B-day present

So for my birthday James had some oil paintings framed. Now I blogged about these painting awhile back and had to find out when I actually bought these. Refer to November 2007 post for the story on these. I can't believe I've had them for almost 2 years rolled up nicely in my closet. As you can imagine I was so excited. James even picked out the big huge frame which goes perfectly with the painting. Not only am I in nesting mode but I'm in decorating mode now!!!

Cousin Jeramy visits

My cousin Jeramy was in town for a golf tournament and was able to come by for a quick visit. It was so great to see him since we figured it had been 6 years.

baby shower

I love hanging out with friends and even more I LOVE presents!!! Actually to tell you the truth I felt overwhelmed, I got such cute things and I am so grateful. Kaitlyn came with me and she was adorable just soaking it all in. At one point she relaxed back in her chair and said, "I'm just really enjoying myself." I know just what she meant.


Marti was the hostess and it was just so great. There were yummy deserts which I loved instead of a cake, and cute decorations and what not. The evening was so casual and nice, just the way I like it. Marti is also my 2nd mother and definitely part of the family.


Some of the ladies who helped out. I know Kelli. . . . they can be strange.


Kelli and Amy were in charge of the entertainment.

Taylor student of the week

Taylor was student of the week and so she got a certificate and got to stand up at the village meeting. She was so shy when she stood up there and looked so little.

Olivia and student of the months

Here are some pic's I took of Olivia playing today. She is so stinkin' cute and growing up so fast. She has a big imagination and lately it is all about the phone, lil' computer and paper and pen.







Student of the months in the same month. Convenient and nice for me!!! Derick trying to be all cool and not smile, whatever!

Olivia had to sit next to her big brother during the awards.

Timeout for Women

This weekend we went to Timeout for Women and had a great time. We kicked it off eating at Cheesecake factory on Friday beforehand, had a great Friday night. My friend Amy was loving Jenny Baker playing the violin and got to meet her. Saturday was great with amazing speakers and music, esp. by my absolute favorite Hillary Weeks. I play and sing all her songs and listen to her CD's constantly. I got to meet her and chat for a couple of minutes. . . . (I'm pretty sure we hit it off and are now BFF's) Anyways it was a great break and the talks charged my spiritual battery.
Me and Hillary




Emma and Paula posing


Kelli and Emma with speaker Brother Nelson


Amy and violinist Jenny Baker



Cheesecake factory

12 year anniversary

We celebrated 12 years of marriage on Saturday the 12th. It seems like so many years, but it has flown by.
Alot of events have happened over the last 12 years.
7 different homes
3 states
5 kids (almost)
countless date nights
lots of trials
lots of laughs

It's funny how things turn out. I met James the first day of school orientation at Snow college and didn't think a thing about him. In fact I tried to set him up with my other roommates and friends. After 6 months of being just friends we started dating. I can still remember my friends totally shocked, and saying, "James Gray"!!!!! We are text book of the saying, "opposites attract". James very quiet, reserved and a book worm, while me on the other hand, outgoing, talkative, and trying to figure out a way to major in sand volleyball!!!
We dated for 2 months, engaged for 4 1/2 and finally married in the Denver Colorado temple.

I feel very lucky that we found each other. He is simply a great guy. Wonderful father, husband, selfless, honest, and thoughtful of others. We have grown together so much over the past 12 years and I seriously love him more today than back then.

Happy Anniversary James!

dogsitting

So we are dogsitting for 3 days for my friend. My kids are in heaven. They absolutely love Cody and everything about a dog. I have to admit it is kind of fun maybe because i know it is for 3 days. Here are some cute pic's of the kids with him.

Kaitlyn said she needed to read Cody a bedtime story before they went to bed.

Olivia decided that the dgp pillow was a good place to watch a little TV.


Derick and Kaitlyn cuddling with Cody and watching a little Tom and Jerry. Appropriate you think??


This is Karlee. She came to say goodbye to us a week ago since she's off to BYU Idaho for her Sophomore year. We all love her and can't wait to see her during the holidays.

days of summer

I love hearing the ice cream man driving around. Maybe it is because since we lived out in the country we never experienced it. The kids get so excited and go grab a dollar bill from their allowance jar. I use to get them the $3.00 ones like sponguebob and dora but I was tired of spending $10 and then them eating only half. So now they know they can only pick the $1.00 ones and they love it!!!!





Olivia loves our waterslide. She has been so brave this year and has no fear even when the big kids are on it.