Conversation between mom and daughter

Joy: "Ellyn you need to start listening."

Ellyn: "But I can't"

Joy: "Why not?"

Ellyn: "My ears are not working."

Fun Quote

As Ellyn was eating her snack of fruit I had made her, this is her reply when asked what fruit she likes:

"I like apples, bananas, grapes and pie. I like pie!"

Camping Fun

This weekend we went camping. Trying to get one more weekend in before it gets to cold. Too late, it was cold at night. We went up Spanish Fork Canyon to Diamond Fork Campground. We found a great site with lots of trees. Even though there were lots of people it was still pretty quiet.

Getting the hammock ready, both kids wanted to sleep in it, because Josh was sleeping in his. Well it was just too cold to sleep out side.

Ellyn washing dishes at the campsite.

Josh (Steve's little brother) came with us this trip. It was great to have him there to entertain the kids (and Steve). I got so much reading done. I read almost one book (The Organized Home Schooler, by Vicki Caruana) it was a great book. I am always open to new ideas.

Steve and Josh around the campfire.

Steve, Andy and Josh climbed up this rock. I don't think there was a trail there.

When Josh came up he brought some air-soft guns. I don't know what the kids would have done without them. That kept them entertained all Saturday.

Gun Saftey with Josh.

Even Ellyn got to shoot.

This was their targets. Soda cans on a milk crate and camping table.

Derby Fun

I have had my first experience at the Demolition Derby. It was awesome!!! As long as I have known Steve he has told me how great the Derby is and we have been trying to go, but it has never worked out. Well, this year with the fair being in Spanish Fork they had the First Annual Utah County Demolition Derby and we were able to go. It was loud, redneck, good 'o boy fun. Even the kids enjoyed it. There was one time one of the girls (yes, they had a Powder Puff competion) hit another girl and caused her car to roll and the first driver ended up on top of the car. The emergency crews rushed out and got her out ok. She walked away from the crash. Then one of the guys got hit, and they had to cut the car to get him out on a stretcher. There was lots of action, it was awesome!! We can't wait to go again.

Blog Fun

I was reading some blogs today and ran across this one. I was laughing out loud, and had to keep reading entries to Steve. For all the moms out there this will give you a great laugh. Enjoy the quote of the day.

Fun at the Fair

Last week was the Utah County Fair in Spanish Fork. We took the kids and had a great time. The kids rode a few rides, climbed a tank and made some tile art.

The kids have been wanting to do a yard sale forever. We have been collecting junk in the garage until we had a free Saturday. They were so excited to make some money. They ended up making about $20 each. During the yard sale they went to one our neighbors was having and bought some of their junk (or new cool stuff). Andy got a mini bike and Ellyn got a Little Mermaid doll.

Guess who got braces??

Right now he only has two on the front, but more are to come I am sure.

Teamwork

Steve told the kids it was their job to unload the dishwasher. A mom is always thankful for any help around the house, even if it does include foot prints on the counter.

Steve took this picture on his way to work, the day of Ralph's funeral.

It always seems so weird to me how life goes on. The day after Ralph's funeral, we went to the store, the kids were outside playing, life just moves on. I remember at the grave site, seeing how all of our lives had just stopped for a few days, but now as we were there saying goodbye, the world around us was still moving. People going places, kids running around, but ours had stopped.

It was also strange to me to keep blogging. One day I am posting about the death of a friend, and now I am posting Family Fun. I wasn't too sure how to continue, but just as life goes on so does the family. Just because we move on doesn't mean we have forgotten. I still think of LaShon all day. Wondering how she is doing, not knowing how she can go on. I think of her when I lay down to sleep at night and how horrible it would be to never have my husband by me again. How I see Steve's stuff all over the house and how could she even stand to be in her house? How in just 4 months things can change. We are very blessed. I am very thankful for the life we have and the family that surrounds me. I am so thankful for the hope I have in Jesus. Becasue I know without that I hope I couldn't go on.

Today we had to say goodbye to a dear friend.

Ralph Placencia passed away this past Sunday. He had recently been diagnosed with a very rare disease you can read about in on their family blog. He had a smile as big as his ears. Ralph and I met at Arby's about 13 years ago. He was a great guy. The service today was so great. His good friend Justin shared Ralph's life story and did such an amazing job. We laughed just as much as we cried. Then friends and family shared their memories of Ralph. You should take the time to read his obit here. In an email from my mom she said that she feels as if she has lost one of her own kids. That is how so many of us feel, that he was our family. If I were to guess, and I am not too good at this, I would have to say there were about 150 people at his funeral. His wife LaShon, a very strong woman, is pregnant with their son Treysen. She is a survivor, she will make it through this. Even though Ralph is gone, he will not be forgotten. We love you Ralph and miss you.

Boxes are Fun

Why is it that kids love boxes? Steve had brought home some large boxes and the kids found them and had a blast playing in them. I think for Christmas this year we will just give them boxes.

Ellyn having her snack, Andy is taped up in his box.

Lunch time!

Nice and cozy.

Andy watching Spongebob.

Dinner time.

The boxes were so big that Ellyn had to stand on two pillows just to see out.