The Williams Journey

Halloween 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Needless to say, we really love Halloween!
Little Red Riding Hood

Scary Clown

Anakin

Speed Racer

Goldie Locks

Trunk or Treat at the church was our first round of festivities. It was such a great night filled with fun activities, great food, and sleet just in type to "trunk or treat". We were freezing, but we did it. It's all for the candy!

That night after Trunk or Treat we had a huge storm come through. Within two days we received well over 2 feet of snow. School was cancelled for three days. So the school parties were cancelled as was the Trunk or Treat at the school. Kind of a mixed blessing. We sure had fun those three days being snowed in though!

Halloween day we finally carved our pumpkins. Our weather has been crazy around here.

Justin and Owen

Sadie and her pumpkin

Quin and his pumpkin. Man does he know how to carve!

Owen carved his pumpkin like his shirt.

Avery and her funny pumpkin

Evan and his lame "U" pumpkin.

The kiddos off to trick or treat for the night. Considering that two days prior we had been dumped on with over 2 feet of snow, the night was nice and mild. We weren't cold at all!

Life at a mile high!

The town of Parker put on a trick or treat in the afternoon up and down historical Main St. It was fun. And such a pleasant afternoon. Minus the thousands of people there.

I only got a picture of Evan with his candy since he was up early and it was a busy Sunday morning. He and Owen were sorting it and building towers with it. The possibilities with candy are endless!

Love Halloween! Glad it is over! I wonder what we'll dress up as next year????

No Worries!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:30:00 +0000

WOW!

It is amazing what even a little sleep will help. So no worries about my last post. I am feeling much better now that the sun is up and my brain is rested. I went a little crazy in the middle of the night. I am not going to delete the post because it is my journal as well, and those things are always funny to go back and read. But I am coping with my issues much better at this moment. And I will take my life one day at a time. And just keep doing my best. So no need to bother yourself with reading my crazy hormonal rage. Hey, it happens to the best of us!!

Who Am I?

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:13:00 +0000

So it is 2:14 a.m. and I can't sleep. Quin woke up screaming and I went in to comfort him from what appears to be a bad dream. As I rocked him for the past half hour my mind has been racing with self deprecating thoughts. I just spent that past four days with the Young Women in our ward at girls camp. Trying to build them up and strengthen them. Why is it I can't seem to listen to my own advise and words of wisdom. Why don't I see myself always as a beautiful Daughter of God? What's the saying? "God doesn't make junk." Or whatever that is. Do I think of myself as junk? No. But I struggle with my potential that I know that I am not living up to.

Why do I put unrealistic expectations on myself? Maybe because I don't feel they are unrealistic. Maybe I feel like I should be awesome at everything. I am always saying that I want to take my little family and go live in the mountains. See if I did that then I would not only be protecting my children from all the worldly and outside influences of the world, but I would also be protecting myself. The need to "keep up" or compete would no longer be there. And when I say "keep up", it really has nothing to do with money or possessions.

I am sure there is a very hormonal background to my feelings right now. Not to mention it is 2 a.m. But I can't help but feel disappointed and upset with who I am right now. I want to be more!

One of my problems is that I am a blog stalker. I really don't stalk near as much as it may sound. But there are a few blogs out there of complete strangers, or friends of friends that I stalk. This was one of the reasons that I was not going to start a blog. Because I never wanted anyone to read or look at my blog and think that they don't measure up. I am not saying that because I think everyone would be envious of me. I say that because I was and still am envious of so many others! I look at things I should be doing or at least think I should be doing. I see beautiful women serving their families in ways I wish I could serve mine better. I see children who look happy and have probably never been yelled at. I see vacations, family gatherings, and traditions that I feel like I should be providing my family. I read about all their accomplishments and triumphs. This does not help me feel like the person I want to be. Isn't it interesting that the blogs that make me envious are the ones of people that I don't know. That the blogs of my friends just make me feel happy for them. I am not sure what this means but it is interesting.

I am also a neat freak. Although you would not be able to tell if you were to look at my house, car, yard, and garage. I can't seem to keep everything in order. Why do I find pleasure when I walk into someone else's home and see messes all over their counter tops and dust on their bathroom baseboards? That is terrible!! But actually it would make me feel a little better. Because right now, most of the homes I do go in are near perfection. Maybe I should get new friends. That might make me feel better! I don't want to be the woman who fusses about what her house looks like while in the meantime her kids are growing up and leaving the house. Why can't I have both???

I feel like I am a little selfish as well. Sometimes I am not a good sharer. And sometimes I am not very good at giving someone the benefit of the doubt. Why can't my heart be more giving and selfless. I really would do anything for people that needed me, but sometimes I feel like I should get something in return. I try so hard not to. But there is a little part of me that keeps score. Not always!! But sometimes and with certain people. That is bad!!

I also want to be the mom that cherishes every moment of my children's life. I feel this HUGE sense of urgency right now. I feel like they will be gone in no time and I am running out of time to fill them with all that they need to be filled with. I am running out of time to sit and read with them, play games, color with them, and just talk with them individually. I feel like I am always engaged in something else rather then them. And they aren't going to be around forever!

I also don't want to be what I fear others may think of me. I had someone very close to me say in a public setting to "not tell Julie secrets because she can't keep them". I laughed and joked after that comment because I know it wasn't meant to hurt me. But man did it hurt. Funny thing is I can't remember ever spilling a secret of hers. I know that I have spilled some in my day, but they were completely accidental and not very "secretive" secrets. So she is right to an extent. But I feel terrible that that is what people think of me. I thought that was one of the few things I was good at. I thought I was always a great person to talk to because I was always so loyal and trustworthy. I guess not. I have had some other experiences lately that make me realize that I am, deep deep down, not who I want to be. No murderous thoughts or anything like that. But just not who I want to be.

I also wish that I could have dinner on the table every night at 6. That my children were all in piano lessons. I wish I could exercise 5 days a week and have results to show for it. I wish I could volunteer at the school every week for an hour each kid. I wish I could prepare brilliant Sharing Times for Primary. I wish that I had time to iron clothes, organize closets, and sell things on Craigs list or ebay. I wish I could organize family reunions for both sides of our families. I wish, I wish, I wish. Will it end? And why is it giving me such anxiety?

I want to be more than what I am right now. I know I have so much more potential so why am I not living up to it. Or even getting close. I don't feel like my bar is too high. I feel like it is where everyone else's bar is. Or maybe where I think everyone's bar is. Truth is I KNOW I am capable of better work here on this earth. I am just not sure how I am going to do it. I am not looking to be little miss perfect. But I do want to be more. I would feel so much better if everyone that read this would comment and tell me what huge failures they are. But guess what I would NEVER believe you!! So please don't. This is truly an internal problem that I feel if I put out there in cyber world, and in my journal, it will help me fix my thoughts of not being able to "keep up" . There are so many inspiring women out there doing such inspiring things. I wish I was one of them. Hopefully in a week the hormones will settle and I will feel like the woman I am supposed to feel like. But for now, I am going to continue to figure out who I am and who I want to become without feeling sad about it.

YW Late Nighter

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:40:00 +0000

I have the privilege of having two callings in my church. Not only do I work in the Primary Presidency, but I am also the YW Camp Director. I miss working with the girls so if I can't be in there on a regular basis at least I have camp. Truth is I don't even really like camping. We started a tradition a couple years back of having an "overnighter" camp with the girls so that we could bond as a ward. Girls camp back then was strictly a Stake Camp and we didn't like that. So we started doing this. Well now that Girls Camp has changed a little bit and we leaders have gotten lazier we have switched it to a "late night". And it works out great.

This late night got started with a lot of hail coming down about 5 minutes after we started our fire. I was not about to let the hail take it over so I protected it with my umbrella. That's right, I took on smoke to no end just so the girls could cook their hot dogs. Was it worth it? I dunno!

I did get blasted out by the smoke so we decided to move an awning over. All for the hot dog.

We played some fun get to know you games. But the hit of the night was playing One Spot Harry. It is a very silly game that involves lipstick.

I do love these girls. I am glad I get to be with them for things like this.

Evan's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:24:00 +0000

Evan is the only child of mine that does not like breakfast in bed. He wants to enjoy his food with everyone. So here he is the Birthday Boy!

My children aren't as spoiled as it may look in this picture. But this is the disaster that struck our house on his big day. And why not!!

Everyone loves to help open the presents!

Evan's birthday was on the same night as pack meeting. He was receiving his Bear award. So after a tasty dinner at Mongolian BBQ we headed to Scouts. We brought in a cake and had everyone sing to him.

They should actually pin Justin since he is the one that helps Evan with all that stuff.

This year we have started the tradition of doing birthday parties only on "even" birthdays. YAHOO for me!! Evan decided to invite four boys to come with us to Casa Bonita. If you haven't been there you should go. It is pretty much a landmark here in Colorado. The boys had a great time. Bad food, but good times!

All in all I think he had a great day! I sure do love and appreciate Evan! He is such a great help to me and his Dad. What a great leader we have in our home. He is funny, smart, sensitive, and very cool!!

Love you buddy!!

Family Fun Stuff!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Here is an assortment of pictures of things that have been going on in the early part of summer.

Our school puts on a carnival every year to raise money. It is a great success and a lot of fun. This year however it was very windy and at one point one of the big blow up obstacle courses blew completely over while kids were on it. There were kids flying every where. Poor little Quin almost got knocked over by it, but Daddy saved him. No one was seriously hurt, but it was a little scary.

My kids will never give up an opportunity to eat cotton candy.

And here is our Quin. He is about 20 months and can ride a scooter like nobodies business. I thought this was funny. This is what happens when you try to multi-task and get distracted. Don't worry, our neighbors have known for a long time that we are W.T.!

Parker Days is always the second week in June. We are usually at our family camp out during this week, but this year there was no family camp out. That is a whole different story. But the good news is we got to go to Parker Days. There is a Parade in the morning and then a carnival the rest of the weekend. Justin got to be in the parade and walk with the Republicans since he is an elected official. He was very proud and so were we!

Some of the fun stuff going on in the park. That is Owen jumping off that thing.

There's Evan flipping.

Avery and Owen enjoying a super exciting roller coaster that cost lots and lots of money to go around about three times!

Fun was had by all! It was a great day.

Sadie's Birthday and Rockies Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Miss Sadie turned 9!!

Her day started out with breakfast in bed.

Everyone enjoys birthdays around here. They all wake up excited and early in anticipation for the big day.

For Sadie's Birthday she wanted money to go shopping with. So that was her gift this year. I mean really? Are we already starting that?

Sadie's class was going on a field trip the day of her birthday, so I insisted that I must go. The tour of the Rockies Stadium is a big one and not any parent can go. But because it was Sadie's birthday I got the golden ticket!

We had so much fun. This is the cute group of girls I got to hang with that day!

We had time to kill after eating lunch so the kids entertained themselves by trying to get cars on the highway to honk. They did this four about a half hour. Then we decided we better stop and just play some games.

It was such a fun day. I was so glad I was able to spend it with her. When we got home I took her out of school a little early and we went and spent her birthday money. She was so surprised how quickly her money was gone. And we even tried to bargain shop. It was a good lesson to her.

After our shopping trip Sadie picked California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. So the family headed out for some yummy pizza.

We love miss Sadie! She is an amazing girl. We are so proud of who she is and how she is always trying to choose the right. She is so honest, kind, sweet, and fun. Listening to her talk is a treat. As long as you have the time!

Love you Sadie!!

Field Day, Last Day, and First Day

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:14:00 +0000

No I am not trying to play catch up. These events really do happen with in weeks of each other. Living in a place that has TONS of kids is awesome for our family. However, we have to deal with year round schools to accommodate everyone. So this is the kind of stuff we deal with. We start with field day.

Sadie class is team green!

Avery's class is team yellow!

Are those not the cutest first graders you've ever seen!

Sadie and the fun group of girls in her class. Such good kids!

Evan's class is team red!

(Doesn't the parachute just take you back?)

Evan's team won the relay!

Saying goodbye to Mrs. Garing

Goodbye for Evan to Ms. Keppers. But hello Sadie. Ms. Keepers gets round two with Sadie.

And then there is Ms. Rengers/Mrs. Binum. We have had her for two years in a row. We LOVE her so much. We all were actually crying when this picture was taken. She will always be special to the Williams family. Can't wait for the next year when it will be Avery's turn.

First Day of School 2009-2010

I always take a picture of them on the front porch and every year they are squinting. Can you tell what way our house faces? I thought this picture was funny. Maybe one of these years it will be cloudy on the first day!

Sadie lining up for fourth grade. She has Ms. Keppers and is really excited because Evan has told her lots of good stuff.

Ms. Rengers/Mrs. Binum enters the playground and some of her old students run to her. Oh how they loved her! Again we all cried!

Miss Avery waiting in line to start 2nd grade. She is going into Mrs. Rousey's class. This is round 3 with Mrs. Rousey and we love her too! She is the sweetest teacher at Frontier Valley. Avery can't wait and neither can we!

Last but not least our 5th grader! What a handsome and good boy! Evan was elated when he found out he got Mrs. Gatewood! She is supposedly the "coolest" teacher at school. I am sure that is very debatable since I haven't seen one "uncool" teacher. But nonetheless, he is excited.

Here's to another school year! I vow to do my part with homework, volunteering, not procrastinating the science fair, keeping lunch accounts full, and making sure my kid doesn't get sent to the Principals office!

Fourth of July!!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Oh how I love the 4th!! What a great holiday. I love it for so many reasons. Top two reasons would be:

#1. We live in an amazing country! I feel so much pride and gratitude for our founding fathers and all those who have fought in the name of Liberty for this beautiful United States of America!

#2 It's summertime and it just doesn't get better than that!

Sadie and KenaDee were reunited this weekend. The Anderson family came to be with us and it was so much fun having them!! We are so glad they came.

The Anderson kids.

Ryan Anderson, the Master of the firework show!

Christin and Corbijn

Our Church does a 4th of July breakfast every year. It is always a good time. This year the Bishop challenged the youth to participate in a "Beat the Bishop" 5k. Sadie and Evan participated. The above picture is Sadie and KenaDee (in her flip flops) running with the Bishop who went back up the route to get stragglers after he made his strong finish! (BTW- he did get beat by quite a few talented young men.)

Evan completing the race.

(I want to warn you, if you enlarge this picture, you do so at your own risk!)

There is always a bike parade for all the kids. No rhyme or reason to it. Just pure fun. All the kids decorated bikes and scooters. Mr. Quin has become quite the scooter rider. He is only 21 months and can totally ride this thing!

Here he is in action.

They're off!

Owen so proud that he is without training wheels this year! I can't tell you how much he loves his bike. I should do a post just on him and his bike. It is an amazing motivator I'll just say that!

We had big plans to go to the pool and enjoy the summer, but mother nature had different plans for us. It was cloudy and around 4:00 it started to rain. The rain lasted for about 3.5 hours. We did a little BBQing and talking with friends. And then just in time to get ready for fireworks it stopped. Thank goodness. We have a great view of the Town of Parker fireworks right out of our cul de sac. So we watched those and then enjoyed fireworks in our cul de sac. One of our neighbors went all out and put on a show that was just about as good as a typical firework show. The money and time he must of put into that is crazy!

We stayed up way too late that night, but it was such a great night. Just as it should be. I am not only grateful to live in this great Nation. But I am so grateful to live in a place like this where my kids can have memories of wonderful times!

A Night I'll Never Forget!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:23:00 +0000

Last night we were at Red Rocks enjoying this amazing concert!

But the best part was Justin, Sadie, and I got to meet him!

I shook hands with the Prophet.

Daddy's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:52:00 +0000

This is the day that the Worlds Greatest Dad found out his new role!!

I love this picture! It brings back a flood of emotions. Justin's journey of Fatherhood begins!

10 Years later! Nice job hunny!!

His daughters adore him!

He's always up for fun!

Justin with Avery

He's done this a few times! Four down One to go!!

He is such a great leader!

Justin with Evan.

He's always loving and affectionate!

He's pretty cute too!

We love you so much babe! Happy Fathers Day. We are all so lucky to have you!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Let's not forget this guy either!! Love you Daddy!! Happy Fathers Day!

Sleep!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Every night before I go to bed I check on the kids. I used to do it to make sure they were covered up and laying where they should be. But now it is just a habit. Not to mention one of my favorite times of the night. To just see them in their "sweetest state". So one day they were asking me what they look like when they are asleep. I tried to tell them, but I guess they just couldn't picture it. So they asked me if I would take picture of them sleeping so that they could see themselves. So here they are. Not much significance to this post whatsoever, but it will be fun for posterity!

February 09 Trip to Utah

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Last February, the kids and I loaded up and headed to Utah. We were in desperate need to get away. Plus my kids were dying to see their best buddies that had moved away a couple months before.

My kids LOVE road trips!! Movies galore, snacks and candy, and the "half way there stop" at some kind of play land or park to let them run free!

One of our old neighbors from Chicagoland sent Sadie a Flat Stanley. So we documented Stanley's little road trip too.

The first couple nights we stayed with my Dad. My kids love going to Grandpa Wally's. He has so many fun things. It is like going to a Museum filled with OLD STUFF!

Quin LOVE playing with all the buttons, and turny things. Grandpa Wally was good about letting them explore!

The kids had never seen a "real" typewriter before. This made me laugh. They all had the best time typing away on it. They thought it was sooo cool!

One of Grandpas newer contraptions was still a hit as well. We got some good exercise that night. And actually I liked using it to stretch my back out from a 9 hour drive.

Sadie posing with an old time stereo. Funny how they use to be like furniture and now they can be as small as a piece of gum!

After we spent time with family for a couple of days and then we headed down to Saratoga Springs. Our good friends, the Auernigs, had moved back to Utah from Parker and were living in a house down there until their house in Bountiful got bought.

We spent about 5 days with them and these are the only picture I have of our adventure. We had the best time with them. There was not a whole lot of entertaining to do. They kids just played and played. Cameron Auernig had his birthday while we were out there so these are some of the pictures of his party.

Watch out, 7 more years and she's legal!

We need one of these things in our basement. My boys love this game. Quin doesn't quite understand that you can't just go climb up to the holes and drop the ball in. But whatever works.

Quin loves to drive! But we have sometime before he's legal.

While we were there we had the opportunity to go to the open house of the Draper Temple. It was so fun to take the kids and let them see the inside of the Temple. What a beautiful Temple! The kids asked a lot of questions and it was a really neat thing for all of us. Afterwards we went up to Salt Lake and met my friend Jenny Meese for some lunch at the Training Table. AHHH cheese fries! It was fun to chat with Jenny, even though we were surrounded by 9 crazy kids. Luckily we were pretty much the only ones there so we did let them run a little wild just so that we could talk. Jenny was able to escape without her twin boys. I really wanted to see them, but it was so great to be able to talk to her. She is one of my favorites!

The best part of the trip was when my friend Angie had her baby two weeks early so that I could meet her! When I talked to Angie about getting together while I was out there, I asked if there was any chance that Lola would come early. She didn't seem hopeful. Well the night before Angie and I were to go out to lunch, little Lola decided to come to earth. So Sadie and I took a trip to the hospital to see her. She is beautiful and looks just like her big brothers.

Thank you to the Grandpa Wally and the Auernigs for letting us stay at your homes. We LOVED every minute of it. Well except the part when Quin was crying the whole time, but other than that it was just NICE to get away for a time. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!! We love you all so much.

And to those of you that live in Utah that I did not get to see. I am so sorry. But I was at the mercy of 5 kids and no daddy. We will be back, and you'll be the first ones on our list!!

One more quick little story that I never want to forget. Tinney (Quin Auernig) and Owen were playing in the kitchen with toys when Tinney says to Owen. "Pickle is my best friend, but your my next best friend." Owen replies, "Yeah chocolate is my best friend and then you too!" Pickle just happens to be an actual person. I guess he is Tinney's cousin. But it is nice to know that Owen takes after his mama and her love for chocolate.

12 Years & Going Strong!!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:52:00 +0000

It's been 12 years since this beautiful day!

Not all of our moments have been our best!

But the majority of them have!

We've worked hard at the relationship that we have. And it has been so worth it.

We've shared so many amazing memories. And we have laughed and cried a lot!

I'm sure glad I picked this guy to be mine forever!! He truly is my best friend.

Love you Justin. Happy Anniversary!

How did I get here?

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 02:11:00 +0000

I feel like the past couple of days have been some kind of "rude awakening". Like I just woke up and here I was a wife, a mother, a housekeeper, a cook, an entertainment director, a calendar keeper, and on and on. Realistically I have been doing most of this for the past 12 years, but I feel like just yesterday I was running around without a care in the world, other than who am I going to "hang out" with tonight! Where has all this time gone? How did I get to this place. I don't want to come across as complaining, because that is not what this is about at all. I just feel like a 15 year old doing things that someone much older, wiser, educated, and more mature should be doing. I consider myself lucky to "wake up" in this crazy CRAZY household. But really, who put me in charge and was that really the best thing? Do "they" understand that I was never trained in the art of cooking. Or that I never knew how to use a washing machine until just a couple years ago! I have no rhyme or reason to my parenting logic. I can be crabby, cranky, and mean sometimes. This job that I have is so rewarding, but man is it HARD!! I think to myself, do other women have these same thoughts of wondering how they got here? And is it even a good idea that they are in charge of a household. I pray that I am not the only one. But if I am I need to just press on. Doing laundry for the masses. Cooking for the picky. Cleaning up after people who can't seem to figure out how to do it themselves. And simply just teaching between right and wrong. Crap!! I barely can figure it out! The truth of the mater is, I am here. Some how this is where the path has lead me. I didn't have all this happen to me overnight. I think it is just that now I realize that I better pull it together because this is a big job and it is not going anywhere anytime soon. And in a way, I am so thankful for that!

Boys Weekend vs. Girls Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:20:00 +0000

So the past weekend the boys went away to the Fathers and Sons Camp out with our ward. Of course they didn't take any pictures and we only took a few with my Mom's camera. So we have no actual images of our weekend, but I can touch on the highlights because it was a great weekend for everyone!!

Boys:

Fishing (Owen caught a fish while sucking on a lollipop and wearing pj's)

Hiking in Caves

S'mores

Naps while it was raining

Airsoft wars

More hiking

Campfires

Scary stories

Yummy breakfast Saturday morning

Banana Boats

Hot wings for dinner

Clothes that were packed for three days were untouched!

Boys came home happy, smelly, and wearing the same clothes they left in three days earlier!!

Girls:

Fake nails

manicures

pedicures

Fashion Shows with loud music

Movie night with pizza and popcorn

Playing dolls

Tea party at Sue-Sues (she went all out! pictures to follow)

Swimming all afternoon

Dinner at Bambas with other "girl friends"

Late night on the trampoline

Popsicles

Mom staying up way to late both nights because she can watch whatever she wants!! (Remote control power!)

The boys and girls had a fantastic weekend. What a great opportunity for us to spend time with them the way they each like!! Can't wait for next year.

Thank You!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:58:00 +0000

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." -John F. Kennedy

"Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave."

"The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children." -William Havard

I am truly grateful!

Goodbye Andersons! Hello 80's!!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Why do the people we love so much always seem to move away?? Our dear friends, the Anderson's, moved away this weekend. To none other than, Utah! Luckily we go to Utah enough to see all the people who have left us.

This move will be especially hard on Miss Sadie. Her and Kenadee have been attached at the hip for the past 3 years. When Kenadee's dad came to pick them up the morning after their last sleepover, Sadie ran in the other room and started crying. It broke my heart. Poor Kenadee was holding it back, but later reports tell that she broke down hard when she got home.

Evan and Michael are good friends as well. He will miss him dearly!

So to say goodbye, we had to throw a rager! We have been wanting to have an 80's party for a very long time. And this occasion was the perfect time to do it! Everyone came dressed up and ready to party. It was very AWESOME!!

The Kinnies and the Wilkins

We played an 80's version of Name that Tune. It was so fun to hear all that music. So after that game got our juices flowing we went downstairs and did a little Karaoke and danced. When I say danced, I mean DANCED!! A bunch of 30 something couples, dancing for HOURS to some great music. I am almost embarrassed at how crazy I got. And let me remind you that none of us drink alcohol!

Courteney Crandall, Shelly Buttars, and Courtnee Kennedy

As I mentioned before we did a little karaoke. Of course I couldn't pass it up so I sang a little "Love Shack" by the B52's. And then Charity Wilkins and I sang "Love is a Battlefield" by Pat Benatar. You just gotta love the 80's!

Russel and Justin were the only ones sporting the lovely thigh that night. They both looked very authentic! (As well as a little nasty!)

I made sure to get my bangs as high as I could. It was just like old times! We purchased our outfits at the Good Will about 1 hour before the party. Not to shabby.

We sure are going to miss these guys! They are good, fun people. We are lucky to call them our friends. They are going to be missed dearly! Best of luck to you all in Utah. We love you!!

Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:20:00 +0000

I love Easter! For one reason it means spring/summer is near. But more importantly it has a very spiritual meaning for me. It helps me remember who I am. Where I came from. And hope for my future as well as my families.

We decorate eggs every year on the Saturday before. This year we did 52 eggs and we still could have done more. It is always a lot of fun. Only a couple of the eggs were dropped in the process. It was all in good fun!

Miss Avery and some of her goods!

We usually have a Easter egg hunt with our family on Sunday after church. I really down play the whole Easter bunny thing. In fact we don't really do the Easter bunny. The kids get baskets in the morning when they wake up. It is usually filled with books and things for their church bags. This year I did sneak in some bubbles. Which because of the bad weather on Easter, ended up on my garage floor! Our egg hunt is usually outside in the yard, but this year it was rainy and dreary so we had our first indoor hunt. It was actually really nice!

Master Evan and his basket.

Along with candy in the eggs we made a couple eggs with some special coupons inside. I didn't think the kids would like them as much as the candy eggs, because the instant gratification was not available. But I was wrong. Those were a hit!! I am going to do more of those next year, and less of the candy!! That will be for my own good!! (I have no will power!!)

Owen, Avery, and Quin.

My Mom came over to join in the festivities. We are so lucky to have her around. She is the BEST Grandma!!

Of course Quin LOVED digging in his eggs. I had to Clorox his nice white shirt after the day!

Evan and Sadie looking for eggs in the "higher" places.

Sue-Sue helping Quin. Quin ate while he hunted.

Easter day was a beautiful day. It was cloudy and rainy and actually ended up snowing later on. But the day itself was beautiful. I am so happy to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior. What happiness and hope it gives me. The opportunity to be with these awesome people FOREVER!!! I am thankful for my many many blessings!

I wish!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:28:00 +0000

Ω f

I wish I was here.....

With him......

And my bum looked like this!!!

Christmas Day 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Better late than never!

The kids putting out the reindeer food before they went off to bed!

So much time has past that unfortunately I can't remember all the glorious details of the day, but the pictures pretty much sum it all up. We had a WONDERFUL Christmas!

Because Christmas this year was much more simple than in years past I seemed to be more on the ball. Go figure. So almost all of the presents were wrapped before Christmas Eve. Even though Justin and I didn't get to continue our tradition of wrapping while watching A Christmas Story, we did enjoy a very nice, quiet, wrappingless night.

Our kids were told that they were not to wake us up until 7 am. That if they woke up earlier than that, they had to stay in their beds. And if they all were up earlier than that, then they could stay together in their rooms with the door shut. It worked, we slept, and they were quiet. But when 7 am hit they were all over us! ( I was already awake laying there waiting for the excitement too!)

We always go through the stockings first!

We stake our spots in the living room and the kids pass out all the gifts and put them in piles. Look at the smile on Sadie's face!!

(picture is blurry because some sweet little kiddos were playing with my settings and I didn't realize it.)

Santa brought more webkinz!

Merry Christmas Sunshine!

Justin helping Sadie with the Pixos. What a mess those things are!

Avery holding her microphone. She was dancing and singing the whole day with that in hand.

Owen giving Quin rides on the flying turtle. That thing is fun. I even spent some time on it while I was on the phone with my sister Sherry that day. It was great because I could ride around and pick things up that were scattered all over the floor.

Sue-Sue (my mom) got our family a Wii. My kids felt so deprived that they didn't have one, but we have just about every other gaming box, we didn't feel that bad for them. But I guess my mom did. SUCKER!! It was a huge surprise for all of us. She should not have done that, but we sure do love playing it!

Sadie received her first American Girl Doll. The only reason I did this is because she read the whole Samantha series. So I thought it would be fun for her to get the doll. So now she is working on the Molly series, and if she finishes it she may just get the Molly doll next Christmas! Avery did not get an American Girl Doll because she hasn't read any of the books, but maybe next Christmas she will get a series to read! Traditions Traditions Traditions!!

Gotta love that flying turtle!

Justin will kill me for this one. But doesn't he look like the cutest little Christmas angel!!

Christmas really was a great day! Most of us continued our tradition of staying in our jammies all day. That is, those of us that didn't get a new outfit that we were dying to wear. I did take a shower, and put clean jammies right back on. We watched movies, ate lots and lots of food, we played games, and hung out with our family. It was exactly how I like it. No fuss, traditions, and not one single responsibility (well you know what I mean.)!

Snow Day

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:34:00 +0000

So I know I am way behind on lots of post. But I think maybe I'll go backwards till I get caught up. Whatever, it doesn't matter because I just really wanted to post about our "Snow Day's". Yesterday morning we were anticipating lots and lots of snow. But when we woke up we saw....nothing. So just for fun I checked the Districts web site and sure enough school was CLOSED. I know they were expecting it to be bad so they just went ahead and closed school for the day. Sure enough by 10 am it was coming down. And then it was coming down sideways. So not really a great day to go out and play in it. So instead we stayed inside along with 5 other little friends. Oh it was wonderful (sarcasm). I guess it wasn't bad, it was just CONSTANT!! I think I was in the kitchen for 6 hours straight. Nonetheless, the kids had a great day. The snow kept coming and this morning we woke up to another SNOW DAY!! But today I vowed to keep our house Williams people only! That has not been a problem since today we have been outside playing for hours!

We hooked up the sleds to the four wheelers and took the kids in the cul de sac for rides! I even got to go. It was really fun! Above is Avery and Quin taking their turn.

He's having a great time!

This picture is of Sadie, Avery, and Sadie's friend Rachel. They went out in the blizzard like conditions after dinner last night. They had been cooped up all day and were dying to get out there.

The boys of the Cul de Sac waiting for the events to start.

My girls are such good big sisters! Avery was having so much fun playing with Quin

This kid has an obsession with his tongue! But he sure is cute!

Evan waiting his turn to hookie bob!

Sadie giving Rachel a ride.

Evan pulling Owen.

The tongue guy!

We are now resting from the outdoors, letting our coats and pants dry, and will be going back out in a couple hours.

BTW- our Cul de Sac never gets plowed. I guess they just can't do it. But this is when you are glad that they don't! What a blast!

Avery, Quin, and I came in a little early because Quin was getting tired. Avery has been wanting to try on my wedding dress for weeks now and I thought today would be a perfect day. Especially since she didn't have her older sister inside to take over. So here she is in my dress. SCARY!!

She was lovin it! I was too!

Our day is really only half over but so far so good! I hope the kids have had fun. I think I have made around 5 gallons of hot chocolate in the past two days and the Cocoa Latte machine is still going strong! Here's to snow!

I Love a Schedule!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:45:00 +0000

I will admit that I am one of the weird "in between" people. The type of person that needs structure, but doesn't want to be "tied down". So that poses a HUGE obstacle when my kids track off of school every six weeks. I do love not having to wake up and rush around every morning. I love not having to make lunches, run over to the school for whatever, and worry about how they are getting home. (They walk a lot). I especially love not having homework or the pressure of getting them to bed at a decent time. But with all this "love" comes a lot of stress. They mess up my house constantly. They want to eat all the time. Having more than three extra kids here at a time. The hushing and shhhshing from the hours of 1-4 are annoying to them and to me. And the "I'm bored" statement kills me!! As well I think I have gained 5 lbs. from not getting to the gym. I am not sure why I haven't gone. I have had the time. It's just not my normal schedule!

So tomorrow is the day! The day they go back. Hallelujah or boo hoo? Right now I would say Hallelujah, but it will be a little bitter sweet. I will be happy to be back in my routine. Going to bed early (kind of). Going to the gym early. Picking up my house and having it stay clean for a couple hours. Making lunch for one sometimes two kids. Actually doing something I want to do. And simply just a little quite.

Structure is a beautiful thing! I don't like the "stiffness" to it. But I do love "knowing" of it. So here's to getting caught up on A LOT of things for the next six weeks. I vow to myself to:

*Get back to exercising

*Post about Christmas, and whatever else it is that I have already forgotten about.

*Read my Scriptures again

*Spend some time on my calling(s)

*Cleaning

*Reading with my kids (Track off means being mindless right?)

*Doing something for someone else outside my family!

*And much much more!!

Can't wait!!

Being a Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:13:00 +0000

"I love being a Mom"

breath.....

Why?

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:27:00 +0000

I have been feeling a lot like a three year old lately. So here are all my "Why" questions. Some will never be answered. And I think I am okay with that!

1. Why do I bother EVERYDAY to clean and pick up my house, when it NEVER stays clean?

2. Why will my 16 month old only sleep for one hour during the day, and then be a crab the rest of the day?

3. Why are my daughters so beautiful, sweet, and thoughtful?

4. Why can't it be summer 8 months of the year, and then fall and winter up until December?

5. Why am I in charge of Girls Camp when I don't really like to camp?

6. Why do all the foods I LOVE and crave have the most amount of fat and calories possible?

7. Why are my sons so nice and kind to each other?

8. Why do I put so much responsibility on my oldest child?

9. Why do I have to work my butt off to loose a couple pounds?

10. Why does doing something for someone else make you feel better about yourself?

11. Why did I get so lucky to have Justin?

12. Why is America the greatest country on the earth?

13. Why do I LOVE sitting in my bathtub so much?

14. Why do I have the most amazing friends that scan the country?

15. Why do I not do more for my grandparents that live far away?

16. Why do good friends have to move away?

17. Why can't the bad ones move? (just kidding)

18. Why do I love reality T.V.?

19. Why did my mother in law have to die?

20. Why did I cut my hair?

21. Why does a family vacation cost so much?

22. Why can't I be good at everything?

23. Why do my kids melt my heart?

24. Why do I wish I could live in the Irish country side?

25. Why do I have a million projects?

26. Why do I have crazy dreams every stinkin night that keep me awake?

27. Why am I so blessed compared to so many other people in this world?

28. Why do I still get acne at the age of 33?

29. Why do I pee every time I do jumping jacks?

30. Why does poop smell so bad?

31. Why do I love Target so much?

32. Why do kids grow up so fast?

33. Why am I so high maintenance?

34. Why do I wish I was part of the Royal Family?

35. Why do I have to go to church at 8:30 a.m.?

36. Why do I love my kids school so much?

37. Why do I love Parker Colorado so much?

38. Why do I not like leftovers?

39. Why was I such a dishonest kid growing up?

40. Why do I get self conscious over silly things?

41. Why do my girls pull every article of clothing out and throw it all over their room, EVERYDAY?

42. Why are my boys cleaner?

43. Why can't I simplify more?

44. Why do I love surprises, but always figure them out?

45. Why do I care if the sippy cup lid matches?

46. Why don't I care when my toddlers are outside in the Cul-de-Sac all by themselves?

47. Why can't I have Sushi tonight for dinner?

48. Why am such a whinner?

49. Why are some lessons so hard for me, and others so easy?

50. Why do the little things mean so much more than the big ones?