Our Happy Medium

2011-12-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

When you stop chasing the wrong things

you give the right things a chance to catch you.

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.

2. Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.

3. Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled .

4. Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

5. Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you likeeveryone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

6. Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.

7. Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.

8. Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.

9. Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.

10. Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness .

11. Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.

12. Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.

13. Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.

14. Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

15. Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.

16. Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”

17. Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.

18. Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.

19. Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.

20. Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.

21. Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.

22. Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.

23. Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done .

24. Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.

25. Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.

26. Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.

27. Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.

28. Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.

29. Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.

30. Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

CREDIT: Full article written by Marc at Marcandangel.com HERE

2011-12-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

You don't get it by

Staring

You don't get it by

Wishing

You don't get it by

Drooling

You don't get it by

Hoping

You don't get it

Easy

You get it by

Getting of your ass

Working for it

Every second

Of every day

For the rest of your life.

How's Your Love Life?

2011-12-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
New International Version (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Recipes

2011-11-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

2011-11-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

Fall Subway art

2011-11-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

Printable Halloween potion labels!

2011-10-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

http://sassysites.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-treats-for-kids-link-up.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SassySites+%28Sassy+Sites%21%29

Make sure and check some of my recipes at http://busyfriendsrecipeswap.blogspot.com/

I got these cool ideas from http://designbykelli.blogspot.com/

You can find these at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lovemanor/sets/72157602788222231/

and these at:

http://www.spookshows.com/poison/poison.htm

2011-09-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

2011-09-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

We had to put Riggin down Monday. He had gotten ran over the end of March and even with surgery hasn't gotten better. It was due to his spinal cord being injured. We will forever miss him.

We all had figured he wasn't doing better and decided to take him with us camping over the weekend to Island Park! We enjoyed every last minute with him! We love you boy!

Camping in Island Park was the 1st place Riggin went with the whole family in 2009. He was so small Colby put him in a milk crate and strapped to his 4 wheeler and took Riggin for tons of rides!!

Island Park was last place he got to go with us all.

We even took him canoeing!

This is this summer in Mackay right after his surgery.

Ryan took us all boating!

Riggin chilling on the boat dock!

Riggin as a pup

Colby and the rest of us will miss him very much!

Addison

2011-09-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Addison Kathelene Reynolds 1st Birthday in Heaven

2011-09-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Grandma Kathy (Ryan's mom) made the a beautiful white blanket (left)

and Aunt BJ (Angie's aunt) made the beautiful pink one(right)

So much love from all the little cousins!

Happy Birthday in Heaven

This is the video that Derick & Ranay made for Addison's funeral.

This is from Alyce Clegg Photography, NILMDTS.

We miss you each and everyday baby girl!

Giannini captures 3rd at National Rodeo

2011-07-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

Colby Giannini poses with his third place buckle which was won at the National Finals Rodeo in the cow cutting event.

ByMARK HIGH
sports@cableone.net
July 29, 2011

BLACKFOOT — With spurs jingling and the flash of a shiny new belt buckle, Blackfoot cowboy Colby Giannini retells his exploits at the recently completed National Finals High School Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming where the soon to be senior captured third place in the cow cutting event.
"It was a really good time," Giannini said. "I had my buddies there, Stetson Jorgenson also qualified for Nationals so I was able to hang out all week. This was definitely the high light of my summer."
Giannini was one of 84 cowboys to take to the indoor pavilion at the National Finals with each of them looking to take home the top prize.
"I honestly had a feeling that I could have won the thing," Giannini said. "I made some mistakes, especially in the first go or I could have been the champion."
As it was, Giannini was as consistent as the Southeastern Idaho wind, scoring 214.5 in the first go. Then followed that up with a 215 in go two before finishing the event with a 216 tally in the short go.
"I was improving slowly," Giannini said. "I think that the highest score of the week was 220 or something like that."
A third place finish was not totally expected in Giannini's first ever trip to the National Finals but it certainly was a trip that will not soon be forgotten.
"I almost made it in my freshman year," Giannini said. "I missed by one spot when I finished fifth."
Hard to believe that this is only the third year in which Giannini has competed in the cow cutting but one thing is for sure, Giannini will be back in the arena next Spring looking for a return trip to the National Finals.
"This is only my third year cutting," Giannini said. "I got started kind of on a last minute deal when my dad started me out my freshman year. My dad trains cutting horses and I will go with him to shows and sometimes he enters me. I took second in a Utah event last year which kind of shocked me."
That strong finish was parlayed into his strong season this Spring in the cutting arena. Giannini is more than a cutter however as he also qualified for the National Finals in the saddle bronc event and for his senior year, he is considering adding the bare back event as well, making him a triple threat at the weekend rodeos around the area.
"My good friend Cooper Clemens in Firth told me that I should try the bare back event and I might add it," Giannini said. "He always made it look pretty fun but he also got hung up a few times."
Regardless on what next season may bring, the one constant will be the shiny big belt buckle that he will have for the rest of his days in remembrance of his stellar performance in July of 2011.

A HUGE Thanks to
Vince Pratt ~Pratt Lumber Inc
Terry N Lisa Morton~B-D Oil
April Frederick ~inspiredpanic.com
Brad & Suzie Miller A&B Transmission
Danny Cloward ~Daisy's
Mike Giannini~ Giannini Training Stables
Dr Leon Peterson
Kathy Tauscher ~Kathy & CO
for sponoring Colby Giannini!!

NHSFR 2011

2011-07-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

This is Colby Jacket From STATE

This is Colby's NHSRA number!!

This is the NEW big screens
~They had a couple Golf Cart Drive in Moives~

Colby Won his 1 and 2nd Go in Cutting, He was 1 of the TOP 20

This is his buckle for winning 3rd Placed in the NATION!

This is the buckle for winning 2nd in the TOP 20

Colby in Saddle Bronc 1st go ~ Got bucked off

Saddle Bronc 2nd go ~got bucked off

1st GO CUTTING -Won 1st in this go

2nd Go in Cutting Won 1st in this go

FINAL "Short GO" CUTTING NHSRA Won 2nd in this go

NHSFR Final Results - The Gillette News Record
Boys Cutting
NHSFR Final Results -Final Standings
1. Hunter Hightower, Bluff Dale, Texas, 221
2. Colby Giannini, Firth, Idaho, 216
3. Dax Hadlock, Ogden, Utah, 213.5
4. Wilder Jones, King Hill, Idaho, 211
5. Mitchell Crawford, Carthage, Miss., 210
6. Bobby Hoenck, Winnemucca, Nev., 209.5
7. Kyzer Stoddard, Rexburg, Idaho, 208
8. Sterling Atkins, Broken Bow, Neb., 204
8. Dalton Davis, Holcomb, Kan., 204
8. Josh Burns, Deville, La., 204
11. Ike Fontenot, Ville Platte, La., 203
12. Dustin Latta, Marana, Ariz., 202
13. Jace Burk, Kaysville, Utah, 200
14. Cody Golding, Atascadero, Calif., 197
15. Stetson Mackey, Ignacio, Colo., 190
16. Cooper Vandiver, Fairfield, Texas, 187
17. Jordan Sparrowk, Clements, Calif., 182
18. Roger Brandt, Amarillo, Texas, 180
18. Dustin Pace, Provo, Utah, 180
18. Bailey Thurston, El Reno, Okla., 180

http://www.ihigh.com/nhsra/broadcast_168916.html?silverlight=1&action=embeddedPlayer
http://www.ihigh.com/nhsra/broadcast_168918.html?silverlight=1&action=embeddedPlayer

Fourth District rodeo officials announce state qualifiers

2011-07-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

BLACKFOOT - With the final two rodeos of the Fourth District High School Rodeo Association cancelled, district officials have announced the athletes who have advanced on to the state finals in June.
The top six competitors in each event advance in hopes of qualifying for the National High School Rodeo Finals this summer.
In Barrel Racing, Kimberlyn Fehringer of American Falls is the champion, accumulating 95 points. Also qualifying are Kilee Lehman of Aberdeen, Lyndsie Ekstrom of Highland, Ciarra Driscoll of American Falls, Shelby Freed of Highland and Kyler Duffin of Highland.
Bareback Bronc riding will be represented by champion Cooper Clemens of Firth who totaled 50 points.
Kimberlyn Fehringer, who picked up 88 points, was the Breakaway Roping champion. Also qualifying were Shelby Freed, Lyndsie Ekstrom, Kilee Lehman, Shantel Brundy of Snake River and Aubrey Kofford of Snake River.
The Bull Riding champion is Stetson Jorgensen of Blackfoot who tallied 87 points. He will be accompanied by Brady Oleson of Blackfoot, Layton Wasia of Blackfoot, Cooper Clemens, Wacey Anderson of American Falls and Riley Stock of Highland.
The Goat Tying event will send champion Shelby Freed who earned 91 points. Also qualifying were Karen Stone of Blackfoot, Kimberlyn Fehringer, Kilee Lehman, Shantel Brundy and Lyndsie Ekstrom.
Tie Down Roping will be sending champion Jacob Partner to the state finals. He will be accompanied by Cooper Clemens, McCray Foster, Hagen Clemens of Firth, Tate Foster and Stetson Jorgensen.
Pole Bending saw sophomore Kassidy Duffin of Highland emerge as the champion with 75 points. Also heading to the state finals will be Kimberlyn Fehringer, Kilee Lehman, Shelby Freed, Kyler Duffin and Karly Olsen of Century.
In the Saddle Bronc event, Stetson Jorgensen came out on top with 84 points. He will be joined at the state finals by Dakota Oleson of Blackfoot, Cooper Clemens and Colby Giannini of Blackfoot.
Steer Wrestling will be represented by champion Tate Foster of Shelley who earned 56 points. Joining Foster will be Cooper Clemens, Justin Chappell of Blackfoot, Coltin Hill of Blackfoot, McCray Foster of Shelley and Woodrow Bingham from Firth.
Team Roping will send champions Kimberlyn Fehringer and Stetson Jorgensen who topped the standing with 66 points. Colter Lake of Highland, Jacob Partner of Highland, Lyndsie Ekstrom and Shelby Freed will also be advancing.
************************************************************************************
Sorry no STATE pictures (I filmed instead)

STATE AWARDS

Saddle Bronc Winners 2011

Cutting Winners 2011

Colby "District" Rodeo 2011

2011-07-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Colby had 12 rodeos for District riding Saddle Bronc's

4 @ Pocatello and 4 @ American Falls and 4 @ Blackfoot

and 3 go's for Cutting in American Falls

COLBY won the Boys cutting and made it to State sitting 4th in Saddle Broncs

2011-06-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share this:

Helping a Father Through Father’s Day

We celebrate Father’s Day with gifts, cards, family gatherings, and perhaps even a special dinner out just for daddy. Stores begin advertising for Father’s Day weeks in advance of the actual holiday. The scenes in advertisements and cards always depict a loving father with a child snuggled close to that special man called daddy.

Many fathers, however, have experienced the devastation of losing a child, and there seems to be an almost non-existent recognition of the fact that fathers suffer from feelings of lost dreams, loneliness, failure, and loss of identity when a child has died.

Very rarely are comments of support made to the father in a family when a child has died. For some reason, our society seems to be more in tune to the feelings of the pain a mother experiences during child loss.

Fathers are somehow expected to be stronger emotionally, and they are expected to heal much sooner.

What can be done to show support on Father’s Day to a father who has experienced the deep pain of losing a child?

Probably the most appreciated gesture of support would be to acknowledge the fact that the father is still a father even though his child is no longer living on this earth.

Refer to him as a father, and express your genuine sorrow for his loss. Fathers who have lost a child as early as miscarriage should certainly be included among the group of grieving fathers. Often, fathers of miscarried babies are never given any recognition of being a father.

Finding a Father’s Day card specifi cally for fathers who have lost a child can be next to impossible. If you cannot find a card with an appropriate verse, choose a blank card and write your own message from the heart. “Sharing in your sorrow this Father’s Day” or “Blessings to you this Father’s Day as God watches over your heavenly angel” will show a tremendous amount of compassion and support to a father who is grieving the loss of a child on Father’s Day.

Recognize the fact that fathers go through emotional upheavals during the grief of child loss.

Fathers grieve differently than mothers, so they might not want a lot of special treatment on Father’s Day.

Men are generally less apt to talk about their feelings of hurt and loss than women, but those feelings are still there and need to be recognized. Father’s Day without a child can be just as emotionally heartbreaking for a father as Mother’s Day is for a mother without her child. We need to be sensitive to the needs of fathers, too!

Special holidays stir up many different emotions for fathers, and Father’s Day is a particularly diffi cult holiday to go through following the loss of a child.

With help and support from family and friends, a father can move forward in his grief.

By letting a father know that he has not been forgotten on Father’s Day, you will validate his identity as a father, and you will allow him the special privilege of once again being called that most cherished name of all—daddy.

Finally, find some way to validate the fact that a father is still a father even though his child is not living.

Fathers are by nature “fixers” and the loss of a child is one loss that cannot be fi xed. This fact is often very hard for a man to accept. By giving a card and a personal word on Father’s Day, you will help validate to the father that he is still honored among that special group of men called fathers on Father’s Day.

Validation of fatherhood on Father’s Day is one more step forward in this process we call grief.

Please take time to acknowledge Ryan and any father who has lost a child on Father's Day. While his journey may be different than most, he still is a father.

2011-06-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

BOYS COW CUTTING~ State High School Rodeo Finals

Colby Ginannini

ROUND SCORE POINTS PLACE
1st GO 144 10 1ST !!!!
2nd GO 146 10 1ST !!!!
3rd GO 144 8.5 2nd !!
SHORT GO 133 4.5 6th :(

The Short Go is when he lost a cow right at the end........ Stupid cow anyways.

So he ended up with a
TOTAL SCORE of 567
Then came in with points from district (still confused with the POINT system) But ended up a
FINAL SCORE OF 55

=TIED for 2nd Place!

NOW HE IS ON TO NATIONALS

~The World’s Largest Rodeo – In Gillette, Wyoming, July 17-23!!

Super proud of him!!

There will be contestants from 41 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia vie for national titles, assorted prizes and their share of thousands of dollars in college scholarships.

An estimated 1,500 contestants will take part in the 63rd annualNHSFR

The News Paper asked him to do a interview~They were giving him Athlete of the week in the Blackfoot!! Now we will see if he does the interview??

Congratulations to COLBY!

2011-06-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

As I sit here reading some of the blogs that keep up on ~Some are sad and Some are happy ("Normal" maybe you would say)

I wonder why and how?

How do some get to be happy and why do some have to be sad?
Not just sad but full of pain and suffering.

It always makes me wonder WHY?
Why do some people have it(LIFE) easier than other people??
Why does BAD THINGS happen to GOOD PEOPLE??
(Not to say I think or want bad things to happen to "BAD people" either.)

Because some people (Some GOOD people) are living in hell, each and everyday~no matter how hard they try to MOVE forward~ FIX the problem~to CHANGE, THEIR LIFE SUCKS.

Theses are people who did thing to make a "difference" and to try and "HELP" or even the people who are just trying to have a family....

I know that just because someones life looks good doesn't mean it is...

and "God only gives you what you can handle"

So does that mean People with "easier" life's are wimps? And people that have "UGLY STRUGGLES" are expected to be SUPER HERO'S??

Life REALLY can SUCK~ And THANKFULLY most PEOPLE have NO Clue.

~ SORRY to be so harsh. Yes I know, WE ALL have OUR OWN Struggles.

Hell to everyone is different.

~BUT some peoples hell is Loud in your face UGLY!

I know that they are thankful GOD helps them through the "struggles", STRUGGLES NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH~REAL UGLY STRUGGLES.

(If you are reading this and have NO clue what I am talking about~BE THANKFUL!)

I DO NOT understand. I want to be a wimp. I want it "EASY". WHO DOESN'T. So WHY is it HARD or HARDER for some than others???

Why can't it all be "EVEN"??

Oh yea this isn't that perfect WORLD. This SUCKS.

I feel the pain for so many people and wish I could HELP.

Most of these people I have never met and maybe will never met, but just maybe by giving and getting their support HELPS and just so THEY know, YOU KNOW~~ Your words of Support, HELPS ME~more than so many other things have or will! And I hope that I maybe can help with my words of support.

And I am not just talking about Parents who have lost babies.....

There are other people out there suffering from other things, far worse (in my opinion)

(and I know when I think my life sucks~You can ALWAYS (unfortunately) find someone else's LIFE WORSE...)

I just want to say I may or may not KNOW your Hell, but I understand PAIN.

SO today and everyday, my wish "MY PRAYER" is that everyone REALLY knows how lucky they are, and for all the things they have, What exactly they have and the LIFE they have! BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ~

Kiss that husband and those kids. Laugh, LIVE, and do not forget to LOVE.

Look around see it all!! Take it in!

You never know when it can change or be takin from you.

DO NOT JUDGE.

I am thankful for my husband. Thankful for my children, OUR home, my JOB, ALL of our FAMILY and FRIENDS.

TODAY THE sun IT IS shinning!! And today I am GOOD.
(just so you know)

To my KarLee ~Happy Sweet 13 "TEEN"

2011-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

KarLee has grow up so much!! Really changed alot this last year! Almost ready to past me up in height! Already has in shoe size. Crazy how fast they "GROW" up!!

We all went to the movies at 12:01 EARLY this morning, Ryan got us all tickets to the Pirates of The Caribbean 4 - On Stranger Tides! Had fun, great way to start her bday!!!

Love you my KarLee Bear!

2011-05-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

Guess what we are getting ready to do!!! I can not wait to get it all done!!! Chalk board wall!!

2011-05-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Ask My Mom How She Is

My Mom, she tells a lot of lies,
She never did before.
But from now until she dies,
She'll tell a whole lot more.

Ask my Mom how she is
And because she can't explain,
She will tell a little lie
Because she can't describe the pain.

Ask my Mom how she is,
She'll say "I'm alright."
If that's the truth, then tell me,
why does she cry each night?

Ask my Mom how she is,
She seems to cope so well.
She didn't have a choice you see,
Nor the strength to yell.

Ask my Mom how she is,
"I'm fine, I'm well, I'm coping."
For God's sake Mom, just tell the truth,
Just say your heart is broken.

She'll love me all her life,
I loved her all of mine.
But if you ask her how she is,
She'll lie and say she's fine.

I am Here in Heaven.
I cannot hug from here.
If she lies to you don't listen,
Hug her and hold her near.

On the day we meet again,
We'll smile and I'll be bold.
I'll say, "You're lucky to get in here, Mom,
With all the lies you told!"

-Unknown

2011-05-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

KarLee Dance pictures................. I know I need to get bigger ones!! I gotta upload them!

Colby PROM 2011~JR Year

2011-05-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

Colby and most of this kids have all grown up together!! Its been fun watching them all over the years! I had fun with them all taking pictures and laughing!! I know they all will have a blast!!!

Colby and Jessica

Maddie and Zack

Carson and Abby

Dekota and ...... she was late?? No pictures of her :(

Cheyanne and Casey

and 2 other couples.... I didn't know them.

Happenings!

2011-05-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well we have be BUSY! I think that is NORMAL for us! So many different things happening right now!

Got all our NEW kitchen cabinets (Thanks Gary & Rusty!) They look beautiful!

Ryan asked me if I took before pictures... Nope FORGOT, but I will look and see if I can find anything.

New counter tops all done! Ryan and I took the old door(We really want to reuse it-love the look) and sanded and sanded and broke our sander (use to way to much or to hard) now just wanting to get it stained and all the trim and crown! I doing a 4x8 sheet of alder bead board on one one(and oh I can't tell ???? will let you all know when the WALL is complete) We really have ALOT to still do. The kitchen looks bigger!? We are ready to tile, just not wanting to tile very bad. Love the tile we got! Everything has really came together! We are glad we choose everything we did!! And the dishwasher doesn't TALK BACK! KarLee is loving only having to put away now!

Speaking of little Miss KarLee, she tried out for a dance team in Shelley and MADE IT!!! She is on the JR Performance TEAM!!!!! (JR. TEAMS- Our older performance TEAMS are for dancers who "live, eat, drink and breathe" dance; who hold dance as their most important extra-curricular activity.

YEA! So VERY VERY PROUD of her!!! I took her balloons at school to tell her, and I cried, yep I did!! She asked, mom are you crying?? I said yes I am! And I am very proud of you!! We hugged and laughed!!! She hugged me like 4 different time!!!

I really like the dance studio in Shelley!! She has really liked it too!!! .

This is one thing that made me really interested and why I changed KarLee to this studio

My goal for our students is to have them grow and develop
in technique, self-confidence and poise, to gain new friends
and to experience fun and positive instruction.
Keri Payne -Owner/Director

She took Ballet (Pre Pointe) & Hip Hop this last year!

They finished the year off with a Dance Recital at Civic Auditorium in Idaho Falls.

Thanks to my wonderful Husband who is always at my children's "things" and also to my sister and niece and Ryan's Sister and niece and his Dad and Mom! Thanks you all for supporting her! It really means alot to her!

Yes I have pictures, I am totally behind!

Now on to Colby, he has had 6 (YES I SAID 6) Rodeos, already!! Can you believe that?? He got 3rd at the 2ND Rodeo in Pocatello!! Thanks to my best friend Kami's hubby for coming and helping him at the rodeos!! Always makes Mom feel better to have someone helping him!!

AND GUESS WHAT??? I kinda was bugging him to go to PROM!! So he decide he would ask a girl~took everything I had to get her name from him!! Jessica~ his problem was HOW TO ASK HER! Decide on taking her to lunch and when she opened the pizza box, THERE was the QUESTION!! Then she said she would let him know.... WHAT? I told him it was ok, maybe she just wanted to come up with a cool way to answer! Mom's so smart ~ LOL! Well that Friday Colby decide to leave school (EARLY-yes mom knew) And the poor girl couldn't find his truck to leave his ANSWER in! Thank goodness a friend got it to him~She put little notes in balloons and then blew them up~So on the way to the rodeo Friday night he was in the back seat POPPING AWAY!!! She said YES!!! Prom is this SATURDAY night! He met her mom at Rupe's to MET!! I am so proud of him~COURAGE!!! Let ya know how it all goes! All I know right now is that they are doing their DAY DATE ~Going to the Rodeo Saturday!!!

So pretty exciting things going on!!!! Keep us busy!!! ALL PICTURES TO COME SOON!

EASTER

2011-04-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here is the "snack" that I did for my preschool Sunday School class, this last Sunday! I filled eggs with the jelly beans!! And then printed the poem (and laminated it)for each child to take home! Jelly Bean Prayer (Jelly Bean Poem) Red is for the blood He gave. Green is for the grass He made. Yellow is for the sun so bright. Orange is for the edge of night. Black is for the sins we made. White is for the grace He gave. Purple is for His hour of sorrow. Pink is for our new tomorrow. An egg full of jellybeans, colorful and sweetIs a prayer, a promise, a loved one’s treat! Written by Charlene Dickensen 1997 I put this recipe on the back of their "Take Home Sheets", and the older kids and SWAT made them. Easter Story Cookies To be made the evening before Easter 1cup whole pecans 1tsp vinegar 3 egg whites pinch salt 1 cup sugar zipper baggie wooden spoon tape Bible Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!) Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was Beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27. So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66. GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9. Then we made these really SUPER COOL mobiles!

Took my camera but of course the batteries were dead...... Here is the link: http://www.dltk-holidays.com/easter/meastermobile.html It was really fun. We learned about Jesus dieing on the cross and since that is such a sad story to have to tell I really wanted to let the kids have some good fun! This week we get to learn that Jesus is Alive! And WE are going to try to make this: He's Alive Buns Refrigerator Biscuits-1 roll (Pillsbury or similar) Large Marshmallows-1 per biscuit Melted butter Sugar & Cinnamon mixture - Use just enough to cover the buns. Wrap one biscuit around 1 marshmallow. Dip in butter and roll in cinnamon/sugar. Bake as directed on the refrigerator biscuit package. The Marshmallow will melt and the bun will be hollow inside. Note: You could use your favorite scratch bun dough instead of the refrigerator biscuits, but it's so nice, quick and easy for the kids to help with this way. Share a passage like John 20 6:7 with your children When Mary told the disciples the stone had been removed from the entrance, the disciples ran to the tomb. John was the first to arrive and look inside. Peter entered and saw the linen that had been wrapped around Jesus lying flat as if the body evaporated. The tomb was empty! (just like the He's Alive Buns are empty) So I will let you know how I did along with my 6 preschool kids!!

Happy 17th Birthday COLBY SHANE!

2011-04-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Were has the time went......... He just wont stop growing up on me.

Make a Monument Plaque

2011-03-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Make a Monument Plaque

You need a somewhat padded work surface, such as an ironing board or a folded towel. Center a print-out of your text, upside-down, on a foil cookie sheet, using masking tape to hold it in place. Then use an ordinary ball-point pen, and trace over the lettering. Turn it over. Now that lettering is raised like a real plaque!
Next, trim away the outer rim of the cookie sheet, carefully -- the cut edges are sharp! -- and then cut along the edges of the print-out. Use a black Sharpie to make your lettering stand out. Remove the print-out and draw a 1/2" line within the perimeter of your now 8-1/2" by 11" plaque. This line is easy reference for your next step of covering that exterior edge with black electrical tape.
To add rigidity, I cut blue insulating styrofoam the same size, covered its edges with black electrical tape, and used tacky glue to hold the foil to the foam. Lastly, I added 4 screws to the corners for a finished look.

http://kingdomservants.org/vbstips.htm

2011-03-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today I got this:

Dear Angie, Thank you so much for all you've done as the Children's Ministry Leader, as well as all you continue to do now. We truly appreciate all your hard work and dedication. God bless and thanks again.

In Christ's Love,

BFBC Leadership Team

It made my heart smile! Thanks guys!! Thank you for ALL you do! I love my Church Family!

I am very thankful for all the little children

I get to teach! They have helped my heart!

Addison Kathelene Reynolds

2011-03-12T21:15:00.000-08:00

6 Month has passed since you left us

Months of sadness and pain

Months of wishing we could be back

all together again

They say time is a healer

In time the pain becomes easier to bear

But the pain we feel in our hearts is still

and always will be there

Your up in heaven now

Up there with Jesus

Away from it all

A beautiful baby girl

Addison

In tears we knew you sinking,

And as you pass away

Our hearts were almost broken,

We wanted you to stay.

But when we saw you sleeping,

So peaceful, free from pain,

How could we wish you back with us,

To suffer that again.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

But you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you,

The day God took you home.

Days have turned into Months.

Some days are better than other.

Not one day has gone by with out

thinking and missing our baby girl.

We all love you Addison!

2011-03-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

"Lucky You" Mint Pie

Ingredients
1 cup (6 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels
1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk, divided
1 tablespoon butter
1 prepared 9-inch (6 ounces) chocolate crumb crust
1 pkg. (3.4 ounces) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 to 4 drops green food coloring (optional)
1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
Additional Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels, fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Preparation
MICROWAVE 1 cup morsels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds; stir until smooth. Stir in butter; pour into crust. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until cool to the touch.
MEANWHILE, BEAT remaining evaporated milk, pudding mix, water, peppermint extract and 3 drops food coloring in medium bowl until combined. Gently stir in 2 cups whipped topping and additional drop of food coloring, if desired. Spoon over chocolate layer.
REFRIGERATE for 2 hours or until set. Sprinkle with additional morsels. Spoon remaining whipped topping in center of pie. Garnish with fresh mint.
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Chill Time
2 hours 20 minutes
Makes 8 servings

Its almost St Patty's Day!!!

2011-03-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

I love Sassy Sites blog!! Today I found!

http://sassysites.blogspot.com/

http://brownpaper--packages.blogspot.com/2011/03/kiss-me-im-irish.html

http://handsonhousewife.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-already.html

(Its almost miss Kayla Jays Birthday too!)

Missing 2010 pictures........

2011-02-16T21:12:00.000-08:00

Colby Cutting in American Falls 2010

Easter in Mackay 2010

Just wanted to add some pictures that I didn't get around to posting last year. Easter was fun last year in Mackay!!

2011-02-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

DINNER, DANCING, AUCTION
SPONSORED BY THE BLACKFOOT

HIGH SCHOOL RODEO CLUB
FEBRUARY 12, 2011 7:00 PM

BLACKFOOT ELKS LODGE
(UPSTAIRS)
$8 PER PERSON ($4 DANCE ONLY)
$15 PER COUPLE
$25 PER FAMILY (5)
DINNER INCLUDES

PORK LOIN, BAKED POTATO, SALAD, ROLL, BEVERAGE
(OTHER BEVERAGES AVAILABLE DOWNSTAIRS)

TICKETS OR INFO:

Colby 346-6422

or
JASON CLEMENS 604-1667 LAURIE STONE 521-6849 STEVE HILL 681-1277
TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED FROM A RODEO CLUB MEMBER OR AT THE DOOR

2011-01-31T22:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/holidays/valentines-day-recipes/

Sweetheart Cheesecake

Crust
1 1/3 cup(s) (crushed) chocolate wafer cookies
4 tablespoon(s) (1/2 stick unsalted) butter, melted
2 tablespoon(s) sugar

Filling
4 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup(s) (1 stick unsalted) butter, softened
2 package(s) (8-oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 cup(s) sugar
1 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
1 teaspoon(s) baking powder 1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice

Topping
1 cup(s) sour cream
2 tablespoon(s) sugar
1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
1 can(s) (21-oz.) cherry pie filling
3 tablespoon(s) orange juice, or kirsch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Directions
Preheat oven to 325-degrees F.
Stir together crust ingredients and press onto bottom and up sides of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes.
Let cool in pan on wire rack.
In small bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes.
Set aside. Combine 1/2 cup butter, cream cheese and egg yolks in a bowl.
Beat at medium speed, scraping sides, until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add all remaining filling ingredients except egg whites.
Continue beating, scraping sides, until well mixed, 1 to 2 minutes.
Fold in egg whites by hand. Spoon filling into pan. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until center is set.
Cool 15 minutes; loosen sides of cheesecake from pan with a knife.
Leave to cool completely.
Stir together sour cream, sugar and vanilla.
Spread evenly over top of cooled cheesecake.
Spoon out 2 to 3 Tbsp. cherry sauce from pie filling; drop by teaspoonfuls onto topping.
Pull a knife through cherry sauce to form hearts.
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
To serve, stir together remaining pie filling and orange juice in medium bowl; spoon over cheesecake.

Now to decide which one to make.............

2011-01-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

The Brave Little Soul By:
John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world.
He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God.
One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world.
He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?"
God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts."
The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," he asked.
God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering?
Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer.
All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.
" The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed.
I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone.
They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt.
But a suffering soul unlocks that love.
I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all.
Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself.
With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied.
"I am brave; let me go!
I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts!
I want to create that miracle!"
God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request.
But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone.
I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey.
Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others.
They have already chosen a name for you".
God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.
In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always.
Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength.
And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed."
Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts.
For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love.
Priorities became properly aligned.
People gave from their hearts.
Those that were always too busy found time.
Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God.
Parents hugged their children tighter.
Friends and family grew closer.
Old friends got together and new friendships were made.
Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together.
Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned.
Lives changed forever.
It was good.
The world was a better place.
The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

Thank you Kendrah for sending me this.
I love it and wanted to share with everyone.
Its just beauitful!

2011-01-27T04:27:00.000-08:00

First I need to say, "THIS is MY blog". I will wright how I feel.
Some blogs post are fun. Beautiful. Even the sad ones have meaning.
This is post is not one of those blog post.
But I need to write.

I am hurting.
I can't sleep.
I have prayed my guts out.
I am tired.

Bad things happen. They happen to good people.
Only God knows why.
I KNOW he has a PLAN.
Sometimes we just do not understand what it is. What it looks like.
I am strong.
But now I am tired. Tired from being that strong person.
Confused.
There is right and wrong in this world.
I proud myself on choosing right. (We all mess up, I know this.)
I do all that I can to teach not just my kids right from wrong but all kids I have ever came in contact with.
I have been that room mom. I have listen & read with kids.
I have coached basketball, soccer. I have played & laughed with kids.
I have and am teaching Sunday school. I have talk & cried with kids.
I have been there for kids. I have had compassion for all kids.

Yesterday my kid was hurt, by your kid. This is WRONG.
To have good friends, is to be a good friend. This is RIGHT.
Kids fight, I KNOW this. This IS part of growing up.
This does not make it RIGHT.
This was WRONG.

My heart is hurting from this.
This is ugly to me.

Kids WILL be kids. We have to teach them right from wrong.
THIS is OUR jobs. We ARE their parents.

My plead to ALL PARENTS:
"Be very, VERY careful for the excuses you make for your children". WE are who molds them.

.............and I know
"In time this too will pass".
But this is NOW. And this is not OK.

There is no need for comments.

2011-01-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

This is Baby Bella.

She is 4.5lbs and 16 inches long and was born yesterday.

has trisomy 18 and CDH, the same as Addison had.

Bella's parents are gearing up for a fight to get Bella the best care. It seems as though the hospital is using her T-18 as an excuse to not give Bella top of the line care. Her parents, Jinny and Tom are standing guard by Bella. The Dr is trying to coax them to turn off life support. Due to the hernia she needs a vent to breathe.
The whole family needs all our support and prayers.

http://www.heartstringssupport.org/quotes/

2011-01-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

Reflection, Contemplation, Hope
Heartstrings
By Judi Walker

A mother's love knows no bounds,
No stronger bond can be found,
Mother and child are connected from the start,
There is a string from heart to heart.

Nothing can break this heartstring,
No matter what the future may bring,
A mother loves her child forever,
The heartstrings hold them together.

It is a love of the sweetest kind,
There is nothing more beautiful you will ever find,
And even death cannot break this bond,
It knows no earthly ties, it is here and beyond.

We are connected to our children forever by this love,
Even when God calls them to this home above,
Nothing can change this love, not time, nor words or even
Death bitter sting,
We are connected forever by the "HEARTSTRINGS"

Valentines Subway

2011-01-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

http://danielandbrittneydye.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentine-subway-art.html

Her site has cool ones too!

http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentine-subway-art.html

http://bloominghomestead.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentine-printables.html

2011-01-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

I wanted to put all of Addison's pictures on here.

Birth accounement

And thank you on the other side

Funeral Program

Addison's and our rings, her toes, her ring

Will add more pictures of her service and try and upload the slide show soon!!

The day of Addi's service we did a balloon release were all wrote a message to Addison!

Addison's head stone

I have taken pictures of front and back and will replace them as soon as I upload them or find were I already upload them to.

2011-01-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

When I seen this picture,

of course it made me think of

our sweet baby girl.

We love & miss you

Addison!

Happy New Year baby girl!

2010-12-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

We thought of you with love today but that is nothing new
We thought about you yesterday
and days before that too
We think of you in silence we often speak your name
Now all we have are memories
and your picture in a frame
Your memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part
God has you in his keeping
we have you in our heart.

2010-12-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

AND GOD SAID

I said, "God, I hurt."

And God said, "I know."

I said, "God, I cry a lot."

And God said, "That is why I gave you tears.

"I said "God, I am so depressed."

And God said, "That is why I gave you Sunshine.

"I said, "God, life is so hard."

And God said, "That is why I gave you loved ones.

"I said, "God, my loved one died."

And God said, "So did mine.

"I said, "God, it is such a loss."

And God said, "I saw mine nailed to a cross.

"I said, "God, but your loved one lives."

And God said, "So does yours.

"I said, "God, where are they now?"

And God said, "Mine is on My right and yours will be in the Light."

I said, "God, it hurts."

And God said, "I know."

Santa 2010

2010-12-20T03:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010-For Addison

2010-12-20T01:46:00.000-08:00

When we went and cut down our Christmas tree, we also cut one for Addison's grave.

KarLee and I went and got decorations for it. Pink, Purple, Lime Green and blue.... some silver beads and tinsel and a beautiful purple star for the top.

We all decorated and then took it out to the cemetery.

We miss her very much. All wish she was here with us, and know she is in spirit....

Its been a hard season for us all, but together we are making it.

Merry Christmas Addi.

We love you.

Love, mom and dad and your brother & sis

Happy Birthday Larry!!

2010-12-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

BLACKFOOT — Today marks Bingham County Deputy Larry Christian's 60th birthday, his last day of work in the Bingham County Jail and almost the beginning of his retirement. Christian is the first person who started his career working in the Bingham County Jail and retired from that same facility."I love my job," Christian said. "It's a good fit for me."Christian started in law enforcement after someone stole a pair of boots from his store, the Hirsch Value Center, located by White Eagle."I ran after him, dragged him by his feet out of the bar and took off the boots," Christian said.The policeman who responded asked if I had dragged the guy out of the bar and suggested I should consider going into law enforcement.Christian's store was "a lot like Beall's," Hirsch Value Center, became Falk's ID before the company went belly up. Christian had the store 13 years.His sojourn into law enforcement started as part of the city reserve where he worked for six-and-one-half years."I started working in the jail in August 1987, after the new courthouse was completed," he said.Christian has served under four sheriffs— Leroy Nelson, John Cowley, Doyle Holm and Dave Johnson—and been in four different positions. He has worked in the jail for 23 years 4 months.Christian has worked with the Short Stop program since it started here In 1994. Short Stop is for first-time juvenile offenders from ages 11 to 18."I mentor them so they will grow up and become adults that don't get into trouble," Christian said.Classes meet for three hours on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month."Mine's the uncomfortable [class]," Christian said. "I explain what they can expect if they go to jail."I use the experiences I've had," he said. "I don't lie to them.""I make their parents uncomfortable but I tell them, 'your kids picked this situation.'"Eight to 14 kids are in the Short Stop program each month.Short Stop is a franchised program started in Orange County, Calif., in 1981. Bannock, Bingham and Bonneville counties purchased the program. Bannock and Bingham are still using the program.Christian has known successes through the program. One young man is attending ISU, wanting to work with the Forest Service. Another works in Washington state in computers/graphics art for Disney."It's been a nice run working for the sheriff's program," Christian said.Christian has worked as a sergeant twice, both up and down on his way to being a lieutenant. He was the jail administrator for a number of years and has worked the past five or six years as a transport officer.Last week, he brought a prisoner from Georgia; two weeks ago, he was in Las Vegas transporting a prisoner to Bingham County."I say I'm on work release," Christian said. "I work and, at the end of the day, they release me."You need to learn to be able to walk away from work," he said. "Don't bring problems home."It's like wearing a coat in the jail; at night, take the coat off."You develop a warped sense of humor to keep you going," Christian said."It's a great job," he said. "There's no lack of employment; no lay-offs and you really have to screw up to get canned."Bingham County Prosecuting Attorney Scott Andrew said, "Larry is always reliable in terms of getting our people here; he has worked really well transporting people who are mentally ill."It does make a difference how people are transported," Andrew said. "Larry lends a calming effect to people who are in less than ideal circumstances. I'll miss his reliability, his calm demeanor and his working with kids in Short Stop.""He's done an excellent job," said Sheriff Johnson. "He has a lot of knowledge and experience; he will be hard to replace."He's been a good employee," Johnson said. "He's going to be missed.""I love my job; it's going to be hard [to retire] but it's time," said Christian.

In Blackfoot, Christian is perhaps better known as Santa Claus.

He has been portraying the jolly fellow for 47 or 48 years."I've been through five or six Santa outfits," Christian said. He has appeared as Santa at family parties, churches, in the jail and juvenile detention. He's also traveled to other locations to be Santa.

He is active in the Masons and for the past 10 years, he has been part of the Blackfoot Community Players. He was also an associate guardian for Job's Daughters for a number of years.

Christian and his wife, Clyde, have a son and daughter and five grandchildren.

Glitter Clothespins Gift Tags

2010-12-15T22:51:00.000-08:00

http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2010/12/glitter-clothespin-gift-tags.html

I am almost finished with mine, well the (red ones)!! I am going to use mine as Christmas Card Holders!! I am attaching magnets stripes to one side! Then will display them on the fridge!!! Excited.

Frosty the Cheese Ball

2010-12-15T13:54:00.000-08:00

Ingredients
16 ounces cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 raisins for eyes, mouth, and buttons
1 piece of carrot for the nose
4 crackers for the hat (we used Ritz and Dare water crackers)
1 thyme sprig for the hat (optional)
Strips of carrot for the scarf
2 broken pretzels for the arms
1 (1/2-inch) piece of a canned baby corn for the pipe
Toothpick for the pipe

Instructions
In a large bowl, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Stir in the garlic salt and the onion powder, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.
Make the snowman by rolling two thirds of the cheese into a ball for his body and the other third into a ball for his head. Stack the balls, then add the facial features, clothing, arms, and pipe as shown. Serve with crackers or mini bagels.

FOUND HERE:

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/frosty-the-cheese-ball-800502/

Christmas Package Cheese Snack

2010-12-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

Ingredients
8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Scallion
Red bell pepper

Instructions
Mix the dried dill, garlic powder, and salt into the softened cream cheese.
Pack the mixture into a rectangular container lined with plastic wrap (you can reuse the cream cheese box).
Refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. Before serving time, set the unwrapped block of cheese on a platter and decorate it with a scallion bow and red pepper polka dots and gift tag.

Found here:

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/christmas-package-cheese-snack-688436/

Happy New Year Subway Art

2010-12-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

http:/customprintables.blogspot.com/2010/12/free-printable-happy-new-year-subway.html

http://www.customprintablesonline.com/Freebies-Downloads.html

Ring in the New Year with this free printable suitable for framing in any 5x7" picture frame!

Sugar Plums

2010-12-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/

Found this way cute family treat to make at Eighteen 25! Check out the blog, so many great ideas!

What you'll need:

blue candy melts
lollipop sticks
large marshmallows
3" x 3" clear bags
sprinkles
ribbon (green)
a piece of styrofoam
hole punch

How to do it

Step One... Follow the directions on the bag for melting the chocolate. Prepare the sugarplums by pushing the sticks halfway into the marshmallows.

Step Two... dip the marshmallows halfway into the chocolate then directly into the sprinkles. Stand the sugarplums up in the styrofoam to set.

Step Three... Once the chocolate is completely set, place the clear bags over them.

Step Four... punch a hole in the middle of the tag. tie a knot around the stick with your ribbon. stick the ends of the ribbon into the hole and then tie into a bow.

Step Five... place a strip of double-sided tape between the two strips of tag and stick them together.

Printable Lables!! (if it doesn't work go to http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/ and download from that site!

Have fun!

Marshmallow treats

2010-12-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2010/12/marshmallow-snowman-treats.html

So here's what you'll need:

As pictured: Fudge icing, large marshmallows, Karo syrup (light colored), Rolos, mini Oreos, some black and orange confetti sprinkles (I have some left over from Halloween), and white sparkling sugar. You'll need some wood skewers and a clean paintbrush, and I also added a few things at the end of the project -- toothpicks and mini marshmallows.

Step 1: Take your large marshmallow and with a clean paintbrush, brush some Karo syrup all around the side of the marshmallow

Step 2: Now roll your marshmallow in the white sparkling sugar and set aside. Repeat these 2 steps for all of your marshmallows -- you'll need 3 marshmallows per snowman.

Step 3: Now it's time to add on the cutie pie face. Using your paint brush, dot the back of your confetti sprinkles with a touch of Karo syrup and then apply to your sugared marshmallow.

Step 4: Next, skewer 3 marshmallows together on your wood skewer to make a snowman.

Step 5: Now for the hat. Pry apart your mini Oreo cookie and use the side without the creme attached. With a butter knife, apply a small amount of fudge icing to your Oreo, unwrap a Rolo candy and press it onto your iced cookie.

Step 6: Making the arms. Now take a toothpick and press it through the side of your middle marshmallow on your snowman. Add 2 mini marshmallows at the ends of your toothpick for hands.
And that's all! Quick, cute snowman treats! Great for a fun after school project or even a class holiday party. With little ones, you could even have the pieces of the snowman made first and then let them put them together and add the hat and arms.

http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2010/12/marshmallow-snowman-treats.html

More Subway Art

2010-12-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

http://servingpinklemonade.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-decor.html

The Twelve Days of Christmas

2010-12-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.klove.com/blog/
Heard about this on the radio today

I know you've heard of Christmas cookies and Christmas carols, but have you ever heard of the Christmas code?
It just may be that the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is really about more than partridges and golden rings.

For nearly three hundred years, it was against the law in England to be a member of the Catholic church. Well, that didn't keep Catholic parents from wanting to teach their children about God, but in order to do so they had to be creative.
And here is where we leave the world of certain history and move into the misty realm of legends. As the story goes, several of these concerned parents got together and wrote "The Twelve Days of Christmas." They used a secret code hidden in the song to teach their children about the things of God.

Let me crack the code for you!

"My true love" represents God, who gives all the gifts listed in the song.
"A partridge in a pear tree" is Jesus, who gave His life on a tree (the cross).
"Two turtle doves" symbolize the Old and New Testaments.
"Three French hens" are faith, hope, and love.
"Four calling birds" speak of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke , and John.
"Five golden rings" correspond to the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Pentateuch.
"Six geese a-laying" stand for the six days of creation.
"Seven swans a-swimming" are the seven gifts of the Spirit (Romans 12:6-8).
"Eight maids a-milking" point to the eight beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10).
"Nine ladies dancing" signify the nine fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
"Ten lords a-leaping" represent the Ten Commandments.
"Eleven pipers piping" are the eleven faithful disciples. And finally...
"Twelve drummers drumming" call to mind the twelve points of the Apostle's Creed.
Learning this song would help the children remember some important facts about Christianity. Best of all, they could sing it publicly! When they did, they declared their allegiance to the King of kings.

SUBWAY ART

2010-12-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

http://bloominghomestead.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-printables.html

http://printable.tipjunkie.com/christmas-printable-4-christmas-subway-art/

Both this blogs have Subway Art

http://craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com/2010/12/free-christmas-subway-art-printable.html

http://adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com/2010/09/family-values-subway-art-printable.html

http://paisleyphotographyshots.blogspot.com/2010/10/wants-to-thank-endless-crafting-for.html

another link is

http://pinchingyourpennies.com/blog/marne/free-subway-art-printables

http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-subway-art-banner.html

2010-12-08T07:51:00.001-08:00

http://robynlonghurst.typepad.com/finding_balance/2010/12/12-days-of-christmas.html
(My very (crafty)sister in law, Robyn.)

Love this idea. The 12 Days of Christmas
There are people that need a cheering up or to know that they are appreciated, especially during the holiday time.

So maybe if we could all find time to think about that person (s) that could really use being "shown" they are love!! And do this for them! It is a wonderful thing to do as a family!!
And a great thing to teach our youth!!

So many different things you could do, maybe food for a family, household items, decor or music. Just about anything would work........ Now find the time and lets all see if we could do this and make someone(s) feeling LOVED this Christmas!! THAT'S WHAT IS ALL ABOUT, right!!
Angie

http://www.bakerella.com/snow-globe-coca-cola-cupcakes/

2010-12-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

Snow Globe Coca-Cola Cupcakes

First take the labels off and cut off the tops with a box cutter.

About 2 1/4 inches in diameter seems to be pretty good.

Cola-shaped gummy candies you can find them at Walgreens

Coca Cola Cake:

2 cups sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups small marshmallows

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 tablespoons cocoa1 cup Coca-Cola®

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter

3 tablespoons cocoa

6 tablespoons Coca-Cola

1 box (16 ounces) confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, sift sugar and flour. Add marsh- mallows. In a saucepan, mix butter, oil, cocoa, and Coca-Cola. Bring to a boil and pour over dry ingredients; blend well. Dissolve baking soda in buttermilk just before adding to batter along with eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Pour into a well-greased 9-by-13-inch pan and bake 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven and frost immediately. To make frosting, combine butter, cocoa and Coca-Cola in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and pour over confectioners' sugar, blending well. Add vanilla extract and pecans. Spread over hot cake. When cool, cut into squares and serve.

To assemble the snow globe:

Make a sugar water spray
Combine 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of water.
Bring to boil and boil for approximately 3 minutes. Let cool.
Pour liquid into a spray bottle or pouring bottle.

Lightly mist the inside of the plastic bottle in the areas you want snow. Then, carefully sprinkle sugar inside. You will mostly want it on the sides, bottom, and back. Not too much in the front because you’ll want to see your design. Set the snow globe top aside.

Take one of your cupcakes, turn it upside down and carefully cut the bottom of the baking cup off. Then spread some buttercream frosting on the bottom (now, top) of your cupcake. Then, sprinkle some white sanding sugar on top of the frosting for texture. Place your assembled fondant bear right in the middle and attach one of the cola bottles with a little bit of water to help it stick. Then place the opening of the bottle right over the bear. The opening should be just large enough to rest on the cupcake without sliding all the way over it, like below.

To make the bear:
Used rolled fondant and hand shaped the parts, the polar bear is only about 2 inches tall. The eyes were black non-pareils and the noses were black candy heart sprinkles. The mouth was drawn with my ever-so-handy Americolor Edible Black Writing Pen. For the scarf, you might want to buy red fondant (because it’s really hard to get the color deep red and staining your hands red is much fun).

Super cute, can't wait to try this out!!!

2010-12-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday To Tayson!!

We love you bud!!

Glad you are apart of our family!!!

Christmas Advent Calendars

2010-12-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

A different idea for a Christmas Advent Calendar............

Make a list of several activities that you can do together as a family.

Then each day the kids take turns opening the little door for the day and reading what activity that you get to do together.

The holiday season can be pretty busy, so here is a good way for family time!

1. Decorate the Christmas tree.

2. Write letters to Santa.

3. Build a snowman.

4. Have a snowball fight.

5. Make Christmas cookies and surprise a neighbor or two with a plate.6. Sing Christmas Carols together.

7. Write Christmas letters to relatives we will not see for Christmas.

8. Watch a Christmas movie.

9. Visit Santa at the Mall.

10. Take a drive to see the Christmas Lights.

11. Clean out old toys and donate to Goodwill.

12. Make a gift for kids teachers.

13. Make some Christmas Candy.

14. Play a game in front of the fire.

15. Watch The Grinch.

16. Learn more about Jesus.

17. Sleep under the Christmas Tree.

18. Do a secret service for someone in the family or a neighbor.

19. Make a gingerbread house.

20. Read an extra Christmas story.

21. Make some reindeer food for Christmas Eve (recipe to come).

Reindeer Food
Supplies
Raw OatmealGlitter (I use a silver or gold base and mix red and green in with it)Plastic lunch baggiesRibbonPaper or cardstock
How To Make ItPour about 1/8 cup of oatmeal in baggie. Add some glitter. Close baggie.Attach with ribbon to the front of the baggie the following message.
"On Christmas Eve, sprinkle this wonderful Reindeer Food on your lawn. The shiny glitter will sparkle in the moonlight and the smell of oats will guide Rudolph to your home."

22. Read the Christmas story in Luke Chapter 2.

23. Act out the nativity scene.

24. Listen to Christmas music.

25. Set out cookies and reindeer food for Santa and his reindeers.

26. Watch a Christmas special on television.

27. Go sledding!

You can use some of these ideas, or come up with your own that will meet the needs of your family and the specific holiday you may celebrate.

2010-11-28T13:58:00.000-08:00

Good Morning

2010-11-18T07:34:00.000-08:00

This is what I woke up to.....

Beautiful, glorious, God is good.

I wear these shoes.

2010-11-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

Author Unknown

I am wearing a pair of shoes.
They are ugly shoes.
Uncomfortable shoes.
I hate my shoes.
Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair.
Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step.
Yet, I continue to wear them.
I get funny looks wearing these shoes.
They are looks of sympathy.
I can tell in others eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs.
They never talk about my shoes.
To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable.
To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them.
But, once you put them on, you can never take them off.
I now realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes.
There are many pairs in this world.
Some women are like me and ache daily as they try and walk in them.
Some have learned how to walk in them so they don’t hurt quite as much.
Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think about how much they hurt.
No woman deserves to wear these shoes.
Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger woman.
These shoes have given me the strength to face anything.
They have made me who I am.

Yesterday I read this on Amanda's blog
http://arewethereyet-amanda.blogspot.com/

Amanda and her husband Andrew lost their son, Aidan Jackson, who was born July 27, 2010.
Aidan went to be with Jesus at birth as did our Addison.
Oz Kidd-Ward was born 07.21.10 to Kendrah and Chris.
And Ryan James was born September 17th, his parents are Jen and Scott. http://jen-ourlittleking.blogspot.com/

Its been over 3 months since Amanda and Andrew lost Aidan and Kendrah and Chris lost Oz.
2 months since we said goodbye to our little Addi and also 2 months since Jen and Scott said goodbye to their son Ryan.
I too know how it feels to miss my baby every day. But I know that our babies are with Jesus, all together.
Knowing this helps me make it through each and every day. It helps me to read their blogs and know I am not alone. That they are not alone. We all wear these shoes.

Please keep us all in your prayers during this holiday season.

2010-11-09T22:06:00.000-08:00

EGG NOODLES

Ingredients
2 EGGS (beaten)
1 1/2 to 2 cups FLOUR (I start with 1 1/2 cups add more as needed)
1 Tablespoon OIL
2 Tablespoon MILK
1 teaspoon SALT

Directions
1. Beat eggs
2. Add flour into bowl, then add oil & milk and last the salt.
3. With hands or fork, thoroughly mix.
4. Put dough onto well-floured board; knead until smooth, about 10 minutes.**Add more flour or water if needed
5. Roll dough out with rolling pin.
6. Cut dough cross-wise into 1/8-inch strips for narrow noodles and 1/4-inch for wide noodles.
(WE JUST USE A PIZZA CUTTER and have fun cutting how ever they look!)
7. Add noodles to boiling chicken soup for 10 to 15 minutes or until tender.
8. ENJOY!!

Chicken Soup

Ingredients
1 teaspoon oil
1 4 boneless chicken breast or you can use a whole chicken
4 carrots
4 stalks celery
1 onion
water to cover
salt and pepper to taste
2-3 chicken bouillon or a 1 chicken gravy mix/1 can
(I use what ever I have at the time)
Optional -mashed potatoes
(I always try and make when I have left over mashed)

Directions
Cut up the chicken Put the oil in a pan (I use the same large soup pot I am cooking the soup in)then put the chicken and cook.
When the chicken is almost cooked add the cut up onion.
Then add carrots, celery in the pot and cover with cold water.
Heat and simmer, uncovered.
Add the chicken bouillon and season with salt, pepper taste.
OPTIONAL****Add mashed potatoes, this thickens the soup!!!
**OR put soup over top of mashed potatoes***
Add noodles to the pot, cook 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

I also have cooked this in the crock pot!
***No need to cut up the chicken it will shred wonderfully! Just cut up the carrots onion and celery and add the bouillon and salt & peeper and water to cover. Cook on low all day or high for 4 -5 hours.
When you get home shred the chicken in the crock pot with a fork!

I also have put in whole potatoes and cooked them right in the soup and them when I got home I take the whole potatoes and mashed.
Make some egg noodles and add to the crock pot (ON HIGH-needs to boil) and cook 15 -20 minutes, then serve!

2010-11-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the little things in life

for one day

you may look back

and realize they were

the big things..................

2010-11-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween 2010We had trick or teaters this year!!!

KarLee redecorated her pumpkin

Some of Decor

Halloween and Harvest

Our Newest

KarLee and I made up some "Finger Food"!

and some snack brooms!

Hope everyone's Halloween was good!

2010-11-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

TO HAVE & TO HOLD

TO LOVE & TO CHERISH

FOREVER

The 5 Love Languages

Go here to take the test to find out which "Love Language you are".

http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/

I think it is important to always try and find helpful ways to keep OUR marriage going strong. Today I read this and it reminded me of the Book The 5 Love Languages.

1. Make time with your husband a priority, and start speaking his love language.
While you should not go into this with thoughts of what you may get out of it (It is very important to never use physical intimacy to manipulate your husband.), you may be surprised to find that if you are more physically affectionate and open to him, he may respond by being more loving with you in your love language.
As he feels more secure in your love, he will reach out to you in more loving ways. Maybe words of affirmation...maybe hugs...you will be surprised at how you can melt his heart with your love. And, yes...it really is that simple.

2. Do not underestimate the importance of physical intimacy in marriage. A good friend of mine calls it the "glue that holds us together".
God designed sex in marriage to be a blessing.
The marriage bed is "pure and undefiled".
So, we are supposed to enjoy one another, and make it fun.
(Don't believe me?
Have you ever read the Song of Solomon?)
Yes, it is for the purpose of reproduction...but also so much more.
It is meant to be a blessing to both of you.
Have you ever noticed that when we neglect this part of our relationship, there is more tension and distance?
But, when we are making it a priority, there is a bond of affection and often more patience.
We look at each other through eyes of love.
And that love and commitment is renewed and solidified in the act of marriage.
(The Act of Marriage is also the name of a really good book that encourages Christian couples in this area, too!)

3. Remember that your husband speaks a physical love language.
Your love and respect give him confidence to be the man he is called to be.
He needs this from you.
It is part (a big part) of your role as helpmate.
If he swats you on the behind as he walks through the kitchen, take it as a compliment and a sign of his affection. Be glad he thinks your behind is "swat-worthy".
And, you may just be surprised, if you begin responding to him in a physical way how he will respond to you.

4. Communicate with your husband about your needs and intimacy, using words of love and affirmation.
And make sure he feels safe communicating with you.
Remember this gift in marriage is not just for your husband, but for you too!

5. Don't let your body image keep you from enjoying your husband physically.
Some wives feel less than perfect (aren't we all!), especially when comparing themselves to the unattainable images bombarding us in all forms of media.
I think most husbands, though, are less critical, and maybe don't even see the flaws we see when we look in the mirror.
Most of the time, a man enjoys the soft physical beauty of his wife, and sees her through the eyes of love.
I know this may not always be the case, but I think it is most of the time. If this is an area you struggle with, I hope you found a little encouragement here.
And, hopefully this doesn't offend anyone.
I just want to encourage Christian wives to make loving their husbands a priority.

I found the website and wanted to post it here. It also has info I am going to get reading on Teenagers!

To learn more, and to take different assessments clink here:

http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/

Irish folklore

2010-10-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is a story I read online, just thought I would share:

Why Carve Pumpkins?

The story of the Jack o'Lantern comes from Irish folklore.
Jack was a crafty farmer who tricked the Devil into climbing a tall tree. When the Devil reached the highest branch, Jack carved a large cross in the trunk, making it impossible for the Devil to climb down. In exchange for help getting out of the tree, the Devil promised never to tempt Jack with evil again. When Jack died, he was turned away from Heaven for his sins and turned away from Hell because of his trickery. Condemned to wander the earth without rest, Jack carved out one of his turnips, took an ember from the devil, and used it for a lantern to light his way. He became known as "Jack of the Lantern."

Dealing with Sorrow

2010-10-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

This has helped me in my time of sorrow and hope it can help others.

http://www.recover-from-grief.com/index.html

"You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head,

but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair".
-- Old Chinese Proverb

Your grieving heart...

When your grief is new and raw, and overwhelmingly painful and scary, it is important that you not mess with it.
You may tell yourself: "This is just too much to bear! I can't stand it!"
You must experience the full impact of the loss.
Let it wash over your soul at will.
Follow it, cry when you want, yell at God, scream into your pillow.
Don't suppress new grief, or avoid it, or try to change it.
It's your grief! Claim it.
Experience it.
Surrender to your grief.
Don't let anyone take away your right to it.
Death makes people uncomfortable. They fear it. They understand why you are bereaved, but they have unrealistic expectations as to how you should grieve, and for how long.
They are uncomfortable with your grief and want it to go away as soon as possible. That's why they attempt to comfort you and give you advice and encourage you to "get over it" and "get on with your life" as soon as possible. Their discomfort and awkwardness with your situation can lead to some pretty severe "foot-in-mouth" disease.
They may even make some incredibly stupid and insensitive remarks like:
"Thank God you can have more children" (Like it's a pet turtle that died)
"She would want you to go on" (How do you know?)
"I understand how you feel" (You don't have a clue how I feel)
"God needed another angel" (Not as much as I needed him)

They mean well, but are acting out of fear and showing a profound ignorance of how a healthy grief process works.
Just try to forgive these souls, and spend as little time with them as possible. Instead, surround yourself with true, stalwart friends, who will silently stand witness to your grief, and not attempt to manipulate it.

Dealing with sorrow...

Trust the grief.
You will have your own unique way of expressing and experiencing grief. As long as it is changing, and moving, and "fluid", it is normal grieving.
Grief is not orderly and predictable.
You may reach a period of relative calm, and a break from the tears. "What a relief" you'll think, "Maybe I'm finally reaching the stage of acceptance". And then, WHAMO! Brought to your knees again by intense grief. And you'll wonder if you are making any progress at all. You are.
It really will come to an end. In it's own time. You will come back to life with loving remembrance in your heart, ready to embrace life again.

The grief from the death of someone deeply loved cannot be mastered or conquered.
You can learn to live with your great loss.
And there will be healing and health and yes, even joy again.
But there can never be full "recovery" .
As the years go by, life has a way of dealing it's pain and challenges to everyone. And the longer we live, the greater the chances of being hit by a major grief.
And there is no easy way out or quick cure for it. Such is life.
Experience and express grief fully.
You will figure out how to function again,
How to go to work without breaking down in the middle of the day.
Don't try to repress your grief too soon.
Later it will be more difficult and complicated.

Rest & sleep
Diet & exercise
Cry
Deal with the spiritual crises of bereavement
Treat yourself gently
Finding comfort
Postponing decisions

Experts agree that the single most important factor in healing from a grievous loss is the support of other people. Even if you are a close-mouthed individual during normal times, it is most important that you ventilate your pain and grief with your loved ones.

Surround yourself with loved ones.

People who understand, and can accept you just where you are.

People who will just be there, listening to you express your grief will help.
There will also be times when you just want to be alone,that's okay. Although it is not healthy over the long haul to grieve alone.
Be selfish!
Ask for some help.
Some may want to help, but not know how. Tell them!
Ask them to bring you some dinner, or go to the movies with you or just let you talk and cry, and give you a hug.

Let them take care of you. (Especially if you are normally a strong, self-sufficient person.)

Tender, loving care, both from others, and from yourself.

Talk about your loss, your pain, your memories of your lost one.
Tell your story over and over; this is important.

Don't try to protect your family from your crushing sadness.
Don't try to put up a brave front, pretending that you are alright, when you're NOT.

Helping others helps you. Be honest and let them ventilate, too.
Be careful and sensitive to others in the family, as a death can tear a family apart if it is handled improperly.

Take the time to support others in the family who are grieving too, including the children.

"As great scientists have said and as all children know,

it is above all by the imagination that we achieve perception,

and compassion, and hope."
-- Ursula K. LeGu

Help The Kids Find Their Way

Kids are often the "forgotten mourners" in a household stricken by a tragic death.

Childrens, doesn't matter the age as needs are honestly overlooked in the emotional turmoil.
Many adults think children don't understand death, and therefore aren't affected deeply by it. Helping them to process their own grief in a healthy and successful way.

Grief is a normal and natural reaction to loss.
Grief is not a disease.
It is appropriate for children to be sad and experience pain.
DO NOT tell your child not to feel bad.
DO NOT tell him to stop crying.

Children deserve the same respect and kindness.
As a parent, you love your child, and don't want them to feel bad, this is something you cannot and should not prevent.
It's as important for children to feel the same painful emotions and experience grief in all it's stages, as for an adult.
"Feeling bad" is a normal reaction to a tragic loss, then you can see how it would be better for your child to feel bad (normal) about it.

Don't try to make children feel better by "keeping them busy".
All this will do is postpone or bury griefwork that needs to be done.
Children need very much to feel all the pain and sorrow that a grievous loss merits.
Listen to them.
Let them ventilate and cry all they want and need to.
Encourage a child to express his painful emotions and sadness freely.
Keeping it all inside and unexpressed prevents him from completing his mourning and can create serious emotional problems later in life.
As painful as it may be for you to watch, your child must learn how to cope with loss and tragedy. Don't rob him of this valuable learning experience.

DON'T LET THEM GRIEVE ALONE

Encourage them to tell stories.
Let them contribute ideas for the memorial service, and even take part in the ceremony if possible.
It makes them feel important and useful during this overwhelming time.
Let them see the adults cry and grieve so they will know that it is okay for them, too.
Children are not harmed by seeing their parents or other adults cry and lose a little control, It may upset them initially, but in the long run, it is healthy for them to see their elders react normally in times of grief.
Just reassure them later that no matter how sad you are, you will still love and take care of them.
Sharing your grief with your children can be an opportunity to create a connecting bridge to them.
HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY
It is important that you answer all of a child's questions about the death honestly. You don't have to provide every detail of what happened.

The grieving process is a very personal and individual thing.
As we have said several times, there is no healthy way to shorten the process; there are no short cuts to the resolution of grief.
You must let it run it's course.
The end of grief does not mean that you forget your beloved, or cease to love them. When you experience a tragic loss, it breaks your heart.
Can you mend your broken heart? Yes.
Does this mean that you are dishonoring your loved one? No.
Will you ever forget them? No.
Will they always have a place in your heart? Yes.

7 Stages of Grief...
1. SHOCK & DENIAL-
2. PAIN & GUILT-
3. ANGER & BARGAINING
4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-
5. THE UPWARD TURN
6. RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-
7. ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-

You will start to look forward and actually plan things for the future. Eventually, you will be able to think about your lost loved one without pain; sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be gone. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of living.

It is NOT a time for being strong.... it is a time for patience and surrender.

Brighter days lie ahead. Keep going.

2010-10-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

Mini Caramel Apples

4-inch lollipop sticks (toothpicks work as well too)

Melon ballerGranny Smith Apples (one apple makes about 8 mini apples)

Kraft caramels

Chopped Nuts,

sprinkles, coconut....

The list could go on, so use anything!Small paper candy cups (miniture cupcake cups)

*First, cut the lollipop sticks in half at an angle (the pointy end will go into the apple pieces easier).

With the melon baller, scoop little balls out of the apple.

Each ball should have a section of apple peel.

Push half of a lollipop stick into the peel of each ball.

Pat the apple pieces dry.

Busy busy busy

2010-10-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

So we got started last night with our spooky version of this.

I got some lights (the web lights)on the front side.

Colby got the orange lights hung up on the back side of the house!

Still so much more to finish............

I need more hours in the day!

I got all the items for this.

Michelle picked me up something to make this so much easier!

Really hoping to get be all decorated by this weekend.

Up for 1 week, then it will be time to turn around and take down.

Maybe I can get everyone to hang up the

Xmas lights as we are taking down the Halloween lights?

Probably not!

Will try and get pictures as soon as things are all finished up!

2010-10-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sis today!

And a late birhtday post for my step mom, Karen!

I love you both tons, just so you know!

Us

2010-10-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

I love us..........

2010-10-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

This recipe came from http://busyfriendsrecipeswap.blogspot.com/

I made this, this week and it was so good!!

Crock Pot Pizza Casserole

1 lb Ground beef
1.5 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
1 jar (23 oz) spaghetti sauce
1 pkg (12 oz) noodles {I choose a Penne noodle}
4 oz Cheese, mozzarella
4 oz Cheese, cheddar
1 small can Mushrooms
1 small can sliced olives
1 Onion, diced
1 Green Pepper, diced
1 pkg PepperoniDirections
1. Brown hamburger and onion. Drain grease.
2. Cook Noodles while browning hamburger.
3. Add sauces to meat and onion mixture.
4. In crock pot add mushrooms, olives, and green pepper.
5. Spoon meat mixture into crock pot and mix all together.
6. Put in as much Pepperoni and cheese as you would like.Cook on Low for one hour, I wouldn't cook longer than two hours.

I do have to tell you when I made this, the sauce mixture did not go far - so I increased the amounts on this recipe. It is possible even with the increase it could still be a little dry, just use your best judgment on the sauce.
Additionally, I would imagine you could turn this into a half day crock pot recipe, with the hamburger being cooked in the crock pot. Overall, this was actually pretty yummy and I was sceptical!

Better & Homes Gardens

2010-10-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/halloween/

Fall Mini Pumpkin Wreath

This fall wreath is such a fun way to use miniature pumpkins to decorate, and using them on a wreath will add a great Halloween touch to your home.
From the magazine, Holiday Celebrations

This is one of the easiest wreath you can make. Let's see how to do it!
Note: If you use fresh mini pumpkins they can begin to decay after a week or two. You might also make this wreath using artificial materials.
The artificial mini-pumpkins we used came with a beaded, sparkle coating on them which is pretty -- but probably not for outdoor display. You'll probably also find plain orange artificial mini-pumpkins or even other colors like white or green -- so it's your choice.

Supplies
Twig wreath form
Mini pumpkins to cover the form
Hot-glue gun
Floral Wire
Black Pipe Cleaner
Black ribbon (grosgrain, satin, or raffia)
Plastic Spiders
Instructions
Start with an 18-inch twig wreath. You'll want to find one that has a fairly flat top section, so there's enough surface for the glue to secure the pumpkins. This size wreath took 13 pumpkins, but when you buy your materials at a craft store, be sure to lay out pumpkins around the wreath to see how many will fit.
Once your arrangement is set, start gluing each pumpkin in place and let it dry. We're gluing ours on so each one touches the next, but at the top we left about a 6-inch space for our bow.
Little plastic spiders are a fun addition as well. Just dot the legs with a bit of hot glue and set down on one of the pumpkins for a spooky Halloween touch.
Finally, you'll need a bow and I've got a great simple technique for that. You'll need to find wired ribbon in a 2 or 3 inch width. The wire helps you arrange the bow and the streamers easily and will help too, if you keep the bow from year to year -- you can just fluff it out as needed.
Lay a 24" strip of ribbon down on the table. Now, take about a 36" piece and leave a 15 inch streamer. Begin to loop the ribbon from side to side, beginning with smaller loops, gradually making the loops wider. End up with another 15 inch streamer. Lay down a black pipe cleaner or a 12" length of floral wire. Now you can pick up the ends of the 24" strip and knot it securely around all of the loops and the wire. There's your bow!
Use the wire to attach the bow to the wreath, or if you wish you can hot glue it onto the front. I know you -- and your guests -- will enjoy seeing this wreath. Happy Halloween!

For the Front Entry: "Beware" Sign

Outfit your front door with a warning to all who enter. Start with a weathered board and sticks. Shape the sticks to form letters that spell "beware." Lay the twigs onto the board and hammer insulated staples (available at home centers) around the twigs to hold them in place. For the hanger, attach a piece of jute to the front of the board with nails.

For the Front Entry: Witches' Brooms
Designate a spot on your front porch as a witches' parking lot. Wrap twigs and grasses around wooden dowels and bind with rope. Hang a sign to warn those who may be tempted to park illegally. Our sign reads "Witch parking only! Violators will be toad!" Type your sign on the computer using fun fonts. Print the sign on iron-on transfer paper and iron it onto a painted artist's canvas.

For the Front Entry: Ghosts & Shadows
Adorn your front stoop with a tangle of lifeless branches and vines hung from porch rafters. Paint gourds white and add ghostly expressions with black paint. Suspend gourds from the rafters so they hang down among the vines. When darkness comes, the apparitions will be illuminated by shifting shadows, a scene guaranteed to frighten and chill.

2010-10-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

Spider Party Pinata

Your little ones will go berserk over this bigger-than-life spider pinata!

From the book, Halloween Fun: 101 Ideas to Get in the Spirit

Paper bowls are hidden in this
spider's paper fur to create a
space for Halloween treats.

What You Need:
Yogurt-size plastic lid
Sharp pencil
Ruler
String
Two 12-oz. or larger sturdy paper bowls
Tracing paper
Scissors
1 sheet of black poster board
Stapler
2 handfuls of wrapped candy or small plastic toys, such as plastic spider rings
Thick white crafts glue
Black crimped, shredded paper
Black crepe paper
Green and black crafting foam scraps, such as Fun Foam, for eyes and mouth

Instructions:

1. Download the free pattern for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)

Spider leg pattern

Download Adobe Acrobat

2. Use a pencil to carefully poke two holes an inch apart in the center of the plastic lid. Thread the string end down one hole and back up the other hole. Knot the string end to the length of string just above the lid. Poke another hole in the center of one bowl and pull the other end of the string up through this hole. The lid will sit inside the bottom of the bowl and prevent the string end from coming loose when kids strike the pinata. Set this top half aside while you prepare the spider base.

Step 3.

3. Trace the leg pattern onto tracing paper and cut out. Trace around the pattern on poster board four times; then turn the pattern over and trace it four more times. Cut out the eight legs. Position each grouping of four legs on opposite sides of the second bowl. Staple each leg to the rim.

Step 4.

4. Fill the base bowl with candy and/or toys. Position the top bowl over the base bowl. Glue the rims of the bowls together.

Step 5.

5. Glue the shredded paper over the top and bottom of the spider. Cut 4-inch lengths of black crepe paper and glue them to the two joints on each leg.

6. Cut out eyes and a mouth. Glue them to the top of the spider. Hang the spider at striking height in an open space.

Halloween Ideas

2010-10-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/halloween/

Here are what I would like to make!

Craft a Simple Candy-Corn

Door Decoration for Halloween

Make this easy Halloween door decoration out of plastic foam and felt (to simulate candy corn), then fill it with dried naturals and artificial crows.

What You Need:
10 x 15-inch piece of 1-inch-thick plastic foam
Serrated knife
Ruler
27 x 27-inch square of batting
Straight pins
Sewing threads to match felt colors
Sewing needle
Crafts felt: 27 x 27-inch square of orange, 7 x 10-inch piece of white, and 5 x 27-inch piece of yellow
Twig (We used Manzanita.)
Black spray paint
Florist's wire
3 small artificial crows
Dried naturals such as stems of millet, grasses, and dried Japanese lanterns
How to Make It:
Place the plastic foam flat on a cutting surface with the 10-inch ends at the top and bottom.
Cut out a triangle shape from the foam, leaving a 1-inch-wide "point" at the bottom. The triangle should measure 10 inches across the top, 1 inch across the bottom, and approximately 16 inches along each side.
Wrap the triangle with batting, neatly pinning it to the back.
Shape and trim away the excess batting until it smoothly fits the back of the triangle. Baste the batting edges together, removing the pins as you sew.
Cover the triangle with orange crafts felt in the same way. Using the 7x10-inch piece of white felt, add a 4-inch-tall band to the bottom of the triangle, wrapping the felt around the bottom edge.
Pin, trim, and sew the band in place. With the 5x27-inch piece of yellow felt, add a 5-inch-tall band to the top. Do not wrap the felt over the top edge.
Pin, trim, and sew the band in place. Spray the twig black; let dry. Secure the twig in the

Mummy Meatloaf

1-1/2 lbs. extra lean ground turkey or beef
1 small white onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 cup skim milk
1 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup + 2 Tablespoons ketchup
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
8 ounces pappardelle pasta (or lasagna noodles, cut lengthwise in half with frilly edges removed)
1 3-ounce mozzarella ball, divided
2 pitted black or green olives
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish (I used a springform pan). Combine the meat, egg, onion, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Empty mixture onto baking dish and shape into a dome.
Mix together ketchup and brown sugar in a small bowl. Spread mixture evenly over meatloaf.
Bake meatloaf for 1 hour. Let meatloaf rest for 20 minutes.
While meatloaf rests, cook and drain pappardelle or lasagna noodles according to package directions.
If using a springform pan, remove outer piece before placing pasta on meatloaf. If using other type of pan, remove meatloaf from pan and transfer to serving plate.
Slice mozzarella ball in half. Layer pasta strands over meatloaf to look like mummy’s wrappings, adding mozzarella circles about halfway throught the process. Cut a small piece off the bottom of each olive and place, flat side down, in the middle of each mozzarella “eye.”
Serve and enjoy!

Yummy Mummy Cupcakes

The only thing you need to take off this dessert to enjoy is the wrapper.
To make them, follow these steps:
Start with frosted store-bought or homemade cupcakes.
Use a pastry bag with basket-weave tip to pipe on white frosting.
Pipe red frosting on for the mummy's eyes.
Make two dots with black frosting to make the pupils.

Halloween 2010

2010-10-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

cheese finger food

Mozzarella string cheese

Green bell pepper

Cream cheese

Wearing plastic gloves or sandwich bags over your hands to keep the cheese as smudge-free as possible, use a paring knife (parents only) to cut each string in half and then carve a shallow area for a fingernail just below the rounded end of each half.Mark the joint right below the nail as well as the knuckle joint by carving out tiny horizontal wedges of cheese, as pictured.For the fingernails, slice a green bell pepper into 3/8-inch-wide strips. Set the strips skin side down on your work surface and trim the pulp so that it's about half as thick. Then cut the strips into ragged-topped nail shapes and stick them in place at the ends of the fingers with dabs of cream cheese.

apple bites

Ingredients

Apples

Slivered almonds

Instructions

Just quarter and core an apple, cut a wedge from the skin side of each quarter, then press slivered almonds in place for teeth.Tips:If you're not going to serve them right away, baste the apples with orange juice to keep them from browning.

carrot finger food

vegetable dip

4 long carrots

1 medium carrot

softened cream cheese

sliced-almond

baby carrots

To prepare them, just fill a serving bowl with your favorite vegetable dip. Wash and peel 4 long carrots for fingers and 1 medium carrot for a thumb.With a paring knife (a parent's job), cut a flat, shallow notch in the tip of each carrot. Then use a dab of dip or softened cream cheese to glue a sliced-almond fingernail atop each notch.Stick the fingers in the dip, as shown, and serve with plenty of peeled baby carrots for dipping.

Edible Eyeballs

Carrots Cream cheese

Pitted black olives

Instructions

Simply slice carrots into 1-inch-thick chunks, top each with a blob of cream cheese and one half of a pitted black olive, and serve.

Healing........

2010-10-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

My mother in law, Kathy, gave me some writings. I've been reading through them.

I wanted to thank you Kathy, for being so thoughtful, loving and caring.

I love that people care. Care to help others. That they write and share. They help.
Theyare helping me, and my family.

I wanted to share some readings that I are helping me....

Be with the sadness and the pain when it comes, but don't dwell on it.
Accept it, but don't invite it.
Pain is an acceptable guest, but not a welcome long term visitor.

Crying has its own specialness. It is cleansing, a marvelous release.

BE WITH THE PAIN
Don't deny it or cover it or run away from it.
Be with it.
Hurt for awhile.
Although you may find yourself frightened by it,
be with your pain.
Fell it. Lean into it.
You will not find it bottomless.

And to OUR friends and family

this is for you, thank you all for loving us all.

My friends are still there:

neglected

rejected

while I gave all my

precious moments to you.

they're still here!

god bless them.

I want to thank everyone who has and is loving on me and my family. Thank you for talking, and even when you didn't know what to say, you were still there.

Thank you to those who have called, emailed, face booked and letting us know that you were there.

Thank you to those who asked how I was, or how my husband was, and my kids.

To our work friends:

Thank you for being there and taking the time to ask, how we are.

Thank you for keeping my/our spirits up.

Saying a "funny" when you knew I was having a hard day.

Everyday I/we feel loved. We thank you all.

WE KNOW WE ARE TRULY BLESSED.

Addison

2010-10-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

We left and went on a little road/AKA much need vacation.

We enjoyed the sandy beaches...................

The weather was nice, too!

We loved talking and sharing about Addison.

And we found 2 sign's called Addison St & Addison Ave.

Ryan found the Ave one as we drove by, I didn't get a picture.

I will post more pictures from were are little road trip took us......................................

2010-10-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

"You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." ~John Wooden

I know we will never be able to repay all the people who loved on us... but we will try! My husband reminded me of the movie Pay it Forward. We will pay it forward!

*******************************************

I would like to ask everyone to please pray for my dear friends, they are going to met with a specialist from Florida via internet at EIRMC today about their baby, she is 24 wks along. The baby doesn't have any or to little amniotic fluid.

Amniotic Fluid Abnormalities
In some pregnancies, there may be too little or too much amniotic fluid. Too little fluid is called oligohydramnios and too much is called polyhydramnios. Either condition can cause problems for mother and baby. Even with these conditions, though, most babies are born healthy!

Thank you CHERUBS!

2010-09-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

http://cdhsupport.blogspot.com/2010/09/prayers-quotes-for-september-23-2010.html#links

Addison

2010-09-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share a couple pictures of Addison

She was perfect in everyway.......

Thank you, and all our love.

2010-09-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

What we have once,

we can never lose.

All that we love deeply

becomes a part of us.

—Helen Keller

We would like to think all of you

who helped us through,

probably the toughest time

we have ever went through.

******************************************************

There is no foot so small that it

cannot leave an imprint on the world.
—Anonymous

And Addison did indeed leave her imprint

in this world, and in so

many peoples hearts.

*********************************************************

Thank you

Blackfoot First Baptist Church

Pastor Mark Fisk & Kelly Jo and Laura and "all" of our Church Family!

Thank you for all the prayers, love & meals.

Pastor Mark for a wonderful funeral service he did for our daughter

It could not have been more beautiful, or perfect!

Jon for the music CD's and tech for Addi's service.

And to all of the members of Blackfoot First Baptist Church

for decorating and providing a wonderful luncheon and cleaning up.

Laura for a beautiful funeral sign in book

http://blackfootfbc.org/

Alyce Clegg

One of the most genuine person we have ever meant.

She came and took A LOT of time with our family,

taking the most wonderful pictures for us

and a beautiful slide show as well.

We will always cherish the memories she captured

of OUR ADDISON KATHELENE!

I hope to always give of myself, like Alyce does.

http://www.alyceclegg.com/

Alyce Clegg is apart of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center,

The caring and loving nurses

Leavitt Women's Health Care

Our wonderful Doctor

CHERUBS -

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

For the information & knowledge , care package and support.

For all the other CDH parents and their support.

http://cdhsupport.blogspot.com/

String of Pearls

Laura Huene

All of her support and the wonderful gifts she sent to us.

We will cherish the Christmas ball, Ryan got to put her foot prints on!

Beautiful.

http://stringofpearlsonline.org/

Hill Hawker Sanberg Funeral Home & Crematory

Troy Dietrich and staff

They did a wonderful service for us.

Made hand and foot print molds that were beautiful!

http://www.funeralhomesguide.com/Idaho/Blackfoot/HillHawkerSanbergFuneralHomeCrematory.html

Heaven's Gain

Donna Murphy

http://www.heavensgain.com/

April Frederick

Designing our beautiful funeral programs &

birth announcements & thank you cards

http://aprilfrederick.com/

United Mailing Direct

Chad Shanks

For printing our funeral programs and birth announcements

Another genuine person, that we haven't even meant.

Thank you, Chad.

http://www.umdirect.net/mailing.html

Mickelsen Pack
2011 Riverton Rd

Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208) 785-0860

Lindon & Jayne Mickelsen

Providing the meat & cheese trays.

To all of our family & friends for all

of your love & support

You all gave us strength

Danyett Cloward, balloons & and so much more

Gary Reynolds, dedicating the grave

Ranay & Derick Thompson, slide show

Robyn Longhurst, pictures

Danyett, Kami, Michelle & April and everyone

who seat up Addi's memories table

Jayne Mickelsen, completing Addi's blanket

For everyone who stitched a flower & tied on ADDISON'S blanket

We will forever cherish it and the memories made doing it.

We must accept finite disappointment,

but never lose infinite hope.
—Martin Luther King Jr.

Addison

2010-09-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

http://robynlonghurst.typepad.com/finding_balance/2010/09/one-week-ago.html#comments

Addison's Aunt Robyn's blog(Ryan's sis) .

She took wonderful pictures for us.

She has some of the balloon release we did for Addi.

In Memory of Addison Kathelene Reynolds

2010-09-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

In Memory of Addison Kathelene Reynolds
This was written by KarLee, yesterday 9-16-2010
(haven't changed anything....... its just beautiful)

In the beginning she was an it a mystery to be discovered. Boy, Girl who knew. As Colby called her billy bob as if she was a boy and I just waited paitently knowing that she was going to be a princess or again in colbys words a cowboy. Finally the day came I told my mom I was to be the first person she called I deserved to know that she deffinetly was going to be a little princess and colby deserved to know that it wasnt a cowboy maybe it could be a cowgirl princess but not cowboy. My mom called and as you see it was a little baby girl !!!!
Finally getting all the cute little out fits filling her dresser and closset. Getting out fits with flowers on the butt of the pants and cows on bibs they were so cute.
Then to find out that she had c-d-h it was different but ok we knew we would have are special little princess. We got her room done and all her little out fits. My mom also had so much heart burn and she told me thats supposed to meen lots of hear. Wich meant I could play with her hear when it got a little longer.
Then come to find out she had a brain problem then even more a heart problem and then come to find are little angel wasnt gong to make it why us why her what did we do to desserve it all this exsitment for a little baby sister I was finally going to be a big sister well I guess I still will be.
　
　
　I'm very proud to be KarLee's mother.
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

Addison Kathelene Reynolds

2010-09-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Addison Kathelene Reynolds

September 12, 2010 at 7:48 am

3 pounds 15 ounces, 16 inches

Our beautiful, perfect baby girl.

We all love you Addi.

2010-09-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

http://paisleystudios.com/blog/2010/08/12/an-angel-among-us/

What Is Trisomy 18?

2010-09-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

What Is Trisomy 18?

Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, is a condition which is caused by a chromosomal defect. It occurs in about 1 out of every 3000 live births.

Unlike Down syndrome, which also is caused by a chromosomal defect, the developmental issues caused by Trisomy 18 are associated with medical complications that are more potentially life-threatening. 50% of babies who are carried to term will be stillborn, with baby boys having higher stillbirth rate than baby girls.

At birth, intensive care admissions in Neonatal units are most common for infants with Trisomy 18. Again, baby boys will experience higher mortality rates in this neonatal period than baby girls, although those with higher birth weights do better across all categories.

What causes Trisomy 18?

At conception, 23 chromosomes from the father and 23 chromosomes from the mother combine to create a baby with a set of 46 chromosomes in each cell. A trisomy occurs when a baby has three #18 chromosomes instead of the normal two. This is something that happens at conception. And although many parents worry about this, it is important to know that parents have done nothing before or during pregnancy to cause this disorder in their child.

There different types of Trisomy conditions. The most common trisomy is Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, where a baby has three of the twenty-first chromosome.

Trisomy 18 is the second most common trisomy and occurs when a baby has three of the eighteenth chromosome. This results in 47 chromosomes instead of the normal 46 in the affected cells. It is this extra genetic material that causes the problems associated with Trisomy 18.

The third most common is Trisomy 13, also known as Patau syndrome.

Our baby girl has Full Trisomy 18:
The most common type of Trisomy 18 (occurring in about 95% of all cases) is full Trisomy. With full Trisomy, the extra chromosome occurs in every cell in the baby's body. This type of trisomy is not hereditary. It is not due to anything the parents did or did not do—either before or during pregnancy.

Typical characteristics of Trisomy 18 include:

Heart defects:
VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect): a hole between the lower chambers
ASD (Atrial Septal Defect): a hole between the upper chambers
Coarctation of the aorta: a narrowing of the exit vessel from the heart

Kidney problems
Part of the intestinal tract is outside the stomach (omphalocele)
The esophagus doesn’t connect to the stomach (esophageal artesia)
Excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
(Which I have had)

Clenched hands
Pocket of fluid on the brain (choroid plexus cysts)
Rocker bottom feet
Delayed growth
Small jaw (mycrognathia)
Small head (microcephaly)
Low-set ears
Strawberry-shaped head
Severe developmental delays
Umbilical or inguinal hernia 2 vessel umbilical cord

Give a Gift of Hope
http://www.trisomy18.org/site/PageServer?pagename=donate
Working together, your gift helps ensure that new families impacted by Trisomy 18 in 2010 will have the support they need and that more progress is made!

Your gift brings hope to families and their children coping with Trisomy 18 by investing in our efforts to fund research, build community and shape dialogue in the medical and research communities.

3 Ways to Give:

Trisomy 18 Foundation Mailing Address: OTHER WAYS TO DONATE:
Trisomy 18 Foundation Donate Online at www.trisomy18.org/donate
4491 Cheshire Station Plaza, Suite 157 or directly via the child's Legacy Page
Dale City, VA 22193 Phone: 810-867-4211 between 9 and 5 ET