Adventures of the Blaine Gang

Blog disappearing

2011-05-13T14:06:00.000-06:00

My family keeps a blog to keep us all in the loop, and I find it too hard to upkeep two blogs. I probably wont' post on this one anymore. If there are any blog readers still out there, know that you can find me at dunlapdealings.blogspot.com along with my fun siblings and their families, and our wonderful parents.

Merry Christmas from our house!

2010-12-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

Gingerbread house this year has been a big success!

Snow buddies, so cute!

Another successful tree hunting trip. It was so fun having Mom and Dad and Jill and Thain and kids along. Thanks for braving the snow and scary roads with us!

He's Here!

2010-03-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

February 23, 2010 7:59 am Bronco Vincent Blaine joined our family weighing 9lb 0.6 oz, and measuring 21 3/4 inches long. The biggest surprise at his birth was the color of his hair! Our first blonde baby! Maybe one will look like me after all. We all feel like we've received the best present ever. Last week the kids would be waiting eagerly after school for Nate to pick them up and bring them to the hospital to hold their baby brother. Now they come home and wash up first thing and want to know where the baby is.

Where did the name Bronco come from? Nate has wanted to name a son that forever, but I laughed it off, until this one. I just couldn't think of a name that I loved, like I did with Ben and Deven. I watched how passionate Nate was about this name and had to admit it's only fair for him to pick a name too. It has grown on me, and when I first saw him, he looked like a Bronco to me. It also helps that the BYU head football coach is named Bronco and we both think he could be a great role model to follow. Vincent is my dad's name and he's also worth following. He's one of the most kind and giving people I know.

Here I am a couple of days before birthday... Nate kept saying stop looking so pained. I said, "stop taking my picture then!" I hate pictures, but we needed a tummy picture. Plus, it is painful to be this pregnant!!

Mommy's first kiss for Bronco

Daddy, Bronco, and MommyVery happy kids, which one is different? PreciousI love just holding him!The nurse let the kids listen to the heart beat.Daddy couldn't be happier!Playing cards with GrandmaBronco ready to go homeHome at last with GrandmaOur sweet angel.

Needing c-sections is the less than ideal way to go, but I am getting pretty used to it now that I have had four of them. I just want to say that who knew the best hospital and doctor ever would be found in small town Brigham City, Utah. We are thouroughly impressed, and would recommend both to everyone!! I am recovering very well. We are so grateful to have my mom here helping. I couldn't do it without her. This is a very special time in life and we are enjoying the miracle of it all. Bronco's cord had a scary knot in it and the doctor said someone must be watching over us. Yes, we do think Someone is there watching over us and we thank Him for Bronco!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-15T11:03:00.004-07:00

Chocolate anyone? This is a 10 lb bar we bought for dipping yummy Christmas treats. Wouldn't it make a great gift all wrapped under the tree?

The kids and their cousins made a quick trip to the moon at the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake.

All of us bundled up tightly to stay warm as we wandered around temple square enjoying all the Christmas lights.

Ben and Deven found this yellow shovel at Toys R Us. There was only one left, so they get to share it. Ben asked Santa for a shovel for Christmas. It came a little early, along with the huge snow storm!

We are going for the human snowman look this year... Merry Christmas and have a happy new year! Love, the Blaines

Happy autumn!

2009-11-01T14:07:00.003-07:00

A happy trick or treating was had by a santa, a cat, a shark, and a fireman.

My costume was a pumpkin, just perfect for my growing tummy according to Ben. I found the tank top at Old Navy for 50 cents and all I had to do was add a face!

Spider hot dogs were our Halloween dinner. I cut a hot dog, put a dallop of mashed potatoes on top, and added some shredded cheese and olive eyes. They were an intstant success with the kids.

Nate's first snow fort of the year was built last week. Brrr, here we go again!

Fall is the beautiful time here. Our yard was amazing. Too bad all the leaves have now fallen, and it's the brown season.

And last not but not least, here he is, our newest little one. If Nate gets his way, he'll be known as Bronco. I am not partial or anything, but he already looks so cute!

summer's gone and here comes #4!

2009-09-02T16:32:00.002-06:00

Again, here I am finally updating the blog. This time I have a good excuse for my lapse, I am 14 weeks pregnant and SICK, SICK, SICK! I love the babies, but this pregnancy stuff is for the birds. We are all excited to meet Blaine Jr. #4 at the end of February!

The kids started school this week, and I miss them, but they are loving it. I always loved school too, so I am excited for them. They have been great sports this summer while I layed around.

This last weekend we took an end of the summer motor home trip up to Yellowstone. It was a blast. Here are a few of our latest pictures...

The wildlife abounded. Ben took this up close shot of a buffalo trekking down the road. Yes, the traffic jams for wildlife are real, and so funny. We saw fox, elk, buffalo, birds, and yes, a bear. Nate and the kids were ahead of Deven and I on a trail up from Lower Falls with 386 scary stair steps. A bear came running down the trail after two slow hikers. Nate thinks it was just hurrying them along, because he lopped off the trail after a few seconds. SCARY! I was glad Deven and I missed the scary part, but I would have liked to catch a glimpse of his back side from far away as he moved away from us...

After watching "Old Faithful" erupt and hiking around the geysers Nate realized there was another one expected to go off a ways away. I chose to meander slowly back to the motor home while the rest of them took off running for the big geyser show. They missed it by a few minutes, and Ben's face in this picture says it all. Emily and Deven aren't so thrilled either. Crack me up!

The whole family in front of Yellowstone Lake. Everyone went swimming except me. Brrrr!

This river is called "Firehole River" because it is geyser fed. The water was 80 degrees and so pleasant. I did jump in for this one.

My three little tree huggers!

Spring fever

2009-06-01T12:15:00.005-06:00

These are awesome flowers in our yard. Anyone know the name of them? We don't, but we would like to know.

The garden is all planted. It has been a very friendly spring, and everything is thriving. We finally planted our seedlings that we had inside for so long.

Yesterday I took a nap, and Nate fed the kids cookie dough. Yes, that's the size of their dough balls. Good grief!

Saturday we hosted a BBQ at our house and made homemade rootbeer for the first time. It was really cool! It tasted great too.

Saturday morning we went on a short, but steep hike with the Woods. It was really pretty and it was fun to look down our our little town.

Ben has taken up photography with our old digital camera. Luckily I bought rechargable batteries last time I was at Costco. He has filled up his memory card many times already. I have loved looking at things from his point of view when we have imported the pictures. He's quite good!

Pretty Flowers

2009-05-27T15:27:00.003-06:00

These flowers are for all the women who have had a miscarriage. I had one yesterday and I was 6 1/2 weeks pregnant.

I know as a mom I will never forget that horrible day of miscarrying. I also know I will never forget the love I already felt for a life growing within me, even one so short. I can't believe so many women go through this. I feel peace, and will be fine, but still so sad. Nate is just as sad. I am lucky to have a family that needs me to keep on going and finding joy. I am also lucky to have such kind, thoughtful friends nearby that encircle me in their love. I would wish every woman who has experienced such trauma was so blessed.

What we've been up to

2009-05-11T14:48:00.003-06:00

On our motor home trip last weekend we stopped at Soda Springs, Idaho. The springs gave sparkling water for free. A sign said springs were for drinking, not swimming. The water tasted like rusty pipes to me. I wonder if this is where we came up with Soda Pop.

Back in March I planted garden seeds indoors since the growing season is so short here. Who knew we would be harvesting green beans in April! The plants have gone bananas indoors, but it's still too early to plant these ones outside. Well, for all you apartment dwellers, here you have it. You can have fresh produce by growing things inside.

It may still be cool, but bring on Spring! Yeah! Here's the beautiful/handsome fam, minus me.

In April Nate and I celebrated 9 years of marriage by going on a really fun trip down to Mexico. My parents held down the fort for us at home with the kids. On the way back from Chitzen Itza our tour guide took us to this amazing "cenote" or well (cave) with amazing swimming hole. I wish the picture was better. It was breath taking. The water was clear and refreshing.

Nate and I outside our room at the Barcelo Palace. We HIGHLY recommend this place, but only if you want to be spoiled. The beach was the best beach we have ever been to. The water was warm, clear, and full of fun fish filled reefs.

Now, how do you say that? So CUTE!

Blaine happenings

2009-03-04T13:58:00.003-07:00

Nate and Ben skiing by the cabin we rented for Nate's birthday. It was the best trail!!!

Deven enjoying grapefruit for breakfast.

Happy 32nd Nate! We love you! (yes, we packed the cake into the cabin)

Here we are on our way into the cabin. It was a 1/2 mile ski trip up little cottonwood canyon in Salt Lake. Not too far at all, and the kids did fabulous!

Ben crashed pretty good here, but by his smile you see his attitude about cross country skiing. He is a trooper! He even skied up to the lake and back with Nate and I. He also didn't mind skiing back up the best hills, so we could zoom down them again.

Ben and I by silver lake. It was fun to stand here and watch the downhill skiers go down those mountains behind us. I think Nate would have rather been up there on the black diamonds. Ben and I were content to glide along the friendlier terrain.

Nate tried so hard to make a sledding hill for them to go down. By the next day it was pretty good. Looked like too much hard work to me!

Joe and Cindy and their kids came up for Emily's baptism. Joe and Nate took off on the snow machines Saturday. They were gone for a long time and we supposed they were having fun. They ended up spending most of their time digging them out of the snow. They took the "road less traveled" and it ended up burying their machines. They got a work out digging.

Our beautiful Emily was baptized on February 22nd. It was a great day because my mom, Cindy and Joe, Jill and Thain, and Stacey and Jeremy, and Holly and her kids came to celebrate with us. That made it extra special.

Now this is the cutest thing I have ever seen. On Saturday Deven let us take off his training wheels (they weren't really working anyway), and off he went. He's only 3! He works so hard to keep up with us, and biking is one of his talents. He loves his "two wheeler", and it's a hoot to watch him ride the little thing.

Happy V Day and a new addition to our family

2009-02-14T16:04:00.002-07:00

We have a new addition to our fam and I didn't even have to be pregnant! Soap was given to us by a friend of a friend. He's name was Sophia until they found out he wasn't a girl, and shortened his name to Soap. He's so affectionate! I've never had a bird nuzzle up to me, but Soap does it to all of us. He loves the kids and doesn't mind all the attention they are giving him. So, we talked Nate into a pet, and it's so fun!

The snow keeps falling! Today it fell a bunch more, and this snow fort is now buried under another foot of snow. I have to go out and find Nate and beg him to come do something else because the kids all came in before him and are whining at me. He loves being outside in the snow working on the snowfort (almost mansion now) or the sledding hill (almost mountain now).

These two pictures say it all. Happy Valentine's Day! Love, the Blaines

The old and the new

2009-01-30T14:00:00.003-07:00

After the last 10 or so years of long hair, I am ready for a change. I am excited about my new do. Ben took this picture of me. He loves taking pictures just like his Dad.

Emily, Ben and Deven collecting icicles with Daddy at the church.

Nate on our fun cross country ski date behind our house.

Nate put lots of snow in the middle of our driveway circle and made a really fun sled run. We all are having a great time on it with Ben's new sled from Grandma.

I just didn't get around to a Christmas letter this year. I guess this will have to be a poor substitute. We are well and staying plenty busy with life.

I was getting back to organizing pictures and I found these quotes from the kids from the last year.

Emily: After chatting with Aunt Jill for just a minute, "Can I hand the phone over to my mom yet?"

Ben while in car with Jill while she was making a u-turn commented in GPS language about her driving. "Did you type in all around the town Jill?"

Emily: I served canned beets on a salad to which she said "I don't like beets." I said, "yes you do, we grow them in the garden and you love to eat them." She replied "Yes, but not these cooped up ones from the store."

Ben: I told him not to get too full on dinner or he wouldn't have any room for dessert (what a healthy Mom I am), and he happily commented "I hungry up pretty fast."

Everything Deven says at 3 is adorable to me, so I can't quote everything he says and do it justice without his cute voice. He loves telling me that he's a big boy. He calls white, "wipe" and the other kids think that's hilarious.

That sums up what's new and old this year.

September and October... The joys of fall time.

2008-10-09T11:52:00.005-06:00

Say cheese, it's time to take more pictures for our blog. Grandma is requesting more pictures!
Deven happily complies.

Happy 30th Jill! We love you! We are watching her dog Spunky while she and Thain are traveling all over Europe. Lucky!

Last weekend we went to Vernal, Utah and to the National Dinosaur Monument. Look very closely. They are pointing at a leg bone literally sticking out of the rock. Very cool! The kids LOVED it. Nate said as a kindergartner he was fascinated with dinosaurs and would have been in heaven in a place like this.

Emily and Ben hiking up a little cliff with Nate. Deven and I opted for safer ground.

Emily sliding down a natural rock slide we found on our rainy hike.

This canyon was a lady's pig pen. Literally. She lived out here all by herself and was self sufficent for 40 years without modern conviences. Amazing. This canyon echoed like crazy. Ben and Nate grew hoarse from all the yelling and echoing. Spunky, the dog, was going crazy with all the noise.

Can you find Ben and Emily?

Riding in the new motorhome was really rough.

The family at Flaming Gorge Dam.

Ben, Deven and Nate looking at Mommy trying to take a nap. I didn't get much sleep.

Ben the rock mountain climber.

Our new motorhome. Nate has been wanting one forever. We found this one for a really good price. It's older, but it works. I am the least excited about our new addition, but the others are really excited. The fall colors up in Flaming Gorge were breath taking!

Here is Heidi, my partner in crime most days here in Mantua. I received boxes of apples, pears, and peaches for free this summer. She patiently helped me can and preserve the abundance of fruit. Thanks Heidi!!! Her son Tyler and my Deven are the same age. We have a lot of fun together. A couple of days ago we ventured up in the moutains behind Mantua with the boys for a picnic.

Here I am with the boys.

The kids are holding beets. Yes, beets, that have been neglected in our garden. It's supposed to snow this weekend (boo hoo), so it's time to hurry and get everything out of our garden.

This picture is for my mom. She asked for pictures of the canning I have been doing. Here is the result of my pear canning yesterday. The jars look so pretty when they are done. Canning is not my favorite activity, but I can't pass up delicious free fruit!

Sorry for such a long blog, but I just don't get the chance to do this very often! Happy Fall!

Poor tooth fairy

2008-09-15T13:01:00.004-06:00

Last week we had a fun time with Cindy and Joe and their fun kids at the their cabin at Strawberry resevoir. Catching three fish in a row was the most exciting part. Well, actually Cindy and I creaming Nate and Joe at a late night Spades game was more exciting, but the kids missed out on that part.

After Nate took this picture I said, "you just love taking bad pictures of me, don't you..." He said, "I take good pictures of you"... Hmmmmm.... Well, I guess I look as tired as I felt... :)

This is Emily with Nate on Saturday before she knew I was taking a picture.

This is Emily perked up and posing for a fall picture with her brothers. I guess she likes hiking after all... :)

The tooth fairy is going to go broke on our family. Ben lost his first tooth Saturday night. He was so excited about it. I can't believe he's at this stage already. My babies are growing up!

Delicious summer salad

2008-09-04T20:36:00.001-06:00

This is a great way to use all those extra summer veggies from the garden... I should try throwing in zucchini! My friend here gave me this recipe and with some tweeking I got it just right for my taste. I ate lots of it the last two days for lunch. YUM!

Tomato Cucumber Salad
1/3 c. olive oil
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper
6 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 cucumbers, quartered and sliced in 1/4 in. slices
1 small green pepper, chopped
1/4 c. thinly sliced onions
1 can olives
2 tbsp. minced fresh parsley
1 tbsp. minced fresh basil
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese cubed

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the first seven ingredients, shake well.In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onions, olives, parsley, and basil. Drizzle with dressing. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. Just before serving, stir in cheese.

2008-09-04T12:00:00.003-06:00

The first day of school was last week! I can't believe the summer is over. Emily started 2nd grade, and Ben is in kindergarten. I am doing a co-op preschool this year for Deven. The kids come home so happy. They love school! I remember feeling exactly the same way. I miss them when they are gone, but I am glad they love school. Ben did bring home a nasty stomach thing. It slowly went through all the family. We are all healthy now luckily.

We went and toured Winnetonka caves last weekend. It was pretty neat.

Emily bit into her popsicle last night and out came her tooth. Everyone got a kick out of that. Emily and Ben have learned out to play "Settlers of Catan", one of Nate's and my favorite games. That's what we were doing in this picture.

I could post more, but the kids are going crazy as usual... :)

The blahs move on...

2008-08-20T11:25:00.002-06:00

I think everyone should post one blah blog. I am so grateful for so many wonderful people in my life, and such great support. I love you guys!

So, I am fine, but I am really glad I let it all hang out for a moment. I now have really great pick me up notes to read next time the "funk" happens.

I am in CA at my mom's house. We decided at the very last minute to take a road trip. We drove up to Portland to see my brother Justin and his wife Alisa and their adorable new puppy Zoe. Then we went to Eugene to visit my dear friend Elise and her fun family. Then we drove down to Paradise to visit with my mom and dad and other brother and wife and kids. I have loved this road trip. Maybe I'll post pictures after we get back. School starts next week and then we are in a set routine for awhile. Ben starts kindergarten and Emily will be in 2nd grade. I can't believe how time flies.

Anyway, if you post a blah blog, I'll post a comment. They really meant a lot to me. Love you guys. Jen

Blah blog

2008-08-15T08:13:00.002-06:00

Well, this is not a blog entry with some great exciting news. In fact, I feel like complaining, and Nate's already heard it a million times. So, I will make this my blah blog entry, instead of my brag blog. Read on only if you dare. It's not going to be pretty.

So, I live in a real nice place. I have everything I dreamed of. Why can't I be happy today? I have a cold, I haven't slept well the last several nights. My stomach hurts. I want to go out and do something important, and exciting. A doctor? A lawyer? A reasearch scientist? I can't stop tearing up, and the tears keep coming. Many would say, go get drugs. Others would have no patience. I am one with no patience with myself. I do most things in life because I think I should. I am good at grinding my teeth, feeling guilty, and getting to work to get something done. I am surrounded every day by three little balls of energy that go and go and go. They never stop to whine or complain, except to me. Nate is also like the kids. He can go and go and go. In fact he stayed up all night last night working on work. He usually doesn't eat breakfast or lunch. I am starving all day. He gets to be thin and in shape. I exercise every day without fail, and am more round than I would like. Anyway, blah, blah, blah. This is how some days are. Even though my blog makes it sound like everything is great all the time, I really lie. I do have everything I wanted, but I still want more. I want to be more, and do more, and see more. I get mad at myself for this. Maybe that's why I read so much. I always want to learn more and experience more. Anyway, I look up to so many of you. You all seem to have it together to me. I can't get myself to call anyone and say "how do you do it?" So, I struggle inside and know that eventually, like my Dad says, this too shall pass. I guess the good out of feeling so badly, is that someday Emily or someone else will say, "how did you do it?" And I'll be honest and say, some days I didn't.

Aloha!

2008-07-26T16:08:00.005-06:00

So, we just got back from two dream weeks in Kauai! Nate and I honeymooned there and it was really fun to be back again. There was so much more to explore. My parents treated all of my side of the family to the vacation. It was quite the fun family reunion. I highly recommend it! There are a lot of pictures, but it was hard to cut the hundred or so that I did to just get down to this many.

Roosters run wild there. Annoying little buggers that crow all day long. Ben tried to chase one down. Too bad he didn't get it.

Every day or every other day we would go on an "adventure". This one is of us hiking in the jungle. We rented kayaks and came to this spot that we hike in a mile to a secluded, although busy with tourists, waterfall for swimming and snacks. It rained hard on us coming back, we were all a muddy mess. Nate and I thought the jungle smelled like spices as it rained. Ben thought it smelled like poo. We had a talk on looking at the positives in life.. :)

Ben and Emily start school in a few weeks. They are going to be telling stories of jungle hikes, playing with frogs, geckos, snails, and roosters. They are going to talk about picking wild mangos, coconuts, and other tropical fare. I think their teachers are going to think they have wild imaginations. We were just really lucky to experience this dream vacation when we did.

Ben and Deven became boogie board junkies. The ocean was the perfect temperature and this popular boogie boarding beach was in a short walking distance from the house we stayed at.

Emily and her cousin Brianna brave the waves. It's a good shot of Brianna before the tumble. We were shown many times the ocean was boss...

We hiked into a place called Queen's Bath that was a very calm place for the kids to snorkel and explore the sea life. The kids and Nate caught this crab that became the entertainment for awhile.

This picutre was taken at the hotel we spent the first night at. It had gorgeous grounds. I didn't really see an ugly place over there though.

Now this hike was not for sissy's. I about had to turn back. The Waimea canyon is like the grand canyon. We hiked to a waterfall we couldn't see without hanging over a cliff (hence all of us but Nate didnt' see it) and then back to a smaller waterfall we could see and enjoy.

Here's the hike from the road. That bare brown spot to the left of the waterfall is where we took the previous photo. Just gorgeous. Nate called this place "eye candy".

The only regret from the honeymoon Nate had was missing out on a helicopter ride. We let Thain (my sister Jill's husband) talk us into Inter Island helicopters. They are the only ones to use a helicopter without doors. I thought it was crazy, but went along for the ride. WOW! What a trip. We landed at this secluded waterfall (the island is full of them) for a picnic and a swim and then finished the ride. It really got the adrenaline going. On the way back Nate saw skydivers jumping out of a plane. He decided that was next on his to do list. There was no way I was going to do it, but he did, and he loved it. By the way, the rocks were mossy and the slide nice and soft.

A family photo on the beach at sunset. My one wish was to see the famous green sea turtles on this trip. They ended up being at this beach near us almost everyday.

Here Ben is at Tunnel's beach. Breath taking beautiful beach, with amazing snorkeling.

This is me on the last day, if you look to the right of me you'll see a spot in the ocean. That's one of my turtle friends. My favorite part of the trip was snorkeling with Cris and Colby. We swam with three of these guys. They are so fun!

No, Nate did not fall of this waterfall, he dove. In fact, Emily, Ben and Deven jumped off this 20 foot waterfall. I was the only chicken in the family. I just couldn't make myself do it. Anyway, what a trip. It's a once in a lifetime event, but we hope to get back there someday. We loved it so much. Thanks Mom and Dad!!!!

I would post some little video clips, but I can't figure out how to reduce the size so that they will post. Any ideas anyone?

Pioneers and Dads

2008-06-16T12:25:00.006-06:00

Last Wednesday Nate and I left to be a "Ma and Pa" on a pioneer trek with teenagers from our church. We were over six great kids, four girls and two boys. Here we are all: Brett, Rikki, Katrina, me, Blaire, Ryan (Bandito), Maigan, and Nate. What a great bunch of kids. Being with them for four days made me excited, not so scared anymore, for my own kids to turn into teenagers. Nate and I had so much fun with these kids. They were real troopers.

We experienced all four of Wyoming's seasons in the short four days. The wind was unbelievable. We kept on moving though, and we made it through. Nate made quite the handsome pioneer! He's so wonderful and I am so glad to be married to him. Also, we had a fun father's day yesterday celebrating what a great dad he is. I have yet to meet someone that is as involved with the kids and loves his family as much as Nate does.

Nate says that he was born in the wrong era. He especially loved the pioneer experience. I have to say that I loved the pioneer clothes, and all the walking, but I really missed baths, showers, sinks, and sturdy houses. We take so much for granted today!
Nate and I laughed so much with these kids. It's been a long time since I have laughed that hard. It's amazing these kids could still crack jokes, while the wind blew and the sand pelted our dirty faces, and the rain poured, and the ash cakes baked in the fire. We would do this again in a heart beat.

My mom and Dad came out to help us with the kids while we were gone. It was over their anniversary, so my sister Jill took the kids over that day. It was so nice to be able to be away and know that my kids were well taken care of. Dad brought out fishing poles for the kids and set them up. Then he went worm hunting in our yard with them. They loved that! They still talk about fishing and worms, and all that, even though their attention spans didn't last long while they were actually fishing. My dad is so great and I am so lucky to be his daughter.

My mom is incredible too. She seems to never tire while she endlessly serves the kids. I am so grateful for her too.

May!

2008-06-02T09:07:00.004-06:00

These pictures are backwards, but we'll take what we can get.

We headed up to the mountains on Friday for some family camping time. There is this incredible place called Cub River just over an hour north of us in Idaho.

Water was everywhere!
This is the bridge in front of our campsite. We literally were on an island and had the whole thing to ourselves. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
My kids like to pose!
They sing "cheese" more than they say it for the pictures now!

Deven turned three on the 19th of May! We had a little party for him outside.

Uncle Thain entertained the kids well.
Handsome Deven in some new clothes from Grandma. A week ago we got to camp with the Floyds. Even though we live only a half hour away from them, every time we get together I feel like that's too far! We love hanging out with them. It's funny, Jeremy is the Elder's quorum president is his ward, Nate's is the same in our ward. Stacey is the 2nd counselor in the primary in their ward, and I am the same in our ward. Fun times. It's good to have "old" friends that we can go a long time without seeing, and then pick up like it was yesterday when we do see them. Thanks guys!
All seven of the kids kept the fire going. They were all great campers! The rain didn't bother them a bit.

Nate and the kids by the Boise river. We went up there for his nephew's wedding. We stayed at a little hotel right on the river. They have a super biking/walking trail all along it.
April and me. It was really fun seeing so many of the Blaines. Hopefully most will come out to our house for the 4th of July.
The happy couple, Corey and Melanie...
Ben and Deven finally got to blow up a Christmas present from Grandma. Ben did a lot of the work himself.

Ben and Deven inside. These kids are living the dream. I hope being so spoiled doesn't ruin their adorable personalities!

That was May! We'll see what happens in June.

Spring has sprung!

2008-05-12T13:07:00.004-06:00

Spring has sprung! I am so glad! These tulips Nate and I planted last fall, and they survived the arctic winter! I am so glad. They brighten my day each time I see them outside.
The pink ones along the driveway are breathtaking as well.
The flowers look better with a pretty model! Thanks Emily!
Miracles do happen! No more diapers! Deven is pretty much all potty trained. For the last couple of days he has stayed dry, going to the store, soccer games, church, and even playing outside. Yesterday when he went poo in the potty five times! I can't tell you how good it felt to realize that was five diapers that we didn't have to change! He's been earning a matchbox car for every time he goes poop in the potty, and an m&m or skittle for ever time he pees. Ben and Emily get treats for helping. Deven's at the point where I don't really need to give him prizes, but we are so happy to do so if it means no more diapers!!!
Last night Deven wanted to wear underwear to bed. I was prepared with extra blankets under him, so changing the bed would be easy. He woke up dry this morning and went right to the bathroom. AMAZING! What a kid! It just goes to show that when they make up their mind, anything is possible. Just now as I was helping him get dressed he brought me a diaper... EEEEK, I hope he doesn't change his mind now... Phew, he chose underwear again...

Now, that the snow has receded into the high mountains, we can hike again. The kids hiked all the way up the Rocky Dugway road a week ago Saturday. What troopers!
We also walked down to the campground the day before. It's nice to visit our summer places again.
These pictures are all messed up, but here we are again up on the hike up the mountain. This is where the spring melt crossed the road. Up a ways more we saw a large mountain lion track. We also saw lots of dead deer. This winter was really hard on them. From the top we could see down Mantua valley, through the canyon, and down to the valley below where Corrine is. What a view.
I have been Emily's soccer team's coach this season. It has been such fun! I dragged my feet going into it, but if she wants to play next year, I think I'll coach again.
Ben's face says it all. That was my thought exactly as we woke up to this snow this morning. Oh well, it didn't stay long. I took the tulip pictures this afternoon, so it's nice out again.

Now that the sun shines, Nate has to get creative when he forgets a hat to cover his head.
Mom and Granny came out for a week and we had a great time. Here we went out to Promontory point, the famous site of the last spike that connected the trans continental railroad. It was snowing and cold that day (yes, it was the end of April), but Granny and Mom (or Grandma around here) were troopers and we had a great time. Nate works near there, so we kidnapped him from work.

We also visited the little zoo in Logan. Again, we had such a fun time. At a fun dinner party with Jill and Thain and Mom and Granny, the guys built the tallest marble maze tower that they could manage with Ben's set.
Run Ben, chase the ball! Ben is having fun learning how to play soccer!

If you want really fun kids music I recommend you check out http://www.jimcosgrove.com He's more known as "Mr. Stinky Feet". We got to know his music through the Albuquerque summer programs and concerts with the Hammonds. He's the best! The music cheers Nate and I up as well. Don't let your kids miss out! I guess that's all for today. If you have a blog now let me know, I'll link your page to ours. Happy spring! Love, Jen

If I could write a book...

2008-03-03T08:25:00.006-07:00

...it would probably be about living in Mantua. This weekend was another amazing one, filled with outdoor adventures. Can you see our house? They cleaned out the drainage ditch in front by the road, and the snow pile is enormous.
Nate and I went on our favorite date on Saturday morning. We skied for two hours from our house, around the little mountain behind us, and back across the field to our house. Here is Nate at a great lookout point. The town of Mantua is below. Oh, you can't see any buildings? Isn't it great?!
There's me, coming up the hill and a bit of Nate's finger. One of the best things about cross country skiing, is you can wear your husbands old clothes and it doesn't matter. I find downhill skiers always look like they just went shopping at REI.
That little dot is really me. This field on the backside was a very long slight downhill ride. What a trip. Nate prefered skiing up a steeper hill and down it, that's why he's so far away from me. Along the way we saw the remains of a large elk that got caught in a fench. We also saw the wings and feathers of a large hawk. Nate thought it was shot down, but I thought it was hunted, because the wings were left whole and by themselves. Would hunters leave the wings behind and take the rest? Any ideas my naturalist friends? I guess it could be a combo scenario.
Okay, so now we pause to reflect on the last year of our living here. I do this to prove that yes, the other seasons, besides the snow season, do indeed exist. Here is Emily and Ben in front of the colorful trees in our front yard.

Here is spring, right after we moved in. My sister Jill and her hubby Thain, and the Floyds are over for a large bonfire. Nate burned all of our moving boxes, much to the delight of the kids.
Another spring shot shortly after we moved in. I love the trees all blossomed out.
Our favorite summer activity after Nate got home from work, was walking or biking to the lake and taking a dip. We liked watching the little fish play in the seaweed.
A fun thing for the kids and I was to walk or bike to the campground while Nate was at work. They could play for hours in the stream.
This is looking up to Willard Peak from our house, my personal favorite view. The hills are alive with fall fruity pebbles foilage. Are you convinced yet that this is a great place to live? :)

Now we are back to this last weekend. It's going to take several posts for me to get used to how this picture layout works. Ben looks so adorable pulling his sled up this hill.
There's pretty Emily. She was the first one down the hill! She didn't fall, and did beautifully on her skis. Unfortunately, it wiped her out. For the rest of the day she would fall easily and get discouraged.
Looking down our new favorite ski and sled hill. That's my good friend Heidi and her daughter Aubrey skiing. I taught her how to ski this winter and she's been hooked ever since. It's nice to have company during the day ski trips when Nate is at work. She and her daughters are pros already!
There's me and Deven taking a little break. We don't have ski gear on, because it was 57 degrees when we left the house. For you Arizona, New Mexico, CA, and Brazil folks, I know it still sounds chilly. For us, it was heavenly. This morning (monday, the 3rd of March) it was 8 degrees as I sent Emily off to get the bus. Brrr!

There is Hannah, Heidi's daughter, and behind her my friend Andria (she's the mom of 4 1/2 kids, and homeschools them all. Just to show how tough this lady is, she walked all the way up this snowy hill, while we leisurely skied up.)

There is Hannah, the back side of Heidi and Emily. You can't tell that it's really kind of a steep drop off and Hannah is hanging on tight so she doesn't go flying down the hill.

I know it's March, and some days feel like spring, but it's going to be hard to put away the skis for a few months. This has been an amazing year for us! Skiing every day that we want to, right out our door is definitely spoiling us.

I just read a great book called "A Train to Potevka" by Mike Ramsdell. I loved it because it was educational, inspiring, and entertaining. It illustrated the life lesson that good things come out of hard times. I wish I could write such a book. I'll put it on my life list. For now, the kids keep me pretty occupied.

Sorry Katherine, my shopping lists and bills were much to boring. I would rather show off Mantua. I made pudim last week for Heidi's birthday. It was yummy! Have you learned how yet? I would like to make pao de quejo (brazilian cheese bread), but I need special flour. Could you ask your mamacita maid for a good recipe? Thank goodness for the internet!

Ciao for now friends!

Welcome to the North Pole, oops, I mean Mantua, UT.

2008-02-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

I left to ski with friends on Saturday and came back to this happening. The kids have a lot of fun when Dad is in charge. That's Emily jumping off our our playground set. Ben takes his turn....
They had fun building snow forts too.
Here is our house almost buried in the abunance of the fluffy white stuff. Nate and Ben dig out our trailer so that we can pick up a snow blower. Emily and Benjamin got cross country skis for their birthdays. They are catching on so quickly and are fun to have along on my favorite way to "take walks" in the winter.

Nate figured out a way to pull Deven behind in the sled so that we can all go out together. It works great. I pulled Deven today while Ben and I skied. He tried hills for the first time and did great!

Emily, Ben, and Deven scale the banks on the side of our driveway. Ah, the driveway. I don't know what I'll do when the snow starts to melt. Plowing, shoveling, plowing, shoveling, and plowing and shoveling have become my purposes in life.

P.S. Today, the 11th of February is so sunny and warm! We are all in t-shirts and enjoying the feel of the sun on our skin. I can't believe when I look at our weather station that it says it's only 39 degrees. To me it feels like spring! In Utah it can snow in June, so I can't count on this being the warming trend, but I'll enjoy the variety.