Sweet Kicks!!!

Call me crazy but I love these shoes!!! My kids call cool shoes sick kicks, but I like sweet kicks better so there you go!!! I have been looking for these Old School Adidas for quite a few months. I have gone on line to ever site I could think of. I have googled my way into every shoe source there is but no old school shoes for me. Only in the men's and never even in a mens 7 so that I could wear them. But on Tuesday of this week I was in the mall with my aunt and we were headed for Dillards clearance racks (of course) and low and behold I glanced to my right and on the clearance rack for $19.99 (instead of $60.00) there they were. One pair only and you guessed it they were in my size. So I guess patience is a virtue!!! I love them. So I thought I put it in writing. Once again, call me crazy, but I love these shoes!!!

Happy New Year to all. I know it has been a while since I last made an entrance, but January has been full to capacity for sure. We go the kids back off to school and then on the 7th of Jan. my Aunt Bonnie came down for a visit. We have been go go going ever since. She is my mothers only sister and only sibling. They are 4 years apart and haven't seen each other for a very long time. My Uncle Jim (her husband) passed away this past April and so she has been getting settled in her new place in Willard Missouri and finally had some time to come and make the trek back to her roots here in Mesa. She is the Aunt that I look just like. As a baby, a child, a teenager, a mom and grandma, our pictures are very similar at each age. So there you go you are looking at me when I am that age!!! I now look at our family pictures and say, who told Aunt Bonnie she could be in this picture!!! Anyway, here we are at the Mesa Cemetary at their parents gravesite. We went that day not even realizing it but it was Grandma Brown's birthday so that was cool. We have been very busy since Aunt Bonnie arrived, the pictures are of some of the places we have gone. The one with them in front of a house is the house they grew up in on W. 2nd Place in Mesa. I had never seen that old house before and so it has been really great to hear the old stories. We made the journey to Woodruff Arizona where a lot of our ancestors are burried. It was a beautiful day, could not have been more perfect weather. We saw all of the old headstones of so many of the people who paved the way for our family and so many others. That was really cool. Then we went and found my Grandmother's home where she was a little child. I remember when my great grandma was burried there (I was 6) and we went to the old home then. I really do remember it. So we went hunting. They lived way out of Woodruff and there was hardly anything left of the old foundation, but we took that picture of us both sitting on what was the kitchen wall. It was really sad to see how much of it has crumbled away, but still cool that we found it. We went home through Snowflake and showed her the Temple. My friend Marilyn was a trooper and went with us. Thanks Marilyn. My mom could not go, I was sad about that. But we have had many adventures since the 7th. We have wandered down Main streed (memory lane) and gone to the anitque stores (memory lane) and have shopped, and sewn things, we did scrapbooking things the other day much to my aunts demise (she actually caught the bug!!!). We have eaten ourselves into oblivion and back again. Cleaned and cleaned and cleaned, she does not sit for one second!!! I hope that I have her energy when I am her age, cuz I sure don't have it now!!! We've held babies, put together sharing times, gone to the Temple, and so much more. I just want to say that family is great and I am so glad my Aunt came to see us. I have missed her and so has my mom and so this has been a great adventure. We have her until the 31st and then she will leave to go home to the cold cold weather in Missouri. She prayed for beautiful weather while she was here and I guess her prayers have been answered. So there is my January, I hope yours is going great. Making memories is what I like to do best, and believe you me we are making them at a hundred miles an hour!!!

A Quarter of a Century Old!!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!! I can't believe that it has been 25 years since the big arrival of my first baby. Man I must be old. I will never forget that day. The excitement, the panic, the pain!!!! All worth every ounce of it. I have never felt such joy until they pulled you out with those mean forcepts and wrapped you in that blanket to hand him to me. Pride and Joy. He was amazing, and by the way he still is amazing. I think that is the word I love about my Christopher. Happy Birthday son... You are the best:)I just want to take a minute and say how grateful I am for this boy. I know that being the first baby is really not as fun as one would think. You are the one the parents learn on. I wasn't a very good learner I am afraid, but he has been very patient with my non-learning abilities. I hope he knows how much he means to me. He is my SUPERMAN for sure. Today I want him to know all the things that I adore and admire in him so here we go. I love the way he crunches up his nose when he is simply delighted about something. No matter what that something may be. I love how he can chug a mountain dew even faster then his dad and that is quite the accomplishment!!! I love, how he gets really mad and leaves and then when he comes back it's the best talk ever. I love how even when his leg was broken he could do the best chicken dance ever!!! I love that laugh of his as a child and as an adult. I love how he loves life to the fullest. I love that even though he has been through some really tough times in life, he keeps on going and laughing, and screaming, and plugging away. I love how, at 3 years old he knew it was time to be a sunbeam even though he still had to stay in the nursery for one more year. I love how he sang in primary better then any kid I know. I love how he loves being a servant of Heavenly Father. How he kept on going, even when the going got tough and finished that mission. I love how he loves the children with special needs, and how tender he is with all of them, even from an early age. I love how he sees a service that needs rendering and without hesitation he is there to do it. I love how he listens to his dad especially when he does not want to listen but knows that he should. I love how he tenderly picked out his sweetheart and prayed for the answer that she was the one. How he took her to the Temple and is dedicated to try and be the best he can to her. I love how he is a father himself. How he looks at that baby girl and adores her every breath. I love how he is a big brother to all of his siblings. How he loves and supports each one of them, in all their endevors. I especially love his zeal for things he loves. I love how he knows the scriptures, and how he teaches from them so well. I envy that ability. I love how he know's his elder brother, our Savior. How he wants to work hard at being like Him. I love how he honors his priesthood and is always ready to perform whatever duty he is asked. I love how he teaches, how he listens (especially when he does not want to) but like all boys, even when you think he is not listening he really is! I love his spirit, it is a giant spirit, filled with so much that is just oooozzzzziiiinnnngggg to come out. I love how he is a friend, to everyone who needs one, and especially to those who think they don't need one, but do. I love that not matter where or when, or who is looking, he will still hug me and give me a great big Christopher kiss, which are the best!!!!

Just in case you were wondering Christopher, I love you dearly. I am so glad you were my first little one. To hug and kiss to my hearts content. To make you laugh out loud constantly. To sing with, to dance with, to fight with, to cry with, and in the end to hug each other knowing deep down inside how we felt about each other. I hope that today you will be happy, and laugh a ton. That you will have a wonderful day, even though it is full of work and responsibility. I want you to know how proud I am of you, for all you are and for all you will become. Thanks for coming down first, for giving me the opportunity to be your mom, what a blessing that has been in my life. You are Amazing, Amazing, Amazing, and don't you ever let anyone tell you any different! I love you son, Happy 25th birthday!!! Half a Century Old Boy!!! Don't forget to smile that wonderful smile of yours! I love it too. Your'e AMAZING!!!!

I Love Hugs!!!

I love hugs. And as I look back on the past few weeks, I have especially appreciated all of the hugs that have come my way. Yesterday was bitter sweet. Jacque and Curtis went home. I love it and hate it all at the same time. So I tried to take a step back and enjoy the day rather then resent the fact that 3 weeks went by way tooooooooooooo fast. So I watched as hugs began. Sweet, tender hugs. The ones that have to last for at least 7 more months until we all see them again. August, it is so far away. I think my favorite hugs to see are those between her brothers. First her oldest brother (who is the best hugger ever!!!). He just engulfs her (I am sure that is not spelled right!) He is the most tender boy and he is so proud of his little sister and her life. So when they hugged, I watched and tried really hard to imprint that in my mind for later. Then came her next older brother, so much taller then her, you can hardly see her when he bends over to give her that squeeze. So again I sat back and observed, the love they have for one another. He too is so proud of her and I know deep in those boys hearts it is not easy to watch her grow up and leave all the time, but they are both so good and supportive and I hope they know how much she looks up to them and appreciates all of their love. Next comes her little brother Jordan, who is also sooooooo much taller than her it is really cute to see. They just embrace with such a bond. I know that Jordan has learned a ton from his big sister and he too is proud. I know that we shouldn't be prideful, but I love that her brothers are so proud. I love how she hugs her sister's (the ones the boy's gave her when they found their wonderful wifes). She always wanted a sister and now she has two. She is so happy to hug her sisters. Then there is that little baby Anna, who I might add adores her aunt Jacque. She really has only seen her a few times, and yet there is definately a bond that is beyond our earthly knowledge. Finally the hugging is finished for a few hours while they pack and get ready to go. Then before I can blink the time is up and we have to give our hugs. We stop by the Dana's for their final hugs. Her new family, (whom she loves beyond love) and watch once again the sweet, tender good-byes, or see you soon's. I just sit back and watch as hugs are exchanged with all of her new brothers, her new Dad and Mom and then it's time for the drive to begin. It is especially short today, I hate that drive, but know that it must be done. Only a few more years of all of the hugs at the holidays, and the quick trips, wondering just how long it will feel until the glad to see you again hugs get to happen. I try talking to my head and telling me to be happy, they are happy, life is good, and they will be done and home before we know it. It is working (I think) until we take the airport exit. Then I can feel the tears welling up and I open my eyes as big as I can so that nobody can see the tears. It's happening, the moment I have not been looking forward to, the last hug for a while. But it comes and I watch as her dad takes her in his arms and squeezes as hard as he can. The floodgates open and I can't help it anymore. That is such a precious moment. She loves her dad soooooo much, and she of course is the joy of his life. Now it is time, my time for my hug. I try really hard nto to cry but I can't help it. How grateful I am for hugs. For the moments you get to wisper in each others ears how much you love them, and how proud you are of them, and how grateful you are for the times that we get to hug. I file that sweet moment in my memory banks and promise that I will try to come and visit and catch another hug before too long. Then they leave, and I am so thankful for hugs. Hugs that will keep us going for whatever length of time we are apart. Hugs that are sweet, with little ones, with sisters, brothers, son in laws, husbands, family and friends. Hugs are the best don't you think. Take time and hug someone today, and then while you have them really close, whisper how much they mean to you in their ear. Hugs, I love them.

Happy 18th Birthday Jordan

I love this kid. I know that I already posted this morning the Christmas pictures, but today is such a great day. Well kindof sad in a way, but so wonderful to remind me that 18 years ago today my life changed. Who knew that the little guy who was born, not breathing would end up changing our world. Just look at him. If I was at all talented I would know how to scan the young pictures of him in and you could see how much our lives are better for having him in it. Okay okay, he is my baby, and everyone is right I spoil him rotten. He is also the greatest end to the adventure of being a mom I could have ever prayed for. I love all my children. I really have been blessed, but this one is the best baby boy in every way you could think of. So today I just want the world (aka the 2-3 people who read this blog) to know how much I love Jordan. And I want to wish him the happiest birthday ever. I want to thank him for all of the laughs, that have added years to my life for sure. For his goodness, and for his humor. For his sneaky sneaky tricks that he pulls. For the way he holds his niece and for that matter any child. For the kind friend that he is and for the service he renders especially when no one is looking. For the way he loves his Grandparents. For the way he treats all those he meets. For his example of holding the Priesthood, especially in a ward where there are so few. For the way he fixes my hurts, when I should be fixing his. For his smile, his laugh, for his love of his brothers and sister, for the way he admires his dad and tries in every way to be like him. For his testimony, and his willingness to do what he is asked to do. For his crazy friends, whom we love in our home, for their families who have him in their homes constantly. For his obediance and even for the ever so few times he is disobediant!!!! I especially want to thank him for being like the Savior, and for loving the Savior, and for wanting to serve the Savior. He is an example to me every day. I know my Heavenly Father loves me dearly, because He gave me Jordan. And for that I will always and always, and always, be grateful. So today I remember back to that day in the hospital, when for the first few moments of his life I was praying so hard that he would take his first breath, to this very moment on his big 18th birthday, how fast life really does go by and how we don't realize the blessings we have in each other. You are my blessing Jordan. My sweet grown up little baby boy. Thanks for all of the years of joy, and laughter, and for even the days you dared to give us any grief. Thanks for all of those days, and I know that as this year goes by, we will make even more great memories with you. You are soooooooo great. I love your gutts and all of the rest of you too. Be happy son, enjoy you life, you have made ours so much better for knowing you.

Okay, so I guess Cody's picture will be first. Isn't that a wonderful picture. Herb had Cody's name this year and so he made him the top section of a wall unit for his TV. We never did get a picture of it (sorry). But Herb did a really nice job. Cody had to go last so I guess it is only right that he is first here. Stephanie has been saving her tips for two long years to get Cody a new TV. He has wanted one forever I think, but they could not get one yet, so for 2 years she has saved and saved. So this year I took her and we got him one. It was a pain to put in the car and a pain to get out so it stayed at Grandma and Grandpa Welker's house where all huge presents stay. So at our house while we were all opening our home made gifts, poor Cody could not open his because that would give it away, so Stephanie got him this funny huge remote control and then we found (in all my stuff) these really funny magnifying glasses and sang him a song to jingle bells with words that told him that even though she had saved she still did not have enough to get him his TV so here was a giant remote control and with magnifying glasses his TV now would look bigger!!!! It was really funny. Then at the end of the evening he got to go see what his dad had made for him and then he ran as fast as the truck would take him to Grandma and Grandpa Welker's to find the real suprise. It was great fun to watch him. He really is such a boy at heart. So now he has his big TV and his big Remote and his magnifying glasses. What more could you ask for. Good job on that trick Stephanie!!!

Is he not the cutest thing ever. He tied that funny bow around his neck and we all laughed and laughed. He is such a wonderful dad. Our kids are so lucky
Jordan got this robe and he was hillarious. He just kept modeling it and keeping us all in stitches. I had Jordan's name and begining with last years Christmas we decided we would make each other home made gifts, so this is mine to him. I think deep down inside, he liked it even better then his snowboard!!!!

Here is our wonderful Jacque. We are so happy they got to come home and spend some time with the family. We miss them so much, so it was great to be with them again. This is the cool box that Christopher made for her. He did such a great job. Covered the bottom in Copper and them burnt the lid and it really looks cool. She loves it.

This is our latest addition to the family Curtis. We sure are glad he is a part of us know. Jordan had his name and he made him a stained glass window of a fish. Curtis loves to fish and then Jacque and Jordan went in together on the fly tying kit to go with it. He was a happy boy. Enjoy fishing my friend!

This is our sweet Stephanie. Rachel made her this wonderful book of questions and answers from Cody's version of how they fell in love and why he married her and all the things he loves about her. It is a really great book, we should all take the time and write those things down. I am sure she will enjoy reading this for years to come.

Jacque had Rachel's name and she made her two amazing watch bands out of really cool beads and stones. Rachel loves really unique things and so this was perfect. She can change out the bands and enjoy two different looks. I think she liked it a ton.

Cody made Christopher this wonderful pirate game. He worked on that thing forever I do believe. And then he put it in this really cool box that looks like a big Treasure Island Book. How perfect is that. Christopher was really excited. He loves stradegy games like that.

Herb did not get to go scube diving this year so Stephanie tied him a fish blanket so he could feel a little bit closer to the ocean!!! She also suprised him with a picture of her and Cody holding on to her tummy and told him he was going to be a grandpa again, next July. We found out a week early so we feel bad that her suprise got a little bit ruined, sorry Stephanie, but even still the picture is precious to have and we are so excited for that new little one to come. Yeah another little Sunderhaus baby. He loves his blanket by the way!

Curtis had me! He did this amazing cabinet door hanging of a couple of our wedding pictures. Hard to believe that is really me. I don't look a thing like that anymore, and somehow Herb still loves me. Thanks Curt for reminding me of that great memory. I cried it really did take me back. You can't see it in this picture, but there is the coolest door knob on the bottom left corner. I love door knobs, so this was perfect. Good job Curtis!!!

Here's the whole gang. We had such a great Sunday dinner and celebrating Christmas anyday is wonderful if you are surrounded by the ones you love. And wonderful is a great word for how that day went. I adore my family. I hope that they know that. And thanks for being good sports about the home made gifts. I think it has ended up being one of the best ideas yet. They impress me every single year with their abilities to create something so great and personal for each other. Good job family. (By the way I deleted Cody's picture so it is at the end of the blog, or the begining, or wherever it lands because I still can't figure out this crazy blog thing!)

I love this face. Anna makes the best faces for me. She will not smile when I am taking the pictures, but will always make such funny faces. Doesn't she look so cute in her first Christmas dress. We love this baby! I bet you could not tell that!

Rachel played the piano, while Stephanie and I played our flute and violins. We had more fun. It was great to just turn page after page and enjoy the music. We didn't do too bad either, especially for not playing for a while (either one of us) and Rachel sang and sang. That is a really great memory if you ask me.

It was so good to have my Jacque home. She is such a wonderful daughter, I am so blessed. I also am so happy for her to be so happy in her life. Even though we miss her every single day we are so glad she is where she dreamed of being doing everything she had in her plan. Good job Jacque! They are going to freeze when they get home though, so for that I am glad that I still live here and only go there to visit!!! Thanks for being such an amazing daughter, sweet girl.

This baby loved opening the presents. Of course she is a really baby and was more interested in the paper and the boxes then what was inside. Accept for the fish bowl and baby fish toy that sings and makes noise every time you touch it. Grandpa gave her that one and she loves it. But the paper and the boxes were a hit. I personally would have checked every outfit out, but then again her size is really cute!!! She was the best baby and it was so fun to watch her on her first Christmas. We love you Anna

Look Who Came Home!!!

Yesterday was good! And that is putting it mildly. Our happy Jacque and Curt came home for the holidays. We are so happy to have them here. It was the longest day ever though because they got snowed in at the Salt Lake airport and sat on the plane for 3 hours or so before it finally took off. They were suppose to be here a little after 11ish and finally called after 3 for us to pick them up. So I thought I'd welcome them home with a memory of the beach instead of the snow. We are looking forward to a crazy week getting ready for our family Christmas which will be this Sunday the 21st. All the married kids will be going to their spouses homes and families this year for Christmas day. I love sharing my children and know that they are looking forward to being with everyone they can possibly be with during this wonderful season.

We are also looking forward to Jordan's big regional finals on Saturday. I love this and hate it all at the same time. This will be his last regional finals. It has been such a great ride for so many years, I just cant' believe that it is almost over. It is so much fun to watch him play he really is good and I can say that, I'm the mom!!! So that will be a fun day as a family.

Life is good at our house, crazy as usual, but good. Here's to a week of sewing, baking, wrapping, decorating the tree (I hope) it's up, but it only has lights and that's because it came with them!!! Hanging the stockings, stopping for hugs along the way, and enjoying every single minute of every single day. I hope your Sabbath day is great, I know mine will be for sure...but it always is when your in Primary!!! I love those kids. My wish is that I will stop QUITE A FEW TIMES along the way this week to reflect on the Savior who is such an amazing brother. I hope in some small way I can be a pinch more like Him this year. Merry Christmas Everyone!!!