Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Remembering 9/11

Some of our 9/11 Heroes

I can't believe that six years have passed since that fateful day on September 11th. I remember my mom calling me and telling me to turn on the news because the twin towers have been hit. The images that I saw were unnerving. I couldn't believe that there existed such hatred in the world.

***

I feel it's important to remember what went on September 11, 2001 but I try not to dwell on the men that caused it to happen. Instead I remember the heroes who risked so much for others; the people who extended thier hands to those in need; pride in our country and our citizens; the prayers and kinship that was extended to those who suffered losing family members and friends; and those who fight for freedom still today. We can only pray that the hearts of evil men will be softened and that peace will someday come to the world.

***

I wanted to teach Collin a little about patriotism today. He's young but he's smart and kind at heart. I want him to know of the events of the world and about events that have had such an impact on our nation. His grandma Christensen showed him some pictures on the internet and talked with him about 9/11. I read him the pledge of allegience and showed him a picture of our current president whom Collin thought would look great in pink!


To read George Bushs' Proclamation of Patriot Day click on the White House link.

A Quick Fair Run

Collin and I accompanied my mom this past Saturday to go pick up her cake at the fair. I went so Collin could see the petting zoo and things we didn't have time for the last time we went. The baby goats were so adorable in the petting zoo. They were tiny and two of them put on a head butting show for us until their mama broke it up. Collin loved it! He also loved the bunnies, puppies, and turtle.

We then went through the reptile house. I don't think they had that there last year. There were tons of snakes, lizards, tarantulas (gross!), turtles, and strange bugs from the rain forests. On a little stage they had a huge golden python and a baby crocodile. Collin would not touch either one of them. He wouldn't get anywhere near them! He said he was afraid they would bite him. I'll bet little Carlee would have loved to touch them. She's not afraid of much. She didn't get to go because she was coming down with something her daddy shared with her. Turns out the next day she was puking, coughing, sneezing, and had a sore throat and double ear infections. Poor little babe, I feel so bad for her! Hopefully she'll be better soon although Collin is starting to get it now.
***
I wish I was able to get a picture of the little crocodile but these are the only pictures I got that day because my camera died. I forgot that I was low on batteries. Oops! I'm glad Collin got to go and have some fun though. The only bad part was that we had to pass by the rides on the way out and he wanted so bad to go on them again. We had to endure his pouty sad face and him saying, "I'm sad." for awhile but maybe next year he can go on them two days or to one of the shows. We'll see.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Jammie Girl!

Carlee at 23 months!A cutie in her jam-jams!




Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Congratulations Mom!

Blackfoot Fair Cake Show
Way to go mom! This was my mom's first cake show and she got first runner up! The theme for the wedding cakes was something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a six-pence in her shoe. She took her first class 2 1/2 years ago and has loved decorating cakes ever since. She did so amazing to beat out others who have been doing cakes for 15 years or more. Amy who got the grand prize was actually the woman who mom took her first cake decorating class from. Amy runs the Sugar Shell in Idaho Falls and mom and her talk for hours when mom goes shopping there. I've learned not to ride over there with her if she is planning a trip to her shop!

Mom made all the lace out of icing even though it looks real! She even made her mold for it.

I love the shape she used for this cake. Very unique.

Mom helping Amy hold up her $1000 prize check. Maybe it'll be yours next year mom!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

It's Fair Time!

Blackfoot, ID Sep. 1, 2007Ahhh, the fair. I love everything about it! The smell of cinnamon almonds and tiger ears, lights and carnival music, kids racing around having fun, as well as tons of booths and animals to look at. Collin couldn't wait to go on the rides. It's the best thing about going to the Blackfoot fair. Collin tried every ride he was allowed to go on and then some. When we asked him what his favorite ride was he said, "All of them!" Carlee's favorite was definitely the carousel. When we were standing in line she was waving her arms and "talking" excitedly. She loved lights and that she could ride on a horsie (although she was scared of the real horses!)
Collin absolutely loved the big slide. He didn't get to go on it last year since he hadn't quite reached 42 inches but this year he got to go, and go, and go again.


The helicopter ride was fun to ride on with Collin. He put his hand to his mouth like he was talking into a radio and said, "We're going down! They're shooting at us!" What a nut.

The family roller coaster is what we spent the most time on. I don't remember how many times we rode it. Carlee even got a ride although she was stone faced the entire time. I couldn't tell if she liked it or not.

I can't wait to go on a bigger roller coaster since I've only been on the kids version. Eric and I were going to go on one but the line was huge and it was getting late. We didn't make it home until 1:00 in the morning.

Carlee liked the choo-choo train ride even though I don't think Collin was very impressed. He liked the faster rides better.

The demolition derby cars were fun. The track spaced the cars out just enough so we would almost collide with the other cars. Collin kept saying, "We're going to hit them!" or "They're going to get us!" but he was laughing, too.

Collin and daddy on the swing ride! I think daddy had as much fun as Collin did. When I went on it I thought I would lose my shoes!


I wish we could afford to go more than just one day to the fair but we had fun anyways. All in all it was a fun family bonding experience.

Friday, August 31, 2007

A Peek at Times Past...

Always Cherish the PastTender Moments: Collin holding Carlee's hand...

and giving her a kiss!

Collin used to fall asleep in the kitchen chair during lunch. It was so adorable!

This was Collin's first time to "clean" the kitchen floor. Many more years of cleaning to come Collin!

I really miss Carlee's little chubby legs! They were the cutest ever!

I can barely remember Carlee without hair. She looks so different now! The time passes by too quickly for me. Soon enough they won't be my babies anymore. Carlee will be two in October and Collin will be a school boy before I know it. But, they will always be my babies no matter how old they get!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Mr. Blue

Blue underwear and blue hair=goofball!
Need I say more?

Copper Basin Camping Trip

Back up to Copper Basin! Collin was so excited to go back. He absolutely loves camping. Carlee loves it too. I'm glad that this trip she was walking so she was able to explore a little bit better.
This time she got to explore the river a little bit more. She was so excited as we trekked down the tiny hill to the river. I let her throw rocks in although she doesn't throw far so we got pretty close to the edge.

Collin can never go to the river without picking out the biggest rocks to splash.
Collin was "fixing" the wagon. He and his cousin Kaitlyn broke the back when they were together a few days earlier. After Tina fixed it Collin wanted to help and I couldn't believe that he actually unscrewed one of the screws!
Carlee was lounging around in Collin's dump truck.

Grandpa Larry pushed Carlee down the hill for a little ride. She was laughing so hard! I don't think she wanted to stop.
***
Everyone had a good time even though we were all tired by the time we were done. It takes a lot of work to go camping. Thanks Larry and Tina for all the time you put into getting ready so the kids could have a great time on their camping trip!

Bellas Lake

Bellas Lake Fun!

This year we thought it would be fun to go to a different lake. We couldn't take the motorbikes up the trail and I wasn't sure we would make it with the kids walking but we agreed to take the challenge. I think it ended up being about 5 miles both ways. Sweet Larry told us it would only be about 3 miles when we started. The trip up took a long time since it was all mostly uphill. Everytime I thought we were getting close another hill would present itself. Carlee had to be carried the whole way and Collin had to be carried quite a bit too. (He's heavy! Thank goodness Eric and Larry are strong.)

***

We left camp at 12:00 and didn't make it up there until after 2:30. The lake was beautiful despite the hazy smoke in the area. I wish I got better pictures of it but I was too tired and forgot to take an overview picture of the lake.

***

I had alot of fun. I love hiking and don't get the chance very often to go so even though I was tired and achy I loved it. I hope we'll go up to another lake next year. I love to see new places!


Collin posing with grass in his mouth.


Collin and Carlee's human horses!


Collin dancing at the lake!


Collin was having alot of fun throwing sticks in the water.


Peek-A-Boo Collin!


Exhausted Justin and Amber.


Carlee sleeping at the lake.


Eric and Collin having a good time.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Happy Anniversary Eric!

08-22-07I met Eric about nine and a half years ago. I was working at a local grocery store at the time. Eric soon became a frequent shopper so he could "check me out". Our first date was not what either of us expected. We double dated with my cousin Doug (one of Eric's best buds) over in Idaho Falls. Unfortunately when we went to pick up Doug's date (and future wife!) they had a huge fight. Eric and I left them to it and went out by ourselves. We went to the movie The Man in the Iron Mask and Eric didn't think I liked him because I sat mesmerized by the screen. He didn't know that when I go out to watch a movie I actually sit and watch it. We ate at the subway and talked and laughed before going back to pick up Doug. We were inseparable after that.
***
Our dating period seemed to pass by quickly. I remember sitting in Doug's car one night and Eric telling me not to worry until he said he was in love with me, not just saying I love you. I guess that's how we started talking about marriage. Neither of us really remember how we started talking about it. It just seemed meant to be. The engagement was short and we were soon wed in the Moore Ward. We were later sealed in the temple which was more amazing than our first wedding.
***
I'm so happy to be married to Eric. We have our problems as everyone does but there is something really special about him. He is my best friend and we have alot of fun together. He's a wonderful father. He loves his children and cares for them (even though I can count the number of times he has changed Carlee's diaper on one hand). I feel so blessed to have him in my life and I want him to know that I will love him now and forever.