The Hunsakers

It's Great to Be 8!!!

2012-02-06T23:46:00.002-07:00

At least Ally thinks so!

On February 4 Allyson chose to be baptized a member of the Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! She has been so very excited. She choserainbow cupcakes with clouds because of a song she likes about baptism. Wefound her a dress. She got to share the program with another girl that wasgetting baptized from our ward but she got to choose the opening song, and a musicalnumber, who gave the opening prayer, and who gave the baptism talk. She chosewho baptized her, who confirmed her and her 2 witnesses. Unfortunately one ofthe witnesses got called away on a search and rescue search out in Park Valleybut another uncle filled in. Afterward we went to Ally’s grandparents house andhad her cupcakes with ice cream. She got lots of gifts as well. Thank you everyone for coming and sharingthis special day with Ally and us. It means so much to us! Ally also got to goup to the pulpit at church the next day and receive her baptismal and confirmationcertificate. She bore her testimony in sacrament meeting. It ended up onlybeing 3 sentences long because she was so nervous, but she told me her testimony before church and it wasthe sweetest testimony. Simple, honest, true to her heart. It makes me feel like I’mdoing okay by her. Thank you Ally for being a shining example to me.

We have a walker!

2012-02-06T23:13:00.002-07:00

Ohyes we do have ourselves a walker. He walks constantly! What a difference it’smade. He seems so big and grown up now. Stop growing James! Stop it! You are mylast, my only hope. The older kids have not listened to me at all and havegrown like sprouts. Please be my baby a while longer.

Ally's award

2012-02-06T23:06:00.002-07:00

I got a phone call Sunday night from Allyson'steacher informing me that on the next Wednesday Ally would be receiving anaward. This was unknown to Allyson. So on Wednesday, when she filed into thegym with the rest of the 2nd graders as well as the 3rd graders and saw methere, the look on her face was priceless.

She received the dedicated award. And trust meshe is dedicated! She is such a responsible girl. Her homework always gets donewhether I remind her or not. She tries her hardest and does her best. Herhandwriting is always so neat and legible.

Her teacher said that doing this feat is a lotharder than one might think. Ally always takes care of her work before she getsto take care of the play. She rarely grumbles about it. She is such ahard worker at home too. She is always trying to help out anyway she can.Whether it is cleaning, cooking, tidying, or babysitting while I do myduties.

I'm so proud to be her mom!

G'Day!

2012-01-26T17:26:00.003-07:00

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!!!

New Years

2012-01-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

For new years eve we decided to party hard and have a Lord of theRings marathon. They were the extended versions.

Jeremy was the only one to make it tomidnight. And he had to get up at 6 am to go to work.

We didn'tstarted them til late and at midnight there was still one more movie towatch.

We still haven't finished watching them.

Family birthday party

2012-01-22T17:32:00.003-07:00

Sowe had a family party for our new 8 year old. She begged and pleaded andyearned for and then finally convinced her dad and I that she should get herears pierced. So $10 and 2 ouches later she had these pearly puppies throughher ears.

Iwhipped up a batch of brownies that over-cooked in my extremely temperamentaloven so she could blow out candles.

Myparents got her scriptures with her name engraved on the front. She's soexcited about these!

Theprimary stuck this in the yard and gave her popcorn. I thought that was such afun idea!

Shegot a scripture case for new scriptures!

Hersister Andie got her a cute headband.

Ally's Birthday Party

2012-01-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sofor Ally's eigth birthday, I let her have a late night. Unfortunately, Jeremy hadto work. (He considered it fortunate) So I enlisted my youngest sister McKenzieto help out! Thank you so much Kenzie!!!

Thegirls were so excited they sat by the window for over an hour. Kenzie is tryingto distract them from. We feared they would tear the curtains off. But thefriends started showing up and the curtains were still hanging in one piece.

We started with some pizza! I got two pepperoni pizzas but some girls just wanted cheese, so I just picked off allthe pepperonis and put them on quesadillas later. Win Win!!

Then we opened presents. She was so excitedabout every present and gave everyone a hug.

Cupcake time was after that. I know, I'm notvery good at decorating. The girls helped some, but it was mostly me. At leastthey tasted good so that counts for something, right?

Thenfor an early b'day present her dad got her Kids Dance. They played it and hadso much fun.

Then it was movie time. Ally chose Judy Moodyand the Not Bummer Summer. It was a pretty cute movie. But the whole time Idesperately wanted to grab the main actress girl and brush her hair. It was abig mess the entire movie.

Andthen it was time to go. Ally gave them all goody bags, hugged, and thanked eachof them for coming. I love my Ally!

Two words.....

2012-01-12T09:47:00.002-07:00

Dirty Thirty

2012-01-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Allyson!!!

You are my favorite 8 year old!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Mc Ds

2011-12-30T17:57:00.001-07:00

So as I mentioned in an earlier post my parents gifts to theirkids on down was going to a restaurant. They took me and 2 other siblings tothe Prairie Schooner. For all the grandkids she took them to McDonalds. Two didn't make it, (too old and too young)but the rest came and we had such a good time. Me, Jeremy, and s-i-l Laura cameto help her out.

Thanks Nanna and Poppa!.

Christmas Day

2011-12-30T17:56:00.003-07:00

Christmas Day was nice and lazy! We didn’t getwoken up until 8. James slept through all of opening presents. We only woke himup so we could go eat breakfast at Jeremy’s aunt Kay. (Who is actually hiscousin, I think) We made a fire to burnall the wrapping paper. I ended up suffocating it, twice. I'm usually better at fires.

Jonas got a Thomas the Tank Engine playset fromSanta. Santa got it free from turning in codes on the Huggies website. (Go Santa) Jonas absolutely loves it and isvery protective of it.

Ally got things from Australia from Santa. Theyinclude a didgeridoo, picture, keychain, handkerchief, candy, a koala, andslippers.

Andie asked for a girly Xbox game. They don’t exist, so the closest Santa got was LEGO Batman. She wasn't excited at first, but warmed up and was excited about it later.

I got Xbox Kinect. Yay me, I was super excited.

(Knowing that would’ve made Andie’s present easier to find.)

James got a big wheel. You can see his excitement.

Santa brought Jeremy a Utah State Universityhoodie.

Here is James after we woke him up after weopened presents. Man was he grumpy til he got some food.

After we cleaned up some we headed over to myparents house to eat. My brother and mom made this Christmas sweater. Isn’t itthe sweetest sweater ever? Even the Christmas lights light up, and you canstick things in the stockings. And David's little 'stache made it even better.

Pre-dinner table. It just looks like Christmas. There was so much good food.

Then at 4ishall my family came over and we exchanged presents, had snacks and played games.

We love theReason for the Season. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T17:12:00.004-07:00

ChristmasEve is when the Hunsaker side has their big meal. This year it was at my home.We got so close to having most everyone there. The Oregon clan came forThanksgiving so they couldn’t make it again for Christmas. But it worked outconveniently enough that Luke could make it. But the whole while he was here,Jeremy was at work. Then about an hour after Luke left, Jeremy came home. Wehad a very yummy dinner and talked and sang and opened presents.

Here's some pics in no particular order

Tasha Jo

Andie opening her ornament, this year they learned how to swim. So I made these ornaments. Ally's was leaking to I added a bit more silicone and that fixed it up just right.

Andie & Ally: beads floating in water and oil, Jonas: Thomas the tank Engine, James: glitter ball

Classic Spoon

Beck bear

Making goals andburning them

Gama’s dragon

Beckett, Jayston and James playing

Tiff got the girls Christ pictures

Girls’ pajamas

Jonas’ pj’s

DINNER

Playing on the table

After everyone left and we cleaned up, Jonas fell asleep waiting for Santa!

Ogden lights

2011-12-30T16:07:00.002-07:00

Can I take this home with me???

It was a bit cold but it was fun!

Ha ha. "I can't put my arms down!"

It usually fits him but I layered him so much it was a bit tight on him.

(Sorry James)

Just had to share....

2011-12-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

Utah State

2011-12-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

Remember a few posts ago I said I had to stayhome and pack. Well I packed to go to Boise, Idaho. We went to the Potato Bowl.It was really fun. I had such a good time on our minication. (Thank you Tiff for watching the kids) The game was sogood. We were winning the entire game, except for the last 20 seconds. You readthe right, Seconds!!! We lost by one. At least we made it to the bowl. It was also really cold. Not too bad atfirst but when the sun went down, BRR!

The potato Bowl mascot came out to say hello.Meet Spuddy Buddy!!

Make 'n' Take Ornaments

2011-12-21T16:43:00.001-07:00

Theyhad a make and take”ornament activity. They had some pretty neat ornaments andlet us take some home for the sisters.

Then after the ornaments they went to the room nextdoor and played. He had such a fun time.

Then, of course, he found one of the few trains and wasstuck like glue.

Story Time

2011-12-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Jonas lovestrains. Oh my word, he loves trains. He calls them choo choo. But it’s not just any choo choo. It’s a little boy voice imitating a high choochoo whistle. It’s so cute! Why I haven’t taken him to the Train Depot before, Icouldn’t tell ya. It’s here in town, it’s free. I have no good reason other thanlaziness and forgetfulness. But thanks to “Up to 3” he made it. He was in heaven, or so Iheard. Jeremy took him and I stayed home and cleaned, laundered, and packed. They had story time and then you got to look at decorations.

Theyhad a super cool train set. I bet Jonas could have spent hours watching it.

Hewas so excited and was so devastated when it was time to leave. There was muchweeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. I’lltake him later when the weather is better and staying outside doesn’t freeze your toes.

Bowling

2011-12-15T23:08:00.001-07:00

Jonas is a bit delayed in some milestones. He has beenever since he was born. He was a small baby only 5lb, 6oz, but was only 2 weeksearly. I’m starting to wonder if they had my due date wrong the whole time. Plushe stopped breathing after he was born and they had to perform CPR. Anywho, he’sin a program called “Up to 3” that USU has. In the month of December they havefamily activities. On Wednesday we went bowling. Jonas had such a fun time. Hewould laugh every time he got to push the ball and then shout hurray every timehe knocked pins down. (Which was every time, thanks to the bumpers) I thought I’dclick a few pics to document the event!

Jamesfound a horse, I put him on it and he didn't know what to think.

Superexcited Jonas found a train.

Prairie Schooner

2011-12-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

In lieu of gift giving this year my parentsopted to take their offspring and spouses out to eat. They decided to take someof us to the Prairie Schooner. I had never been before and was greatly impressed. The atmosphere was remarkable.

Here is our friend, apparently a member of ourparty wanted to be his friend a few years back and got kicked out of therestaurant for it. Needless to say that party member did not sit with himagain.

Jeremy chose prime rib with bleu cheese.

They have stuffed animals that all wore Santahats.

Here are my parents, Jeremy and I, my sister,Kenzie and her Jake, and my sil Laura with my bro Dan.

I’m not into eating steak. Don’t get me wrong Ilove meat but I’m not a fan of the steak so I chose French Dip. Mmm, so good!

Thank you much mom and dad. I had a fantastic time!

LIGHTS

2011-12-07T22:37:00.001-07:00

So I’m onPintrest and I saw this amazing picture. I’d post it but I cannot seem to findit again. Drat. Anyway, being the uncreative copy-cat I am, I tried to duplicateit. (BTW it's the last one.) It didn’t turn out nearly as well as the original (Only because her camerais uber-cool and mine is not). But I played around with my dinky camera and Iam happy with the results. Someday I’ll get a nice camera, someday. Anywhooo,Enjoy!

James andJonas trying to eat their light

Jonas trying to blow his light out

Andie wasn’t feeling too swell but put up withme anyway

Ally posing perfect for me

This is my copycat, I thought it turned outcute. Thanks chilrens for being my little models

The blessings of Parker and Kyler

2011-12-07T22:23:00.001-07:00

This is Parker, he was blessed last Sunday.

Thisis Kyler, she was blessed last Sunday.

They were both blessed at the same time. But in two different cities. One is my side of the family, one is Jeremy's side of the family. We knew the only way to solve this dilemma was to divide and conquer. Jeremy took Jonas, I took the other 3 and we all had a good time.

Christmas Time is here Again

2011-12-07T21:57:00.001-07:00

It started offwith our Ward Christmas Par-tay! We are fairly new to our ward but we werewelcomed with open arms. We had a special visitor at the end of the party. I'mso glad he came. I like to get a picture of each of my children with him eachyear.

James was notliking it one bit!

Jonas didfairly well

Andie seemed abit timid at first

Ally knew whatshe wanted and didn't waste any time

James justcried a bit, Jonas didn’t ask for anything, Andrea wants a girl video game(Good luck with that one Santa), and Ally asked for something from Australia.

Then a few days later we visited the Christmas Village near the Court House. They wrote and mailed their letters to Santa, because telling him wasn't enough and they get letters back from him this way.

Theywere bundled up nice and warm. Rice bags, blankets, hats, coats, etc.

Today we putup the lights on the house. I do not like doing this. I’m not so great withheights but with my girls holding onto the old rickety ladder we got it done.It’s not as fancy as other houses but we’re satisfied!

We put up the treethe day after Thanksgiving….and the day after that too. You see, I need to put each branch on individually. It’s annoying but it works well because then I canweave the lights on easier. I like lots of lights. Usually I put on 8 strandsof 100. This year we got it all out and found that absolutely none of the 800lights worked. I was frustrated, the girls were on the verge of crying becausewe couldn’t put up the tree until the lights worked. My dad has a cool toy.It’s this It works amazingly well. With it I got 5 strands and 2 half-strands to work. I combined the two half strands to make one full strand. But I could not, for the life of me, get the other 2 to work. My mom had extra so she gave me a strand. So I was able to have 700 lights. Good enough. It took two days to get it all done, darn lights, but it was worth it.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T15:26:00.001-07:00

The nightbefore Thanksgiving James was so tired he crashed on the kitchen floor. Theykept his IV in his hand so all they had to do is flush the needle andstart a new batch of "gatorade"

Day 2 atthe hospital. We got up early drop the older kids off and started the fluidsabout 8-8:30ish. We didn't get done until 11. I raced back to my moms to pickup the other kids so I could make it out to Honeyville and make the root beeron time. Much to my surprise Jeremy was there waiting for me! Yay!!! He wasscheduled to work but got done early.

James looksdrugged. He's not, he's just tired.

Andof course when you make dry ice you must pour smoke on your kids.

The girls havecome to expect it.

Jonas is still nervous about it!

Then when Honeyville was done we went to my parents house. Mymom's cousin and her husband are over in America from Australia so my mominvited them. It was so good to see them.

So many, manythings to be thankful for. Husband, kids, siblings, in-laws, warm home, food,safety, freedom, knowledge of the gospel, job, the list is endless. SometimesI'm afraid I take for granted my blessings. I hope I can be more aware andthankful for each one.

Sickie James

2011-11-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

My poor baby James is not feeling so hot. He can't keep fluids inhim at all. The past 4 days I have gone through a lot of diapers. Then lastnight and twice today he's thrown up. I took him to the doctors because hewasn't acting like himself. Just laying there, half asleep. Well our doc toldmy he was pretty dehydrated. Dehydrated enough to go to the hospital and get anIV of fluids.

He cried a bit when they poked him but they got it in the firsttime.

That little stump is his hand all wrapped up. He kepttrying to pull it off or eat it.

Once it was in and anchored they putanother warm blanket on him and he drifted off.

He woke up an hour and a half later nothappy at all. It took about 3 hours to get the fluid in him and we need to goback Thanksgiving day to get another dosage. We got home, he had somePedialyte, and then went to sleep for the night at 6:30. It's so sad that he'sthis sick but I'm loving all the naps.

James

2011-11-23T20:26:00.001-07:00

ONE!!!

Alright James, you can stopgrowing now. please. For mommy.

We gotto have most of Jeremy's family over for the day. It was super fun!Unfortunately the Birthday Boy was asleep for most of the time they were hereso we didn't get to open presents or eat cake.

After he wokeup we opened presents. He couldn't open them very well so he resorted to eatingthem.

His gigantic present. It was almost as tall as he is!

Guess what it is...

A new carseat! He loves that he can see out the window.

Some of his gifts. He got a new car seat,diapers, gripz snacks, fruit, fruit snacks, 2 books, an outfit, a matchbox car,a card with money, and some blocks.

Hisdinner. He loves all kinds of food but the girls chose breakfast for dinner forhim.

(That'sa 1 with a heart.)

His BirthdayBalloon

Jen,the sweet lady that Jeremy works with made him this cake.

"Happy1st Birthday James"

Last Week

2011-11-23T19:40:00.001-07:00

So we moved. It was a happy/sad move as most moves are. Still in the same town just not in the same ward. I loved my ward. And yes, it is MY ward. We had been there for 7 years. 3 of my babies were blessing in that ward. We tried to keep going to that ward, but....I guess it's kinda frowned upon. I'm sure going to miss it. The people are FANTASTIC! They are so nice, the girls have friends, Jeremy enjoyed playing basketball with the guys and once a month I got to hang out with my ladies. (I'm still going to do that, no way that's going to change)

I love the building too. It's super old. In the chapel there is a huge stained-glass window. Yes I know I shouldn't be taking pictures inside the chapel but sorry, I had to. For me.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appearing to Joseph Smith

We had 9:00 church so we always had the sun shining through lighting it up. Amazingly beautiful.

Our pulpit.

The entire back wall is round. I guess they made it like that so the speaker's voice would carry all the way to the back of the room before they had microphones.

This is my seat. Up in the balcony. It was so cool up there. How often do you get to sit in a balcony!

So Long 3rd ward. I will miss you terribly!

Spooky Time!

2011-11-02T12:51:00.001-06:00

I Dream of Ally Genie

50's Poodle skirt dancing Andie

Jonas is a dinosaur, he didn't like his hat much but kept it on to make me happy!

James is our puppy. He too, did not like his hat and was constantly pulling it off by the ears.

Pumpkins we carved

We Believe!

2011-11-02T12:38:00.003-06:00

Basketball season is underway!

Show me the true blooded Aggie from Utah, who doesn't love the spot where the sagebrush grows!

Bargain!!!

2011-11-02T12:33:00.000-06:00

So I like a page on facebook. It has links to lots of coupons and freebies. They posted one that was a coupon for a free 16 X 20 poster from Wal-Mart Photo Center. So one day after church I sat them down and snapped a shot. I later went and cashed that coupon in and viola free picture. Unfortunately the frame I had that I thought was big enough wasn't. So off to D.I. I found a big frame for $1.50. It had the Ogden temple in it. Old school Ogden temple with the golden spire. The one that was also known as the birthday cake or casino. (I've heard both.) The cashier at the store told me that under no circumstance should I rid myself of that picture. It's a collector's item, he said. Sorry sir, I'm not treasuring it as you think I ought to but don't worry, I didn't throw it away.

So back to my story. I sprayed some spray paint on the frame and my finished masterpiece is now hanging in my front room!

So adorable, I'm so lucky they are mine!!!

Conference

2011-11-02T12:20:00.002-06:00

We spent conference playing church Bingo.It kept the kids attentive. They might not have understood the jist of most of the talks but they sure listened for certain words. And when they called out BINGO they got to eat the skittles in the bingo row.

My award winnng 1st grader

2011-11-02T12:14:00.004-06:00

Andie received an award. It was for her writing. It says "Using proper sentence structure" on her paper but her teacher said that Andrea also comes up with some of the most creative words that make her sentences fun to read.

Way to go Andrea!

Anybody want....

2011-11-02T12:09:00.001-06:00

...a slenderizer??? You sit on it /lean over it and it's supposed to massage the fat right out of ya

Come on, you know you want it!

Playing

2011-11-02T12:04:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago Jeremy's sister had one of the cutest baby girls ever. We went to visit them. The kids weren't allowed in the maternity ward so Gama and I took turns staying back with the kiddos.

Jonas really liked this dragon.

Gama set these two up to face each other, they enjoyed it despite the look James' face. Maybe the face is for the diaper explosion he had. Taking 3 kids under the age of 3 into a hospital bathroom that doesn't have a changing table to change an extremely messy diaper is not what I would call a pleasant experience.

James spent the rest of our outing nekkid.

American West

2011-11-02T11:15:00.000-06:00

The girls have a friend that had a birthday way back in September. They got invited to his party that he had at the American West Heritage Center. I just have to say, I love that place. It is so amazing. They have buildings dedicated to, what I'm afraid will someday be lost, arts. One is blacksmithing, woodwright, they have a furnished house that has no electricity or running water, they have root cellars, barns, chicken coops, looms, fire starting pits, hatchet throwing, tee pees, wash tubs, pony rides, an opera house. It makes me want to live there so I can learn how to do these amazing things and not take for granted the conveniences I have.

They have a HUGE hill that they put plastic on for the kids to slide on. They changed it a little from last year. Apparently they had it working so well last year a few kids broke their arm.

They had a hay jump, you climb on big hay bales and jump into the hay. Pretty self-explanatory, huh.

Gourd launchers, so fun!

They also had a corn maze that I got completely lost in and ended up exiting out the entrance. But they had a little maze for the kids made out of huge cardboard boxes. (You know the kind they keep pumpkins in) I wanted to climb in there with them but I'm sure I'd get a few weird looks thrown my way so I restrained myself.

We had an awesome time, thanks Bostyn for inviting us.

Millions of Peaches

2011-09-13T09:43:00.005-06:00

Peach Days. I love those days. The streets close down, we have parades, vendors, rides, and lots of fun!

Andie waiting for the parade to start

El Kalah Shriner on his magic carpet!

Coolest float! Arg Matey

Jonas did NOT like the sirens.

Ally did like the creamies!

James was amazed at all there was to see!

Jonas loved it all and was content to just sit in the stroller, thank heavens!

This summer the girls worked really hard and earned money for Peach days. They both went on the dragon coaster and the merry-go-round.

Ally also bought a necklace and Andie bought a hat covered in sequins

I think they liked Peach Days this year!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-13T09:09:00.003-06:00

Yup, we visited Alpine, Wy again and loved every second.

If you have cheesy fingers you need to share them, right?

Sorry the picture is blurry but this is Jeremy's cousin, the one that got burned. He's doing much better now. The bandage changing has gone from a 3 hour ordeal to 30 minutes. And for the next year he gets to sport those awesome gloves 24/7 (except for when he gets wet.)

Jeremy jumping to get Jonas!

Well, I was feeling all sorts of bad because I didn't get a chance to run the Snake this year so Jeremy's awesome aunt Billie decided to take me and her daughter-in-law for a float down the slow part of the river on PONTOONS!!!

Jessica and me

I had so much fun!!!

(Thanks Barbie for letting me borrow your pontoon)

Billie and Jess

We decided we should make this an annual affair!

Billie also got the girls skirts with leggings. Oh you would think they had died and gone to heaven! They were ruffly, and sparkly and so fancy. The girls wore them the entire time we were up there and the next day to school.

Cotton Candy

2011-09-13T09:00:00.004-06:00

My sis and her hub have a sweet cotton candy machine. They even have a bubble that goes on top because there are fly-aways and that stuff can get into everything and get pretty darn sticky!

They invited my girlies over to help make some for our nephew's 3rd b'day. They are pros and making the stuff, aka fairy floss.

Jake had this little power wheel as a kid that was all charged up and ready to be driven.

and everytime they make cotton candy, the neighbor kids drop by for a visit.

Thanks Kenz and Jake, you guys rock!

Olives

2011-09-13T08:56:00.002-06:00

What kid hasn't done this???

High School

2011-09-13T08:37:00.004-06:00

So a couple of weeks ago a bunch of Jeremy's friends got together to reunite. David and Amy Rose hosted, huge thank you to both of you!

We had such a good time, there were lots of looking at pictures and lots of "remember when" stories.

Our kids made friends.

We have Josh Heater, Josh Wouden, Tyler Shaw, Amy Rose, Christine Nebeker, Jeremy, Brittany Tyger, Doug and Sherry Coburn, Mitzi and Ryan Carter, Vanessa Nielsen, Anji Stephens, and Kristy Jorgensen-Owen

Swimming

2011-09-12T09:12:00.003-06:00

Jonas loves the water! I hope he always loves it.

Andie just finishing up on the slide.

I didn't get any pictures of Ally because I was in awe of how awesome she had gotten at swimming, and couldn't compose myself to take a picture until it was too late. Andie has improved tons too. Swimming lessons really have paid off.

Jonas was shivering after a while, but as soon as he'd warm up, into the water he'd go.

First Day of School

2011-09-12T09:09:00.003-06:00

Andie, my 1st grader!!

Ally, my 2nd grader!!

Turns out.....

2011-08-19T21:52:00.002-06:00

James is allergic to Amoxicillin.

Last week he was very lethargic and had a temp of 104.2. He had one ear infection and swollen tonsils. Which, I found out, are highly unusual for a kid his age. So we got ourselves some antibiotics. He fever broke the next morning at 4 a.m. but 3 days later a rash broke out, and spread and spread. Poor kids had speckles everywhere. Ally has this same allergy but she had had the medicine a few times and was about 4 or 5 before she reacted to it. Not my boy, first time this kid has been on anything prescribed and he breaks out.

Another reunion

2011-08-07T15:57:00.006-06:00

This time it was for my side! It was only half an hour away and only a few hours long but it was fun!

The had a couple of bouncy houses and a volleyball net. They had posters of all my great-grandparents children to look at. We had a potluck lunch and then they had a program. Those who remembered my great-grandparents told stories about them and about life growing up.

Ally can't decide whether to eat cotton candy or her snow cone!

Those in charge this year made a beautiful quilt they raffled off. It was a family tree showing all the descendants of G.L. and Anna Bowen.

Our names were at the very top near the center!

Activity Days

2011-08-07T15:29:00.005-06:00

So Friday we had "day camp" for Activity Days. We went here. I had never been before and I fell in love with the place. It was only $4 to get it. They had free pony rides, free train rides, and taught you cool survival skills. Like building a fire with no matches and throwing hatchets. At certain times you can help milk the cows, feed the chickens and do all sorts of fun stuff.

Train ride

For an extra $2 you could have a tea party. They teach you good manners and you eat finger foods with pink lemonade. Then you play a game and make a craft. It was really fun and well worth the extra two bucks.

Pony rides

They had a building devoted to wood wrights. What is a wood wright you ask? He makes the furniture that goes inside the house, as well as smaller things like bowls and spoons.

Inside the farm house. They have no indoor plumbing and this really amazing wood burning stove. My parents have one a lot like it.

We learned about Sacagawea and went inside a teepee.

Throwing hatchets. Yup, she got it in the log. That's my girl!

Making fire

I had such a good time and would recommend it to anyone!!!

Another City Activity

2011-08-03T20:58:00.003-06:00

The city had another activity thing with free dinner so we jumped on that!

They had city vehicles you got to go inside and learned about. We went in the Ambulance, the Police truck, the SWAT tank and the fire truck. It was very interesting.

Jonas met McGruff the dog. I'm not quite sure what he thought of him. He wasn't scared but he wasn't excited. Probably just confused. The girls got shirts from the USU booth because Jeremy was wearing an Aggie hat! We got lots of SWAG and had fun!

Swimming Lessons

2011-08-03T20:54:00.001-06:00

We stuck the girlies in swimming this summer. They have loved it and are doing such awesome jobs. Keep it up girls!

Andie swimming

Allyson swimming

Ferron Mountain

2011-08-03T20:19:00.004-06:00

This past weekend we loaded 8 people in our 6 passenger van plus all our stuff and food for 12 people - Yeah, we were super crowded. And we drove down to Ferron, Utah! We made many stops on the way, including one with an exploded diaper that ended up on the baby's face.
Don't ask.
But we got there safe and sound and had a blast! We did some hard-core camping. No running water and a hole in the ground for a potty! Luckily Jeremy's uncle fastened a toilet seat onto a chair so that was good. Thanks Bevan!

We had a big open field so we let the kids go crazy, we just had to watch out for the hundreds of cow pies. There were lots of cousins for all the kids to play with. Lots of good food, and the last day a bunch went on a 6 mile hike up the rest of the mountain.

Hike up Big Mountain

Cousins around the campfire

Scary bull that was SO LOUD!

We built some forts!

Watching the Program

Jeremy's grandmother and her sister sang this in a talent show and won 1st place! These guys learned it in about an hour. I'm impressed

On the way we saw some wind turbine.
It's so cool that we have figured how to harness the power of wind to benefit us. I love inventors!

Boating with the Hurdsmans

2011-08-03T13:42:00.001-06:00

My sis and her hub took us boating. We were going so slow for the girls (myself included) the Jake didn't really need to steer. Much fun. Thanks guys!

AlPiNe, Wy

2011-08-03T12:04:00.012-06:00

Get ready for a picture overload.....
and it goes backward, sort of. There were too many pictures I didn't even want to mess with things.

The aftermath of the pie eating contest.

Pie Eating Contest Winner!!!

Jonas thought dad was being crazy.

Aggie, our dog, had an accident and somehow (we still don't know how) clipped his Achilles tendon. We couldn't afford the surgery so one of the nurses at the vet office asked us if she could adopt him. It was such a sad day. Poor Aggie, you are definitely missed!
This is Sam, Jeremy's cousin. We had a bonfire. Things didn't work out so well for Sam.

He now is home and doing better. His face and arms had 2nd degree burns and a part of one arm was 3rd degree. He had to get skin grafts on both arms. He's in a lot of pain still but getting better day by day. Don't play with fire!

Jonas and Aunt Billie, (Sam's mom) Jonas absolutely loves this wonderful woman! He calls her B-e!

We went outside to play and Jonas saw Aggie run under the deck and thought he'd try it himself.

Aunt Billie spoils us. She bought sheets and we made quilts for the girls to leave at the cabin. Above is Ally's quilt and below is Andie's. We also made two more.

Ally being forced to do dishes. This is after we made her pick up sticks in the yard. Chores still go on even if you leave your house.

Thin Ice - new favorite!

Shooting BB guns with cousin Sam

He makes this face on occasion. I think it's hilarious.

Took a jaunt up to Jenny Lake and passed the Chapel of Transfiguration. Billie and I put attending this church on our bucket list.

Playing at the lake

Lunch time at Murphy's Lake up the Gray's river.

The kids and I got to go up for about 3 weeks and spend a nice fun time. Jeremy came up for the 4 of July weekend and the Hunsaker reunion weekend. I miss it already!

Guess who lost her first tooth?

2011-06-22T13:37:00.001-06:00

She really was excited, despite the look on her face.

I know, I know, mom and her camera.

City Par-tay

2011-06-22T13:04:00.002-06:00

A few nights ago our lovely city had a party. For $2 you got dinner, (domino's pizza, soda, and cookies) entertainment (BINGO) and activity (swimming). We had a pretty fun time.

If there is a hill, you have to roll down it, right??

Mr. Chubby Cheeks, he means business.

B-I-N-G-O
We had 5 cards and didn't win at all. bummer.

Swimming! Sadly I sat on the sidelines with the 2 boys because, once again, I forgot to buy swim diapers. Jonas fought and cried and screamed to get out of the stroller so the boys and I took off early and walked home. I felt bad that he didn't get to swim so I put him and James in the bath. I sat down next to the tub with the newspaper. I hadn't even finished the front page before I got a bucket of water dumped on me. I look over and there is my Jonas with a big smile on his face. I love that he has to liven things up for me. Never a dull moment!

To the Park we go

2011-06-22T10:12:00.003-06:00

Willow Park, that is. So, just to get the animal picture out of the way because Willow Park does have animals and you don't usually see Peacocks in full plume. Here it is.

Yeah, pretty sure he likes the swings.

And the extra super tall slide that makes my heart beat a little faster every time he climbs the super tall ladder to get to the top. Thankfully he has amazing sisters for helpers. This time it was Andie!

Ally has to get a shot of her and the wallaby, if you can't see it don't feel bad. Look closer, under that huge grey rock. She's been into all things Australia lately. I hope she keeps it up. Maybe if we win the lottery we'll take her to see her great-grandmother there. I guess you'd have to play the lottery to win it, eh. Anybody have $5,000 to spare? Me, either.

Apparently James likes the swings too.

Father

2011-06-22T09:56:00.002-06:00

I have an amazing husband. More importantly, my children have an amazing father.

He is so full of life and is so anxious to share the great things in life with us.

He's so handy and is a hard-worker.

Thanks for all you do for us Jeremy!

We love you!

Mother's Day

2011-06-14T16:30:00.004-06:00

Yes, I am very much aware that Father's Day is this Sunday but I neglected to post about Mother's Day so you get to hear about me. I enjoyed my mother's day. Woke up bright and early to feed my rollie-pollie little boy. Was greeted by my little guy with a big ole grin and forced my girlies to get out of bed with only minor moans and groans of "I'm tired".

After I did everyone's hair, my most wonderful husband gave me my gift. Delicious raspberry yogurt covered pretzels and my final missing piece to my necklace. He started it 4 years ago for mother's day with my two girls together, and then as each boy has joined our family. I'm talking about my rings. Little, tiny, minuscule rings that could barely fit halfway down my 5 1/2 pound newborn's pinkie finger.

This is James' ring that I just got.

I have one for each of my children. The stones represent the month in which they were born. Honestly, I'm not into the birthstone thing but when Jeremy gave me these I fell in love with them.

Allyson, Andrea, Jonas and James

I wear them constantly. They remind me that I'm a mother, true blue, through and through. It is the hardest and best job out there. Just when you think you can't take it anymore your 2-year-old climbs up to cuddles with you. Or your 6 and 7-year-olds try to make a romantic dinner for you and dad. (They are making deviled eggs at this very moment) or your 7-month-old gives you the cheesiest grin as you walk past him to get the laundry. I have to stop for a moment from my busy life to remember that these moments that happen are gone as fast as they come. That they are fleeting. The phrase "this too shall pass" doesn't just apply to trial and bad times but to good times too. I need to cherish every moment, savor every "I love you", and adore every "mom, watch me".

Now excuse me, my adorable 2-year-old just woke up my rollie-pollie 7-month-old.....

I love being a mother!

Random Post

2011-06-01T07:10:00.007-06:00

So it's been awhile since I posted anything. I don't have anything specific or exciting to tell so I'll just throw random things out.

So our stupid car broke, again. Last year we replaced the engine. Yeah, it only lasted one year. Jeremy was driving down the freeway to meet up with his aunt and just after the Kaysville exit, ka-plunk. Then he was out of town for the next week. Let me tell ya how awesome it was getting that home. No, on second thought, I won't. It makes me too frustrated. Anyway, we sold it for parts and made a whole $300 from it. So we are back to one car again.

And now it's time for random pictures....

Ally's school had a patriotic program, they sang some song, told some jokes, it was pretty cute but there were WAY too many people there.

Can ya tell he likes Thomas???? Jonas has been having evaluations. He doesn't talk much. USU has a program called "Up to 3" they send specialists to your house to evaluate to see if he is eligible for the program. He still has one more to go before we are told whether is qualifies or not. They said they are worried about his imitation. He passed his hearing test with flying colors. I really think he is just being stubborn. His milestones have always been a little behind. But I'm not completely in denial so we are getting him checked out just in case. He learned to say Ally this past weekend so progress is being made!

Let's put in another random story. Andrea went on her first field trip. They went to the Nature Walk. She came home super excited and told me all about it. I feel bad when I miss out on exciting things in their lives but I'm glad they still talk to me and involve me in things they love. Andrea also has her first loose tooth. For real this time. Ally would loose her teeth and Andrea would feel left out and show me her "loose teeth" then finally one day she told me her tooth her when she bit things. I checked it out and told her it was loose. Boy was she excited. She was convinced it was going to fall out that day. It's been a week and she still has it.

Ally lost the 2 side teeth on top so she can make a face like a beaver. Cracks me up every time.

James, I swear, is getting chubbier by the minute. He is such a happy little guy. He now is 6 months. I haven't taken him in to his check-up yet so I don't know how big he is exactly. He can now sit up all by himself and loves to babble and eat.

Allyson never calms down, okay really she does, but sometimes it feels like she doesn't. She's always climbing on something. She won the "Top Reader" award in her class. She is such an awesome reader. At parent teacher conference her teacher told me that a lot of the time Allyson will stay in a recess and read. She loves books about animals.

We took our annual Memorial Day trip to Alpine. It was pretty chilly and rained quite a bit but we still very much enjoyed being up there. Of course I forgot the camera. I packed all the things we would use for the car ride in the diaper bag, music, books, camera, toys.... and then guess the one thing I forgot. The diaper bag. I guess it could've been worse. I could've forgotten James' bag with all his diapers, clothes and food.

Jeremy's cousin dangling Andrea from the balcony.

Jeremy and I got to go on our date that has been planned for over a year. Finally! We bought tickets to the U2 concert back when it was supposed to be in June 2010 but Bono had to have back surgery and it was rescheduled. So May 24, we dropped the kids off at my parent's place and headed down to Rice Eccles Stadium. Crossing our fingers that it would NOT rain. It didn't and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We met up with some friends afterward and had a very fun night! I love you Jeremy!

So there's some randomness for ya!

Easter!!!

2011-04-26T13:56:00.006-06:00

So we started off Easter by coloring 5 dozen eggs. We only kept 6 for ourselves and shared the rest with family. I learned I cannot keep dyeing kits for more than 2 years. My orange and yellow didn't color too well. Oh well live and learn!

We have 9 am church this year. Ugh, was not looking forward to getting up finding baskets and being to church that early. So my dad mentioned he was speaking in Sacrament Meeting on the Atonement I was committed to going and supporting him in that. That fact that their church started at 11 was an added bonus.

So up they got, and bathed they were, and because everyone wasn't awake yet they had to wait to do baskets. Ally went first at getting the not so fun stuff done (bathing) so she could be first at getting the fun stuff done. That's why she's the only dressed in her Easter dress. And that's why Andie and Jonas are not dressed at all. I didn't get a picture of anyone actually all ready.... such a bummer. They were all cute, trust me.

James and his basket

Jonas admiring the Thomas train he got in his basket

Fresh out of the bath Andrea with her basket

Ally with her basket in her dress.

The day before Easter we went to the egg hunt at the park and afterward went to Jeremy's mom's place for lunch and to celebrate the 3 birthdays there were that week. Thanks to the Millers there are now 4 birthdays within a week, how awesome is that! Here we are reusing Thomas pinata.

Then we searched for eggs, played egg baseball, followed by an egg fight, with some dome climbing mingled into it all.

Excited girl!

Then on Sunday evening we went to my parents abode to once again search for eggs.

I attempted to do an Easter basket weave into Andrea's hair. I needed a craft needle to perform this correctly but unfortunately I didn't have one so I improvised. Looked pretty good without the needle I think.

And then we take the annual Easter picture. Missing: Beth, who feels she is much too old for such activities, and Cooper who was fast asleep.

We'll get you next year Coop!

Party!

2011-04-26T12:28:00.006-06:00

Jonas turned two. He got lots of presents that he loves a lot.

His favorite is Thomas the Tank Engine so I tried to theme it around him. I kept it simple. Here he is partaking of his Thomas cake!

When I brought it to him for him to blow out the candles he just wanted to grab Thomas off and play with him. His dad ended up blowing out the candles. Silly kid.

Then we had a pinata that I made. When we have lots of kids and a bat it can get a little crazy so I decided to make a pull tie one. You hang lots of curling ribbon but only the when the right ribbon is pull will the trap-door open and the goodies will come out. Plus you can reuse it! He got to watch Thomas all day and thoroughly enjoyed his birthday (as much as a 2-year-old can)

Then 3 days later his dad had a birthday! We hung out all day then shopped a bit and he and I made rouladen mit spaezle und rotkohl, and since the U.S. doesn't sell fausbrausse we had apple beer. Mmmmm I'm drooling just thinking about it all. Then we had key lime pie for his birthday dessert.

That Saturday he got to go to Logan to watch the blue and white game and there he met and shook hands with a Superbowl champion, Jarrett Bush.
(He didn't have the camera but someone else took a picture and he was in the background so there is proof that he was there)

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

Doo doo doo do do doooo....he's turnin' 2!

2011-04-18T18:03:00.006-06:00

JONAS!!!!

Get ready for a bombardment of all things Jonas

Don'tcha love those big blue eyes, I know I do!

He got a little brother. He really really wanted smarties for breakfast Christmas morning. Yeah, I caved.

Pianist in the making

Loving Aunt Billie

Horseback riding with Auntie Kenz

Rock Searching in Grouse Creek

He wasn't a big fan of the sirens....

..or the cold water at Palisades.

Was a pumpkin for Halloween.

And DIDN'T cry and scream at Santa.

Loved his walker. Can you just hear the squeal of joy?

Tripped to Yellerstone!

Was a baby model (just kidding) but seriously, he could be.

Gotta cheer for those Aggies!

Are you all Jonased out yet? I'm not. I can't get enough of him. Okay maybe on rare occasions but I wouldn't trade him for anything. He's such a funny kid. He takes life by the reigns but does not forget to enjoy the scenery. He loves shoes because shoes=outside! He loves Thomas the Tank Engine. He will bring the remote and tell me choo choo. He also loves food, toys, going places, wrestling, and his family.

I will send you off with a video of the birthday boy and his dad doing a new trick.

Happy Birthday Handsome Man, I love you so very much!

Pictures and Hair

2011-03-19T16:01:00.003-06:00

School Pictures of my adorable girls!

Allyson got her haircut for her birthday. Shortly thereafter I got my haircut because it had been 2 years and I was sick of it. So naturally Andrea wanted her hair cut. Jeremy had a hard enough time letting Ally cut her hair. He let me know he didn't like me getting my hair cut but let me know it is my hair and I can do with it what I please. (He's so good!) But he adamantly refused to let Andrea cut her hair. I so glad he held his ground. Jeremy's cousin's wife introduced me to this website. Thanks Megan! This woman is so talented and I have been having fun trying a bunch of them out. Below is my version of the shamrock I did for St. Patrick's Day!

Girls Week

2011-03-19T15:37:00.005-06:00

This week was girls week at school. The girls were SO excited!

They started Monday off with face painting. Andie got stars and swirls.

Ally got a dolphin.

Tuesday was Minute to Win it during lunch.

Wednesday was ice cream after lunch.

Thursday was 10 extra minutes during afternoon break.

Friday was girls eat first at lunch.

Friday was also grandparents day for all the 1st graders. Nanna came to the school and listened to a short program where they sang a few songs. They ate lunch together and Ally showed her her classroom and the playground. Friday night was mother-daughter night at The Peak.

They had a zip line the girls had to try.

Moms had to be at the end of the zip line to catch their girls.
Andie playing on the long rings...

and playing in the tunnels.

Ally playing on the short rings...

and climbing the rope.

Then they raced an optical course.

Then Andie played on the bars.

Ally had to try it out.

There was so many people and the girls were so excited I spent 1/2 the night searching for them in amongst everything and everyone. They had so much fun, they've already asked to go back 6 times and it hasn't even been a day. After so much playing we took a break and had root beer floats. I had such a good time just playing with my girls.

(My apologies for the spots on the pictures. My camera lens had gunk on it and I couldn't get it off)

Get the Party Started

2011-03-08T13:25:00.004-07:00

In no particular order....

Presents. She got this play-doh factory (shown below), tights, a bracelet with her name on it, Star Crunches, a barbie washing machine, a barbie bed. Some $ Make-up barbie. A Go-fishin' game but with jewels instead of fish. Bed sheets, Littlest Pet Shop puppy. A ball, jump rope, sun catchers. A bag, crayons, activity book, PEZ dispenser. And a Fairy Barbie. I say she made out well.

Andrea had a party with a few friends. We had pizza, decorated cupcakes, opened presents, and played around.

She chose a barbie cake with a poodle ring. Barbie's dress lights up as well. I just got 1/8 of a cake and when I picked it up it looked tiny so I brought leftover cupcakes. The cake turned out just the perfect amount with a little bit of ice cream.
Andie wanted to bring Lunchables to school on her birthday, but then we later found out that she had no school, as it was teacher prep day. So we picnicked in the front room.

Last summer, Aunt Billie taught them a new game. Don't Eat Pete. This is our quick homemade version of the game.

Why are balloons so fascinating to all children?

The Sunday after her birthday we got with some cousins and had a pinata. This one I made stronger but the bottom stretched a bit. So I did another layer and stuck it in the sun to dry. The sun expanded the balloon and caused it to burst through the wet newspaper. It made a HUGE hole. Luckily the hole at the top was small. So I flipped it upside down, duct taped the original hole and decorated. It's meant to be a tutu of sorts. They actually broke this one before it fell off the string. I'ma learnin'!

My Andie

2011-03-04T10:46:00.004-07:00

My Dearest Andrea,

Thank you for being my daughter. You are the funniest kid, you are very bold with others but get away with it because you are too cute! You are daring, and with a little coercion are willing to try a lot of new things.

You are so happy and make others happy.
You can get things done,

and are very dedicated to what you like and people you love.

You are my Princess, Andrea.

You know how to have a good time!

You can make the funniest facial expressions,

and you are too cool!

You are a great big sister and love your family. You always say loving Heavenly Father, Jesus and family is more important.

You are an excellent actress and are very smart!

You like swimming and are getting better each time you go.

You love fancy things.

You love Reeses cereal, and regleer (yes I spelled it how you say it) oatmeal with a bit of brown sugar. You always ask for mac and cheese for dinner and love your hair in a side ponytail. You are always on the go, whether it's dancing skipping, twirling, or running. I just discovered about a week ago you talk in your sleep. I love you Tum tum. I'm so very very happy you are mine and I get to watch you discover the world!

Happy Birthday, Beautiful!

Love, mom

10 years already???

2011-02-22T21:22:00.003-07:00

“The trick, my brethren and sisters, is to enjoy the journey, traveling hand in hand, in sunshine and storm, as companions who love one another." ~~~President Gordon B Hinckley

It's funny how things are in life. Today is Jeremy's and my anniversary. Number 10 to be exact and if I take it day by day it seems slow going but thinking back by years, it seems like it's just flown by. I still remember going on our first date, (we went to go see Titanic, I made him take me) and I told him for our anniversary I wanted to watch Titanic again. Luckily he knew I was kidding and got us both massages at a spa down in South Ogden. It was a surprise. He planned everything in advance. Got a sitter for the boys (Thank you Barbie!) and asked my mom to pick up the girls from school. Golly gee, I love that man!!!

I look back on our life and what we have accomplished, what we've been through, all our trials and blessings. Everything that has made our life what it is now. Sometimes Jeremy and I daydream of what it would be like to have the knowledge we have now and put it in our 20-year-old bodies. We could invest money in stocks, real estate and other such things and be millionaires by now. We could write books on our experiences, we could talk ourselves OUT of buying the huge suburban that turned out to be a lemon. We would still have rockin' bodies! No baby belly pooch for me, Yay! But alas, that is only wishful thinking. In 10 more years we will be wishing that we knew what we do when we were our age now. So life goes....

The kids and I watched some home movies while Jeremy had to work today and it brought back a flood of memories. Our first apartment we spent more then 3 months in, our trips, our house when we first moved into it. Looking at how much we've changed physically. 19 years old is just way to young to get married, I seriously looked like I was 15 years old. (Kids of mine you are not allowed to even date until you are 35!) I could have watched those videos for hours but the growling stomachs of my girls and "peese" Jonas was saying over and over forced me to turn it off and go make dinner.

Thanks, Jeremy, for loving me through thick and thin. For being the most amazing dad to 4 of the luckiest kids in the world. Thanks for putting up with all my nerdy weirdness. For dealing with, helping out, and loving my side of the family. For bringing me in to and letting me love yours. Thank you Jeremy for being a shoulder for me to cry on and a best friend to laugh with. You have made me the happiest wife in the whole world and I love your guts!

Here's to the next 10 years, love.

A Naming and Blessing

2011-02-02T13:09:00.004-07:00

James Atticus Hunsaker

We named and blessed James this past Sunday. I was planning on the 6th of February but some people told me not to. Something about a big football game going on that day??? That wasn't the real reason why we changed it. It just worked out better for most people to do it on the 30th. Also it worked out better to do it after church. Those traveling wouldn't have to get up super early to drive - 9am church. And plus right after the blessing we had an extremely yummy lunch that my brother Daniel made. Everyone pitched in and brought something but he stayed up all night smoking pork roasts and a beef brisket to make southern BBQ. So good.

Jeremy performed the blessing which made me so happy. He did a fantastic job. It makes me feel honored to be his wife and mother of his children. I borrowed a pattern and fabric from the RS President in my ward and made his little suit. I accidentally sewed different parts at different times inside out. (That fabric was hard to tell the wrong side from right.) But after much unpicking and sewing, I had it done. Before I had kids my mother's mom, my Nanna who lives in Australia, made me the blanket that James is laying on. All 4 of my kids have been blessed in that, it's such a treasure to me. We had so many people there and had such a good time. James was such a good baby. He needed a bit of entertainment while we ate, but overall was fantastic. I'm so glad so many people could come. I think we were only missing 2 of Jeremy's siblings and their families. Thanks everyone for coming.

I feel so blessed to have the knowledge of the gospel. To have my eternal family if I but endure. I am so grateful for my family, for both the fleeting happiness and eternal joy they give me. I am grateful for what I learn during my trials as a mother. I'm so grateful for the trust Heavenly Father has in me to raise my children. I'm so glad I have them, no one could love any 4 kids more than I do mine.

Edith Bowen Forsgren

2011-01-24T21:22:00.005-07:00

Together Again

Frank & Edith Forsgren's Posterity

October 17th, 1918 - January 18th, 2011.

We had the funeral of a sweet sassy, lady that I love. She was such a talented woman. She was an amazing cook and always wanted to feed you something when you came to visit. She loved chocolate (especially Reeses), Pepsi, watching baseball but most of all she loved her family. She would always cut out anything about her family from the newspapers. Her house was littered with pictures of her kids, their kids, and their kids.

Most of the time when we went to visit she would tell me how handsome Jeremy was. "I was going to marry a tall, dark, and handsome man, but then I ended up with this guy" she'd say, gesturing to grandpa. Then she told me how she and my grandfather met. They were both working at the Remmington Arms factory and she saw him. She got a strong feeling she would marry him and asked her friend about him. To her dismay she found out he was married with a baby on the way. But she could not disregard her strong feeling. Well a few years later my grandpa's wife passed away and he was left heartbroken and with a little boy. When he returned from WW2 they courted and married and had 2 more boys. And to wrap up her story she'd tell me how handsome Jeremy was.

When we were kids we would spend the night at her house and we would dress up in her clothes she never wore (think fur coats, and big purses) her high heels, wear her jewelry and if we were lucky she would let us wear her lipstick. If we were cold she would put a lovely bright green towel over us like it was a blanket, even though she had plenty of blankets. What a sense of humor she had! She said the funniest things and was bold about it, and she got away with it because she was old. She called breaking wind, bluejays, I never understood why!?

She loved roses and poems. She loved to travel and went to so many places with 2 other couples that were good friends of hers and grandpas. I'm honored to be her granddaughter.

Her Casket

Say "Hi" to grandpa for me, please.

I love you Grandma.

7-Year-Old

2011-01-10T12:44:00.005-07:00

Ally is now 7 years old. I remember when she was 7 minutes old. Where does the time go? Her birthday was on Sunday this year. She starts talking about her birthday as soon as Christmas day is over.

This year she wanted to have a pinata. It's supposed to be a ladybug. I learned for the next time I make a pinata to make the top extra thick and sturdy. It ended up falling off the string before it broke open.

I love her face!

She wanted an Oreo cake. She also got to pick a breakfast cereal (Cookie Crips) and what was for dinner that day. She chose Chinese chicken. We ended up making orange chicken, fried rice, egg rolls, and won tons.

Good pick Ally!

She got lots of presents, including a new haircut!

I decided to do a year of Ally. So this is Allyson Hunsaker 2010, in no specific order.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLYSON! THANKS FOR BEING IN OUR FAMILY.

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Christmas Time is Here Again

2011-01-06T09:28:00.009-07:00

I love Christmas! I'm happy when it's over because sometimes I wonder if it's worth the worry and energy and money all for one day. But it's the look on my children's faces, the season that makes me happy and the reason for the season. Everyone seems to be just a bit nicer, I love the decorations, and I love teaching my children about the birth of Christ.
Mugs!

Ally's beloved Twinkies, she can't get enough.

Ally's new coat!

She asked Santa for a wooden acoustic guitar. She even pointed it out at the store. It was a bit more than Santa was willing to cough up, but thanks to Santa's helper Tiffany she got a pink acoustic plastic guitar featuring Rapunzel. She was happy and has spend lots of time learning how to play it.

Andie opening presents.

Andie's new coat!

Andrea asked for Barbie with a mermaid tail. She also got the movie Barbie and her Mermaid Tail. She loves playing with her Barbie while watching the movie. Making her Barbie do Barbie in the movie does.

This was after he opened his present of Smarties and we wouldn't let him have any. I gave in.

He got Thomas the Tank Engine from Santa.

He got loads of cars.

Eating breakfast!

As a kid we would get little boxes of cereal in our stocking to eat while we waited for my grandparents to arrive.

James just relaxed all day in his cute little outfit.

The girls helped James open his Santa present.

I made this for the boys. It's a playmat of our version of Brigham. Some things are iron-ons, some are painted. Each kid has a house, there is the police station, fire station, school, courthouse, temple, tabernacle, post office, grocery store, hospital, library, church, pond, playground, grandparents and parents houses. Along with some little decorations. Jonas loves it and I'm hoping James will too.

We performed a nativity skit at my parents, here's that cast.

We also did one at Jeremy's sister's house but the pics didn't turn out so well.

And after each of the kids got to visit with Santa.

Hope your family had a good holiday season too!

Seeing Santa

2011-01-06T09:18:00.003-07:00

Ally asked for an acustic guitar.

Andrea asked for a Barbie with a mermaid tail.

Jonas didn't ask for anything, but at least he didn't cry.

Ally's Award

2011-01-06T08:55:00.005-07:00

Ally got an award for her "Wonderful Words". Her teacher, Mrs. Ulsh, said that she's always excited to read what Ally has written in her journal they do at school.

Ally is LOVES to read books and is so creative when she write stories. She is very inventive and comes up with some interesting scenarios when you play with her.

Good job Ally!

Frank Wright Forsgren

2010-12-10T10:58:00.011-07:00

October 16, 1920 - December 3, 2010

So my grandpa got pneumonia about 2 1/2 weeks ago, after a few days and no improving we decided to take him to the doctors. The doctor put him in the hospital, on Friday I went and visited him so he could meet James, who was exactly one week old. After 3 days, on Monday, he went to a nursing home to get some strength back. Only he didn't get his strength back. He steadily got worse. On Friday, one week after being checked into the hospital, he peacefully passed away. We knew it was going to happen eventually, the man is 90 and can't live forever, but I just wasn't ready for it to happen this fast.

We had the funeral on Wednesday, I just have to say that funerals are depressingly sad. Although it was fun to hear stories other people had about him. My sister put out a memory bucket that people could write a memory they had of him.

Jeremy's memory was when he had Family Home Evening at my grandparents house. (It's been at least 6 years since we had it at their house) and Jeremy and I came late, we sat on the couch and Grandpa asked Jeremy if he was hungry. Jeremy said he was a little hungry but he'd be okay. But Grandpa turned to my older sister Brandy and told her to go make him a sandwich. We all looked at each other and wondered why he asked Brandy and not me, then Brandy said "Okay Grandpa". I met her in the kitchen and fixed it for him.

I wrote about the time he took me and Brandy ice skating on Pioneer Pond. Only none of the skates fit me so he pulled me behind him on a sled while he skated. He was a darn good skater. I also remember when he'd take us horseback riding by the old golf course. We'd have to earn our horseback rides by hanging out his car window and looking for golf balls (or as he called them balf golls) in the field across from the course. We would feed the horses cobs of corn and he would put us on bareback. Then he would pull his belt off and use that to lead the horse while he held his pants up by his hand.

He'd tell us we had sharp teeth when we ate vegetables, especially carrots.

He ALWAYS had a garden.

He would mix up words on purpose, like balf golls and Galoon (Lagoon).

When he ate something he really liked he'd tell us that he hadn't had it for years, even if we ate it last week, and we needed to fix it more often.

He would make up his own songs for us to dance to.

He'd ask us "Who's grandpa's girl?" --- I am

He would take us out to eat to a restaurant of our choice for our birthday.

Every weekend 2 of us got to sleepover at his house.

And so many more memories that I don't have room to write them all down.

About 17 years ago while my grandparents were in Hawaii my sister took me to the cemetery to show me the headstones my grandparents had just purchased. She told me they weren't home because they had died. I remember kneeling down and crying until she told me they weren't dead. They didn't have death dates on their headstones, they were just on vacation. I was so mad and so relieved at the same time. Now here we are, years later and I'm just wishing with all my heart that my sister will turn to me and tell me that he's not really dead, just on vacation somewhere. But she won't, because he's not.

He's such an cool guy with a lot of talents and a big generous heart. I miss you grandpa and love you even more!

At the Grave site.

His awards he recieved for serving in the Army.

James Atticus Hunsaker

2010-11-24T15:17:00.006-07:00

We got a new addition to the family this past weekend. He arrived on the 19th of November at 12:01 pm. We named him James Atticus, and he is one of the cutest babies ever!

Andie was just getting dropped off at school when she heard she had a new little brother. She wasn't able to get to see him until later that night. When my mom picked her up from school she asked her "do you want to go see you little brother now?" Andie answered "No" Do you want to wait until poppa gets home?" Andie replied, "We can wait" she didn't seem too interested. She was the same way when Jonas was born. But once we got her to the hospital and she saw him, she was excited. What a weirdie that kid is.

Ally was sick. She caught whatever was going around 3 days before James was born. So she got to stay home from school but she had to wear a mask when she held him.

Jonas like riding around in the wheelchair.

When my mom came to visit he found it in the hall and one of the nurses let them borrow it.

Jonas seems indifferent towards James. To him, James is another toy, only this toy moves and makes noises. Whenever he has paid attention to him we make sure to tell him 'soft' and Jonas pets him softly. He hasn't even gotten jealous.....yet.

Here he is getting his footprint done.

He weighed a whopping 6 pounds, 5.5 ounces, and was 19 inches long.

So I've had a 7lb 4oz kid (Allyson), an 8 lb kid (Andrea), a 5lb 6oz kid (Jonas) and now a 6 lb 6oz kid. I'm not consistent at all, 5, 6, 7, and 8 pounders.

James and his parents.

Welcome to the family little man!

Halloween Time!

2010-11-02T16:51:00.004-06:00

Allyson made a Haunted House at School

Vampire Ally

She lost her 2 front teeth which really added to her costume!

Andrea was a little witch. We went to the Pumpkin Festival a week or so before and she tied for best costume in the 0-5 age group. She got to be in the newspaper and she won a certificate and a king size Hershey bar.

Jonas was a little pumpkin! He didn't much like the hat but he kept warm so it was worth it.

Jeremy was Tinkerbell. Quite a manly Tinkerbell, I'd say.

90

2010-11-02T16:42:00.002-06:00

So a couple of weeks ago my grandpa turned 90. 9-0! I can't believe it. He'll always look old but not act old to me. He'll still be the guy that takes us out to ride horses and feed them corn. He'll always be the guy that goes out golfing 3 times a week and out to dinner with friends.

But sadly my sometimes my little world inside my memories is not reality. He is getting older whether I like it or not. He's still just as funny though. We had an open house for him on his birthday that turned out rather well. Sorry I didn't get any pictures. Love you Grandpa!

My Own Little Jack-O-Lantern

2010-10-09T09:39:00.004-06:00

Ally lost 3 teeth within a week and a half. That and a combination of her mouth getting wider to accommodate her new teeth it left quite a few gaps. Just in time for Halloween and school pictures.

Andrea's Major Award!

2010-10-09T09:31:00.002-06:00

Maybe it's not a major award, but it is pretty darn important to her. We went to the Awards Ceremony for the kindergarteners and 1st graders. She got the Dedicated award for her class. It says on it that she got it "for being such a dedicated student and for working hard each day to learn" her teacher also said that she is always ready to learn and listen to what her teacher says. Good Job Andie!!!

They also had all the 1st graders sing AND sign Apples and Bananas and You're a Grand Old Flag. Ally is in the middle wearing the pink shirt with the black jacket looking straight at me.

Horses Horses Horses Horses

2010-10-09T09:16:00.002-06:00

Okay so it's just one horse, but that's all it takes to have some fun! I got a phone call while I was waiting in line to pick up my kids from school from my sister and her husband. They asked if we wanted to ride around on one of their horses. Um, yeah!

Honestly, I'm a little afraid of horses. I rode one a couple years ago and it's just too big of an animal for me to control. I remember riding my grandpa's horses when I was a little girl and having a blast. Now, I'm just intimidated. So I sent Jonas with McKenzie. He loved riding it but when we had him in the bed of their truck and the horse came near he didn't love that as much.

Kenzie is taking Andie around, she really liked it, but there was a playground right beside where we were and she was constantly looking at it longingly. So needless to say, she was a bit distracted.

Allyson had a blast, she kept asking to go again. You can't tell very well but Kenzie had Oreo (her horse) trotting.

Thanks Kenz and Jake for an awesome afternoon!

Grouse Creek

2010-09-27T13:13:00.005-06:00

We decided to go on a camping trip this weekend. We'd been thinking about going for awhile but when we decided to go it was pretty spontaneous. Jeremy has been looking for places to look for geodes. We were planning on Dugway and Topaz Mountain but a friend of our suggested Grouse Creek. He's taken scouts out there and they found lots so we decided to give it a shot.

Jeremy, Jonas and I slept in the back of the car. A little uncomfortable but not cold at all! Especially with my little portable heater I call Jonas.
The girls slept in the tent and had a fun time.

They love camping and were so excited when we told them we were going.

We got a little lost because there are NO road signs where we went and landmarks are a little hard to see in the dark so we didn't find the spot until the next day. We didn't really know what to look for. Our plan was to bring the UV lights we borrowed from my older brother and find them using those since geodes glow when you use black lights, but that didn't work out as planned. We did find lots of cool rocks though.

Jeremy was having a field day!

This is Ally's evil scientist nose.

Aggie was quite the climber.

But not as good as Jeremy.

Jonas found a rock he liked.

On the drive home we explored a bit and found an old abandoned mine.

So of course we had to climb on top and throw stuff.

When we got back our friend found out we didn't find any geodes so he came by and gave us some that we got to crack open with a mallet. The girls thought it was so cool to hit the rocks and find the "jewels" inside.

It's about time little prince....

2010-09-23T13:18:00.002-06:00

Photo Shoot!

2010-09-23T12:58:00.006-06:00

Peach Days!

2010-09-14T17:11:00.002-06:00

Andrea got to ride in the Centennial Train. She rode in the Jr. Parade but opted out of the big parade so she could get candy instead. Silly girl. Worked out for me because I didn't have to follow her down the road to pick her up.

You can't see her very well but she sitting in the very back with a flag over her face. Yeah I'm that good at taking pictures.

This was a picture of a cool float that I thought I'd throw in.

Ally getting a high-five from a dog.

We had such a good time for Peach Days this year. Jeremy got to go to the parade with us - the first time in about 4 years! We enjoyed the festivities and can't wait for next year.

MY Jr. Peach Queen

2010-09-14T16:39:00.006-06:00

This year for Peach Days, Andrea got the opportunity to be in the Jr. Peach Queen Pageant. She was pretty excited. She got to wear the beautiful white dress that she's been waiting a year to wear. There were 65 5-year-olds this year. Yeah, it took a long time to get through the whole pageant but I'm glad we did it.

Last year when Ally was in it, her name did not get picked out of the glass bowl. She was very close to tears and I felt so bad. So this year both Allyson and I prepped Andie.

"Just because your name isn't picked, that doesn't mean you didn't do a good job...weren't the prettiest....didn't curtsy the best....fill in the blank"

We tried to prepare her so she wouldn't be sad when her name wasn't called. I guess we did too good of a job because almost the entire pageant she had a frown. Even before the names were pick, and no her name was not chosen.

I asked her afterwards why she was frowning, did she not have a good time. She told me "I had a good time, I just knew I wasn't going to win." How sad is that. I try and prepare her for disappointment and all I did was crush her hopes. I'm so sorry Andrea.

She did a spectacular curtsy!

And held so still while the Peach Queen, Lisa Lundberg, clasped her necklace around her neck.

I tried to get a picture of her by the decorations and she had a forced smile.

It wasn't until the mention of taking a picture with the Peach Queen and Ally that she finally gave me a real smile.

I love you Andie, you'll always be MY Jr. Peach Queen.

What once was lost.....

2010-09-01T15:27:00.002-06:00

....is now found.

Remember a few posts back I told you that our camera was MIA. Well about a week ago after it had been gone for about 3 weeks. Right around the same time my iPod came up missing. They were both in a car. Separate cars but the cars nonetheless. So we guess that someone had stolen them because also around the same time I found an empty gas can by the back rear tire of our broken down truck on the street one night. Weird thing is it was the opposite side of the gas tank door, but still quite curious, no? We were pretty upset about it all. I mostly wanted my camera back. The iPod was out in the car because it's always connected to a power source. It's a pretty old one and it doesn't last more than 2 or 3 songs without the battery dying. (Joke is on you whoever took it). In the back of my mind I kept hoping that maybe, just maybe, they both were lost someone in the house.

So about a week ago there was a knock at the door. Of course the girls ran to me yelling "Can I answer it?" I didn't answer yes until I was at the door with them. There were two men there. Hmm, I thought, what do they need? I open the screen door to talk to them and one of them holds up my camera. "Did you lose this?" I was so excited it took me a minute to respond. "Yes, yes, ya I did. Where? How?"

He tells me that he lives up the street and he went out to work in his yard. He was cutting back his bushes and lo and behold finds it. He looked through the pictures and finds one of my kids playing in the yard with my house in the background and remembers walking past my house. He decides to take a chance and bring it by just to see if it's ours. I am nearly speechless and all I can think to do is give him a hug. So I do. His friend laughs and I think, "I'm hugging some random stranger that probably thinks I'm nuts." I stop hugging him and turn red. After thanking him for the umpteenth time I come inside. After the 20 questions I got from my daughters, I look through the camera. I was so happy to find all my pictures still on there and the battery full.
I then call Jeremy and tell him the fantastic news. We are both flabbergasted as to how it ended up down the street in someones bushes but we are happy to have it back. No such luck on the iPod though. But like I said before, it's the camera I really wanted back.

So thank you so very much kind stranger for being honest and making our lives happier.

First day of School!

2010-09-01T15:08:00.002-06:00

Why does time have to go by so fast?

My little adorable kindergartner.

My friendly, smart and cute 1st Grader.

The Fair

2010-09-01T14:47:00.004-06:00

So we went to the County Fair. We haven't been in about 4 years. Jeremy is not a fan and since it's not very fun going solo I just don't go. BUT this year my mom called me up and asked if I would like to go with her during the day as a Back-to-School thing before school started.

Andrea had no clue what the Fair was. We didn't get to look at all the displays but there was a lot of S.W.A.G. I got a bunch of samples and coupons and a "diaper bag" (it was more like a reusable grocery bag-but it is way cute) I was super excited about that. They both got little toys from one of the booths and I told them they could each ride one ride. Usually they think enough alike that they choose the same ride, didn't work this time.

Allyson chose this dragon ride. I was a bit hesitant getting the tickets because a few years previous we tried going to Lagoon and she was scared out of her wits after the first ride. When she got off she was shaking, and when I tried to put her on the next ride she screamed bloody murder to get off. So....I was nervous when she chose this one. But much to my surprise they both LOVED it.

They were the only 2 kids on the ride.

Andrea picked the Merry-Go-Round.

I think the Fair was a winner in their book.

Yes, More Alpine

2010-09-01T10:16:00.004-06:00

This time Jeremy and I took my family. At first it wasn't going to work out and it was just going to be Jeremy, my younger brother and a few of his friends but after Jeremy's cousin who saved it for that weekend couldn't make it, I called up my bro. He was excited and we ended inviting the rest of the fam after his friends couldn't make it since there was such short notice. We only stayed a few days instead of our normal 2 weeks which threw the girls way off. But we had a ton of fun.

Unfortunately our camera disappeared for about 3 weeks during the month of August. Followed shortly by my iPod. So we broke out the old 8-year-old camera that has a big old crack in the screen so you can't see any pictures you have taken until you load them on your computer, and goes through batteries like no other, so not many pictures were taken. We went down the Snake and Lunchcounter was pretty much non-existent because the water level was so low but Big Kahuna was awesome and Rope was pretty darn good too.

On the way home we stopped off in Whitney, ID to see the resting place of President Ezra Taft Benson.

Tubing

2010-07-28T12:29:00.005-06:00

Barbie took us tubing on the lake, last week they discovered a dock that the girls had a blast on. So this time she brought me along to show me all the fun.

Sam went and we tried to knock him off. It took a l-o-n-g time cuz he's buff like that.

Ally got bored. Who knows what she was doing?

Jess and Andie got a turn. Andrea loved it but after a while her arms got tired.

Andie swimming.

We got to the dock and put the tube in the middle. They went the week before without me, so when we got there and set things up Barbie warned me. "Now Apryl, what your girls are about to do might make you a little worried and nervous." That cued Ally who then jumped off the dock onto the tube. It did make my heart beat a little faster, but then Andie jumped. She hit the very edge of the tube and slipped into the water. Of course, thanks to the life jacket, she popped back up but I definitely was worried then. I wouldn't get in the water until someone relieved me of watching them.

Ally took her turn at "swimming"

Can you see why it would make me just a little nervous?

Then we headed back. Sweet Barbie let Ally drive and she had a good time doing it!