New (temporary) member of the family

Yes that is me with a cast on my arm. I slipped and fell at the tide pools yesterday, broke my radias right in half up near my wrist.
Things I am feeling blessed about, Harvey's big down vest with large arm holes, it's my left arm that's broken, my family (i can't even cut a bagel in half), the plastic bag so i can shower... a ton more but typing is tuff so thanks to all those who are helping.
I'm making a request for a better story, so let's hear them. When Wilson broke his arm 2 summers ago he told friends that he was fighting off a bear while camping.

Thanks Giving day photos

Mary, Grace & Ava singing Tiny Shells with Isabelle

The croquet gang


Mary & Grace playing twister



Audra & Rachel
We had a yummy Thank Giving with family & friends.

Friday before Thanks Giving

It's Friday night, wow did the week go fast. It's been an emotional roller coaster of a week. Gordan, Frances Husband found out he needs heart surgery, we've been praying and will be fasting for him this Sunday. On the brighter side Isabelle and Abe got engaged on Fri night. We're VERY excited for her/them. They're planning on getting married on Grace's 8th birthday, so Grace is very excited about that.

As the holiday approaches I've been contemplating on the things I'm Thankful for and how to express them to my family(without balling my eyes out) and how to help my children feel the amazing blessings that we have as a family. We're so blessed and during this time of financial crisis, the kids are starting to ask a lot of questions about our life and how/if we will be effected by the recession/depression. All the news is starting to scare/make them nervous, so I've been trying to reassure them that we should be ok and that if something should happen that we have each other and the gospel in our lives and that the stuff isn't that important. I'm blessed though because I think the kids aren't stuff oriented(even though I think we have way to much stuff). So I think I'm going to have all of us write something we're Thankful for, everyday this week and by Thur we should have a nice group of things to remind us of how truly blessed we are.

May blessing abound in your own homes like they abound in mine... Joy & Happiness to you.

Family photos

We finally had some Family photos taken.
Here are a couple of my favorites...enjoy.

Grace-Art update

Here are the latest master pieces from Grace.

Way to go!!!!!

Fire today

We had a fire today on the hill above our home. It was kind of nerve racking for a bit considering the hoard fire that has devastated SB last night. They were able to knock it down pretty quickly though...there was a big contingent of fire vehicles heading to SB and they detoured them to here...so in a matter of 1-2 hrs we had 200 firefighters here ready to go. The bomber plane was amazing, I'm convinced those pilots are adrenalin junkies...I watched for a couple of hours and wow they're crazy/amazing/talented...whatever you want to call it, I think I'll go with crazy.
The photo is taken from our house. Notice the firefighters on the hill and the orange fire retardant.

Grace the Responsible

Grace was recognized today at school for being outstanding in the Responsibility department. WAY TO GO Gracie!!!!

New family pet

We adopted a new dog yesterday. Here's Ella.
She's a super sweet and is adjusting well to the crowod. She been pretty scared of Chloe though, but seems to be warming up.

Honor student

Audra got her 1st trimester grades today and had a 4.0. She was so very excited.
Congratulations Audra!!!! Keep up the good work.
Love mom

Got his drivers licence today

Wilson on his maiden voyage, driving Grandpa Marshall's jeep.

Wilson got his drivers licence today. He missed 3, for stopping to far behind the line, no biggy. He was pretty nervous and was shaking pretty hard when he got out of the car, he even left the keys in the car. I drove home, but I got him to take himself back to school, his maiden voyage.
He's going to be a good driver, he's a smart kid and watches his surroundings well.

Congratulations Wilson!!!!!!!!!!

Half dome in June

Harvey at the top of Half Dome

Michela at the top of Half Dome looking out the valley

CC at the base of Bridle Vail Falls

This past June Harvey and I got to hike Half Dome with the young women in our ward.
We hiked from the valley floor to the summit and back in one day...about 21 miles round trip. We went middle of the week hoping to avoid the crowds but that thought process didn't pan out...the trail was packed...ascending the cables took us 50 minutes...it was body to body and pretty nerve racking hanging on the side of a granite cliff...but we made it to the top. It was a wonderful trip...there was still plenty of water... the falls were spectacular.

Summer Pismo JG

Briant waiting for his event to start

Wilson coming in from paddle relay

Wilson's team for paddle relay, they took 1st.


This past summer the boys begged me to stay home so they could do JG at Pismo again. They love the program and so do I...its a great group of kids and families...the boys love to spend their entire summer at the beach.
They practice 4 days a week and then on Fridays go to meets..the events are swim, paddle, run, various relays of those and beach flags.
The photos are from the Santa Barbara meet.

Wilson's 16th

Wilson with Uncle Jeff tuneing his guitar

Wilson turned 16 today!
He's such a great young man and has been an amazing blessing in our lives.
Happy Birthday Wilson!
Keep up the good work
I Love you
Mom

Summer card board boat race

Briant and Kade

Mark Spencer, Wilson, Stephen and Josh

The boys had a youth activity this summer that included a card board boat race out at Port San Luis. They had a ton of fun making the boats and racing them. Braint and Kade got best theme award. It was extremely well built and Kevin and Kelen even took it out for a second spin around. Wilson and Stephen made it out and around the buoy which is far better then I thought they would do, I was sure it was going to sink quickly. (Oh thee of little faith, I know, but I saw them build it)
It was a really fun activity and should become an annual event.

Halloween 2008

Crissie, Briant, Audra and Grace

Juleen Grace and Jenea

Grace with one of her pumpkins

Braint, Wilson, Audra and Grace

Carving pumpkins with Grammie

Everyone dressed up this year and had a great time. They brought home obscene amounts of candy.