I hope everyone had a great Christmas. We had a great one. Travis, Jen, their four kids and Tyler and Brittney made it and so we had a houseful. We had Christmas in the addition. We had our normal traditions like hanging the stockings up in order of age, acting out Luke 2. The kids had fun dressing up. All the girls were angels and Billy and Forrest were Shepard's. Todd and I were Mary and Joseph. Then we read twas the night before Christmas. Our kids got new pajamas the night before Christmas to wear on Christmas day. On Christmas day everyone sat on the stairs from youngest to oldest then went and got their stockings down. The boys got lots of cars. They were very happy. Katie got her fairies from Santa she had been asking for. I got my Nintendo ds I had been wanting and Todd got a new camera. It was great spending Christmas with lots of family.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Merry Christmas
I hope everyone had a great Christmas. We had a great one. Travis, Jen, their four kids and Tyler and Brittney made it and so we had a houseful. We had Christmas in the addition. We had our normal traditions like hanging the stockings up in order of age, acting out Luke 2. The kids had fun dressing up. All the girls were angels and Billy and Forrest were Shepard's. Todd and I were Mary and Joseph. Then we read twas the night before Christmas. Our kids got new pajamas the night before Christmas to wear on Christmas day. On Christmas day everyone sat on the stairs from youngest to oldest then went and got their stockings down. The boys got lots of cars. They were very happy. Katie got her fairies from Santa she had been asking for. I got my Nintendo ds I had been wanting and Todd got a new camera. It was great spending Christmas with lots of family.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Christmas Vacation Begins:)
We left for Todd's parents yesterday. We took Katie out of school early because there was a storm coming last night and we wanted to beat it. The drive went great. The roads were clear and the kids did really well. Of course there was the DVD player to keep them entertained. We only hit snow when we were almost there. The kids were so excited to be out of the car and to see Grandma and Grandpa. They kept running circles around the house. It is good to be here. Todd has a fun family and I miss not living by them.
We bought Katie some skis and ski boots so she can start learning how to ski. As we were leaving yesterday we stopped to buy ski goggles for the kids. These are some pictures. I thought they were cute! Today Tabitha, Ty, and Ruby went to Walmart to do last minute shopping. I am finally done and found something for the boys from Santa. It has been a nice lazy and relaxing day. The kids have been able to go play in the snow and Todd is out on the four wheeler right now because he was bored.
Billy's Mohawk
So we gave Billy a mohawk. All the boys were getting haircuts and since Billy's hair always gos into a point when it gets long (his nickname is rooster) we just cut the sides. It is cute because anyone who knows him knows that his personality is opposite of the mohawk persona. He gets so many giggles and compliments when we go out. Plus it makes his hair look more red because the top is redder and the sides blond.
Billy also had a school party so we went to see him. They had a bunch of goodies and it is fun to see him with all the other kids. He was excited that daddy got to take him to school since he didn't have work.
Christmas Parties
We have had three Christmas parties this last week plus a Military Ball. It has been busy but nice to not have to cook as much. Todd had two work parties. One was at a place kind of like Chuck E Cheese. Santa came and then the kids got to play on all the fun bouncy houses. Billy refuses to get anywhere near Santa this year. We tried everything we could to coax him. Johnny is a little too shy this year too so we will see how he does next year. Katie of course loves him and isn't shy at all. The second party was his Battalion party. The food was pretty good and they had a lot of fun little things for the kids to do. Plus they had a bouncy blow up slide. They didn't want to leave. Our third party was our ward party. I have learned that there is never enough food at our ward parties. So we had to eat more when we came home.
Todd had a military ball on Wednesday. WE got to dress up (Todd hates it because it takes so much work putting his dress blues together. We got a babysitter and the kids were so excited when Hannah came over. Even Johnny didn't mind us leaving. The best part of the ball was the dancing after. We got to do some country dancing and that was fun. Plus Todd looks good all dressed up!:)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving
This morning Ty, Jennie and I braved the crowds and went shopping. We got a few really good deals. I got about half my Christmas shopping done. Todd got one of his Christmas presents early. He got a 33 gallon air compressor. Ty got a pink vacuume Bissil. It was half off. And Jennie got glassware she wanted.
Now about twilight. I was sso excited to finally see it. The second time we went Jennie and I took Grandma. She read the books and liked it and she enjoyed the movie too. Then last night Jennie and I wanted to go see it one more time while we could. So it was fun!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Having Fun With Grandma
This week we have been getting ready for family to come. Jennie and Mike are coming in Saturday:):):) and it couldn't come soon enough. I haven't seen them since last Christmas. Then the week after that Grandma and Grandpa Stull and Typhena, Jesse, Alexis and Lacie are coming for Thanksgiving. So we have a lot to be thankful for. Billy is excited for Lacie to come. He said he wants to sleep by here. She is his best friend. It is nice they had over a year to live by each other. Today I took Billy to school and while we were waiting for it to start a boy in his class named Jacob (who is very nice and always tries to talk with Billy)came over and tried giving Billy a hug. He was turning away and I told Billy that he wasn't shy anymore. And Billy said", I'm shy again". All the parents laughed. It definitely takes him a while to open up to other kids.
Yesterday I bought advanced tickets so we can see Twilight next Friday. Mike and Todd are taking Jennie and I on a double date. Well we are making them but they are good sports about it.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween



We have had a happy Halloween. Last night the kids and I carved pumpkins. Billy and Katie even cleaned out their own pumpkins. I was very impressed. The greatest surprise was Todd showing up last night at 10:30. He was suppose to be here today so I was shocked when I heard the front door opening and Todd walking through the door. But very Happy. He got to go trick or treating with the kids which has been a couple of years.
Today was a busy day. Grandma and I went to Katie's class party in the morning. After the party I took the boys to playgroup for a Halloween party for the kids. They got to dress up and play with friends while us moms got to visit and eat some yummy food. After lunch the whole family headed to Katie's school for an assembly. The kids were recognized for their first quarter work. Katie got the highest award. I was very proud of her. That means she is doing great in her studies and is good at school. It isn't a surprise. I think she takes after me and loves school. Lets just hope it stays that way! We went trick or treating this afternoon. We have a great neighborhood and it was perfect for trick or treating. We also got a good walk in. Grandma stayed at our house and passed out candy. We had more then 70 kids show up. She kept track. So all is good. The kids are asleep and have lots of candy to dream about.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Katie Soccer and the Pumpkin Patch



Last Saturday was Katie's last soccer game. She had a really fun season. She even made one goal (which she was so excited about she had to call daddy and tell him). I would have some more pictures but I have misplaced my camera (what a shocker). The pictures are from my Grandma's camera. She finally got to be goalie at the last game which she had been asking to do the whole season. I am 100 % sure that she has inherited Todd's coordination. If anyone knows me they know that I ran cross country because it required no coordination. But Todd was a big soccer player. So if we are lucky then Katie will be a runner and a soccer player. Katie has definitely inherited a liking for running from me. The longest run she has ever done was a two mile. Daddy has been taking her running in the mornings when he goes a couple days a week.
On Thursday Billy went to a pumpkin patch with his preschool class. Grandma, Johnny and I met him there. We got to see chickens, a big pig, dig for worms, and pick a pumpkin. One of the coolest things is that he let Jacob hold his hand. Jacob is another boy in his class. But Billy is really shy and usually won't hold other kids hand. When we started walking Billy told Jacob and me, "I'm not shy anymore". It was so cute!
On Friday we had our ward Halloween party. The kids dressed up and got to go trunk or treating. Katie is a Barbie fairy princess, Billy is superman, and Johnny is an Indian. They are looking forward to trick or treating Friday.
Last night Grandma, Katie, Billy, and I played the game of Life. I was really excited that Billy played the whole game. It was the first time he actually sat through a whole game. Of course their was a car and he loves cars. Today we had playgroup at a near by Park. It was a beautiful day with temps into he 70's. Six of us moms played a little soccer and then we ate lunch while the kids played on the playground. It is a great park. I am amazed at how many nice parks there are around here. This afternoon my cub scouts came over and we started making paper mache masks. My new calling in the ward is being the wolves and bears den leader. I have to admit I was shocked that I was called to it as I never had brothers and my kids are little but I will try to do a good job. I am starting to get to know the boys.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Billy's Black Eye
Katie started soccer this fall. At one of her practices Billy fell on the toys and hit his eye. It swelled up right away. Unfortunately the next day was picture day. I knew we wouldn't keep the pics so didn't even dress him up or do his hair. When it gets long the middle sticks up and we call him rooster. They sent pictures back and if you don't want them you just return them. I took a couple of pics of them as they are so cute/funny. It took a good week for his eye to get better. It turned all shades of colors.
Katie has been enjoying soccer. Todd has been practicing with her. She even scored a goal last game. She was so excited she had to call daddy to tell him. Todd is in Texas for a couple of weeks for work. Before Todd left he started helping Katie practice riding her bike without the training wheels. She did really good.
New House
We finally moved into our very first house (that we own). It is a very nice feeling. Plus I really like it. Jennie, here is one picture. It is the only one I have. I promise to take some more and put them on. It took a week to get our stuff and we were sure glad to have it. We have a three bedroom. Katie gets her own room (although she was a little disappointed to no longer share with Johnny). The boys share the other one. We have an office off of our bedroom. The basement is finished and is the kids play room. Absolutely no toys in the bedrooms. I got tired of tripping over toys trying to get kids into bed. The kitchen is one of my favorite rooms. I love the island. It is one of the easiest rooms to decorate. Todd got his garage. It is all his as he requested. He was kind enough to let me put the camping stuff and the bikes in it. I love our back yard. It is fenced in and the kids love to go out and play (I like it when they go out and play too:) Katie started kindergarten and Billy started preschool. The great thing is that kindergarten is now all day at no cost at Katie's school. So the bus picks her up and drops her off every day. She loves school and has already learned so much. Billy wanted to go to school too so I got him in twice a week. He likes it but still seems shy and doesn't want to go some days. But he has great teachers. Miss Beth also goes to our ward so he loves getting to see here there. Johnny is Johnny. He would be more frustrating then he is if he wasn't so darn cute. He loves to wave to people and say hi and bye bye and is always smiling. He thinks he should get to be like his brother and sister. He refuses to sit in a high chair now and joins us at the big table. He doesn't like sippy cups at dinner either but I am not about to give him real cups yet as he loves to dump them upside down. We have been on many hikes since we move and I love the area. It is beautiful and has lots of outdoor stuff to do. I hope we get to stay here as long as possible.
Todd's Home
Todd finally came home in August:) We picked him up from the airport in Seattle. We were in Washington for Todd's family reunion and we were happy he was able to make half of it. I don't have all the family pics as they are on Todd's laptop but here are a few. The kids were so excited to pick him up. They followed him around for weeks after he got back. We are blessed to be back together as a family again. The reunion was a blast. I love Todd's family. It was the first time all of Todd's Bros and sis were together since our wedding in 2001. We camped along the Pacific Northwest. Unfortunately I missed seeing Forks (but picking up Todd from the airport was more important) but we did get to drive through Port Angeles. If anyone is confused Forks is where The twilight books take place. The fourth one came out in August so finally got to read it. It took a couple of weeks but Todd had just got back so wanted to spend more time with him. He would have complained if I had my nose stuck in a book. Just after the reunion we were able to visit our friends Lesa and Doug. It was great to see them after a few years. After the reunion we drove down to Travis and Jen's house. We stopped at Smith Rock to climb and camp. We stayed a few days in California and then headed back home. We had a fun few weeks with Tabitha, Ty, and Todd's parents. It was sad when the movers came and we moved out. I had a wonderful year living by them and am counting down the days till we get to visit.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Lake
The last few days we have been relaxing and hanging out. I have been doing some homework. Today we went to the lake. The kids were excited to go. The weather was nice. A little windy but a great day to be out. Billy isn't much of a swimmer so he just hung out in the shallow part or on shore. Johnny loved wandering around the shallow part and Katie was more daring and went in up to her neck. We had a picnic lunch. Half the food was left at home but we made do. We had potato salad and watermelon. The watermelon was a huge hit for the boys. They love fruits. So we had a good time. Todd emailed me this morning and he is in Kuwait:) So he is almost home. We are counting down the days:)
I will add pics tomorrow. They weren't downloading.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
My Grandma's
Hi again. I am slowly getting better at writing more often. It is nice to read all of your posts to hear how you are doing. We are finally at my Grandma's and Uncle Darrels. We left the day after the concert. Lelanya came and stayed with me for a few days. She is my best friend from college. We had a good time hanging out. She and I left the same time and had lunch at the Olive Garden, one of my favorite returaunts. Then we drove a few more hours and stayed at Aunt Paula's house. She is Todd's Aunt. It cut the trip down from 13 to 10 hours. So we stayed the night and headed out the next day. It was a long trip but we finally made it and I was very happy. The kids made a nice mess in the back seat throwing food and laughing but that was better then Johnny screaming because he wanted out of the seat. I haven't been to my Grandma's house for over 4 years so it felt good to be back.
We have just been hanging out and I have been relaxing. No big house progects to stress about so that is nice. I started knitting some wash cloths and am reading a couple of books. One is called, "A Long Way Gone" and it is about a boy who lived in Sierra Leone and lived trough a civil war and who had to fight at age 13. It is aweful what some people can do to each other. So kind of a depressing book. I am counting down the days till Todd comes home (about 2 weeks) and also till the new Twilight book comes out. Tabitha and I are going to go to one of the relase parties at Barnes and Noble while near Seattle. I am looking forward to it. Don't worry Todd, not as much as I am looking forward to seeing you:)
Grandma gave Katie her old camera and she has been taking pictures non stop so here are some of the good ones she took.
American Idol's Concert
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Billy's B-day
Billy is now three. Time sure flies by. We had a simple party with mostly family. I made a race car cake, ordered pizza and Billy opened presents. We lucked out this year in that we found great presents at a yard sale. I wanted to get him some more geo trax but didn't get them ordered in time. I found a whole box full at a yard sale for 5 bucks. Billy was so excited when he opened up the box that he didn't even eat his cake and ice cream. He wanted to play with the trains. He is a cute boy. He is my snuggler and I like that. His best friend is his cousin Lacie. This past week has been so cute to watch the two of them together. Yesterday Billy told Lacie that he liked her. And today he saved her a seat in nursery. I told him she might not be coming and he told me that she would be. Now if anything exciting is going on they tell each other animatedly and get so excited together. Like at the fire works. As soon as they started he explained that he had to go sit by Lacie and once next to her they began talking about the fireworks and how cool they were. It makes me alittle sad to know we are moving soon. They will see each other often though so hopefully they will stay good friends.
On the 3rd of July the kids were in the parade. They decorated their bikes and road them down main street waving to everyone. Of course Ty and I walked with them. Johnny got to ride with Grandma and Grandpa in their new roadster. Then next day we went down to the park to have fun at the festivities. Johnny won Little Mr. There is a contest for kids up to 3 years. You write some info about them and they walk on stage. Then they pick a boy and a girl (little miss) and the winner receive a 50$ savings bond. And Johnny won so that was exciting. Katie went on stage for the fashion show. Then they all did the races. We had a kids in the first 5 heats. They go by ages and we had a 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 year old. So that was cool. At dusk we went and sat on temple hill to watch the fire works. Johnny was mesmerized and enjoyed them till the finale which was really loud. The last couple of days if there is anything loud he starts to cry. It must hurt his ears.
We have one week till we head to Washington to visit my Grandma Shirley. The night before we leave we are going to the American Idols concert. I am very excited! Then we will spend two weeks with my Grandma and the over to the coast for the Stull reunion and Daddy coming home!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and I can't forget to add the release of Breaking Dawn the last book in the Twilight series. If you love to read and haven't read these books you have to! They are amazing. Up until a month ago Typehena had never finished a book (she doesn't like to read) but she finished reading Twilight and is now on the second. So read them if you get a chance. Love you all!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Pageant



Hi Everyone, so I am slow at keeping in touch but will try to do better. We are having a great summer. Maybe a little too busy but at least it makes the time go by faster. We had two California trips. One with the kids, Tabitha, Typhena and her girls, and Grandma and Grandpa. We took the kids to Disneyland and the Zoo. They loved Disneyland. Katie's favorite princess in Cinderella and Billy loves Mickey Mouse. I don't think I will ever forget Billy meeting Mickey. He was in a daze. He kept smiling at him and waving. He even went up to him to give him a hug (now if you know Billy you know he is more reserved with people or characters, he wouldn't even go say hi to Pluto). But Mickey was different. He didn't want to leave and had a smile for the rest of the day. Definitely a priceless moment. It was a great help with all the extra family. A couple weeks after Typhena, Tabitha, and I went back to California for our sisters trip. Unfortunately all the other sisters couldn't come so we will have to have another trip with all of them. Jen, Trudy, and Brittney couldn't come and My sister Jennie either (we adopted her into our sisters group as she doesn't have any sisters on Mike's side). We had a blast! We went to six flags and road all the roller coasters until we couldn't ride them anymore. Then we went to the beach (not good weather) and Hollywood. It was a great trip and especially nice to get away from the kids for a few days. A special thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for watching my kids. It was a lot of stress and work for them! Oh and we did fun shopping. Who doesn't love shopping?
Right now we are doing pageant. I thought the kids would enjoy being in it before we move (except Johnny. He is home every night asleep:) It has been alot of work and a little stressful with all the practices and late performances but very worth it. We are in the Harvest scene where Katie is a ribbon dancer and Billy and are are families that sit around them. We are Nephites during Captain Moroni's time. Then we go on to do Christ in America scene (my favorite). In the middle of the scene is the big three day storm when Christ is Crucified and Billy loves the fire that comes from he rocks. It is pretty cool. Then Christ appears at the temple and that is my favorite part. He calls twelve disciples, heals the sick and then all the kids go up. Billy even goes up. Of course I don't think Billy understands that it isn't really Jesus so it is cute to watch him and here him get excited that he gets to see Jesus tonight at the temple by the pyramid (the temple looks like a pyramid to him). Very spiritual! Then we are pioneers. The costumes are fun. I like the pioneer costume. So it is a good experience. Performances start at 9:30 pm and we get home about midnight so a little tiring but definitely worth it.
So that is what we are up too. Also this last week Johnny and I traveled to look for another house in Colorado Springs as the one we put an offer on still hasn't been excepted by the sellers banks. After waiting 2 and a half months it gets a little ridiculous! So those of you buying houses steer away from short sales (that is when the sellers are having to sell because they can't keep up their payments before going to for closure. The term short doesn't mean short. They should change the name. There is an extra step where the sellers banks has to approve the sell cause they will be loosing money. Well they had two mortgages out on the house and the second bank is taking forever. So we went to see if there was anything else and we had a few good ones to look at. So we put an offer on another house (not a short sale) and will see what happens.
We hope everyone is well. About a month and a half till Todd is home :) Katie keeps asking how much longer. She understands that it is soon. Love you all!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Snow in May
We are still waiting to see if we get the house. We put in an offer and now are just waiting for the seller's bank to ok it. It is a short sale which basically meant the sellers are behind on their payments and are selling as quickly as possible. I am glad we started looking early so it will be bought and ready for us when we move in August.
So if any of you don't know I am a fan of American Idol this season. And my favorite singer is Jason Casto. I love his voice and most of the songs he sings. The dreads took a bit to get used too and now I couldn't imagine him without them. One of the things I like about him is his personality. He is shy just like David Archeleta which I like more. I think the finale will be between he two Davids. They both are amazing singers. I of course have for the first time voted and now it is all for Jason. It is kind of fun. I have even discovered i-tunes. So I have some great songs now to listen too when I am on the computer.
Billy has discovered the art to peeing while standing. Well almost. He just started and still gets his pants a little but it is cute to see him standing on a stool and sticking his stomach out to aim. I laughed tonight while watching him. He is such a cute boy! Today Ty and I went and got the oil changed in our cars for our California trip next week. Katie is having a sleepover with Alexis. They are best friends and spend almost all of the time together. Okay, now I think I am all caught up. I will try to be better at writing more often. I am so grateful for my family. I heard on the news yesterday about a mom who forgot her toddler was asleep in the car when she got done unloading the groceries and her died. How awful would that be. It makes me realize that I need to pay more attention to my kids and be alert. They rely so much on us and it is a huge responsibility! I hope I can be the best mom possible. I know I am not perfect but I can be better!
Tyler and Brittney's Wedding
Weddings are wonderful! Tyler and Brittney were married this weekend ( April 19th). They were married at Todd's parents, Len and Ruby's back yard. The weather was a little windly but it was sunny and warm. All of Todd's sibling were there (except Todd of course) which was so much fun. Katie followed Trevor arround. I don't know if she remembered him from Vriginia or not. He is a boy and there aren't many boys usually around so the kids tend to flock towards them when they are. Travis got out Todd's jeep and took it up into the hills. Billy was really excited about getting to finally ride it after it had sat covered all winter (Todd kept incouraging mr to get it out but I was too lazy and don't like the cold). But as soon as Billy realized that there was a four wheeler going on the expedition he wanted to ride on it so he road with Tabitha. The second day the brakes started going out and Trudy almost got is airborne while coming down firecracker. We got it on video.
The wedding was very fun and romantic. Billy was the ring boy (as there are only 3 boy nephews, one is 8 and the other is johnny). I did Brittney's hair. It has been awhile since I have done anyones hair and it was fun. Tyler and Brittney didn't want a line but ended up having to have one, which we took full pleasure in going through. They did a good job at getting cake in each others faces. The best I have seen so far. That night we had sun hanging out with family. We played some pinochle and went in the hot tub. Sunday we had to say goodbye to all the family that had to leave for home. I am happy to know we will see them all this summer for the family reunion.
PS I got a new hair cut with hightlights. I like having the bangs:) Oh and I am still trying to figure the picture thing out so that is why they are in crazy places.








