JUST US

I WITNESSED SOMETHING WONDERFUL THIS WEEKEND...

2011-10-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

SHE DID IT!

The strengthening of a friendship!

I WAS GRATEFUL for the love and support shown for Amanda... Carl and I have been blessed with such a special little family.

href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fnXxS_c6qYk/TpuYsBWpV3I/AAAAAAAABA0/77tfJTyCnsM/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG">
I AM SO HAPPY FOR AMANDA! So impressed by her DETERMINATION AND GUTS! So inspired by her FAITHFULNESS...

I WAS ASSURED this weekend of the brotherly love our son does indeed have for his big sister. :)

IT WAS TOUCHING to watch my husband... A proud Dad waiting to catch a glimpse of his daughter... He has such a talent for catching moments in time through his photographs. Sometimes I feel badly he is ALWAYS the one behind the camera.

I WAS REMINDED I still feel such an intense love and great concern, the desire to protect my daughter from suffering and pain... Even though she is a big girl now!

My heart is filled with pride... I have a renewed respect and admiration for Amanda!

I LOVE THIS BEAUTIFUL BUNCH!

2011-07-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Just feeling BLESSED and GRATEFUL FOR THE ONES I LOVE!

My Heart is FULL!!

2011-04-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have been especially blessed...

Those in my life were in tune enough to take action when I might not have.

The very kind and caring medical personnel at Jordan Valley Hospital were so good to me.

With an attentive, loving and caring husband.

I have 2 of the greatest sisters in the world... truly.

I always felt my brothers sincere love and care over the many miles that separate us.

LOVED the company of those who make me laugh the most.

To have much needed visits from my nephews and niece's who shared their love and sweet smiles with me.

I was given the gift of a priesthood blessing.

With HUGS... oh the hugs... they have taken on a whole different meaning and appreciation for me.

By those willing to give of their time, just to sit with me, to watch and wait with me... to read to me. :)

With friends and family who have sent angels of healing, happiness and sunshine, prayers, well wishes and love my way.

So grateful for the love of my 2 precious granddaughters, and already in love with one more we have on the way.

With the miracle of modern medicine and the skilled hands that cared for me.

By those who were generous enough to bring meals for my family into my home... some of the yummiest meals I've had in a VERY long time.

With just more reminders of how I have been blessed with 3 of the most wonderful kids.

With the dearest little CTR Class who made pictures and get well cards for me.

With gifts of such beautiful fresh flowers to lift my spirits.

The sunshine on my face as I struggled to walk that first mile.

So happy to be back to work... sharing my days with the sweet children I care for.

EVERYONE keeps asking me... "do you feel any different?" I do... I've been given a second chance... a "do over" I guess. (I hope to do better this time!)

I feel so loved, more aware, appreciative, served, a little bit like damaged goods, cared for, happy and some what awakened... "I feel my saviors love"

Thank you all!
MY HEART IS FULL!!

HaPpY BiRthDaY COLE!!

2011-03-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

TODAY!! March 31st...
You are such a GREAT son-in-law!
A SUPER husband!
And a SWEET Daddy!

Happiest of birthday wishes to you Cole!

I LOVE TO SEE PEOPLE SMILE... I don't do it enough! I LOVE TO LAUGH... I need to do it more!! Here are a bunch of pictures that make me smile! :)

2011-03-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

OVERKILL ON PICTURES THAT MAKE ME SMILE?? NOPE... I AM ONE LUCKY LADY!

ASH AND COLE

ME AND MY GIRLS

KRISTI AND ASH... A COUPLE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE TO LAUGH WITH

RYAN AND MAND

COUSINS

SWEET SOPHIE

RYAN MANDA ASH AND COLE

SILLY GIRL

CARL AND I

AMANDA AND ASH... JUST AFTER RUBIE WAS BORN

KRISTI AND I

MORGAN AND DAN

COLE AND SOPHIE

CARL

RUBIE

HAYDEN HOLLI AND JASH

ME AND MY GIRL

3 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

AUSTEN AND TRAVIS PASTRANA

RUBIE

THE TROOPS AT AUSTEN'S LACROSSE GAME

MARNI AND LEXI

DAN MCKAY OWEN MADDIE AND KRISTI

TY AND ASH

RUBIE'S BIRTHDAY CAKE... AFTER IT WAS DROPPED

MY LITTLE FOOTBALL PLAYER

MY 3 FAVORITE KIDS!!

This is wonderful... just had to share it! Thanks Ash!

2010-08-17T14:13:00.001-07:00

MY GIRLS!!

2009-12-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

No! I am not talking about my boobs! Yes... I too see in these pictures, they are not up where they used to be! Anyway!
I wanted to post these beautiful pictures my cousin Emily took of me and my beautiful granddaughters! Sophie is almost 6, Rubie is almost 2! Love em!!

IT WAS A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

2009-11-29T21:30:00.001-08:00

Sophie loves entertaining with her Karaoke!

Lots and lots of games!! Cards, board games, pool, video, Bust a move! :) etc.! (Even a little golf)

Dylan and Austen

Nothin better than a bottle and snuggling with uncle Ryan.

It was a celebration of Carl's 47th, which was on yes... "Black Friday"!

We also celebrated Amanda's 21st birthday which was on Saturday!

Ashlii and Cole... the gracious hosts of this event!

Lots of yummy food! :)

Andrew (Christophers son), Austen, Maddie and Mckay

Marni and Lexi

#30...GETTIN BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS... JAMAL WILLIS AND CREW!!

2009-09-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Austen's Football Season has begun... They had there first game on Saturday, they beat the Bingham Miners 8 to 6! These are some pictures from a pre-season practice when his team had the privilege of getting some instruction from Jamal Willis and his crew! Jamal played for BYU and the 49ers! It was great fun!
GO ALTA MIDGET WHITE!!

FUN ON THE 4TH!!

2009-07-05T20:03:00.001-07:00

Austen

Pretty girls!

Sweet Rubie

Cole and Sophie

Amanda and Ry

Ashlii and Lexi having fun at the pool!

Sophie and her 2nd Fudgesicle!

The crazy cooks!

Happy 14th Morgan! (what a sweet picture of her and her daddy)

LITTLE RUBIE HAS A BOOBOO!! :(

2009-06-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Rubie was playing with her mommy... she tripped and started to fall forward, Ashlii quickly grabbed her arm trying to stop her from falling on her face... it gave her "Nursemaids Elbow" I don't know who I feel worse for, Ashlii or Rubie. Ash feels sooo badly about it! Rubie looked so cute with her little sling I had to post a picture!

JUST BECAUSE... SHE MAKES US SMILE!!

2009-06-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Rubie Grace Madsen

Not happy about getting washed up after birthday cake!

She loves, loves, loves her swing!

Nothin like a sweet baby girl with a runny nose and a slurpee!

UNTIL NEXT YEAR #57!!

2009-06-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

Alta Hawks Thunder!

Sophie and Rubie trying hard to be good!

Myself, Rubie, Amanda, Sophie Ashlii and Ryan

Austen decided not to play baseball this year, he played Lacrosse instead. Never played it before, we really knew NOTHING about it at all! Carl is from Syracuse N.Y. too, a city well known for Lacrosse. In fact they were National Champions this year! It was a riot watching these boys play, I liked it as well if not better than football! (That is saying alot!) He and his team did really well... Alta Thunder ended their season with a loss, which is why Austen looks so bummed in these pictures. They had a wonderful season, they were 7 and 1, Austen played Attack and scored 7 goals during his season! We were so proud of him!

BRILLIANT!

2009-05-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

A MAYONNAISE JAR & TWO PEPSI'S.....

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,

when 24 hours in a day are not enough,

remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Pepsi's.....

A professor stood before his Philosophy 201 class and

had some items in front of him.

When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a

very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and

poured them into the jar, he shook the jar lightly.

The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full.

They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full.

The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two Pepsi's from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or
golf balls.

The same goes for life..

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children.

Spend time with your parents.

Visit with grandparents.

Take time to get medical checkups.

Take your spouse out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

Set your priorities..

The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Pepsi represented.

The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'
The Pepsi just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Pepsi's with a friend.

I LOVED THIS! (There is a message for us all!)

2009-04-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen her, visit this video... I think this is really cool!
It's worth going to youtube to see the long version of it as well. (Obviously, I wasn't smart enough to get that version on here... sorry)

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

TAKE CARE WOMEN!

2009-03-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

When my daughter was two weeks old, I was standing at the top of some steps and, for a minute, I held her tighter because I was truly afraid that the wind would blow her out of my arms. It sounds crazy now, but the urge to protect your child is hardwired and sometimes irrational. Indeed, for the first few years of their lives, it seems like our main occupation is to keep them from certain death. You scoop tiny chokeable bits of things out of their mouths; you grab them by the pants just before they fall off a chair, the stairs, the top of the slide; you stop them from prying old gum off the sidewalk.

And of course sometimes kids do fall, and there you are in the emergency room, freighted with guilt or panic or both. Most of the time, they are fine, and you get used to a certain level of parental worry. But there's another opposite and almost equally terrifying thought that we don't talk about as much: what if something happened to us before our kids were old enough to take care of themselves?

We're usually so preoccupied with our children's well-being that our own safety is an afterthought. But the deaths of two notable mothers over the past week, both with young children, have made those thoughts hard to avoid. Last Wednesday, actress Natasha Richardson died in New York from a brain injury after a skiing accident. She and her husband, actor Liam Neeson, had two sons—just 12 and 13 years old. Then, over the weekend, 27-year-old British reality-TV star, Jade Goody, succumbed after a long and public struggle with cervical cancer. She left behind two little boys, ages 4 and 5.

Neither woman was superstar famous, but the stories of their deaths were chilling to the mothers I know. Some of us could barely remember a movie we'd seen Richardson in, we just knew that she was gracious and well loved and just 45 years old. Her passing from something as capricious and random as a minor fall on the gentlest of ski slopes was so jarring that we couldn't stop talking about the how and the why. We hoped that an autopsy would show that something else, a pre-existing condition maybe, caused her death. But no. These things happen. It could have been any of us.

And when we learned that she waved away an initial offer of medical care after her fall, we understood. I'm sure that if one of Richardson's children had bumped his head she would gone to an emergency room immediately, and stayed for as long as it took to be absolutely sure that the boy was fine. But how many parents, if we'd taken a small tumble, would have looked at the day's plans and said, "No, I don't want to ruin everyone's vacation only to spend hours at the hospital over a minor bump. We don't have time. I'll be fine."

We find it easy to postpone our own doctor's appointments, but not the ones for the kids. We helmet them, but not ourselves. This is why airlines still have to remind parents to put their own oxygen masks on before they take care of the kids.

The passing of Britain's Goody inspired another trail of questions for parents. She was known as a kind of over-the-top "wrong side of the tracks Lady Diana," and had become famous after a controversial stint on the reality show "Big Brother." When she learned that she had an aggressive form of cervical cancer, this young woman who had not much else to offer, decided to sell the rights to televise her last days so that her two sons would be provided for.

Her decision caused an uproar in England. But it made me think twice about what I'd do for my two daughters if I knew I wasn't going to be around. So many of us haven't properly sorted out a living will, or even a regular will with provisions for guardianship should our kids be left without either parent. And as for less concrete types of preparation, I'm not sure what I'd do if I were given the terrible luxury of time to prepare my two daughters for my own passing. Goody told her sons that they could look to the sky and find her there, a star to watch over them. Hearing that, it was impossible not to think about what I'd say to my girls. It's like the unexplainable urge to put your finger right into the blue center of a candle flame. Horrible and irresistible.

But another week of work, school projects and laundry is already upon us; it won't be long before we forget Richardson and Goody. That's perhaps one blessing of having young children. The struggle to simply keep up with the everyday doesn't leave much time for fretting over hypotheticals. Still, I am going to finally make an appointment for a long overdue checkup. I'll do it for my kids. And I'll be thinking about Richardson's and Goody's children as I do it.
By Susanna Schrobsdorff | Newsweek Web Exclusive

"25 Kicks and Giggles Tag"

2009-03-03T20:46:00.000-08:00

I honestly don't know if this is a good thing or not? It has made me think about my own self, but just like the only other 'tags' I've done... it is a reminder of just how boring I really am!!
Here goes...

#1
I still love watching General Hospital each afternoon. (that I can) I've been watching it since I was 15 years old! I am 43... that means I've watched
General for almost 30 years! Wow, I am old!!
#2
I love to color in coloring books! There is nothing like a brand new box of crayons!
#3
As I said, I am 43 years old... I just got my first cell phone in December! No I did not say "a new cell phone" I said "MY FIRST CELL PHONE"! Crazy huh!
#4
I have a facebook page... I know, so does the whole rest of the world! I just think it's funny because when I got it and told my girls... my daughter Ashlii said "Ah... old people are so cute". I do love it!
#5
I can't stop chewing ice!! It think it is a problem! I drive my daughter Amanda CRAZY!! I just love it! I go through cups and cups of it each day... I've chipped my teeth doing it too... it's just terrible. I like it best when it has been in my drink just about 20 minutes... just perfect! I can't stop!
#6
I love shopping at Walmart! ... sorry girls!
#7
I use a lot of hand sanitizer, bleach and Lysol! Enough said!
#8
I've always wanted to live like the people on "Little House on the Prairie" or in "The Walton" home! (Do you guys even know who "The Waltons" are?) I wouldn't last long in either of those times... I know!
#9
I am a tiny bit scared of old people! Not my own relatives! Just old people I don't know.
#10
My re-occurring dream... being chased by an old lady in a wheelchair, I can't run fast enough and I try to scream but nothing comes out!(Hence my fear of old people)
#11
I do not like DLS time!!! I am not excited about losing an hour of sleep! I do love when it starts to stay light longer in the evenings though!
#12
I worry about my children, the husbands of my daughters and my grandaughters! I think maybe too much! Worry, worry, worry! I drive myself crazy!
#13
I love having a "To Do List" LOVE IT!! Most of the things never get done, but I do love listing things for myself. Maybe it makes me feel like I have a life... when I really don't?
#14
I LOVE MONDAYS!! I do! There is something to be said for working hard, staying busy and being on a schedule, that is what my work week does for me. I love that feeling of getting ready on Sunday nights for work the next day?? Go figure... maybe if I tackled my "To Do" list on the weekends more often, I would feel busier? I do enjoy my weekends, just love Monday's as well!
#15
I love a beautiful yard! I do not love what it takes to have that! I can feel it in the air... mowing and weeding are just around the corner!
#16
I am on my 4th load of laundry tonight and so I was just thinking about how much I love the smell of April Fresh Downy! Some of the other smells I just love... freshly bathed little kiddies, rain, sunscreen, campfires, oranges... I could go on!
#17
Well Katie I don't think I can make it to 25, I am too tired tonight. If I save this as a draft and say "I'll get back to it" ... well, I already told you about my "To Do lists" ... you get the point!

OUR SWEET SOPHIE IS 5 YEARS OLD!!

2009-02-26T09:46:00.000-08:00

She is the most wonderful little girl!

ARIZONA... what a wonderful place to visit THIS TIME OF YEAR!!

2009-02-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

Family, Fun, 72 and sunny in January makes EVERYBODY smile!!
A little bit of the FBR OPEN "The Greatest Show on Grass" doesn't hurt either!!

What a treat it was to spend a few days with Ty, Tiff, Jake, Jash, Hayden and Holli! Wow... how we wish you lived a little closer!

ARIZONA HERE WE COME!

2009-01-25T21:12:00.000-08:00

Early Tuesday morning we will hit the road and take a drive to Arizona. Carl, Austen and I are going to visit Tyler, Tiffany and their kids for a few days.
It will be so nice to visit with family and enjoy the beautiful weather they are having right now.
Ty and his kids came out this summer when Amanda and Ryan got married but we haven't seen Tiffany since last year when Austen and I flew out to visit.
We will be back just in time to see the Arizona Cardinals beat the Steelers in the Super Bowl!
Can't wait!!

Just a proud aunt!

2009-01-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

My cute nephew Dylan is just one of those great kids... "hand picked" to wrestle in the 9th Annual All Star-Classic.
He even got a little recognition on the local news that evening! Way to go Dylan we are so proud of you!
Click below and check him out.

Click on me!

Dylan will be wrestling at the Rocky Mountain Rumble this Friday and Saturday as well (I'm sure). It will be fun to see how well he does!
Best of luck to you Dylan, we'll be cheering for you!!
Resilite Rocky Mountain Rumble
January 16 and 17, 2009
McKay Events Center Orem, UT

A New Years "Resolution"

2009-01-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

I always feel an uncomfortable kind of pressure... making a New Years Resolution for myself! Maybe because I don't often keep them! (probably because they are usually weight related!)
I visited a friends blog today and felt comforted, inspired and enlightened! (As I often do after visit to her blog.)
I copied this from her blog. I just loved it and couldn't help but share it!

This Year We Will
Mend a Quarrel
Seek out a Forgotten Friend
Dismiss Suspicion and replace it with Trust
Write a letter
Give a soft answer
Encourage youth
Manifest our loyalty in word and deed
Keep a promise
Forgo a grudge
Forgive an Enemy
Apologize
Try to Understand
Examine our demands on Others
Think First of Someone Else
Be Kind
Be Gentle
Laugh a little More
Express our Gratitude
Welcome a Stranger
Gladden the heart of a Child
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the Earth
Speak our Love
And then Speak it Again
Howard W. Hunter

Hurry Quick!

2009-01-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

It is January 1st! Hurry Quick! Get your 2009 edition of Utah Weddings, Amanda is on the cover!
She is dying that I am posting this EVERYWHERE... I don't really care, I am not too proud to brag! That's my baby!

TOO MUCH GOING ON!!

2008-12-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

We have a whole lot going on at this time of year in our family! (I know, so does everyone!) This is it in short for us... Begining with Thanksgiving Day, which was also Carl's birthday, the following day was Amanda's birthday, December 3rd was our 21st wedding anniversary, December 6th was Austen's birthday, the 18th of December is Ashlii's birthday, and Christmas of course! Then just throw in the fact that Carl works for Federal Express!! Busy, busy, busy time of year for us!! Here is just some of what went on during this time of year for our family. I haven't even gotten to Christmas Eve or Day... ENJOY!! WE DID!!

We had our family Christmas party at my Grandma Grow's home. We sang, enjoyed each others talents, good food and good company. I love it!

This is a picture of my Grandma Grow with her great and great, great grandkids!

It was touching to me to hear our whole family sing together while grandma played the piano.

My grandma got a real kick out of playing while we all sang Christmas songs!

Austen, Sophie and their cousins sang "Away in a Manger" I just loved it!!

My cousin Ben and his friend sang "Baby it's cold outside" it was soooo cute!!

Sophie performed for the group and sang Rudolph. (she actually did a few things for us, she loves to be the "STAR").

Santa made an appearance... it was fun for all!

Our family birthday party at Cheesecake Factory, we were celebrating Carl, Amanda, Austen and Ashlii's birthdays. I feel terrible Carl isn't in the picture, he is usually "the man" behind the camera!

For the first time in 20 years we were without both of our girls for Thanksgiving. Ashlii, Cole, Sophie and Rubie were in St. George with Cole's family. Amanda and Ryan spent a few days down south as well, visiting with Ryan's family. Although it was difficult to be apart, we had a wonderful day! Carl, Austen, myself, my sisters and their families went to my aunt and uncle's home in Peoa to spend the day with lots of extended family and friends! I love getting reacquainted each year on this great day with those family members I don't get to see as often as I'd like.

My Aunt Julie and Uncle Stewart's home.

My sister Marni and her husband Bob.

My sister Kristi and I.

Austen and some of his cousins.

We had a great game of soccer, I did score a goal for the other team... I quit playing shortly after that, but it was alot of fun!

The "I HAVE" tag!

2008-12-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

BOLD the ones you have done.

1. Started your own blog. (Well Ash started it for me)
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland.
8. Climbed a mountain. (yes this really happened!)
9. Held a Praying Mantis. (not for long!)
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightening storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept over night on a train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill.
24. Built a snow fort and slept in it.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping. (oh geese... I am so sorry for this mental picture!)
27. Run a Marathon.
28. Ridden a Gondola.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset. Both!
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Seen Amish country.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. (wow at a time like this, I just feel blessed to be employed!!)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing. (I am assuming at the gym counts?)
40. Seen Michelangelo's David.
41. Sang Karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a Drive-In Theater.
55. Been in a movie. (does a home movie count? JK)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business. (I have run a child care business out of my home for 20 years)
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.
62. Gone Whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter. (NOT a good idea when you are afraid of heights!)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy. Pieces of my blanket!
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar. NOPE and I wont ever!
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job. Yes (Italian Village... I was 15)
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car. (Too many!!!)
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had Chicken pox.
89. Saved somebody's life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one. (My mom)
94. Had a baby. (3)
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone. YES!!! I just got my very first cell phone... I'm 42!!
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. One cavity or less. OH PLEASE!!!

I must say... I thought this tag was so long! But I was too far into it to stop, I was also sad to realize just how boring I really am!!
Although... I am grateful I finished it! I will be making my "BUCKET LIST" I have been inspired by this tag.
Thanks Ash!

For this reason... I tag you all!

WHAT SOPHIE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-11T08:43:00.001-08:00

What does my sweet Sophie want for Christmas? Amanda asked her that all important question yesterday... to which she responded, "I want a nutcracker!" Amanda said "a nutcracker, is that all?" Sophie said "I want a Barbie too... and I think I'll ask for a new pair of pants because my butt crack keeps hanging out!"
She is the funniest!!

Austen's in heaven!

2008-11-22T06:59:00.001-08:00

Austen and his "buddy" Travis Pastranan! Thanks to a good friend, we got to go spend
the night with the whole Nitro Circus Crew and watch Thrillbillies Double Wide! "Austen was in heaven!" It is a great movie, go buy it!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

2008-11-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Sophie is in Pre-School, she learns lots of cute songs for the Holiday's... I especially loved this one! I love this little girl!

NOVEMBER and THANKSGIVING DAY TRADITIONS!

2008-11-07T13:35:00.001-08:00

Okay... You've all had plenty of thinking time... Please comment or e-mail me your Holiday Traditions for the month of November! Thanks!!

Rubie is so dang smart!

2008-10-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Rubie is so dang smart! She is almost 9 months old and can already do Itsy bitsy spider and wave bye bye! (she doesn't smile much while she is doing the actions... she has to concentrate) She is quickly on the road to being as perfect as her big sister Sophie!

That's my boy!

2008-10-26T14:52:00.001-07:00

Austen did such a great job this year of playing center! He has played both sides of the line all season and I am so proud of him. I just love watching him play!! He had his last regular season game yesterday up in Oakley, it was such a beautiful day for us to take a drive up the canyon, take in all the Fall beauty and watch our sons team win a football game! Playoffs next Saturday! Go Alta!!

I have had so much fun being the team mom this year, I love these boys!

This was obviously a moment I was not in charge of the camera... nice girls! I included the more flattering picture below to make up for this one.

It was fun having Cole, Ashlii, Sophie, Rubie and Amanda there with us as well. (Ryan had to work)

Happy Birthday Dylan!

2008-10-19T13:30:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to wish my nephew Dylan a very, very Happy 17th Birthday this Wednesday October 22nd! I love you Dylan!

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS?... HELP!

2008-10-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

The holidays are right around the corner... I am looking for some neat family traditions. At the beginning of each month I will post this "Holiday Traditions?... Help!" If you would leave a comment on my blog or post something cool on your own blog if you have one, I would really appreciate hearing some of your ideas, neat memories you have of family traditions while growing up, things you have done with your own families, heard of friends doing... etc. (Traditions, and ideas having to do with the holiday that falls during that particular month).
(My daughter) Ashlii's mother in law makes sure that the "Great Pumpkin" comes to visit each of her grandchildren every year. The Great Pumpkin leaves a fun Halloween surprise on the front porch of each child's home. He leaves it during the beginning of the month of October so it gives them time to enjoy it and helps them get excited about the upcoming Halloween holiday. Sophie and Rubie each received a cute little Halloween outfit and some other fun things as well. You could go very big with this, or very simple! I love this idea! So do the kids! Alot of the kids in my home daycare think it is so cool that the Great Pumpkin came to Sophie's house. Unfortunately.. they are also wondering why he hasn't come to visit them as well? Needless to say, it has started a new tradition in many of their own homes too.
Ashlii and Amanda, if you would help me out by posting something similar to this on your blogs or sending people to my blog... I don't have as many visitors to my blog as you both do! I am really excited about getting some fun ideas! Thanks for your help girls! Mom

Tagged! I'm not brave enough to wait!

2008-10-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged... I thought I'd post the "I have no quirks" below and leave it for a day, just to see how mean my girls were willing to be. I'm not brave enough to wait. I'll post my own quirks... thank you.

5 unspectacular quirks about myself... hmm...

#1 I can't stand crumbs... why do people have to leave their crumbs?! Enough said...

#2 I don't like other people to do my dishes, especially by hand! Don't bother...
when you leave... I just wash them over. Sorry.

#3 I can't go to sleep unless I have a phone by my bedside? I just can't!

#4 I don't like Austen to go to bed without showering first. The thought of him
sleeping with all of those kid germs on him... Yuk.

#5 I love to chew ice, it's terrible... I have broken so many teeth just chewing ice. I can't really even enjoy a drink unless it has ice in it.

Those are only 5 of my unspectacular quirks believe me!! I have many!

I tag any of you reading this who haven't been tagged!

Tagged! Quirks? This should be easy!

2008-10-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

I've never been tagged! This one should be easy... "Name 5 unspectacular quirks about myself" ... I have none.

2 months in a slide show!

2008-09-17T19:14:00.002-07:00

If you aren't familiar with this... you can put your cursor on the photo for captions, or view all images.

Broken Arms

2008-06-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Austen broke his left arm last week, riding a 4 wheeler while camping at the Sand Dunes with his Dad. Just a few days after that... sweet little Sophie broke her left arm, playing on the monkey bars at Grandma Kerri's house. Austen got a black cast which we hope is off and his arm is healed by the last week in July because football starts. Sophie got this pretty pink cast which we are hoping is off by the time Amanda gets married August 1st, even though it would match her little dress quite well! Poor kids!

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day... we had such a fun Mother's Day! We got together at our house with Marni's family, Ashlii, Cole, Sophie, Rubie and Ryan joined us as well. Kristi and her family spent the day with Dan's mother, we missed being with them. The Jazz win over L.A. inspired the basketball player in many of us, we had some pretty intense but fun competition going on.

More Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

It was especially nice to spend the day with Ashlii, she is such a sweet mommy. We are so proud of her!

Mother's Day Etc.

2008-05-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't entered a blog in quite sometime.... I can't even remember how! I am so frustrated! This is why there are 3 separate entries for 1 day!! UGH!!
Everyone worked so hard to make this such a special day,I really appreciated it. Thank you EVERYONE!

Wedding Dress Shopping!

2008-04-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sophie joined in the fun when Amanda was trying on wedding dresses! Yes, she found one! No, I can't include of a picture of it. You'll have to wait and see.

Congratulations Ryan and Amanda!

2008-03-20T09:10:00.001-07:00

Make a free ecard - it's easy!

She's a sleep robber!

2008-03-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Cole had to go to Las Vegas for work, Ash went along for the weekend. Grandma Linda (Cole's mom) took Sophie to St. George with her and her little cousins, Grandma Kerri got to keep Rubie. She's so sweet, so beautiful, so fun..... she's a sleep robber! Last night was our first night together, I'm feeling a little tired... as you can see from her picture... Rubie is just fine! She slept in her Grandma's arms in all night long (thank heaven for Lazy Boy chairs that recline!), she had a bath, her morning bottle, snuggled in Grandma's bed and slept a bit while Grandma got ready for a day of work! Not fair! Really, it was quite fun, I am grateful that Cole and Ashlii are so willing to share their sweet girls with me like they do. I am a very lucky Grandma. But, I definitely fell 42 today.

Visit to Arizona with Ty and Tiff

2008-03-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

Since I still haven't figured out how to do a stinking slide show... these are just some of my favorite pictures of the trip Amanda, Ryan, Austen and I took to Arizona to visit Tyler, Tiffany, Jake, Jashua, Hayden and Holli. We have never been out to visit them the whole 9 or whatever years they've lived there... and I haven't seen my brother Ty since Ashlii got married 5 years ago. It was the BEST!! Don't worry, I will figure the whole slide show thing out.

We didn't get to see as much of Jake as we'd liked because of his busy work and school schedule. I sure am glad we got to hear him play his guitar... I was really impressed!

Austen's 5th Grade Patriotic Program

2008-03-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

I thought this video was so funny, I didn't notice while filming, but I later realized that NOBODY was smiling. I guess it is still pretty painful to dance with somebody of the opposite sex at this age! Austen did a wonderful job, this was probably one of the best school programs I've ever seen. It was really neat.

I fell off the wagon.

2008-02-14T13:14:00.002-08:00

Enough said!

Self control

2008-02-11T21:48:00.000-08:00

Amanda came home tonight and I was creating a new post AGAIN! She said "mom, you told people you were going to try and update that thing once a week... you post something everyday!" I am going to try and use some self control reguarding my new love of "online scrapbooking" as I call it. Later this week Austen and I are flying out to visit Tyler and his family in Arizona. Amanda and Ryan will be flying out a couple days before us to visit with some of his family as well. I promise to not post anything until we return next week. Watch out for that post huh!

I'M CONVINCED!

2008-02-11T21:44:00.000-08:00

She is the most beautiful baby!

My daughter's the best Mom!

2008-02-11T21:35:00.001-08:00

We were all going crazy over Rubie and Sophie said "hey nobody's playing with me" Ashlii quickly went over to play with "Rubie's big sister" she was all smiles! Ashlii is such a sweet mommy to both of these little girls!

February Birthdays!

2008-02-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

Today was Maddie's birthday and we got together to celebrate all of our February birthdays! Happy birthday Maddie, Kerri, Sophie, Kristi, and now of course Rubie! Sorry about the red eyes on some of the pictures... I'll have to consult Emily the photographer about how to prevent that from happening? Or how to solve it once it has! I also apologize for the wrong date posted on my photos... my camera? Me? (Today is the 10th not the 11th, and Rubie was born on the 4th not the 5th!) EMILY!! HELP!! Oh, yes and enjoy the 2 second video too. Oh well... I'm trying, better luck next time huh.

Austen's last basketball game

2008-02-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

Bear had his last Jr. Jazz basketball game tonight. (Austen is #34 in the white jersey.) His team will end their season 7 and 1... not too bad huh. This was his 2nd year playing with this coach and most of the same boys, they did much better this season than last, we were very proud of them! Congratulations buddy!

She just keeps getting cuter and cuter! Is cuter even a word?

2008-02-05T20:48:00.000-08:00

"Oh baby!"

2008-02-04T23:20:00.000-08:00

This sweet baby girl was born on February 4th at 10:11 p.m. She weighed 9lbs. 2oz. and was 21 inches long. When I left the hospital tonight her name was Rubie Grace Madsen. (I'll keep you posted on the name?) Of course there will be several updates full of pictures! Congratulations... Coleman, Ashlii and Sophie!!

3 days till Sophie's a big sister!

2008-02-01T08:52:00.001-08:00

We are so excited for Ashlii and Cole's baby to be born. We already love her so much... just can't wait to hold her and see her sweet little face. Will they call her Graci Brooke or Lola Grace?

What did we do?

2008-01-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

What did we do before Laptops, Nintendo DS, Cell phones etc, etc, etc!?!

My baby is having another baby!

2008-01-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

Only 1 week and 6 days left until baby Lola is here! We are so excited!

WHAT THE * * * !!

2008-01-21T18:17:00.000-08:00

These Pictures are for Ty, since I spoke with him today and he mentioned that they were thinking about breaking out the shorts, t-shirts and flip flops due to their warming weather. Austen and I spent about an hour and a half shoveling this morning only to clear 1/4 of the driveway. Carl, Ryan and Amanda spent hours digging us out this evening! Ryan's car couldn't have made it out of the driveway prior to them shoveling. We figure we had anywhere between 12 to 14 inches of snow in Draper, where we live. (Just today) Other areas received much more. Ty and Tiffany, we can't wait to join you in February... and enjoy the Arizona weather as well!

GO GIANTS!! GO DYLAN!!

2008-01-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, I had my "GO PACKERS!!" post all ready to go! I have to go with the New York Giants in the Super Bowl now. Good for Manning! We had a fun week-end filled with sports... even though Green Bay lost and Austen didn't play basketball, his team had a bye. Friday night Austen and I got to go and watch Dylan wrestle in the Rocky Mountain Rumble held at the David O. Mckay Center. He made us all proud by making it into the semi finals, which he competed in on Saturday. We drove Marni and Bob nuts with all of our phone calls, trying to keep up on his progress throughout the day. Dylan took 5th place in his weight division! Fifth out of 39 wrestlers... I was pretty impressed!!

Maggie

2008-01-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

I posted a picture of our one and a half year old puppy Maggie. I wanted my niece Holli to see her.

Happy Birthday Mckay and Uncle Bob!

2008-01-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

My battery died shortly after we sang Happy Birthday, I was able to get a cute picture in of Amanda and her boyfriend Ryan! It sure was fun being together to wish Bob a happy 45th and Mckay a happy 7th birthday! Next time I'll be better prepared... fully charged batteries might be a good idea!

I love that day!

2008-01-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

I came across this picture yesterday, I think it is beautiful of both Grandma and Marni. It was taken on Memorial Day up at the cemetery last year. I've been thinking about Grandma more than usual lately. I wish I had more pictures of her than I do. What a neat thing Jeanne did this year by helping us stir up, and share memories of our Christmases with Grandma Grow. That was cool. I included a few other pictures from that same Memorial Day... I thought they were neat as well. The one of Owen and Sophie next to my moms grave is from 2006, I had to throw it in just because it's so cute... and because I CAN! I love this blogging thing. That will probably be the next time we see each other, as extended family anyway. I love that day!

Fun with Frank and Frank!

2008-01-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

It was wonderful having Carl's Uncle Frank and Cousin Frank visiting with us for Christmas.

My New Blog

2008-01-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!! I am excited to be part of the "blogging world". I have LOVED looking at everyone elses blog, so Ash helped me set one up. I promise to try and keep it as updated as possible.