Together we have it all!

New Site

2011-01-24T08:42:00.001-08:00

We have moved our blog to a new site. Please visit it at the link below.

Together We Have It All

If the above link does not work, here is the web address: http://web.me.com/hughesfamily6/Together_We_Have_It_All/Welcome.html

We hope you will visit us over on the new site. We have fun things in store along with our Project 365 blog.

Day 15

2011-01-15T23:04:00.001-08:00

Some things from childhood never change. I still love a bowl of Lucky Charms!

Day 14

2011-01-15T23:01:00.000-08:00

The pictures tell the story, it was delicious.

Day 13

2011-01-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

busy? it appears he is working on homework, working on the tahoe video, listening to music and possibly youtube videos? multi-tasking at its finest . . .

It ain't over til it's over

2011-01-12T22:15:00.000-08:00

Riley wrestled against Buljan Middle School today. He came up against an opponent that he has seen before and hasn't has much success against. You can watch the video of the match but I will give you a few details. Going into the 3rd round, Riley was down 3-0 and hadn't had much control the entire match. With only about 30 seconds remaining, Riley got a take down and near fall and scored 5 points. He held on until the buzzer sounded and won the match 5-3. It was a great win for him!
*a few notes: the beginning shows Tanner warming up with Riley. he was very nervous, this was really his first match of the season because last week he had a forfeit and has not attended any tournaments yet. the quality of the video is not great. I was sitting up in the stands and only decided to film at the last minute with no time to move closer.

Day 12

2011-01-12T22:05:00.001-08:00

Swiper had an appointment this morning and lost his manhood. Poor thing hates the e-collar and is trying everything to get it off.

Day 11

2011-01-12T21:31:00.001-08:00

Tonight was the Awards night for Whitney Varsity Football. I was too far away to get any decent photos, so enjoy a favorite photo from this past season. Pictures taken by www.thewinningshot.com. (Tanner is #33)

Day 10

2011-01-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

A B R

Q Y B T R

A first of the firsts this year. . . Riley can't see. I guess he really does take after his mother. A word to remember: LASIK!

Day 9

2011-01-09T18:40:00.001-08:00

The sights and smells of dinner cooking on a Sunday afternoon.

Day 8

2011-01-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Best friends? We weren't sure when we introduced Swiper into our home. We rescued him from the streets as a kitten and he has found his place in our home. This is their new favorite spot and they love to share it with each other.

Day 7

2011-01-07T10:39:00.001-08:00

The dreary days of winter are upon us. It's foggy, cold and really unmotivating.

Day 6

2011-01-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

An experiment with two recipes and a few added ingredients turned into a fantastic meal. The only problem is we devoured it before I had a chance to take a photograph. Trust me, it was delicious.

Thanks to the Greenwood family for this fabulous cookbook.

Day 5

2011-01-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Lunches. Shopping. Creating. Laughing. Being there.

Friends. What would we do without them.

Day 4

2011-01-04T23:35:00.000-08:00

An exciting Christmas gift. Anxious to spend some time getting to know it better.

Day 3

2011-01-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

I cry the day I take the tree down. I never like the day the Christmas decorations come down. I wish the feelings that we share during the month of December could last all year long.

Day 2

2011-01-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

After the storm had rolled through and we were able to dig out of the driveway we headed to the ski slopes of Homewood Resort on the north end of Lake Tahoe. We would spend the next 2 days skiing and snowboarding the slopes with blue skies and a spectacular view of the lake. I have not witnessed too many other sights more beautiful than that. This picture of our family makes me smile. I can't put my finger on what I like most about it.

January 2011. . . . Day 1

2011-01-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

We rang in the new year in Lake Tahoe. As we arrived a snowstorm came in with brute force. Through the day and overnight we saw more than 3 feet of snow pile up. We awoke to find our cars buried and the realization that we were snowed in. This didn't stop the kids (or even the adults for that matter) from building a sledding hill in the back that rivaled all sledding hills. This was just the beginning of what would be a GREAT vacation!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T16:59:00.000-08:00

As we ring in 2011 I am reminded of the importance of documenting LIFE. I am on board again with Project 365 and will take a picture a day and share it with you on our blog. There will be many firsts this year & many lasts and I don't want to miss a thing. Check back often as we celebrate family, friends and all of the blessings that we have been given. Enjoy this video that inspires me to once again start this project.

Coming soon is a recap of 2010 and the beginning of what is going to be a great 2011.

Merry Christmas to All!

2010-12-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

As we celebrate this wonderful time of year we want to express our love and gratitude to our family and friends and those around us who enrich and bless our lives. We hope your holiday was wonderful!

Homecoming

2010-11-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

It's already been a month, a month that I am not sure what happened to. But here we are, half way through November and it's time to start updating the blog again. It seems that alot has happened and I am sure it has, it's just that it seems to be the same things over and over again. Football, Soccer, Baseball, Play Practice. Throw in a bunch of doctor appointments and work and school and it sums up our life right now.

Here are Homecoming pictures, which are a month old. They attended Homecoming at Rocklin High School with beautiful dates. They celebrated Whitney's Homecoming by attending a BYU game in Provo Ut, on what was a fun filled, action packed, road trip to Utah. We spent more time in the car traveling then we actually spent in Provo, but it was worth it!

happiness is . . . .

2010-09-30T14:46:00.001-07:00

On the Menu

2010-09-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Spinach & Strawberry Salad

This is a favorite salad of ours. In fact, it's been a while since we have had anything else. You might like it too!

Salad:
Baby Spinach
Romaine hearts
Mozzarella Cheese
Bacon, crumbled
Red onion, sliced thin
Strawberries
Candied Pecans

Dressing: (and this is the best part)
1/2 cup mayonaise
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp. poppy seeds
(I usually double the recipe)
Mix together and chill until ready to serve.

Enjoy!

Football Stats

2010-09-28T21:36:00.001-07:00

Here is a link where you can see Tanner's football stats for the season. He is currently leading his team in defensive tackles and is ranked 10th in the Section as a defensive back and is the 3rd ranked Junior in the Section. He is ranked 23rd in the State. You can also see pictures that have been posted by The Winning Shot.

Tanner's Football Stats

Way to go Tanner!

sEvEnTeEn

2010-09-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

Another year has passed and this time the number is seventeen. The time is passing too quickly, I wish it could slow down just a bit! I am not ready to let them go!

Pictures worth sharing

2010-09-24T17:46:00.001-07:00

The Lunch Box

2010-09-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Lunch Box Award is an honor to receive. It is given at the end of each Whitney Varsity Football practice and each Varsity Game. The recipient is one who works hard, is committed, and who gives everything to the team. They bring their lunch to school in it the next day and all those around campus know it's meaning and value. We have been privileged to have it come home with Tanner already twice this season!

White-water Adventures!

2010-09-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

I have to throw in a favorite from our summer. As usual, white-water rafting was exciting and entertaining again this year. We had new friends to share it with and enjoyed at least 5 trips down the American River. Our newest addition to our rafting arsenal, a waterproof video camera. Enjoy the ride!

eat mor chikin

2010-09-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

The Chick-Fil-A Cow............A crowd favorite. The man behind the cow suit, our very own Taylor Hughes! and man can he dance!

Whitney Junior Wildcats Football

2010-09-19T21:39:00.001-07:00

Riley-#3-Wide Receiver/Defensive Back-4'11"-90 lbs

Whitney High School Varsity Football

2010-09-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Tanner Hughes-#33-Strong Safety-5'7"-150 lbs

Bragging

2010-09-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Look who is Defensive Player of the Week/Game!

Whitney Football

F.O.O.T.B.A.L.L.

2010-09-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

"When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass,
I'm back in my helmet, cleats and shoulder pads,
Standing in the huddle listening to the call,
Fans going crazy for the boys of fall!

Well it's turn and face the Stars and Stripes,
It's fighting back them butterflies,
It's call it in the air, alright, yes sir we want the ball,
And it's knocking heads and talking trash,
It's slinging mud and dirt and grass,
It's I got your number, I got your back when your back's against the wall
You mess with one man you got us all,
The boys of fall!"
Kenny Chesney

Fall Sports are in full swing here in California, we are enjoying the cooler weather even if it is still in the 80's, the smell of pumpkin and of course FOOTBALL!

If you have not seen the video, The Boys of Fall, take a minute to watch. It's worth your minutes spent. We love our Boys of Fall!

Football pictures are coming soon!

Summer Vacation....part one

2010-07-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

We spent 12 days in Utah enjoying the time we had to spend with family. We made the most of every. Boating at Pineview Resevoir was just one of many things we did. Some things we learned on the lake: Riley & Zach are able to get up on the wakeboard, although Riley was able to stay up much longer than Zach. It is nearly impossible to knock Riley off the tube unless you can actually flip the tube. Even then it is not a guarantee! What a great time!

Summer of Baseball

2010-07-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Chris & Zach had a great season. They came away as the Rocklin Little League Champions. Riley had a great run with the Junior Yankees. Here are a few of our favorite pictures!

It's the Summer of 2010

2010-07-24T08:42:00.001-07:00

Okay, Okay! I will start updating the blog again! We have had a lot of great times this summer and have been enjoying every bit. I don't think that I have had a week that all 4 boys were home but we are managing :)! Next week marks the first one of the summer where all of them will wake up in their own beds and I will feel complete as a mother. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Riley from Scout Camp as I type. I haven't talked to him in a week! The completeness will only last 5 days as the big boys are heading out to Boston with Grandpa Bill & Grandma Barb to celebrate their 16th Birthday, even though they are about to turn 17 (I did mention that it has been crazy around here, right?)

The calendar is filling up with Fall baseball, soccer and football but stay tuned and we will share photos from our adventures this summer!

First up..........Baseball! We are San Francisco Giants Fans and have been out to see them several times this summer. Here are some highlights through pictures!

Triple Crown

2010-06-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Yankees pulled off yet another Championship Sunday evening, to complete their 2010 season. They are the 2010 Tournament of Champion Winners. They beat Penn Valley 9-3. Riley caught the whole game and did a fantastic job.

Top of the Rock

2010-06-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Rocklin Junior Yankees took home the Top of the Rock trophy on Friday night with a win over the Tri-City Angels 6-2. Another championship that they have claimed. It is now on to Tournament of Champions, can they take home all three?

Facing Addiction

2010-06-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the video from schooltube.com of Tanner's story on teen drinking.

and speaking of champions!

2010-06-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

The Whitney High School Broadcasting department awarded the "Feature Story of the Year" award to Tanner and his partner Amber for their short documentary on teen drinking. Way to go Tanner!

Champions!

2010-06-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

It was championship weekend for baseball! The AA Cardinals (Zach & Chris) topped the Giants 13-3 for the AA Championship and the Junior Yankees (Riley) beat the Red Sox 7-1 to take home the trophy. Riley's team will go on to play in the "Top of the Rock" game on Friday night and then represent Rocklin Little League in the Tournament of Champions in late June.

WHS Senior Ball 2010

2010-05-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

Tanner & Lisa heading off to Whitney's Senior Ball

daily affirmation

2010-05-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

if we all did this everyday, how much better the world would be!

Our budding musician

2010-05-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

Zach has found a love of music. He enjoys playing the piano and hates to miss a lesson. He refused to miss his lesson this week due to a baseball game and so he was very late to the game. That response is the exact opposite of any of my other children so it took me by surprise. He played the violin in the 4th grade orchestra and tonight was their Spring Concert. He sat in the way back and we couldn't even see him but they sounded great. He hopes to play the trumpet next year. I see a bunch of music concerts in our future.

80's Skate Party . . . 2010 Style

2010-05-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

You know you grew up in the 80's if . . . . . .

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE".
2. You watched the Pound Puppies.
3. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Belair " ...and can do the "Carlton".
4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.
5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start a club of your own.
6. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls.
7. "WOAH " comes from Joey on Blossom.
8. Two words: Hammer Pants.
9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock ".
10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and "spokey-dokes" or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.
11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales ". (Woo ooh!)
12. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
13. When it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
14. You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles " on the big screen... and still know the turtles names.
15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH ". (Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)
18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear... need I say more.
20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM " in Kindergarten. (She's truly outrageous)
21. You remember reading "Tales of a fourth grade nothing " and all the Ramona books.
22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF".
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us... head-to-toe)
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
27. You took lunch boxes to school... and traded Garbage Pail Kids in the schoolyard.
28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
29. You still get the urge to say "NOT " after every sentence.
30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.
31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.
32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man should hookup.
33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. (and like #24, probably in neon colors, too)
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"
36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.
39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.
41. You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.
42. You remember Popples.
43. "Don't worry, be happy"
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
45. You wore socks scrunched down (and sometimes still do...getting yelled at by "younger hip" members of the family)
46. "Miss MARY MACK MACK MACK, all dressed in BLACK BLACK BLACK "
47. You remember boom boxes. and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.
48. You remember watching both "Gremlins" movies.
49. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!"
50. You remember watching "Rainbow Bright" and "My Little Pony Tales "
51. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
52. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
53. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool... and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB".
54. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By the Bell ", the ORIGINAL class.
55. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
56. You just sang those words to yourself.
57.You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.
58. Homemade Levi shorts. (the shorter the better)
59. You remember when mullets were cool!
60. You had a mullet!
61. You still sing "We are the World"
62. You tight rolled your jeans.
63. You owned a bannana clip.
64. You remember "Where's the Beef?"
65. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' about Willis?"
66. You had big hair and you knew how to use it.
67. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head,aren't you!

a beautiful and inspiring message

2010-05-05T00:16:00.001-07:00

Hey Batter!

2010-05-03T22:04:00.001-07:00

Our little lefty!

"See it, Hit it!"

2010-04-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

"One of the beautiful things about baseball is that every once in a while you come into a situation where you want to, and where you have to, reach down and prove something." Nolan Ryan

a rare find.

2010-04-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

I just found this photo on my phone, a rare one of all of us together. We had just left conference and in the chaos of trying to get down the stairs, we took a moment and had someone snap this photo. Not a great quality picture but wonderful none the less.

You say it's your birthday!

2010-04-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

We celebrated a big day! Zach is 10! All of my children are now in "double digits" and I can hardly believe it. Where does the time go?

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

Now that we've all recovered and vowed to not eat at "that one restaurant" again, I am finally getting around to posting pictures from our fabulous Spring Break in Utah. We had a wonderful time, even extending our visit by a day because of the snow only to be stricken with a terrible bout of food poisoning which had us stopping on the side of the highway frequently so that someone could throw up! 10 hours with 7 people feeling miserable is not a road adventure that we will forget anytime soon!

Let's see....we surfed at Flow Rider, played at Boondocks,enjoyed downtown Salt Lake, attended Conference, Barbequed, hung out with family, saw movies, shoveled snow, played games, celebrated birthdays at Tempanyaki and had a great time!

spring break?

2010-04-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

Isn't this exactly what you imagine spring break to look like? neither did we!

happiness is . . . . .

2010-04-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

watching Riley beat Tanner at Ping Pong!

baseball is in the air...

2010-04-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

the smell of dirt, sunflower seeds, a ball hitting the glove, and the crack of the bat! All things we love about baseball.

Sadie Hawkins Dance

2010-03-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

SOS! The theme for this years Sadie Hawkins dance at Whitney High School. Tanner and Lisa had a great time.

Rocklin Jr. Prom

2010-03-20T23:27:00.001-07:00

Taylor attended Rocklin High's Junior Prom tonight. They all look wonderful and I am sure are having a great time.

2010-03-15T16:44:00.001-07:00

I have posted a bunch of new stuff, make sure you scroll down to see everything new.

The Wedding Singer

2010-03-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

The production of The Wedding Singer was great! Even with a flu running through the cast, they did a great job. For those who were not able to see the show, here is a clip of the first scene where Taylor is the Groom. Enjoy!

Scout Advancement

2010-03-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

Riley was advanced to a Life Scout at tonights court of honor. He is now the same rank as his older brothers. The pressure is on them to get their Eagle rank before he catches up to them. Way to go Riley!

Our newest Wrestler

2010-03-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

Zach has been practicing with the Granite Oaks Wrestling Team and attended his first tournament. Although he lost his 2 matches he really looked good and is looking forward to next year. All that time wrestling with his brothers is going to pay off.

Cub Scout Advancement

2010-03-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Zach earned his Bear rank in Cub Scouts. Way to go Buddy!

A Grueling Sport

2010-03-15T12:01:00.001-07:00

Wrestling is such a tough sport. When it is your match, it's all about you and what you can do. Some matches go well, others, well, they don't go so well. Riley never gives up, he will fight until the last possible second, if only to not get pinned. Without even a win in sight, he refuses to give in. This match went into overtime, it was a grueling one and unfortunately he didn't come out the winner.

Lake Tahoe

2010-03-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

The boys celebrated Big Zack's 18th Birthday at Lake Tahoe for the weekend and were crazy enough to take a dip in the lake. They had a great time, hanging out, playing games, eating well, some sledding, and I am sure some crazy stunts (all without any parents *gasp*!)

The Cement Slides

2010-03-11T22:23:00.000-08:00

We had a great time with the Greenwoods at a park in Roseville. The older kids relaxed and enjoyed their afternoon while the little ones enjoyed the cement slides.

The Flour Game

2010-03-11T22:22:00.000-08:00

stay tuned

2010-02-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

don't go away. i have lots to share, just looking for the time.

day 47

2010-02-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

The kids are off school this week for winter break. The weather has been spectacular and we enjoyed a hike to Hidden Falls with the Greenwoods. It was nice to get out and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

moving on . . .

2010-02-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

Tanner has wrapped up his wrestling season for 2010. He did very well, placing 5th in league and will earn his varsity letter. He has already moved on to golf, hoping to make the varsity team. He is looking forward to a more "relaxing" sport for the spring. Here are a couple of photos from his last league match of the season. (Click on the links to view)

Tanner Wrestling WHS 2010

Tanner Wrestling WHS 2010

day forty something...

2010-02-11T16:49:00.001-08:00

I have lost track of the days, but haven't lost my desire to continue to post pictures of us this year.

We have a new pianist in the house. Zach started lessons about a month ago and he is loving it. His teacher says that he is natural and loves to have him.

The Wedding Singer

2010-02-09T19:44:00.001-08:00

Taylor is starring in The Wedding Singer at Whitney High School February 26 & 27, and March 5 & 6. You can purchase tickets online at Whitney High School . It should be an awesome show!

a boy and his dog

2010-02-08T22:02:00.001-08:00

The pictures tell it all. He LOVES Roxie!

New Favorite Quote

2010-01-30T14:08:00.001-08:00

day 25

2010-01-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

Whew, we have missed a few days. Lots of wrestling going on in these parts. One day we do not want to miss....

Riley turned 13!! What a fine young man he is!

Chris and I also celebrated 18 years of marriage on the same day (see the roses on the right side of the picture?) Riley was our 5th anniversary gift!

day 19

2010-01-20T08:03:00.001-08:00

Another successful Pinewood Derby. It wasn't the fastest car of the night but it was great fun!

day 18

2010-01-18T21:39:00.000-08:00

A pinewood derby car in the making.

Championship Match

2010-01-17T15:03:00.001-08:00

This is the 3rd Round of Riley's Championship Match. The score was 4-1 going in for Riley. You can hear Tanner in the background coaching. (Riley is in green)

where's waldo?

2010-01-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

click on the link below and see if you can locate Tanner & Taylor in the photo.

Whitney High Basketball Game

day 16

2010-01-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

We had a long day of wrestling but we came home with a champion. Riley placed 1st in his bracket, winning all three of his matches. Tanner wrestled at a different tournament where he placed 3rd & made it in time to see and coach Riley's final championship match. It was exciting!

day 14

2010-01-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

I love that all my children love to read! It makes a mother smile!

day 13

2010-01-14T19:41:00.000-08:00

She is just one of the family, even has her own spot on the couch!

Tanner Mesa Verde Match

2010-01-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

day 12

2010-01-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

Tanner: "The only thing I could think about was getting all the letters on the mat" (refering to the tattoo on his opponents back).

He gets the pin. All the letters are on the mat.

Exciting to have Grandpa Val here to watch.

day 10

2010-01-10T21:44:00.001-08:00

creativity.

day 9

2010-01-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

weekends are exhausting.

day 8

2010-01-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

wrestling practice.......home style.

day 7

2010-01-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

We are wondering if we will ever see the sun again. It has been foggy and cloudy and gloomy for too long! Where is our California Sunshine?

day 6

2010-01-07T14:55:00.001-08:00

Our lives have switched into wrestling mode. Tanner is wrestling for Whitney High School and Riley is wrestling for Granite Oaks Middle School. He won his match tonight in overtime. Exciting.

On another note, Taylor has been cast into "The Wedding Singer" at Whitney High School. As soon as I have the final dates of performances I will let you know. It should be a great show!

day 5

2010-01-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

We love Strawberry Freezer Jam and we are stocked again!

day 4

2010-01-04T16:09:00.000-08:00

It was back to school today!

day 3

2010-01-04T16:07:00.001-08:00

day 2

2010-01-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

Taylor is finally braces free......Yeah!

day 1.............2010

2010-01-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

Tanner wrestled in a tournament and did very well. He was 4-0 going into the championship round, where he lost to a very good wrestler.

A new year, a new project

2010-01-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

I decided to wrap up our Project 365 for 2009 and start with January 1 this year. We had a such a great time looking over the photos and watching the slide show from 2009.I am in the process of putting all of the photos from 2009 in a digital book that we can enjoy for years. This method has been a great way to document our lives without the added pressure to scrapbook. This year I expect that I am going to miss days and I am not going to feel guily because in the end, our life is well documented. So with this we begin, day one.

A Look Back....A photo journey of our Family 2009

2010-01-01T23:35:00.001-08:00

A photo documentary of our family during 2009. Life is exciting and we are so blessed.

For some reason, when I post to my blog, the quality of the pictures is decreased. If you click on the link below and view directly from animoto.com you will see better quality. I am trying to figure out a solution.

2009 Year in Review

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

As we celebrate during this Christmas Season and reflect upon the past year, we are grateful for the many blessings in our lives. Although our family has had many ups and downs during the past 18 months, our children continue to be the light of our lives and the joy and happiness that we celebrate!

Tanner (16) is a three sport athlete at Whitney High School. He was a starter on the JV Football Team as a Defensive Back, is a Varsity Wrestler and played on the Freshman Baseball Team. During his spare time he trained for and completed 2 triathlons. If that doesn’t make you tired, he continues to work on his Eagle Scout rank, is a great student and a wonderful brother. He is enjoying dating, driving and hanging out with his friends.

Taylor (16) is an up and coming actor. He made his High School debut as “Lumiere” in a production of “Beauty and the Beast”. He was one of two freshman cast in the play and was the star of the show in his lead role. He continues to perform with “Upstage”, a performing group, where he traveled to New York City this past summer. He even had an impromptu performance at a restaurant in Times Square. He is a great student and excels academically. He continues his progress towards Eagle Scout. He is enjoying his new freedom with a drivers license and dating. His mom is enjoying the fact that they can both drive as well, maybe even more happy than they are!

Riley (12) is a great baseball player, soccer player, flag football player, and wrestler. It’s hard to pick which one is his favorite or that he is best at because he is really talented in all areas. He loves being in Middle School and
enjoys hanging out with his friends. Great things come in small packages and if given a chance to watch Riley compete you will know what I mean. He is tough, resilient and doesn’t let even the tallest and biggest opponent scare him away. He has sent quite a few to the sidelines surprised by his tenacity.

Zach (9) loves to play baseball and soccer. He has found a new love of reading and we can’t seem to keep his book collection up to date. He loves to play with his friends, play video games and watch “Mythbusters” on television. He is such a joy in our life.

Chris is loving his new job but not enjoying the tremendous amount of time that he spends in the car. His true love is watching his children play football, soccer, wrestle and perform.

Katie is enjoying the little things in life that bring happiness. Always on the lookout for a new project or something to create. She enjoys updating our family blog, photography and trying to keep up with the boys and all their
activities and adventures.

May your family find peace and joy this Christmas Season!

Christmas Performers

2009-12-19T11:46:00.003-08:00

Tonight is the Annual Upstage Christmas Show! These boys are sure handsome.

'tis the season

2009-12-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

As the Christmas season came around this year, I didn't want the usual stress and craziness. I have tried to cut out some of the unnecessary things and vowed to sit down each night with the kids and enjoy the spirit. I am so happy that we have been together each night around the tree, reading scriptures and Christmas stories that are very touching. You can see it in the boys' faces each night as we pray, that they too are enjoying this time together. I hope your holiday is bringing your family special memories this year.

If we seem a bit absent this month from the blog, it is only because we are treasuring this time together. Merry Christmas!

The Scuba Experience at Catalina Island

2009-12-03T10:30:00.001-08:00

Getting Ready to Dive!

In case you wondered if Riley had a good time, this picture will confirm it!

The Dive Crew: Taylor, Riley, Tanner, Andrew, Nick and their Instructor

Cruisin'

2009-12-02T22:53:00.001-08:00

Cruisin'

2009-12-02T22:42:00.000-08:00

day 245

2009-11-17T08:18:00.002-08:00

Tonight was the last football game for Tanner's JV Season at Whitney High School. He had a great season and a fantastic last game. Some great tackles at very crucial times and an interception. Whitney came out on Top and beat Placer High School. We are so proud of him! Each week a player from each team is awarded a special award for different qualities. Tanner received two this season, one for respect and one for work ethic/hard work. To receive even one is an honor so to be the recipient of two awards is great! I love the qualities that he works so hard on. He is very much respected and admired by his coaches and teamates. The environment of a football team can be quite rough and Tanner knows that he stands outs amongst his peers and that is not always the easiest thing. He may not be the best athlete on the team but he certainly gives everything he does 200% and never ever gives up! He will retire his #7 jersey after this year, as the quarterback on Varsity is #7 but we look forward to what he will accomplish next year wearing a different number.
And now on to Wrestling Season!