tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2336092688789571772024-11-01T04:57:59.034-06:00We're all a bit devilish here!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-41553189369002010382011-09-25T00:40:00.000-06:002011-09-25T00:40:36.445-06:00

Our Rashad is a breath of fresh air. This is the first year of school for him as he entered Kindergarten with Mrs. Tanner. He loves school and has been so ready for it for the past year. That little mischievous grin has gotten him out of trouble a few times, but overall we're left trying to mop up after him and his exploring adventures. He loves to touch everything, doesn't matter what it is,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-88616735392694226842011-05-10T12:16:00.000-06:002011-05-10T12:16:06.015-06:00

Y'know, I'm fairly independent from my Mom: I moved 12 hours away from home and in the past have had heated arguments and friction in our relationship. However, I must always remember that she was the finest mother I've ever heard of. She is sweet, thoughtful, funny and enjoys my humor especially. When we were growing up she did without so much in her life in order to make sure she was doing

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-22442179858093406092011-03-31T00:42:00.001-06:002011-03-31T00:50:41.588-06:00

If you are wondering about the selection of these pictures, just know that our Nikon was on .NEF formatting instead of .jpg and I still have no idea how to change the formatting. So these pictures are the ones I took with my phone. . .I apologize, more pictures to follow as soon as I can figure out the dang thing.  Disneyland Rocks! But these rocks in the middle of the Mojave Desert were

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-74189511564334249032010-12-20T03:00:00.001-07:002010-12-20T03:02:08.887-07:00

What an elevator ride up to the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to be even with the tallest spires and the Angel Moroni in Temple Square. Also at the JSMB an original Art Gallery open to the public. It was incredible, and although it was packed, we were able to take our children around and see the incredible paintings. The kids and the Christos.  The Nativity

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-12463161943494868992010-12-13T12:30:00.000-07:002010-12-13T12:30:19.451-07:00

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-89155851892876393662010-12-06T14:49:00.002-07:002010-12-06T14:51:58.395-07:00

Last January we talked to our kids about letting Santa help with a trip to Disneyland instead of toys that break and fill their floors (and not the toy buckets!) this year. They were all for it.  So we decided instead to make this year a "Homemade" Christmas with strictly handmade items to exchange with one another. I'm enjoying the concept and hope that my children understand how much

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-18716111529380290182010-12-05T23:36:00.000-07:002010-12-05T23:36:17.740-07:00

We decorated our Christmas tree and put out a few other decorations the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I'm glad the kids were able to get into the spirit of the season. It comes in handy in lean years to have more than enough Christmas decorations on hand. I had a box full of decorations that I purchased 75-90% off last year at Wal-Mart. What a blessing! Including our first ever light up star. I

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-56647301887132689002010-11-12T13:53:00.002-07:002010-11-12T14:11:12.178-07:00

What a wonderful beautiful day on the coast it was! Words cannot describe the inner healing that took place watching the waves and talking with Mom and Sue. Gramma loves her little children!  Gramma Kestner and the Schmitz Family Gramma Kestner and the Dixon Family Yeah, it was misty and the then the sun came out! Mom loving it Oh no she di'eh. Love  Papa and Sister

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-43657169586664977802010-11-12T13:24:00.000-07:002010-11-12T13:24:22.128-07:00

The most pleasant and enjoyable day I had with my kids while in Washington was going to the Oregon Coast. Now in all fairness to those not present, it probably had more to do with the fact that it was the first time my children had seen the coast in their lives, than anything else. Also Mom and Dad (me and Darin) honeymooned in Tillamook, so it had special meaning for our family. Mom rode with

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-50925383354698696102010-11-12T13:07:00.000-07:002010-11-12T13:07:44.019-07:00

Here are some awesome pics from the reception at Vancouver Lake Park. It was great to have such support for an adoption and sealing. Everyone but David and Marcy's family attended the special event. Including a visit from the East Coast relatives: Aunt Kitti and Great Grandma Kestner. Robel watches the slide show with complete delight. The family watching the slide show, Todd watching. . .?

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-1223065609441976022010-11-12T12:52:00.000-07:002010-11-12T12:52:14.028-07:00

This is what we've been up to since my brief psychotic episode. (Yes I'm taking abnormal psychology this semester and have diagnosed myself and most family members with mental illnesses, quite fun actually!) My Washington trip was a success and helped me discover two important things. Washington's climate sucks. And I'm not the only crazy person in my family! But jokes aside, the reason for the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-58895641325252620592010-09-03T01:09:00.002-06:002010-09-03T01:12:54.135-06:00

Now, I know I'm chubby in these pictures (no need to comment one way or the other) but I really wanted to document this event since it's the first time I've preserved since Mom taught me when I was a senior in high school. It's been a blast! The tomatoes I did because they were easy. The peaches because they were readily available. The peach and apple pie filling because of all the things I

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-57323455054389532412010-08-25T22:32:00.001-06:002010-08-25T22:35:58.580-06:00

Rosalie and Ty were so cute in their new clothes I almost died from admiration. I have realized that I can no longer successfully dress myself or my husband in latest fashion - but my kids. . .! They are just so beautiful, they should be paid to put these clothes on. If only it were conducive to our family's lifestyle. Ty cracked up at the picture above. He thought he was being so

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-36180222707943519122010-08-18T01:44:00.000-06:002010-08-18T01:44:16.073-06:00

Darin and I have officially been together for over 11 years now. August 13, 2010 was exactly 11 years from our first date as an official couple. It was even on Friday the 13th like our original date. Now if you're the superstitious type the Friday the 13th may concern you for a first ANYTHING let alone date with your future spouse. But believe me, the number 13 has brought me nothing but luck

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-72470854811441035132010-07-29T18:22:00.001-06:002010-07-29T19:19:20.759-06:00

Salt Lake Tribune Remembers Brandon Curtis SHS Football Coaches Scott Mitchell and John Paystrup depart after interviewing with the media Wednesday afternoon. SHS Football - Team Brandon Head Coach Scott Mitchell holds a meeting with the team on Wednesday, and shares his faith and hope with his football team.  I imagine that Coach Mitchell had several words of solace&

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-40674152310065652202010-07-11T02:16:00.000-06:002010-07-11T02:16:31.261-06:00

Over the past year Rosalie has grown more beautiful and more sweet. She really is the best daughter and much more than her mother deserves.  Rosalie's best friend in all the world is Marissa, her cousin. They are just 11 days apart, beautiful, sweet and kind, put up with younger brothers diligently and boy crazy! Not too bad though for their ages! Watching Bradley's varsity

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-66285023397542984022010-07-07T12:26:00.001-06:002010-07-07T12:27:29.967-06:00

I have to acknowledge God's tender mercies when thinking about the tough times the past few weeks. My beloved little Arwen Even Star was hit by a car and killed. However, she was able to crawl out of the street (so more cars couldn't hurt her) and then I took a different route home (first time in a year) and found her a little after it happened. I was able to sob and rock my poor lovely kitty

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-24694460191328307062010-06-30T13:02:00.003-06:002010-07-06T14:10:56.003-06:00

Oh my goodness yesterday was fabulous. Shawna and I celebrated the occasion by spending some time getting our toes painted. Mine were blood red. We then hit Ty's tee ball game and went out to dinner at our favorite Mexican Restaurant, Joe Banditos in Springville. We all shared because their portions are extremely generous. Then around 8pm we met with Deb, Frank took all our kids - thanks Frank!

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-51172097589259810762010-06-09T13:59:00.000-06:002010-06-09T13:59:13.764-06:00

I'm very excited that I have tickets for Eclipse for Debbie, Frank?, Darin and me the day BEFORE the opening of the movie, June 29th at 9pm, not MIDNIGHT! Again, I owe this to my dear sister-in-law Deb for knowing people in high places that have the means to rent out entire theaters for friends and family! What this means: door prizes, walking in casually a half hour before the movie starts,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-41215155236908816672010-05-14T10:31:00.000-06:002010-05-14T10:31:35.629-06:00

Hours after an emergency c-section, Bessie and two babies arrive home. Bessie and babies I really love this picture!  Rosalie holding Mommy Baby and flashing her scratched arms from her beloved cat Princess. Winston and Gramma Rosalie with "Mommy Baby" Ty was thrilled that these creatures were born the day before his birthday Rashady was happy to be able to hold the little baby

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-51738212508394450912010-05-10T16:36:00.000-06:002010-05-10T16:36:06.641-06:00

Our tulips topside. Daffodil. I spy a kitty, can you?! Rashady helping Daddy mow the law. After all that's what the little bar is for, right?! Darin has turned our back yard into a professional looking golf course. It's breath taking, especially compared to what it was.  A rare picture of Sinatra. She is quite a shy cat for everyone but Mom, but on this sunny day

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-82357447759810986022010-04-20T15:55:00.001-06:002010-04-20T15:57:53.417-06:00

So I had the bright idea to do chore charts with the kids and to offer Dixon $Dollars$ to them each day for doing 80% + of what was on the list (there is a lot on the list). Over two weeks they did their chores and saved their dollars to buy items out of the Dixon Store. While I prepared and purchased items for the kids, Nin just happened to be visiting. Well, I couldn't reward my kids

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-90139267432223130672010-04-16T11:28:00.000-06:002010-04-16T11:28:30.787-06:00

My kids anxiously awaiting Aunt Mindy, Uncle Daniel, and their kids. Pulling into our driveway Rosalie handing Dusty over to his mom for the first time! Nin amazed at how ittle bitty Dusty was. Leah lovin on Dusty Robelly thought Dusty was ALRIGHT! A little concerned, but otherwise a happy Michael with his new puppy! Deonna the snuggler with Dusty. Leah Leah showing Auntie Holly how

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-66883222954054804122010-04-14T12:23:00.000-06:002010-04-14T12:23:18.866-06:00

Darin turned 34 on April 7th, but we waited to celebrate with Nin and her family. We also invited some very close friends and family to attend as well. Thank you for all that came. It was a HOOT!  We had pineapple sherbet with pineapple soda for punch, veggies and dip, fruit and dip and sausage dip! Darin's "Luau" birthday cake The grown up table: Daniel, Mindy, Deb, Grammy and Grandpa

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233609268878957177.post-24902639654705108792010-04-01T22:20:00.000-06:002010-04-01T22:20:27.793-06:00

Tuckered from the Stair adventure, sleeping on Aunt Holly's lap while I blogged. He's a tad precious. Aunt Holly had to get up and so she laid lil Butterscotch in his crib (laundry basket)

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2