Big D gets Braces November 3rd 2009

Darrien has been spending a lot of time at the dentist lately. For one, to get all of his teeth fixed and second all the prep for braces. He got that accomplished then the molds got made, the plan prepared and now Darrien is the proud new owner of braces for the next 36 months! They only did the top for now but put the bands on both top and bottom. They couldn't put the bottom ones on as they needed to have his top straightened more so that when he bites down he doesn't knock the bottom brackets off since his bite is so close. He goes back in 5 weeks to get the bottom ones put on. I am sure he isn't excited like I am but he will thank me when he is older....


"Mom I am really mad at you right now you are smiling and happy and this SUCKS" Mom...."Darrien give me a big smile" As he mumbles under his breath he gives me the smartelic smile...its still cute Big D..



Darrien "I am so NOT happy right now i am going back to school..." he really must have not been happy to want to go back to school when he could have taken the rest of the day off!

I personally think he looks so grown up and quite handsome with braces!

5 years

Wow how time flys by...As I was sitting here today realizing I need to get the rest of the kids Halloween costumes done it dawned on me....

5 years ago.....I was teaching the sunbeams in primary
5 years ago....I made carmel apples for my primary class
5 years ago...My teaching partner Laura Chapman decided it would be fun to tell Jim I thought he was 'hot'
5 years ago....I took the carmel apples around and drove around Jim's block several times cuz I was embarrassed that he knew I thought he was hot...until I saw his dad (RJ) outside
5 years ago...I jumped out of the car and ran the apples to RJ to give to Patrick... he wouldn't take them he wanted me to give them to Patrick
Now....I think RJ wasn't wanting me to give them to Patrick but rather give them to Jim
5 years ago....I spent 3 hours in front of Kathy & RJ's house talking to Jim
5 years ago...At enrichment night Jim's Mom Kathy said "thanks for trying"
5 years ago...I went "huh trying for what" and it hit me...she thought I was trying to pick up on her son! Well dang if she thought that was trying I will show her!
Now...I think Kathy really new that I was not a girl that was going to take "aww shucks thanks for trying..."
5 years ago...As soon as I got home from enrichment night I picked up the phone and called Jim we talked for 5 hours!!
Now...boy am I glad that Kathy challenged me and RJ wouldn't take the apples
5 years ago...Jim & I went on our first "official" date a Lehi HS football game to watch RJ ref
Now...laughing hysterically because it wasn't that cold and both Jim and I were wearing turtlenecks...hummm wonder why????
5 years ago...I met the man of my dreams, my prince charming, my hero, my love, my world, my heart, my soul, MY EVERYTHING
Now....And all be darn after all we have been thru we are still together and in love
5 years ago...I was so happy and grateful
Now...I am still happy and even happier and so much more grateful
5 years ago....I met my husband
5 years ago...I learned what true love really is
Now..I know what true love is and I AM SO HAPPY I HAVE IT!
5 years ago.....My world became complete

I just want to tell my wonderful amazing incredible husband.....I LOVE YOU! You are my hero, my rock, my strength, my EVERYTHING I don't know what I would do without you...

Thank you for all you do you are AMAZING!

H1N1 ugh.....

H1N1 aka the swine flu hit the Walker house last week of course while I was in Denver. Darrien came down with it last Tuesday Oct. 13th so Jim took him to the Dr and sure as crap he tested positive....Of course I find out and feel helpless because I am so far away. Well they survived but barely until I got home on Thursday night to find Jim sick as a dog in bed. Poor baby I sware he looked so miserable. Then Aubrey got it Friday, then Connor Saturday then CJ Sunday and Patrick Sunday night...so needless to say it has been an insane couple of weeks but what's new really? Just another day in the Walker House.

We are finally getting back in the swing of things Darrien and Connor were able to go back to school Thursday and Aubrey went back today..Jim was finally able to go back to work today since it is so contagious they didn't want him near the ambulance geez the nerve...just kidding lol at least he was able to get some much needed R&R. I am crossing my fingers that all the kids will all be at school bright and early Monday morning or else Mom might just have a breakdown..........ok another one hehe

On a brighter note guess what????? I AM THE ONLY ONE NOT SICK!!!! Seriously how many times in my life have I been able to say that??? Umm Never!! So ya I am bragging that for once I didn't get it!!!!!

Take that you nasty swine flu!!!!!!!

(ok really i don't want to get sick this is purely for your reading enjoyment so if I get hit w/it ten times worse i will know i should have just kept my mouth shut...swine flu coodies please don't curse me please pretty pretty please...im begging..pleading...)

Oh and if I never have to use another can of lysol or clorox wipe in my life I will be happy....

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY AUBREYANN

Happy Birthday my Dear Baby Girl Aubrey!

Wow I can't believe she is 7 already...it seems like just yesterday she was just a tiny little baby saying "Mommy I want Boobie" lloooolll...Now she is all growed up as she says.

Well all I can say is you will always be my Baby Girl!

I LOVE YOU TONS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUBREY!!!!

My dear Nana.....

I had to pull every bit of my being together these past two weeks to get thru getting the call that Nana wasn't doing so well to getting the call that she passed. I know that Nana was suffering for many years and I had convinced myself that I was prepared she would be in a better place and no longer suffering all though both of those statements are true.....Reality then hit..I don't believe you can truly ever be fully prepared to loose a loved one, especially one that has had such a part of your life.

For those of you that don't know, Nana and I had always been very close. I spent quite a few years of my youth living with her and when I didn't live w/her I was frequently found at her house.

I had the blessing of being able to sit next to her bedside on Monday and Tuesday of last week. There was this brief moment where Kylon my little brother and I were sitting in the room and her eyes were open. She wasn't able to mutter any words besides a ya or nah. As she lay there struggling for every breath she took she looked deep into my eyes and I could sense that every part of her being was trying to say something..She did the same to Ky...As I made my way over to her and kissed her head and held her hand there was a brief moment in which it was just her and I and I told her how much I loved her and how much of a difference she made in my life. It took every part of her being with her muscles being so rigid to lift her arm to hug me. I know this may seem like a simple gesture but given that she hasn't recognized anyone for the past couple of years and the fact that she was so rigid from the Parkinson's this indeed was my miracle. As I walked out of her room at the nursing home I felt a warm wind blow and a feeling of peace come over me.

I drove home Tuesday night Jen (one of my best friends) had come up with me so I did not have to be alone we talked and she made me make a promise to always remember the good times. I can't thank Jen enough for that..words can't ever say thank you enough.

After I dropped Jen off I was alone and began to think of wonderful moments with Nana I stopped at Wilson's Arch and enjoyed the beauty that it has to offer I turned the radio up and listened to Moments by Emerson Drive...That song got me the rest of the way home as I belted out every word with tears but knowing that Nana wasn't always like this and she did have her moments, her days in the sun, when she was second to none.

This is for you Nana! I love you more!

God's Garden

God looked around his garden and found an empty place He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest God's garden must be beautiful he always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering he knew you were in pain, he knew that you would never get well on Earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb so he closed your weary eyelids and whispered "Peace Be Thine"

It breaks our hearts to loose you but you didn't go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

You will forever live on in me Nana!

I love you....MORE!

Nana I will miss you.....By Darrien Cade

Darrien wrote this and shared it at the Memorial Service for Nana...

Our beloved "Nana" Iva Jean Watts returned to her Heavenly Father on Sunday September 6th, 2009 after a long painful battle with Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's and frequent strokes.

Nana was born on February 4th 1930 to August & Amelia Danklef in Sandy Utah.

Her life was filled with many struggles and hard times yet she never complained,she did everything she possibly could to make the best out of every situation she faced. Nana was a strong, independent & stubborn woman. Her strength will forever live on in her Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.

She is survived by her 3 Grandchildren Natalie Walker (Jim), Michelle Neves (Dre), Kylon Neves (Erin) her 9 Great Grandchildren Darrien, Anthony, Connor, Patrick, CJ, Arianna, Aubreyann, Lasyia & Dre Shawn. Her loving niece Connie and nephew Val.

She is proceeded in death by her parents August & Amelia Danklef, her sister Florine Danklef, brother Ed Danklef and her daughter La Ronda Neves.

Nana spent the last 7 years of her life residing at Art City Nursing in Springville. We wish to thank the staff for being so good to our Nana. Words cannot express our gratitude for your love, care and compassion.

We would also like to thank Sunbrook Hospice for the comfort and peace they gave to Nana during her last days.

Nana you will always hold a special place in my heart. I will miss you and I love you dearly..

Darrien

Yet another new addition to our family

As most of you are aware we had to put our precious Kitty Meow to sleep in October of last year. Well I have been dead set on finding a "rag doll" cat and I have been looking I swear but no luck.

So yesterday while we were getting ready for our get together we had stopped at Gramma Tanner's to get some stuff from her house. Well the kids ventured on down to her neighbors that had some kittens....The kids have been begging for a cat for months now. Patrick and CJ came back and said Mom you have to come look at these kittys they are so cute. So Jim and I wander on over there and guess what I find no not a rag doll but a kitten almost 6 weeks old that looks just like Kitty Meow except of course skinnier, smaller, younger and more playful. So.......Ya Mom caved and we have a new Kitten!

She is way cute and the dogs enjoy giving her licks of love LOL she isn't quite sure what to think about it just yet but she is getting used to it. Just look at this I know it isn't the best picture..my camera on my cell phone is broken so we will make due LOL

We haven't decided on a name yet I am leaning towards Jinx since she looks so much like Kitty Meow...Here are the names the kids have suggested:

Princess
Amy
Sassy
Turd (of course this was Aubs)
Smalls
Jewls
Mae Mae
Cookie
Lula
Suzy Q
Minute (another one of Aubs cuz this is what Gpa Tanner calls her)

Who knows what we will decide so if you have thoughts let me know!

Here she is! Isn't I cute?!?!?!

First Day of School 2009

WOW How time flies....it felt like just yesterday the kids were getting out of school for Summer Vacation....Well now it is officially over. They all started back on Thursday Aug 20th. I just can't believe that all the kids are now in all day school!

Darrien is in 9th Grade
Connor & Patrick are both in 4th
CJ is in 3rd
Aubrey is now officially in all day school 1st grade baby!!!

I find myself sitting here now during the day's missing the noise that the kids made. Granted I don't miss the fights....just one more little step in the reality that we are getting old!!!!

Congrats Kiddos! Enjoy the school year!!!!

Congrats Connor, Patrick & CJ on being baptized

We headed for Utah County on Friday August 21st so that Connor, Patrick and CJ could get baptized on Saturday morning.

The boys have been super excited about it since Connor and Patrick decided they wanted to wait until CJ turned 8 so they could all get baptized together. The boys looked so handsome and it was such an amazing time. Grandpa Walker (RJ)baptized all 3 boys. Trenton confirmed Patrick & CJ (thier uncle on Kirsty's side) and my Dad Reg Confirmed Connor. I was sooo impressed with the huge turn out we had. Thank you to everyone that made it to this special even in the boys' lives.

We all gathered together at my Dad & Step Mom's in Lehi on Sunday and enjoyed some yummy food, laughter and the company of our Family and Friends.

The boys are so excited to be members of the Church now. Thank you to everyone that participated in this we really appreciate all your love, kindness and support.

Connor, Patrick & CJ Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you for taking this next step in your sweet little lives. We love you so much boys you are all 3 so amazing.

We Love you!!!!!!

Mom & Dad!

MIke & Jenny's Roof

After our family campout we headed to Pleasant Grove on my Birthday so Jim could do the roof on Mike & Jenny's house. They added an addtion onto the house so they decided to tear off the old roof and re-roof the whole thing.

We got up thier Tuesday afternoon, Heather was so gracious to offer to babysit the kids so Jim and I could enjoy a nice dinner out for my Bday. We went to Tepenyaki one of my most favorite resturants YUM!

Then Wed morning Jim started the roof and I headed into my office in Orem and worked. By Thursday evening the roof was complete of course not without a few minor hiccups and Jim feeling like he had been ran over by a dump truck.

I ventrued to get up on the roof once not without shaking and freaking out and that was enough for me Jim and Jenny had to help me down since I was so freaked out LOL.

Jim did a great job on the roof I sure hope that Mike & Jenny think so too!!!

Family Reunion 2009

We had the pleasure of having our Walker Family Reunion/Campout down here this year at a campground called Buckboard which is up in the beautiful Abajo Mountains.

The campout started on Wed Aug 5th. Mike, Jenny and thier kids Heather, Austin, Cody & Mistee came down on Tuesday to get a head start we enjoyed Tuesday night visitng with them and letting the kids enjoy the company of thier cousins.

Mom & Dad, Laurie, Brandon thier kids Braydon & Maddie, Quin, Shery and thier kids Brexton, Jensen & Teagan, Grandma & Grandpa Hansen, Aunt Cindy, Aunt Mary all joined us up at the campground on Wednesday. Everyone camped but Grandma & Grampa, Cindy & Mary they came up for the days and stayed at the Day's Inn I think they liked getting away from the kids and having the Hotel to go back to where they could have comfy beds and a swimming pool.

We enjoyed fishing, hiking, camp fire fun, playing cards, Shery did this awesome game of sharing money which we all had fun with. She gave us all envelopes at dinner the first night that had play money in it. The object of the game is to give money to someone when they do something nice for you or say something nice etc. Then at the end she had an auction of fun little prizes that you could buy with all the money you earned. Jenny did a pinata which the kids really loved. Laurie & Brandon took the kids on 4 wheeler rides. Mom did a painting craft and all the kids got to paint little wood ornaments.

We had the whole back loop of the campground to ourselfs which was way nice! The kids stayed close and even our dogs stayed right around camp. Other than a few cuts and bruises no serious injurys wooo hooo!

Jim, Darrien, Shery, Quin, Mike, Heather & Austin all went down on Thursday night to enjoy the Emerson Drive/Charley Jenkins concert since it was the San Juan County Fair during this time. Jim brought me back some CD's from both bands so that was cool. I was battaling a kidney stone so I didn't get to go to the concert but they all sure had fun.

We got rained on a couple of times but other than that no complaints. The bugs were minimal really I don't even think I put Off on my kids at all. It did get cool at nights especailly after the kids were in bed and the adults were sitting outside playing cards. We pulled the picnic table up close to the fire so Shery the eskimo could stay toasty warm.

I think we all had a great time I know it was one of my most favorite family campouts!

All I can say is I think it was a great success I am so grateful to have such a wonderful loving family! Mom even went to the extent of making Dutch Oven Raspberry Cake and everyone sang Happy Birthday to me. It was really special :)

Grandma, Grandpa, Cindy & Mary all stayed until Friday the 14th so we got to enjoy thier company on Sunday evening. Then on Monday they all came over to do some wash while Grandpa's truck got fixed and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner together. That was really special too since as long as Jim & I have been married we haven't ever had just them over for dinner.

To our family thank you all for coming down here I know it was a long drive but I hope you guys feel like it was worth it. We sure enjoyed seeing everyone again and getting to spend some great times with you!

We love you lots!

July 24th Weekend

We spent the Utah Pioneer Holiday up camping with our friends Mike & Amy Cox and thier 3 kids Addie, Oliver & Lucy. They came down from Pleasant Grove with thier trailer and we headed up the mountain. We had a total blast! It was also Monticello's celbration so we came down for the parade, activities at the park and fireworks.

We were able to expose Mike & Amy to small town America! They loved how cute the town is and they had a blast seeing how our way of life is so different than fast paced Utah County. All though they both said they could never live down here LOL.

Good times I tell ya good times! Nothing like good friends, good food and lot's of fun!

Thanks Mikey & Amy for coming down it is so awesome to spend time with you guys!!!

Be prepared for a boat load of new posts

Been a very busy summer and have some fun stuff to update my blog with.....So stay tuned!

4th of July

We decided to do something different this year and go to Blanding for the 4th of July. It was a hot day for sure and I know the kids enjoyed all the fire trucks coming by and spraying them down along the parade route. I don't think the parents liked it as much as the kids, as everytime one of the trucks came down the parade route you would see parents fleeing from thier comfy chairs for cover from the down pour of water.

Aubrey and Connor both went fishing in the fish umm pool pond?? I guess so we brought home 2 fish to add to the family...they didn't last long though...We enjoyed lunch at the Patio I know all the locals will laugh at this....it was my first time eating there and we have only lived here 2 1/2 years?? YUM is all I can say!

We then finished the evening off with a concert in the park, it was really nice up until we were eating dinner and the wind started up and it was raining in sheets rather down pouring in sheets of rain!! Plates were flying, canopies....I even ended up w/who knows who's bbq'd beef sandwich landing on me....All I could do was laugh histerically watching everyone "run for cover" Everything was sopping wet, we even ran to the laundry mat to dry out the blankets so the kids wouldn't have to sit on wet blankets! After the little fiasco the night turned out to be beautiful making the fireworks show totally awesome!

Happy Belated 14th Birthday Darrien!!!

Ok so I suck as a Mom! I have been so good about saying Happy Birthday to my kids on my blog....Well shame on me for being so freaking busy I missed doing Darrien's

Darrien turned the big 14 on Sunday July 12th!

Darrien I am in shock that you are 14, it seems like just yesterday Uncle Ky and I ran around calling you "head" since when you were a baby your head was so big! And now you are a young man!

Some of Darrien's amazing traits I adore:

-his outgoing personality he is always so friendly to people and makes friends wherever we go!

-his compassion if I am having a bad day he does everything he can to make me feel better!

-his love for his siblings....You will often find him sitting w/Patrick talking about Pokemon not because D loves it but because Patrick does and he loves to make him smile

-how smart he is....sometimes to smart for his own good!

-how much he loves "La La" (my mom) it makes me melt...they were so close and even though she is gone he still hangs on and does special things in her memory like on Mother's Day and now he wants to do something on Sunday for her since it is her bday

-how he can turn Nana around she can be totally grumpy and with her Alzheimer's she doesn't recognize people and becomes angry but Darrien can always turn her around and make her laugh and smile. That is incredible for a 14 year old!


Darrien I am so proud of you and so honored to call you my son! I love you so much Big D!

Happy Belated Birthday my dear son!!!

Loves & Hugs!

-Mom

Congrats Monticello CUBS GOOD LUCK AT State!!!

WOOO HOOOO for the Monticello Cubs who took league championship and will now be heading up north next week for some state playoff games. Good Luck Boys!!! Connor I am so proud of ya!!! Way to GOOO!!!

WiN wIn WN or maybe just have a blast!

Schedule for any interested:

Tuesday 7/14 12 noon Monticello Cubs vs. Lehi Diamondbacks
Tuesday 7/14 6 pm Monticello Cubs vs. Springville Giants
Wednesday 7/15 10 am Monticello vs. Payson Braves

I believe all games are played in Payson but not 100% sure yet!

Summer Woe's

Nat's Questions to no one in particular most likely herself she tends to do that on a frequent basis....Be affraid it looks like she is going to answer herself tooo!!! Don't call the looney bin just yet.....Ok maybe you should....

Question: Summer comes Summer goes but when will summer really come?
Answer: Think about it maybe a late start on summer will mean an even later start on winter! How's that for positive thunkin?

Question: Is it seriously the end of June? As in July 4th is just a few days away???
Answer: Yes Nat you have a calendar that is full every day and you now it is almost the 4th of July get with the program girl!!!

Question: More baseball practice and games? Are you serious?
Answer: Just think 2 more games "YOU CAN DO IT" (note to self it is pretty sad when you have to cheer yourself on for your KIDS activities)

Question: Did I ask what is up with the weather already?
Answer: I can't remember must be that darn old-timers getting to me again

Question: How did my Mom & Dad Survive Summer vacation??
Answer: Oh that's right they locked us kids outside...Isn't that illegal now? Oh I guess that is a question answered with an answer then a question man I am on one...

Question: Are all little girls drama or just mine?
Answer: Are all little girls drama or just mine??? still wondering...

Question: Seriously my oldest is 14 wow where did it all go?
Answer: It slipped by right in front of you...

Ok now that I have asked all the questions I have for now and I walk around the house to make sure everyone is snug as a bug in thier beds and step on a few toys and say a few choice words about the fact that my house is less than spotless and my foot hurts.......I look at my sleeping babies and can honestly say....I wouldn't have it any other way....

As my wise Grandmother always tells me "it will keep" it's one of those open ended comments that can leave you pondering for hours...the dirty dishes "it will keep" the laundy "it will keep piling up" the weeds "it will keep" on growin'. The one thing that won't keep is the days of our childreen's lives.

"Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least." Goethe

Loves and Hugs to everyone!

Family, Mud the falls nothing but fun!!

Shery & Quin and there 3 boys came down for a visit. We got to enjoy thier company and Aunt Nat got her baby fix with Teagan! The adults even got to enjoy a nice evening out to dinner much thanks to Darrien for holding down the fort and watching all those kids nice job D!

The storms had sure made the water muddy but we still had a total blast!!!

Pictures from our River trip

We took a one day trip down Westwater...It started out as a beautiful day but ended freezing cold! Our friends Bryan & Jymi and Cody & Sara came with us. We had a blast and even got to see the old miners cabin that I took my head out on LOL. All in all A++++ trip...

"Buddies"

Puppy Pictures

Puppies Are Gone!!!

Our last puppy just left the house! WOW I am sooo impressed how quickly they went they were just all so adorable. I know they went to loving and happy homes!!!

Way Excited!!!!!

Going Private

Well I have made the decision to go private so I will be sending out invites shortly.

Puppies Anyone??

Ok so ya'll know that we had 7 puppies 5 weeks ago...Well they are to that point where they are ready to go to their new homes hint hint. So anyone that is interested in a puppy CALL me LOL. I am including picture's yes they are way cute but 9 dogs is just way to much. They are all very playful and fun. They are half Australian Shepherd and half your guess is as good as mine. They are all eating puppy food and ready for a home to be loved...Here are some pictures in case you or someone you know is interested. Also for my friends and family in Utah Valley we will be coming up there next week so we will even deliver your new bundle of joy.....wow never thought I would be marketing puppies on my blog...Oh the joys!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR HUBBY

Happy Birthday my Dear Hubby!

I hope you have a wonderful day eating your favorite dinner and of course cheesecake!

Love you lots and lots more :)

-Me

Last Day of School

WOW how the school year has flown I can't believe I am sitting here writing about the kids being out of school! All in all the school year was good for all of the kids. Some of the neat highlights from the year!

Darrien-Got off his Tardy contract LOL and actually passed more classes than he failed. He also got to participate in band and learned how to play the saxophone! I think he is excited for summer to be here so he can work at bull hollow.

Connor-Got amazing grades and even got an award from the Utah State Board of Education for Outstanding performance in mathematics and being in the top 10% in the NATION! WOO HOO Connor!

Patrick-Did not have ONE melt down this year!!!! SOOOO Awesome! Mr. Holyoak did such an amazing job with him this year I am wishing he could follow Patrick thru the rest of his elementary years. He did AWESOME on his spelling and reading I am so proud of him! He also had a line in the Spring Festival and didn't realize the mic was on and said "I am soooo nervous" it was way cute LOL!

CJ-Has improved in so many areas including spelling! He has been working so hard on this. He also has improved and done much better than I could have hoped for on his speech! He also got a Certificate of Achievement for Math Facts! I am so proud to see how hard he has worked and how determined he is to be the best!

Aubrey-Graduated Kindergarten (sniff sniff) She is so freaking smart it is scary! She passed off all her kindergarten stuff and is sooo ready for first grade! Aubrey also had a line in the Spring Festival.

The kids are sure glad it is summer time....I am torn on one hand I am excited as we will be able to do some fun stuff over the summer on the other hand not so much looking forward to the fights that are around the corner.

Hope everyone is doing well and excited (or at least ready) for summer!!

4 years without you Mom

As I look back over the last 4 years I am amazed at what I have been able to get thru without you by my side Mom. From struggles to triumphs and victories....the good the bad and the ugly. There will always be those moments when I sit here and wish I could call you and ask for your advise...Tell you about my day.....Share special moments with you, tell you all that has been going on................As I sit here I realize that even though I can't reach out and touch you, that you are in fact by my side, holding my hand thru all of these special moments in my life.

Mom I know that I could not have not become who I am today without all that you taught me. You will always be in my heart, my mind and my soul. Thank you Mom for being MY Mom.

I miss you more than any words can ever express!!

All my love...

Happy Mother's Day!!! Breakfast, Montains, Rocks & A Broken Arm........

Mother's day was exactly that the day for Mother's I guess there in lies the problem. A mother's work never seems to be done does it?

Getting spoiled with my favorite breakfast french toast and bacon.........Zero Effort
Enjoying a beautiful ride up the mountain to take in the scenery and get some more rocks for my rock garden...........Little bit of Effort
Hugs, Kisses & Loves all day......A whole year of being Mom
Ending your mothers day in the ER with your son (Connor) who broke his arm..........$100

Having kids to keep your life interesting full of love and compassion.......priceless.....

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, But by the moments that take our breath away...

I hope all the Mother's out there had a WoNdErFuLl Day!!!!

7 New Additions to our Family!!

Well we are happy to announce that Ellie has given birth to 7 puppies so far they are soooo darling...I will post pictures later just thought I would let everyone know :)

Our first Camping Trip of the year

Some nice early spring weather graced us with it's presence and we took full advantage and headed down to South Cottonwood March 20th-23rd. The weather was AWESOME! The kids even played in the water YES in March!! We had a great time! We went down with our friends Bryan & Jymi & their kids Saydee & Oakley. The kids had a great time riding around on the little 4 wheelers that Saydee & Oak got for Christmas. Jymi, Jim & I even took the kids on some fun rides. The lil ones kept asking me to go fast thru the creek which of course I did and we were soaked all you could hear was do it again do it again!!!

All in all it was a great time! Other than Patrick getting sunburned one day which I had lathered him up GOOD it was a total blast.

We got home to be welcomed by a lovely SANDBLASTING storm hehehe...Nothing better than trying to wash the 4 wheelers and unpack when you are being pelted :)

Even JoJo had Fun!!!

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY CJ!!!!

Today we are celebrating CJ's GREAT 8 Birthday!!! We have a friend party tomorrow so it should be fun!

CJ I love you so much buddy! You are such a doll and so loving!

Here are 8 things about you that I love, admire and appreciate!

-Your eyelashes they are so long and cute!!! (not to mention they look like dad's which we know i love hehehehe)

-Your beautiful blue eyes you make me melt when I look into them!!!

-Your smile from ear to ear makes me smile not only outside but inside as well

-How hard you work at school! You are so determined to excel and you are DOING it!!!

-How hard you have been working on your speech! You are doing so AMAZING

-How loving you are to your siblings when they are sad. Just Monday when Aubrey was so sad you didn't hesitate to hug and comfort her when she was crying.

-Your HUGS are the best

-How you say Good Night...."Goonite mom sweep tight don't let va sharks bite"

CJ I hope you have a WONDERFUL Birthday I LOVE YOU SO MUCH SON!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOOOO YOUUUUUU MY DEAR BABY BOY!!!!

-Mom

HAPPY 9TH BIRDAY PATRICK!

Today Patrick turned a whooping 9 years old! We had a swimming party for him yesterday which was a total blast..He kept saying "Mom this is the best party EVER" he was so excited. We had cheeseburgers for dinner last night and today he wanted "Mom's special homemade Mac & Cheese w/sausages" he was so happy when we ate dinner tonight it is his total favorite he must have eaten 6 servings...He said "Mom I can't stop eating cuz it is soooo good"

I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing little guy's life. Boy how he has grown and matured. He is the most compassionate loving kid. He is the most caring boy ever. He is always looking out for his lil bro CJ and he is always protecting "sissy" he is so darn cute....

Patrick I want you to know how special you are and how grateful I am to have you as my son.

Kanga I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!! I love you soooo much!!!

-Mom

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MY LOVE!

I just wanted to take a moment and tell my wonderful husband Happy Anniversary! Babe I love you more than anything in this world! Thank you for loving me, being so kind, caring, supportive, loving....I could go on and on...I know I am not always the easiest person to be married to especially with my health nightmares but you always stand by me...and love me unconditionally.....

Here is to the rest of our lives together Sweetie!!

Love you TONS!!!!

Airports/Airlines -the things that suck...

If you have been following my very sporadic blogging you will know that I have been doing a lot of traveling lately....As I was walking thru DIA (Denver International Airport)on Friday night I thought for just a moment about how I should seize the "un-expected" extra time and update my blog..Needless to say it didn't happen, but not because I didn't have the best intent but rather as the title of this blog states "Airports/Airlines the things that suck"....So I decided to enlighten all of you with my thoughts on Airports & Airlines...

First and foremost can I say "SECURITY CHECK" bless the lovely TSA folks that have to deal with us impatient travelers that just want to get thru....those of us that just want to by-pass the making sure all liquids, gels, aerosols etc are smaller than 3oz, and making sure ALL of it fits in ONE (yes just one that is all you are allowed) of those cute (note the sarcasm) ziploc bags...no I am not talking the gallon size ones just the regular good ol' sandwich size ziplocs...which is really hard to do. I arrive at security after presenting my boarding pass and drivers license (mind you they look at it look at me look at it look at me) and get some snickerish remarks about the fact that my DL picture shows me w/light brown hair and currently I am blonde! Ok hello just cuz my hair color changed doesn't mean I am a terrorist! Anyhow finally I am at the part where I have to strip down taking off my shoes, belt, bracelet, coat, sweater etc then proceed to dig my laptop out since it has to be in it's own tub...Finally I think I got everything....after taking up 5 bins and a lil round one for the odds and ends....I proceed to walk thru the detector thing that really likes to beep at me...I set it off then you hear loudly "SECURITY CHECK" everyone turns and looks at me..they guide me to a "special" screening area and do further wanding inspection...The wand gets to my lower back and it beeps I say as I said as I walked thru in the first place I have metal in my back...They proceed to wand me several more times before finally letting me go on my way....I know all this jazz is to keep us safe but my heck give me some sort of "hall pass" on screening! And honestly what am I going to do hi-jack the freaking puddle jumper plane??? Holding up my bottle of hair spray and using my tooth brush as a knife??? Ok ya'll have heard enough about security.

Point 2...If I book a round trip NON-STOP flight....that usually means I DO NOT WANT TO STOP! I mean seriously here are my choices from flying out of my cute lil' airport an hour away....There is the ta da 6 am Denver flight and the oh so appealing 2:15ish Denver flight...and last but not least the late fight to guess where???? Denver...Did you notice my choices?? All 1 location Denver..no where else...I don't get frequent flyer miles w/this lovely airline so I really am earning nothing when they decide as we are on the tarmac with no bathroom yes ladies and gents there is NOT a bathroom on the plane...no beverage or snack service to top it off my lil' airport when you go thru security there are no vending machines to buy a drink...So basically for the flight which isn't bad only an hour I am bathroom and drinkless which I guess in theory is a good combo, however when again you are on the tarmac and they say and by the way we are stopping in Alamosa to pick up some more passengers and it is no big deal...I pop up and think in my heat it is a BIG DEAL I did not plan on an extra 1.5 hours so I need a drink I have cotton mouth and I drank 3 cups of coffee before I arrived at the airport since it was only 4 am when I left my house!!!!!!! Of course I have to use the lil' girls room they won't let me get off in Alamosa so I concentrate very hard for the duration to not kill over dead from dehydration or wet the seat I am sitting in.

Point 3 if you are going to call it a crew doesn't it have to be more than 2 people??? "The Crew" Our lovely flight attendant for the trip is none other than the co-pilot...who goes thru some stupid safety information then plays an overhead instruction on how to use our seat cushions as flotation devices...Um HeLLo we are flying over the MOUNTAINS i am thinking if we crash there isn't a way in hell we are going to make a safe water landing...At this point you can't really hear the overhead instructions on how to get out safely because the engines twin propellers are cranking and anyhow I am to distracted to pay attention cuz I sware I see Fred Flinstone running beside the plane getting us up to speed so we can take off....even if i wasn't distracted by Fred I wouldn't be able to understand anyhow since I reach for my ear plugs so i can at least hear myself think...think about the fact that wow I am the only passenger on the plane...or why they made me sit in the back for weight reasons, or why I saw them throw sand bags in the cargo area, wondering if by some crazy insane possibility we do a crash landing into the water and we all know I didn't listen to those instructions.....

Point 4...Delays I know reality is there are always delays, but that being said it is really nerve wracking when you are in the terminal waiting to board and all you hear is flight 5678 is delayed for mechanical reasons, flight 1498 is delayed due to electrical problems. On Friday I sware the entire time I was there not one flight got out on time, including mine which was supposed to depart at 8:56pm when we finally boarded around 10 getting our hopes up only to sit in the freezing damn plane for 30 mins getting de-iced....Mind you they had given us ~15 different times we were supposed to depart by the time we finally did...Seriously just be realistic don't tell me we are going to depart in 10 mins when our plane is not even there yet!!! I guess my point is....don't make it sound better than it really is especially when my poor hubby is standing by waiting to hear from me so he can drive to the airport to get me!!!

Point 5....lost luggage...you probably are wondering why I have all these liquid rules and why I just don't check my bag since they aren't limited in size if you check it...Well it all has to do with the fact that I did check my bag once...and if you recall I only have 1 destination I am not switching planes not going further than Denver yet they managed to loose my luggage??? How in the heck??? I give up so I just plane side at least I know I handed it to the trustworthy co-pilot that is standing next to the plane as I board....Why is he trustworthy? Cuz he is flying w/me and you can bet your bottom dollar if they can't find it when I land I have someone that I KNOW I can yell at....

Needless to say I am sure the TSA and an"un-named airline" employees just love seeing and dealing with me every other week. (I still have a few more trips to make hence the not naming the airline, as I might cause myself some bodily harm who knows maybe they will try and do a safe water landing just to prove that you should listen..

Now that you have all seen the fact that my patience are running a little thin and clearly I would not be a good fit for a job with TSA or the Airline's I will leave you with one last thought.....

Really if this all didn't happen what would I have to complain to all of you about??

Slacking-yet again

Well as you can see I have yet been slacking again on my blogging. Life is just to busy that is what I have determined, I thought after Christmas things would just slow down, but reality is nope they are just as busy. Christmas was great we had such a good time. We spent Christmas Eve at our house and our good friends Bryan & Jymi came over and we hung out. Christmas Day we did the traditional opening presents and such and we were invited over to Jymi's parents house for Christmas Dinner. Of course not being with all of our extended family was different but at the same time it was really neat to be part of a family function yet be so far away from our own. All of Bryan and Jymi's family are amazing at including us in family stuff since we don't have family down here. I am truely grateful for all of thier acceptance and love :) You guys are awesome!

Mom & Dad came down the day after Christmas and spent the weekend with us, other than Dad getting sick it was a really nice time. It was good to see them since it has been a while. Thanks for making the trip Mom & Dad!

We have been keeping busy of course now that I am traveling to Denver every other week leaving on Tues morning (at butt dark early) and getting home at 1130 at night on Thursday's makes for some serious much needed attention to the kids, house, dogs etc. Jim has been great about trying to keep the house tidy while I am gone so I don't come home to a disaster. Also Bryan and Jymi have been great about helping with the kids if Jim get's paged out while I am gone and so on. I am so grateful for thier friendship, love and everything!

The kids are all doing great! Darrien has offically come off his attendance and grade contract meaning his attendance and grades are much much better YA! Connor and Patrick are having a great time with scouts and playing thier new Wii video games. CJ has been having a blast playing with his friend Machiah. Aubs is obviously playing with her friends and also dance has started back up.

Well other than the normal everything is good here on the Walker front!

I also want to send get well soon wishes to Kaitlyn! She just got her tonsils, adnoids and ear tubes taken out! She is such a cutie and a trooper!!! Get better soon beautiful!!!