The Adventures of the Williams Family

Kids and braces

2012-01-08T23:19:00.000-08:00

My beautiful daughter and friend. :)
Here is a cute pic of the kids this year at Valas pumpkin patch. You can see Matt and Shelley's braces.. they look so cute in them. Nick and Holly are posing as usual. lol

15 YEARS

2012-01-08T22:46:00.000-08:00

In June Richard and I celebrated our 15th wedding Anniversary! I still remember that day like it was yesterday and I am so grateful for the wonderful marriage that he and I have and for the beautiful family we are raising!

June 15th 1996

June 2011.... STILL in love :)
And our love has grown into a beautiful family!!!! So thankful for my eternal family!

Nick's special day.. January 2011

2012-01-08T22:40:00.001-08:00

When we went to Nauvoo, Nick told me that he felt spirit so strongly. I know that his testimony has grown since his baptism.

I am so grateful that Nick made the decision to be baptized. He was so excited to do it and I know that he will be blessed. Of course it was a beautiful day watching his daddy baptize him a member of the church. One we will always remember.. I am glad that my sweet hubby is worthy to baptize our children. what a blessing!!!

It's been a year... where to start?

2012-01-08T21:53:00.001-08:00

Really?? Am I really this bad of a blogger? Wow.. It has been an entire year.. Not much has changed. Our kids are getting bigger and they sure do keep us busy. We just enjoyed a beautiful Christmas season and I am sorry to see it all end. We probably had one of the busier Christmas holiday breaks ever. Christmas Eve was spent with my parents and my brother Henry's family. My brother DeJay and his family came for a week after Christmas. It was sooo fun! We got to go ice skating, hang out and play games, visit and sing around the guitar and piano. We spent New Years in with Richard's family. Richard was able to go to a Broncos game with his brother and had so much fun. We enjoyed bowling and games and shopping with his family and we miss everyone already. I think I am still in shock that it is all over. I absolutely love the Christmas season and I am always so sad when it is over.. but, I am looking forward to the new year. Does anyone else think that each passing year keeps going faster and faster? Isn't there a pause button I can push somewhere? Matt is in High School and I can't imagine him growing any bigger and growing up. All of the kids are doing wonderfully. We are grateful for such sweet kids.

NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY......

No, we didn't have another child.. BUT, we have a Golden Retriever named Daisy. I swore forever I would never have a dog.. Too much work and the pee and poop everywhere. But, when I met this 4 1/2 year old dog I knew that she belonged to our family. Our wonderful friends the Pattersons moved to Valentine, Ne where they adopted this sweet doggy. She was having a hard time staying in their yard and kept wondering off (the previous owner allowed her a lot of freedom).. so they asked if we would want her. Long story short, we adopted her in September and we have all fell in love. She has totally captured my heart. She is the most exceptional dog. Really and truly the most sweet and wonderfully well behaved animal. She never makes a peep.. she has never had an accident in our house and is so gentle. The moment I saw her I knew that she had a gentle and sweet spirit. Her favorite thing to do is to go "bye, bye" with me in the car. We are so grateful for our sweet girl Daisy.

Here is some of the highlights from 2011:

Matthew: Sang solo in the Choir concert, plays the trumpet awesome,played football, bowls for the High School bowling league, went to Youth Conference and is old enough to go to church dances. He got braces. LOVEs to play Call of Duty on the PS3. He looks forward to turning 15 this spring and getting a permit.. (YIKES)

Shelley: Played a lot of Volleyball, plays the piano and flute. She is a beautiful 5' 10" young woman and enjoys to listen to music and have fun with her friends. She loves YW and went to Girls camp this year. She also got braces and is enjoying 7th grade.

Nicholas: Got baptized last January.. (what a special day). He played flag football and played basketball. loves to play the piano and practices all the time. He got eye glasses and spent his summer doing daring tricks on his bike. (scaring his mother all the time). He is so sweet and made sure that Santa got a special letter just from him.

Holly Anne: Holly started Kindergarten and mom has missed her so much! She is a big girl who sings and dances and cracks us up all the time. She is a bit of a drama queen.. but she is hilarious. She loves her friends and loves to play. She is a pro at riding a two wheel bike (been doing it since she was 4) She can beat me at a game of Checkers and loves to play "Go fishing" with cards. She looks so grown up holding her cards in her hands and being silly.

Mom and dad: Richard got a promotion this year he is a manager at Signal Design at the UPRR. He is busy working and being an awesome dad and hubby. I love him so much! We love watching our Huskers play football and Broncos too! I still teach piano lessons and I still love it. We love our membership in the LDS church and we are so thankful for the peace and happiness it brings us each day. A highlight of our year was when we went to Nauvoo. It was so wonderful to be with our children in such sacred places.We know that we are so blessed by our Heavenly Father and our Saviour.

2012..We look forward to the new year and hope that we are able to reach the goals we have set for ourselves.

2010 in Review

2010-12-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that 2010 is almost over! I really believe that your life just goes into fast forward mode as you get older. We have had a pretty basic and busy year. Enjoyed spending time with our loved ones this past Summer and our children have grown and kept us busy.

We are so grateful for our blessings!

I am not a great blogger, but would love to do better at writing and journaling about our little family.

This year:

January and February: Nicholas turned 7! In Feb. I hurt my back pretty bad.. didn't enjoy that too much ;). We had a lovely Valentines day and Shelley was busy playing Volleyball.

March and April: Birthdays anyone? Richard turned 38, Matt became a teenager, and Holly reached four years old! We ate lots of cake :) We enjoyed Easter and stayed busy with the everyday life.. school, work and piano.

May and June: Had the Spring Piano Recital where the 3 older performed. In June, we attended the funeral for Richard's grandmother Bernice. Saw all of Richards family in Idaho. That was really nice. We went to the Wiedrich Family reunion in Colorado up in the mountains. It was so wonderful! Shelley stayed in Wyoming to help with her new little cousin Maddison.

July and August: Celebrated a fantastic block party for the Fourth of July! Went swimming lots with the kids. For my Birthday several friends took me out and surprised me! (I have the greatest friends here) The kids went back to school. Matt started 8th grade, Shelley the 6th, Nick started 2nd and Holly started Pre-school... although she would still like to stay home with mom.

September and October: Husker football started!!! Matt played football for his Jr. High. Loved the weather and went to a fantastic Halloween party with amazing friends to sing Karaoke!!!

November and December: Saw lots of family over Thanksgiving and through the Christmas Season. Shelley turned 12 and started Young Womens. Matt and Nick played Basketball! Enjoyed and LOVED the Holidays and had a magical Christmas with my parents in town visiting. Looking forward to a new and exciting 2011!

The Children are doing so well. Read about their activities in the posts to follow!

I am so thankful for an amazing family! We are so blessed with such amazing friends. Really, Omaha is the coolest place to live. We feel like we belong here and love our Church family, our jobs and our friends! We Wish you all a wonderful New year and hope that you had a magical Christmas!

Holly Anne

2010-12-27T22:10:00.000-08:00

Isn't she darling? She is so sweet. She constantly tells her daddy and I how much she loves us. She loves to twirl our hair when we snuggle her. She started Pre school this fall, and actually isn't a huge fan. She doesn't like to leave me home alone.. and would prefer to stay home with mommy. It is good for her though, and I know it will help her prepare for Kindergarten next year. (Which blows my mind!!!!) She loves to go to Primary and she sings Primary songs all the time. Sometimes mixing up the words, which makes it pretty hilarious. She is so loved by her siblings. They think everything she does is the cutest. I can't believe our baby is so grown up! We are so lucky to have her!

Nicholas

2010-12-27T22:05:00.001-08:00

Nicholas is so fun! He has grown up so much this year. He's makes us laugh all the time. He is doing a great job as a 2nd grader and is reading really well. He has been learning piano and loves sports. He played Basketball this fall. He would wear sweat pants every day if I let him, and usually I have to argue with him to get him to wear a nice shirt and jeans. Silly kid. He loves to spend time with his family and is excited to get baptized in January. He is such a cutie too!!! I love all those precious freckles!

Shelley

2010-12-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Shelley! She just turned 12 and is in Young Womens! She loves Volleyball and is Very TALL! Already over 5'7" plus! She is so sweet and loves babies. She is a great babysitter and a wonderful help around the house. She is doing so well at the flute and especially the piano. Learned "Fur Elise" this year. (Her mom is very proud;). She is a wonderful daughter and friend!

Matthew

2010-12-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

Matthew is a great kid! We are so lucky to have him in our family! He is a delight to have around.. loves the Gospel and achieved many wonderful things with Scouts this year. He loves sports. He is a huge Husker fan, wonderful example, great big brother, friend and son. Isn't he so handsome??? We are so proud of him. Became a teenager last April.. can't believe how grown up he is! He played football and Basketball this year and has excelled in school!!!

2010-02-08T22:37:00.000-08:00

Could someone please tell me why my posts will only put pictures above my text instead of below? it is so annoying! Do you see what I mean? I wanted this photo to go underneath what I wrote. Ugh.. I am so technologically challenged. This is a picture of the kids on Christmas Eve. They had so much fun with their cousins!

Still here

2010-02-08T18:11:00.001-08:00

My Valentine!

Here is a picture of me with the love of my life! Isn't he so cute?

Last week was a long one! We found head lice in Shelley's hair and consequently spent the following days vacuuming, washing bedding, going through her hair and making sure we were getting it all gone. Holly got a very mild case.. and that flipped me out at first, but we got a prescription cream for the girls... and it took care of it. It was so exhausting though. It was all encompassing for almost a whole week. It cost so much $ and just really was no fun at all. But, we survived! Thanks to prayer and the strength that I know only comes from Heavenly Father. We are all doing better this week. We are all sick and tired of winter! Seriously, I don't know why.. but every February I freak out because I am just sick and tired of being cold!

I hope all of you are staying warm and bearing the winter the best that you can!

Hugs!

This I Know

2010-01-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

In the book club I belong to we are reading a book called "The Language of God" by Francis Collins I think.. (sorry the book is not by me :)

I am so terrible about actually reading the books lately, that one of my sweet friends actually got the book for me this time. So, I have been reading. It is really insightful. It is a Scientist's proof that God does exist.

A leading Geneticist (spelling?) writes about his journey from Atheist to a Faithful Believer in God. I have always been sure of my faith in the Lord and Jesus Christ. I have always been sure of my testimony of the LDS church. I have always been sure of my testimony of the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon. These things are as real to me as the air that I breathe.

It was interesting though to see that it is harder to disprove God's existence then to prove that he does exist. There are so many answers that Science cannot explain. So many people want Evidence. If we have EVIDENCE than we would have no need for Faith. I don't need any evidence... but it is refreshing to see that such a brilliant man would take time to write this information down. I am just in the beginning stages of the book, but it is very cool.

I can't imagine not having the knowledge that I have. I know who I am. I know where I came from. I know where I am going when I die.. I know Heavenly Father loves me and my family.. and each of us are his Children. I can't imagine the pain our Father in Heaven feels when we think we can live our life happily without him in it. I can't imagine a life where he isn't the center of my life, my home and my family.

I am looking forward to 2010! I am looking forward to growing and becoming a better person each passing year!

So, these were the things on my mind tonight.. pretty deep huh:)

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Snowed in on Christmas!

2009-12-24T21:24:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying a lovely Christmas Eve with family! The Weather is very fierce outside, but it is warm and cozy and magical inside.

We have enjoyed lots of good food. We have had already enjoyed a Polar Express train set given to papa from nana. The children are so excited for Santa to come!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good night!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

I am so awful this year! I never got Christmas cards sent out! So I am going to do a quick update for all my friends and family that check this ocassionally! We are all doing well and are happy to report that finally ready for Christmas! It is a good thing since it is in 2 days :)

We hope that each of you are healthy and safe this Holiday season! We are so thankful for such good friends that always fill our lives with such joy! We are thankful for our beautiful and awesome families that support us and give us such happiness too!

We are thankful for our membership in the Church! We are so thankful for our testimonies of the truthfullness of the Gospel! Richard and I love the Lord with all of our heart and we are so thankful for the Saviour, Jesus Christ! We love this time of year that we have to reflect on his birth and life, and of course his atoning sacrifice.

Our children are all doing so great. They are such blessings in our lives and Richard and I are so thankful to be their parents! Each day brings a new story and laugh.. and always a moment to just feel gratitude for wonderful kiddos. Of course, we have our challenging moments too. :).. We aren't raising super heroes or anything.. :)

We just wanted you all to know how grateful we are for our relationship with you and wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

Much love to each of you!

Richard, Katy, Matthew, Shelley, Nicholas and Holly Anne

2009-12-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

Stop Your Swineing!

2009-10-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am a nerd with my play on words huh? We have had a rough week. It started with Richard leaving town for a couple of days for work. His first day gone Matthew tells me he has a heaviness in his chest and was coughing. He had no fever, but I kept him home from school. By Wednesday he had a fever of 102.. so I took him to the dr. The diagnosis... H1N1... Swine flu!! Yikes. I was pretty surprised.. I called piano students and said to stay far from our infectious home. By Wednesday night, Rich came home and Nick started running a temperature too. By Thursday night his fever hit over 105!!!! We took him to the E.R... and the diagnosis.. surprise, surprise.. H1N1. He was so sick. They said he was dehydrated. Before we left for the hospital Richard gave him a Priesthood Blessing that his fever would come down quickly. By the time we got to the Hospital.. it was already down to 103. After we returned home from the E.R. that night (after midnight) his fever was 100.. and for the rest of his illness NEVER was above that temperature again. I always marvel at the power of the Priesthood. Nicholas had faith in his blessing and so did we.. I am so thankful for the knowledge my family has in the Gospel!!
So our boys were wearing little masks the rest of the week to prevent anymore of us from getting sick. They were so sad to be stuck behind those things for so long. At this moment.. no fever Matthew now for 72 hours.. and Nick for 24 hours. We made it!! So far no one else is sick. I hope that stays. Richard has a cold.. but we don't think it is the Swine Flu.
So, we are hopeful that it stays calm over here!!

First Day of School Pictures

2009-09-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

Holly wishes she was big enough to go too!

First Day of School 2009

Shelley sporting a new hairdo! I know I am biased.. but these are some cute kids!

Matthew is in 7th grade, Shelley is in 5th grade and Nick is in 1st grade!!

Slogger... Blog slacker

2009-09-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

I stole this word from a friend of mine... it totally fit me to a tee.
Let's bring you up to speed.....
It has been a busy month around here. School is going well for the kids. I think we are finally establishing a routine. I am getting my piano schedule organized and things feel like they are going well there. Holly is sick again, but that is nothing too unusual. The Doctor thinks her tonsils swell up partly because of allergies. So we are going to try singulair and see if that helps any. I had a fabulous August and got to spend time with an old dear friend.. Jamie. She flew to see me with her 2 kids. It was so wonderful. It totally reminded me that true and good friendships never go away and they stand the test of time!
I turned 32 last month... I am now officially double the age necessary to drive and date. That makes me feel pretty old. However, I do have a 12 year old.. I suppose to be any younger would be quite scandelous :)
KIDS NEWS....
Holly says the funniest things lately. The other day I was painting my toe nails, she came up and asked if I would paint her "ponytails" too. I then asked if she meant toenails, she replied " silly me, ponytails go on my head." She is so cute and funny.
Nick is really enjoying the first grade and loves to read. Getting better everyday. Shelley is in a Pom class this year and Holly is taking a dance class too. It is so sweet.
Nick plans to play Basketball soon and Matthew is busy with Jr. High.. (can you believe he is in Jr. High?) and plans to play basketball this year too. We have very busy and good kids!
Football fun....
This is a fun time of year. We are involved with Fantasy football, and currently we are not doing so hot.. but it is fun to do it none the less. We love watching all the Football games and especially cheering on the Huskers!!! I look forward to the leaves changing and to the temperatures cooling a bit.. not a lot, just a little. Pumpkin cookies and Apple Cider... I love Fall!!!
Lofty goals....
I am the organist in our ward and I have decided that despite the scariness of playing it, I am going to be the best one I can be.
I have decided that I am going to be a skinny girl again.. My mind is made up.. but, my body is like "whatever" ;). So, I will keep working out until I am sorda skinny again!

Cute hubby..
Richard is in the Elders Quorum Presidency as the 2nd Counselor. It has been a good change for him. He is really enjoying it. I am always amazed how he raises his hand whenever service is needed anywhere. He is always so willing to go the extra mile.. such a good example to me. He is a good husband and I am so thankful he is my husband and the father of my children.

Addicted to Politics..
I have really been upset by the current situation in Washington. I am a total Conservative and do not like Big Government. I have found it very challenging to stay positive about the direction our Country is headed. I know that there are many wonderful citizens who are standing up for what they belive in. (Like my parents going to Tea parties and such :) I am absolutely against a Public Option in Healthcare.. I am absolutely against anything where the Government's voice becomes louder then the peoples. But, I won't spend too much time on this issue.. this could be a whole post on it's own. Richard worries I get too obsessed. I am just concerned. Through all of this I have pondered a lot about my Great Grandfather John Hart who signed the Declaration of Independence. I try to support an agenda that would support what those founding fathers envisioned when they risked everything by signing the Declaration! Ultimately, I am so grateful to be a citizen of this great Country.
Conclusion...
I will try to be a more consistent blogger.. I know so many of you wait with bated breath for my next post. hee, hee.
We are so blessed. We are happy and life is Good!!!!
Pictures to come soon.. in Katy style, they will be a bunch all at once... cause that's how I roll.

2009-08-23T18:46:00.001-07:00

The video below is of a song that I wrote for a man named Lynn "Doc" Cleland. He is pulling a handcart in honor of his Great Grandmother who was one of the first pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley. We met him here in Omaha while he was on the trail. I saw him on the news and then saw him our ward that Sunday. He asked me to write a piece of music to go with a Documentary he will be making after he completes his trek.
He asked me to compose something that was low in the beginning and had the melody of "Come, Come Ye Saints" The melody is definitely inspired by this hymn and also has a variation of that hymn through out the piece. One melody came to me when we were driving one evening to find Doc to walk with him. There is a part of the song where it changes keys.. it goes into a lower almost sad melody. While I was sitting at the piano I tried to imagine what it might have been like to be Sarah Goode Marshall. I tried to imagine the hardship she must have had being a widowed woman with 5 children. I am sure there were very dark moments during the trek, but her faith always sustained her through those moments. The melody then goes back to the original theme of "Come, Come ye Saints." I thought it should end as if she were entering the valley and the conclusion of the song should end with the "All is Well" part of the Hymn.
I know this is a very choppy explanation of the song, but it gives Doc an idea of what I have been working on. It still needs a lot of work and needs to be obviously notated and fine tuned.
It has been a neat opportunity to do this and work on this piece. I don't think I am a composer by any means, but it has been thrilling to hear my thoughts come out into music onto the piano. His website is www.faithgreaterthanpain.com You can read about his journey there!

2009-08-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Way too Long

2009-06-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

It has definitely been a crazy spring. Last week I spent a wonderful week with my parents enjoying a very relaxing time with them and the kids. The Spring Piano Recital was last Saturday and it was very large. I had to have it in two different groups. I had 34 performances. I have a hard time believing that I have that many students too :)
We are looking forward Summer and really enjoying the time off from School. I am still teaching some of my students for the summer though.
We are excited to go to the Wiedrich Family Reunion in a couple of weeks and are planning a trip to Wyoming sometime this Summer as well. Should be a lot of fun.
Update on each of the kiddos since it has been a while.
Matthew:
He won several musicianship awards at his Awards Day at School and also one for one of his pictures in Art Class. Matthew is excelling in Band and really does well in Singing and Piano. He is such a great help at home, and honestly can't believe I am so blessed to have a built in babysitter. He just received the Aaronic Priesthood last month and is Passing the Sacrament in Church. I am so proud of him!
Shelley:
She won a Spelling Award in her Awards Assembly. She did a fabulous job at her dance recital and clogged to "Calling Baton Rouge" by Garth Brooks... very catchy! She is super super tall. ... almost 5'3". She is loving Summertime and is so helpful to everyone too. Her hair is getting longer and she is such a pretty girl.
Nick:
He won the award for Physical Education at his Awards Assembly. Whenever he walks past me he always kisses whatever part of me is closest without even paying attention. He often kisses my arm or elbow, or if I am kneeling down my shoulder or head. It is pretty funny. He is very affectionate. He would live outside if I let him, and loves to ride his bike. He does all sorts of very dangerous and foolish tricks that usually get him yelled at. "Do you want to take a trip to the ER tonight?" Afterwhich, he laughs and shrugs his shoulders. He loved being at Nana and papas last week, I think he would live there if I let him. :)
Holly:
She is a very fun little 3 year old now. She is really into Dora still and loves to do the Hippity Hop Dance that she learned watching Max and Ruby. She talks a mile a minute and goes potty like a champ. She counts in Spanish (Dora is very educational :), and her new thing is to use kid scissors and cut up paper. Her motor skills are fabulous. She can be very stubborn and can throw a fit with the best of em.
Pictures to come soon.
Well, I know I have so many avid readers of my blog and I feel bad leaving you all hanging the last 2 months...LOL!!! I will definitely try to be more consistent and also to post pictures soon. Beware of the bulk photo collages. That is how I do business when I am behind on the whole blogging thing. Yay for Summertime!!! It is finally here and I loving it...
By the way, if you haven't read my mothers book... YOU REALLY Should. Check out her blog on my list. Click on Meredith Kennon. So, so great. I am proud of you mom!!!

Birthday week!

2009-03-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

Richard will be another year older this week. His Birthday is this Thursday the 26th. Last night we had several of our good friends over for a birthday get together for him. We ate munchies and just relaxed. It was really fun. The weekends go too fast. The kids have been enjoying the nice weather.. literally they have been outside almost all day. I have had to set limits on when they have to be in for a time, I am constantly trying to keep track of them and it is a little stressful.
Holly wants to be out there with them constantly, and that can't happen. Matthew and Shelley are wonderful about letting her come play with them for a bit and keeping an eye on her for me. I have felt so lucky to have older helper kids that make surviving toddler years so much easier. They are fabulous kids.
We had a nice day at church today. We are so lucky to have such a great ward and to love our church and the gospel so much! I am constantly reminded of the great blessing that being a member of the church is.
I am really ready for Summer! Really ready, I look forward to summer days with my kids. I can't believe that Matthew will be in Junior High next year. He turns twelve and receives the Priesthood this spring as well. My little boy is becoming a young man. I say this all the time, but where has the time gone? It doesn't seem twelve years with him, just a moment if you ask me. My children are my world, and I want to enjoy and relish each day I have with them, because I know that one day my little ones will be all grown up and I will miss them terribly. I will remind myself this every morning when I am struggling to get everyone ready for school on time ;).
Holly did really well in nursery today. Didn't cry and was happy! YAY!! I am thankful for little blessings these days. I am learning so much these day. Learning from mistakes, trying to be a better person and looking to the future instead of looking back. Each day is a gift. I am grateful for today and for all my blessings.

Like Sands through the Hour Glass....

2009-03-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

So ready for the weekend again! We have been so busy these days, as usual. Richard's birthday is next week. 37 now...yikes Richie... just kidding. He looks pretty darn good if you ask me!
I am going to start potty training Holly next week. It is definitely time, she will be three next month. We are a little behind. I think, scratch that, I know it is just me getting geared up to actually go through with it. Here soon she will officially be a baby no longer.
I am a piano teaching fool. I have like 33 students now!!! Don't ask me how, because I don't think I even know. But, somehow with Richards support we get it all done and somehow stay afloat.
Last weekend we rearranged the whole house. It feels so much more functional now and I am really enjoying it.
I have so many random thoughts right now.. I think I might be a little A.D.H.D. tonight :)
So, Happy Weekend, Happy Birthday Richard (26th) and Happy Day!
So earlier this week... We had the most gorgeous Monday! The kids didn't have any school on Monday so I told them Sunday night that we would have a picnic lunch at our little park by our house. Nicholas was so thrilled. He asked about it over and over before bedtime, and then was standing at my bed at 7 a.m. asking when our picnic would begin. I was so pleased he was so excited. It was such a simple thing to plan and made him so happy. All the kids loved it. It was like 73 degrees while we were there, and we had a BLAST. The kids loved their simple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, apples and chips. Matthew and Shelley met up with their friends and had so much fun too. We went with our neighbors and had fun sitting and visiting and relaxing in the beautiful sun. It made everyone happy to feel the warmth of the sun. It made us all so anxious for Spring to officially be here! I really enjoyed being at the park with Holly now that she is a little older and not such a worry at the park. She had a ball, and I could actually sit back and chill watching them play and enjoy being kids. I felt truley free from all worries and stress and it was a wonderful day!!! I am always grateful for the days that I know my kids will remember as happy days in their lives. I wish I would have smart enough to take my camera... next time I won't forget. I am planning a picnic the next day we hit 70 degrees! Come on warmer weather!!!!

Spring Fever

2009-03-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am DYING for spring to get here already. We got spoiled last week with a couple of warm days and now it is FREEZING again. The windchill is ZERO out there right now. It just makes you appreciate those warm days even more. My mom wisely said once that God gives us those warm days to tide us over until Spring is really here. In a way to give us a reprieve. I have been thinking about how it is like that in life too. During Trials, we will always feel that warmth and love of the Lord just when we need it the most.
Nick is really starting to read and it is so exciting. I don't remember doing anything so complicated in Kindergarten. I think we just colored and went to centers.. now they are telling time on clocks, adding, subtracting and full out reading before first grade. Wow. He really loves the challenge of it and, I have to say listening a little one learn to read is the BEST!!! They sound everything out so literally. Nick was reading " A hiding place" He sounded out hiding properly, and than place was pronounced more like "plaque". I love it.
Shelley has had a rough week. First strep last week, and last night we were at the doctor because she was having pain in her lower right abdomen. Fun. It hasn't been ruled out completely, but the Doc doesn't think it is her appendix. Hopefully not! Poor girl.
I am going to go watch American Idol now. I am cool like that.
I hope that each of you feel warm today, even if it is cold outside :)

No more a baby, but a sweet little girl

2009-02-27T13:08:00.000-08:00

Today I curled Holly's hair and she looked so sweet. I was amazed, and a little sad how grown up she looked. I can't believe she is almost three years old. Where has the time gone? She walks around singing songs from Nursery, (now that she will actually go) and the latest is "Do as I'm Doing." She also sings "I am a Child of Guy" We are working on saying "GoD" It is amazing how missing that last consenant changes the whole meaning of the song :). Her attitude is hilarious, and sometimes a little aggrevating. She tells me all the time when she is upset "I got lots of feelings, lots and lots of feelings." :) We love this little girl!

Holly looking sweet with the eyes that her daddy can't get over

She really has better things to be doing.

Cheese

2009-02-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

Simple Things

2009-02-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

Hi, I am amazed. So many posts this week. I am so impressive aren't I? whatever... I am trying to keep up with all my blog buddies who do such a great job updating so frequently :)
I am trying to simplify my life, and trying to enjoy the simple things each day. In life so much can bog us down and make us worry, stress and worry somemore. I am determined to organize my life so I can just focus on the simple things, the important things and let everything else that I can't control drift away. I am hoping that this blog can be a journal of sorts, to center me each time I write to think about what is truley important in life, and not get caught in the trivial things. We are so blessed!
Holly has had a little friend over today and they have played so well. It has been a nice break because she has been so preoccupied, even with Nick being home from school, it is nice for her to have a distraction and not fight with her big brother. We love when the children are happy. :)
So I hope that each of you to "take time to smell the roses"..... well, if you are fortunate enough to live anywhere where anything is blooming that is :) That is all for now.
Oh, by the way, Today is FRIDAY!!!!!

Valentine Boxes!

2009-02-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for Valentine Parties. The next day school was cancelled due to snow, so hopefully they will get to collect their special Valentines next week. I found out quickly that I should not quit my day job as a piano teacher... I am officially the worst Valentine Box coverer. Poor Matthew had to endure my help. Crazy, because I do okay with Scrapbooking, but wrapping boxes... not so much. The kids had a fun Valentines Day. The weekend was full of snow, love, Snowball fights, love, mommy throwing out her back, V-day dates and LOVE.

FUNNY STORY......I thought I was calling home from Walmart. I was on auto pilot I guess, pushed my call button on my cell phone and someone answered. "Is Daddy there?" I asked.. the person on the other line goes "yes..." I then said "What is Daddy doing?"... Then my mother said "Katy, are you okay." Ooops.. I don't think I have called my dad "daddy"since I was little, and my mom was a little confused, and so was I. :) WE giggled on the phone, and I realized that I should probably slow down and pay attention to what I am doing. I have the best parents ever... have I ever mentioned that. Well, I do. :)

2009-02-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce you to "Goofy McNut." She is on her way to school, and it is cold outside. I told her to make sure she bundled up warmly before she went. Doesn't it look like she will be warm :)

SNOW DAY!

2009-02-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

Richard working hard clearing the drive.

On Friday the 13th we got 6 1/2 inches of Snow here in Omaha. This is the table on our back deck. I actually had the kids up and ready for school that morning before I realized school had been cancelled. When we woke up the snow hadn't started falling yet, so I assumed that if anything, they would just release early if it got bad. At least we found out before we drove to the school. :)

2009-02-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

Nick is SIX

2009-02-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Nicholas turned six on January 28th. Richard and I had a moment of insanity and decided to let him have a big birthday party with a lot of his friends. It ended up being around eleven 5 and 6 year olds at my house! It was a Super Hero Themed party and so all of his friends wore costumes. They played a game called "Bad guys, Good guys" Basically one super hero stands in the middle of the room and as he catches those running past him, they become good, and they join in the effort to catch everyone until all the Super heroes are "good." It was a bit crazy to say the least. To add to my insanity, I scheduled the party to last for Three hours. Note to self, not a good idea! Nick had a fun time, but we will do things differently next time. We love you Nick, Happy Birthday. Can't believe you are six years old. It seems just like yesterday you were peeing people's sandboxes, drawing on walls, and causing havoc wherever you went. Can't believe you are such a big kid now!

My Aching Back

2009-02-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

This past week I have spent a lot of time excercising and working out toward my weight loss goal. It was a frustrating week, when I didn't lose anything, and actually went up 1.5 pounds.. Oh well, right? Well, in my efforts to kick it hard, I have pushed my lower back to it's limits I'm afraid. During a friendly snow ball fight yesterday I think I pushed it right over the edge. My lower back is feeling pretty tender, and if I move a certain way, it sends pain right through me. So, I will be headed to the Chiropracter tomorrow, and hopefully I can get cracked into shape. However, this does put a kink in my workout plans for next week, and I will have to take it easy. FRUSTRATING! It will get better though. That which does not kill us.... :)
Last night for Valentines Day, Richard took me to for a Burger and to a Chick Flick. We went out with our great friends Lei Ann and Jason. Richard waited on me and everyone helped me hobble to each place we went. (I feel fine as long as I am sitting in a comfortable chair.. thank goodness) But when I walk I look like a Granny who needs a walker, that or I look like I have a corn cob stuck up something in particular. :)
Besides that,
I am enjoying a nice Sunday relaxing being laid up.
I thought this would be a good day to catch up on my blogging. So, maybe I will enjoy having no options besides sitting on my hiney.

Holly is a true momma

2009-01-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

Funny story. Today I was folding laundry in the laundry room and Holly was directly across the hall in her room. She looked at me and said "Be Quiet, be very quiet my baby is sleeping" I was a little taken aback, but I said okay I will be quiet. A few minutes later I was done folding laundry and went to put it away in her room. I went in "quietly" and when I came out Holly was standing there with the most hilarious expression. She was seriously irritated. "You went in my baby's room, while she was sleeping" she screamed. She threw her arms up and than stated very matter of factly "Now I have to put her back to sleep." I felt very rebuked. Oops, pardon me for putting away laundry while the dolly is sleepng. :)
She is growing and growing everyday, and becoming my little pal during the day. It is hard to believe that my baby is old enough to tell me off :) So it begins...:)

2008-12-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

2008-12-29T18:12:00.000-08:00

2008-12-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

2008-12-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

New Years Resolutions

2008-12-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Holidays flew by this year as they always do, leaving me a list of goals for the new year. Richard and I are like many who are vowing to lose weight this Year. We want to get healthy and each have a specific goal we would like to reach. Wish us luck, we are prett excited.
We had a lovely Christmas and were able to see many loved ones. We saw Henry and Joni during our Caroling party earlier this season, and we saw DeJay's family, Cory's family, Joel's family and of course mom and dad. We were able to spend Thanksgiving with Richards family and mine as well. It has been wonderful to be with so many loved ones.
The kids loved their gifts. Matthew got a bike,Shelley got a scooter, Nicholas got a Skateboard and all Holly wanted from Santa was a new baby. They got other wondeful things as well from us and from grandparents too. They were pretty lucky kids. I had to have a D & C surgey on the 22nd, so that wasn't the funnest thing to do the week of Christmas, but it wasn't too bad and now I have my body in better health.
The kids are enjoying Christmas vacation, and I am enjoying reading. I am loving the fact that I can just read and spend time with the kids this week. Until next time!

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking our blog! I thought this would be a fun way to update our family and friends on our year, and you can check back at anytime to see what we are up to.
This year has been busy and fun. We have been blessed to see lots of family and friends. We enjoyed the family reunion with the Wiedrich's in July, seeing DeJay and Jeff's family in September, and being at Wendy and Adrian's Wedding in September. We saw so many of our loved ones. We are so thankful for each of them.

Matthew is 11 and had a very full and busy year. He played baseball and football this year, and really loved it. He was able to sing in two Honors Children's Choirs this year. This last November he sang in a 150 voice choir from all over the state of Nebraska. It was a very prestigious honor, and had to audition for the Music Dept. at the University to be accepted. It was phenomenal!!!! He is a great babysitter and helper and we are so blessed to have him in our home. He is also excelling in Band on the trumpet (his teacher say he is a natural :), he is also still playing piano. He is pretty busy!

Shelley turned 10 this month, and is still the tallest girl in her class. She is such a sweet spirit, and she is a good example to all around her. Her teacher at school made sure I was aware that she always included a little girl that no one else would play with. I was so proud of her generous spirit and choosing to be kind to others no matter what. She is still enjoying Dance, and is taking private voice lessons. She loves the piano, and hopes to play the flute next year. She is all about fashion and loves the Jonas Brothers.

Nicholas is growing up! He started Kindergarten and loves it. He is learning to read and loves to tell me what letter everything around him starts with. He loves to play T-ball, but was the star player on the Soccer team! He made 2 or 3 goals everygame. (Scroll down to the video in an older post to see him in all his glory)!
He still says things everyday that make us laugh! He makes our home so fun. He started piano this year and is performing in his first recital this week!

Holly is a darling little girl who is my little buddy everyday. I enjoy her immensely. She has a huge vocabulary, and an attitude to match it :) She loves Dora the Explorer, and her new obsession is a Mickey Mouse christmas Movie. I don't know what I will do after Christas, I really don't want to watch it all year round. She is so sweet and cute, and we grateful for her sweet spirit.

Richard and I are enjoying our life. We love our children, and are so grateful to love eachother so much. The Lord has truley blessed us this year. We wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas. Feel free to leave any comments you would like on the blog. I would love to know you have been here!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

So Grateful

2008-11-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year to be feeling "thankful," and I feel thankful for so many things. First and foremost I have to say my testimony of the Savior and of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the one thing I can always count on. I am so grateful for my membership in the Church. I am so grateful for the direction it has given me. The joy it has brought into my life, and the peace it gives me everyday. My wonderful husband and my children are so wonderful. I have wonderful and loving parents and brothers, sister-in-law's, in-law's, etc. I am very blessed.

Today I have spent a lot of time examining my testimony of the church, and realized that it is so strong. Stronger than I even orignally thought. I am always reminded that through prayer the Lord is always waiting to lovingly listen, and through prayer you can feel his love fill your heart. We can find the answer to every question, we can find peace from any trial. He just asks for our faith, for our sincere and open heart to be ready to hear him. Faith is a hard thing sometimes. To believe what we cannot see. To trust something that we cannot "prove". I am just so grateful that the faith that I have is so steadfast and true. It truley is a blessing.
Sorry, that I am on a soapbox. I just had a lot of things on my mind today. I wanted to let my Family and friends know how grateful I am for them in my life, and for the Gospel that gives me such strenth and peace.

Our honor kids

2008-11-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

Shelley made the A &B honor roll this quarter, we are so proud of her. She worked really hard and overcame a lot of struggles to get there. Matthew also has exciting news. He auditioned to be in the "Singing Around Nebraska" Childrens honor choir and was chosen!! He had to send a tape of him singing to University of Nebraska/Lincoln. It is quite an honor to say the least. But, he has a voice like a bell. His concert is this Saturday. I will post a audio of it when we get it!

All I want is a "Sun and a Hand"

2008-11-10T18:12:00.000-08:00

Last night we told the kids to sit down and write their Christmas lists so we could get started on our shopping. It reminded me of a cute story that Nick did last November.. I know it is a year late in relaying the story, but too cute none-the-less. So last year he was struggling with letters and fine motor skills (he was only 4 at the time). We told the kids to write their top five things they wanted for Christmas. Matthew and Shelley speedily start making a list, when I told Nick "just draw what you would like since you don't know how to write yet" He seemed satisfied with this idea and began drawing on his paper. Richard and I left the room for a minute and came back to find what each list had in store. Matthew states several different things he wanted from psp games to a ripstick, Shelley said she wanted a NIntendo D.S. and clothes, and when it was Nick's turn he looks at his paper and says "I would like a Sun and a Hand." Richard and I looked at eachother thinking is this some kind of new toy... he than replies "I guess that is what I get to ask for because that is all I know how to draw" We died laughing. He is so hilarious sometimes.
So last night he let us know that since he is in Kindergarten now he can write what he would like this year. It was so darling... he tried so hard to sound out different words and things he saw in his toy magazine. Than stood with pride when he announced that he a "TAR HERO" Spelled completely wrong, and mainly because he thinks that guitar is pronounced "tar" But, it was fun to see him progress from his "Sun and his Hand" to attempting to spell.
The children decided Holly must want a tornado for christmas, because that is what her picture looked like :)
Kids make the Holidays So magical. What would we do without them?

2008-11-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

2008-11-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

For the love of Sports

2008-11-07T18:51:00.001-08:00

We had a busy autumn with Matthew in football and Nicholas in Soccer. Both really enjoyed it a lot. Nick scored a couple of goals every game. He was pretty hilarious when he celbrated. He made a "rock on" with his hand and would cheer so loud. Matthew really fell in love with Football. He really learned a lot this year and can't wait for next fall for the next season. It was a little tough because his last game the "friendship bowl" was on a Sunday. He felt good about his decision to not play. He said it felt good to stand for what he knew was right. We are pretty lucky to have these boys.

BRRRR.....

2008-11-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

It is a cold November day, a good morning to catch up on blogging. The kids are looking forward to all the holidays ahead, and I will stay on track with blogging once I get caught up :)

Wendy's Wedding

2008-11-07T07:07:00.001-08:00

It was wonderful to be in the temple with Wendy and Adrian. It was fabulous. Just click on the photo collage to see them bigger.

2008-11-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

2008-11-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

More Family Reunion

2008-11-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

Family Reunion July 08

2008-11-07T06:12:00.000-08:00

In an effort to Catch up!

2008-11-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Please excuse the out of order posting of pictures! I haven't had any posted for so long, that I am making a massive effort to catch up and get all of our fun memories posted for the summer. So the next posts will be a recap of our last few months.

At the Zoo with Cindy and Tracy, August 08

2008-11-07T05:59:00.000-08:00

DeJay and Melissa's Sept. 08

2008-11-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

We had a fun time at DeJay and Melissa's! I didn't mean to put two pictures of myself in the collage.. Like I said still learning.

2008-11-07T05:52:00.000-08:00

2008-11-06T21:33:00.000-08:00

The Garden of the Gods

2008-11-06T21:28:00.001-08:00

We were able to go to the Garden of the Gods when we were in Colorado visiting Jeff and Jennifer in September. It was great!

2008-11-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

First Day of School in August

2008-11-06T21:06:00.001-08:00

Trying to catch up.... my first attempt at a photo collage. I am working on it :)

2008-11-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

I am no good at this :)

2008-11-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

I am probably the worst blogger out there... but I am hoping to do better! The kids had a wonderful halloween and loved being able to trick or treat in beautiful weather. It was unseasonably warm for this time of year. Our children were so cute in their Halloween get-up. Matthew was a vampire, Shelley was a Witch (but a pretty one), Nick was Mr. Incredible (for the 2nd year in a row.. he loves that costume :) and Holly was going to be a ladybug, and at the last moment informed me that she wasn't a bug she was a princess. So we dug through the dress up and found a little dress her Grandpa Roger had got for Shelley years before in Mexico. So, we put that on her and a crown.. and she was basically a Mexican Princess, and since she kept losing her shoe the entire night trick or treating, I called her the mexican Cinderella. It was pretty funny. However, she got a lot of complements on her little dress. I have had a heck of a time staying out of their Halloween Candy.. don't know what my deal is.
Winter feels like it has arrived officially today though, it is cold, cold! And will probably snow just a little tonight. Welcome Winter.... ugh :) I am excited for the Holidays though. Oh the joy that will be found!!!
I will post pictures as soon as I get them uploaded.

Fourth of July

2008-07-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Shelley helping with the little ones.

Cory, Sarah, and Krysten

watching the fireworks from the front yard, yes I am the geek posing:)

snug as a bug in a rug!

water ballon toss game

Holly in all her patriotic glory!

The kids had such a great time during the fourth of July! We had Cory and Sarah's family down from S.Dakota, and had our friends over for a BBQ. A lot of our neighbors were involved and we had yummy food, fun games, and had a great fireworks display. All the kids agreed it was the greatest fourth of July to date!

Nick fell asleep on a blanket on the ground during the fireworks, he was pretty wore out at the end of the day. Holly had a great time playing with all of her cousins and being outside. The older kids played with the Cornhole Game (a.k.a. beanbag game) that Richard built the day before. All in all it was a fabulous holiday, a real memory maker :)!

192000 firecrackers

2008-07-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th Cory and his family came down from S.D. and spent it with us. This video is of 192000 fire crackers going of and last about 45-55 secs. I am shocked that the fire dept. didn't get called because of the smoke. We filled 3, 30 gal. garbage cans.

Scary Clouds

2008-06-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is the Wall Cloud right behind our house on Wednesday, June 11th. We were talking to our neighbor who was also on his back deck. This is the same line of stoms that went through the Little Sioux Scout Ranch 45 minutes north of here in Iowa. You can't see completely how the clouds were just turning above us. It looked like someone had a spoon and was just stirring the clouds. It was a little creepy to see this in the back of your home. That night 7 tornadoes were confirmed in the area.

Holly's Birthday in April

2008-06-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Life is a zoo

2008-06-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

I told Nick to take a picture with the goat, I laughed when this is the part of the goat he wanted to pose with! :)

Nick has no fear of anything in the petting zoo.

Taking Time to rest and have a drink. The kids love the zoo.

track and field day

2008-06-16T09:54:00.001-07:00

Staying Cool can be messy!

Matthew and his friend Brandon

Shelley takes time for a hug!

Dancing Queen

2008-06-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

Shelley had her Dance recital in May. She did a great job. Her favorite is Clogging.

Our most recent family picture

2008-05-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the most recent picture of us all together. Sad that it is from December, but you get the idea...

Not so consistent I guess

2008-05-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

I am not as good at getting my blog done as I had originally hoped. I am going to try to do better though. I am not near as creative as my sis-in-law Joni. Her blog is awesome. I mean totally don't look at mine after looking at her blog, I am put to shame. She is a pro!

We are getting ready for summer vacation, the kids last day of school is tommorow. So, I am up late making brownies for teachers and getting all the last minute things done for their last day. Shelley will actually go to some summer school this year, her grades are fine, we just feel that fourth grade is going to be a challenge and she could use a little extra help before tackling next year. She has a great attitude about it though, it will be good for her.

Last week the kids had track and field day and they both did good. Matthew sang in a small group at the opening ceremonies and it sounded so cool. My piano recital is this Saturday and we are having it at a concert room at Schmitt Music. It should be pretty cool. The kids get to perform on a 100,000 dollar Steinway Grand piano. Pretty cool!!!

We are missing our family and friends that we are not close to. It is hard to be away from the ones you love. I will try to upload some recent pictures so we will see how it goes!

I will write again sooner this next time...

Birthday Time!

2008-04-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

It is been a while since my last post. We have been busy with Birthdays as of late. Richard had one on March 26th and Matthew had one April 5th and Holly's birthday is in 2 days. Yikes! It is a busy month because we are also making a weekend trip to Cheyenne in a couple weeks. Just a quick update on the kids. Matthew was certified by the Red Cross to babysit (he is 11 now). It is very exciting to have a built in helper now if I need to run a quick errand or run to the store. He was certified also in Child CPR. He had a party on Saturday and had 7 friends come. It was a lot of fun for him. Shelley is still quite the young lady. She never stops growing, and is a lot of help to all of us. Holly Anne loves her to pieces. She has a Dance Recital coming up, so she is excited about that. Nick is fun as ever. He whistles all the time, sometimes it is embarassing. We were in Wal Mart and he kept doing his favorite kind of whistle (the kind you do at a very attractive person), and he had a lot of heads turning to say the very least. He found a bracelet on the back porch, and when he came to tell me of his discovery, he said " I was sticking my head out the back screendoor, you know when I stick my head out to whistle, and I found this...." I cracked up, honestly I didn't know he stuck his head out the door for the pure enjoyment and amusement of whistling. What a funny little boy. Holly Anne will be 2 this week as I said earlier. She is talking like a 3 year old. She says anything, and has complete conversations with us. We have to admit, as difficult as she was a newborn, she is so easy and calm as a toddler. She loves all things about dollies and strollers. She is getting a shopping cart to push around for her birthday. Her newest thing is calling mommy and daddy by their first names. It is a little strange to hear her call "Katy, where are you?"
All in all we are very well. We are looking forward to warmer weather. We really can't wait to take the boat out!! We are excited to live close to much of my family. Cory and Sarah are moving to S. Dakota!! How fun to have them close again. We are sure grateful for all of the family we have and our wonderful friends as well.
Conference was this weekend. I am always so grateful for the gospel, and what a wonderful force it is in my life. How wonderful to have a living prophet on the earth today, and how blessed we are to receive instruction from him every 6 months. Another cute anecdote about Nick... I know he is just pretty witty. We have the kids play a Bingo game during conference. They have a card with spaces for prayer, Joseph Smith, tithing, Atonement, Jesus etc. They have pictures underneath too, so he can do it by himself. As you hear a word on the card in a talk, you cover it up with a penny. So during one of the talks he heard someone say "Remarkable" He jumps up and says "Remarkable, I'll find it, it's here somewhere." I told him there was no square for remarkable, he looked at me and replied... "Well their should be, it's a pretty big word." All the kids love the bingo game, and I think it is fun for us adults too. Time flies, and you hear everyword that is said. Well, that is all for now. Until next time!

Good "Will"

2008-03-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love Sunday because it really is the only day of rest we have anymore. Even though we have our Church responsibilities I look forward to the quietness of Sunday all week. I have Beef Stroganoff in the crock pot and rolls rising, and Nicholas outside screaming and playing in the backyard. Nothing like a child to bring you back to reality :).

Yesterday we went to Blair in the morning and had donuts with Henry and Joni. I got to hold little Henry Max who is too cute. We had a nice time and came home and did some shopping and hung out. We went to the GoodWill store to wander around.... which reminds me of a cute story I would like to share with you.

In January Nick said the cutest thing ever. We were cleaning out the storage room, and had been working on it for a while. We had a running pile of things to go to good will. During our work Nick approached Richard with an old tool and said "Dad, do you think we should give this one to good Will's dad?" Of course, Richard was puzzled and looked at Nick until he realized what he was implying. Richard than asked "Nicholas, what is good will?" Nick responded that it was a really nice kid who probably lived somewhere close who needed a bunch of our stuff. We about died laughing, so yesterday it was fun to take him into the actual Goodwill store so he could see what we were talking about. I thought it was so innnocent and darling. How funny to think of putting all your old things in a pile for the kid down the street... "Good Will." Happy days ahead for all of you.
Until next time.

Blessed

2008-03-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Richard and I have been together for almost 12 years. It just boggles my mind that we have done so much and been to many places together, and it just feels like it has flown by. I feel so completely blessed to be in the place that we are in our life. I am glad that I know that no matter where we are in our life that we are in it together. Our children are darling, we love eachother, and we are blessed with the gospel, a wonderful job, and a lovely home. I just felt overwhelmed this evening by all my blessings. Sometimes it is good to think only of what is great in our lives, rather than what is wrong. Just my two-cents for the day:)!

2008-03-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be doing this, and I hope that my good friends will keep in contact with us and leave comments. Today we are so excited, we are going to hit 60 degrees! The kids wore shorts to school today, even though the start temp was still below freezing!! Last weekend we saw lots of family in Wakonda. Cory was in town, and so we saw him, Henry, Joni and their group and of course all the Wakonda crew... Mom, Dad, Joel,Kira and boys. It was a lot of fun. Shelley had this weird rash while we were there. Come to find out she had fifth disease... sounds scary, but it is a common childhood virus that when it is all done you get this weird rash on your cheeks and on your body. Thankfully when the rash appears they are no longer contagious.... phew, we were around all that family, I was glad to find out that she could no longer share the love :).

DeJay and Melissa and their cute kids are coming this weekend! We are so excited to see them again! I will write more soon!

First Post

2008-03-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

I am starting to join the high tech world of blogging. Hopefully I am smart enough to figure out how to make it look cute and actually get pictures on here, and to be able to navigate my way back to this when Joni isn't helping me :)

This week we are still freezing our tooshies off here in the arctic tundra, aka, Nebraska. We are hoping that Spring is coming sooner than later. Here is a quick update on our family. I am the proud new owner of a beautiful black baby grand piano. It was such a thrill to invest in myself.....er my business, and now I have the pleasure of teaching piano on an amazing instrument. Richard is working on many projects at work and staying busy on his Body for Life program. 21 pounds and counting! Go Richard!!!

Matthew performed in a honors choir 2 weeks ago with about 200 other fifth and sixth graders. He was in a group called "Singing around Nebraska." He had a lot of fun, but at the actual performance we worried he was going to fall over from heat stroke. What a thrill to see him sing and sound so amazing with the other children. We will post the audio when we get the C.D. in the mail. He is doing well in piano and is looking forward to baseball this spring.

Shelley is enjoying taking clogging. She is quite the clogger, I hear little tappity taps from the storage room in the Basement constantly. She also is quite the piano player, I can't keep her off the new piano.

Nick, oh Nick, oh to talk about Nick. He is the entertainment daily for our family, he is the most precocious 5 year old, you will hear many things about him in posts to come. Summer is coming, which means he will probably be peeing in the neighbors sandbox, or just on random neighbors trees. You think I am joking......

Holly is talking up a storm and yesterday took a baby doll and grabbed a wipe and diaper. I watched her out of the corner of my eye as she said "EWWWE, Gross, poopy butt." She wiped and wiped her baby's bottom with her wipe with much disgust. Too cute!

I hope that I continue to keep you posted on the events and adventures we have in our life. Right now we are in good old Wakonda, Sd with my parents and lots of family. I feel so blessed to have them so close.
Until next time!