Category Archives: family

Jul 13 2011

Peas

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Peas growing in my garden

I have the fondest memories of peas.  My mom always grew peas in her garden and I remember sitting on the porch with my mom on a cool summer night.  My mom would have a bag full of peas and a bowl.  We would just sit there talking and opening up peas and, of course, eating them.

I love to eat fresh garden peas.  In previous years we grew a Lincoln pole pea and didn’t have very much success.  We would only grow enough for a handful and the kids always ate them before I could do anything with them.  This year we tried a new variety called Little Marvel.  This is a bush pea.  So far we have a lot more peas than we ever had.  I have enough to feed the whole family peas, as a side, dish for dinner (although I think they like them better raw).  Corey said that he didn’t think he planted enough last year.  He really packed the seeds in together this year.  Along with a better watering schedule the peas have really taken off.   I think next year I’m going to grow at least twice as many so I can have some to freeze.

Pole verses the bush pea.  On the package of the Little Marvels it said that there was no need to stake the plants.  Pole peas grow tall vertically and will fall over if not staked.  When I bought the Little Marvels (a bush pea) I was under the impression that we didn’t have to stake them.  They did pretty well until the pods started to form and now they have fallen onto themselves and have become a tangled mess.  I think that maybe next time we will set up a trellis along side them so they have something to attach themselves to and maybe stay standing.  Picking the peas can be a back breaking job.  It is better if you have somewhere you can sit or kneel.  I, however, had to bend over for about 15 minutes to pick all the peas.  When I finally stood up my back was very stiff.  Over all I’m pretty satisfied with the results.

Freshly picked

Carrying on the tradition

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophia and her peas

What we have so far

Jul 5 2011

4th of July

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I hope everyone else had a great 4th like we did.  It ended up being a pretty busy day.  Corey was gone before I even had a chance to wake up.  Every year the city puts on a 5k fun run that runs the parade route.  This is Corey’s second year of doing traffic control for that event.  He was gone by 6:30 am.  He made it back just in time for us to head out and see the parade.  We had a great time at the parade.  Sophia looked so cute dressed all patriotic.  After the parade we went home and packed up a lunch and headed out to meet some friends at Gem Lake.  The kids loved eating and swimming with their friends.  We spent a good 2 hours there.   When we got home we finally had some time to relax.  The kids and I watched a movie while dad took a nap.  After dinner it was time to head out to the firework show.  Idaho falls has a pretty big show.  It’s actually the biggest firework show I have ever seen.  They light them off at the greenbelt and since we don’t live too far from there we only have to go a couple of blocks to get a great view of the fireworks.  By the time we got home it was around 11:00 pm and the kids were beat.  We had such a wonderful day and I feel such a great gratitude for all the men and women in the world who have made it possible for us to have the freedom that we do.

Sitting and waiting for the parade to come

Sophia waving her flag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids swimming at Gem Lake

Amy and I watching the kids swim

 

 

 

 

 

 

playing frozen bubble while waiting for the fireworks

fireworks

Jun 27 2011

Levi’s Birthday

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Today was Levi’s 6th birthday.  I can’t believe he is already six.  He is the kid that keeps me on my toes.  Always has and I believe he always will.  Just a couple of weeks ago while at play group we lost him.  Yes that’s what I said lost him.  It was time to go home and we gathered all the kids only to find out that Levi was missing.  We search and called and looked and he was nowhere to be found.  My girlfriend Amy called Corey to see if maybe Levi headed home.  Sure enough there he was at home.  Later I asked him why he left.  He said he wanted to ride his bike so he went home.  That’s the way it is with him.  Once he has made up his mind to do something he sticks to it and does it.

Today we celebrated Levi’s birthday by throwing him a little party.  We tie dyed shirts and hit a pinata.  Then we opened presents had pizza and then ate cupcakes.  It was a beautiful day and the kids loved playing together.  It did get a little hot but luckily our neighbors tree provided enough shade for them to sit and eat.

My little boy is growing up.  I can’t believe he is going to be in 1st grade come this fall.  He is always quick to forgive and very loving.  He is always ready for a hug and isn’t grossed out by mommy’s kisses yet.  I love him so much.  Happy birthday Levi.

gathering the kids for the activity

showing the kids how to tie their shirts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levi pouring the bleach solution over his shirt

Broken Pinata

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levi opening presents

Levi blowing out his candle on his cupcake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Front view of the tie dyed shirts

Back view of shirts

Jun 26 2011

Free Fishing Day

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The second Saturday in June is free fishing day in Idaho.  We have made it a tradition and like to take the kids somewhere and fish as a family.  This year we tried a little pond just south of town.  It was pretty crowded and we fished for about an hour and didn’t even get a nibble.  All the while we are hearing the people just down from us whooping and hollering about catching fish, after fish, after fish.  Even though it is fun and exciting to catch a fish it is also nice to sit and enjoy the nature around you.  The kids had fun and it was a nice evening to relax.  We did see a turtle in the water.  I wasn’t quick enough to get a picture but it was pretty exciting.

Levi, Sophia, and I casting out.

Just your average fishermen

May 27 2011

Big Girl Sophia

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Sophia had a birthday last week.  She turned 3 years old.  This was a really fun birthday because it is the first birthday that she really knew what was going on.  I woke her up and sang happy birthday to her and she was so excited.  All day I would spontaneously sing happy birthday to her.  Eventually it got to the point that she would also spontaneously sing happy birthday to herself.  In the evening we had her open presents.  This is also the first year that she really didn’t need help opening the gifts.  She was so excited about everything.  Then it was time for cake.  Don’t look too closely at it.  I had Corey make the cake and frosting and I decorated it.  He used butter in the frosting that wasn’t completely softened and it wouldn’t come out of the tips very well.  At some point one of the tips exploded on the cake and made a big pink mess.  So then I just gave up on making it look decent.  Sophia loved blowing out the candles it took a few tries and a little spit spray but eventually she got them out.  We cut into the cake and something was very wrong.  I asked Corey if he followed the directions and he said “yes”.  We used a boxed cake but I used half of it for Preston’s cake a couple of weeks before.  So we were using the other half for this one.  Corey remembered to follow the directions but forgot to half the recipe.  So we had too much egg, oil, and water.  I didn’t care for the texture and taste of the cake but the kids still liked it so it wasn’t a total disaster.   All in all she had a wonderful birthday and we had fun celebrating it with her.  I can’t believe she is 3, what a big girl.

Money from Grandma and Grandpa Tiffany

Hat and Purse made by Nami Edwards. The cuitest things in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She loves to dress up

It's my birthday raw raw raw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blowing out the candles

 


Cool new cup from Nami and Nampa Edwards

 

May 16 2011

Busy Weekend

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This past weekend we were really busy.  It started Friday night.  Preston had his spring concert with the Eastern Idaho Children’s Choir.  Ever since he was really young Preston has loved to sing.  He was singing “I am an Child of God” in Japanese by the time he was two.  When I found out about the local children’s choir I knew it was a good fit for him.  This has given him an opportunity to meet new people and to develop his talent.  He is learning the fundamentals of singing.  I’ve heard a great improvement from when he started.  He tells me he would like to be in choir again next year.  They had a good concert.  The only thing I would change is that they have a better sound system.  It was difficult to hear the children sing especially the youngest group.  They only had one microphone and that was only used to announce the songs.  It’s a shame because that’s why we go, we want to hear the kids sing.

Prelude Choir

Doesn't he look nice

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Saturday we went on our first family day hike for the year.  We went to Hells Half Acre.  This is becoming a yearly tradition.  It didn’t take us as long as it did last year.  The kids are becoming seasoned hikers.  Next year we think we might do the red trail which is considerably longer.  We were a little worried about Moxie and what the lava rocks would do to her paws but she did really well and by the end she was leading us to the next marking post.  We were only there for a couple of hours and it did start to sprinkle on us a little but it was really fun.  We can’t wait to go on another hike.  Next weekend it is Fathers in Sons camp out.  The boys will get to explore a cave and Sophia and I get to have a fun girls night (princess movies, painting nails).

Hells Half Acre spring 2011

Levi Climbing down the rocks

Levi needed a little help getting down

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preston climbing down

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophia, Mommy, and Moxies backside

Me: "Levi watch out" Levi: " I know dad's behind the bush"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Whole Family

Also on Saturday was our 12th anniversary.  It is hard to believe that it was 12 years ago that Corey and I were sealed for time and eternity in the Portland Oregon temple.  He has been the best thing that has ever happened to me.  Saturday night my friend Jenn came over and watched the kids for us.  We went out to dinner and then had a nice quiet drive and walk.  We love our kids but it was really nice to have an evening without them.  We played a game of name what happened to us each year that we’ve been married.  It was fun to reminisce and remember both the good times and hard times.  Really makes you appreciate the here and now.  Thanks Jenn for giving us a great evening.  I’m sure the next  12 years are going to be just as fun.

Twelfth Anniversary

Apr 29 2011

Easter

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It is always this time of year that makes me a little home sick.  I wish we had family that lived closer so we could celebrate this time of year with them.  We did have a good Easter.  The night before we dyed eggs.  We always do an Easter egg hunt in our back yard for the kids.  I think it takes Corey more time to set it up than for the kids to find all the eggs.  I’m really bad at remembering to take pictures and I forgot to take pictures of the kids all dressed up before church.   After church we had a nice ham dinner.  I think this is one of my favorite holidays.  It helps me remember our Savior and all that he has done for us.  It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the silly things like the Easter bunny and candy but it’s important to really remember what this holiday is all about,  The Savior.

Sophia finds an egg

The kids with their baskets full

 

Apr 29 2011

Preston’s Birthday

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I can’t believe it but my oldest is now nine.  Last Saturday we spent a fun day celebrating.  Every other year we let the kids have a big party.  Preston had one last year so this years birthday was spent just with the family.  Saturday happened to be the nicest day in the week.  We were able to take the family to the green belt and look at the falls and chase the birds.  Preston said that it was his favorite non-party year ever.  We spent most of the day outside.  I had asked Preston what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said he wanted to go to IHOP.  Preston’s favorite thing to eat is pancakes.  He’ll eat them anytime of day.  I think his record is 11 four inch pancakes.  So IHOP is fitting for his birthday.  We opened presents at the restaurant.  Preston really wanted a real tie (no clip ons or zippers).  He also got a journal from his Nammi and Nampa.  He has written in it everyday since.  He also got some money from Grandma and Grandpa T.  So we took him to Toys R Us to pick out a gift.  We walked through the whole store only to find out that he wanted the first thing he saw in the store.  He got a penguin pillow pet.  We then went home and had cake and ice cream.  I find it odd that Preston didn’t ask for a video game or some awesome toys but that he was very practical with what he wanted.  I guess that proves he is growing up.  He is such a sweet boy with a sweet spirit.  We are so blessed to have him in our lives.

 

 

 

 

 

This is Preston's design. He made a drawing for me to show me how he wanted his cake.

 

Apr 29 2011

Shoshone Falls

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Okay I have a lot of blogging to catch up on.  After blogging almost everyday in March I took a hiatus.  So first off at the beginning of the month we went to Twin for a baptism.   On our way home we decided to stop by Shoshone falls.  I don’t know why I have never been here.  I used to have cousins that lived in Twin falls and we would visit them often while I was growing up.  I didn’t know how spectacular the falls were.  Of course, on this day, in early April the falls are quite full which makes for a more spectacular view.  It was raining that day and the falls put out quite a lot of spray so we were thoroughly drenched by the time we left.  It was really fun to see the falls and we didn’t mind standing out in the cold and rain for the view.  Maybe we’ll even stop by and see the falls again on our way through during the summer sometime.

Shoshone Falls

The boys are trying to protect themselves from getting wet.

Apr 16 2011

Sophia’s bangs

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I posted on Facebook yesterday that Levi did us a favor and cut his sister’s bangs. I have a request for pictures and thought I would also tell the story.   I was debating if I should cut bangs on Sophia or not because they kept getting in her face (like the first picture).  When doing her hair I usually pull it to the side like the second picture.  Yesterday while Sophia and Levi were playing in his room her hair was getting in her face.  Levi wanted to be a good brother and thought he would solve her problem for her.  I thought I had confiscated all sissors.  Preston my oldest had some hidden in his closet.  Levi pulled them out and chop chop.  I definitely think had I done the chop chopping I wouldn’t have cut them so short.  Now I guess all we can do is wait for them to grow out.

Before- hair is in her face

Before- hair pulled to the side

After- Levi's cut job