Kids at Heart

Last week McKinlee had her little swimming pool out, and Jordan went swimming with her. It was the funniest thing to watch, neither of them having any fear of the FREEZING cold water, and the pool is pretty small. McKinlee was diving head first into the pool. I love summertime!

Fun with Family

After Las Vegas, I rode back home with Ty and spent the week with my family. We went shopping in Park City, (have I ever mentioned how my kids hate to shop!), went to the Zoo, and loved spending time together. My awesome mom took me to get a pedicure, which was heavenly. I'd never had one before, and now I think I am addicted.

Hunter at the Zoo. Both my kids were so good at the zoo, and LOVED seeing the animals. Hunter would laugh, and his feet went a hundred miles per hour whenever he saw an animal.

McKinlee and Hunter

Fighting my kids to get a picture, didn't turn out so well!

Nana, McKinlee, and Hunter before the train ride.

Mommy, Kinlee, and Hunter on the train....did I mention it was HOT!

The kids sure missed their Daddy, and I sure missed my husband! Jordan came up Thursday and we made the long trek to Idaho. It was fun to see everyone in Idaho, and spend time with them. McKinlee loves playing with her cousins.

Austin gave Hunter a candy cane, but he was getting stickiness everywhere, so Austin put it in his mouth, and let Hunter suck on it. I know it looks like they are kissing!

McKinlee and Houston-We were so proud of Houston for being baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and being a great example to McKinlee. It was a really neat experience.

Hunter and uncle Austin-who was a great babysitter!

I did have a really special experience while we were in Idaho. My niece Mykell was getting baptized, but it was in Boise, and we already had plans with Jordan's family, so we weren't going to be able to go. But Saturday morning I found out that my sister-in-law Michelle was going to be baptized also. This is something that I have been praying for a long time. Jordan and I decided to leave the kids with Grandma and Pa and drive to Boise. I am so glad that we decided to go. It was the most spiritual experience, and I am so glad that I was a part of it. I am so proud of Michelle and Mykell and the decisions they have made. We were also able to go with them and their family to the Twin Falls Temple Open House. What a beautiful Temple. McKinlee loved seeing the angel Moroni, and the pretty pictures in the temple. She was so reverent, I was very proud of her. I love the Temple, and I'm glad that I was able to walk through this one with family.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!

Long time no blog! I have been gone for quite a while, and it is nice to be home! 2 weeks ago we went with our friends and my little bro and his friend to Las Vegas. We went to see the USA Olympic Team play against Canada. It was lots of fun! It was so cool to see all of the amazing players, and not to mention that they beat Canada by 55 points, GO USA! Our seats were extremely high, so that's why the pictures didn't turn out so well.

THE DODD'S

THE BERGENER'S

THE HENNEFER'S

TY AND ALEX

TEAM USA!

After the game, we went to the Stratosphere, and went up to the top. We (except Jordan, Brent, and Krista) went on the crazy rides. Jordan doesn't see the point in paying for something that is going to make him sick, but I love it! We had to wait in line forever, and it was so muggy and hot and it was 10:00 at night! But it was fun, we went on all 3 rides, and my favorite was the Big Shot.

Waiting in line to go to the top (don't ya love how Jordan hid behind my head!)

Ty and Alex with their ride tickets, I was a little more nervous than they were!

We spent the night in the Stratosphere, and went shopping the next day. It was just really hot, so we drove to Mesquite, and ate at a yummy buffet there. Thanks Shanette for introducing me to crab legs! YUMMY! Thanks for a fun trip with great company!

Cedar City Flood!

So apparently living at the end of the street, where our thought was that there would be less traffic, to keep the kids safe.....wasn't such a good idea!

This afternoon when church got out, we went to walk to the car, and it was pouring rain. We ran to the car, and drove home. We couldn't drive into the garage, because it is full of fence materials. So we sat in the car, thinking the rain would slow. It didn't let down, and Jordan and I mentioned to each other that the storm drain didn't seem to be working very well at the end of the street. We finally decided to bolt into the garage, just to find out that we were locked out of the house. No windows open, all doors locked, no keys, and pouring outside! Jordan decided the only way to get in was to drill into the door knob. During all of this, it was still raining. By the time Jordan got in our house, it was time to get sandbags! We looked out our front door and down the street at what was coming toward us at the end of the street, and this is what we saw!

This was only the beginning, it got worse from here!

Within minutes we had sandbags, and TONS of help! I was amazed at the generosity, and willingness to help from ward members and neighbors! The water was so deep, between 2 1/2 to 3 feet in the deepest spots. Luckily we finished our retaining wall weeks before, which prevented the water from getting into our home. It did flood half of our front lawn. Our neighbors weren't so lucky, and water got into their house.

This is our neighbors house across the street. Everyone was busy at work! I couldn't believe it....

This white car was almost completely covered, I don't know if it will survive from this! The water was so deep, it picked up the car and moved it a little bit! They had to tow it out of the water.

This is how much water got on our lawn, and this is our 2 foot retaining wall! I guess we won't have to water our lawn for a while!

It was a mess! Eventually the city came with a back hoe, and diverted the flow. The water slowly went down. It was absolutely crazy! I am so thankful for amazing friends and neighbors who helped out. What a blessing! We were all a mess, way dirty, and soaking wet! McKinlee didn't want anything to do with it, she just wanted to watch a movie with her juice. I guess with how big of a mess it was, it could of been worse!

I just found the article in the Cedar City newspaper, so here is the link....

http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/NEWS01/807210313&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

4 YEARS

It was 4 years ago today that my brother Jas passed away. I can't believe how fast time flies, but then remembering things today makes it seem like yesterday. So much has happened in the last 4 years. I was pregnant with McKinlee when Jas died, and now I have 2 kids. I love and miss Jas dearly. I figured since I don't write in my journal very well, I'd share some of my thoughts.....

It amazes me to see how Heavenly Father works, and His plan for us. I never would've thought 4 years ago I would be where I am now. Losing my brother was such a hard thing for me. I lost one of my best friends in high school, and then lost Jas, and I have always had such a hard time with death. But my testimony of the Gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ have been my rock, and what have kept me going. I am so thankful that I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I know that it is the only true church. I know that there is life after death, and I believe in the resurrection, and know that I will see Jas again. What a comfort it is to me to know these things. I am so thankful that my parents were sealed in the Temple, and that we can be an eternal family some day. I have grown so much these past 4 years. I am a stronger person, and I can really say that losing Jas has made me stronger, and a better person. I know how fast life can pass you by. I try to live each day to the fullest, and count by blessings. I am so blessed, and I owe it all to my Heavenly Father. I know that Heavenly Father gives us trials to help us grow, and make us stronger. I know that we can handle anything that is thrown our way, I really believe that. After Jas died, I never thought that I would be able to move on. But life goes on, I'll never forget Jas and miss him dearly, but you can't dwell on that which you have no control. Learn from your trials. I know that serving others helps to forget yourself and your own trials, and realize what you can do to help another person's life.

I love to talk about Jas, I guess you could say that it helps me deal with things. My family called today, and we all reminiced about the past. I'm sad that I am not with you all today. But what an amazing man Jas was. He was so kind and thoughtful, and was always thinking of others. He worked for Gold Cross as an EMT, and loved the medical profession. He loved saving lives, and loved serving others. In fact the night before he died, he saved a girl's life. He was so willing to help those in need. He was so forgiving, and loved to be around people. He loved his wife and 2 kids, they were the world to him. He'd do anything for them. I remember after Jas died, Jason's wife Michelle didn't know how to tell his 2 and 5 year old kids that their daddy had died. Mykell kept asking why everyone was crying, and what was going on. Finally Michelle went outside with her, and told her that Daddy was gone, and was living in Heaven. Mykell calmly told her that she knew, because Jesus had told her. Wow, the knowledge of a child, and how close they are to God. I have felt that same love and comfort these past 4 years. I have truly felt angels around me, holding me up, helping me through trying times.

I love and miss Jas, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. I know I'll see him again, and that's what keeps me going. I love you Jas! Here is the last picture of Jas with his son Luke before Jas died.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! I love this holiday, to have a chance to reflect on the freedoms that we have, and the wonderful country that we live in (hopefully that continues with a new president!). We had a great day with family and friends. In the morning we went to the Cedar City parade (by the way Cedar City has a parade for EVERYTHING, so they are all about the same). But we really had fun sitting with our friends. McKinlee brought her princess backpack, ready to fill it with candy. It was kinda funny encouraging McKinlee to be aggressive against the other kids, fighting for the candy. A little opposite from what we usually teach her! She loved the fire trucks, and seeing the horseys. We had to go a little early, hoping to get good seats, but of course people are crazy and get there way early, so we were facing the sun. But I think it was HOT no matter what way we were facing!

McKinlee and Porter both saying CHEESE!

Cute Hunter (he already needs another haircut!)

The Dodd Family

Our cute Family (can you tell that Jordan loves (hates) getting his picture taken!)

All of the kids waiting for the parade

Jordan says that he is allergic to direct sunlight (he hates the heat), so he went and sat up against the building before the parade started, where the only shade was. Of course that's were the old people sat, so he made some new friends.

I love this picture with their hands on their hearts. It's amazing what a child can teach you!

SO CUTE!

Hunter enjoying the parade!

This shows how hot it was! Look at the sweat on his hair! The stroller was soaking wet! I felt so bad for him!

After the parade, we went to our neighbors and went swimming. McKinlee absolutely loves the water and has no fear. I can't believe how much Hunter loves to swim also. After swimming we decided to host a barbecue in the partially finished backyard. It was lots of fun to have neighbors over, and let the kids play. The day ended with fireworks, and the kids being exhausted. OK so I was pretty exhausted too! (Even the day after!)

SICKNESS!

Oh my goodness, I thought that it was summer, and that you weren't supposed to get sick!! Usually we are sick in the winter, but these past couple weeks have been the pits! McKinlee started out first with a mild fever, then Hunter, then they spread it on to me....and I was miserable! Jordan had to stay home from work and watch the kids, because I could barely function. It was no fun, I don't remember the last time I was that sick. Then a couple days later, Jordan got it. And his lasted forever! Finally I convinced him to go to the doctor because he was so miserable. And he had STREP. So they put him on antibiotics, and we thought that would do the trick, and we would all get over this stinking bug. BUT Saturday, Hunter was so sick. He is the happiest little boy, so I knew he was sick when he was so fussy. So I took him to the instacare, and he had.....an ear infection, pink eye, a viral infection in his throat, and a viral infection in his lungs. POOR BABY! I felt horrible for him. So they put him on 2 different antibiotics, and we are praying that we all get over this! I am ready to quarantine ourselves until we all get better.

BUT despite the fact that we have all been sick, we have made a lot of progress on our backyard. The grass is all laid, the curbing is done, and two sides of our fence is up. Thanks to my Dad, we have a lot of new plants (he split his perennials, and saved us a ton of money!) Jordan has worked so hard, and is an amazing husband! So here are a few updated pictures...

We have had some fun these past couple of weeks, another fishing trip, Nana, came and visited, and Brad and Jena stayed with us. I also want a new look for my blog, so hopefully soon I will get around to updating all of this!