Merry Christmas!

We hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was wonderful and full of love and family. My brother Tracy and his family came to town, which made it even better, and then of course spending it with the Fullmer and Diamse Families are always good times!

Santa came and the kids got some really great gifts. They were all thrilled with what he brought them. Kylee just asked for clothes, Makayla wanted a "Littlest Pet Shop" playset and big teddy bear, Hunter wanted a bike (among 20 other things), Our cute Talon just asked for Santa to surprise him this year...SO CUTE! (He promised Santa in his letter that if he made it a good surprise that he promised he would be extra good the next year!) and of course Cash was too little to want anything in particular so he just got some toys and clothes.

Chet and I got a new freezer and a laptop so that was pretty much our Christmas to each other but we did give the kids a special, and pretty large, gift from us.

We sent them on a scavanger hunt with clues to find their gift. Each clue was attached to a movie and the final clue led them to a portable DVD player for the car. Inside the DVD box was a Demo Disk (that we made and slipped in) and told them we wanted to see how it worked and began to play the demo disk on the DVD player. This is what was on that disk... CLICK HERE

This was their reaction (Kylee didn't have her contacts in so she couldn't read the words on the screen so it took her a minute to catch on) I also accidentally hit the shutter button on the camera so it took a picture and stopped the recording so you didn't get to see Kylee's reaction when she finally caught on or Talon falling to floor holding his face! haha
CLICK HERE

We will be leaving in May on a 7 day Mexican Riveara cruise!!! This is the first cruise for the kids! Chet and I have had this booked for almost 3 months and it was killer trying to keep it secret from the kids!

Some stills of their reaction to when they saw that they were going on a cruise!


I love Talon grabbing his face..haha!

Talon falling on the floor! He told me later that he almost passed out because he was so happy! haha


Here are pics of what they got this year.

Talon got his first BB gun from my parents. His uncle is thinking he's cool... :)

Cash's

Kylee's

Hunter's

Makayla's

Closer view of Cash's

Talon's
(Talon had a DS that he didn't put away and Cash got a hold of it and poured bubble solution all over it so he has been without one for about 3 months. I told him that since he was negligent with it I was not going to buy him another one...it's a good thing Santa came through for him!)

Here are the kids getting ready to come downstairs and see what Santa brought them!
Here's to a HAPPY 2011!!!

Coming Soon...

I feel like the worst blogger EVER!

I honestly can explain...it's been a bad month with just about everything breaking, including my laptop and phone.

I got a new phone and we just ordered a new laptop (Merry Christmas to Chet and I!) but the laptop is yet to come. So, I am checking my email and stuff quickly off of Chet's work computer. (I can't really do much else on it...or "shouldn't" more like)

I will get back to blogging when our new one arrives...I promise! Until then,

MERRY CHRISTMAS... from our family to yours!

Grateful Turkey...

We had our first Primary activity as a Presidency and it was quite...chaotic, but I think the kids had fun.

One of the activities that we did was made a "Grateful Turkey." We wanted the kids to make something that they and their families could use from now until Thanksgiving to write what they are thankful for and then put somewhere to be opened and read on Thanksgiving Day.

My awesome second counselor was in charge of this project and this is what she came up with...she even made up the poem too!

This was actually one that my kids made...(don't you just love the eyes? That wa Talon' doing!) the one that she did as a sample was MUCH cuter...but I loved the idea and the way they turned out.

All it takes is a shoebox covered in brown paper, feathers, glue (hot glue worked best for the feathers on limited time) stapler, crayons and red ribbon for the "gobbler".

Each family member writes on the little slip of paper provided and puts it in the turkey. SO CUTE! But, if you want to do this for a big activity just be forewarned that it takes quite a bit of time...especially for younger ones.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!! And good luck to those going out on Black Friday! :)

Together We Can...

I am having a proud mommy moment so bare with me. Each year in Elementary school my girls have entered the Reflections Contest. In the past Makayla has always submitted art work. This year I talked her into doing something a little different. Of course, I suggested entering the Photography category. She thought that would be fun and we talked about what she would like to do and how she would like to relate it to the Reflections Theme, "Together We Can..."

I helped her with the camera settings and she took my camera and began taking pictures. I uploaded them for her and pulled up Photoshop and she played with it until she found a result that she liked. She filled out the entry form and titled it, "...Live in Harmony."

I got a phone call on Sunday from a woman at Jordan Ridge Elementary and she told me that Makayla won an "Award of Merritt" for her reflections entry. There was an awards assembly on Thursday and I decided not to tell her and just let her be surprised at the assembly. She said when she saw me sitting there as she walked into the gym she thought to herself, "Oh Crap!" I said, "why would you say that?" and she said, "Because I knew I probably won an award and I HATE getting up in front of the whole school like that!" haha This is the first Reflections award in our family.

She got a bunch of gift cards to restaurants (like 7 of them!), a certificate and water bottle (like I need any more water bottles!) We are SO proud of her. We also had parent teacher conference on Wed and she got straight 4's (equiv to A's) It was nice having the teacher tell you she wanted to adopt your daughter. Makayla is just a sweet and special daughter...if you were to tell me that there was another little girl out there that was any sweeter, I probably wouldn't believe you! :)

This is the photo she took for her entry...."Together We Can..."

"...Live in Harmony"

Speaking of good grades, while I'm on my mommy kick, Kylee started her first quarter as a 9th grader off with a 3.95 GPA. The class that she got her A- in was Spanish and she was only 1% away from having an "A". The darn teacher was not willing to budge and help her do anything to raise it 1% (seriously? Come on!) Apparently he didn't give anybody in that class an "A" which is beyond ridiculous if you ask me. What is up with teachers who are like that?

Talon and Hunter also got good grades. I am just so proud of all of my kids and just so happy that they are smarter than I was! :)

ER

I don't know what it is about being off track that invites the "sick bug" into our house but it always happens...without fail...at least one full week of our off track time is always spent with sick kids in bed.

This bug started with Hunter, then Makayla, then Cash and myself. Makayla got better within a couple of days but it hit Cash particularly hard. The poor baby couldn't keep anything down and then got to the point that he didn't want to eat or drink anything at all. He lost SO much weight (almost 5 lbs) and got dehydrated so we had to take him to the ER to help give him a jump start again.

They let us decide on whether we wanted to poke him or try some oral method first. They give him a strong nausea pill and then try some Popsicles and liquids then wait to make sure he keeps it down. All of that was successful so they sent me home with some of the pills and we were able to get our little guy better again.

Trying to stay entertained while we wait and wait....



Dad trying to make him laugh and succeeding. This is probably the first smile we saw all week long!


Everybody is better now and my little Cash is back to his own self again...I have really missed his smile, laugh and yes, I admit, even the trouble he gets into! Glad to have him back!!!

Called to Serve...

The last two years I have had the most wonderful calling in the world. BUILDING SCHEDULER!!! It was nice, laid back...lots of phone calls, but with my busy family, a new baby and crazy schedule it was the perfect calling. I was feeling nice and comfortable and SAFE!

Until, we got a phone call from the ward secretary saying the Bishop wanted to meet with us. Well, I was pretty sure Chet was safe since he was just put in as ward clerk so that leaves me. Panic was surging through my veins...what could it be...especially if the Bishop wants to meet with me? He and the second counselor came to the house and threw it at me. I knew that since I was feeling safe and cozy and had it nice and easy with my other calling for so long that it was going to be big....and it is. When the words "Primary President" came out of the Bishop's mouth all I could do was laugh...and laugh.

Me? Primary President? I haven't been in the Primary for 6 years. I don't know how to run an organization...are you SURE??? Uh, okay...I guess so, but I am seriously losing faith in your judgment!

It has been a very emotionally taxing ride so far. I have learned A LOT already, most importantly how crucial it is to PRAY and LISTEN and then DO what the Lord wants you to do. My anxiety is at it's peak and I feel so very inadequate. I can think of so many other Sisters that would be better at this calling than myself. I feel like I am going into this blind without a clue of what to do and where to even begin. I don't know that I have ever prayed harder in my life than I have these last 2 weeks. It will come, I know...but it is very frightening and intimidating right now.

However, I am excited to serve our little Primary...and when I say little I mean it consists of about 24 kids! L*I*T*T*L*E. But they are great kids and it will be a fun and great experience I'm sure. But I still can't help but wonder, "what on earth were they thinking?"

A Sweet Birthday Wish!

Here I am, another year older and hopefully another year wiser. My memory, however, seems to be going down the drain with each passing year.

I am now 36 and I can no longer say that I am closer to 30 than I am to 40...BOOO! But all is well...I still feel young, (and probably act WAY too young), I have my health and a beautiful family by my side!!! Nothing to complain about at all.

Chet worked from home today and watched Cash for me so I could enjoy a nice lunch with the "girls"...and it really was NICE! The night got busy with football and running kids here and there so we decided to celebrate with the whole family on Sunday and just had a nice little birthday celebration with our own cute little family.

Chet once again went way overboard with the gifts and I am so excited to put everything to good use! He snuck out and got a cheesecake and my favorite ice cream...Bryer's Strawberry...YUM!!! And had the kids sing to me. :) So fun!

I also had a very "special" and even considerably "cool" experience earlier today. I have debated on whether or not I wanted to share and post about it or to just keep it special in my own heart. However, because this is my journal, in a sense, I would like to document it and express that I do know with all of my heart that life is eternal. Families are eternal. This is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us, and that is why I share this experience for all to read.

I was getting ready for the day in my bathroom, putting on make-up etc. Really not thinking of anything in particular when all of a sudden I felt such a happy, joyful and almost peaceful feeling come over me. At that same moment the faint words popped into my head, "Happy Birthday my sweet, darling daughter." and I whispered back immediately, almost involuntary, "Thanks mom!"

It was such a fast, fleeting moment that you would almost wonder, "did I just think that up or was that really her speaking to me?" but the feeling that came with it was just too much to deny. I know that I was able to have that quick moment, in spirit, with my mom. It was the highlight of my day and something I will not forget soon...even with my declining "mommy brain!"

The kids were SO cute and sweet with me. Hunter in particular came out and said, "mom, I have something for you." He proceeds to pull a one dollar bill from behind his back and held it in both hands at each end. He then says, "Do you see this? This is for you!" and hands it to me. So cute! I still do not know what I did to be so blessed. I love my husband, I love my children and I love my life. I am grateful for everything it has brought me...even the difficult trials, for it has made me who I am today.

Happy 36th Birthday to me...I am looking forward to MANY more!!! :)

"Bloody, Huge!"

Hunter seriously never fails to crack me up! I marvel at how BOY he really is. He may be little but he really is quite aggressive and has "no fear." He will definitely be the one who has broken bones.

He is really timid and shy around strangers (and even family members) but once he gets comfortable, LOOK OUT!!! He is actually doing lots better with his shyness and I have noticed a big change since he started Kindergarten. He is starting to pull out of it just a bit....slowly but surely, right?

Well, he is always cracking us up with the things he says. For instance, the other night he is sitting downstairs with Chet and out of the blue he says,

"Dad, I just know that the Hulk has a huge willy. I mean the rest of him is huge, so his willy has to be huge too don't you think?"

Chet reminded him that he shouldn't say that word so he says, "well, his PRIVATE PART has got to be huge!"

... but seriously who thinks of that???

Then this morning he brings in a dinosaur book he got at the school library and he says, "Look at this cool dinosaur book! I like dinosaur books because they make them VIOLENT!!!! (he laughs) I love bloody stuff!"

K, so now I'm not sure if I should be worried that I might have a future serial killer on my hands or not! haha

What a Change!

Those of you who know me, and have known me for a long time, have probably never seen me with full bangs. Unless, you are Jeanne, who has known me since I was a very young child.

That would be because I have not had full, straight bangs since I was about 10 years old! I have sported the "whispy bang" and the "side bang" (and even "no bang" for a short period) for the whole of my marriage and even long before that. Well, boredom got the best of me on Sunday and I figured it was time for a change and what a change it is!!

I am now sporting the full straight bangs that have been missing for years and I have to say, it certainly takes some getting used to. I do like them, my kids LOVE them and Chet is still not used to the look.

I have had the same hair and "look" for years and years and this has been a fun change. Maybe it has to do with approaching another year older that had me seeking something different and being so brave as to cut my own hair! Either way, it's a new me and I am actually enjoying it...for the time being! :)

The Kiddos

It's time for fall pictures again! The nice thing about having my own camera is I no longer have to pay someone else the expensive prices for school pictures...and most the time they aren't that good either.

So, we took an afternoon and got lots of pictures...Sorry for posting so many of them, but it's just too hard for me to pick only a few to post.

Along, with the pictures I guess I should give an update so far on what is going on with each of them.

Starting with Kylee, she is loving ninth grade and can't wait to go to Bingham High next year. She could get her learner's permit soon and starting getting her driving hours in...YIKES! She is working hard on her tumbling and cleaning things up for cheer tryouts this spring. She is doing really well with it...she has her standing hand spring, tuck; double standing tuck; working on her half twists and layouts.

Makayla is working really hard in school. Sixth grade has given her a good dose of homework every night. She is dancing with C&C Ballet Academy taking Jazz. She is also loving Young Women's....I still can't believe she is a YOUNG WOMAN!!!

Talon is busy every night with football. He works really hard and has a lot of heart. We are SO proud of him for his effort. He is not the biggest or most athletic kid out of the team, but he sure tries hard and goes up against the biggest boys with out backing down. He is having lots of fun and is SO happy to have his dad coaching him.

Hunter has finally adjusted to going to school all day in first grade. He had his first field trip of the year on Friday and was SO excited to go to the zoo on a SCHOOL BUS! He is doing good in school and loves playing with his friends. He also loves going and watching his brother play
football and wants to be a football player when he grows up!

As for Cash, he is...well, Cash. All boy, a little spoiled and REALLY stubborn! But he is just so dang cute we just have to love him. He is 19 months now and busy, busy, BUSY!!! He gets into trouble most days but I love watching him play and learn. He already knows where to put the soap in the dishwasher and how to start it. He loves the toilet water, likes to go "bye bye", and has some fascination with watching toys and objects go flying down the stairs! (I am constantly picking up and finding all kinds of things on and down the stairs.) He is talking a bit more saying "mom" instead of "mama", calling his milk, "coke" (now where did he get that word from???), and starting to call some of his sibling by name.


He loves balls and books. This boy cannot sit still for anything so church is pretty much out most weeks. (But we keep trying)
He is so full of personality and we just love him so much. We are SO happy he is part of our family.

I think that is it for now! (I am so proud of myself for posting so often this week...woo hoo!)

Fleming Sealing

My Aunt and her husband of two years got sealed in the Boise, Idaho temple back in August. I had the fun opportunity of being their photographer.

Beautiful Temple, beautiful family....thanks guys!



























The reception was an Asian theme...


With the BEST Thai food I have ever tasted, including the best mango, coconut sweet rice. MY FAVE!!!