UT VS. UCLA

About a month ago my Mom asked if Jake and I wanted to go to the Utah/UCLA game. Of course we did! I realized that the game was over Veteran's weekend (which is a long weekend for us), and so we decided to make a trip out of it. Stacia told me she would be in SLC for school, and she and Michael would be able to hang out with us. We reserved a room at Embassy Suites (best hotel ever!), and started getting anxious. I was so excited for the break. Jake, Bri, and I got up Friday and took off. We were on the road by 8:30, which is good for us! We got to Provo and went to Old Navy. That was about all I could handle. Jake suggested lunch and so we went to Olive Garden. It hit the spot for all of us! After lunch we went to Cabela's. Jake had lots on his list there. Bri and I spent a lot of time looking at the fish, and feeding the fish. Our big plan was to get our Gun Safe, but the one we wanted was out of stock. They are ordering it from the Glendale, AZ store for us. It should be here in 3-4 weeks. Lots of thanks for the early Christmas present GMA, GPA, Jackie, Del, and Ann! We are excited to get it. Stacia called when we were checking out so we told her to meet us at Sportsman's Warehouse so Jake could price a gun for my Dad. When she showed up Brilee was screaming with joy! Stacia got out of the car, and Bri said "Where's Michael?" haha you win some you lose some! I wanted to drive Stacia's new car, and so Bri and Jake followed us to the mall. As we were walking in Jake was telling us a story about some road rage he had with a guy. Brilee said, "Daddy was cussing him. He try and beat him up." haha that is why I drive in the city! I didn't last at the mall to long, and Brilee was beyond excited to go swimming. We checked in, met up with Michael, and the fun began! Jake, Stac, Michael, and Bri swam their hearts content. (Not really, Bri's ears hurt her all day and so they swam for 30 minutes. It did the trick though!) We went to Happy Hour, and then met up with Brendyn and Natasha Huber at Tucano's for dinner. It was so fun! Their baby is so cute and happy. Brilee fell asleep on the way to dinner, and woke up the next morning. She said to Jake and me, "I never even ate any dinner." After breakfast Bri and Jake went swimming, while Stacia went to take her test. After swimming we checked out of the hotel and went to Costco. I was a little nervous because I had some major shopping to do, and I was worried about my company. Brilee, Jake, and Michael. They were all great, and we came out with more than we needed. Next we met Roger, Cathy, my parents, and stac at Pat's BBQ for lunch. It was wonderful. By this time it was snowing, HARD! Cathy, once again, gave us all her winter gear and we headed to the game. (Cathy, my Mom, and Bri headed to GMA and GPA's.)  The game WAS FREEZING, but sooooooooo much fun! Utah played great, and Wolf Man was awesome (which meant I got to howl A LOT!). Luckily for me, the bathrooms were heated. I would get warm every thirty minutes. During the third quarter Granny called to warn us Strawberry was a mess, and she thought we should stay one more night. We agreed and so after the game we got to relax at Cathy and Roger's. It was so fun! We came home Sunday morning, and the roads were much better! It was a great weekend... can't wait for Turkey Day!

We had a rough time getting a picture where my hand wasn't cutting Stacia's face off, Michael wasn't calling us losers, and I wasn't picking my nose.

Long Awaited

Jake took pictures of our house tonight... So without further ado:

Master Bedroom

Brilee's room. (This is my favorite room. Julie did such a good job making it so cute!)

Living Area... I am hoping to FINALLY decorate this week.

We are still deciding on what to do for the back splash, and so that's why there are still green squares... One day we will know what we want!

Basement. This is all for now (Jake is sleeping, and I don't want to wake him to make him take pictures of the bathrooms...)

Jake felt like a lemon meringue pie Sunday, and so we all got busy. Brilee loves making pie crust because she gets to play in flour.

Here is our group picture from Halloween.

September Video's

My video's always flip when I download them from my phone to my computer... any tips?

Wonderful Halloween

We had a great Halloween. Brilee first wanted to be a Princess, followed by a Princess Witch, and before long she was set on just a WITCH! Granny made Chaz, Mar, Jay, and Bri (a little Decol action there... anyone with me?) adorable little skirts! Josie filled me in on the cutest witch hats ever sold at Vernal Floral, and the girls were set! Last minute I bought black and pink hair dye which thrilled Brilee! We started celebrating Saturday with trunk-or-treat. Brilee scored big, and looked adorable. She enjoyed herself, but kept telling Jake and me "I am ready to dance." She thought we went to dance, not get candy. Jake and I left her with Granny and we came home to get ready for our party. Jake went as Warren Jeff''s, and he was creepy! Mitch and I were a few of his wives. It was funny. We stopped at Top Stop on our way to the party, and Jake and I got some WEIRD looks in the gas station. As Jake was paying he couldn't figure out how the pockets worked on the suit, so the lady kindly said, "You don't wear that often?" haha we told her it was our costumes. Monday we got to hit some favorites in Vernal, and then we headed to Roosevelt. I got a little sick in Vernal, so Roosevelt included one house. I felt bad, but Brilee didn't care. We came home, Jake gave her a bath, and we were reading her bedtime story when we heard someone pull in. She looked out the window and yelled, "THE KIDS ARE HERE." She was so happy! Annalee, Ty, Cy, Elly, Chloey, and Jens all came trick-or-treating. It made Brilee's night. Hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween, and you all scored some candy! 



I will add a picture of our whole group later...

We DO have a BLOG!!!!

So, we almost forgot we have a blog. I am sure my few readers have given up hope on me ever updating again, but I am back! Lots of things have happened/changed since I last updated.

*We moved into our house!

*Brilee is going to be a big sister!!!!!!!! She is excited, and so are we!

*We spent two weeks hunting on Diamond, and I had no luck...

*Jake had luck on his elk hunt!

*I moved out of the house. The smells of the new furniture, paint, and appliance were to much for my overly sensitive nose.*Brilee got a new horse.

*Brilee had a vicious fall that resulted in a NASTY goose egg!

*I moved back into the house (as of two days ago... things are going a lot better!!!!)

*I am sure I am missing lots, but for now you know what I would have blogged about.

I am feeling more like myself , and so in the next couple of days look forward to pictures of our house and our little Brilee witch! It feels good to be back...

Brilee loved swimming in Grammy's pool all of August.

Bri, Jens, and Ty heading out to see if Goldie was a WINNER.

This is the previous owner of Goldie... I think he had some personal space issues.

She was a WINNER!

Lately when we tell Bri to smile she puts spit on her lips. It is gross, but makes her happy.

Ouch!

LION KING 3D! It was awesome. During the "Circle of Life" Bri was trying to grab the birds and animals. She was so happy. Then Scar and his hyenas came, and she ripped her glasses off. She refused to wear them the rest of the movie. 

Josie and I took the girls to Vernal's new BOUNCE HOUSE! It was a bouncy time. 

Granny teaching the girls how to make scones... They will keep practicing.

This is my new look (I shove gum up my nose too. It helps with the smells), but tonight I have been mask free... WAHOO!

Brilee and one of her bestest friends. Jacsyn! (Jacsyn is exactly six weeks older than Brilee.) These two are TROUBLE! Jeremy had Jake come over to rope last weekend, and so Bri and I tagged along. Trisha and I were visiting and enjoying some peace when Jacsyn started yelling, "TRISHA. TRISHA.TRISHA" We rushed into the bathroom where they were in the tub. Bri pulled the ole dump a whole bottle of shampoo on her hair trick again, and Jacsyn had done something much worse. We will just say at least the shampoo helped with the smell. We got the girls all cleaned up and Emma came and said, "Mom, the little girls cracked eggs in the play kitchen, and they put bread in the eggs. It's DISGUSTING." We learned our lesson,. They are NOT to be trusted alone together. Seriously though, it could not have been more than ten minutes. When they play together Jacsyn is always Brilee's mom. I don't get it, but Brilee listens to Jacsee WAY BETTER than she listens to me. I use it to my advantage. "Jacsee get your baby to eat her dinner." Then she makes sure Brilee eats and is clean. Jacsyn kept saying, "Brilee, tell me I am the bestest mom ever." Brilee would tell her and she would say, "I know." 

Oh The Places You'll Go

visited 16 states (32%)
Create'>http://douweosinga.com/projects/visited?region=usa">Create your own visited map of The United States or http://www.tonjafabritz.com/nederlands/legal">jurisdische veraling duits?

I think I need to work on the East...

Water Slide

Stacia had Monday off of work, and so she and Brilee worked up a plan to go to the water slide. Stac, Bri, Amanda, and JayLyn got all geared up and headed to the slide before Brilee's nap. Unfortunately, something was wrong with the chemicals and so the morning session was closed. I was super happy because it meant I got to go with them! So after Brilee's we were ready! We dropped our stuff off and ran up the stairs. Well we didn't know the sign that said "You must shower before sliding" really meant that you had to shower before sliding. So, we were sent back down the stairs to shower. Finally, we were able to slide. I don't know what I expected from Brilee, but wow! She is a water slide fan. I could hear her screaming and laughing the whole way down. As soon as she came up for air she was asking, "We go again?" It was a great time, and probably the best work-out available. Brilee loved the slide, but would not walk up the stairs. She would climb up mine and Stacia's legs saying, "You better hold me." We went down the slide so many times, and the next day my legs were sore! When it was time to leave Bri cried and cried. I had her call Jake to distract her and as soon as he said hello she said, "You want to take me to water slide?" He said yes, and she wasn't about to let him forget it. We checked the times and decided to go Tuesday to the 7-10 session. Jake, Stacia, Michael, Brilee, and I all showed up and the parking lot was packed. We walked in and it was a ward party. After some quick thinking we decided we were in the ward, and therefore we could stay. It was great, and free... Again Brilee loved the slide, and the diving board.

Love my Roots

Vernal is a great place. I am so happy and lucky to be able to call it home. Our community really comes together when one of our own needs help. I have seen it time and time again, and today confirmed my love for the people of the Uintah Basin. 

We lost a young man who was serving our country as a Marine last Friday. I did not know him, but from what I hear that was unfortunate on my part. He always wanted to be a marine, and he made his dream come true. He is such an example to the young and old of our town.  All week the community has been planning a way to make his homecoming special. We all wanted to honor a young man who so bravely put us first. We wanted to be able to support his family and show them how much we care. Facebook posts about "Bringing Daniel Home" started pouring in on Saturday. Everyone from Duchesene to Vernal was determined to make this a memorable day for the family of the man who will be in our memory forever.

First thing this morning I drove the route they would be using to take Sgt. Daniel Gurr "home" on. I had tears in my eyes the whole time. There were so many people out cleaning up their yards, hanging their flags, and preparing to honor a true hero. When I got to the home of Sgt. Gurr the tears flew freely. There were so many beautiful flags blowing in the wind all over his family home. We care about one another here. Today Jake and I gathered with the rest of Vernal on Main Street. Our street is beautiful and to have the whole community on it was breath taking. We visited quietly with one another until we could see vehicles coming down the street. It took two seconds and the whole street was silent. Everyone standing, holding their flags, and paying respect to our fallen HOMETOWN HERO. Soon quiet sobs filled the air as we watched the family, friends, officers, other military hero's, and casket drive by. There was not a dry eye in a mile radius. 

I love Vernal, and the community that beholds it. RIP Sgt. Daniel Gurr, and God Bless America!

4-H

Dathen, Mylee, Kinly, and Elly all participated in the 4H livestock show this week! Monday they weighed their pigs in. They all made weight, and were looking good! Tuesday was showmanship. Our sweet little Elly won RESERVE CHAMPION in the junior division, and then went on to take THIRD overall (she was competitng with like 17 year olds, and it was her first show!!!). We were so happy for her. Jake and I went on Wednesday to watch them pick the winning pigs. All the kids did great! Mylee, Kinly, and Elly all took third in their class. Elly and Kinly came back into the championship round. Elly's pig took tenth overall. During Elly's class the judge couldn't decided between the top three. He took the microphone and said, "The young lady's pig (Elly's) is the most muscular pig I have seen thus far in the competition, but it isn't as long as I like." It is what it is... Dathen showed a steer yesterday as well. I am sure he did awesome, but I haven't heard details. Today they sold all their animals. Elly's pig brought in $600, Mylee's $550, and Kinly's $750. Good job on all your hard work!

Elly

Remember the UBIC story store where Brilee ran away? Yea... it happened again at the fari. Here she is pouting because her Daddy got mad at her for running away!

Dathen (in the jacket) with his pig.

Kinly Rose

I forgot to add this picture to my last post! I also want to include that I can gurantee my Mom was the ONLY person in the whole triathlon to have diet coke during her transistions! haha

Where did the time go?

It seems like just yesterday I was sitting here updating my blog, and dreading Brilee leaving me for a week. And BAM three weeks later here I sit again! Summer is my favorite time of year, but man is it busy! Where to begin?

Brilee had the time of her life in California. She was spoiled rotten, and from what I hear, she was a good girl! I was so relieved. Brilee loved being able to run, swim, and play with her Uncle Del. She loved seeing everyone in Lake Arrowhead, and she LOVED being the center of everything. She is one lucky girl who is loved by a lot of wonderful people. After her trip to California, GMA decided to brave the 12 long hours in a car with Brilee. GMA and Brilee sang, slept, and read stories. Brilee was well entertained. GMA you should be happy to hear stop lights have not been the same since that drive home! Jake and I were so happy to have our baby home, and so excited that GMA, GPA, and Jackie were able to come out too! It was a great visit. Vernal is way more fun when you guys are here! Come back please!?!?!?! We spent last week preparing for the triathlon and getting the most out of the UBIC weekend. Julie, Jenny, and I sold feather hair extensions. It was an interesting couple of days, but all in all a good time. Saturday my Mom and I woke up WAY to early for man kind and did the UBIC triathlon. It was awesome. You will be proud to hear my Mom and I did the whole race, and didn't cut the middle mile of the running portion out of the race like most participants. After the tri we went to the parade, and then took some long naps! Poor Brilee woke up sick. Saturday night we were busy with feathers when Jenny said, "Where's Brilee?" She was gone. SCARIEST moment of my life. Jake had been talking about popcorn and so Brilee went to find some. We all scattered off looking for her. I saw her way up the venue's and took off running. By the time I caught her Michael already had her. I didn't know if I should hug or spank her first. Our other big news is we are getting close to moving into our house! We can't wait. These five months have gone fast, but still have been challenging. I can't wait to have a house, and to get Brilee back into a normal world. We are excited for the next couple of weeks...

These pictures are out of order... they are coming from my camera, my phone, and my Dad's phone... Good luck following along!

Pioneer Day Parade

While Brilee was gone Stac, Jake, and I went to see HP7. AMAZING!

Brilee feeding the ducks.

Jens and Jake bailing the hay.

One of our crazy rain storms left the road in a mess! This is above my house.

Poor lil Chloey took a bee sting to the eye.

We had a road base put on the road into our house, so when I sold feathers Brilee and Jake got to work spreading it out!

WHOOT WHOOT! We made it to the Vernal Carnival TWICE. GMA is a carnival junkie just like Stacia and I! Thanks so much Grandma! It was fun, and way to expensive for you!

Brilee is still a little scared of carnival's. She is checking out the ferris wheel.

The candy drop was a must see! Lots of candy was thrown, lots of smiles on kids faces, and lots of tears on the poor kids without the candy.

Enjoying the drop.

hahaha Stacia took poor Lynny on a "scary ride" at the carnival. She HATED it, and cried the whole time. It was awful, but now we can laugh (I hope, cause I am!).

This ride was more up JayLynn's alley... SHE LOVED IT (if you can't tell)!

Oh man the bike ride was hard on this triathlon.

At this point my legs were pure jello... I had no feeling in them. That is the hardest thing to adjust to. I really tried to always run after I rode my bike, but it didn't seem to help.

WOW! Grammy finishes on her Mtn. Bike. I honestly don't know how (and why) she did it!

Starting the run.

Finishing!