The Christmas Box

 We went to the Christmas Box to spend some time with the children that currently live there. Let me first explain what this place is. This is a very unique place to house children who have been taken away from their parents for either abuse or neglect and they won't be returning to them. This is a holding house for little ones before they get a foster family. It is a very loving place where they try and keep siblings together if possible. Ashlee, Bonnie and Jessica lived their for a little over a month before the authorities found out there were family members to take them.  While they were there, they had some special people who volunteered their time to read and play games with them. Ashlee wanted to go back and give of her time to those who are there now!

 Ashlee arranged with two friends from school to go with us. Russo(the Boy) was adopted 5 years ago from Russia where he ans his sister spent most of their lives in an orphanage. He definitely could relate to these kiddos. McKenna (the girl)  was a little blown away but had a great time with us.

           "G"

There were 4 boys living there right now.
"G" is from Africa and is11 years old. He was brought over here by some "Family " members but when things got tough , they decided they could no longer care for him. He has had very bad experiences with the foster families that he has been with and after spending the 2 hours with us he asked if he could come home with me! Boy it sure breaks your heart!

               Michael


Michael is 10 and has two older sisters in the older girl section. He is so smart and loves math. We did a ton of math problems!

  
           JoJo

JoJo is 5 and has three older sister and a big brother in the other facility. He had the kindest eyes and is so sweet. He loves to write his letters. He also loves to play outside and eat snacks!

           Dennis


And the last of the gang is 5 year old Dennis. He is Hispanic and is the cutest thing ever. We played hangman and basketball and he has the best smile ever.

Ashlee and her friends were Angels that touched 4 little boys today! It was good for Everyone to give of themselves. I know we all were touched by them too.You were great Ash!

Ashlee's Homecoming Dance 2010

 Ashlee got asked to Homecoming by Caleb who brought her this T shirt with His name printed in permanent marker and all the other boy names in washable marker. She was suppose to wash it to find out who it was from but she cheated and dipped her finger in water and tested which one didn't smear!! So clever!!

She responded by purchasing a tie that would match her dress with a note attached that read...."Let's "TIE" up all the loose ends with no if's, but's or and's. Caleb, There's no need to guess cuz I totally say YES!

Ashlee looked like a princess ! 

                         Caleb looked great too. He even bought her flowers! Such a gentleman and look...
                                                                       he is taller than her!
                                                                 It was a good night for all!

Utah in a Cake!

                       Jessica's fourth grade project was to do a map of Utah in the form of a cake!
                                Who knew learning could taste so fun!! Great job Jessica!

Dakota's Homecoming Dance 2010

Dakota asked Kaitlyn to homecoming by sprinkling chocolate kisses on the floor of her bedroom leading to her bathroom and placing Roses in the shower with a banner that read...Now that I have kissed the ground that you walk on and showered you with roses...will you go to Homecoming with me?

Kaitlyn answered back with a plant that was sitting in a diaper with the note that read...

I would wet my "Plants" to go with you!

She had decorated his car with Y E S  balloons!

                                                They had a great time and looked smashing!

He is all grown up but.....

He is still my little boy!!

Weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's

Jessica got to spend the weekend at Grandma Murdock and Grandpa Gibb's cabin. The first night wasn't so pleasant! Jessica has never spent a night away from home...Yes she is almost 10 but has "Mom Separation Issues" So Grandma Murdock took on the challenge. After No sleep the first night they came to some agreements and the second night went better.

Leave it to grandma to save the weekend!   She went shopping for a new water bottle and played the wii. She now holds the record for high score in bowling. Not to mention, grandpa took her fishing!
They almost got one but it got away!!!

Here are a few friends that visit the cabin daily! They let you hand feed them.

Jessica missed home and her mom but she made it through two nights away from home!
I am very proud of her! Now she is home and the house is no longer quiet but we are glad she's home!

Friday Night Light!

There is nothing like a warm September Friday night to watch your son play football! Dylan is number 11. He plays wide receiver, cornerback and free safety. We won 49 to 0. We are undefeated!

Dylan is the one behind the coach. He has the white tape on his shoes!   (remember...new photographer!)

Brianne Adams Savannah Murdock and Kinzie Richards are just a few of Dylan's Groupies!  What a great fall night!

The Apple of My Eye!

Here are a few of my yummy Apples!
I got my second order and I am very excited about this new adventure!

POOF!

Since I started my little company...I am using a lot of ribbon but all of my ribbons were in various places in my ...well organized house! So after  running from room to room to retrieve the different ones ...I pulled out some material and some old curtain rods and POOF!
 I have to say I am pretty proud of my handy work! It is now all in one place...my laundry room!

Just One Sweet Thing

Well today was a really great day on many levels. I am starting a small business and it's called

"Just One Sweet Thing" I make yummy treats ...

(Remember,  I am just learning to take pictures with this camera!)

These are my Caramel and Chocolate "Can't Eat Just One"Pretzels...

This is one of my "Mallow on a Stick"

I don't have a picture of my "Apple of my Eye" Caramel Apple, but trust me they are soooo cute and yummy if I do say so myself!
I make them with lots of different topping like oreo, butterfingers,cinnamon /sugar, sprinkles, peppermint and nuts! I am not going to mention the holiday specials!
SO... I took my samples around today and  my first stop was a  boutique "Scrooge and Marley's. They bought all my samples and want to place another order soon! Hopefully I am on my way!! That is what I call..."Just One Sweet Thing!"

Date Night with Dylan

Tonight I went on a date with Dylan. We went to a football dinner for just the players and  their moms! It was so nice, we had an Italian dinner and each of the boys introduced us and waited on us. They wrote us a sweet note and gave us a red rose. It was really great to take a few minutes alone with just me and my cute boy! He then drove me home and stopped to get me a diet coke! What a great date!  Dylan, You are a wonderful young man and I love you very much. You make me proud to be your mom. Thanks!!

Reaping the Rewards!

We planted a garden and it is finally producing veggies! Jessica is holding some massive cucumbers!
                                                          Yes I have a green thumb.

                           Grandma and Dylan are picking tomatoes to their hearts content.

  

They picked and picked and...

                                                                 .... Picked!

                                                          While Jessica played with Buddy.... 

                                                   And everyone else kicked back and watched!
             I, on the other hand would have helped with the picking but someone had to take the pictures!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Gibb!

Today we celebrated Grandpa Gibb's Birthday. It's really tomorrow but when your 69 what's one day!

 We got him a couple of gift card and a card that sings"MACHO MAN"! We all had a great laugh.Happy Birthday Gibb and We hope you and Grandma have fun golfing in Wendover!

Everyone Eat  UP!

                                 We had a good brunch and lots of laughs.What a great day!

72 What?

Grandma Murdock loves us! She made us her famous burritos. 72 to be exact!! When Rob and I were first married, we lived on her burritos. I didn't cook much so she took great care of us, and she still does. We all love them and it is so nice when I don't have time to cook,
It's Grandma to the Rescue!
Thanks Mom!

Let's Boogie-oogy-oogy!

Today Savannah and Hailey were invited to dance in a dance video being filmed for grade school children. They are to be sent out to all the schools in Utah and the Governor's wife would like to take them nation wide. The theme is about saying No to Drugs!

                                     They are such dramatic Dancers. 
  They are not getting paid for this job but are invited to the Governor's Mansion for a party!                    Party trumps money every time! Good job girls!

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Today I got a new camera so I can Blog with my own photos...But Dylan got a hold of it and found a very interesting thing in the backyard! I know that it is hard to see but it was very cool.

This cute little spider was very busy creating it's web. It was perfectly crafted so we know it was a SHE spider! All of her rows were in order and she was working tirelessly. Thanks Dylan for capturing this little delight! If you can't tell , spiders don't bother me ...now if was an ant hill, I would be screaming bloody murder.

Can Pigs Really FLY??

Ashlee decided to ask a friend (a BOY) to Sadies! She wanted to do it in a creative way so we found 5 pink piggy balloons and 2 black and white ones( since he is a Blue person). We boxed them up and when Jansen opened the box...Much to his surprise...The Pigs came flying out! Ashlee hid in the bushes making sure none of them escaped.

Jansen answered back the EASY way!