Male Bonding!

Bruce and the boys had a great "male bonding" experience today. It was so amazing that they were able to coordinate their schedules to go hiking up a mountain called Haystack in Bruce's old stomping grounds. They set out early this morning on their adventure in Kyler's new Jeep (more info in a posting to come). There was a little too much testosterone in one little place for me but they had a marvelous time as you can see on their faces. It was a much needed day away and I am so glad that they were able to go. I love you guys!!!

MY AWESOME DATE WITH LAURIE!!!

We have had such a great time!!!!!! I have been looking forward to July 14th for so long that I can't believe it has come and gone already. I have the best memories that I will share with anyone that wants to listen. Laurie is such a great friend and even though she wasn't excited for the concert, she was a great sport and took pictures the entire time. So much fun!!!! Thank you Laurie!!!

We started our day about noon by watching artists at work. It was so cool!!! and I will never be able to forget that! ever, ever!!!! It will be with me always! Then we ran a couple of errands and went to our motel room. Time went so fast and we thought we should grab a bite to eat before the show so we ran over to Costa Vida. My kids know that I am always so glad that we "got there when we did". About 10 minutes after we sat down, the line in that place was way out the door so I was glad that we got there when we did. We ran back over to our room and got dressed for the big event!!! As we walked over to the E Center you could almost feel the electricity as all the young girls, and their mothers, wore all differet pieces of clothing with David Archuleta written all over them. Everything was amazing and the show was great!!! So much energy in that building!!! I didn't care for Ramiel, Krista and Syesha. I loved!!!! Jason, Michael, Carly, Brooke, David and David. Chikeezie was cute as usual! Brooke did Yellow, it was awesome! Jason did Over the Rainbow, Carly threw in some Heart. Michael was just great and he is such a cute guy. David Archuleta did Angel, Apologize and Lean on Me. and David Cook baby was AMAZING!!!!! He did Wouldn't Change a Thing and BILLY JEAN!!!!!! They sang other things, but those were my favorites. The crowd was crazy when the Davids were performing. I have such a sore throat from screaming and my body isn't working so well. I have to admit I get a little crazy at concerts...any concerts. I just love music and I have to dance and sing...can't help it!

Blog, Blog, Blog...

Blah, Blah, Blah!!!! We are home now.....life is.....Blah, Blah, Blah!!!

Happy Now Dear!!!! Love you forever!!!!

Here We Are Again!

Seth and I are hanging out at the big house again! He is doing well. He had surgery yesterday to place a G-tube in his belly. We will not actually be using that tube for a month and will continue to feed him through his NJ-tube. At the end of July, we will come back for a procedure to look at Seth's esophogus and have the G-tube replaced with a GJ-tube. Then we will be able to get rid of that awful nose tube and start feeding him through his belly. Even though I am still freaked out by the idea, it can't be worse than worrying about the tubes in his nose getting all plugged up and getting pulled out. I am sure there are similar worries but I guess we will cross that bridge when we get there!

Kyler Is Home!!!!

We are so excited!!!!! Kyler traveled home from Brazil, without incident, and arrived into our family's open arms on saturday, June 30th at 11:05am. The electricity at the airport was amazing as our family and many others, watched the escalators impatiently for the sign of handsome young men in suits. Kyler was one of the first ones to come and when I saw his beautiful face high above the crowd, I thought my heart was going to burst. He was quickly enveloped into our family. He met Elliott for the first time and saw our little grown up Miette. She had been so excited to see him but I guess the realization that he was a real person and didn't just exist in the computer or on the wall was a little bit too much for her. She was really shy and kept a close eye on him for quite a while but she loves him now. How could you not? He is a great guy. He has brought such a spirit home with him. He has been struggling to find some of his words in english and I'm sure he is in culture shock but he has been very gracious and patient with us. He gave his missionary report in church on sunday and did a marvelous job! Diane Rigby said the she has only seen a light around a countenance two other times in her life and she saw it around Kyler. I am glad that his light is back with us. We Love You Ky James!!!

Elliott's First Birthday!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy First Birthday Ellie!!!!! We Love You!!!!!

David Heiner

On June 18th, Mason's good friend David Heiner passed away. They were close friends in high school and shared many great debate experiences that Mason will carry with him through his entire life. There is a wonderful blog that was posted by the Heiner family to keep everyone updated while David was in the hospital. His obituary and some nice pictures have been posted there as well. The address is http://www.davidheiner.blogspot.com/

I personally will always remember David's beautiful eyes and infectious smile. He always had something witty to say and kept us laughing.

Meghan's Wedding

Our dear Meghan was married to her sweetheart Eric, on 6/7/08. What a cute couple! We were all praying for a beautiful day but mother nature had a different plan. We had sunshine, wind, rain and even a little bit of hail. Definately a day to remember. Miette was a flower girl with Mason's other little cousin. They looked beautiful in their little pink princess dresses. They held baskets with rose petals that they "threw" on the ground for Meghan's entrance. Mason looked so handsome in his tux and his attitude was in tact. He held a little box of nerds while they were taking pictures and nobody was getting those away from him! Meghan looked beautiful! We did have to go to the church for the ceremony but we were able to go back to the house for the reception. We braved the elements and it turned out very nice. The decorations were wonderful, the food was delightful and of course Merriett's yard was absolutely beautiful. It was so much fun to work in the kitchen with Nicole who is the behind the scenes queen! Congrats and a happy life for Meghan and Eric!!!

Way Behind!

I am so behind on my blogging. For those of you that sit on the edge of your seats waiting for words of wisdom from my superior thoughts, I am so sorry!!! These last six weeks have been crazy and I sometimes can't even keep a thought in my head! I know that you are thinking "Tauna is mortal! and she loses it sometimes?" It is true, my mediocrity is showing. I am just the same as the next crazy blonde around the corner. I would like to think that I do normal with more grace than the next gal but....I am going to attempt to recreate the exciting lives of our family since my last entry .........................................?..................!!.............................???..................! Not much coming to mind but survival. There have been a couple of events that I will highlight in the next blog or two. I do want to send out a big "THANK YOU" for everyone that has supported our family through this crazy time and for the prayers that have been sent up in our behalf. We have felt very loved and we love you all back. One thing I have kept in mind through everything, even though sometimes it feels like our problems are insurmountable, there is always someone in worse shape than us. We have been so blessed.

DAVID COOK WINS!!!!!!

David Cook is our American Idol!!!!!! I was so sure that David Archuleta would win because every young girl in the country would vote on their cell phones until they went to couldn't stay awake any longer. I really like the kid but David Cook has been my favorite for a very long time and I am so happy for him!!!! I thought the finale show was awesome!!! My favorite parts would have to be the George Michael and ZZ Top performances. It was also so much fun to see so many of my favorite Idol contestants from the past in the audience! I am still a huge American Idol fan and will be on the edge of my seat next January when it starts all over again!!! No worries though, for tonight So You Think You Can Dance kicks off!!!! And the tradition continues......

My Date With Laurie!!!!!

My Dear, Sweet Friend Laurie called me yesterday and told me to mark off the 14th of July on my calendar because we are going on a date!!! It was supposed to be a secret but I have never been very patient so I started doing some research this morning. When she realized that I wasn't going to rest until I figured it out, she gave me a hint. WE ARE GOING TO THE AMERICAN IDOL CONCERT!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!! Laurie doesn't even like American Idol so this is extremely special to me. I thought that maybe she was going to try to sway me into liking MCR, but this is all about me and I feel very loved!!! With everything that is going on in our lives I know that it is going to go fast but right now it seems so far away!!!!! Thank You so much Laurie Darling!!!! I love you babe!!!

We Are Home!!!

After almost two long weeks in the hospital, Seth and I came home yesterday. The team of Drs that have been so awesome, decided that if they didn't get him on the schedule by 10am yesterday that they were sending us home. Even though we were there for such a long time, waiting and wondering, I am glad that we are at least to the point that we are. We found out what was causing the trouble and did all the testing that we needed to do to get on with this. Seth is scheduled for surgery for his nissen and G-tube on the 30th of June. It would have been so much nicer to just have the surgerys while were already there but it will all be OK. The hardest thing will be that Kyler comes home from Brazil on the 28th, he reports and we will have a huge party at our house on the 29th, then Seth and I will slip away for a few days of rest and relaxation at our favorite vacation spot, Primarys! We are doing pretty well with the NJ tube here at home. My biggest worry is that it will get pulled out and we will have to go back to Primarys to put it back into place. We are going to be extremely careful!!! And we have to keep Seth well. It will all be good, right? no worries!!!

Update From Primarys

Seth and I are still hanging out at the big house on the hill. We have all our servants in order and things are going well. Seth is doing great! He is very healthy and his back is healing well. It seems that our biggest obstacles have been waiting for this person or that person to make a decision. When we first came back to the hospital, Seth had a fever and they were looking for an infection. As time went on they looked into aspiration, which he has never had a problem with before. Through many tests and long days waiting to talk to another Dr, they decided that he is aspirating and he also has reflux, so everything is going to change for us. I guess straightening out his back has caused all sorts of changes in his little body. He may never be able to drink from a bottle again, so my fight is over...he is going to get a G-tube. They are also going to do a nissen on his stomach to control the reflux problem. With all the setbacks and the long days in the hospital, he is finally getting the final test before surgery. Right now he is getting his nutrition through a NJtube which goes from his nose to his small intestine. Hopefully, and that is a HUGE hopefully, he will have his surgery tomorrow or thursday and we will get to go home saturday or sunday. Everybody cross all your fingers and toes that the rest of our stay will go smoothly. No more surprises!!!

PS David Cook Rules!!!

Seth's Setback

We had a big set back in Seth's recovery last night. Toward the late evening, Seth started to sound very congested and seemed to have a hard time breathing. We tried all our little tricks, propping him in bed, setting him in his wheelchair, turning him on his side and patting his chest to get him to cough. As it got later and he sounded worse and worse, it became apparant that we needed to go to the emergency room. By the time we got him in the van, I was pounding on his chest and shaking him a little all the way to the hospital because his breathing was very labored. I had called ahead but they still had us go through the motions at the desk before they would even see him. I made Bruce keep patting his chest but they just took their time. When they got him back, they checked his oxygen and it was way too low. All of the sudden there were 15 people, running all over his room with needles and tubes. They put a ventilator in, put an IV line on the other side of his neck (now he has a matched pair) and poked him in every possible area of his body. It was so scary to see your little boy in such a frenzy. Then we heard the words "life flight" and I lost it. They were sending him back to Primarys on life flight. Didn't we just skip that joint on Saturday? It was crazy and they had him so drugged he wouldn't even respond to our touch or our voices. They ran every test they could think of and started to get him ready to go. Everyone was so nice and the two sweet nurses that came with life flight were amazing. Of course I couldn't stop crying. I felt like such a failure. So they flew away with our boy and we rushed home to get some things together for a couple of days. Collin and Mason were awesome to help us. They had finished my cinnamon rolls and topped them with "green" frosting (yes, I was making cinnamon rolls at 10pm. The boys asked so nicely, what was I to do) and they had packed our bags, with a few extras like paint samples, oven mitts, a lucky sock, Miette's bubbles and anything else they could get their grubby hands on as a practical joke. They actually did a great job. I got down here with the basics. We rushed through the house and threw in a few extra essentials then rushed to Salt lake. He was all hooked up in PICU by the time we got here at about 3:30. Bruce told me I had to call my parents because my mom would be so mad if I didn't. They walked in just a few minutes after we did. I felt so bad but honestly, it was so nice to have them there (it was Dad's first day as a retired man). After a while, the nurse sent Bruce and I to a coat closet with a bed to catch a few winks because we were about to topple over. Mom and Dad stayed all morning with us. They are amazing! About 1pm they took the ventilator out. His fever was going down and he was more awake than he had been in days. They are pretty sure that he has an infection somewhere and that the meds they sent us home with were over dosing him and he was forgetting to clear his airways. Hence the junk in his lungs that we are dealing with now. We were most excited though when he started to smile and he even laughed at his Dad! What a special blessing for us. We are now out of ICU and now we wait for him to be 100%. I don't want to go home with him until he is perfect because I never want to go through that again!!!!! Ever!!!! Bruce has a theory though. He calls it his "Mater" theory. Seth just wanted to ride in one of them "fancy helicopters".

Look at Me!!!

Look at me sitting up so straight and tall!!! I am very intrigued by the fact that I am sitting right next to my mom and dad. I think that I might even be as tall as my mom now! I have been so brave and I should be coming home on saturday. Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. I'll see you all soon!!! Love, Seth

Seth's Surgery

Seth had his back surgery on monday. I have to admit that I still wonder if we made the right choice. When considering quality of life vs. quantity, there is such a fine line as far as Seth is concerned. We are very laid back and have always wanted Seth to be completely comfortable and happy. With his teenage growth spurts, his little back had become so bent that his organs were being squished. He couldn't chug his bottle in 3.2 seconds anymore and his coughs had become very weak. After so much talking, searching and prayer, we decided this was the best choice. As they pushed him away on monday morning, it was all I could do to not chase them down and tell the we had changed our minds. After 4 1/2 hours in surgery, they put our little humpty dumpty back together again. They have him in ICU and even though they are really sweet up there, I will be anxious to get him in his own room. Hopefully this afternoon. He is doing as expected. Pain is our biggest issue and so far it has been OK. My biggest worry is when I take him home. I am so scared!!! Please keep him in your prayers and I love you!!!

More Slumber Party Pix

Slumber Party

We had a most marvelous slumber party with Todd, Laurie and Michael last thursday. Michael didn't actually stay the night but he spent alot of time with us and it was wonderful. Bruce and I had been getting quite tense about the surgery and our sweet friends decide to visit just in time to save us from our deep despair. They said that they just wanted to come up for the auction but we know that they came to lift our spirits and they did just that. They took it all in stride that our home was full of stressful energy and it was so much fun to be with them. It has also been wonderful seeing Michael so much more. He is such a calming soul and we love to have him around. Everybody needs friends like that.

New Love?

I have finally lost my mind! I have fallen for 195lbs of tight, ripped splendor! When Collin brought his love of fighting into our home, I "fought" it all the way. My fine tuned mothering instincts just couldn't wrap themselves around two guys, who have mothers somewhere, beating the crap out of each other...until last night. For the lack of wanting to sit upstairs by myself, I joined the testosterone filled basement for some Pay-per-View entertainment. I was not prepared for the emotions I would encounter!!! Now those of you that know me well, know that I have a weakness for a fine looking man. What can I say?!? I like 'em!!! So, out comes this extrememly fine tuned man machine in black stretchy pants (thought borrowed from Nacho Libre, thanks Jack Black) with beautiful eyes and a "come hither" smile! Holy Cramoly!!!! What can a girl do? He proceeded to beat the punk out of the hobbit guy and kept me glued to the screen for almost two rounds before he was declared the winner. Even though I think that Michael and I may have seen a different fight than the other guys, it was extremely enjoyable and I believe that I could be convinced to watch a round, every once in a while. Especially if GSP is on the ticket!

A Day Late and Always a Dollar Short!

Yesterday was Kyler's birthday!!! WOW, 21 years!!! How time flies!!! I will keep working on his slide show for your viewing pleasure. He has had a great week and was able to go to a BBQ on his birthday. I'm so thankful that there are great people in Brazil to watch after our sweet boy.

We had an appt. on tuesday with Seth's orthopedic surgeon. We have been talking alot about the surgery as a family and we were hoping that the Dr. would have other options that would be easier for Seth. The only option that we have is surgery. They will put a permanent rod along his spine that will hold his back straight. The surgery is intense and it will take a long time for us to get our sweet boy back to his old self. We feel like we lost a little piece of him with his last two hip surgeries and hope we don't loose any more. We are scheduled for the 28th of April and my mind is buzzing 500 miles an hour. There are so many arrangements to be made and schedules that will be affected. Seth is most important so please keep him in your prayers. And maybe include a little P.S. for his mom and dad.

More Baby Animal Days

Baby Animals Day

We had such a great time with Miette and Elliott at Baby Animals Day! We had never been there before and we have been missing out!!! Next year we will take all the grandkids for sure. It was a cold day so we were all bundled up. Little Ellie spent most of the time chewing on her coat to get her first tooth but she liked being outside and going for a ride. Even though baby farm animals are not new to Miette because we have so many at our house, she loved being outdoors and wandering around with all the other kids. I think that her favorites would have to be the ducks. When we came to the Ashby's booth, Bart came up behind me with a plastic knife and scared me. When I screeched, Miette freaked out and screamed the most horrible scream. It was so sad!!! I picked her up and introduced her to Bart who is a Mt. Man clear to his bones. She reached for him and gave him the biggest (scared) hug. She ended up on his lap, making the most beautiful bead necklace which she is very proud of. She has talked about Bart ever since! The facilities and the volunteers out at the American Heritage Farm are awesome and we will have to watch for all the fun things they do.

Happy Anniversary Baby!

OOOHHHHH!!!! So Precious!!!! Love ya babe!!!!!!

In Like a Lion-Out Like a Freakin' Psycho Maniac!

So what is up with the snow!?!?! Maybe I should have paid more attention to the newscasts, but I was caught completely off guard! Summer is right around the corner, right?

I think we may all be over the "Dreaded Gombu"! It has spread like wildfire through our homes. At least we haven't had the stomach flu stuff! That would have been so much worse!!!

We are really looking forward to April around here. We would love to see some nice weather and we promise not to take it for granted!!!
-Bruce and I will be celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary on the 2nd. It is amazing that we have been married for so long and I look forward to many more years with him.
-We are excited to have kidding season finished. We only have 4-5 more does to freshen and when the babies are all on the buckets, life is grand!!!
-We will also be cutting our family of dogs in half. I am sad about that, but glad that there will be less for me to feel guilty about.
-We will also find out more about Seth's situation and will hopefully have a date for his surgery so we can plan our lives.
-I am going to turn into a slave driver! We are going to clean out every nook and cranny in our home and get ready for Kyler to come home.

We are so blessed to have our health to do all the things that we need to do, and our family and friends to share all the things that we want to do. Life is Good!!!!!

Collin Is 1/4 Century Old!

Happy Birthday Collin!!! It is so amazing to realize that 25 "short" years ago at 8:01pm, they laid our sweet little baby boy in our arms. He was so beautiful and we were so sure that all the days from then on would be rosy and bright. Well...life isn't always rosy, but we have been so blessed to have Collin in our family. He has such a strong spirit and always keeps things hoppin' in our home. We enjoy his vibrant personality and the zest that he brings into every conversation. We are so proud of him!!! Love ya babe!!!

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Remembering Kelli

Our sweet old lady Kelli left us last night at 10:08pm. As I felt her heart stop beating, my mind was flooded with wonderful memories. She was born just 3 feet away from where she passed, in May of 1996. We hoped that we would have her for more than 12 years but she had a great life. She will be greatly missed by our family.

She was the best dog! We were sad when the breeder took her as pick of the litter. She spent a couple of years in the show ring and was returned to us because "her eyes are too round and her ears are too far apart!" We thought she was beautiful!!! She would let the babies crawl all over her and pull her hair and would just wait patiently until they learned to pet nicely. I'm not sure how we will know when Seth's bus pulls up or where we should park in our driveway. She has been deaf for a year but could hear the bus and our cars from a block away. She loved to herd the kids on the trampoline and chase the boys around the house. Just last fall she would bark until Collin or Mason would race her around the house. They were sad to find out that they could win because she was getting slower. She was our official greeter and would almost smile as she introduced our guests. We would always have to explain why she was soaking wet and covered in leaves. She loved to play in the creek and absolutely loved the snow. She would lay in the snow for hours just rubbing her face in it, and would take complete advantage of that last little pile in the in spring. She added so much joy to our family. Just this morning Timery told me that Miette was talking to Kelli. Maybe she stopped by for a visit before heading to that wonderful doggy park in Heaven. I hope they have snow there!

P.S. 112 Days, 14 Hours, 6 minutes and 21 Seconds

Could It Be?

Grass!!! Is there any chance that there might be hope of Spring after all? I found a little spot of grass in our pathway to the barn and it might persuade me to believe in Spring again!!! Honestly, I try not to be a pessimist but the evidence was impossible to ignore for a gal like me. There may be a time when Spring decides that it is just too much work!!! Now that I have witnessed a sign that Summer may come again. I will try to carry on with renewed dreams of warmer days, sitting on the terrace and listening to the creek, and all the finer things in life.
P.S. 115 Days, 12 Hours, 52 Minutes and 33 Seconds

Friendly Chatter-Volume One

Life is Crazy!!!! Just when you think you have a plan, everything is thrown back up in the air and could fall anywhere. I suppose this is what keeps life interesting but sometimes just sitting back and enjoying the view, could be a fresh change.

So many things have happened in our family this last week or so. Timery started her job at the university, which she loves! She has met so many people and just loves the atmosphere up there. Michael starts his new job on monday and he is very optimistic about that. He will be a salesman of sorts and account manager, which will be very different from what he has been doing. He will still take jobs with his graphic design business, so he will stay plenty busy. We have been able to enjoy Miette and Elliott here while Timery is working. It has been so much fun hanging out with them and so busy! Miette is starting to potty train and that has been kindof crazy but she is getting it! We all do eventually, don't we? Elliott is pulling herself up to the couch and anything else that is stationary. She is a crazy woman!!!
Mason bought a car that will start every morning and the windows even roll all the way up in this one. He got a cute little Ford Focus of the hatchback, standard variety. This is his first experience with a standard and he has had a great time buzzing around, showing off his "ride"! We are so happy for him and we think he made a great choice.
Collin is still working very hard to get himself in school. He has an appt. on monday at Stevens Heneger to see about getting his nursing degree from there. I really hope that goes well for him so he can follow his dream.
Kyler loves his new area and is doing so well. There has only been one area that he really didn't like too much but he always makes the best of it and we are so proud of him!
Mike and Wendy are doing great! Mike's new job is much better than they thought it would be. The only downside is that Mike works graveyard, which is really only a half-life at best. The kids are going stir crazy and are so ready for green grass!!! They are happy and healthy and all is well at the Baldwin residence.
Bruce and I have been milking and taking care of baby goats. It is really hard to pull myself out of bed at 5am, which will turn to 4:30 when more does freshen, but it comes with the territory. I have realized though that we are very over-extended and even though the dogs have been great for us and have seen us through Mason's high school years, a couple of weddings and a couple of missions, it is time that we cut back and find good homes for most of them. I love them all but there really isn't enough time in a day for us to give them all the attention they deserve. Also, Bruce and I are working on the "change your stars" plan. I believe we have found a valid and productive idea, and we are going to go for it!

P.S. 118 days, 15 hours, 22 minutes and 17 seconds.

Miette's First Two Years

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SWEET MIETTE!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
February 23rd, 2006

This is the first time I have used slide.com and I love it!!!
I had so much fun putting this together for Miette!!!
I know that you are going to want to watch this over and over again!
After it plays through twice, you can hit "refresh" or click out of it and it will start over. Also, for those of you that don't like music, you can click on the speaker and turn it off. I just thought this song was perfect! Enjoy!!!

P.S. 127 Days, 1 Hour, 40 Minutes, and 13 seconds

First Babies of the Season!

We have babies!!!!! Babe had two beautiful buck kids this morning!!! Bruce is "salivating" over her udder (which may sound disgusting to most folks, but the udder is what it is all about) and both little guys are doing great! Of course we were devastated to find out that WE DIDN'T WIN!!! Laurie's old lady China, had a baby girl last night. Laurie is so excited about her because China is getting very old and she wants to get her Saanan herd going again. We happily concede to the Petersen family as we start our crazy kidding season. Bruce thinks that we will have more babies today so we are rolling up our sleeves!!! I am most excited about getting the nigerian babies here so Miette, Ezekiel and Sierra can pick out their show goats. It is going to be so much fun introducing them to the world of showing. They will get to name them, feed them bottles and when it gets nice outside they will learn to lead their goats. There is nothing as cute as the peewee classes at the fairs and we are going to have a blast!!!

P.S. 131 Days, 12 Hours, 39 Minutes and 57 Seconds

We Have A Date!

Kyler finally has the date that he will be coming home!!! He leaves Brazil on June 27th and will probably arrive in Salt Lake on the 28th. Of course that ruins any chance that Michael and Timery will have for a romantic 5th anniversary getaway that weekend, but we will be partying all night long!!!!!!!!! Poor Kyler will be traveling for about 24 hours and then we will be eating him alive!!!!! That's what you get for taking 2 years away from your family. He will miss Sweet Ellie's first birthday but will be here for the fabulous 4th of July celebration. I am just so excited to see his handsome mug!!! I have a countdown on my sidebar that will keep us updated to the second. Right now we have 134 days, 10 hours, 22 minutes and 28 seconds. Everything seems to be looking up in our family. Timery found a great job and is so excited to start next tuesday. She is still missing her girls and they are missing her but things are smoothing out now. Michael has a great lead on a new job and Mike found a new job that works really well for their little family. There are so many things that still need help, but I feel so blessed right now and I know that everything will be OK.

Oh and...Happy Valentine's Day!!! Can you feel the love!?!?!?!?! Thanks to our awesome friend Lisa for a wonderful date!!! Bruce and I had a marvelous time!!!!!

Shout Out!

Here is a "Shout Out" for my marvelous friend Jennifer. She continues to SPICE up my life with her witty Jenn-isms! She also has a very attractive hubby that adds to the appeal. Love Ya Jenn!!!

Kisses for Seth

I just wanted to share these kissing pictures of Seth. It is always a bit confusing for the babies to understand Seth at first. They don't understand why he doesn't respond to them like everyone else does but when they get used to him, they just love him to death. I put Ellie with him the other day while I was changing Miette's diaper and when I looked up, she was giving him kisses. I am so glad I was able to get to the camara quickly because I love this pix. Just a week before, I got a great pix of Miette laying one on him. These pictures are priceless! Seth is such a lucky guy!!!

All About Bruce Darling, from my angle...

OK, Laurie Darling! Here you go!!!
What is his name? Bruce Eugene Gates
How long have you been married? Almost 26 years
How long did you date? 6 months but we knew each other for a year before that.
How old is he? 45
Who eats more sweets? I do, Bruce is a chip guy
Who said I love you first? I probably did but he taught me all about love.
Who is taller? Bruce is. I like big, tall guys!
Who can sing better? He has a beautiful singing voice but I sing all the time.
Who is smarter? He thinks he is but I believe I am, hhhmmm...
Who does the laundry? Me! I prefer it that way.
Who pays the bills? Me, but I hate it!
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do now. I have always slept closer to the door so I can get to the kids faster.
Who mows the lawn? That is Bruce's job and he does a marvelous job.
Who cooks dinner? We both have our specialties. I would never make beef stew, but his is great!
Who drives? We rarely drive together. I usually drive to town but he drives the longer distances.
Who is more stubborn? Probably me, but he also has a extra large stubborn streak.
Who kissed who first? I think we kissed each other.
Who asked who out first? I was obsessed with him so he didn't have a choice.
Who proposed? Bruce did, but only by default.
Who has more siblings? I win by one if you count my Native American sis. We both have 2 girls and two boys in our families but I am the oldest and he is the baby.
Who wears the pants? I try to let him but I always steal them when he's asleep.

BFF's

This is for my dear friend Laurie, who reads my blog daily and wishes that I had more to say! Bruce and I are thankful everyday that we met Todd and Laurie and their sweet family. We will all be Best Friends Forever!!!!

Vegas Pix

Just a couple of pictures from Vegas, for your viewing pleasure!

Merry Christmas!?!?!

Just when all the stores start to put out their tulips, daffodils, bunnies and the rest of the spring essentials, we get a major snow storm. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but every year when it dumps a foot of snow after Christmas, it just doesn't seem right! We do live in Utah, after all!!! I should be accustomed to this!!!!! It is beautiful to see the snow come down in big clumps and build on the trees and bushes, but even as the beauty takes my breath away I imagine the time when all this snow melts. Melting is inevitable and then we will be swimming in the backyard! Pessimism always seems to get the best of me this time of year. I know that we need the moisture but all I can see is the muck to come! I guess it wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have to get out in it, but the goats, cows, chickens and geese live out there and the dogs need to go out for their potty breaks so we just have to deal with it the best we can. We will be glad next summer when we can water our lawns and flowers. On the bright side, I really can't imagine living in a place that doesn't have the four seasons. I would sure like to visit a bright, sunshiney place for a couple of months to skip the worst of spring but I really do like the end of spring, the first of winter, summer for sure! and I absolutely LOVE FALL!!! That season could go on forever.

I did try to escape winter for a few days last week. I was able to go down to a home decor trade show in Las Vegas with Sugar 'n Spice. I was truly expecting more than 30 degree mornings and highs of 45 during the days. We did spend alot of time indoors at the show but it would have been nice to feel the heat of the sun on our faces and bask in its rays for a minute or two. Even though we were busy, we had a good time. The highlights for me would have to be 1) the short time we were able to spend at a fancy party for the trade show. As we walked into the pool area, we were handed a boa and a top hat. There were bars of food and drink surrounding the two pools and a live band was playing. The pool was decorated with huge lit balls that floated on the water. Those people in Vegas know how to throw a party!!! We tasted all the yummies, listened to the music for a minute, grabbed a water and hurried to the next big event, 2) MAMMA MIA! It was amazing!!! I had seen it about 7 years ago in Salt Lake but it was still so wonderful!!! I couldn't help myself as I danced and sang at the top of my lungs. I highly recommend this show to anyone that wants to have a good time. The last highlight for me was spending a bit of time with my friend Wendy in St. George, on the way home. It was so much fun to meet her babies and visit with some of her family, even if for a short time. She and Thomas are a great couple! While I was in their home, they shared a business idea with me. It was really interesting and I am checking into it. It falls back to my "Change our Stars" goal. You never know where the next big idea will come from! I'll let you know how that goes.

So while I was off having a party! My dear family covered all the bases and the house didn't fall down!!! Bruce did a marvelous job!!! Even in his weakened, no day off for 25 days state, he kept everything together and even found time to clean up water in the basement, put in Seth's new door, paint the new walls with primer and caulk the tub. What a guy!!!!! He is amazing!!!!!! Also while I was gone, Timery got a new job. Not the job of her dreams by any stretch, but it will help pay the bills for now until something "perfect" comes along. It will be fun to have the girls around a few days a week but they are going to miss their mom so much. We will get used to it and it will all work out!!!

News From Brazil!!!

I am so excited to share a video and some pix that we received from a wonderful man named Andres Alberto Soto Tello and his family in Brazil, that takes great care of Kyler. They go to his home to eat quite often and he was kind enough to take video and pictures of Kyler and his companion. I'm not sure he realizes how wonderful it is for a family to be able to actually see their missionary so happy. It has been so much fun to share this video with Miette!!! She just watched it over and over!!! She was only 5 months olds when Kyler left but they had a special bond. This is a great opportunity for her to see him and maybe it will help with their reunion. She loves to say "Ciao" and twist her little fingers around to try to make the "hang ten" sign. There really isn't alot of verbal content because those who know Kyler realize that he is a man of few words. Andres said in his email that they were talking alot before they started the video then everyone got quiet. Kyler will probably be transferred this week and I know he will miss this area. He has made many friends and I'm sure has touched many hearts there.

I am very disappointed in myself!!! We have a video camara that sits by the computer and scares me to death! I think I am going to get out the intimidating manuel that came with it and try my hand at this video thing. It could be a lot of fun!!! Enjoy!!!

My Thoughts for the New Year

Everyone believes that we should make our goals for the year on January 1st. My personal experience with New Year's Resolutions has been disappointing at best. I find that I am alway making and breaking goals for myself. This is probably a character flaw that will hurt my innermost soul in the end. Being an ADD adult is not always easy but there are some never-changing goals in my pocket at all times. Renewal of these goals happen often and most of the time as I am going to sleep at night. This is when you know that everything is going to be easier after you get a bit of shut-eye. As I get older, I realize that time goes too fast and I need to be realistic in the things that I expect of myself. There is always someone down the street that is a "dynamo!" She never seems to make any mistakes. She has read her scriptures, showered, applied make-up, spit shined her home (bed made, no dishes in the sink, etc.) and her kids smile as they run to the bus with a perfectly finished report, complete with a professional scrapbook quality. Of course I don't have to worry about the reports anymore but everything else often seems out of my reach as I roll out of bed and shuffle around for an hour before I can utter a sentence that makes sense. I'm always 10 minutes late for work because "something came up" and I have always forgotten that "one item" that will make my life easier. I have great intentions though, and one of these days I will magically inherit organizational qualities that I have always wished for, but can't seem to make happen for myself.

Since I am not going to make any New Year's Resolutions, I think I will have a theme for this year. An uplifting thought that will inspire us and make us try a little harder to achieve the goals we have in our hearts. One of my favorite movies is A Knight's Tale. In that movie, as William's father is sending him off, he tells him to "Go And Change Your Stars". Of course, William does this. Through determination, hard work and making my heart go pitter patter, he "Changes His Stars". So Gates family, and anyone else that cares to listen to my banterings, you are going to get tired of hearing this but LET'S CHANGE OUR STARS!!!!!! We have health, creative minds and strong hearts. Let's make this year the one we talk about for the rest of our lives!!! I Love You!!!!!

First and Foremost

Welcome to the Gates family blog as seen through the eyes of their great leader...aka Mom.
We are an intense but loving family that enjoys a good laugh and each other's company. We often have an uncontrollable cynical outlook on life and a sometimes overwhelming need to keep people in the "real". We are all dreamers and know that someday we will come up with that perfect idea that will change our lives. Is this our year? I believe it is!!!

Gates Family Antics in the dictionary.

gate [geyt] noun,
a-an opening permitting passage through an enclosure.
b-any means of access or entrance: the gate to stardom is talent.

family [fam-uh-lee, fam-lee] noun,
a-parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not.
b-the staff, or body of assistants, of an official.

antic [an-tik] noun,
a- a playful trick or prank, caper
also defined as...
b- a grotesque, fantastic, or ludicrous gesture, act, or posture

hhmmm, that pretty much sums it up! A grotesque passage to our group of people?!?!?

I will be using many exclamation points and any other exaggeration method I can think of on this blog. I believe this easily defines my personality (and others that will be highlighted on this page), that has often been referred to as "dramatic". I don't see it but..........
You will probably gag on all the info I will share about our wonderful kids and our even more amazing grandkids. I will also sprinkle in a bit about our awesome extended family and friends that keep life interesting.

Let me introduce you to the fam!

My amazing hubby Bruce! We have have been in love for for 26 years! His unofficial job description is "Chief Gourmet Carniverous Technician", generally referred to as a Smith's Meat Department Manager. He is a great, hard working guy with a wonderful work ethic. He has always done everything he needed to do to take care of our family. Although he often comes across as a crusty old man, we all know he is a cuddly teddy bear, full of sweet.

The Baldwin family: Including Mike, Wendy and two great kids, Ezekiel 4 and Sierra 3. Mike and Wendy live in Logan Utah. Mike is the construction king and has done just about every building job there is. He is planning to go to school to be a Physical Therapist. Wendy is a busy, stay at home mom with a woodwork and vinyl business. She keeps a sparkling house and once a week, she helps another family to do the same.

Collin 25, the eldest of the bunch. Against all better judgement he is living here with his family to jump start his life in the direction he would like to go. He currently works at Schreibers in Amalga. His goal is to get his nursing degree and move back to his "good life" in Salt Lake City. We all know that he secretly hopes to stay with us forever! He loves fast cars, staying up late and his mom.

Timery and Michael Reis, both 23. Michael and Timery live in a darling little house in Richmond with their two beautiful girls, Miette almost 2 and Elliott 7 months. Michael is wonderful artist who insists that everyone has the ability to do art, if they would only practice. (huh? I don't buy it!). He is very patient as he helps me with my computer questions. He works as the Design Department Manager at Sign Pro. Timery is an amazing, selfless mother who adores her kids and they know it! Tim and I are pretty much unseperatable. I'm fine with that! She is currently in between jobs but works very hard at home, taking care of their girls.

Kyler 20, is the perfect one, or so I've been told. We do think he is marvelous! He is currently serving in the Maceio Brazil Mission and he loves it! It has been awesome watching him grow and we are more than anxiously awaiting his return in June. Just in time for Elliott's first birthday and of course...the 4th Of July!!!

Mason 19, is the second unwilling participant in the "living with parents" situation. He is excited to spread his wings and move into Logan with his friends. He goes to Utah State, working on degrees in Political Science and Economics. After he graduates in 2009, he plans to run off to a fancy school, far, far away to get his masters. He loves his job as a teacher's aide at Bridger Elemetary and still dabbles at the movie theater for free tickets.

Seth 15, is our angel. He loves his nieces and his dad, watching movies in his bed, ogre hugs, getting tickled and music. He meets each new challenge with his brilliant smile and loves his family unconditionally. We all hope that he will put in a good word for us in heaven.

I suppose that is more about us than most of you can stomach at one sitting. I will dabble with faces to the stories tonight when I have some leisure. Did I just use the word "leisure"!?!?!?!?!?! hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!