May 22, 2009
The World of Dance!
Isn't she just darling!! Thanks to her daddy we can all watch this little ballerina perform. (Be sure to scroll down to my music and push pause so you can hear the music Britt dances to) I was in St. George for the weekend and Brandon took care of the girls. He did an AMAZING JOB!! After the performance they went to dinner and a movie in Park City. Our girls are growing up so fast...
April 13, 2009
Family Cruise
I really don’t know where to begin… we had a great time on our family cruise!! It was so fun to watch the excitement in the girls as they experienced each new adventure. The week flew at rapid speeds. As I sit at my computer typing this post, I wish I was back on the vacation!! But enough pouting… here’s some of the fun things we did last week.
In no particular order!!
The girls and Brandon got a temporary tattoo along with others in Tammy’s family; Brandon chose a pirate skull on the neck, Brianna’s was a little tweety bird on her shoulder and Brittany’s was a dragon “sleeve” – really it took up her arm from her elbow to fingers. That’s what happens when mom turns around to buy something from a local vendor. I decided not to get one; I was afraid I’d like it too much and want a real tattoo!!
Horseback riding on the beach in Mazatlan. For those who know about Brandon’s 8 second ride our last trip to Cabo; I was surprised that he wanted to go again. And as fate would have it. Only a couple minutes after getting on the horse, it started going a little crazy. Brittany rode with me and for the most part – it was a pretty good horse. It was Brittany that wanted to go faster!
Parasailing in Cabo San Lucas. Just the kids went (we went on the last trip).. I was very nervous for the girls to go up so high. I wasn’t worried about their safety but more psychologically how would they be?? Not to worry. They all loved it!
Brandon played “survivor” at Stone Island the day we ported in Mazatlan. While we waited for our horse trailer, he explored the local roads and found a coconut. After finding a sharp rock, he was able to break into the coconut. It was actually very sweet! We drank the milk and ate some raw coconut. Other guests waiting for their ride were just amazed at his “survivor” skills…. What a boy scout!
The beaches were beautiful.. the water was a little cold but you got used to it quickly. In Mazatlan (can you tell it’s one of my favorite places now) we found so many live starfish. The kids went nuts and so did I. In all the years I’ve been to Carlsbad, California – NEVER have I pulled out a starfish! We later found starfish necklaces for the girls to remember their adventure!
Went on board a pirate ship in Puerto Vallarta. Lots of fun!! With Brianna’s fascination with pirates it was a fun surprise for her. They had a show and our own personal pirates. It was entertaining for all of us!!
Banana boat rides. Brandon and Bill went out for a ride with a kid from Nebraska… as they circled one of the rock formation – the guys leaned to one side and all three when flying. The kid didn’t ride again… Seeing the fun, the younger kids wanted a ride. Again, as a mom I worried about the “safety” of the girls going out and that they would most likely be dumped off the banana. In Mazatlan, as they came up to the beach and hadn’t been dumped they all jumped off. So when they all rode the banana in Puerto Vallarta, little Miss Britt decided she didn’t want to wait to the beach and threw herself off the back about 50 yards from the shore. Luckily another father (visiting from England) was on the banana and swam out to Britt to make sure she got to shore okay. When he asked if she was okay her reply was, “I’m okay, I meant to do that!” Every time I saw him that day, he smiled and said… “very brave daughter”!
The cruise ship itself offered round-the-clock eating, 6 hot tubs, 4 waterslides, and 3 pools. Unlimited ice cream and $6.50 “virgin” pina coladas!! The pool deck had daily bbq and the weather was so nice!
I’m so grateful we had the opportunity to go as a family. This is a vacation that we won’t forget.
It has tons of fun going with Tammy and her family too!! We have lots of fun plans this summer – it’s the year of “vacations”…. Love you all!
In no particular order!!
The girls and Brandon got a temporary tattoo along with others in Tammy’s family; Brandon chose a pirate skull on the neck, Brianna’s was a little tweety bird on her shoulder and Brittany’s was a dragon “sleeve” – really it took up her arm from her elbow to fingers. That’s what happens when mom turns around to buy something from a local vendor. I decided not to get one; I was afraid I’d like it too much and want a real tattoo!!
Horseback riding on the beach in Mazatlan. For those who know about Brandon’s 8 second ride our last trip to Cabo; I was surprised that he wanted to go again. And as fate would have it. Only a couple minutes after getting on the horse, it started going a little crazy. Brittany rode with me and for the most part – it was a pretty good horse. It was Brittany that wanted to go faster!
Parasailing in Cabo San Lucas. Just the kids went (we went on the last trip).. I was very nervous for the girls to go up so high. I wasn’t worried about their safety but more psychologically how would they be?? Not to worry. They all loved it!
Brandon played “survivor” at Stone Island the day we ported in Mazatlan. While we waited for our horse trailer, he explored the local roads and found a coconut. After finding a sharp rock, he was able to break into the coconut. It was actually very sweet! We drank the milk and ate some raw coconut. Other guests waiting for their ride were just amazed at his “survivor” skills…. What a boy scout! 
The beaches were beautiful.. the water was a little cold but you got used to it quickly. In Mazatlan (can you tell it’s one of my favorite places now) we found so many live starfish. The kids went nuts and so did I. In all the years I’ve been to Carlsbad, California – NEVER have I pulled out a starfish! We later found starfish necklaces for the girls to remember their adventure!
Went on board a pirate ship in Puerto Vallarta. Lots of fun!! With Brianna’s fascination with pirates it was a fun surprise for her. They had a show and our own personal pirates. It was entertaining for all of us!!
Banana boat rides. Brandon and Bill went out for a ride with a kid from Nebraska… as they circled one of the rock formation – the guys leaned to one side and all three when flying. The kid didn’t ride again… Seeing the fun, the younger kids wanted a ride. Again, as a mom I worried about the “safety” of the girls going out and that they would most likely be dumped off the banana. In Mazatlan, as they came up to the beach and hadn’t been dumped they all jumped off. So when they all rode the banana in Puerto Vallarta, little Miss Britt decided she didn’t want to wait to the beach and threw herself off the back about 50 yards from the shore. Luckily another father (visiting from England) was on the banana and swam out to Britt to make sure she got to shore okay. When he asked if she was okay her reply was, “I’m okay, I meant to do that!” Every time I saw him that day, he smiled and said… “very brave daughter”! 
The cruise ship itself offered round-the-clock eating, 6 hot tubs, 4 waterslides, and 3 pools. Unlimited ice cream and $6.50 “virgin” pina coladas!! The pool deck had daily bbq and the weather was so nice!I’m so grateful we had the opportunity to go as a family. This is a vacation that we won’t forget.
It has tons of fun going with Tammy and her family too!! We have lots of fun plans this summer – it’s the year of “vacations”…. Love you all!
March 05, 2009
Updates... better now than never!
Updating our blog is an ongoing joke in the “Carpenter” circle. (So Jen take note.. it’s updated it’s now your turn, you too Stacy, John, and mom really you need to post something on your blog). Jeff and Amy thank you for your example, I would really be sad if I couldn’t see the fun pictures of Kaylie and read about all what’s happening in your AZ life. We love you!!
These last two months have been crazy with a total kitchen remodel from floor to ceiling; new plumbing, lights, appliances, tile, cabinets, paint, texture, french doors... and lots of sweat! We’re about 90% finished our marriage has now made it through two BIG home remodels… Don’t know if we want to try a third!! I think our biggest problem is we both have very different and STRONG opinions, this time I was probably a bit crazy. My “timeline” was a bit off … okay a lot off! We're both grateful for my amazing brother, Brian, all his help and his patience. I’m not the easiest home owner to work with! Once the last 10% is finished I’ll post some before and after pictures. I really love my new kitchen.
The kitchen has taken up a lot of our time and our upcoming cruise is the best way to relax from everything we've been working on!! As many of you know, Brandon and I started a tradition a couple years ago where we surprise the girls with a "Christmas vacation". Although we're taking our cruise in April it was our Christmas gift to the girls. We're heading out for a 7-day Mexican Rivera cruise. We’re very excited to be leaving for warm Mexico in less than a month. We’ll be stopping in Cabo, Acapulco, and Mazatlan. We’ll also be going with some of our best friends and their kids, the girls are so excited and already starting “cruise” packing piles. It will be a vacation we’ll always remember.
Now for a picture! Little Britt has the best kindergarten teacher; they are always doing some kind of activity. She’s very hands on, which is just the type of teaching Brittany LOVES… This last week was fairly tale week and on Friday the kids were able to dress up as different characters. In the classroom there was a castle made out of cardboard and other fun “centers”.. Before school on Friday I took Brittany to my favorite hair stylist and she did Britt’s hair – doesn’t she just look beautiful!
I hope everyone is doing well – and please keep updating, it’s my “lifeline” to family and friends I don’t get to see often enough.
… MORE TO COME… I Promise ;)
These last two months have been crazy with a total kitchen remodel from floor to ceiling; new plumbing, lights, appliances, tile, cabinets, paint, texture, french doors... and lots of sweat! We’re about 90% finished our marriage has now made it through two BIG home remodels… Don’t know if we want to try a third!! I think our biggest problem is we both have very different and STRONG opinions, this time I was probably a bit crazy. My “timeline” was a bit off … okay a lot off! We're both grateful for my amazing brother, Brian, all his help and his patience. I’m not the easiest home owner to work with! Once the last 10% is finished I’ll post some before and after pictures. I really love my new kitchen.
The kitchen has taken up a lot of our time and our upcoming cruise is the best way to relax from everything we've been working on!! As many of you know, Brandon and I started a tradition a couple years ago where we surprise the girls with a "Christmas vacation". Although we're taking our cruise in April it was our Christmas gift to the girls. We're heading out for a 7-day Mexican Rivera cruise. We’re very excited to be leaving for warm Mexico in less than a month. We’ll be stopping in Cabo, Acapulco, and Mazatlan. We’ll also be going with some of our best friends and their kids, the girls are so excited and already starting “cruise” packing piles. It will be a vacation we’ll always remember.
Now for a picture! Little Britt has the best kindergarten teacher; they are always doing some kind of activity. She’s very hands on, which is just the type of teaching Brittany LOVES… This last week was fairly tale week and on Friday the kids were able to dress up as different characters. In the classroom there was a castle made out of cardboard and other fun “centers”.. Before school on Friday I took Brittany to my favorite hair stylist and she did Britt’s hair – doesn’t she just look beautiful! I hope everyone is doing well – and please keep updating, it’s my “lifeline” to family and friends I don’t get to see often enough.
… MORE TO COME… I Promise ;)
December 08, 2008
A New Tradition
Tis the Season!! One year, hopefully soon, I plan on taking the entire month of December off and do everything I want with my kids and for others!! I love the Holiday season from mid-November to the annual New Year’s Eve party with the Taney family. For me it’s a time to remember all the wonderful things that happened throughout the year, decide which goals you’re going to set for the New Year – and most important to me… spend time with family.
Over the years Brandon and I started adding family traditions and this year we added a new tradition to our December festivities! Cutting down our own Christmas tree; thankfully this year we haven’t had a major snow storm and it was a pretty simple task of getting to the tree. Now deciding on which one we wanted was a little more time consuming!! Brandon took us to a spot he’d been at a few month prior (deer hunting) it was a beautiful spot. Brad and Kamrie joined us too!! I enjoyed the time with everyone in our family. It just felt great as we walked around in the forest of trees trying to find that perfect one. In my mind, I thought we’d find that perfectly proportioned tree with a ray of sunlight shinning down …. Pick me, pick me!! Brandon said, "You've watched too many Christmas movies!"
We finally found “the one”,after a couple minutes the tree was laying on the ground and with the muscle power of Brad and Kam it was loaded in the back of the truck quickly, just as the sun went behind the mountains.
Last night we… well, actually I hung the lights on the tree with the support of Brandon and the girls. (Brandon said I do it much better than he can – should I take it as a complement or that he just didn’t want to get “poked” by all the pine needles?) We also pulled up all our Christmas totes from the basement (8 total – anyone need Christmas decorations???) and started decorating the house. The girls are so excited to have their own “min-tree” in their rooms.
We hope all your Christmas plans are coming together. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Over the years Brandon and I started adding family traditions and this year we added a new tradition to our December festivities! Cutting down our own Christmas tree; thankfully this year we haven’t had a major snow storm and it was a pretty simple task of getting to the tree. Now deciding on which one we wanted was a little more time consuming!! Brandon took us to a spot he’d been at a few month prior (deer hunting) it was a beautiful spot. Brad and Kamrie joined us too!! I enjoyed the time with everyone in our family. It just felt great as we walked around in the forest of trees trying to find that perfect one. In my mind, I thought we’d find that perfectly proportioned tree with a ray of sunlight shinning down …. Pick me, pick me!! Brandon said, "You've watched too many Christmas movies!"
We finally found “the one”,after a couple minutes the tree was laying on the ground and with the muscle power of Brad and Kam it was loaded in the back of the truck quickly, just as the sun went behind the mountains.
Last night we… well, actually I hung the lights on the tree with the support of Brandon and the girls. (Brandon said I do it much better than he can – should I take it as a complement or that he just didn’t want to get “poked” by all the pine needles?) We also pulled up all our Christmas totes from the basement (8 total – anyone need Christmas decorations???) and started decorating the house. The girls are so excited to have their own “min-tree” in their rooms.
We hope all your Christmas plans are coming together. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
November 18, 2008
Puppy Love
I love puppies, every time I see a cute little fluffy puppy I think...
oh, it would be fun to have a new puppy. Then I remember that puppies turn into dogs and we already have two.
Yesterday Kamrie picked the girls up from school and they went to her house and played with their 8 new black lab puppies. The girls fell in love with each one as they played on the grass. When they came home all I heard was, mom we need a new puppy – we’ll take really good care of it….. please. I’ve stayed strong and we still only have 2 dogs!! But aren’t these pictures cute.
October 29, 2008
FHE Fun
We had such a fun treat on Monday that I thought I'd share it with everyone. Brandon's mom emailed me a recipe for "Cake in a Mug" - To be honest when I first read the email I thought it was a joke, but as I began to look it over I decided it might be a lot of fun for FHE dessert. So after dinner and our lesson we went to the kitchen to try it out. Brandon did all the measurements and well ..... I just watched (thanks honey)!! The girls loved that they had their "own" cup. I can't say that it was the most delicious chocolate cake I've ever eaten, but it wasn't bad either. Hope your FHE was a hit!! Here's the recipe if anyone wants to give it a try.5-minute Chocolate Mug Cake
1 hot chocolate mug
4 T flour (plain, not self-rising!)
4 T sugar
2 T baking cocoa
1 egg
3 T milk
3 T oil
3 T chocolate chips (optional)
some nuts (optional)
small splash of vanilla
Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed!! Allow to cool a little, and enjoy.
October 07, 2008
The Hunt!
Brandon finally returned home last week from his 10 day hunting trip. He was missed terribly. I had grand plans of “projects” I wanted to get done while he was away. But, nothing got done. The girls and I had a sleep-over one night and watched Disney Movies with popcorn another. But, basically I was “going nuts” with out him home. I was so happy when he called and told me he got his buck! Thanks to Ben and Mekette for “housing” Bran for almost a week. If truth be known, I was very jealous. I’d love to take a week and hang out in Ferron, ride the 4-wheeler all day, take pictures of the beautiful autumn colors, and watch movies at night.
Brianna has shown a big interest in hunting with her dad. She almost went with Bran this year but at the last minute decided to stay back and go to school. I think she didn’t like the idea of being the only girl up at camp. I hope things work out next year that we go up as a family and enjoy the week in the mountains.
Brandon and Brianna together butchered the deer the other night; Brandon will make tons of beef jerky out of the meat. Don’t ask??? I think it’s a guy thing. The funny part to me is watching the dogs fight over the bones. You’d think they never ate –
We’re happy to have daddy home!! And I’m glad that he had some fun up in the mountains.
Brianna has shown a big interest in hunting with her dad. She almost went with Bran this year but at the last minute decided to stay back and go to school. I think she didn’t like the idea of being the only girl up at camp. I hope things work out next year that we go up as a family and enjoy the week in the mountains.
Brandon and Brianna together butchered the deer the other night; Brandon will make tons of beef jerky out of the meat. Don’t ask??? I think it’s a guy thing. The funny part to me is watching the dogs fight over the bones. You’d think they never ate – We’re happy to have daddy home!! And I’m glad that he had some fun up in the mountains.
September 24, 2008
Trip to Texas
We just returned from Texas after spending the weekend with Toby and Tasia. Grandma and Grandpa Taney also made the trip with us. We had a great time, it was so sad when it was time to leave. We wish they lived closer so our visits could be longer. The main purpose for our visit was for Brandon to ordain Toby to the office of a Deacon. He did an amazing job and gave the most beautiful blessing. I'm so blessed to have Brandon as my husband. I love him very much!!
Our Saturday was packed full of fun and adventures from sunrise to way past sunset. We had a blast at Austin Park - the girls challenged the boys to a game of min-golf. After adding up the score card, the boys won by only 17 strokes!! Brandon and Toby had a couple hole-in-ones and I think Grandpa got each ball in within 3-4 strokes. We had a great time together. It started getting really hot - Tasia and I thought it would be fun to "accidentally" fall into the river of water and cool off. But didn't want to walk around in wet clothes (the pool back at the hotel was our other option!) After golfing, we went inside to play the arcades. We each were given 25 tokens and tried to win the most tickets. I've decided Brandon is just lucky!! He played a couple games and scored over 400 tickets. We added all our winnings together and let the kids pick out a couple prizes.
We had a great time birthday shopping and swimming too. Feeling defeated from the game of golf, Tasia and I challenged Brandon and Toby to a swimming relay. This was alot of fun and good exercise. Between cannon balls, Marco Polo, and individual races.... there was a "chicken" flight. With Tasia on Grandpa Taney's shoulders and Toby on Brandon's shoulders they both tried to knock each other off. Just when I thought Toby and Brandon won, Tasia launched forward with a hard push of her own and sent her brother crashing into the water. GIRL POWER!!!
Toby and Tasia are a big part of our life. It's always a blast when we have the chance to spend time together. We're very excited for the next visit!!
Our Saturday was packed full of fun and adventures from sunrise to way past sunset. We had a blast at Austin Park - the girls challenged the boys to a game of min-golf. After adding up the score card, the boys won by only 17 strokes!! Brandon and Toby had a couple hole-in-ones and I think Grandpa got each ball in within 3-4 strokes. We had a great time together. It started getting really hot - Tasia and I thought it would be fun to "accidentally" fall into the river of water and cool off. But didn't want to walk around in wet clothes (the pool back at the hotel was our other option!) After golfing, we went inside to play the arcades. We each were given 25 tokens and tried to win the most tickets. I've decided Brandon is just lucky!! He played a couple games and scored over 400 tickets. We added all our winnings together and let the kids pick out a couple prizes.
We had a great time birthday shopping and swimming too. Feeling defeated from the game of golf, Tasia and I challenged Brandon and Toby to a swimming relay. This was alot of fun and good exercise. Between cannon balls, Marco Polo, and individual races.... there was a "chicken" flight. With Tasia on Grandpa Taney's shoulders and Toby on Brandon's shoulders they both tried to knock each other off. Just when I thought Toby and Brandon won, Tasia launched forward with a hard push of her own and sent her brother crashing into the water. GIRL POWER!!!
Toby and Tasia are a big part of our life. It's always a blast when we have the chance to spend time together. We're very excited for the next visit!!
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