BONNERMANIA

American Fork Canyon

2011-11-02T21:58:00.001-07:00

My kids were off-track in October, so we took a scenic drive up American Fork canyon with my 92 year old Grandma. We had a lovely picnic, and collected interesting looking leaves and rocks (which was nearly every leaf and rock we saw).

update and telling it like it is

2011-10-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not even going to say sorry for not posting, because I'm not. Nobody is really upset that I haven't posted in a few months. Everyone's life is busy, and life doesn't seem less fulfilled because you don't know what's going on in BonnerLand. And if you are upset that I haven't posted, well, then, maybe you should call me to see if I'm ok.

Here's What's been going on-

-Brynn finished 4th grade, Lauren finished 2nd grade, and Ethan finished Kindergarten. 3 weeks later, Brynn started 5th grade, Lauren started 3rd grade and Ethan started 1st grade.

-Ethan turned 7.

-My toenail fell off.

(this picture was before it actually fell off.)

-Why did my toenail fall off? Well maybe because I am now a runner! and sometimes the hard core runners lose their toenails. (so I've been told)

-we've had a few other things happen, but these are the big things, (and also the ones I have pictures of).

No empty promises about doing better at blogging, though. If I get to it, I get to it. If not, call me and see what we're up to.

Hope you all are having a great day!

Lauren's baptism

2011-07-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking, 'is she that old already?' and the answer is yes! She is that old! Our sweet little Lauren was baptized last Saturday, and we couldn't be more proud. It was a perfect, perfect day.

a funny quote

2011-06-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

"I have CDO. It's like OCD but the letters are in alphabetical order. AS THEY SHOULD BE."

This makes me laugh, because I may have a slight problem with OCD. I like things to be in certain places, especially in my house, and look certain ways. Sometimes it's hard for me to let my children do things themselves because then it doesn't look the way I think it should., and so what if I iron my sheets. I have gotten better at these things. It's not debilitating or anything. not yet, anyway.

I should go on a run, but I'm too busy eating s'mores

2011-06-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ragnar is 3 days away. I should be training and running to make sure I don't throw up on the side of the road. the three legs I have to run are pretty intense. But you know what? I love me some s'mores.

Secretary Desk before and after

2011-06-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

I found this secretary desk on our local classifieds (ksl.com) and when I first saw it, it was $75. Well, I waited a week, and saw it go down to $60, then to $50. Finally it went to $30, and I offered her $20 and she said "SOLD!" So I picked up this little beauty to try my hand at refinishing furniture. After I picked it up, it sat in my family room for a good 2 months, before my husband said "no more projects until you finish that desk." and he said it with his serious voice, so I got to work (because I have many more projects to do).

As clear as I can remember, this is my first sand -it-down-refinish-and seal-it kind of project. I really wanted it to turn out well, so I tried to do it the right way. Let me tell you, It took a few tries to get it right. First, I tried just painting it cream, without priming it. That was lesson #1. So after 2 coats of paint, then 2 coats of primer, (i know, but I didn't feel like sanding the paint off) I did 2 more coats of paint. I kind of wanted an antique, distressed looking piece so I tried rubbing a stain on the whole thing. This I did not like. So I sanded the stain off and did yet another coat of the cream/ivory color. finally, after letting it dry, I sprayed a coat of polyurethane to seal it all.

(I realize this picture is awful, I'm going to take some photography classes to learn how to take gorgeous pictures)

I wanted some fancy on the inside, so I decided to mod podge some fancy, vintage looking paper on the inside. My brother-in-law Josh helped me with this part, mostly because he's super nice and he can't say no to me.

So that's my secretary desk revamp. Not too shabby for my first time. I loved doing it, and I have now learned things I should have done differently, so I will know what to do for next time.

I really love the cream and black look, and think i'll probably put it in my girl's room, as it will go with the vintage theme in there. plus Lauren thinks it is the best thing ever to have a desk in her room.

one chair, two chair, old chair, new chair

2011-06-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Because I like to switch up my furniture, I sold my sectional upstairs. I found another couch that I want up there, but it's on backorder for 6 weeks! So we moved the recliners (one was in our family room downstairs, and the other one was in the girl's room) into the tv room for seating for now.

So we had a big empty space in our family room downstairs. It just so happened that I had an old, yard sale chair sitting in my basement that I was going to try to re-upholster. It was going to be a desk chair, but I thought it could work in a formal sitting room. the chair was free, so I wouldn't be sad if I had to throw it away, should it turn out hideously.

So this is the new chair. I know, it looks like the lining of a sleeping bag, but this fabric was inexpensive, and I didn't want to invest too much if I was just going to throw it away.

I didn't get any pictures of the chair before I redid it, but this is the fabric. It's a baby blue velvet. quite fancy, actually.

I didn't really know what I was doing, I just made it up as I went along. So considering that, I'm really quite pleased with the way it turned out (camping plaid aside). My first reupholster was a success! So now I'm looking for something else to redo!

A choir concert

2011-06-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

The girls had a program at school, and each grade did a little singing (or in Brynnlee's case, recorder) concert.

Lauren's grade sang "God Bless the USA" and if you're wondering why the camera is shaking nearly the whole time, it's because that song makes me cry!! Especially when sweet little voices are singing it!! I'll be the first to admit that I'm a crier. I can't help it! But your heart is made of stone if you're not moved by seven and eight year olds singing this song.

Brynnlee has been learning to play the golden tones of the recorder (the redheaded step-child of the flute). This is a rite of passage for 4th graders in Jordan school district, and has been since I was in 4th grade (so many, many years ago).

After each grade performed, I went to their classrooms so they could show me some special artwork they had been working on. Their school has a great art-awareness program. They do this thing called "Meet the Masters" and learn about famous artists. Ethan told me about how Picasso cut off his ear, and Lauren told me about Impressionism. Brynnlee recreated "Woman with a Hat" by Henri Matisse. It is all very impressive.

Since Lauren's video took nearly an hour to put on the blog, you will have to request by email or in person to see Brynnlee's video. Sorry, but that just took way to long to upload!

ApologyWorld

2011-06-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

One day, Ethan was sent to his room for a time out. A few minutes later, when I called him downstairs, he told me he had something to show me in his room. so when we went upstairs to look, he informed me that he had been working on this "ApologyWorld" to say sorry for what he had done. A whole world to say he was sorry. That's why I can't remember what he did wrong in the first place.

Hip, Hip, Hooray for Memorial Day!!

2011-05-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

For my pilot husband, spending the day in an aircraft museum is about the best day ever. So since he had Memorial Day off, we went with our family friends the Cotterells to the Hill Air Force Base Museum. The Airplanes they had there were pretty amazing, and Jeff could tell you what they all were (he's handsome AND smart!). This is a pretty amazing place, and I felt just the right place to help us remember what Memorial Day was about.

Ethan, by the end was just the slightest but bored... He didn't even move when I told him a shark was about to eat him.

Lauren sitting in an aircraft seat. She didn't bother to fasten all the belts; there were like, a thousand.

Disneyland Recap

2011-05-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

By the time you read this, I will already be gone...

2011-05-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

There are some things that you just can't help. Like your height, your family, food preferences, your love for a certain theme park...

When I first married Jeff, I think he really didn't understand this love affair I have with Disneyland. I would want to go all the time, and he wasn't so much into that. Now that we've been married 12+ years, let's just say he is converted. He is usually the one who plans the trip, and who wants to go. He just decided a week ago that we were going to go. I love that we are spontaneous, fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants, don't care about the consequences family. At least when it comes to the Happiest Place on Earth. This is the best mother's day present, EVER!!

See you in a week!!

p.s. This photo was taken on our last trip to the big D, 18 months ago.

say hello to my double-digit daughter

2011-05-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

happy birthday to my firstborn!! what a sweet, helpful, smart girl she is growing up to be!

Tell Me How You Really Feel...

2011-04-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

In case you can't decipher the message written in frosting, it says "I hate school".

I guess I shouldn't let Brynnlee frost her own toaster strudel anymore.

This is not what would be considered a "breakfast of champions".

Webkinz Prom

2011-04-20T17:26:00.001-07:00

Brynnlee and Lauren hosted a Webkinz prom last week. Aren't all those couples adorable? They even borrowed my ipod to play the Webkinz some music. Look closely at the pictures, each of the animals has a bow either in their "hair" or as a bowtie.

when it rains it pours...

2011-03-05T16:18:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, I am an avid Jazz fan. I love the Jazz. We recently were dealt a few blows, what with Jerry retiring mid season and then the surprise trade of Deron. Despite these setbacks, I hoped for a winning season. Now, with the record 32-30, I feel I just have to vent a little!! What the heck?? Dear Greg Miller, you are screwing the team and the state that your dad loved so much! How come we can't win any games? at home, on the road, it doesn't matter! I am super frustrated, and it doesn't help that my dear husband, who has no love lost for the Jazz (he grew up in LA) keeps rubbing it in! I think he threw away the Jazz t-shirt that I bought for Ethan.

Well, despite the dismal outlook for my team, I'm no fair-weather fan. I will love the Jazz until the day I die, but I wish that management would help me out a little!

And I can always cheer for my second favorite, Boston. Just as long as it's not Miami or the Lakers.

If a Pirate and a Ninja fought, who would win?

2011-03-05T15:02:00.001-08:00

So it's a lazy Saturday afternoon, and the girls decide to dress up and do a play for me... They are now staging the epic story of "Ninja vs. Pirate". Ethan thinks there will be a sequel called "Pirate vs. Ninja Zombies".

Maybe we should go to the park...

And the winner is...

2010-12-26T15:03:00.001-08:00

Her tooth fell out about a week before ethan's! Yay Lauren!

I'm Thankful for Ethan

2010-12-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

Ethan's Kindergarten class did the sweetest little program for Thanksgiving. They did the pilgrim hats and sang pilgrim songs, and "America the Beautiful", and then they put on their Indian head dresses and did an eagle dance, with a drum circle and everything. I tried to get a picture of that, but I couldn't get Ethan to hold still long enough. Go figure.

Anyway, his whole class took a turn to say what they were grateful for, and we heard sweet little answers like, "my mom", "my baby sister", "Jesus", "America", "My family", and when it was my Ethan's turn, he said "I'm grateful my house didn't burn down".

I just LOVE him!!

Brynnlee, Ethan, Grandma and Grandpa Maynard

Ethan ringing his bell.

Ethan as an Indian. He could see me pointing the camera at him, hence the cheesy smile.

They knew the sign language for America the Beautiful. It was so awesome!!

Sorry for the fuzzy pictures, I was far away, and I haven't quite figured out my camera yet.

Who's Gonna Win?

2010-12-02T19:31:00.001-08:00

Ethan, who is in Kindergarten, and Lauren, who is in the 2nd grade, both have their first loose tooth. Who do you guess will lose it first??

Holy Cow! Where have you been??

2010-11-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

what? It's been 5 months (give or take a week) since I last posted? well, here is the highlight reel of what you missed in BonnerLand:

Lauren turned 7!!

Ethan graduated from preschool

and started Kindergarten.

Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Mike came to stay while mom went to girls camp (sorry, no pictures available of that).

Autumn came.

Halloween! Lauren was a pirate, Ethan was a skeleton, Brynnlee was a candy corn witch.

And so... look for us in the near future, I promise it won't be another 5 months!!

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation"

2010-05-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Dance Recital

2010-05-26T21:47:00.001-07:00

the title on this one pretty much is self-explanatory, so enjoy these pictures of my girls who wish they could wear makeup all the time.

with their flowers from dad. It’s now a tradition that he brings them flowers after their recitals, which they reminded him of.

Lauren had 2 numbers, “Dancing Queen” and “Rockstar”.

Was there ever a girl who could shake her hips like this one? The answer, my friend, is no.

Brynnlee is in tumbling this year, and they performed “It’s a Hard Knock Life”.

Brynnlee, in practicing for this routine, was constantly flipping around and walking on her hands at home, in the front room. I channeled my dad and told her “the house is not a gymnasium” more times than I can count, but it paid off, because she was AWESOME!

Quarantine

2010-05-21T11:44:00.001-07:00

When a ship has a disease aboard, they fly this flag so that nobody comes on and catches the disease.

But I am thinking of putting up a flag that looks like this in my front window-

You might be wondering,“Why would you do that, Stacie? Why put a picture of a chicken in your window, unless one of your children has chicken pox?”

Yeah, someone does have chicken pox!! and by that cute belly poking out, I bet you can guess who.

Okay, these aren’t the best pictures, but if you look closely you will see what the doctor has diagnosed as a “mild case of chicken pox”. Don’t worry, she has been immunized, so this case will likely be over in just a few days, but until then, I’m afraid we are quarantined!

Teacher Appreciation

2010-05-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Since I am the room parent for my 3rd graders class, I ~~had~~ got to decorate her door last week for Teacher Appreciation Week. I wanted to show you what I did, in case anyone else found themselves in want of a decorated door idea.

Also, feel free to validate me by telling me how cute this door is.

9 years come and gone

2010-05-06T15:51:00.001-07:00

My firstborn just turned 9 last week. Though it doesn’t feel like yesterday, it sure doesn’t feel like 9 years has passed since she was born. She sure is a sweet girl, and a blessing to our family. She is SO SMART!! This girl loves to read. She will literally stay up all night to read a book, and has on several occasions. She has gotten 100% on every spelling test this year. I always tell her she is too smart (for her own good).

She is a friendly, kind girl, who loves to make friends and looks for opportunities to talk to others, especially if they look like they need a friend. Brynnlee is careful not to hurt anyone’s feelings, and always thinks about others. She is brave and will try new things, even if she doesn’t think she will like it. She is a good daughter, and I am so glad that I am her mom. Happy Birthday, (not so) little Brynnie!!

abra-BOW-dabra

2010-03-25T19:52:00.001-07:00

I love to buy pretty ribbon. Some (Jeff) might say it’s a problem. Fortunately, my friend Ally has given me a new skill that will help me to use my year’s supply of ribbon.

You can’t even see it all here, but this is a little bit of the ribbon that I own.

Here is an almost finished product.

I have been hard at work making little girl’s hairbows. They look darling in actual hair (as opposed to sitting on a table or counter). I will post pictures as soon as I can find the battery to my camera. Or maybe it’s time for a new camera…

What have we been up to?

2010-03-15T10:34:00.001-07:00

It’s been a while. Sorry. But I don’t really have anything new to report. let’s see….

Girls are back on track. And it’s a good thing. I think we did pretty well for the first 2 weeks of off-track, but that last week, it was hard. We were all bored. So back to school for all of us. Yes, even me, because I got a job at the elementary school helping out in Kindergarten. It’s so fun! the little kids make me laugh so hard. Except when one asked me if I was pregnant. Then I wasn’t laughing.

Ethan’s got mad reading skillz. His preschool teacher is the BEST!! She is always teaching them cute songs, and rhymes to help them with reading, and Ethan has started bringing books home and he can sound out the words, so I give the credit to Miss Angie. And his genius DNA.

Jeff and I are the same, nothing new here. We are getting ready to speak in church on Sunday. Jealous much?

Well, that’s all I can think of for right now.

Until next time!

Girl Scout Cookies Forever! A History Quiz

2010-02-20T06:52:00.001-08:00

Girl Scout Cookies Forever! A History Quiz

Posted using ShareThis

I am a Janeite

2010-02-13T10:24:00.001-08:00

I admit it. I love everything Jane Austen. She was a literary genius!! I remember reading Pride and Prejudice when I was in the 9th grade and I have been in love ever since. My mom and I would watch the old movie, with Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson. When the BBC version came out on A&E, we watched the miniseries, and bought the DVD when it came out. And though it isn’t as true to the story as the BBC version, the most recent Keira Knightly one is my favorite. I watch it probably once a month.

But I haven’t actually read the book since the 9th grade. And I don’t think I have read any other Austen books in at least 10 years. So I am going to read all of her novels, and try to read her other short stories, so feel free to join me and maybe we can discuss which one of her works os her masterpiece. Though I think we can safely say right now it’s Pride and Prejudice.

I Have an ANNOUNCEMENT!!

2010-02-09T16:49:00.001-08:00

Announcing…

I LOVE to put balloons up my shirt.

2010-02-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

Oh, one of THOSE kids…

2010-02-02T13:38:00.001-08:00

Do your kids have friends who say inappropriate things, tell your kids things you don’t want them to know, teach them words they shouldn’t say?

I realized today, to my horror, my son might be one of those kids.

He had a little friend over today after preschool, and over their corndogs, Ethan starts telling his friend about a scary movie we have called “Sleepy Hollow” where the bad guy chops off people’s heads. I say, “Ethan, let’s not talk about movies like that.” and still Ethan continues to detail for his 4 year old friend how the guy on the horse chases people and chops off their heads.

After lunch, Ethan’s friend asks where the bathroom is, and Ethan asks what EXACTLY he has to do in there (“do you have to pee or poop?”). I have to remind him that it’s bad manners to ask someone that.

And I just heard him say crap. I don’t know where he gets it.

So if you ever ask Ethan over to your house to play, and your kids start talking about gory movies or saying the word crap, I apologize.

Happy birthday, Husband!

2010-01-26T21:37:00.000-08:00

35 today!! We love you, SO MUCH!!

Talents

2010-01-15T15:25:00.001-08:00

Once my friend, let’s call her Ally, told me that I needed to be better at accepting compliments. Then she made me say 3 things that I was good at. Guess what I said?

1. Eating pie (‘cause once Jeff said that was one of my talents)

2. Making amniotic fluid

3. I don’t remember what else I said

So ever since then, I have tried to be more gracious at accepting compliments. I also have been thinking of what I am actually good at. So I am going to toot my own horn, butter my own bread, pat myself on the back, (you get the idea) for this post.

1. I am creative. I can make wicked cute tags and cards.

2. I am friendly, and I think I can put people at ease.

3. I have a newly discovered love of sewing. I’m not sure I would call this a talent yet, but I want it to be. And I have a very talented mom, who had a very talented mom, who had a talented mom, etc. so I think I have the gene.

4. I am a REALLY good cleaner. You could eat off my floors, but don’t because that’s gross.

5. I am an awesome speller.

6. I am a fantastic reader. I can read fast, and I can remember what I read. I love reading.

7. I can’t sing very well, but I can remember lyrics. Especially for Disney songs. Weird, I know.

So there you go. Now I would love for you, my readers, to leave a comment about what your talents are. What you are good at, or even a talent you are developing. Because we all could use a little love, especially from ourselves.

Did you ever watch The Muppet Show?

2010-01-12T13:29:00.001-08:00

Who doesn’t love ruffles?

2009-12-15T09:21:00.001-08:00

Now that I own a sewing machine, I sometimes look for cute projects on other people’s blogs. I saw a tutorial online on how to make ruffle-y skirts and I thought I would make my girls Christmas skirts. Originally, they were going to be red, white and green, but as I was sewing them, I was thinking, they should be going to a mexican fiesta. I showed Jeff and he said it looked like a ruffled flag of Mexico. So I took off the green. Now they just look like candy canes.

Anyway, these were my first real sewing projects. I have made some jammies and pillowcases, but they were pretty easy. These skirts were a little more intense. So in my head, they are darling, probably because I am proud of myself for sewing them. So if they are actually, not in fact very cute, please don’t tell me. I would like to go on believing that I am nurturing a talent.

Twilight changes everything...

2009-12-14T11:46:00.001-08:00

Wikipedia

2009-12-03T10:31:00.001-08:00

Does anyone else look up random stuff on wikipedia when you’re bored? No? Just me? Oh.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!

2009-11-21T12:23:00.001-08:00

That’s right, our annual trip to Disneyland!! For the last couple years we have gone in November, right before Thanksgiving. We love to go at this time because the park isn’t crowded, and all the Christmas decorations are up. We usually go with our friends, the Cotterells, and this year, we took the Davis family, too. (That’s a party of 15, in case you were wondering.)

It was a lot of fun, as always! Thanks Cotterells and Davises for sharing the Disney magic.

9 kids total, (one is missing from this picture)

Can’t wait for next year!!

You're invited to our wedding reception, 11 years later

2009-11-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

Saturday was our anniversary.

So I wanted to relive the memories from 11 years ago.

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart! I love you!

more gratitude

2009-11-08T09:59:00.001-08:00

Everyday, I have tried to recognize those things and people in my life that are blessings. Wow! I am amazed at how much I have!

-My house- I sometimes complain that I want a new house, or that this one is too small, but I am grateful that we have a house!! And a house payment we can afford. A lot of people right now don’t have that… I am grateful for a nice, cozy, warm home that we can afford and we aren’t worried about losing it.

-Education- I am grateful for the education that I received. And also for the education that Jeff received. I know there are some people who can’t (or don’t) get an education, and I am glad that I did (and will).

-my neighbors- I have the BEST neighbors. Not only can I borrow sugar or butter from them, but they also help out with my kids, and any other problems I may be having. I am very blessed to have such great neighbors.

-My country- I know that there were many people who sacrificed their lives so that I could enjoy the freedoms I do. I am grateful to Heavenly Father for setting this choice land apart.

-Music- Though I am not blessed with any musical talent (that’s an understatement), I have an immense appreciation for music of all kinds. I am especially grateful for those who are musically talented who share their gifts with others. I have been uplifted and inspired many times by music.

These are a few more things I am grateful for.

An attitude of gratitude

2009-11-03T09:47:00.001-08:00

In this month of Thanksgiving, I have decided to focus on gratitude. I was inspired by reading a talk about having more gratitude. If you want to read it, go here.

Of course I am grateful for my family, our health, the gospel, my Savior and His Atonement. These are fairly obvious to me. But I am grateful for the small things. the everyday manifestations of my Heavenly Father’s love for me. So I want to post about things that I am grateful for, that I may recognize more blessings, and draw closer to Him that gave them to me.

So day one of my ‘attitude of gratitude’ I would like to give thanks for my children. I know it’s obvious, but they really are my greatest source of joy. Not just happiness, pure JOY! I love being a mom, and I love taking care of them. I love to squeeze them,and tuck them in every night. I love to listen to their stories, and help them learn new things. I especially love to hear them tell me they love me, too. I give gratitude for the blessings (and trials) of being a mother.

Halloween

2009-11-01T07:55:00.001-08:00

A black cat, a musketeer, and a skeleton.

Last night after trick or treating, Brynnlee was already planning next year’s outfit. She was kind of bummed that Lauren got to wear makeup, and she didn’t (aside from the eyeliner whiskers).

Hope you had a great Halloween!!

U2!!

2009-10-24T17:46:00.001-07:00

I am the U and Jeff is the 2. See it?

Oh, you guys!! It was SO FREAKING AWESOME!! I wouldn’t say No Line on the Horizon is my favorite album, so I was kind of thinking this concert wouldn’t be my favorite, but luckily they didn’t play everything from the new album. They played a lot of the old stuff, too. It was so great when they started Mysterious Ways, and after 2 notes, everybody is jumping and screaming, and singing along. Oh. how I love that band!!

The band is as awesome as ever. Bono is singing the whole time, running around the stage and bantering with the crowd. He is such a great performer. I loved it!

Rumor is they will be hitting Salt Lake on the second leg of their North American tour, so maybe in June or July… You know I will be there!!

VEGAS- here we come!!

2009-10-22T20:29:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow morning, Jeff and I, with Susy and Clark are roadtripping to Vegas to see THE BEST BAND OF ALL TIME!

Yes, we are going to see U2!!

Happy birthday to me!!

I’ll let you know how it was, but it’s a pretty safe bet that IT WAS AWESOME!!

BEST DAY EVER!!

2009-10-14T13:15:00.001-07:00

In our neighborhood, we have this thing going around- if you get “booed” someone leaves a treat and this picture on your doorstep, anonymously. Then you put the picture up in your window, and take a treat to two other houses who haven’t been “booed” yet. Imagine my delight when last night, we open the door to find that we had been booed!! And it isn’t even halfway through the month yet!! I mean, I don’t want to brag, but I think that the fact that I was an “early boo” speaks for itself. Can you say POPULAR?? Plus, we got Oreo Cakesters! Could this day be any better??

Word of Warning

2009-10-13T13:59:00.001-07:00

If you have all your pictures stored on your computer, and no hard copies, or not stored somewhere else, like an external hard drive, or backup discs, because you think ‘I don’t have to back my pictures up, nothing will happen to them.’ be warned. This is a picture of my hard drive. Smashed. I won’t go into details of what happened, but I am warning everyone who reads this (all 7 of you) to BACK UP YOUR PICTURES! Because I can replace my music, retype my documents, redo my genealogy, reload all my fonts and almost everything else lost on my computer except the pictures. Learn from my very sad mistake. :(

I LOVE GOURDS!!

2009-10-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know if zucchini is technically a gourd, probably not, but I love it as much as a gourd!
So today for lunch I had yellow squash and zucchini (fried in butter, topped with mozzerella cheese-super healthy) and last night for dinner, we had butternut squash soup. I just found a recipe for pumpkin bread , and I am thinking of making butternut squash ravioli for dinner tonight! I feel so fall-ish!

What would cause this???

2009-09-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

My eye has been twitching for the last three days. And not just an occasional twitch, an almost constant seizure. My left eye. Maybe I'm dying...

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

2009-09-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here's my little man. 5 Years old yesterday.
Say it with me... how time flies.
I am so grateful for this happy little bundle of energy. He is so happy, and sweet. Sometimes, he'll just say to me "Mom, I love you." Right out of the blue.
He is always smiling, and I love his little laugh. He is such a blessing to our family. He loves to help me out, even though he would rather be in pre-school. He is great at building LEGOS and riding his bike. Yesterday for his birthday, he got a new scooter, and has been riding around all day (in the house, by the way).
I love you, buddy! I'm so glad you are in our family.

A Poem by Brynnlee

2009-09-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

When Cats Dance

Cats may disco when they're glad,
Rumba when they're feeling mad.
Hip hop cats are never sad,
But my cats love to tango.
Gliding smoothly through the door
Sliding 'cross the kitchen floor
To the music they adore.
Heads held high, they strike a pose.
In their teeth, they hold a rose.
Oh, those tabby twinkletoes
Are awesome when they tango.

Written all by her 8-year old self, with no help! What a smartie!

Speaking of BONNERMANIA....

2009-08-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Family pictures. The last time we had these done was 3 years ago.

The last time Jeff and I posed like this was for our engagement pictures. Which was 11 years ago! How time flies!

Dino-mite!!

2009-08-20T12:39:00.001-07:00

Do you know where the World's Largest Dinosaur Museum is? Here in Utah, at a place called Thanksgiving Point. That's right, the whole world. So Thanksgiving Point runs a deal in the summer called "Two Dollar Tuesday" where you can get into the world's largest disnosaur museum for... you guessed it, two bucks. So Tuesday, my friend Courtnie and I braved the crowds (and I do mean crowds, at least a million people) and took our little ones to explore the Museum of Ancient Life.

It was very interesting and the kids loved seeing all the fossils and skeletons. they have a lot of hands on exhibits, where you can touch and feel different things. There is also a big sandbox, with water where you can build a canyon, but at least 300 kids were already playing there, so sadly for my children, we didn't get to partake of the germs, I mean build a canyon.

Ethan pretending to read about a Triceratops.

Kids not being scared of a giant shark. They tried to tell me this was real, but there's no foolin' me!

Like I said, the whole thing is really hands-on, and this exhibit showed where certain dinos probably lived.

Here are Brynn and Ethan making their own dinosaur with velcro appendages. Kind of creepy, 'cause you could have a headless, 5 legged creature, but whatever.

So on day 2 of being off track, we already have had 2 educational field trips (Monday we went to This is The Place State Park, but I forgot my camera). So now we can do nothing else for the two and a half weeks left before we go back. I wouldn't want my kids to learn too much.

Warning, bonnerites!

2009-08-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Do you know what I'm NOT good at? Well, in this particular case I'm talking about updating my blog. Either I am boring, and don't do anything worth blogging about, or I just don't have the time to blog our everyday adventures. I'm going to say it's because I don't have the time. Because let's face it, it's definately NOT because I'm boring. So to my blogging community (that's right, I called you Bonnerites), stay tuned... Bonnermania is about to get crazy.

A day in Temple Square

2009-07-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Mike and Grandma Debbie came to visit from California. So we decided to take them on a tour of Temple Square. Debbie is a great photographer, but these pictures are from me. Maybe Grandma could have gotten Ethan to smile.

I NEED YOUR HELP!!

2009-06-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

Attitude, attitude, attitude. That's about all I get from this girl. And not a happy attitude, either. She cries when it's time for school, she cries when it's time for church, she cries if Lauren gets something she doesn't, she cries when she doesn't like what's for dinner,she cries if she doesn't like what I pick out for her to wear, she cries if someone looks at her "in a grumpy way". You might think it's because summer is almost here, but she's pretty much been this way for the last several months. Crying, pouting, complaining, and crying some more. I have tried everything I can think of. Is it because she's 8? Is it because she is a girl? Is it because she doesn't get enough attention? Is it because I am a terrible mom? What should I do???

It's someone's birthday!

2009-06-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

I know it's cliche, but how time flies. One day you are holding your tiny baby, thinking how sweet and innocent they are, and before you know it, that little person is turning six years old. She is full of personality, and still sweet, when she wants to be, but also not afraid to tell you what she thinks. She is sassy, and smart, and adorable and a little naughty, and sensitive and forgiving and a bit of a bully, but only to her siblings. She likes to tease but is not really fond of being teased herself. She is a born nurturer-she loves small babies and children, even ones who are about as big as she is. I just love the person that she is, and the person she is becoming. Happy Birthday Lauren!

Pondering the Beauty of the Universe...

2009-05-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

I just saw these AMAZING pictures today. I don't really get that excited about outerspace. In fact, I kind of don't care that much about it. But even I can appreciate the beauty of these pictures.

If you want to see more pictures, go to this website.

EIGHT IS GREAT!!

2009-05-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Because of my church calling, I get to go to baptisms every month, and I love it. It's my favorite part of being in Primary. But this month was special. I have been looking forward to today's baptism for a long time. Why? Because it was my daughter getting baptized! Can you believe it?

Like I said, every baptism is special, but it was extra meaningful today. I love this gospel, and I love my Savior and I am so proud that Brynn chose to be baptized. I am proud of the girl she is becoming and I am touched when she bears her budding testimony. I hope that this church brings her the same joy and happiness it brings me. It is my greatest joy to be a mom, and I thank my Heavenly Father for my family, and the blessings of being a member of His church.

'Cause we party like ROCK STARS!!

2009-04-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know what that really means. But we partied like the Disney rock stars . A rock star themed party seemed to be what an 8 year old would enjoy. She's a bit too old for princesses and ponies, you know?
So for the invitations, we sent VIP backstage passes. When the guests arrived, they were ushered into the VIP lounge, where bottled water and M&Ms awaited. To make them feel like rock stars, we tattooed their arms (I still have a ton of these left, if anyone wants a temporary lightening bolt tattoo). They decorated their own CD cover and CD, with the soundtrack to Brynnlee's party (think RadioDisney greatest hits). Then we rocked out to Miley, the Jonas Brothers, HSM, Hilary Duff, Aly and AJ, Demi Lovato, and a few others (seriously, RadioDisney). Good thing we all had inflatable microphones and guitars. It was really fun to see the girls rocking out, playing guitar. So glad they didn't have inflatable drum sets. Then we all enjoyed a guitar shaped cupcake cake (cupcakes all together, so it looks like a cake, but it's a bunch of cupcakes. Very clever!). After opening presents, the girls got their swag bags and went home!
I can't believe that my little girl is 8!!

the Bravest Daddy in the World

2009-04-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

The other night, Jeff promised the girls Pokemon cards. He went to Walmart and wasn't back before I put them to bed. The girls pleaded to stay up and wait for their Pokemon cards, but I steadfastly refused (for which I was called a meanie) and told them the cards would be there tomorrow.

Shortly after I told them this, Jeff came home with the cards, and took them into the girls' room. They asked if they could open them, and Jeff was happy to play the hero and open the packages. Brynnlee told Jeff he "was the bravest Daddy in the whole world for opening the Pokemon cards even after Mommy said NO".

Well, every girl needs a knight in shining armor and a dragon for him to defy, right?

Iceman

2009-04-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

If you know Jeff, you know he likes to upgrade (except me, of course. I am already top of the line). So when he started his rc airplane hobby, I should have seen this coming.

Jeff started flight training to get his private pilot's license. He LOVES it!! We are already planning for the day when he can fly our family to Disneyland. He has taken Lauren on a few

lessons with him, she thinks she is the co-pilot.

Pickle Juice

2009-03-26T08:35:00.001-07:00

Is this weird?
Lauren is my pickiest eater. And she LOVES pickles. So when we ate the last of the pickles, I left the jar full of pickle juice (brine?) on the counter and turned around to find her DRINKING the JUICE!! EW!!

Guess What We Did?

2009-03-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

It all started about a year ago, when the girls asked if they could get their ears pierced. Jeff said that when they turned 8 they could get them done. But then Brynn had to get a mole removed, and was really nervous about that. So I told her that if she was brave at the doctor, she could get her ears pierced right now (It's only a month before she turns 8). Well, she took that deal, but Lauren was a little sad that she still had 3 more years to go!!
So last Wednesday, Lauren and Brynn were playing in their room when Lauren fell and split her head open on the edge of her bedpost. As I was wiping up her face, I said to her that I thought she would need stitches. She began wailing that she didn't want stitches, she was too scared. But then the little wheels started turning in her brain, and ever the opportunist, she asked between sobs if she was brave getting stitches, could she get her ears pierced too? So Jeff, who is a sucker for his daughters, said 'of course, sweetheart, she could get her ears pierced, and would she like a cookie before Daddy took her to the doctor?'
So 4 stitches and a few days later, Mom took the girls to get their ears pierced. Saturday morning, they couldn't contain their excitement. When I asked who was going to go first, they both enthusiastically raised their hands. But as we made our way down the mall to the store where the piercing would be done, they started to lose some courage. Both offered to let the other go first. Brynnlee ended up taking the plunge first, and did very well, besides really sweaty hands. Then Lauren got in, looking pale already. After the first ear, she started to cry, but the girl doing the piercing quickly finished, and then gave her a sucker. So all was well. And both girls asked to have their hair up yesterday for church, so as to offer better views of their earrings.

Funny Kids

2009-02-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

Dress ups. Gotta love 'em.

This Winnie the Pooh costume is a size 18month. Ethan is 4.

Lauren and Ethan loving Brynnlee. Brynnlee not loving that.

Yes, those are witchy tights and a leotard. She put it together herself.

Princess Brynnlee. Picking up her skirt in a most ladylike fashion.

Something FUN!!

2009-02-21T07:46:00.001-08:00

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be photography or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may sew or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!}

Happy Birthday, Jeff

2009-01-26T09:41:00.001-08:00

Today is Jeff's 34th birthday.

I think I must be the luckiest girl in the world to be married to such a great guy. Let me give you the top 5 reasons why I love Jeff, in no particular order:

-He is a very hard worker. He works hard at his job to provide for his family. He makes a good living so I can stay home with our kids.

-He makes me laugh. he says the funniest, off the wall things. Some of which are inappropriate, but all of which make me laugh.

-He is a fantastic dad. There is no doubt that he loves his family. It always makes me smile when he calls the kids (just the girls, really) funny names. The other day he called Lauren "sugar biscuits". I love that.

-He is a smarty-pants. He mostly knows the answers to any questions I ask him. Whether it's religion, politics, world events, local news, history, weather, or whatever, he knows what's going on. I like that he takes time to explain things to me if I don't understand.

-He is so good-looking!

So happy birthday, sweetheart! Hope you know how much I love you!

Pirates of the Caribbean

2009-01-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I spent the most amazing week in the Caribbean on a 7 night cruise. We left out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and had stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten/St. Martin (depending on which side of the island you are on), Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados. Here are a few of the highlights...

There is a big, old fort in old San Juan called El Morro. We walked around and read a little about the history of the fort. I was sure there were ghosts there. It is also very windy.

In front (or in back) of El Morro.

This cathedral was very pretty and we stopped to take pictures, turns out there was a wedding going on! So we sat in on it for a while.

This was our stateroom. Um... not really that much to tell about it.

Our first stop, St. Thomas. We went to a beach called Magen's beach, which was supposed to be one of the best in the world. Even though it was a little overcast, we all still had a great time.

A few nights on the ship, we went to the basketball court and played lightening. A word of warning!! If you know Susy Cotterell, watch out! She is AWESOME at this game!!

Our second stop was at St. Maarten/St. Martin. The island is shared between The Dutch and the French. So we got off on the Dutch side, rented a van, and drove to the french side and enjoyed Gallion Beach and Oriental Beach. Beware!! Even on the not-topless side of Oriental beach, women still take their tops off. Yeah, that was funny....

Clark, Susy, Jeff, Empty Chair, Jaime, Dave

Next up was Antigua. Clark, Susy, Jaime, Dave and Jeff and I just went to a beach and (tried to) read. We got a few locals trying to get us to buy jewelry and other stuff. Jaime and I caved and got our girls some necklaces and BFF anklets for us. At lunch, we got some really good barbeque chicken which came with some really good noodles. And we heard some crazy people yelling about how Antigua was God-fearin people. Good times.

St. Lucia was a little disappointing, to be honest. The island was beautiful, but when we went to the beach, we were litterally accosted every second by people wanting us to buy stuff from them, or rent their jet skiis. So though we liked the island, we didn't love that beach.

Clark, Taylor, Dave and Jeff

Our last stop was Barbados. And this was definately our favorite. At Crane beach, the sand was so soft and the water was an amazing color of turquoise. We were lucky to get this guy named Sylvester as our driver. Dave (a guy in our group) who had been telling everyone we met about the church, started talking to Sylvester about the church and the missionaries. Sylvester said he would like to hear more about it, and gave us his card, with all of his contact info on it. Then on the way back to the ship, Sylvester took us to the LDS chapel on Barbados, and the gates were unlocked, and there were some construction people working on the building. So we took Sylvester inside and showed him around the chapel. It was so great to plant the seed. We gave his info to Courtnie's dad (who is a mission president in Atlanta) and hopefully, Sylvester will join the church!

This is my awesome stud of a husband rock climbing the fake rock wall. He climbed it in less than 2 minutes.

So after we would leave the ports of call, that's when the real fun would begin. There were a few shows we went to, but mostly we would play basketball, or go dancing, or my personal favorite, playing games in the game room(I am freaking awesome at Mafia!!). Oh, and there was a little KARAOKE. Let's just say "Loveshack" never sounded so good (good job Court and Susy!). I am so glad we went with so many fun people. I don't think I have laughed so hard in a VERY long time. So thanks, Jaime and Dave, Clark and Susy, Courtnie and Taylor, Ryan and Tiffany, Jared and Jill, Steve and Pauline, Mike and Kayleen, Teresa and Dave, Pete and Rachel, Cary Jo and Tim, and especially Dirk and LillyAnn.

But most of all, I'd like to thank my wonderful husband. Thanks to his hard work, we got to go on the cruise, and I am so glad that he is my best friend, and the person that I'd most like to be with. I had such a great time with you, Jeff. I love you very much. And I'd love you even if you didn't take me on awesome cruises.

God Bless America

2009-01-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

I just got done watching the inauguration of President Obama. And gosh darn it if I didn't get a little teary during the whole thing!! I thought the whole campaign slogan thing "Can we make a difference? Yes we can!" was a little hokey. I rolled my eyes when he won. But watching President Obama's inauguration speech today, I was moved and hopeful for this nation. I believe that he can make a difference. I believe that we as Americans have a great opportunity to make for ourselves a better nation. I think that any person who would serve as President of the United States must love their country. I hope that the next 4 years are a fulfillment of the hopes and promises made today. I love this country and I feel so blessed to have been able to witness the democratic process in action. Though I didn't vote for Barack Obama, I am hopeful for the future. I believe that where much is given, much is required, and I am ready to do my part to help keep the United States if America the greatest nation on Earth. God bless America!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T15:32:00.001-08:00

New Years Eve started at my parents house. Dec 31 is my dad's birthday so we usually go out to dinner to celebrate. This year, we decided to have enchiladas at home. So 21 people came over for dinner at cake. The kids all gave my dad a Wii Fit (that's what he wanted) and Bubba found these rockin' awesome sweatbands. Dad was a good sport and put them on for this picture.

Then after the Maynard party we went to Clark and Susy's to ring in the new year. Clark lit a TON of illegal fireworks in the street, and then we went inside to eat some more. Finally we got the kids settled and in bed, and the adults went downstairs for the real party. But we were so tired from watching Clark's awesome pyrotechnic display, we all fell asleep at 12:20 (or so). But regardless, we had a great time, and are very grateful for the Cotterells and their illegal fireworks. (okay, there were no illegal fireworks. Clark is a bishop now, he can't really do things like that.)

So on the way home from Clark and Susy's, the night before finally caught up to the kids.

So Happy New Year to all!! We hope that 2009 brings plenty of fun, and plenty more rest!!

Hooray for Santa!

2009-01-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

I know it took me a long time to post our Christmas, but here are a few of the highlights.

When I was a kid there was nothing better than waking up on Christmas to a room full of presents and day to play with them. I think you could literally feel the magic on Christmas eve as you anticipated what Santa would leave you the next morning.

Now that I am (slightly) older, the magic is more real to me now, as I see the joy on my kids faces. On Christmas morning Brynnlee came in at 5am to ask permission to look at the presents downstairs. Just to see her face and know that she believes in that magic is so wonderful to me. I know that there are people who think that Santa shouldn't be part of this season, but not me. I am all for something that represents such joy and happiness, not to mention innocence. I love that my kids believe. And I do too.

Let It Snow

2008-12-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

Saturday brought about 4 inches of snow, so we took the kids to the park to do a little sledding. Most all the parks by our house have a hill, probably for this very purpose. So while the kids took turns sliding down the hill, what was Jeff doing? A little sledding of his own! Turns out they make skiis for airplanes. It was fun, and he gathered quite the crowd to watch him fly his bi-plane. And don't worry, he didn't crash!

Sue's Christmas Party

2008-12-20T11:30:00.001-08:00

The care center where Sue is staying (hopefully not much longer) had a Christmas party last week. So the kids and I went over and had a delicious dinner and listened to some high school madrigals sing. It was nice to have a little holiday cheer.

15 stitches

2008-12-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

We had a bit of an accident on saturday. Want to guess who the lucky recipient of 15 external (and 4 deep tissue) stitches is?

Yep, that's right. It was Jeff. He was fixing an airplane (RC) and the engine started up, and the propeller cut right through to the bone. I won't even go into the mess he left on the carpet. So he went to the instacare and they fixed him right up! Some people might be a little gunshy after an encounter like that, but not Jeff. He came home from the doctor and went flying. Way to get right back on the horse, honey.

Disneyland!!

2008-11-22T12:26:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, we took our kids to California, and surprised them with a trip to the Magic Kingdom. We went with our good friends the Cotterells, and stayed for 5 whole days! (which guarantees that I don't want to go again for a while.) We are definately a Disney family, even Jeff has been converted, I think. He loves to go with the kids. So we got back early this morning, around 3am (I am still buzzing from the 3 AMPs I drank for the ride home). So while we love Mickey and the gang, it's always nice to come back home.

Josh the HERO!

2008-11-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

Josh the super computer doctor saved my computer! So I am back in business! Read below for an update of all that you've missed!

Poor little man

2008-11-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

The night before Sue went in for surgery, Ethan was jumping on the couch, and fell onto the coffee table. We just thought he bumped his neck, and like good parents, sent him to bed. The next morning, he was complaining of his shoulder hurting, so I took him to the Instacare. And guess what? He has a broken clavacle. And now that Ethan knows that is the right term, he tells people that he "has broken clavacle-that means collarbone". He will be in a sling for about 4 weeks, but so far, it hasn't bothered him too much. Except when Lauren pokes him and asks "Does that hurt?"

Sue in the hospital

2008-11-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

I won't post a picture, because I know Sue would be mad, but after a month in and out of the hospital, she finally had a surgery to remove a blockage from her small intestine. The surgery was a success(an eight and a half hour surgery), and she is recovering. Considering all my mother-in-law has been through, she is doing so well. It's going to be a slow recovery, but worth it in the long run. We are glad she made it through okay. Soon she will be back on solid foods, and out of the hospital. we love you, Sue!

Trick or Treat

2008-11-22T11:56:00.001-08:00

For Halloween this year, The girls dressed as witches and Ethan was a Jedi (with a light saber). We had a really fun day, first at the school parade, which cousins Morgan and Justin came to, and then trick or treating all over. We went to go visit Grandma Sue in the hospital, then we went to Jeff's work, then to Grandma Maynard's with all the cousins, then to Grandma Silcox's, then home to our neighborhood. It was raining a little, but a little precipitation can't stop us!!

my Halloween wreath

2008-11-22T11:51:00.001-08:00

I had a great idea to make a wreath for my front door. When I thought of the idea, I had a cute, fun wreath in mind, but it kind of turned out not so friendly. Good thing it was a Halloween wreath. Except that I was really busy the week after Halloween and I didn't take things down until the following Friday. So maybe my house wasn't so welcoming. At least I didn't get any solicitors!

Yay for 30!

2008-11-22T11:47:00.000-08:00

I am now thirty! It feels exactly the same as 29. Weird! Special thanks to Brynn for taking this picture.

out of commission

2008-11-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

my motherboard is broken. and no, that's not code for something else. So that is why there has been no posting lately. But rest assured, as soon as my laptop is fixed, i will be back, so check back!

boys and their toys

2008-10-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Jeff and one of his airplanes. Sadly, this one is no longer with us, but will always hold a special place in our hearts. We go up to the "airport" (an unfinished raod by our house) and watch Jeff fly around with his rc airplanes.

Which witch is which?

2008-10-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Gardner Village with our friends Courtnie, Ashlynn and Colby. Here's a picture of Brynnlee, Ashlynn, Ethan and Lauren, with favorite witch hats!

25 more days of my twenties

2008-09-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Let the countdown begin!! My birthday is on the 25th of October and I will be 30!! I can't wait! My friend asked me if I was sad, and I definately am not. This may sound cheesy, but I am ready for a new chapter of my life. In my twenties, I got married, had my kids, bought my first house, and I feel like I did a lot of growing. So I can hardly wait to see what my thirties hold. Bring it on!

Updates

2008-09-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a while so here is what we have been up to:
ethan started preschool. He loves it! He also had a birthday, so my baby is now 4. It is such a great time. We are just at the stage where our kids can go on (almost) all the rides at Disneyland. So we are probably going to go in October. YEAH DISNEYLAND!!
Lauren is still loving Kindergarten. She loves learning to read, and is very good at memorizing the easy readers that her teacher sends home, so she repeats them back to me, and calls it reading.
Brynnlee is rocking the second grade. She has lots of friends and recently started collecting Pokemon cards. I am clueless to this phenomenon. I just don't get Pokemon.
Jeff and I are the same, just doing our thing, waiting for January. I think I am going to look for a countdown clock until we go on our cruise. I can hardly wait!!

One year ago

2008-08-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

On the cruise ship, sailing through the Misty Fjords.

Pretty sure this guy was just dressed up as a mountie, I don't think he actually was a mountie. This was in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
Jeff-preparing to canoe to an island crab bake and rainforest walk.
The view coming into Juneau.

Jeff and I were reminiscing that exactly one year ago, we were on an Alakan cruise. So I thought I'd take a little walk down memory lane. It was a lot of fun, but we can't wait to go on our Caribbean cruise in January.

Lauren's Big Day

2008-08-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

Lauren Loves Kindergarten!!

we went to our first day at the big school today. Lauren remembered right where she was supposed to line up. The parents spent the first 30 minutes helping the kids to get settled (though most of the little kids were more ready to say goodbye than the parents). My eyes only misted up a few times (4), and I walked out of class before most other parents. When it was time to pick her up, Ethan and I waited for her out front, and she came running to tell us how much she LOVES her class. Great job, Lauren!!

Happy Birthday, Josh!

2008-08-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Josh's birthday was last Wednesday, so we had him down for dinner and cake and ice cream on Sunday. Happy Birthday, Josh!!

First Day of Second Grade

2008-07-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well, Brynnlee went to second grade today. She was really excited. She had a new outfit, complete with necklace and bracelets. So she woke up and got herself dressed and ready to go. You'd think that I'd be okay to send her off, but what do you know? I cried on the way home. Can't wait for Lauren to start Kindergarten next week. That ought to be not tearful at all.

Whistling Brynnlee

2008-07-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Brynnlee lost her two front teeth this week, within a few days of each other, and has had a hard time saying her 's' sounds. We all think it's funny, especially when she wants to play "My Sims" on her ds, and I make her keep repeating 'my thims' because I pretend I don't know what she is talking about. Oh, the simple pleasures.

Grandma's Aprons

2008-07-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Grandma Maynard made these very adorable aprons for the girls. I had a hard time convincing them to take them off at night. When they woke up the next morning, the first thing they did was put on their new aprons and come in to ask me for "baking lessons". We'll have to get started right away on that.

Sleepover

2008-07-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

How much do we love Morgan?

Cousins are the best! Morgan slept over last week. We never had so much fun singing and dancing and watching movies and not sleeping. Poor Ethan couldn't handle all the fun!

Days of '47

2008-07-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

Parades are fun, right? Who wouldn't want to be in a fun, short, (only half a mile)hot, kids parade in Salt Lake City? So the kids and I set off on Saturday morning to be in this little parade in the heart of downtown. We were supposed to be there no later than 9am. Unusually punctual, we arrived at 8:40, and proceeded to find the rest of our stake, near the end of the line (number 56 out of 58 entrants). Waiting patiently for 20 minutes, Ethan finally got bored and wandered off while Mom was handing out official neckerchiefs to the participating adults. Panicked, I ran all the way to the information booth, thinking 'how am I going to find him? Every kid here is wearing the same thing!' (blue jeans and a white t-shirt) Fortunately, Ethan is not shy and told everyone his name was Ethan Michael Bonner, so when I said I couldn't find my son, the girl in the information booth said, "Ethan, right?" PHEW!! So Ethan and I headed back to wait in line again for another 2 hours. Don't worry, it wasn't hot. Oh, wait. Yes it was.

Finally, it was our turn to start walking the parade route. Ethan, tired from his traumatic ordeal (see above), begged me to carry him, so he got to ride on my shoulders. Good thing it was only a half mile long. The girls walked with their friends,(Brynn and Kenzie Stokes in picture above) and helped carry our ward's banner. So we walked the parade, and at the end, they had a fun festival, full of bouncy slides and bounce houses. We didn't go. The kids were disappointed, but to make it up to them, I took them for hot fudge sundaes at Leatherby's, so all in all, it worked out for all of us.

Everybody's Doing It

2008-07-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

"Stacie, do you have a blog?" "What's your blog's name?" "Did you put that on your blog?"
So here it is; my foray into blogging. I just want to manage everyone's expectations, I don't think I will be winning any blogger's awards. (Are there blogger's awards?) So thanks for visiting, stop by again soon.