Our Ohana

Summer Fun

2011-08-03T08:35:00.000-06:00

My mom, sister and I took the kids to Salt Lake for a little get away. We spent a day at Temple Square, did some swimming and spent 9 hours at Lagoon. We had a super fun time!

Justin doesn't hold still long enough to be in pictures. He is always running off to explore something else.

The Kids had fun in the pools at the hotel.

Justin loved the rides.

Rattle Snake Rapids

Kolby was soaked after this ride.

The aftermath

Justin was having fun.

Grandma & Dylan

We stopped at Smith & Edwards on our way home. Justin just couldn't take any more fun!

My baby turned 3. I can't believe how quickly he has grown.

The Holiday's

2011-01-17T10:03:00.009-07:00

We survived! Now we have moved on to basketball. Brenden made the 8th grade team! He should find out today if he is a starter. I have a strong feeling that he will be. Just call it mom's intuition. Kolby was asked to play in two different leagues and we let him. Crazy on our part. That makes for a lot of practices. Dylan is also playing. All the Christmas is put away and now we are preparing for a visit from Joe's parents. They will be here in April for 3 weeks.

We took the boys to the visitor's center before Christmas to watch Mr. Krueger's Christmas. Some of our good friends invited us for family home evening. We had a fun time!
A goofy picture. Joe wouldn't leave the nose on. He never cooperates when it comes to pictures!

Santa found us!

Justin loved his new bed. I wish he thought it was more than just a toy. He still hasn't slept the whole night in it. We are working on it.

New shoes and they are even BSU colors.

The game they were hoping for.

Nike Hyperdunks...size 12 in the school colors!

Winter Fun!

2010-12-18T13:45:00.008-07:00

I have been without a camera for the last few months. We finally have a new one! We took the boys out to get a few pictures for Christmas cards. Justin didn't cooperate much but the boys had fun.

Halloween Fun

2010-11-18T08:00:00.009-07:00

This year we went to the our good friends the Powell's for some Halloween fun! It was a great night full of good company, food, laughs and trick-or-treating. It is always fun to be with friends and family!

Dylan and his good friend Takota.

The girl's all dressed up!

Brenden wasn't into the fun this year. He is turning into a typical teenager. He would rather not participate in dress up!

Kolby was the ultimate Boise State fan.

Justin wouldn't keep the hood on his head. He was a cute Eeyore.

2010-09-14T13:46:00.005-06:00

Nothing new to report. We are finally adjusting to the new fall schedule. I am horrible during the summer. We are still doing football and the boys love it! Here are a few fun pictures from this week.

This is what Justin does during the games. He doesn't love football yet. He would rather run and play. Thank goodness there are a lot of younger ones who love to play with him!

Kolby with a hand off. I am slowly learning the game of football.

This picture makes me laugh. The team does the haka before every game. We have a coach that is Tongan and he has taught it to the boys. Kolby really gets into it. Hey whatever works. It has been good luck so far!

Kenny Chesney - The Boys of Fall

2010-08-25T12:48:00.000-06:00

Football Season Again!!!

2010-08-25T11:49:00.011-06:00

Well I can feel fall in the air and that means only 1 thing at our house....FOOTBALL SEASON! We have been practicing for over 3 weeks and tonight is our first big game. The boys have great coaches this year and I appreciate all the time that goes into it. I never thought I would grow to love the game but I have! I also never thought I would be a Bonneville fan but I am! Go Bees!

Brenden

Brenden at the Jamboree

Kolby

Kolby loves football!

Good Times with Family

2010-08-01T17:20:00.011-06:00

I am so lucky that my boys are getting to know my grandpa. We had a Sorenson family reunion and had a blast. My Grandpa Ford is 92 years old. We are so grateful that he was there with us!

Group Photo

There was swimming and water fights!

Train Rides

Baby J loved going for rides.

Grandpa teasing Baby J

Dylan & Cooper hanging out

Justin enjoying a doughnut!

I love summer. It is fun spending time with family and friends. We have done a lot of that this year and have enjoyed every minute!

Happy Birthday!!

2010-07-24T00:12:00.014-06:00

Wow I think it is time for an update. We have been busy celebrating!

Dylan turned 8

Kolby and Aunt Haylie share a birthday! Kolby turned 11.

OH NO!! He is a teenager now. Brenden turned 13.

We will just say that Joe is that much closer to the big 40. He doesn't like discussing that!

All my summer boys!

A Girl's Weekend

2010-03-13T10:05:00.010-07:00

Last weekend I went to Las Vegas with my mom, sister's and girlfriend's. What a fun weekend! I wasn't ready to come home. I needed another vacation to catch up on sleep!

Our whole group except for Toni. This is just before we began our picture scavenger hunt through Vegas. We all had on matching shirts. We didn't want to lose each other.

In front of the New Your New York. We rode the roller coaster and had a blast!! I wanted to go again.

We went to a Beatles Impersonation show. It was a lot of fun.

Before leaving for the Bon Jovi concert. We were so excited!!

My mom and I waiting for the concert to begin. My mom has wanted to see Bon Jovi for a long time. All I can say is that it was well worth the wait. He performed for 3 hours! It went by so quickly. I am getting chills just writing about it. It was an awesome concert!!

Bon Jovi

We had a great weekend. It was nice getting away for a couple of days. I was ready for the break. Joe is such a good sport. He didn't mind staying home with the boys. They had a LOST marathon. He knew that wouldn't have happened if I was home. Thanks to everyone for such a fun weekend!!

Busy Life....

2010-02-07T23:54:00.004-07:00

Joe and I celebrated our 13th. anniversary last week. We didn't do much since we had basketball games. We will go out and celebrate when things slow down. I don't know when that will ever happen. Joe sent me these beautiful flowers. What a fun surprise!

I have been wanting to add color to my walls for a long time. Joe has never thought it was a good idea. He can be so boring! Justin and I went to Home Depot on Thursday and bought paint. I was able to get most of the first coat done before Joe got home from work. I couldn't work on it Friday. I was able to finish up Saturday after basketball games. I love the new color!! I just wish I would have done it sooner....Joe even likes it.

After painting on Saturday I canned salsa. My sister has gotten me involved in the Bountiful Basket. We ordered a few cases of tomatoes and have been busy doing salsa. I know it isn't really the right season but it is so much more enjoyable during the winter. The Bountiful Basket is a great concept and it is fun to get all of the fresh fruits and veggies at a great price.

The Big Guy Found Us......

2010-01-02T12:21:00.007-07:00

Santa found our house this year....we weren't sure if he would. We let the boys begin about 7:30. I know they had been awake since 5:30. We were waiting for my parent's and sister to arrive. They had part of the delivery from Santa.

The boys looking everything over. They don't realize that in the box with the gold bow is a puppy. Baby J finally heard the puppy crying. It was very cute!

Kolby's chair for the Big Game Monday night. Go Boise State!!

Dylan and Brownie

Baby J loves the puppy. I don't know what Santa was thinking. The boys have been asking for a dog for years. Joe has even been begging so I gave in. So far so good.

Picture Madness

2009-12-01T13:46:00.012-07:00

I wanted a good family picture this year for Christmas cards. We let the boys decide what we would wear and they chose Boise State attire. It seems everything I do must revolve around football....that's OK because my boys love it. I also must admit I like it just a little bit. Justin did not want to cooperate. He was actually very naughty for the whole thing. Here are a few of our attempts to get a decent shot.

Kolby was about the only one that wasn't goofing around!

Halloween Fun!

2009-11-04T21:55:00.006-07:00

I only have Halloween pictures of Justin. Grandma kept Justin while Joe and I went out with the older boys. Of course my camera was dead.

Grandpa, Madison and Baby J

Justin in the lion costume that Grandma made for Brenden 11 years ago. All of my boys have worn this costume.

The Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-19T17:41:00.010-06:00

Our kids have all been sick and it just seems like we can't kick it. They were all feeling better this weekend so Grandma and Grandpa took the the grand kid's to the pumpkin patch. It is a cute little place and the boys had fun! I love this time of year!

Me, Brenden, Justin, Dylan, Haylie and Kolby

Baby J

Brenden

Dylan

Kolby

More Football

2009-10-14T11:29:00.013-06:00

Well the football season is winding down at our home. Dylan has one more game and then we will have a break until arena football begins! We have been busy going many different directions. All I can say is I have watched a lot of football this fall. It has been fun.

My mom took a vacation out to Florida and she brought the boys back Florida Gator t-shirts. Here they are modeling their new cloths.

Grandma and Aunt Haylie took the boys to see a Boise State football game. They had a blast. Kolby has not quit talking about it. He is a huge fan! Baby Madison (my niece) even had fun!

Dylan had fun on the field. He had fun learning more about football.

Joe also coached Dylan's team. It was good for him. I know he had to learn a lot of patients. The little boys are a little harder to work with than the older ones.

Kolby getting instructions from coach Hunt. Kolby loves the game!

Brenden out on the field.

Brenden's team had great mom's that were always doing fun things. Here the team gets to run through the banner.

Brenden in deep thought.

Football

2009-08-29T22:08:00.006-06:00

Football season is in full swing at our house. All 3 boys are playing this year. Today was Brenden and Kolby's first game. Both teams won! Both games were at the same time so Joe went with Brenden and I went with Kolby. That is why I only have pictures of Kolby's game. Joe was too busy coaching. Here is to a great season! Go Panthers!!

Kolby is a good little player. He is running for a touchdown and made it!

Again running in for the touchdown.

He did have an injury. He was hit in the stomach and had the wind knocked out of him. I hate that part of the game.

Kolby was the only one to score and he ran in the extra point. We won 7-0!

Baby J turns 1!

2009-08-05T22:14:00.011-06:00

Our baby turned 1! Boy how time flies when your are having fun. He has been such a joy to have. We celebrated with a water party at grandma and grandpa's house. It was a fun day and all the cousin's had fun on the water slide

Justin loves to splash in the kiddie pool!

Brenden with Baby J

He had way too much in the water. We woke him for cake.

Aunt Lisa made this cute cake!

He loves frosting.

2009-07-01T15:41:00.011-06:00

I'm not quite sure where June went. The boys stayed busy with baseball. They had a lot of fun playing. We celebrated Dylan's 7th birthday. He still has a mind of his own. Justin is crawling all over the place and has 7 teeth. It is hard to believe he will be 1 at the end of the month. Brenden has been a huge help around the house. He is a very good baby sitter and he is also my
lawn mower. Kolby is working on being helpful. He is usually out playing football. He loves the sport.

Brenden playing baseball....

Dylan at a t-ball game.....

Justin having fun with a box.....it's funny what will entertain a child.

Kolby and his friend Cole at Heise having a great time.....

Dylan's 7th birthday! He didn't want cake. He requested a cheesecake.

The Bippity Boppity Boobs

2009-05-11T09:34:00.006-06:00

On Saturday I had the opportunity to participate in The Race for a Cure with my mom, sisters and wonderful friends. It was a very touching experience. There were over 18,000 people that participated in this event. It was very emotional to think that everyone there had been touched by cancer is some way. It was a very special day with some very special women. I am so grateful that I have my mom with me to do all of these great things. We had a wonderful weekend. We all laughed and cried.

My sister Lisa made this celebration cake. We drove down to Salt Lake City Friday afternoon. We went to dinner at Cafe Rio and then came back to the room for cake!

Sheri and Linda (our survivor and friend)

Me, my mom and friend Theresa just before our 5k began.

Our group. We were team "Bippity Boppity Boobs." This is a very special group of ladies and I am very honored to be part of it.

Baseball and more...

2009-05-07T16:27:00.005-06:00

Brenden started baseball last week. You have to love spring in Idaho. It has been cold and windy. He wasn't sure he wanted to play ball this year but changed his mind last minute. I'm glad he did. He is quite good at it.

Brenden earned principal for a day at his school. He has had a really good year. He has earned over 300 accelerated reading points and he is also 1 test away from completing the 7th grade math library and he is only a 6th grader. We are very proud of this boy!

He reminds me of his dad in this picture. They look just alike.

The 2nd Chance Dance

2009-04-26T22:36:00.013-06:00

A couple of weeks ago a group of friends decided it would be a lot of fun to go the the second chance dance that one of the local radio station hosts. All of our husband's were good sports and went along with the idea. It was such a fun night! We all went and had pedicures before the dance. How relaxing! That is something I should do more often. It was fun to dress up and go out. This was so much more fun than high school! It is funny how age makes you appreciate everything more.

Me, my mom (Jeanie), Sheri, Linda and Toni all waiting to start our pedicures

Myself and Linda before the big dance. Linda was such a good sport to go with us! She is a remarkable woman and breast cancer survivor!

Myself, my beautiful mom and the lovely Laurel...it was fun to dress up

Me and my good looking date. It was fun to go to the dance with the person you truly love.

Linda and her dates!

The whole group in front of our ride!

The guys

The girls

The Amazing Race....Need I Say More

2009-04-16T10:37:00.008-06:00

We died Easter eggs Saturday night and the boys had a lot of fun. I don't love the mess and usually end up throwing most of the eggs away. Joe is tired of egg salad sandwiches for lunch!

Dylan did most of his eggs green. He thought they represented Bonneville High School very well.

Here they are with their best egg! Justin was in bed. Maybe next year.
The boys did hold still long enough for a picture.

The Easter bunny did find our house!

Justin was just hanging out enjoying the beautiful weather!

Here we all are after our big AMAZING RACE! Joe, Kolby, Lisa and Kylie were on the winning team. They won a 100 Grand Bar and a lottery ticket with the hopes of a million. The kids and adults had a lot of fun. We were divided into 3 teams and headed off through the neighborhood. We even had a challenge were 1 team member had to eat a smoked oyster. Fun memories were created that day! Now grandma and grandpa will be expected to do this every year!

A new addition!

2009-03-31T15:15:00.004-06:00

My baby sister had her first baby yesterday. What a neat experience that was! I was able to be in the room with her when Madison was born. I seem to forget how much work these little miracles are to bring into this world. We are very excited to have another girl in the family. My boys could not wait to meet her.

Dylan, Madison and Kolby (proud cousins)

Dylan, Brenden and Madison

2009-03-27T22:27:00.003-06:00

I feel guilty............

So I have to confess that I feel like a horrible mom! I let Dylan climb up to retrieve Christmas decorations that were still remaining. I have been waiting for Joe to help me and it just hasn't happened. I had looked at it long enough and Dylan volunteered to help, so I let him. I keep thinking what if he would have fallen. He loved every moment....not one of my finest.

2009-03-18T21:40:00.000-06:00

I was putting laundry away yesterday and I stuck Justin in his crib for a few minutes. When I turned around this is what I found! I had not lowered his crib yet. You would think after 4 boys I would take care of this. I was right there but it was still scary! He thought he was pretty neat stuff.

I made Joe lower his crib as soon as he came home. Joe stuck him in the laundry basket while we were working on the crib. I don't know why he thought that would be safer. So again here is Justin standing up in the laundry basket. I have a lot of baby proofing to do! I had a talk with him. I told him he had to stay a baby for just a little longer. I am not ready for him to do this. They grow so fast!

Our Hawaii trip

2009-03-17T22:07:00.001-06:00

2009-03-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

My parent's kept our older boys while we were in Hawaii. They took the boys to a Utah Jazz game. The boys had a lot of fun! They talked grandma into jersey's. They wear them everywhere. It was hard leaving them for a week but we knew they were in good hands. We really appreciate everyone that helped with the boys while we were gone. Thank you!

2009-02-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

Joe, Justin and myself just returned from a week in Hawaii. We had a wonderful time! It always goes by too quickly. We spent time with Joe's family and we hated to say goodbye. It was 80 degrees on our last day there. We didn't want to come back to the cold. I keep telling Joe that I could really make Hawaii home if my family could all come with us. The cost of living is very high. We will just have to visit. I will post more pictures later.

2009-02-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary!

I don't know where the time has gone. It has been 12 years and 4 boys later. We have had our ups and downs, but I would not change a thing. I am very blessed! I do wish I could look that young and thin again!

2009-01-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

The boys were excited to see more snow fall and I can't wait for spring! Joe and I are taking a trip to Hawaii in a few weeks. We are going over for our neices 1st birthday. We are leaving the older boys home and taking the baby with us. Joe's parents will be there. They are living in the Phillipines and we really want them to see the baby. I can't wait for the warm sun! I hate this cold weather.

Brenden went out to see how deep the snow was and ended up on his rear end in the COLD snow!

Justin is getting big way too fast! He is sitting all by himself, rolling over, and he loves his new high chair. We tried sweet potatoes today and he wasn't too sure he like them. I guess we will try again tomorrow. He has been such a wonderful addition to our family. He is good natured and the boys adore him. I am very thankful for our blessings!

2008-12-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! It came and went so quickly. We spent Christmas Eve at my parents home. Every year we all get matching pj's. Here we all are! This was the first year we did not spend the night at my parent's. We decided with four kids it would be much easier to stay at our own home. My parent's came out very early to watch the boys open their gifts and then later that afternoon we all went back to grandma and grandpa's for more gifts and a prime rib dinner. It was a very nice day!

Brenden making ginger bread cookies for Santa

Santa found our house! The boys were spoiled this year. They wanted a Play Station 3 and Santa delivered.

Justin even enjoyed the excitement!

2008-12-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Christmas is in full swing at our house. We had a fun company party on Saturday. The boys asked santa for a Play Station 3. Just what they need.

2008-12-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve 2007

I have been thinking a lot about my Grandma Muir this week. She passed away the beginning of August. She loved Christmas and loved to decorate. I inherited a lot of decorations that belonged to her. The boys and I have enjoyed decorating our home with many of her treasured decorations. It will be very different this year without her.

2008-11-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

I am posting some pictures from our vacation to Washington this summer. The boys had so much fun with their cousins. One of the highlights was our visit to the Space Needle. Kolby could hardly contain himself. We made a lot of memories on this trip.

Justin's Blessing

2008-11-11T21:36:00.001-07:00

I am a little slow posting Justin's blessing. He was blessed a couple weeks ago by his dad. I had great intentions to take a lot of pictures of everyone that was there. I failed miserably. I was busy getting food ready and then we started to visit and picture taking didn't happen. It was a special day with friend's and family. Joe did a nice job and I was blessed to have my 90 year old grandpa there. He is my last living grandparent. It meant a lot to me having him there.

Great Grandpa Ford holding Justin with his brother's and
cousin's

Justin with Great Grandpa Ford...the picture turned out a little blurry.

2008-10-27T11:10:00.000-06:00

I really hate to be in pictures but we really needed a family photo. The whole family went down to the river this weekend. I'm not sure if we have the perfect family picture but we will keep trying. If nothing else we had fun!

2008-10-09T16:51:00.000-06:00

Dylan had fun watching the boys play...he actually didn't watch much football he was too busy socializing!

Justin was a good little spectator!

Kolby blocking!

This was Kolby's first year playing tackle ball. He did really well! His position was left guard and left tackle. He is a tough boy. He is number 16 in the pictures.

2008-10-09T16:29:00.000-06:00

Well....we are finally done with football! Here are some pictures from the season. Joe and the boys had a lot of fun. Brenden usually played X, Y, safety and quarterback. He had an injury in his last game. He pulled his quad muscle. I always hate when a child is lying on the field hurt. Brenden in number 11 in the photo's.

Brenden making the touchdown!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2008-09-30T12:04:00.000-06:00

Life has been crazy! We have 3 boys going 3 different directions and a new baby in tote. Just a few more weeks of football and then things will slow down a little.

We celebrated my little niece, Kylie's 3rd birthday on Sunday. We know that we won't ever have a girl so we spoil her.

Justin is 1 month!

2008-09-08T15:26:00.000-06:00

Aunt Lisa is taking up a new hobby...photography

Justin is officially a month old. I can't believe how big he is getting. The older boys love to help with him. Dylan is still a little too much help. He has had some struggles with 1st. grade. He has a hard time always following directions. He informed me that it was all my fault. He has been naughty because I won't let him hold the baby without any help. He held the baby all on his own this morning. I can't wait to talk to his teacher to see if it worked. I doubt it. Dylan has a reason for everything. My in-laws think he will make a great lawyer someday.

2008-09-03T10:27:00.000-06:00

They grow so fast that I have to tell myself to slow down and enjoy it.

2008-08-25T13:20:00.000-06:00

FOOTBALL, FOOTBALL AND MORE FOOTBALL

We officially started our football season! I never thought I would be a football mom! I always thought I would be doing dance lessons. I have been blessed with 4 boys and 3 of them are playing football. Brenden is on the 6th. grade grid kid team, Kolby is playing on the 4/5th. grade team and Dylan is playing flag football. I am learning to enjoy the sport. I am still a mom. I don't enjoy watching my child be tackled. Joe is coaching Brenden's team. It is time consuming. The boys practice every night for 2 hours. This is what I will be doing until the middle of October!

We also celebrated Lisa's 30th. birthday this weekend. I don't think she is very excited about being 30. I really don't mind it....I'm not looking forward to 40, but luckily I have some time to prepare for that one.

2008-08-21T16:06:00.000-06:00

It was the first day of school! I was excited to

send them off on this new adventure. They started at a brand new school today! The building was just completed. Brenden is a 6th grader. Now that makes me feel old. Kolby is a 4th grader and Dylan is in 1st grade. I was not sure how he would do being there all day, but he did great.

2008-08-18T21:51:00.000-06:00

Justin is already 3 weeks old. I don't know where the time goes!

My four boys...they love their little brother. They are a lot of help. I will miss them when they start school Thursday but it will also be nice to have a little break during the day.

It has been a rough few days at our house. Justin is still trying to get on a schedule which makes for long nights. My Grandma Muir passed away last Wednesday. We had her funeral today. My sister's and I were giving the life sketch, but they were not able to gain their composure so I had to step in and do the whole thing. Lisa did make it through a poem. It was tough. I'm not sure how I did it.

Our New Addition

2008-08-08T09:38:00.000-06:00

Justin was born on July 29 weighing in at 8 pounds 10 ounces. He is such a sweet little spirit. We are enjoying every minute with him. It is bitter sweet because I know he will be our last baby. It seems like time goes by too quickly. I am just trying to enjoy every moment with him. The boys love him. Dylan is way too much help. I can't turn my back on him for a minute. Today he took the baby out of his car seat and moved him to the bassinet. May I remind everyone that Dylan is 6. I think he is trying to make me old before my time.

Relay for Life

2008-06-27T15:55:00.000-06:00

Two weeks away..and we have not reached our fundraising goal. We are half way there... I want to invite everyone in surrounding areas to come and watch the ceremonies that will be happening at the Relay For Life Cacner Benefit. July 11-12 6:30pm to 12:00pm

What is Relay? Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity to raise funds for cancer research, education, and care to help find a cure. It is an all night event with fun and entertainment throughout the night.

At 6:30, the event kicks off with survivor laps and entertainment. Raffles, food, and games will be available for the public all night long. Don’t miss friends (men) dressing up as women throughout the night carrying around purses to raise money for the cause. At 10:00, the luminaria ceremony begins which honors all those who have been lost to caner, as well as those who have beat the odds and survived. Luminaria’s (bags to be decorated in honor of someone) are available for purchase for 10 dollars each. It is a great way to honor loved ones.

We have HOPE bracelets available for donation of $2.00. We ask you to spread the word of HOPE. We also are asking for any donations you may wish to provide. Come enjoy the relay and the fight against cancer. It is sure to be a night of fun, remembrance, and a great cause. THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Today is a good Day!

2008-05-16T09:54:00.000-06:00

It is Friday and the weather is beautiful. Hopefully we can be outside. My in-laws are here from Hawaii and they do not enjoy the cool weather. It has to be in the 70's before we can go out. There is only so much we can talk about all day cooped in the house.

Today we are going to Dylan's kindergarten class. His grandparent's are going to be his show and tell. Dylan is convinced they speak Spanish but we are going to give the class a little lesson on the Philippines not Mexico!

More Snow!

2008-04-30T19:52:00.000-06:00

Just when we thought spring was here!