. So I sat with him. They had a ball.

We hope you have had a great month. We hope to hear from you all soon.

School's Out!!!

Last friday was our last day of school until August 18th.. I know that's way early...We had so great teachers and some not so great teachers this year.. We are hopping for a great year this fall. Andrew will be going into 10th grade at Rockwell Academy.. YA!!! we are so thrilled he choose not to attend the local High school Lehi.. We will have a new High School in Saratoga Springs ready to open fall 2009. Andrew will have the choice where to go then.. Abbie and Spencer will be a Lakeview Academy together again.. Abbie will be in 5th grade and Spencer will be in the 7th grade.. Lockers !!!YA!!.. He is so exited for middle school. Zachy still has another year at Teacher Wendy's He loves pre-school.. I have to say I have really enjoyed having my big kids at the same school. We attend a all driving school so it means lots of back and forth. Driving to early morning seminary etc. I am so luck to have a great call pool buddy my sweet sister Mindy.. And a Awesome sweetie who for the most part takes the kids in the morning and lets me get little more rest...

Spencer with our favorite 

Teacher's aid/Teacher/guardian Angel/friend Mrs. Hughes

Spencer and a few very cute class mates who wanted to say good by to him. They were so thrilled he was coming back to "Lakeview" with them. (I love Spencer's extression: Ya!!!! and woooooo baby!! girls) I think this new year in 7th could be kinda interesting...

I didn't get picture of Abbie she went home with her BFF Kyle for a school's out party... It was quit a party she didn't get home until 10:30 p.m. Kyle and Abbie are both so cute. Abbie and he are about the same height, weight, both have red hair and are both dang cute..  

Andrew had a middle school day at the park. On the way home We stopped to get Zach form Mindy's house and he saw all the Gang so he was off to chill.. We all (meaning all that were left at home Mom, Dad, Spencer and Zach) went to lunch.. We went to deliver lunch to Andrew and held out the bag and he was waiving us off. He was also giving us a look like what are you thinking. He finally ran to the car and said "I can't eat in front of the girls it would be rude".  Oh wait did I mention at this point is was Andrew and 5 girls.. His best guy friend had to stay at his house to babysit. Andrew went back to the group and said "who want's fries?" All the girls yelled Me Me!!! How dang cute is he. I am so proud that he didn't just eat in front of the girls and not give it a second thought .. Fries are a big deal for Andrew(just like all of us) and he shared!!!! That is all you can ask that when you send your kids out into the world that they behave for others, have good manners, and make good choices....Love you bud... 

The first real days Monday and Tuesday of Summer break we have been doing yard work.. Major yard work and I have had 3 good helpers.. No help from the 4 year old who is in need of a shock collar to keep him from running of down the street to play or chasing the ice cream man. He is going to be the death of me this summer. He is always sneaking out of the house.  "But I just want to play mom" or "I promise I won't" Nice try Zachy! Wish me luck with this one. Good thing he is so cute and has amazing eyes.

check back and I will add pictures of the yard.

Come visit me on my card blog.  http://www.designsbybrooke.blogspot.com

I found this great quiz from a friends blog it made me really think. I thought that I would relate with Elizabeth Bennet the most but alas I don't have a crazy mother or crazy younger sisters. Just a few Mr Collins's in my life. my quiz tells me that I am most like:

Take the Quiz here!

At least I am a dependable person who loves deeply and not a completely irrational fool. Take the quiz it really fun it makes you think.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBIE!

Can you believe that Abbie is in the double digits now? She is definitely a "Tween" and considered an adult on every activity that we booked for our up coming vacation. Ironically she takes up less space than our 4 year old. She even eats the least in the family.

Abbie is a very busy girl. She enjoys her new dance company; the "The Academy of Dance Design". She gets to do tumbling in this class. Our new company was a great find and she is really improving in her skills and being challenged. Plus, I don't have to hear that she wants to trade dance for tumbling anymore. We also don't have to commute in rush hour traffic since it's just down the street now...

Abbie also enjoys activity days and practicing for the school musical "Suessical the Musical Jr" where she will play the cutest platypus ever. Abbie just finished playing basketball where she was the team enforcer. She literally drove the opponents crazy with her smothering defense and she played pretty aggressively. Abbie was one of two girls on the team.

As well as she did in basketball, Abbie does not like practicing the piano at all. She is a trouble maker with piano every day. She absolutely loves to make crafts and she has her own work station. She is acquiring lots of fun tools to help her along in the creative process. For Christmas she got her own die-cut machine that Zach is secretly sharing with her to get him of my back about having to buy him one as well. She has her own stamps and ink just like mom. She is a huge fan of moms’ studio/scrapbook/stamp room and always likes to hang out with me. She loves to dance and sing around the house and is a major huge fan of Hannah Montana. Go figure. We haven't had any luck getting tickets to any concerts so Dad and Mom surprised Abbie with a date to Hannah Montana the 3-D movie. We had so much fun. The movie/concert was so cool.

Abbie is also a new fan of Webkins. She got her first little pal from the Easter bunny. Can you believe that the bunny even got her favorite one ever? A little white terrier! How in the world did the rabbit ever get that lucky? For her birthday she received a white platypus from mom and 4 more from friends. She was in heaven...

Abbie is a loyal friend and so very sensitive. Her best friend is a boy named Kyle which is really cool. He gets on better with girls than boys and she gets along better with boys. Girls are so dramatic so I get the boy friend thing. Kyle is playing his cards right because he gets all the girls on his side - not a bad place to be I guess. Abbie loves her primary teachers. She has had them for two years and would love to have a few more years if she could. She loves to play with little kids and absolutely loves our adopted red headed (almost 3 year old) friend Katie. Katie even got to come to Abbie's b-day party to sing "High School musical" she knows the words just as well as any other teenager...

Abbie got checked out of school for birthday lunch with mom and she chose "Panda Express". Zach was so excited to have noodles from Panda. He is always a willing patron of noodles dishes. Abbie got to open all her presents at 6:30 a.m. yikes (especially for mom) because we wanted to all be there for her.

We are so happy that Abbie is a member of our family. She is a sweet young lady and is always trying to make the right choices. She is so excited to see President Erying tomorrow during Conference. She is just smitten with him. She got to meet him in person the week of President Hinckley's Funeral. We were the only other people in "Cutlers Cookies" in Bountiful so we had a little chat. He also has a vacation home down here in Saratoga Springs in the stake just south of us. We have also seen him and his wife at the grocery store. President Erying was also Grandma Connie's favorite General Authority she ever worked for as a secretary.

Beloved Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley, Dies at 97

Our Beloved Prophet and President of "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" Joined his sweetheart in Eternal Glory on January27th, 2008. We will miss his sweet words of strenght and kindness, Testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and his work, Example of enduring to the end. He was a leader and friend who will remain in our hearts for ever. We love you dear President Hinckley.

Testimony of President Gordon B. Hinckley

"I hope that all of you will remember that on this Sabbath day you heard me bear my witness that this is God's holy work. The vision given the Prophet Joseph in the grove of Palmyra was not an imaginary thing. It was real. It occurred in the broad light of day. Both the Father and the Son spoke to the boy. He saw Them standing in the air above him. He heard Their voices. He gave heed to Their instruction.
"It was the resurrected Lord who was introduced by His Father, the great God of the universe. For the first time in recorded history, both the Father and the Son appeared together to part the curtains and open this, the last and final dispensation, the dispensation of the fullness of times.
"The Book of Mormon is all that it purports to be—a work recorded by prophets who lived anciently and whose words have come forth "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" (Book of Mormon title page).
"The priesthood has been restored under the hands of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John. All the keys and authority pertaining to eternal life are exercised in this Church.
"Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, the great Prophet of this dispensation. This Church, which carries the name of the Redeemer, is true.
"I leave you my testimony, my witness, and my love for each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
President Gordon B. HinckleyApril 1, 2006, Sunday morning session of the 176th Annual World General Conference

We Love LEVI

This December we lost one of our favorite cousins to cancer. Levi fought a great battle and was such a great example to us all. Before he passed away he completed two amazing goals. First, Levi received his endowments in the Bountiful Temple. What a truly sweet experience to be part of. Then, in October, he took a last trip to South Africa to visit Victoria Falls (with this trip he visited all 7 continents on one passport - all with his mother as his companion) to the worlds tallest bungie jump. He was to weak in the end to jump so his friend Gavin took the plunge for him (Levi had already done the 2nd highest jump in the world while in New Zeland and wanted to do the largest himself). It was truly a Miracle that Levi was able to spend the last part of his life with his loving family on an African Safari.. We all kept updated on his trip by visiting his blog (http://www.levistrong.blogspot.com/) to live every moment we could... We are so amazed at how well he did. What a wonderful Mother and Father he has who cared so lovingly for him every day of his life and through out his illness. Thanks to Sy and Ron for the example of love and compassion you have shown to us all. We love all the Snarr family so much and will miss LEVI.. He is off to serve as a Mission Companion with his older brother ZACH.. We love you Guys.... Until we meet again....