Who would of thunk it?

look mom...

now, you don't have to yell at me to pick up my clothes off the bathroom floor!

 I was speechless, WHAT do you say to that!???

yes, sometimes Spencer does out think me,

but most of the time,

 I just love that goofy 14 years old boy who has the ability to render me speechless! 

(just for the record...yes, that is underwear and a t-shirt!)

gross.

(yesterday he made me laugh too...

can't wait to post that picture!)

I haven't been able to get into my blog for a week.... I've tried everything, so I'll have to post under Kurt's name until I can figure it out!!!

We are under full Christmas mode here,

which is fun, and crazy and a little bit stressful...

but it snowed today and it's beautifully white and Christmasy!

Happy Twentieth...

 She spent her birthday

 in the place of her birth...

Charlottesville, Virginia

Happy Birthday Cj.

10/10/12......Z has a birthday!!!

Z had a birthday yesterday and it was a big one for her!!!
12.
12!

Turning 12 means...

starting the Young Women's Program
 with all the kids (boys & girls) in church from 12-18 yrs old.

and

the wearing of mascara!!!

think about when you turned 12...
 IT"S KIND-OF HUGE!

We all gathered around her bed at 6 in the morning and sang Happy Birthday,

she woke up happy and ready to celebrate her special day.

we gave her a few gifts,

like new clothes and earrings

cuz every girls has to look cute going to school,

she took cupcakes to share with her class,
After school she had her last soccer game,
and as it turns out, her coach couldn't be there
 so Kurt volunteered to coach,
 it was so fun to watch Lynzie play and Kurt coach,
he did a great job and had all those little girls hyper,
they won the game,
and on the last play Lynzie almost made a goalie,
she was just an inch away...
she was sad, but we were so proud of her!!!
then we came home and ate a delicious salmon dinner
that Kurt took time to prepared for over 24 hours...

Lynzie wants a cookie cake and so I'll make her one tomorrow,
that's one of the beauties of having a birthday,
stringing it out through out the week.

We love Lynzie,
she is sweet
and spiritual,
she's sassy and smart,
she's feisty and funny
and
we love having her as the caboose of our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYNZIE
WE LOVE YOU!

 (photos by my dad)

I can't believe it's autumn,

it's refreshing and fun,

I love the fresh, crisp chill in the early morning air,

the colors

and

 how everything changes,

did you ever notice how people's personalities change with the seasons as well?

Time has been just a flying by..... really!

I had my 46th birthday this month, which was such a nice way to feel loved and special.

Lynzie's birthday is next....

she'll be 12 and in the Young Women's program at church!

she starts back on school track tomorrow.

We enjoyed the Brigham City Temple Dedication last week

and walking through the temple a couple of weeks before that...

what a neat experience for the kids.

speaking of...

the kids are doing great,

I love how Candice and Caitlyn are best buddies,

they do everything together,

they are so close in age and are experiencing the same things right now,

it's fun for them to go through it together!

they have started going to a personal trainer,

(who.... was my 1st mission companion, they love her dearly,

 and I can totally understand why they do, cuz way back when, I did too!)

they are always talking about boys, and their future husbands,

and I'm finding myself praying for them and their future husbands....

Life is just good right now,

it's not perfect, but good...

I love having all my kids at home,

I love how they interact with each other

(except when Spencer and Lynzie fight... but, that too shall pass!)

I can't believe the holidays are upon us,

once you start putting up Halloween decorations it's all down hill from there,

before you know it, Christmas will be here in just a few minutes!

which doesn't seem possible cuz it's still so fresh in my minds eye from last year.

My neighborhood sure looks cute with all it's witches and goblins though.

and

there is nothing like the mountains full of color!

it's breathtaking.

The season of the Siamese twins....

 During the next 6 months of their lives....

Candice and Caitlyn are in a phase or season of life where they are required to wear black scrubs everyday!

What are the chances of that???

Caitlyn is working in a dental office, training as a dental assistant,

and

Cj is going to school to be a Master Aesthetician..

which has been a fun little adventure for us as her family,

we've offered to be her guinea pigs for such things as facials, waxing, pedicures,

next up is chemical peels, botox and fillers....

(you don't have to twist my arm twice!)

it's a fun season to have siamese twins.
and we love them.

#14th....

This is what one HAPPY 14 year old boy looks like at 6:46 AM!!!

We have a little birthday tradition with Spencer,

(he requested this tradition the night before he turned 3 yrs. old)

he said, 

"mom, i want everyone to stand around my bed and sing Happy Birthday to me and wake me up"

and so,

 we did,

and so, we have every year since then...

this year we invited our good neighbors over bright and early for the tradition,

(we have good neighbors)

then of course,

Spencer had to test out his new birthday present!!!!

so this is what one happy birthday boy looks like!

and lucky for him,

the day isn't over yet!!!!

The Big Blue House...

It's been a year already!!!

it's hard to believe how fast time has gone,

but

at the same time, it feels like we've lived here forever!

Let's be honest, shall we...

IT'S BEEN THE HARDEST YEAR OF OUR LIVES.!.

(sometimes so hard that I couldn't or didn't even want to talk about it...)

The only thing that has held us together has been our amazing neighborhood and wonderful ward,

seriously,
I've mentioned on a few occasions that we've moved into the best neighborhood this side of the Mississippi!

When we moved here a year ago, I felt so forsaken...
A feeling I've never felt before, or wouldn't like to feel again anytime soon,

and
 really thought several times "what in theee hell have we done???"

 especially,
 when we did everything we could on our end to make things run smoothly to make such a big move across the country

and then nothing went smoothly, we hit a few big bumps and some potholes too!
we didn't expected it to turn the way it did...
but are so happy it did!

it's always hard to see the big picture when your in the eye of the storm,

but, now after everything that has happened,

we know we are where we are suppose to be, we've felt it so many times through out this year,

 and it was confirmed to us again through a blessing that the bishop gave Kurt,

 which said that the Lord places people where he needs them to be, and this is exactly were we are suppose to be!!!

I love that the Lord loves us and He watches out for us always, even in the small stuff.

I do feel bad now that I was so mad and felt forsaken at first,

which..... in the end,

turns out to be one of thee biggest blessing ever and we are so grateful that the Lord loves us enough to put us right smack dab in the middle of where we are!

I'm so happy we are all together again as a family...
having Candice back home is like the last piece to the missing puzzle,

she graduated in Texas as an Esthetician, and then after arriving here just a few days later,
she started her Master's Esthetician program!

Caitlyn is starting school to be a dental hygentist,
 and a sweet lady in our ward who works at a dentist office offered Caitlyn a job,
 she started 2 weeks ago and loves it...

Spencer and Lynzie are doing great, have great friends in the neighborhood, are doing sports, and voice lessons and enjoying school....
Spencer took the trip of a life time with his best friend from Dallas,
they spent 2 weeks at the beginning of the summer on the white sandy beaches of Florida,
you know, the kind of vacation where you swim with dolphins and other such memories,
 ones that you'll never forget, and that you'll still be talking about when your 83 yrs old!!!

Even little Sadie is doing good, and is still the baby of the family, even after 3 years,
 the new-ness hasn't worn off, she's still our sweet little dog.

Kurt sold his big rig a few weeks ago, and is still working in the trucking industry as operations manager in his own office,
 trucking is in that' boys blood!

He works 9-5 and comes home every night....imagine that!!!

 that's a new concept that we haven't experience for over 2 years.

I still like working....

 okay, sometimes, I don't....

somedays, I just want to stay home and clean

but,

 I do like what I'm doing, and it's always fun to be able to work with my cousin Stephie,
(we grew up together) 

we always find something to laugh about ever day!

and I love being so close to family, friends and cousins and re-connecting with all of them again.

so,

 we are right where we need to be,

(in the big blue house, with over 34 stairs, thank you very much!)

and

where tender mercies are all around us,

FOR WHICH WE WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL!

thank you and cheers to another year.

happy 44th....

 between dinner at Olive Garden, golf passes, some new clothes, favorite cologne, and a fire pit 

Kurt had a good one!!!

but I think,

being ALL together was the best gift of all.....

Happy Birthday Kurt!

finally...

Candice is coming...... Candice is coming!!!

we've been waiting all day,

the excitement is better than Christmas for me,

we've been cleaning and getting everything ready for her,
I even sprinkled powder in her newly washed sheets,
so when she climbs into bed tonight, it will be just that much better for her to finally be home.

and

 we picked this bouquet of fresh flowers from our garden just for her! 

welcome home Candice Jean...

welcome home.

6th grade...

(yesterday)

p.s that darn big bright beautiful morning sunlight!!!

.

.

.

p.s.s. i've decided i don't like year-round school.....
at least,
 Lynzie was beside herself with excitment!!!

June of 2012...

I can't believe its July already....

before I tell ya about our fun fourth, I must back up and document June, 

June was full and worth noting.

Candice flew in for Caitlyn's graduation, and so did grandma Peggy...

It was soooo nice to have Candice back amongst us again, 

we all missed her and tried to take advantage of every minute of everyday with her....

( i loved just laying in bed and talking with her just about life.)

then, we went up to a park in Heber and celebrated Steve, Diane, Grandma Harris', Dad's and Breanne's birthdays, which happen to fall one right after the other, it's quite convenient! 

(oddly enough this is only half my family...)

singing to Diane, Dad, and Breanne,

(Steve and Grandma Harris just happen to be celebrating on the "other side"

but, we still love and acknowledge them!)

Candice and Grandpa...

Caitlyn, Breanne, and Lynzie...

Macall and Spencer...

Sutton and Ella Kate...

AND

that's when we announced 

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A NEW BABY IN THE FAMILY!!!!

(when I say "WE" I really mean my little brother Dave and his wife,)

 we love our cousins,

 and congratulation's to Dave and Kristen and there little family for adding one more to the bunch!

 my mother's day gift finally arrived from Candice...

it's from "Origani Owl"

it's a clear locket with little jewels that describe me,
(a"J" for julie, my birthstone, a heart with mom, a CTR emblem)

i loved it!!!!

Diane and her little dog Winston stayed with us for the month,

it was fun going on nightly walks...

and I think Winston even slimmed up a bit!

and just a few days ago,

we got to celebrate some of our favorite people's 50th wedding anniversary,

Bob use to be our bishop and Marilyn was our Young Womens' Leader,

and camp director, she taught us how to tole paint and so many other life learning experiences.

the whole neighborhood use to hang out at their house in the summers playing 

"kick the can", jumping on the trampoline, and sliding down their pulley.... 

you know how there is always one house on the block that is fun...

it was so heartwarming to see so many people from my days of growing up that had such an impact on  my life, that shared my love for the gospel, that helped build my testimony and that helped shape and make me who I am today,

 I also saw and visited with a lot of friends that I went to school with,

oh, the stories i could tell....

it did my heart good!!!

(the only problem was I was visiting and gabbing so much that I didn't take any pictures of all the people I love...)

then, of course,

come hell or high water....

we were going to get a family picture before Candice left,

and so we did!

 Candice will be moving back in a few weeks..... and we couldn't be happier!!!

(pictures by Danette Chugg)

our graduate of 2012...

 We had a fabulous 4 days!!!!

Candice flew in Wednesday night, finally arriving at 3 am, 

she was a tad bit late due to those amazing thunderstorms that only Dallas can produce,

(cuz everything is bigger in Texas!)

we got three hours of sleep and were up and at 'em for a 7 am hair appt.
with the famous Pollyanna,

 she worked her magic and Candice looked just as beautiful as ever!

 Caitlyn graduation ceremony started at 10 am and I thought it was a beautiful ceremony,

we are so proud of her,

 for all of her accomplishments and the trials that she overcame being the new girl in a new school for her senior year!

Did I mention how heartwarming it was to have Cj here and for all of us to be together again as a family!

It did my heart good,

and

each night I would lay in bed and just thank Heavenly Father for the overwhelming feeling of gratitude I felt that we were all under one roof again.....

(9 months is a long time to be apart)

we were grateful for our cute Breanne and Rylee who just graduated themselves the week before,

but came to show some luv'en...

and, of course,

cuter than cute grandparents!!!!

 and Caitlyn's shoes were to die for,

with Caitlyn........ it's.all.about.the.shoes!

WE HAD A GREAT DAY!

the bite.....

This morning while Spencer was doing "fast offerings"

he got bit by a dog!!!!

We had 3 different families from our ward bring over treats for the invalid,

but

I laughed pretty hard when the cookies came with a bite taken out of each one!!!

(get it!?!)

~I love our neighborhood~

*It could have been worse, and thank goodness Spencer is going to be just fine.

she did it....

She graduated this morning.....

more to come.

Ohhhh...

How would it be to take an afternoon Memorial Day nap upon a trampoline

under a big shade tree?

Spencer thought it was marvelous!!!

I couldn't find him for awhile, I thought he was up in his room cleaning,

well, he was suppose to be,

after a while, and when I was sure his room would be clean,

I went up to check....

.

.

.

.

it took me awhile, BUT,  I finally found him!

count 'em baby....

3 more days till Candice comes....

AND

4 more days till Caitlyn graduates!!!

 we had a nice evening....

 the weather has been gorgeous here the last couple of weeks,

first, we went to Spencer's last concert for the year,

I really enjoyed it, sometimes those things are hard to sit through,

cuz the kids are just learning how to play there instruments,

(bless there little hearts)

but, 

tonight was nice, I love that Spencer plays percussion and I can't take my eyes off of him when he's playing, 

it's amazing to watch him play all the different instruments and I always love that he has a solo part,

 and

because I'm his mother, and this is my blog, isn't it an unwritten rule to brag about your kids on your blog,

 so,

 he's the only 7th grader in the 9th grade band!
also, his band was on Fox News earlier this week,
they were voted "the coolest school".....

then....

we went to Caitlyn new job and let's just say the service was great 

and 

she is the best ice cream scooper and mixer this side of the Mississippi!!!!!

It's fun watching my kids grow up.....

Candice is coming to town, I'm so excited to have her here!!!!
and
Lynzie is rocking volleyball!

so much to catch up on,
but again,
I'm just lovin' on my kids.

Mother's Day 2012...

 Hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries

 is how we showered my mom with love today....

 Ha, Ha

Lynzie and Steve

We talked and laughed with Candice and visited with Landon,

it was nice to connect with all my kids today,

I've had a great  Mother's Day as we're been celebrating all weekend...
Kurt showered me with love all day yesterday.

I am truly blessed to be a mom to such sweet little spirits...