A Visit From Katelyn :)

We had a great visit from a goodfried... KatelynAnichini. We love Katelyn!!! We met her while living in Wisconsin. We were very close to her as well as her family. We've spent many hours together over the years and have created many wonderful memories! She has always been so dear to my heart. Katelyn had her spring break this past week.... She's attending Utah State University up in Logan. She called to see if she could come for a visit during her break. Of course we said,"YES"! 

Her mom sent me a text today that read, Check out Katelyn's blog. And this is what I found:

(I read through the blog and realized that it was a perfect update of our family, also you can see why I haven't had time to post my own update!, Hope you enjoy!) 

TAKEN FROM KATELYN'S BLOG
On Tuesday morning the Griffeths came and got me and I spent the rest of the week with them.  Them and the Wilsons have been my home away from home these past two years.  They babysat me when I was younger, and I babysat their kids when I got older.  They are basically my second family and I am SO grateful to have such wonderful friends out here.  It defiantly helps when the little feeling of homesickness starts creepin' up on ya.  Utah finally got the BEST burger place ever.  A Culvers. Yes Wisconsin, Utah officially has one!!  OOO it was delicious, best burgers and custard there is :)   

We spent the rest of the day shopping around Provo before heading to Price.  On Wednesday we went to Kenzies D.A.R.E graduation.  It made me think back to when I was in grade school and went through the D.A.R.E program, seems so long ago, yet I remember it pretty well.  At night Kenzie also had her dance recital.  It was pretty interesting.  They had all different ages and dances going on.  Some were really cute and some were just..... different? haha but it was so fun to watch her dance.  

Kenzie and I before her graduation

Receiving her award!

Kenzie and some of her friends in her class

Go Carbon All-Stars! She is too cute.  She did a great!

The next few days kinda just mushed together, it seemed like we did so much, but at the same time was able to just relax a ton, which was really nice.  Tanya made some yummy breakfast every morning.  I had so much fun just catching up and playing will Case.  He has grown so much since I have seen him and he is the cutest kid ever!  He is such a joy  to be with and always made us smile. 

Tanya making some crepes!! She is a wonderful cook.

This is Case!! Isn't he just adorable?! I put my glasses on him and had to take a picture it just made me laugh. 

We told him to do a funny face and he did this :)

 I loved it when the kids came home and we were able to do something together.  Jackson and I made some Hamma Bead crafts, and played Just Dance 2 with Kenzie.  It was so funny because I had such a hard time trying to figure out how to dance and whatever.  Kenzieand Jackson were really good and just creamed me.  It was so fun, you can hear Jackson halfway through yell "I GOTTA PEE" and little Case just comes stumbling it, I just love it.  

Jackson making me a "smiley face"

He is such a sweetheart!

:) :)

The weekend was full of the kids sports and practices.  Saturday I went and watched Jackson play some basketball, he is a little speed demon.  Then we all went to the St. Patrick's Day parade.  Kenzie's dance team had to be in it so we helped her get all set up with the four-wheeler.  Later that day we came back and went four-wheeling and drove on the terricks.  (I think that is how you spell it)  Brian had a super fun time teaching me how to drive that thing.  Just ask him :) We went out for ice cream (thanks mom!)  and had a movie night.  Their basement is so cool and is perfect to watch movies in.  

Jackson dribbling

He is in the yellow, in the middle right next to the ref.

Getting ready for the parade!

Jackson and his cute little girlfriend

Case quickly ran out of hand and mouth space to store all the candy people were giving him, it was so funny.  I don't think he could stuff anymore in those cheeks of his.

Brain and Taylor thought me how to make popcorn in their awesome popcorn maker they have

We watched Salt. GREAT movie.

Strike a pose!

Tanya was always making something good to eat!

This is Taylor, he was super busy this week!  He is in like every sport plus school plus scouts,  I remember when I was that busy.  It was nice to see him for a little bit when he had some free time.  He is a great kid and he let me stay in his room the whole week. Thanks Taylor- Love ya!

They also took me to Brians doctors office.  It was SOOO cool just to see his name everywhere and know that the place was HIS! He is a wonderful foot/ankle specialist, so if you have any problems with that, Brian is your man!

This break was wonderful and I am so happy I was able to stay with them!  I had a blast with them and it was also a nice break away from school.

Thank you Griffeth Family!

Thank you Katelyn for the wonderful week. It was a much needed break for me! It kinda forced me to relax. It was so nice to kick back/visit/laugh/cry/eat and talk about our wonderful friends, and the many memories we've made in Wisconsin. Sure do love and miss you all! Thanks Katelyn for a lovely week! Love and missing you already! 

 Come Again SOON! 

So far Behind!

Life at the Griffeth House has been going well. Things have been pretty crazy! Good reason for no new updates. A good friend reminded me that I really need to update my blog and photos. A lot has been going on and the kids are continuing to grow. I really need to update you'll on everything and everyone. I know it's not fair to all of you. I am so bothered that I am so far behind in my updates that I don't even know where to start. I'll be working on it for you soon. I know it's important. I've missed it as well! :(

Up Date!!

My bad! I know, I know! I'm so sorry! The last few months have been pretty crazy! I haven't really taken the time to check others blogs let alone blog for myself. Blogging is usually something I enjoy doing on Sundays. Since January our church meetings start at 1:00pm so by the time I get home, eat dinner and then spend some time with the family, my Sunday is then about spent! Today we had Stake conference at 10:00am so I've been able to enjoy a good chunk of the day organizing my photos from the past almost year. Hopefully I'll get some posted soon. I love to blog but I love to blog in order of the events that happen in our family. I kinda do it more for a scrapbook then anything.

Just a little update, were doing great! The kids are all living life to the fullest. They have been so involved with many sports, church activities, visits with cousins & much more. We have enjoyed watching them grow as they attempt some of the activities.

Taylor's getting ready to start Junior high! Yikes! He's playing on the Junior high football team and loving it. Taylor's testimony has grown so much this last year. He's been through some pretty hard situations, as well as some pretty spiritual ones. It's amazing to see what your child does during these times. He's an amazing young man, a very strong and courageous one. He's a lot of fun to have around. We sure do love him a lot!

McKenzie's been a great help with the little boys. She's so good with her brothers. They just love her to death! When she's not playing with her brothers, she's often found lounging somewhere with her nose in a book. SHE LOVES TO READ! She still finds lots of time to play with her American girl dolls, and dream of the zoo she someday wants to own. She eats, sleeps, drinks, and continually thinks and talks non-stop about animals. ENOUGH ALREADY! It's been fun to watch her grow up! She's pretty cute, she's starting to have her own little sense of style with music & clothing.

Jackson hasn't changed a ton, However his health has. He hasn't had a problem with his asthma since we moved here. Last year before school started Brian gave him a special fathers blessing. Jackson was blessed with; through the faith of his parents he would be free of his asthma & allergies. I was amazed when I heard those blessings. I couldn't believe such a thing. I'm truly amazed! We haven't fussed with his allergy medication much. Only because they were pretty sever. BUT we will have him tested again this fall. Very exciting times! Jackson just lives life to the fullest! He makes the most of everything. Everything he does he tries his hardest. He's often found following Kenzie & Taylor around with their friends. He hasn't made a lot of guy friends yet. He has only girls his age in the neighborhood & at church. He's just alright with that, it's not weird YET! Jackson's kind of my little spoiled one, he's just at that age! Love that kid!

Now for Case!!!! What a BLAST that little man is! He's as wide as he is tall! No, not really, He is huge, but those cheeks...... ! I just smile when I even think of him. He's such a fun kid! And he's growing SO much! Where has my baby gone...? Case is the favorite toy of the house. He gets played with roughed around more then any little kid I know. He is honestly the happiest, smiling baby I've ever seen. He has been such a joy to have around .

Brian's just loving life! Loving life as he's paying back to society. He has built up a wonderful practice. He has made some pretty precious friendships as he gets to know his patients. He feels pretty blessed to have the employees that he has, they all get along so well, and keep each other laughing. He said it's so nice to go to work for the best boss in the world "him self"! He makes me laugh! He manages to take a few day off once in a while to go "PLAY". We've honestly been so blessed. We're working on opening another office right now, it's been kind of a lengthy process. Busy times!

As for Me.... I've just been living life! Every Monday I "try" to start a new diet & exercise program. I find my self pretty busy running kids around. I've really been enjoying watching them in their activities, and sometimes right along side of them. I've been trying to settle our house into a home. I've really enjoyed all the many visitors we've had. I'm getting pretty tired of the tears though. Every time after I say goodbye to a dear friend I find myself in my room crying. They all seem to have a pull on my heart! I sure do have some wonderful friends out there. I've been pretty fortunate to meet a few new friends as well. I'm just a little hesitant to get too close though. It seems whenever I get close to someone they end up moving. So the moral is; if you want to move, then become my friend. Ha,Ha

I've been able to spend sometime at the office decorating & painting it. My girlfriend Aimee came out for a few days and we put her to work. She's amazing! (thank you)

My main focus has been with Brian. We have really been trying to put on that "Armor of God" each day. Our focus has truly been our little family. We have seen so many families trying to be torn a part. We are just working on strengthening our own family one day at a time. As we study, pray & play together we have become a closer family.

I do have great intentions of keeping you updated. I have lots of photos to share. I can't get it all in at once, but I sure hope that over the next few weeks I can get it all in. It feels great to be back!

"Playing House"

Life has been full of complete joy, yet craziness..... We are doing Great! The kids are growing both in size and personality. I wish I could share all of their many moments with you. Oh the joy! I do promise a full update of the past few months soon.

Life has been full of lots of changes for our little family once again. ( refer to the previous post). We have been busy getting ready for the holidays, fixing up the office and all the things that come along with owning our own practice, Attending our children's different extra curricular activities, Spending time with friends and family, and Serving in our church callings. Most of all I've been spending "A LOT" of time enjoying just being a mom. I've had a lot of time on my hands this school year. I've not normally had that. I've been playing little miss "Homemaker". Most of you who know me well, know that I love to create and build. I've been able to enjoy doing things that require homemaking skills. Which is something that I love to do. I feel, that for the first time in my married life I'm now truly "playing house,".( What I dreamed being a mom, and wife would be like). If that makes sense to you. Life is what I always dreamed of, and much, much more. We "FINALLY" have a somewhat "normal" schedule. A schedule where we can eat most of our meals together, wake up at the same time, read together, and do things as a whole family, and then retire to bed at the same time. ( that's if I can get Brian away from one of his books or a sporting event on TV). We feel so blessed to be at this chapter in our lives. With the past 12 years being full of school, and a not so consistent schedule, ( we did love those years as well, just not the inconsistency of it) We're now loving life, and taking a break, trying to enjoy every moment of it. So "YES" I'm being kinda lazy!

P.S. Andy, so sorry to have let you down once again. SOON!

Life Changes in an Instant!

Yesterday morning we got a call from a good friend saying that Dr. Blackburn had passed away. Dr.Blackburn is the Doctor that we bought our practice from. He went out for a bike ride at about 5:30 pm. He didn't return home. A search party was called, they found him around 5:00am the next morning. They figured he had a heart attack! The doctor figures he died pretty instantly, and probably didn't suffer long. He was found face down in the dirt off the road a little. His feet were still strapped into the peddle straps. He was a very healthy man. Only about 60 years old. He was just called, and visited with President Uchtdorf two weeks ago, He and his wife were called as Mission President. What an honor!

Dr.Blackburn came to our house and visited with us shortly after his mission call was extended. He was delighted, yet really having a hard time with the whole retirement thing. He worked very hard to build his practice to what it is today. He had some concerns, Brian has been changing all the medical files to the "new" and updated electronic medical records system, we've bought a few different types of new equipment. Which have pretty much paid for themselves already. He was happy for us yet concerned. He's not use to the "new way" ( technology) of doing things. He still paper trailed EVERYTHING. Brian learned one way, and he learned another. Both fine, just different.

Brian has allowed him to still come into the office for our first year, about 2 to 3 days a month. Dr.Blackburn had been working at the office a lot. He would go in about 5 to 6 days a month, and see around 40-45 patients a day. He also saw the patience at our the Moab office. The Moab office was in our contract with him for the first year. He saw ALL the nursing homes in town as well. He also went up to Provo a few times a week, and worked at a hospital. He was a very busy man! He was busier now, then ever before. Brian manages the office in Price, and Castle Dale.

We feel so bad for his family. He has a wonderful family, 8 or 9 children, ( can't remember) all who went on missions, and are highly educated. Brian and I went and visited the family yesterday. We took them a cooler full of drinks, and some snacks. Someone did this for us when we lost our baby, it was so nice. We didn't really need it but they insisted. They said, You not only had a birth, but a death as well." How thoughtful, Thanks! It was nice to visit with the family! Hard to see them is such a way, they seemed to appreciate us stopping by. His son Travis and his family just recently moved into our ward. We are really happy to have them.

We feel very grateful to Dr.Blackburn, and for the wonderful practice that he has built for us. We feel so bad that he was having such a hard time letting go of it, and I'm really glad that Brian was "SO" patient with everything. I'm feel so blessed that the hand of the Lord played such a big part in our decision to move to Price. EVERYTHING that has happened for the Blackburn's, as well for us has been amazing, the timing has been impeccable. Dr. Blackburn had all of his affairs in order. His mission was a little different then planed.

We've really been enjoying working on the practice. Brian's been working about 4 days a week with an average of 25 patients a day. He does his surgeries on Friday mornings. His work load has now about doubled. No more just 4 days a week. We're a little overwhelmed! Blessed, but overwhelmed!

Brian didn't sleep last night at all, he feels so bad for the family. Just when Dr.Blackburn was about to retire this happens. I'm just glad that Brian has no regrets, and has treated Dr.Blackburn well. We will be forever grateful for him, and are blessed to have known him.

Dr. Dennis Blackburn 2009

Here You Have It!

So the truth is, I haven't been very good at keeping up on our family Blog! I'm sorry! I've kind of lost interest in Blogging lately. I keep going back and forth, do I continue to make posts now that we've moved closer to family and see them often, or do I just stop all together....?

I've never really been a good writer, and my grammar pretty much stinks. I read some peoples blogs that just crack me up. Some people are just so gifted, and entertaining. We all have our strengths and weaknesses! I guess the purpose of our blog is really just a very superficial journal of the things that have been going on in our life, and to keep you updated on our little family. I guess what you see is what you get! We find our life full of entertainment, and really that's what matters.

I'd love to print our Blog off at the end of the year, my friend did, and loved it! We then will have a precious little book (scrapbook), a nice keepsake full of our past memories to enjoy in the future. I haven't been too good at getting our pictures in albums, Let alone journaling each one of them. I'm going to "try" to do the lesser of the two evils. So with that being said, I'm going to try to catch up on our life, and what's been going on for the the past few months. Blogging is a much easier route then to do a "real" scrapbook. It may take a while to back track! I'm so behind!

What she's not telling you

Tanya loves parades.

She scores all the good stuff.


See that bulge in her bag?

Toilet paper.

25lbs and Still Can't Move

Our sweet little Case is now 6months old. He is such a joy to have around. Such a joy that when he's awake the poor little guy is often fought over. He is every one's favorite toy.

I find myself getting a little bothered at times when I have to share him. It's AMAZING how much love a baby can bring into a home. Our little man is lacking in the area of movement, and "tricks", or I guess you can say development. He's very alert, and attentive. However, he weighs a little over 25lbs. I guess that's a lot for a baby this age. I see him everyday so it's not so weird for me that he's a little on the large size. I don't have a lot to compare him with. His hands have cute little dimples on them.

His feet look like a women's when we are about nine months pregnant, and swollen.

This is a picture of Case and his friend Rylen Christiansen. Rylen is 2 and 1/2 years old. I'm sure Case will grow out of his "Baby Fat".

The first day at our new ward "Church" a little girl who was about 4 yrs old came up to us and said," Your baby has a "BIG" face". He does, I think that's why he looks so big sometimes is because his cheeks are so big.

Anyways, what I'm trying to say is..... it's not that big of a deal to me so I don't really notice that he's that big. My other babies have all been pretty average, and usually early on the development side. Now, as far as Case goes, he's 6months old, he "STILL" doesn't roll over, (most of his friends do this around 4 months). In fact this is what I found McKenzie doing one day...

Yes, she is trying to teach him how to roll over. lol He "CAN'T" sit, unless propped by a few pillows, or blankets. He doesn't do anything but laugh, and smile. He is the happiest baby you will ever meet. He has the most infectious smile in the world.

He lays around most days ( that's if he's no being held) you'll often find him lifting his head up as though he was going to do a sit-up. That's about it on the movement side of things. The litttle man has quite the little six-pack going on!

One of our kids came to Brian and I worried about Case when he starts school. The child said," Mom why don't you stop feeding him so much. Kids are going to tease him if he's that big when he goes to school". Lol

It's funny that the kids even care. I think that they have just noticed all the comments lately. They also witnessed that when we were at the cabin the little man couldn't even fit in his size 12month life jacket. The other cousins who are only 3 weeks older, as well as almost a year older could fit into it. And then there was Case....

Poor kid, he could hardly breath!

I love this little guy so much! I get so excited to hold him, and love on him. If I run to the store, and leave him behind with Brian for a half hour, I miss him, and can't wait to get back to him. Even in he middle of the night, I get excited to just hold him, and care for him. I know it's kind of weird! It's just amazing how much love we can have for one child, and to think that I love my others just as much, it's amazing. I remember when I had Taylor, and was expecting McKenzie, I was worried about even loving her as much as I loved Taylor, and how could I possibly have that much love to go around. It's amazing how we just do, and how that love grows, and multiplies. One of my greatest joys about Case is watching others lives being touched by his joy, smile, and giggles. I can't tell you how many people have come up to me to make a simple comment on his contagious smile or something. It brings so much happiness to me to see such a fresh new little one light up, or brighten someones day. The smile, and sincerity on the person's face is priceless. (It makes me feel bad about all the people I purposely avoid because I KNOW they are going to make a comment, and I'm in a big hurry, and don't want to have a conversation with them. Rude, I know). I guess that right now I shouldn't worry that little Case is behind on a few things. I know he'll grow out of this. I'm sure it would help if he wasn't held ALL THE TIME. 25lbs is a lot to move around at such a young age, no wonder he can't do much. I've waited a long time to have a baby, so I guess I'm just soaking it up, and enjoying every moment of it. I sure do love my little Case!

Our NEW information

Sorry for being so slow with this. I'm not going to post our new phone numbers, and address on our Blog. Not that I don't want you all to have our information, I just want to make sure that I know who is receiving our information. I'm not 100% sure of EVERYONE who reads our blog. We are going to send out a mass email to everyone that we have an email address for. Leave me your email unless you know that I already for sure have your email address.

Alive and Well

Well, we made it to our new home town. Price, Utah. We arrived late Thursday night, June 25Th. We drove into town, went straight to our new home to preview it before we bought it the following day. Brian and I were kinda nervous buying our house sight unseen. We were a little hesitant because the house was a foreclosure. Brian's parents, and Dan, and Valarie ( our good friends) both saw the house. We really put a lot of trust in them! Thanks guys!

We closed on our home Friday June 26Th. All went well.... We are officially home owners "again"! Hear is a picture of our new home!

The move out, and the drive out was a little crazy....... Need I say more!

My Mother, and sister Lani rescued our children that Saturday for a couple of weeks. They took them to Canada so the kids could spend some time with their grandparents, and cousins. The kids had a blast, and grandma whooped them into shape pretty quick. They got to help out on the farm, play in the pool, and just be kids. They also got to go to Grandpa & Grandmas new cabin on Echo Lake in Montana. Uncle Chad, and Aunt Lani taught Taylor, McKenzie, and even little Jackson how to water ski. I couldn't believe it.... Little Jackson water skiing! He's ONLY 5 years old! Now that's amazing! ( Lani, I need those pictures). They said it was "really" cute!

Meanwhile...., Brian, and I have been busy, busy, busy!

The movers arrived Tuesday the 30Th of June. We had a few days before they arrived to get the house cleaned, and a few projects done. We've had some good quality time together while getting the house somewhat settled, and ready for the movers to arrive with all of our stuff.

A few of Brian's brothers, as well as Seth, and Hailey came to help us unpack.

John & Clint

Brian & Greg and the BMW ( notice they are out playing with the car while the others are in working, they are so busted)

Hailey was such a good help with Case

Seth was our "chore Boy" he did everything that the rest of us were too lazy to do.

It's so nice to live closer to family for that reason. We didn't even ask them to come help. Now that's some awesome family! Taking our kids for us or a few weeks, unpacking, retrieving our now destroyed car from the dirty transporter, not to mention the many other things they've done for us. We've definitely got it pretty good....

Poor Little Case... OUCH!

Little Case stayed back with us. He's seriously the best little baby. He's been so good during all this craziness. He also got second degree burns on his face the day that we moved in. He fell asleep in his swing in the garage, IN THE SHADE for a good part of the day. When he woke up he was burnt! We couldn't figure it out! We thought that the reflection from the driveway may have done it. We didn't know... then a few mornings later while Brian was in the shower he had been thinking about it, trying to figure it out. He remembered that above the swing that Case was in is a dome shaped mirror, Case can look up into it and see himself, as well as all the little hanging toys. Brian figured that the mirror had probably acted as a magnifying glass and reflected from the sun, onto Case's sweet little face. Poor little baby! He didn't even act bothered by it, or fuss about it.

We felt so bad about it! The one child that was left in our care.... Whenever we went out in public we would place a blanket over him and the car seat, so people couldn't see him. I'm sure people wondered why his blanket was moving around, ( Case was laughing, and kicking it) and why he was covered up. He's all better now. It's amazing how fast his little face healed. He's such a doll!

We sure do love our Case!!!!

4TH of JULY

The 4TH of July weekend, we started by spending some time, and staying the night with Nate, and Lisa Christiansen. ( Our good friends).

( I really need a better picture of you guys, I've got a ton of the kids, just not the whole family)

We went to dinner, ice cream, and went landscape looking with them. They are always so kind to let us stay with them, even if we have laundry to do at their house, and are in need of computer access. It's nice to have such good friends, that we are so comfortable with. It will be great to be able to see them more often.

We also went up to Logan, to visit with Brianne, and Nate. ( My sister, and her husband who just finished up his residency in Michigan) Nate, is one of the new ER doctors in Logan. Candace, and Jason, ( another sister, and her husband) were able to go as well. We had a lot of fun! We did the traditional Lewiston parade. We got to see some of our Griffeth family at the parade as well.

John & Michele Griffeth Family

One of the highlights of the weekend was running into my good friend Tara Coppin. I haven't seen her in a long time. We have some great memories together, and now that we live closer hopefully many more memories to be made.

We also ran into our good friends John, and Julee Sanchez, and their cute kids.

The Sanchez Family

We've been able to see them a few times in the last couple years. They are really good friends of Lani, and Casey. We knew them while we lived in Logan, but most of all we've gotten to know them better when we've been out visiting Lani, and Casey, and they just happened to be going through town at the same time. They have been such a great support to Lani. They have made many trips to visit Lani, and Casey in Vegas. They were able to come to Casey's funeral and spend some time with the family. We sure do appreciate all the love and support that they have shown. We are especially glad because of the friendship that we've developed.

One of the main reasons for us going to Logan for the 4Th was, we've been wanting to put a headstone on our babies grave. We were able to go the the cemetery, visit the family grave site, and see how much room we had for a headstone, and just get a few ideas. What a feeling of comfort we felt at the grave side.

That evening we enjoyed watching the boys, Brian, Nate, and especially Jason light fireworks.

They were very entertaining! We got quite the laugh. The kids were pretty cute to watch as the fireworks went off. It sure was weird without our kids being with us on the 4Th.

These are Brianne, and Candace's cute little kids.

It's amazing how much more you can enjoy other peoples kids when yours aren't around to distract you. We sure had a lot of fun with them. Our children still had a ton of fun though. They got to celebrate....... CANADA DAY !

CANADA DAY was July 1st while they were in Canada. The kids had a lot of fun things to tell us about. They said that the parade was the smallest that they had ever seen, ( I think there were maybe 3 floats, and 50 horses) and that someones float had a swear word on it....

One of the floats said " The Dam Float"

another said " The Biggest Dam Float"

and the last said " The last Dam Float"!

I laughed, only because I'm from Hillspring and understood the joke. My kids, not so much! I thought that now would be a good time to teach McKenzie how "swear words" really are spelt.

A family that works at the dam by the town, and is in charge of maintenance of the grounds entered the float in the parade.

Anyways, Thanks everyone for a great weekend, it was fun to see everyone, and visit with you all!