FINALLY!

So it was time...to get something done that I've been chirping about for over a year. I promised the kids I would decorate their rooms when we moved to our new house.

YES, I KNOW! IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR...

I haven't forgotten about my promise. I actually love to paint, so it's not like I've been avoiding it on purpose. Time does go by so quickly, though. Painting is tidious and takes severe concentration, but you get to focus on the beautiful color transformation happening right before your eyes!

AHHHHHH - What's not to love?

(I'm being serious, I'm not being even a little bit sarcastic. Really!)

Good-Bye Beige!

Eldon was supportive and a huge help. He doesn't like to paint as much as I do, so I know this was an expression of his love for me and his little girl. He was definately a trooper and he even said he would help me paint boys' bedrooms soon. (Impressive, right?)

The finished product was adorable...

Look, there is Hannah taking pictures of her new room!

Sweet Dreams, my Witz!

I'll finish the boy's rooms and see if Eldon is up for tackling the rest of the house!

I am SO ready for MORE!

Who said?

So we were having a family dinner and the conversation came up that someone had recently said it was imposible to lick your elbow. While that is true for the ordinary, my Jacob is not ordinary. He was up for the challenge...COOL, HUH?

.

Check out this link to see a great project Hannah recently did for her Extravaganza project...

http://familymonson.blogspot.com/2009/05/extravaganza-think-science-fair-but-any.html

Do you ever...?

Do you ever feel hungry at 10:41pm and think that the best thing to do is GO TO BED?

Do you ever look at your children and THANK THE LUCKY STARS that you get to be their mom?

Do you ever sit in LOST CONTEMPLATION?

Do you ever think that lost sunglasses or tweezers just PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY to buy new better ones?

Do you ever think that your husband is your BEST INVESTMENT AND TREASURE? (Eternity is a long time, afterall.)

.

Do you ever CONSIDER THE DIRECTION of your chosen path and how it has effected your 'here and now'?

Do you ever FEEL IMPRESSED WITH YOURSELF that you kept the kitchen spotless for three whole days?

I'm just sayin'...DO YOU?

.

I do.

.

All the time.

JOHN DOESN'T SWEAR! - more on taxes

Since I have shared my thoughts on taxes I have gotten some emails along with the comments others post on my blog and facebook page. Some agree and wanted to contribute more ideas, some disagree; including my sister. I found it particularly interesting when I got a comment from someone I don't even know. I debated posting the comment or not, but I was totally impressed that John clearly stated his opinion without even one swear word So, here it is:

john said...
(This is my comment that John has issue with...) but a person at a 33% tax rate only has $0.67 per dollar left to spend. Not to mention the fact that the person paying 33% often no longer qualifies for child credits, eligibility for Roth or Trad. IRAs, and they get none of the government sponsored assistance programs that they pay 33% percent of their earned income to provide to those who pay little or no tax.
(This is John's reply...)Boo-hoo? If you are in the 33% tax bracket, you are pulling down between 164K and 357K per year. You don't need special assistance. Those things are for the people who DO need it. After paying your 33% on $164000 - not even counting deductions - you are left with $9000/month to scrape by on. cry me a river. secondly, you are making a big deal about small business owners paying HALF to the government... you should point out that it's only half the PROFIT. And many small business owners have enough write-offs to have very little profit. I should know, I am one.I think we should cut spending, starting hereUS Military spending 2008.
April 16, 2009 9:32 PM

If I were to meet every single person in this country and talk politics with them, I believe I would find common ground on at least one subject. Likewise I could likely find a point of debate. Politics is one of the topics were are trained to avoid in business because people get so hot about these things.
With John, I agree that the government is gushing money into military that could be trimmed of some fat. Even the guy recently taken and held hostage by pirates might agree with that. But when our military saved the day and effectively got the point across that American Citizens are not to be toyed with and saved this man from his attackers, he may now feel that the military spending is justified...?
As for a small business owner's deductions, I would say "Yes, there are many deductions." But I would point out that each business owner has to make their own call; is it worth it to spend more to claim more deductions? I say "no." Is it worth it to claim deductions that are not legit to save on taxes? I say "no." And again, If anyone as a business owner were audited by the IRS, would you loose sleep over it? To that, again I say "no." I have nothing to hide. I do not overspend to save money on taxes, nor do I claim bogus deductions. I had an opportunity to build or locate a commercial space for operations, and I chose instead to take more profits and work out of my home. Everyone thought I was insane, because their is an apparent expectation that business must be done a certain way to be successful. I do not take the road most traveled in any aspect of my life. This is no exception. I want to show profits and as I strive to restrict my spending, as our government should, I have a bit of surplus, not debt, as our government should.

Thanks for not swearing John, whoever you are. I would love to know how you came across my blog and became so impassioned as to set me straight. I'm guessing you are a friend of a friend who was intrigued by by post title. DOES ANYONE KNOW JOHN???

Oh and John, you are not alone in feeling that the lower tax bracket is for those who need it... I had another comment emailed to me that is as follows...

"It sounds like you had quite a tax day. Nobody likes tax day. It's a total drag, but it is what it is.

About Social Security: The last hike in the SS deduction rate was under Bush Sr (15.3%) and Reagan took it from under 10% up to more than 15%. These raises had a lot to do with the up and coming baby boomers approaching retirement age and unfortunately, over the years, many administrations "borrowed" funds from SS and never paid it back. If it had been left alone, there would be more than enough for the baby boomers and then some. The good news - you can deduct up to half the payment on your taxes!

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0004658.html

I disagree with a flat tax rate. Someone who makes only 20K per year would miss that $3000 per year a whole lot more than someone who makes $1,000,000 ($150,000). Additionally, if those same people have families and are the sole provider, then it's far easier for a family to make it on $850,000 than $17,000. Also, 90% of Americans make less than $200K per year and got tax cuts in the recently implemented plan.

I hope all is well with you and yours. Take care of you!"

Aww! See people are so nice about their differing opinions. I love that people can disagree and still be tight.

Here is my reply...

I am pleased that you shared your thoughts with me, so I am replying in good spirits. The capitol letters are not 'yelling at you' they are merely an expression of my passion for the subject. Here goes...
If that person you spoke of, making $20k per year wasn't getting WIC, food stamps, welfare money, free health care and subsidized housing you might be right. However this person making $20K may also have 3 kids. They pay in $3000 for taxes, but they are getting over $3000 per kid as a tax credit (government handout). That person is already getting subsidies valued at well over $3000 per month THEN they get a government tax credit check in April for another $6000. That is insane!

An employee of mine told me she just got a HUGE pay raise from Obama for being on welfare. She is getting a free education to boot. She even qualifies for free child care. (There are a few other little perks for you that I didn't include above! Now add that dollar value to what I calculated above. Swallow that. Take your time if you must. It's hard for me to get down, too.) This particular employee only works for me 10-12 hours per week. She comes in to work these hours over three days per week, because this is all she says she can work. Yet, she will not come to work! She repeatedly misses one to two days a week. Today, she just asked me for an entire week off so she could work on some court paperwork! There is no motivation for these people to work. As it is, this girl paid in a very minimal amount for taxes, about 10% of 18K. So she paid in $1,800, but then she got credits for 4 children. So ultimately she paid in nothing and got over $12,000 in FREE money for doing squat. ON TOP OF WHAT I'VE ALREADY LISTED ABOVE AS HER GOVERNMENT PROVIDED BENEFITS.
I am not saying Obama started this mess, but I am disgusted that he has increased their benefits. And I am disgusted that he continues to promise more to the 'poverty stricken' while making the top earners out to be wicked and greedy. Especially when the top 10% of earners are paying 90% of all taxes collected.
A life on government subsidies may not be all roses, but every citizen of this country has a choice. People come to this country with nothing, people like Oprah have come up out of the ashes of their childhood and are making something of themselves. This is a result of taking responsibility and accountability for what YOU, personally become.
These people on assistance need to take accountability and stop handing their vote to the guy who promises to put more cherries on top of their welfare cupcake!
And guess what, my business is a corporation. I am an employee of my corporation. As an employee I pay 7.5% for SS, and my corporation pays the other 7.5% of my SS. A corporation CANNOT deduct anything for SS. A small business owner that is making any decent living is going to incorporate because of liability. So much for that tax deduction. I guess that one is hanging out somewhere with my ineligible child credits.
As it is, this employee I spoke of (which gets paid nearly twice of Washington's already top rated minimum wage for a job that I allow her to bring her children to) has no motivation to work and is still is getting $12,000 in free money in April along with HUGE value in Government assistance.
I on the other hand am working my tail off and making two small businesses successful I am rewarded by paying a fortune to a government that wants more. Do you really believe that the government is going to be a better steward of my money than I am? I have no idea what the tax cut you spoke of is about ($200 and less). I sure didn't feel any tax cuts. I do know that the stimulus has increased welfare benefits and unemployment benefits substantially only since Obama was elected. How is that getting paid for other than to increase what I pay? What a nice guy he is. Truly. LOVE YOU!"

So John again, back to the people who need the lower tax rate...how do you think the recipients of these huge checks in April are handling their tax credits? I can tell you from experience that that money becomes BLOW money for most. I should know, because as you've said to me ..."I've been there." And just recently I was listening to a group of people share their plans for their AWESOME APRIL CHECKS. They are planning to buy nicer things than I own. But whatever...as you and so many other's feel...they deserve it!

April 15th -Tax day Tantrum!

In the spirit of the day I thought I would share my thoughts on taxes:
First of all, I do not claim to be a tax expert, but the whole tax thing makes me crazy. Eldon has never felt inclined to protest before, but if any of you are headed to the Tea Party today in Richland to protest outrageous taxes/spending, you likely will see my sweetie there.
We are sick and tired of being taxed to death! I am not completely opposed to taxes. I get that we need money to run our beloved country. But why not incorperate a flat tax? The rich would still pay in more than the poor, but their dollar would carry the same value. As of now, person at a tax rate of 15% has $0.85 per dollar still left in their pocket to spend. But a person at a 33% tax rate only has $0.67 per dollar left to spend. Not to mention the fact that the person paying 33% often no longer qualifies for child credits, eligibility for Roth or Trad. IRAs, and they get none of the government sponsored assistance programs that they pay 33% percent of their earned income to provide to those who pay little or no tax.
In addition, small business owners pay 15% into Social Security (Twice what most others pay). So now, those who are taking the risks to be successful and making it are only getting HALF of their dollar. HALF!
The only solution offered to me by others is to work less and earn less. Well, isn;t that a brilliant way to fix our broken economy? This is also a tremendously brilliant way to motivate our countrymen to excel and prosper. Thanks for the tip!
Hey everyone, have you heard...? Work less, do less, create less jobs! You'll pay fewer taxes and the government will let you keep a higher percentage of your money! You might even still qualify for tax breaks that most everyone else qualifies for.! Don't be a sucker, that's for wicked, over-earning, over-achievers!
Just Brilliant!
So people, don't ever complain about a plumber charging you so much, or an electrician charging you too much. That plumber and electrician are only getting half of your $500 bill. Uncle Sam gets the other half.
Don't get me wrong, I am not against the poor. I have been poor, I have even been on the reciving end of government assistance programs. I want to be charitable, I want to hire those who need a job. But because of the excessive over taxing, I have less money to give and I have less money to hire. The government currently feels that they are a better steward of my money than I am. Our new president has even gone so far as to suggest that the charitable tax credits should be eliminated and he would like to incorperate higher taxes to administer all of the charitible services needed in our country. (Does that sound like a familiar story? Who was it that wanted all of the glory for himself...? Yeah...I think it was Satan. Pretty sure of it.)
So, Obama, let me say this. Go ahead, raise taxes for the high-earning over-achievers you so obviously want others to resent... Lets see how long they stay motivated to create jobs and stimulate this economy you pledge allegence to. Let's see how long you can keep spending when they decide that free healthcare, child credits, and the ability to invest for a rainy day are WAY more attractive than PAYING HALF OF THEIR MONEY TO YOU!

2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt 2009

This year Eldon and I hosted another big Easter Egg Hunt. We had over 2000 eggs all over our yard and about 90 to 100 kids to hunt them all. It was great to see everyone here and even better to see the kids have so much fun! The most sought after egg had $20 in it. Other popular finds smaller dollar amounts, glitter goo eggs, bouncy balls and of course candy!
Following the hunt, we visited with family that was visiting from out of town. Then I finished preparing for a talk I gave in church the next day on "traditions." Then we came back home to host a big Easter dinner for about 30 people, 21 0f them were children. Thank goodness for yards to play in.

All in all, we had a great Easter holiday!

If any of you have more pics of the Easter Egg Hunt, I would love for you to share them with me. Camera troubles...:o)

What's in their head?

So everyone has seen this cute little survey by now, I'm sure of it. I just decided that now was a great ime to get it posted. It's Sunday evening and the kids are all tucked in. Ahhhhhh.....

These are the questions I asked my kiddos, and their brilliant answers:

1. What is something I always say to you?
Elijah, age 12: You're smushy.
Hannah, age 10: I love you.
Jacob, age 8: I love you.

2. What makes me happy?
Elijah: 3 Musketeer Bars
Hannah: A snuggle.
Jacob: My snuggles. (By now you may be thinking that Hannnah & Jacob were sitting side by side when asked these questions, but they weren't. The interviewes were completely private!)

3. What makes me sad?
Elijah: N0t selling a house in the amount of time you wanted.
Hannah: When someone dies.
Jacob: When people don't do their work.

4. How do I make you laugh?
Elijah: Tickle me.
Hannah: Tickling me.
Jacob: Alot of ways, you do funny things.

5. What was I like as a child?
Elijah: Surrounded by drunk people. (Alrighty then...)
Hannah: I don't know. A good girl?
Jacob: How am I supposed to know?

6. How old am I?
Elijah: 39, I mean 32 ( he giggled, then said with a huge smile) - sorry!
Hannah: 32
Jacob: 32

7. How tall am I?
Elijah: 5'4"?
Hannah: 5'6", Maybe?
Jacob: How am I supposed to know? I don't know that!

8. What is my favorite thing to do?
Elijah: Eat 3 Musketeer Bars. (You readers out there aren't supposed to know that. HA!)
Hannah: Spend time with family.
Jacob: Snuggle me. (Yes, his snuggles are completely magical.)

9. What do I do when you're not around?
Elijah: Work
Hannah: Spend time with dad.
Jacob: Watch TV.

10. If I became famous what will it be for?
Elijah: Selling 100,000 houses.
Hannah: Maybe being one of the best realtors or contractors.
Jacob: Selling houses.

11.What am I really good at?
Elijah: Selling homes.
Hannah: Making me happy. (Awwwww...)
Jacob: Making me smile. (THEY WERE IN TOTALLY DIFFERENT ROOMS - PROMISE!)

12.What am I not very good at?
Elijah: Nothing, you're good at everything. (I have super powers, too. wink)
Hannah: Cooking on the grill. (Random, but true.)
Jacob: Making me frown.

13. What do I do for a job?
Elijah: Sell Homes.
Hannah: Help dad with paperwork and you are a contractor and realtor, I guess you could say. (Let's clear this up...I am not a realtor. I am a Sales and Marketing Director for a new home builder. I create the product I think will sell, price it, sell it and I provide the best client service imaginable while doing it. I do tend to work a bit with realtors and real estate agents, though.)
Jacob: Sell Homes.

14. What is your favorite food?
Elijah: 3 Musketeers (Wow. Are we back to this? If you must know I had a wrapper on my desk during Elijah's interview. He was clearly distracted by it.)
Hannah: Chicken Parmesan from Olive Garden. (Actually the eggplant parmesan is my fav.)
Jacob: OLIVE GARDEN (He seemed pretty sure of his answer)

15. What makes you proud of me?
Elijah: That you're my mom.
Hannah: You being a good parent.
Jacob: That you're my mama.

16. If I were a cartoon charactor, who would I be.
Elijah: Betty Boop. (Seriously, WHAT?)
Hannah: Minnie Mouse.
Jacob: Sandy

17. What do you and I do together?
Elijah: Snuggle.
Hannah: Go out and get our nails done and shop.
Jacob: Alot of things. Snuggle.

18. How are you and I the same?
Elijah: We're both in the same family.
Hannah: We're both girls or females.
Jacob. We both like yellow.

19. How are you and I different?
Elijah: You're a girl and I'm a guy.
Hannah: You're older and have a job.
Jacob: I like blue and you don't. (Who said?)

20. How do you know I love you?
Elijah: Because we're in the same family and families are supposed to like each other.
Hannah: You care for me and help me and love me.
Jacob: You say so.

21. What do I like most about your daddy?
Elijah: That he's hot.
Hannah: The way he treats you. (That's a mature answer...I'm impressed.)
Jacob: Going out to eat with him.

22. Where is my favorite place to go?
Elijah: Disneyland
Hannah: For a resturaunt it would be Olive Garden.
Jacob: OLIVE GARDEN!!! (Yep, I am way adventurous like that!)

So there. Now we now what's in their heads...

Twilight Interview...too funny!

I saw this on my cousin-in-law's blog. I thought it was HILARIOUS...check it out.
http://video.fuel.tv/services/link/bcpid570322908/bctid9477850001

6th Picture from 6th Folder - TAG

So I was tagged by Shelli...I'm supposed to post my 6th Picture in my 6th Folder and explain it. We'll this pic isn't anywhere as fun as her picture. (BARRACUDA!)

Many of you know I work as a sales and marketing director for the best construction company in the world. (Had to give a shout-out!http://www.dovecontractinghomes.com/.)

This picture was taken at a home we built for a client in Canyon Lakes. It's not a great picture. The light coming through the windows kinda looks like the light they talk about in Ghost Whisperer. (I love that show, it's freakish-cool.) This client has sent me lots of referrals which resulted in lots of new contracts, so I do love this picture because it reminds me of them. This client actually worked with me as an employee for about two and a half weeks. She was excellent to work with, but she resigned due to family commitments. I think we both cried a bit that day. I should call her to arrange a lunch date or something...

So now I am supposed to tag five people to share their 6th pic in their 6th folder. I tag Melissa, Annette, Rach, Angela & Megan.

Snack Attack

So I'm sitting her wanting a snack...I'm trying to be good. Hold on.....I'm going to get a water. (maybe I'm just dehydrated...crossing my fingers) I'll be back.....

I need more healthy low calorie snack ideas I get bored of the same things. I would love to hear some of your favorites!

Here are few of my favorites....

• thick sliced banana with sugar-free caramel sauce (ice cream topping)
• green pepper slices w/ fat free ranch dip and half of a cheddar cheese stick cut into cubes (It seems more like a party, if you serve this one with toothpicks in the cheese squares!)
• fat-free cottage cheese microwaved with bit of spaghetti sauce and a pinch of low-fat mozzarella (This is totally a guilt-free lasagna experience.)
• Claussen pickles
• Rasberry Cheesecake Light Yoplait yogurt
• Costco Kiwi (Have you tried it??? You simply must!)

If I knew how to post a picture from the web, I would pick one with a person standing in front of an open refigerator. Do you see my vision??? :oD

Sunday School?

Sunday, we thought would be a great time to do some baking. Our family wanted to make plenty banana bread and Peanut Butter Heath cookies so that we could spread some cheer by sharing them friends and neighbors.
While everything was baking, I spent some time trying to come up with a little lesson to share with the kids for FHE. Elijah handed me a packet of stuff he was supposed to learn for Scouts. Of the topics, I could choose from there was sex, drugs, or a family crisis. (Who created these requirements, Anyway?) The family crisis sounded like the way to go, but how do you create a family crisis...? I guess my best option was to teach a lesson on drugs.
Time had passed and our treats were baked and cooled. We wrapped up our goodies and told the kids to get on their shoes - IT WAS DELIVERY TIME! (now that I look at the picture, these goodie packages look a bit sterile...some color would be nice, right?)
The boys were a little occupied with some sort of chasing game. Eldon told them what all parents say "Someone is going to get hurt." They continued to run all over downstairs on our all tile floor. Jacob slipped and then there was a BIG 'ol SCREAM. No one was all that surprised, but I went over to help him get up because there seemed to be a little more 'UMPH!' to his scream than normal. When I got to him he was still on the floor. Then I saw it...Blood, lots of blood - 5 stiches worth of blood to be exact. Jacob was very brave and even managed to give the very kind doctor a big smile during the proceedure (after the numbing had taken effect of course.)

Did we learn anything that night? Hmmm, let's see...

1. Don't bake for your friends when the kids are running around the house, because the treats will never get delivered. (They are still on my counter, getting crusty and hard.)
2. Maybe we could add a stern "I MEAN IT" after the "Someone is going to get hurt" statement.
3. Rug's may have prevented Jacob's bloody gash, but then again...rugs don't wipe clean quite as nicely as tile.
4. Family crisis comes when you least expect it. (I am seriously counting this evenings events as the Crisis Lesson. Now I just have sex and drugs to go...oh,brother! GO SCOUTS-WHO-RA!)
5. Now that Jacob and I will have matching scars on our chins. We have a bond only that kind of crisis can produce.
6. Even when the crisis is in full swing, the patient still remembers what you say. On the way to the clinic, I tried to come up with a verbal encouragement that would help Jacob feel better. So I told him that "little boys with stiches get majorly spoiled when they get home." So the next day when Elijah wouldn't give Jacob a turn, Jacob came to me and said, "I'm the stitches boy and Elijah won't give me a turn.:o(" Well, with that kind of cuteness, you can bet he got a nice long turn...

SCHOOL'S OUT!

Ornament Snob

So, I admit...I have been an ornament snob all of my life. I have wanted a tree that was decked out with matching, unbroken, perfectly crafted ornamets. Well, come on...DIDN'T EVERYONE???
This year, I am in awe at the collection of ornamants decking our tree. We have all sorts of them; some with pictures of the kids at all different ages, ornaments made by the kids at school to surprise Mom & Dad on Christmas morning, and there is one in particular that makes me tear up when I think about it. There is a picture of it below somewhere...you'll see it. ..it looks like a little turd perfectly preserved in tin foil with two pictures of Christ stuck to it...do you see it? I LOVE THIS ONE!
About 4 years ago, Eldon and I got a sitter so that we could go finish our Christmas shopping. When we arrived home the kids were excited to show us what they made for our tree. Now, you have to understand, these were the days of ornament snobbery. I wasn't thrilled to have about 12 wrinkled remnents of aluminum foil all over my tree, but I am a mom, and moms love their kids more than a silly Christmas tree, so we hung the ornaments right then and there. I secretly wanted to toss the ornaments in the trash can hoping that maybe the kids wouldn't notice, but I just couldn't. They worked so hard on them and were so proud of their project. We kept them. Year after year, we hung the foil ornaments. I was a little less embarrased by them with each passing year that they were on display.
This year, there was a change. I was so emotional when we opened up our ornament box to find the collection of handmade foil treasures. I was so excited to see them. My kids are older now, I love them to pieces, but I miss the days when they where discovering how to walk and talk. I miss their smooshy hands and the treasures they would labor so hard to make for me. I surprisingly have grown to discover that I am no longer an ornament snob. As the holidays have passed and it is now time to put the Christmas decorations away until next year, I can honestly say that my favorite ornament is the one hanging now on my tree that has a perfect likeness to a foil wrapped turd with two pictures of Jesus stuck to it.

Band Man

Last night we were able to see Elijah play the tuba with his school band for a Christmas concert. Over the summer Elijah decided to play the trumpet, but when school started, his Band teacher asked for volunteers to switch to the tuba. Elijah likes to raise his hand...we were renting the wrong instrument for a couple of months before we found out he switched. He is really loving the tuba though, so we are thrilled. Look at those hard working cheeks!

Snow Day...still have to go to school.

Winter is here, in case you've not noticed. Our kids have played in the snow a ton this year. Everyday this week the kids have had their heart set on a school closure, only to be given a 2 hour delay. (Bummer!) This morning I got in our little car to take them to the bus stop...we missed the bus, even with a 2 hour delay. I wasn't thrilled about driving them all the way to school in the little car with the current weather...with no license....and no shoes. But I did have a cell phone...but I would be driving in an area where I may or may not have service. Ugh. I braved it out. (Roar) We caught up with the bus, so I only had to drive a few blocks. Then I came home and saw how beautiful the snow looked on our house, and I went back out (in our little Kia car that happens to be awesome) to snap a few pictures. Eldon came home at that same time, after dropping Elijah at school. He thought I was crazy when I told him what I was about to do, but he let me be. I took this one picture of our house and my battery died. I charged my battery for a few seconds, just in time to snap this picture of Eldon. He has been so cheerful with the snow work this year. I'm just so impressed. He went over and helped a few people clear their snow, and Tuesday I had an appointment to show a house and he went over to that house to clear a path for us. Way to go Eldon! I love ya!!!

Jacob is 8!

Jacob was baptised by his dad soon after his 8th B-Day! Jacob was pretty excited for this day to come. He chose Hannah to give an opening prayer and Elijah to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. Elijah was more than happy to help until the morning of the baptism. He became a lttle nervous late in the game. He delivered a terrific talk on how the holy ghost can bless us with warmth and comfort inside as well as be a guide, like a map, which can lead us throughout our lives. He then presented Jacob and his friend Ryan with a warm blanket and a road map so they could remember how the Holy Ghost can help them from that point forward. (Ryan is pictured here, also getting baptised by his dad on the same day). Eldon and I were proud parents on this day!

He's a Deacon!

Elijah celebrated his 12th B-day. He is now passing the sacrament and collecting fast offerings. He takes this new reponsibility very seriously. We are excited for him! It's fun to see him grow.

I'm excited even if no one else is.

I'm pretty proud to show you my new walking path. Eldon and I laid it ourselves. The cool thing is, I can now go all the way around the house on a hard surface. Okay, that sound's lame. You'll just have to experience it for yourself. We were still getting our grass to grow in. That gets better with time. But seriously, come see my walking path!!!

Male bonding & some monster trees

Eldon took the boys on a quick camping trip...the trees are big there, right?

Sibling ties

I am always amazed at how close Jacob and Hannah are. I think Jacob realizes how lucky he is to have such an awesome sister. She is always reading with him, playing games with him, helping him find his socks...in return he makes his unique recipies for her... Simply sandwich 10 pepperonies between two saltines and enjoy! Too precious!

Sunsets are hard to ignore...

We get the most amazing sunsets at our house! This is taken right from our back patio.

Hannah's 10!

Hannah had a great 10th birthday party with her friends. They played on our water slide in the back yard, ate yummy food and went to see Wall-e.

Swim Team

All three of the kids had a great Catfish Swim Team season over the summer. They learned a ton and swam their little hearts out. At this particular meet, Hannah swam the butterly stroke with girls 2-4 years older than her. Her coach said that he hated doing that to her, but said she had a strong butterfly and she was the best fit for it. It was 50 meter swim, but in her practices she had only ever swam a 25 meter butterfly. By the time the race was over, she had to rest before she had the energy to get out of the pool. She did an awesome job and gave it everyhthing she had.

Too much fun!

T
Our kids love their cousins. They just can't get enough of them. These photos were taken at the Portland Zoo and OMSI were we had a mini-reunion with just Eldon's siblings' families. We followed it up with a full blown Monson Reunion at Eldon's Uncle Scott's in Woodland, WA.