Then Kellogg family

A Jonah Tale - "The Dangerous Dentist"

2010-06-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

This started back in March when Jonah had to go to the dentist for his regular check up and cleaning. Dr. Zuniga is wonderful, but Jonah is a more difficult child to work on. After about an hour of fighting him we decided not to torture him anymore and he referred us to a pediatric dentist that specializes with special needs kids. So I got on the phone and made an appointment with Dr. Cotton.

Our first appointment with her was great! She is an amazing dentist. Jonah was cursed with the "Rogers" teeth (not very strong). Anyways, he had a lot of work that needed to be done. I took him the first two times and then I had my mom take him because I couldn't take anymore time off work. Well the last time that Nana took him, he had to have a tooth pulled. He also was just having a difficult time there. So we decided to make the appointments for June when I was done working so that I could take him.

Well, with Jonah you have to "prep" him for the up coming events that he has to do. So the day before his appointment I was letting him know that he was going to see Dr. Cotton tomorrow and he started to cry. I asked him what is wrong. He said he didn't want to go to the dentist. I was assuring him that he would be fine and that she would take good care of his teeth. He was quite insistent that he didn't want to go. So I asked him why he didn't want to go see Dr. Cotton? His answer was simple and understandable, he said "Because she is dangerous!" I couldn't help but laugh.

Well needless to say we still went to see the "Dangerous Dentist" Dr. Cotton the next day. He did a lot of complaining, but he did great and is done for now. YAY! When we left the office he said goodbye to the nurse and I told him to say goodbye to Dr. Cotton, he wouldn't even look at her or say goodbye. I think he is a LITTLE mad at her. Oh well!

Help! Bees!

2010-06-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

We have bees that we are not quite sure how to take care of. They have made a home in a pilar on our back porch. There must of been a small enough hole for them to fly in. Now we have a colony and not sure how to go about getting rid of them! It doesn't make it very fun to be outside, and the kids keep going through my bedroom to go outside. Any ideas?

Ducklings

2010-06-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

This is a video of our little ducklings that hatched a couple of weeks ago. The big duck that you see in this video is the mom - Quackers. These little ducklings are fast! They made a swimming pole out of the other chickens water dish. We started out with 11 ducklings, but we lost a few along the way :(

The "NEW" Bed

2010-06-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

The boys wanted to redo their rooms because Uncle Tim is giving them a weight set. So they ripped out the carpet in Levi's room, because it was just nasty. Anyways, they asked it they could take out Jonah's bed because he won't sleep on it or in his room at all and they want to put the weights in there. Jonah will either sleep in Sariah's room with her or on his "new bed" (the couch), or he will even try to convince me to let him sleep in my bed. I told him that Daddy sleeps in my bed and if Jonah were to sleep in my bed, where will daddy sleep? He response was: "He can sleep in my bed."

I asked Jonah if we got him a different bed would he sleep in his room. He said yes. So I asked him if he would sleep in a bean bag. He said yes. So I looked online and they are not cheap at least $100 plus! I finally found one from Walmart. Then on Saturday we went to Goodwill, because it was their 50% off day and they had an antique looking couch I was hoping would still be there, and it was! But next to it was this huge bean bag chair. It was marked at $39.99 then you take 50% off so we got it only for $20! When we got it home we barely could get it through the door. We took off the cover and washed it in hot water with detergent and oxyclean. After it was finished it looked good as new!

So that night I asked Jonah if he was going to sleep in his room in his new bed and he told me no! I asked him why. He told me that there were monsters in his room that told him they were going to eat his head. I told him that there is no monsters in his room. He was quite adamant that there is. I wonder if it is those mischievous spirits that were here when I was younger... So we got the "monster spray" (guardian and distilled water - it is an essential oil that helps) and sprayed it all over his room. When I went to check on him he was a sleep! When he got up this morning I asked him if there were any monsters that bothered him, he said no. I am happy and hope this will keep him in his OWN room.

The Gila Valley Temple

2010-06-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

In May we took a family trip to the Gila Valley to see the new temple that was built. It was a wonderful experience to be there with my children and have them see the beauty and peace that lies within those walls. The boys were funny about seeing the bride's room. Jonah was quite good and seem to feel content. He was enjoying having his picture taken.

Unfortunately, Eric had to work so he was not able to be with us. Also, I didn't have Kaylee with us either. She would have enjoyed seeing the temple and being there, but she was being very difficult through the week and I wanted this to be a positive experience. Plus of the drive there and back in one day. She would of had a difficult time being kind. We did have a surrogate daughter/sister, Ta, with us. She is a sweet girl. Sariah and Ta have the same birthday, so it is like they are twins! We love her and glad that she is able to participate with our family.

After the temple we were able to drive around and see some things in Thatcher and Safford. I showed the kids where I lived when I went to EAC. We drove around the campus, which has grown! I told them I would love for them to go there. They would love it (or at least I think they will) as I did. We got to go to the Mi Casa tortilla factory. We were able to purchase fabulous tortillas. We went to a cool little candy and candle store, I think it is the Lollipop Shop? Anyways, they had yummy fudge and old time candy that I haven't seen in a while. We also went by and saw the childhood home of President Kimball. We were hoping to get a tour of the home, but no one was there, maybe next time. On our way out of town, we had dinner at the Tastee Freeze. It was yummy too!

We attended the temple dedication as a family. It was a lot of fun to see President Monson show his human side. He has such a great sense of humor. I enjoyed listening to all the speakers. I loved President Crocket when I had him as an institute teacher. What a wonderful experience to see it. I wish we could have been there! When the temple is built here in Gilbert, maybe will be able to have that opportunity, especially to be in the presence of the Prophet and Apostles.

A double date with Mom and Dad..

2010-05-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of April, Eric and I were privileged to go on a double date with my parents. We went and saw George Dyer at the Mesa Broadway Palms. It was a very enjoyable evening! We had front row seats. George Dyer came into the audience and we were able to shake his hand, plus I got very lucky because I got a rose that he threw into the audience. :p He will be coming back this winter and next spring. I am going to take my kids to go see him. I love his voice! If you haven't seen or heard of him.... you are missing out!

Levi in his school play.

2010-05-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Levi was in a school play called A Pirate Love Story. He played the evil brother. He was quite evil I might add. He performed this weekend. He did a fantastic job. He is getting more confident in his acting and singing abilities. He is quite a character. Here are a few pictures of him and his mates'.

This kid here in the first photo is Levi's clone. His name is Feyd. He looks and acts just like Levi! Watch out world...

I think they have too much fun! :)

Ok....I have some STRANGE children...

2010-05-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is a clip about Jonah being a goof ball.

This is Levi ....

This is Levi, giving us our weekly show....

Having faith as a child...

2010-05-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

This week we had another test of faith. On Wednesday, I was up VERY early with Sariah because she was going on a history tour with her school and I had to have her down at the school by 6 AM! When I got home, I had to get kids ready along with myself for school. After school, I ran by my house after work to get my swim suit (I know crazy, but it was a hot day!). Then I went to my mom's because Jonah had therapy. When I got there, my brother Michael and his family came over and I got distracted from the pool because we were visiting. Then all of the sudden Michael, my son, showed up. Kaylee apparently had opened one of our gates and didn't latch it because it was too hard. So instead of asking for help she just left it, well it was windy and a wind gust pushed the gate open. The dogs had gotten out and they couldn't be found and that Jesse and Kaylee were harassing Michael, so he came to Nana's house.

When we got home we looked EVERYWHERE. We couldn't find the dogs. The kids had mutual that night so Jonah and I took the kids and we continued to look. It was so sweet to hear him calling the dogs and pleading with them to come back. I was so distraught and upset because it was Sariah's dog that was lost. We returned home and not sure what to do. Jonah came over to me and I asked him if we should say a prayer to help us find the dogs. He said yes and he said the prayer.

It was now dark and my hopes of finding the dogs was fading. Now I was worried of how I was going to tell Sariah. Well, I went online and started to post lost notices on facebook, craig's list, and http://www.pets911.com/. I had just printed some signs to post around our neighborhood about the dogs when the phone rang at 9:30 pm. A woman was asking if we had a dog named Precious. I said "yes" she asked if she had another dog with her, again I told her yes. She said that she found our dogs and would like to return them to us. So at 10 pm our lost little dogs returned home. I was so elated and happy that they were back safe and sound and also that someone was honest and caring to return our little "delinquents".

When I was praying that night, I was so filled with gratitude for bringing these dogs home, that a thought that occurred to me. Our Heavenly Father is so aware of everyone of us and aware of our worries and fears, that if we go to him as a little child having faith that our prayers will be answered. It was through the pure innocence and faith that Jonah showed me that we should always go to our Father in Heaven in prayer, knowing that he hears and will answer them according to His will.

ERIC GOT A JOB!

2010-05-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to report that Eric finally found a job! I know that the Lord has been mindful of us and tests our faith and trust in him. Let me tell a little story about this job....

The week of General Conference Eric found a job on Craig's List that he had applied for. The Sunday after conference was fast Sunday, so we decided as a family to fast that Eric can find a job. We prayed and fasted ALL day (needless to say we had a VERY grouchy house by the time dinner came around!) That week Eric got called for an interview with the company called TCH. It is a rehabilitation center for disabled adults (Weird, huh?). He went to the interview on Thursday. They said if he made the cut he should hear from them by the following Wednesday (April 14).

I had to take some time off work that week because Michael had pneumonia and he was on bed rest. Sariah stayed home school that Wednesday (April 14) because she had a doctor's appointment. I took kids to school and decided to go to the temple. I did an endowment session and then sat in the Celestial room for quite so time (it was so peaceful and quiet, compared to the outside world!). That night we were at mutual with the kids and Eric turned to me and said, I guess that I didn't get the job.

The following day, I get a text from Eric saying he got a job offer from the company and would have the job if all the background checks come back clear. So that Friday he went in to fill out paper work and get a drug test, MVD records, etc. That Sunday we paid our tithing. It was wasn't hard to know that we needed to do it, it was putting our faith and trust in the Lord that he will take care of us. The next day Eric hadn't heard back from the company yet about if he passed the clearance parts. He called them and they said they had everything but the drug screen back and everything was clear so far. That night Eric got a call from the blood lab and inquired if he was on any medications. Eric told him yes and listed the meds he takes. They said that he test came back positive. We then had to get copies of the prescriptions and fax them in to prove that he was on medication. On Tuesday morning, I told Eric that he should go to the temple and serve. So he went that morning. It wasn't until evening that he got a call from the company that everything came back good and he was officially hired! He wouldn't be starting work until the following week. Thursday he got a call again from the company and wanted him to start that Friday. Was this all a coincidence? We don't think so! It was definitely a trial of our obedience and testimony of faith and we are very grateful we passed!

Just a little interesting note....our cobra will be running out this summer on July 31. Eric's new job has benefits and they start August 1. What a blessing, I thought I was going to have to put them on my insurance, but it wouldn't take affect until October 1. I was worried what we were going to do for two months with no insurance. Now I don't have to worry!

Thank you to all who fasted and prayed for our family. It has taken a year and half to finally get a "real" job for Eric! Thank you and we love you!

So it has been awhile...

2010-04-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

This has been on my "to do list" for the past year. Life has kept me very busy. My kids and Eric are causing me to get gray hair which I now have to dye it often. I am still teaching first grade, I hope that there will be a change in my future with a different grade level. I was actually hoping to go part time or quit teaching this next school year because I really want to be home for my children, but Eric has no job and we keep praying and fasting that this will change VERY soon.

Here is an update on my kiddos:

Jesse - He turned 16 this year. He is in 10th grade at Gilbert High School. He is very tech savvy so we have keep track of him and pray that he will make good decisions. He keeps trying to convince us that we should let him get his drivers license, we tell him. Family rule when he is 18. He enjoys sports and hanging out with his friends.

Michael - He will be turning turning 16 in August. He is very handsome. He goes to Heritage Academy. He also enjoys sports and hanging out with his friends as well. If he could he would watch TV and play the Wii and computer ALL day long.

Levi - He turned 15 this year. He is in 9th grade at Learning Foundations and Performing Arts. He is really enjoying it. We feel that he has found his calling in life. He loves to entertain people and it comes very naturally for him. He has been involved with a sing and dance crew, he has been in a couple of plays. He loves playing the piano and is learning how to play the guitar. We just wish he work harder on his school work.

Kaylee - She will be 15 in July. She is in 8th grade at Greenfield Jr. High. She continues to struggle in many areas and challenges us as a family daily. She has a strong testimony in the gospel and enjoys the young women's program. We pray for her often and hope that she will not be permanent roommate.

Sariah - She will be 14 in July. She is in 8th grade Heritage Academy. She loves school and good at it. She is turning out to be a beautiful young woman. She is very excited because we got her contacts this year and next month she gets her braces off. She is my "back-up brain" and keeps me on track.

Jonah - He is 5 years old. He is currently in pre-school and will be in kindergarten next year. He is amazing little boy. He has come so far both in language skills and physical skills. He is quite an imaginative and very loving little boy. He loves Starbucks hot chocolate in the "little cup" and loves to play outside. The only thing that would be great is if we could potty train him. We are almost there... We are so glad that this little spirit is part of our lives!

Girls Night Out

2009-01-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

I love to go to broadway plays. Eric doesn't like them, but my kids have expressed an interest. Since this year at Gamage they were having some great plays, I decided to buy season tickets. Each one of my children were able to choose a play to go with me to. Kaylee went with me to Lion King. I have never seen it on broadway before, but I really enjoyed it. I was amazed with the costumes and how they danced. If you ever get a chance you should go see it! Sariah and I are going to see Wicked for her birthday. Jesse and I are going to Stomp. Levi and I are going to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I am looking forward to them all!

This is Chuck or Chicken Lickin....WHATEVER!

2009-01-24T14:03:00.000-08:00

In October we got some more chickens to add to the other 6 we have so we can get more eggs. Well, we got them as chicks and when they were big enough we put them outside in the chicken coop. These little chicks were so sneaky that they kept getting out of the coop. The kids would chase around the yard and fix the fence, but with in minutes they would be running around. Unfortunately we have stray cats (yuck!) and we had a bit of massacre take place in our backyard.

This chick was hiding from the cats in the shed by her coop buddy that didn't get away fast enough. The kids brought her in and we kept it inside to grow a little bigger and then attempted again to put it outside. She wasn't able to get along for the other hens. The others were being bullies! Anyways, the kids brought her in and all she did was follow me around the house! She is the nicest and funniest chicken I have ever seen!

Just like all the other animals that we have that live in our house, she thinks that she is human and part of our family. I have tried several times to let her out, because as you can imagine, she doesn't smell the best! We were calling her Chicken Lickin, but lately she has been sounding like a duck. So needless to say..... that is how the name Chuck came about! (What can I say we are a strange family!)

This video is of Eric and the chicken. Eric's parents were over for dinner and the kids got the chicken to show Grandpa. So...she decided to climb on Eric's head to feed. Well, doing what birds do best, she pooped on Eric! I think the funnest part is Eric's shirt, because it says "How do you keep an idiot busy?"

Ok, so it has been a while....

2009-01-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know that it has been awhile since I last updated my blog so Iwill try to sum up what has gone on in the last few months...

October 31, 2008 -- Halloween

** Going from left to right in the photo:
Levi, Michael, Jesse, Sariah, Ta (Riah's best friend), and Jonah in the fireman suit.

Thanksgiving at Mom's -We usually have Thanksgiving dinner in the evening, but 'Big' Michael got drawn to go deer hunting. So dinner because lunch and I forgot my camera so no pictures. Jesse went hunting with Bumpa, Dillon, and Uncle Michael. They went hunting in Nogalas, AZ. They came home on Sunday with success, Michael got a deer!

November 30 was a very interesting day. I got a phone call at 12:15 am that my Grandfather -Walter Rogers had passed away. He was 92 years old. He had fallen outside at his home a couple weeks prior to his death. He spent the evening outside because he was unable to get up, it is because of that he caught pneumonia.

Tim's wife Brittny, kept trying to have a baby, but he just wasn't ready. We told her that he is probably waiting to see Papa. The interesting part was she went into active labor that morning and had baby Walter Aksel Rogers that afternoon.

On December 6, 2008 was the funeral. It was a beautiful event. I loved my Papa and will miss him terribly. He and Grandma where very special to me. I have very fond memories of both that Ihave been able to share with my children. They both lived a very full and useful life, they were wonderful examples, and very service oriented. It was fun to see all my cousins and family and friends that we haven't seen in quite sometime. It was sad because knowing this was the last time will be together as a complete family. Grandma and Papa were like the glue and the reason we were able to see each other, they loved to gather as family whenever or whatever a reason. Now that they both have passed, the resonsiblity is shifted to his children. I do hope that we will be able to have a reunion in this life and hopefully before we have to gather for a funeral.

Needless to say there was an overall feeling among all our my siblings of sadness over the holidays. The Rogers' loved the holiday season. This year is the first year we didn't have either one here with us, but I am sure though they were there in spirit. We actually didn't even get the christmas tree out until the middle of December. We didn't decorate much this year.

Seeing the Christmas lights the Mesa Temple.

The kids decorating gingerbread houses and they were actually getting along!

Christmas morning!

New Year's Eve we went to my parents again, and just hung out for the evening. It was pleasant, we visited, played the WII, and watched movies. My two older boys, Michael and Jesse, went to a dance. Michael wasn't sure if he wanted to go because he didn't know how to dance (and those that have been around him music was on, you would disagree with his statement.) Basically, he hesitated because he would have to dance with "girks" (girls - family joke). When we picked them up from the dance Michael was very please with himself because he dance with 6 "pretty girls". They both reported they had a lot of fun and looking forward to going to another dance.

New Year's Day we had to mourn for the loss of Sariah's tortoise "Spike". It is feared that Jonah knocked over his cage and Spike spent too much time on his back. It was such a cute tortoise. Now we are on the hunt for a new one. :)

That wasn't the best start to a new year, but to add to it, Eric lost his job. We have put up and out several applications, but with the way the job market has been we have had no success. So until something that Eric can do comes along he is able to work at DI. We are so glad for the opportunity and pray that we will be blessed to find him a job.

Speaking of jobs, mine is going well. We got a new principal that has helped our school and staff tremendously! I feel more confident in teaching and enjoying so much. I am respected as a teacher and person. I really enjoy teaching first grade, they are so sweet and so loving. I went back to work knowing that I was getting one new student, but I actually got 4! They are sweet and wonderful kids and glad that I have them in my class. One of the little girls came up to me and said, "Mrs. Kellogg, you haven't given me my hug today." It just make me feel so special to be surrounded by such tender spirits.

Sariah is so excited because she got her passport. Her and I are planning a trip to Japan with my mom and Jenny. Sariah's best friend spends the summers in Japan with her Grandma and we have been invited to visit this summer. So hopefully all will work out and we will be able to go. We are hoping it will be the week school gets out. We have plans to go to California and hope to spend a lot of time in the mountains the "Ranch". Eric and I are celebrating 15 years and hope to go to Hawaii or on a cruise to celebrate this summer. Everything is depended upon the economy. Wish us luck!

A New Way to Shop

2008-10-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

My mom and I decided to check this out after a family friend mentioned there were some families in our ward participating in a co-op. We looked into it and decided to get a try to see if it was what it claimed to be. I am glad to say it was. The first time that you do it, it costs $17, but the next time it is $15. My mom only ordered one basket, that is what we took a picture of, I got two baskets.

They only do it twice a month and on Saturdays at several locations around Arizona and the valley. They also have other things available to buy at a discount price. For instance, I purchased bread that was made by Alpine Bakery. They also had fresh honey. Supposely they have different things at different times.

It was interesting because when I went on Saturday I took Jesse with me and our laundry baskets. There was a line and you wait patiently (quiety) in line. When you get to the front of the line you give your name and then they volunteer pulls your baskets aside and you go and empty it into your basket and leave. It reminds me of the Soup Nazi from Sienfield. It all happened within about 20 minutes of time and all the baskets were gone.

When we got home we washed the fruits and vegetables and cut them up and sealed them in my handy sealer. It all looks very yummy and my kids couldn't wait to eat it up. We will definately be doing this again it is well worth the price which wasn't a bad price to begin with! If you would like to try it out check out their website here it is . . . . www.bountifulbaskets.org

A Yummy Recipe

2008-10-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

With times getting tough and we decided as a family to start trying recipes that will use things that we have in our pantry. We figured we might try them out while we are able eat something different if it doesn't turn out good. To our surprize it was quick, easy and DELICIOUS! It comes from Campbell's 1-2-3 Dinner Cookbook.

FIESTA CHICKEN AND RICE BAKE

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup Pace Salsa
1/2 cup water
1 can whole kernel corn
3/4 cup regular white rice
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Mix soup, salsa, water, corn, and rice in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Place chicken on top, cover and bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until chicken and rice are done. When complete sprinkle with cheese.

** I made a few modifications. I used tenders and next time I will cut them into chunks and mix it in with the soup mixture. Also, I doubled the recipe and baked it in a glass 9x13 pan and covered it with foil. I am please to say we didn't have any left overs and the kids said this was great!

I just love creating something beautiful!

2008-09-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

As some of you may not know I love shopping at Goodwill. If you can get past the smell that hits you as you enter the store, you will be just fine! I got this armour for $50. It looks rather ordinary, but with a little imagination it turned into something beautiful. I added wood emblishments and stained it with an ebony stain then added new hardware. It fits perfectly into my room AND it fits all Eric's clothes and everything else that I was tired of looking at!

A New Favorite!

2008-09-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

I just love musicals! I have to say they are my favorite! Unfortunately, I am married to someone who doesn't share the same feelings as I do about musicals or performing arts. BUT, my children have finally gotten old enough too and apparently I have exposed them enough that they enjoy musicals and the performing arts. So now I don't need to go with my husband, I will just go with my children! I bought season tickets to gammage because they have some wonderful shows playing. Each one of the kids, except for Jonah will get to choose a musical to go to with me. Well, Michael didn't want to go to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, so we compromised and I bought tickets to Blackbeard, which is playing at the Herberger now through the end of September. We had been listening to the music and were very excited about going. The night finally arrived, and it was better than we thought! We enjoyed it so much we are going again and I will be taking Sariah and Levi as well as Michael. Check out the site! www.blackbeardthemusical.com

Can you believe this was a laundry room?

2008-09-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make my own space in my house so that I could have a place to do my work and a place to retreat to so that I wouldn't wake anyone in the early morning hours. So I turned my old laundry room into an office space. I love it because the colors are very peaceful and calming. Also, I can display my degrees that I worked so hard on to earn.

On the wall that had the fixtures for the washer and dryer we had to wall paper because it had too many repairs that I would need to re-texture the wall. Obviously, that wouldn't fit into my budget. I used the paintable wall paper that I had left over from another room. After painting the room it needed to have a little contrast, so my mom suggested that we white wash the wall with the wall paper. It turned out PERFECT! It was just what the room needed.

The cabinets were a honey oak color and very plain. I added wood emblishments and stained them with ebony stain. The ceiling was showing it's age, I wanted to put tin on the ceiling, but it also didn't fit into my budget. So I used left over wall paper and painted it silver and then stained it with the same ebony stain. I trimmed it out with small decorative wood.

Some of my furniture came from one of my favorite places, Goodwill. The bookcase was white and old looking. I added wood trim all over it and then spray painted it black. It now looks brand new. My desk is an antique coffee
table. I got it for $20 bucks! It was in pretty good shape. It has a leathery feeling top trimmed out in gold and black. It has a little drawer that is perfect for the small things. Eric added taller legs and stained them and I have a nice desk. I found the chair at a cool new antique shop in Pinetop called The Log Cabin.

Under The California Sun

2008-07-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Oceanside, California. We had a wonderful opportunity to spend a week on the beach with my family. The weather was cool in the 70's during the day and in the 60's in the morning and night. The kids loved playing in the water, building sand castles, and digging in the sand with Uncle Tim and Rocky, even Bumpa got into the action! Jonah was very excited about the opportunity to go "fimming" until he got knocked over by a wave. I attempted the water once, but it was too cold so I decide to enjoy the cool breeve and watch the kids and read. The kids got to go fishing off the pier with Bumpa, Uncle Rocky and their Dad. They also enjoyed walks down the beach and to the pier with Aunt Lael.

We were excited about being there for the 4th of July but were sadly disappointed when the fog came rolling in. We were able to hear the fireworks a maybe a colorful light here and there, but that was it. We are looking forward to next summer, maybe it can be two weeks! Thank you Mom and Dad for sharing this trip with us! We surely enjoyed it! For more photos of our vacation click on the link below. http://picasaweb.google.com/queenkmk/UnderTheCaliforniaSun02

Our Family's First Camping Trip to Oak Creek

2008-06-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

My Latest Project

2008-05-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is a room that has recieved many makeovers in the last several years. I thought I would make it a room that would reflect memories of grandmothers,great grandmothers, and even great-great grandmothers. Also, a room where a girl could grow into a young woman without having to change it too much! Thanks to hubby, Eric and my son, Jesse and to my daughter, Sariah (who will actually gets to enjoy the room right now) helped me to make vision come alive! AND a very special thanks to Katie, who allowed me to borrow the most important element of the room, THE BED!

AFTER....

I love the way it turned out! It is better than what I visioned in my head!