JuSt KeEp SwImMiN'

This week the kids were in swimming lessons. Wyatt has completed all the levels so he opted out of doing it this year. I would really like him to take the necessary courses in order for him to be a life guard. He really enjoys swimming and is a great swimmer. The other boys had a great time. We started all of the kids in swimming when they were about 3; it has been a great way to use up some of the summer days and it has been a great skill for them to learn. They all passed their levels today and get to move on next year. I think that due to me not remembering what they did last year they repeated this year, oops. Oh well, they just perfected the strokes. I will however bump Holden up to level 6, he has shown great improvement this year and I know he would have passed off level 5 had he been there this year. Chase and Caleb will move up to level 3. They all got a free swim pass to Skyview, so we get to go as a family now:)

Pyromaniacs

Tonight we lit all the fireworks that the kids bought. Tracen has been working the last couple of nights, so the boys decided to wait till he finished his night rotation so we could do fire works as a family. We had a great time watching them go off! It was so fun listening to the kids laugh and carry on. You are never to old to enjoy fireworks!

GoT BoYz?

Today we went to Lehi to watch Emery bless his baby, Cameron Grant Winward. We went and picked up Tracen's sweet Grandma Jones(we call her Grandma J) and I/we LOVE her so MUCH! We headed south in hopes we wouldn't be late. We managed to make it on time and even got a soft bench, so nice! I was amazed at ALL the young kids in that ward. When it came time to pass the Sacrament their looked to be like only 2 Deacons, the rest were Elders. Yes, their was a lot of crying and I was sure glad that my kids are well past that stage(someday's lol).
For the closing hymn we sang The Star spangled Banner. Now, most of you know that I was raised in Canada and just over the past 6 years have I been a Citizen of this great nation. I was so sad when I changed my citizenship; but now, I call this great land home. I love to sing this national anthem and do so with GREAT PRIDE! We went to the park and had lunch after the blessing. What a BEAUTIFUL day! The kid's were so excited to go to Lehi, because that is where their FAVORITE cousins live! Curt and Kathy have 5 boys: Makenzie, Jory, CJ, Hunter and Sawyer. Yes, 5 handsome boys, by the time you add my 4 handsome boys you have some serious PRIESTHOOD POWER! Of course, this is not how they see it, it is just one big PARTY! It is so AWESOME that these boy's have developed such a close bond to one another, that they look so forward to seeing each other. They always get so EXCITED when they hear that the cousins are coming(whether it is them or us). We look so forward to our visits and cherish everyone. The memories that are being built are eternal and the friendship priceless! Oh how we love the cousins!

LeT FrEeDoM RiNg

Happy Independence Day! We are so blessed to live in a country were we can exercise our freedom of speech and religion. We went to the Logan fire works last night with Shad and Heidie Moser(Paige, Addi, and Parker) and Tyler and Tammy Henderson(Kinley and Cooper). They always put on a great show! To celebrate my freedom today, I got up at five and headed down to Hyrum to participate in the annual 15k Blacksmith Fork Freedom Run. We have a running group that hits this run faithfully every year. Tyler, Heidie and myself ran and had a great time. It took me 1hr 31mins this year; so, I completed it faster than last year. I sure enjoy running but most of all, I enjoy the great friend's that I get to share this passion with. Let Freedom Ring!

You'll Always Be The One

Today Tracen and I are celebrating 16 wonderful years. Yes, I do mean 16! Who would have guessed that a Canadian girl could possible find the perfect American boy! Well I did! Tracen is the epitome of perfect. His unconditional love and devotion to me is undeniable. I think some days he lives to make me happy and he does. He constantly is showering me with uplifting effection, in his eyes I can do no wrong(for the most part lol). I am so blest to be the recipeant of this love and am so greatful that our paths crossed. We are a perfect match that was made in Heaven. He completes me. Happy Anniversary Tracen. I love you so much!

tres tamales calientes

Today was Tamale day. My dear friend Eyra Stokes called me this morning and told me that her mom(Eyra Haaz) was making Tamales again. Her mother is heading back to Mexico next week, so I couldn't give up this last chance to enjoy these yummy Mexican morsels. I bought 2 dozen from her mother and I will enjoy them ALL by myself. Tracen and the kid's don't care for them to much. LUCKY ME! They are better eaten fresh; however, they are also good when thawed and fried in a little butter. Oh how I love my heratige and the food isn't to bad either!






Eyra Stokes and Eyra Haaz











Pollo Tamale- bueno

InDiAn FoOtBaLl CaMp

Holden went to Indian football camp this week. It started Monday and went until Wednesday. He is old enough this year to play in the Southeastern Idaho Football League. He is really excited to try it out. I really hope that he doesn't get hurt! He is such a small kiddo, but he can run fast so hopefully that will be to his advantage. The high school puts this event on every year for aspiring football players. I think that this is a wonderful service to the community and you can count on us being back next year.









Holden listening to his coach

















Neal and Holden-BFF


















Coach Shawn Marlow