My Belated Birthday

Sunday we celebrated Kristi's 35th birthday finally. We have been so busy it has been hard to do. Terry has a certain way of doing things and it always has to be done the right way... He just wasn't satisfied with not celebrating it so today he made it Kristi's day and catered to her with breakfast buritoes, fixed the clutch in her jeep, cleaned the house, bought and sensitive wrapped gifts, made a cake with the kids, served a yummy salad with her favorite chicken cordeon blu, and then we took a trip to Kyes house to watch Woverine on his big screen in his movie theater in the basement.

Man I sure have one heck of a catch... Not many men could do that kind of birthday celebration... I am not saying he wasn't totally exhaused on Monday but it was fun! Thanks my cute family!

School Picture Day

Terry what do you think? I took the kids out and snapped a few shots before school picture day. Once I got the background up and took the kids photos Dash sat down right where they were... What was I suppose to do? So yes he got his photos taken as well. I know I am no professional and I know I don't have near the equipment they have but I thought they turned out ok considering me and myself.

Family Reunion

So we just had a "Fletcher Family Reunion" this last Saturday. This would be Terry's mothers side of the family. I just have to say I love family reunions, not very many people would say that and sometimes they are at inconvient times. But I love getting together with people who share our same blood and sometimes we know so little about them.

For example Terry has a cousin who has always been super sweet and friendly. She has a son (Andrew) who has a liver cancer and doesn't have much chance of surviving. It is heart breaking to see such a young child have to be faced with such issues.

Well as we were at the family gathering I noticed Andrew was taking some photos. It was funny how I was being shy and reserved and he just walked right up to me and started asking questions about my camera. So then we talked about camera bags and different options on our cameras. I was touched to have this special child reach out to me and in a way he pointed out to me that life is too short to be shy. I realized that I probably have something in common with every person at these reunions. I just have to branch out and find something.

I do love going to them and catching up with cousins. We had photos taken, ate delicous food, played games, but most importantly we visted amongst our families. It was a good time and I am so glad we were able to go.

After the reunion Matia was determined to get her ears pierced. So we went to Clair's in the South Town Mall and she so bravely got her ears pierced. I think Terry was more nervous about it then she was. She didn't even cry or flinch for that matter. Her little earrings look so stinking cute... But it made me realize before I know it she will be dating. I will treasure all these little steps in life. I am so glad I am here to enjoy these kinds of things with her. What a fun day, a day well spent surrounded by family!

A Night to Remember!

Tonight I had a night I will never forget! Our ward did an Enrichment night "Tea Party" for the mothers and their daughters. Oh wow it was simply amazing, from the hats they had for us to decorate, photos, decorations, dinner, company, everything was so well thought out and planned that it was a night like in a fairytale... "Perfect". I do have to give some of that credit to my lovely, wonderful, perfect daughter. What would my life be without my little "Gift of God". Matia lifts my heart and makes me smile every opportunity she gets. I love to watch her grow and learn the lessons of life. I can't tell you how much I enjoy her company. I knew the moment I heard about this activity that I was going to have to do what it takes to get me and my daughter there to enjoy such a magical night. I knew that we just couldn't wear jeans but that for Matia to really love it we were going to have to get all decked out in "Tea Party Attire" so I borrowed some cute clothes from my friend Tara and off we went. Leaving the boys to fend for themselves. I will always remember the balloons that lined up the walk way in their pretty pastel colors and simple decorations. The Old fashion mirrors that lined the fence near the photographers, the stacks and stacks of paper hats waiting to be claimed by some happy heart and then loved with decorations to complete ones personality. I will always remember the delicious food that was served in perfect harmony with the Tea Party.
I will remember the short lesson given by our wonderful Relief Society President how each of our personalities are unique and special and they each have something special to offer others. I will also never forget my dear friends that sat at our table and cherished every moment of the night with us. The small light conversations to the giggles of me dashing up to claim yet another piece of candy during the "Purse-n-ality game". I would like to thank everyone that had a part in planning tonights special party.
It was amazing, I expected amazing when I heard of who was participating in the planning part of it. But wow I must say they each did even better then my simple mind could ever even imagine. Thank you for a night to remember, thank you Tia for being my little friend through this journey of life. You are very special to me, I will always appreciate and cherish your friendship! Thank you again to all of you who gave us this treasured memory! My only regret was that my camera was left home so I couldn't capture all of these little things that were put together so perfectly to make such an amazing event!

Hunting up White River

So over Labor day weekend we decided to go camping with my brother and 2 of his buddies. We went up White River and of course we couldn't just camp, I put Terry to work trying to get us an elk. I think he was excited to be going home so I would hammer him any more about getting out there and bringing us some meat home. The elk were calling and what an amazing thing it is to be sleeping in a tent and listening to their bugeling all night long.

I do have to say the last 2 nights I slept in my brother's little trailer with all the kids "so that they wouldn't wake us up when they left for hunting at 5:00am" So that was what I told them anyway truth be told it had something to do with the recent bear sighting in that same canyon just the weekend before. The trailer was so much nicer and the boys didn't seem to mind sleeping in the tent together, hum.. It was a great weekend anyway sitting by the campfire, shooting our bows, playing in the dirt, and of course riding those 4 wheelers.

My bro has a Trex and my kids thought that was heaven after one ride in that nobody wanted to ride the 4-wheelers. The funniest thing said this weekend was by Bowdee who said "Dad your going to have to get a Trex because pretty soon you won't be able to hold yourself up anymore!" Good one Bowdee with a little sizzle sizzle action.

I do have to say one of my favorite parts of the weekend was when Kyle took me and Bowdee out on an evening hunt. It wasn't that we were hunting but it was the moment that Kyle turned around and started teaching Bowdee all the points about hunting, like staying down wind, camoflaging in with the trees or bushes, and sitting somewhere you don't have to move and won't make sounds when you are sitting there. It warmed my heart to hear him taking the time to teach Bowdee these things. I realized then and there Kyle does love Bowdee and wants only the best for his life. Thank you Kyle for taking the time to share those things with my boy. He sure looks up to you.

From the mouth of Matia...

Tia: "Mom how does the babys skin get soooooo soft?"
Mom: "I'm not quite sure, what do you think?"
Tia: "I think the mommy drinks lotion when she is pregnant so the babys skin will be that soft."
Mom: "Where did you come up with that idea?"
Tia: "I just think that is the way it is!"

Gotta love it!

AUGUST?

So where did the month of August go? Last thing I knew I was in Flaming Gorge sitting back on the boat with some great company and chillin to some nice music. When all of a sudden I get smacked in the head with something I call reality and here I am... My brothers came and stayed a week with us and are gone already, we said farwell to Cindy and her family, I spent 3 days on a girls trip relaxing, we finished swimteam with a bang, fall soccer season has started, the kids are back in school, I had my first day of preschool, my burban and my jeep broke down, Treg started KINDERGARTEN, I just turned another year older (OUCH), and my freedom of summer was whipped away from me.

I think deep down under I didn't want to realize all that was happening this August. So I just let it all fly by. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed most of it but it was life and it was fast and now it is over and I truely am thankful for the photos that I can look at to remember just what we did.

The hardest thing of all of August was letting my Treg go to kindergarten and I had to face it with a smile on my face... Until he was out of sight anyway. It was so hard to let him go and realize that he is growing up and that I can't teach him everything. That he will have to learn from living his own life and listening to those around him. I love his teacher Mrs. Bigler just couldn't get any better... but wow I am still struggling. Even though he loves it and the highlight of the day is going to school since he gets to ride his 2 wheeled bike.

My birthday was spent in the desert 4-wheeling. We had a great time going to some crystal caves and playing in the pond with the salamanders and snakes. But I did turn 35, yes I am now in my MID- THIRTIES and it sucks to think that. But I am who I am and I am thankful for all the experiences I have had that have made me who I am. So hoorah my birthday is finally over. P.S. Did I ever mention how bad I hate snakes. Funny how on my 35th birthday I felt like I was finally old enough to be brave enough to be a good example for my kids. I held these 2 snakes to prove to my kids and myself that I can do scary things and I can even try to be brave about it... OH I HATE SNAKES. Just looking at this photo gives me the creepy crawly shivers down my spine!

My sweet big brothers and sister came to town. My brothers live out of state and my sister is way southern Utah. I miss them all so much. I wish they were here to live with us and enjoy the everyday moments that happen all the time. The ones that can't be staged and experience over the phone or internet. But we had a great time while they were here... We played rockband, went to Lagoon, had a BBQ at my house, we even took a spontanious group family photo with a remote that didn't turn out to bad, we went swimming, fishing, movies, we went to the farm... But most of all we just enjoyed sharing time with one another and enjoying those little kids. I love most of all to watch our kids interact with each other and realize that somehow even though they live so far away they "GET" eachother. They love their cousins for simply being part of them. It is amazing how a family creates bonds so strong that they can not be duplicated.

The most relieving thing that happened in August was that my kids all got teachers that they like. And they have not had any hesitations going to school. School is a hard enough thing to face without the teachers that make it nice to be there.

So when you have nice teachers that are there because they want to see you progress then it makes life a little easier. Bowdee's teacher is Mrs. Bender who he absolutely loves. He has 4 of his closest friends in that class with him and he loves it.

Matia has Mrs. Trulock and she is excited to get to know her better. She only had two friends in that class that she knew, but now she has made a couple more friends already that she loves to be with.

And of course I just love Mrs. Bigler who is Tregs teacher. Bowdee had the same kindergarten teacher and I told the school I would do what it takes to get Treg in her class this year. She is simply amazing!

The most painful thing that happened in August was last weekend Terry went camping on a boys trip for the weekend. So me and the kids had alot of fun doing our things. We went to the movies, soccer games, swimming, ward carnival, playing with cousins and church. Well at church I was sitting in relief society (still in shock that I was there with no children to worry about because they are all so happy in their classes). Anyway, there was a new couple announced and yes they looked like they were 12. The same way I imagine Terry and I looked when we were first married. I watched this couple all throughout class and they were so cute. They were constantly touching each other and catching each others eye for a quick smile, you know the newlywed stuff. Well it seems like it was just yesterday that Terry and I were doing the same thing. I remember never wanting him to leave my side. I hated relief society because he couldn't come with me. It hurt so bad to not have him there with me. I still feel the same way... Even though we don't look 12 anymore and I don't constantly have to have my hands on him... I long for him when he is not there. I miss him and think about him constantly, church is a hard thing for me to face alone because I feel that void and that empty spot next to me (even though I have some sweet friend sitting by me). But I keep trying to do it as much as I can for my sweet kids who need it in their lives. Even though to be honest with you I would rather be where he is, doing what he is doing. Sometimes love just plain hurts. But I am glad it hurts, I am glad I still have the desire to be with him all the time. I am glad I just never feel like I can get enough of him. I am glad his is still mine and we are still in love.

Don't get me wrong I love life, I love the curve balls, I love the challenges, I love the game... but sometimes it seems like the game goes by so fast I am worried that the last inning will be here before I know it. Sometimes I get tired of running around the bases or swinging and missing the ball but I just have to remember all games end and I just have to keep playing my best. I am not worried about the score I am sure it will all work itself out in the end just as long as I keep playing my best it will be a good game played! One that I will have created memories that will be remembered by my teamplayers and those I played against. I just hope they are all good memories!

Flaming Gorge 2009

This year we invited Tammie and Ted (who is Terry's sister and bro. in-law) with us to the Gorge. They were so excited they use to frequent this area when they lived in Utah and had their boat. So it was like coming home for them. The trip was a beautiful trip with good people and we created some good memories. On Friday we were just too excited so instead of waiting for Saturday to come we packed up and headed out to Rock Springs to stay in the Days Inn. See last year when we had that really BAD hotel we passed this really nice brand new Days Inn on the way home and thought to ourselves we are going to stay there next year. So we called the Days Inn in Rock Springs looked at the photos and it sure looked like the new one, so we booked the hotel and headed off.
Well we got there late at night and I am telling you it was not the same hotel. It was just barely a step up from last year, I am not sure the photos were taken from that location. However, I didn't feel bad letting Dash sleep with us in the room because it was so gross anyway and they didn't seem to care that we had 9 people squished in that one room.

We woke up the next day had breakfast and realized we had to kill some time for the campground check-in. So we took the kids swimming. The pool was freezing and full of gunk. So the adults sat on the sidelines and watched the kids freeze their little bahookies off. It is amazing how the kids don't seem to mind that kind of stuff. Well we left and finally made it to the camp and then the setting up starts and doesn't stop for 3 more hours.
It is amazing all the stuff we bring. Then Tammie and Ted make it from Strawberry and we all hit the lake for a quick session.
The boat was full of the biggest smiles ever! As dinner was cooking we headed down to the beach for a little shoreline fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did set our crawdad trap.



On Sunday we went out snorkeling in this cute little cove. It was so amazing the lake was so full that we saw lots of stuff on the lake floor like a fire pit and full grown forest under the water. It was really fun to see the fish exploring this same stuff we are use to seeing and enjoying. Although I think I dove to deep because my Timex died on me, sad moments. The wind was a little crazy off and on again. But we made the best of it and had a great time.

On Monday the 21st which happened to be Tammies 41st birthday we woke up to a great morning that quickly went sour. Tammie came out from her tent and on her arm was a huge burn. But it wasn't a regular burn it was a chemical burn, her lantern that was hanging on the top of their tent had leaked battery acid on her arm all night and it ate through her skin and flesh. So her and Ted headed off to Vernal's Insta-Care to see what they needed to do.
Well she needs a skin graft ASAP but the soonest she could get in was on Monday so got a room and finished the trip with strict orders not to get her arm wet at all. While they were gone we found another cove and the boys did some spear fishing while I read a book and watched the kids play around the dock. It was another windy day, we did get a little tubing in but not much boarding.

Wednesday we floated the river. Which is always one of my favorite things to do. I am so amazed every year how beautiful that canyon is. I have always wanted to be a river rat, and this reminds me why I love it so much. As we were floating down the river we had a couple of run-ins with some oddly placed rocks and Dash was the only one to go overboard.
Then right at the last stretch of the river a CRAZY gust of wind came blowing with some crazy rain. It was all we had in us to paddle off the river and head for safty. But at the same time it had created memories to last a lifetime.

Thursday the boys took the chance for an early morning session while I slept in with the kids. Then I walked through the whole campground looking for another campground we could snag for the next weekend. There was nothing so we ended up tearing down camp and going cliff diving until 4:00.
It was fun Bowdee went off a 18 ft. cliff and Treg, Tia, and I went off a 12 ft. Cliff and of course the boys had to show us up on a 40 ft. cliff. We are not much cliff jumpers because of the danger factor it holds but it was fun to give the kids that experience in life. We headed home through Manilla and Troys explorer broke down. So we ended up towing him from Manilla all the way to the top of Parleys behind our boat with his explorer and trailer. It was insane. I hated every minute of it. But the boys kept saying it was okay. We finally made it home at 1:00am what a trip. Great people, great memories and good times.

Do we have what it takes?

So last night me and my girls went out to watch "The Proposal" which by the way was a GREAT movie! Anyway when we got there I was sitting on the end next to a cute old couple, really old like 80ish. We are talking the gray hair, wrinkles and everything. They were holding hands and squeezed really close to one another. Just like there was no possible way they could get any closer. Well I thought to myself "how cute, these 2 have something really special, I wonder if Terry and I have what it takes to still feel like that toward each other after so many years." The movie went on and on and the holding hands didn't stop infact they only showed more and more affection toward each other through-out the WHOLE movie. Yes, I should have moved when the kissing started, because obviously they wanted a little privacy back there on the back row. But I had no clue how to do that without embarrasing them or offending them. Yes I am a wimp! Oh my goodness after 2 hours of the most lovie dovie scene I have ever witnessed I had had enough! I couldn't get out of that theater fast enough! I ran outside the closest exit to get some fresh air, filled with disbelief. Soon after we were outside they followed and they spent another hour hugging and kissing there on the balcony of the exit. By the end of the night I decided they had something strange going on and the answer to my question at the first of the night was... No Terry and I do not have what it takes to be that in love with one another after that many years. Don't get me wrong I do love Terry ALOT but that was just weird, wrong, crazy, maybe a little freaky. The must have had some crazy situation going on. But I would like to think Terry and I will grow old together and that after each year our love will just grow stronger and stronger. I believe it will only if we can over look and learn to love each others little quirks. Sorry I have been so moody lately honey, I hope you will keep putting up with me it will get better.

Horses & Me, what is it?

This weekend my dad took some time to saddle his horses and invite his grandkids to come and have a horse moment at the equestrian park. So of course we went over there and had a great time riding the horses around. Getting to know them and getting comfortable on them. They did wonderful as long as they were together. I was on cloud nine just loving everything the dust, smell, sights, my family, sun, everything. We had such a great time that dad invited us back the next day for a 7:00 am session. So the kids set their alarm clocks and off we went. This day didn't go so well. Dad was trying to teach the horses they didn't need each other all the time and they didn't like that at all. Tia got stepped on by Robbie, and Bowdee got bucked off Trigger. Neither of the kids got majorly hurt, but it shook us all up a little, to have the power a horse thrown in our face. So I ask myself what is it that I just love so much about those horses that I would be willing to risk danger to enjoy being around them? I am not sure what it is but I am just so drawn to them I some how feel complete and satisfied when I am around them. It does scare me to have my kids around them when it can be such a risk but isn't everything a risk? I guess we just have to be more carful around them and work those horses more. Thanks Dad for giving my kids that experience, and thanks Terry for supporting us. It teaches them and us alot in life.

Picnic with the Callaways

So it was about 6 years ago that we moved to our house and I got my first calling in the ward. It was to be a visiting teacher. I remembered that when my grandma passed away they mentioned that she didn't miss a month of visit teaching in over 30 years. So learning she had such a strong belief in it I thought to myself... "Self you are going to give this your all, you are going to be the best visit teacher you can." Even though before this I never really understood the whole purpose behind it... Anyway to make a long story shorter, I met with my companion and we really hit it off. Although we were both pregnant and miserable and didn't do the best I should have... I created a friend who I believe will be one to the end. Unbelievably we are an awful lot alike and our kids love each other so that always makes get togethers just a little bit better. We don't do it as much as we should but we have so much fun when we do.

So we went to the old "Adventurland Park" and fished, roasted hot dogs, and played on the park. Daisy and Matia together caught the only live fish.
Bowdee and Annie caught a dead cat fish off the bottom of the pond, or should I say snagged a dead fish.

Bode and Treg casted and casted and came up with nothing. But they sure had a wonderful time trying! It was wonderful until the mosquitoes came out and forced us to go home. Thanks Callaways it was so great to hang with you guys we should do it more often!

The mouths of Babes!

So my friend did a post like this and it just brought to mind a simply silly conversation between my kids, listen to this!

We were out boating Sunday and Treg says "Mom when I am as old as you and I am a milliondollarair, I am going to buy me a party boat." mom says "Oh really that is so cool when you get it can you take me for a ride in it?" Treg says "Nope you will be dead by then." Mom says " Ouuchhh" Bowdee says "No she won't she will just be a grandma! Mom don't worry you can go for a ride on my yacht then we will spend a week on my houseboat and then I will take you for a ride on my wakeboarding boat." Gotta love it!

Fourth of July

So I must say I am so very thankful for this country we live in. I am thankful for the people willing to risk their lives so we can enjoy the things we love. I love being free to enjoy my family and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Last Wednesday Terrys work released a big product and to celebrate they gave them Thursday off and he had Friday off for the 4th. So we packed up the kids and headed to Wendover to enjoy a free hotel room and one nice peaceful drive. We enjoyed the pool and went out to dinner. Then in the morning we headed out to blue lakes. Terry and I have been there before but never with the kids. They had so much fun snorkeling and looking for the fish.

When we got home we just pluncked around doing a little of this and a little of that until it was time to go watch the fireworks at Thanksgiving point. But Terry and I are getting so old we can't stand the crowds so we headed to the hills above Cabela's. Then we put out a movie and enjoyed hanging out watching a valley full of random fireworks until the main show started. There is just something about the fireworks that fills my heart full of gratitude for this wonderful country! Gotta love the life baby.