Levi's Bareback Ride

Levi decided to follow in his daddy's footsteps and try bareback riding. I was not to happy about it, but David was sure that he would hate the first ride and decide that it wasn't for him. That didn't happen! He loved it and wants to do it again. I am not sure how I feel about it. Pretty scary! Notice how close the horse came to crushing his pretty little head. Not something a mom wants to see.

Cassidy and Cora were asked to sing a couple songs for the ward Christmas party. It was fun and they did a great job. Cassidy did get so nervous that she forgot to smile. Notice the one little smile from her during this song. I was pulling funny faces and I finally got to her. It was a great night. I am so lucky to have such wonderful children.

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2nd annual Christmas tree hunting party. This time we went with great friends and family. It was so much fun and I think we all found the perfect trees for us. I think that we will make this a yearly tradition. Josh , Stokey, Levi, Cassidy, Cora, David, and Heather
Sidney, Kelsey, Melaney, Meg, Dani and Bailey
Ashley, Bryan and Travis
The pretty view of the sun going down. We barely made it out before dark.

Since it is November, I decided to post some of the many things that I am thankful for. To often we go through life focused on the things that we don't have or on the things that go wrong. I love Thanksgiving because it gives us all a time when we can remember all of the many blessings that we have.

I am so thankful for my wonderful husband. He is so patient with me. I am thankful that he is not only my husband, but my best friend. I am thankful that he is a righteous man who honors his Priesthood. I am thankful for my children. I have truly been blessed with wonderful children. I am thankful for the fact that I can trust them to choose the right and to be honest with me. I am thankful to live in this wonderful valley. Cache Valley has to be the most beautiful place on earth. Every morning I look out the window and smile. I am thankful for a testimony of my Savior. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. It brings me so much peace and happiness. I am thankful for my beautiful home. There is no better feeling than walking in the front door and knowing that I am in a safe, loving place where I can just be myself. I am thankful for the brave men and women who have served our country and made it possible for me to have the freedoms that I have. I am thankful for wonderful friends who always have an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. I am thankful for parents who instilled in me good values and let me borrow their testimonies until I found my own. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father. I know that every blessing comes from Him.

I hope you all take a moment to think of everything that you are thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving.

For those of you who don't know, a couple of months ago I had a freak moment of insanity (they actually happen quite often) and I signed up for the Ogden half marathon. Now, for someone who has spent the last 15 years as a couch potato, this is going to be a BIG challenge. I have been working hard nearly every day and I can actually see some improvement. I am still so far away from my goal, but each step is a step closer. Right at first I lost 10 pounds quickly. Now I seem to be at a standstill. I have 100 pounds to lose and although I know I won't have it all off my the marathon, I was hoping to lose a lot by then. It will be a long, hard road, but I can do hard things!

Happy Halloween!

Cora was a Prom Queen, Cassidy was a Rockstar, Levi was a Missionary, and Josh was a Rocker! What a fun night!!!!

Finally the call came!

It's so hard waiting
until David gets home.



We are so excited that Josh will be serving in Spokane Washington, spanish speaking mission. Um, the Prophet forgot to sign it... is it still official?

Summer Fun

This has been a very fun summer. I have been so busy that I haven't taken much time to update our blog. We have had some fun reunions and family vacations as well as all the fun we have had showing at the fairs. Cora decided to show her miniature horse at the Weber County Fair and did great, winning 3 first place ribbons. Cassidy and Cora also showed 4-H calves at the Franklin County Fair. Cassidy did great in showmanship and her calf won 3rd place overall in the show. She was also able to show her 4-H pig and had a great time. David and the kids also took a few days and went riding in the Uintas. They spent time fishing and riding and playing in the water. It was great for them to have some time together without mom and I had a good weekend with my good friend on our spur of the moment road trip. We are so blessed to be able to have these fun times and make memories that will last forever.

Happy Birthday Cora

Happy 11th Birthday Cora.( I know I'm late!)  We are so happy that you were sent to our family.  You always make us laugh and are such a peacemaker in our home.  We love you.

                  Preston High School Graduation

This was an awesome (but very hot) night.  It wasn't nearly as emotional as I thought it would be.  I didn't   even need my kleenex. We are so proud of you Josh. 

                            Dorothy Greenwell Harper

One year ago today we lost you.  We are thankful for the things that you taught us and the love that you gave us.  We feel you with us whenever the kids have a concert or performance.  That was such a big part of your life and we loved that you supported us all in everything that we did.  The kids miss the cookies and treats that you always had for them when they came to visit.  They miss their Halloween sacks and how you had us open presents from the youngest to the oldest at Christmas time.  The "Kids Store" at the reunion just isn't the same without you.  You were such an important part of our lives.  We know that you are always watching over us.  We love you and miss you.

Happy Birthday Cassidy.

It is so hard to believe that you will be 12 years old this week.  The time has gone by so quickly.  We are so proud of the beautiful young woman that you have become, both inside and out.  We love your sense of humor and your beautiful smile.  We are so happy that you were sent to our home.  We love you.  Have a happy birthday! 

This blog is getting to be an "All about Josh" blog.  Not that I love Josh any more than my 3 other beautiful children, it's just that Josh is graduating this year and just happens to have a lot of activities that he is involved in.  We were so proud to be at the Bennett Cup Competition and to watch Josh win first place for male vocal.  The Bennett Cup is a scholarship competition for the arts.  We are also so proud that he took first place in the region for his solo and that he has the opportunity to go to the state competition in Boise on May 2nd.  Tomorrow he will be going to California for the week to sing with the Preston High School Jazz Choir.  His musical ability has given him a lot of opportunities that he would not have otherwise.  

What a beautiful spring day.  It is so good to have the sun shining and the birds singing.  I thought spring would never come, but here it is.  Spring has to be my favorite season.  It is just amazing how the world comes alive again after a long winters nap.  Somehow it makes me feel alive again too.

Joshua in "Oliver"

Josh had the opportunity to play Mr. Bumbles in the High School Musical "Oliver".  He did an amazing job!  We are so proud of the hard work that he put in, it sure payed off.  He knew his lines and solo parts perfectly, and did a great job playing a mean guy.  We are so proud of you Josh!

Hurricane Vacation

Our family trip to Hurricane, Utah was so much fun.  It was a great getaway from the snow.  We did some biking, four wheeling, swimming and a lot of soaking in the sun.