Don't take the path that is well traveled, make a path of your own. Here are our paths.

Fun Times

2011-03-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

So much for being a faithful blogger!!!! I think I have lost it some days.
We have had so much going. With Matt and I now teaching institute on top of our other church callings I think all we do is prepare for the next lesson. It is crazy.
But amid all this we have had some wonderful things happen. Molly was recognized this past week for earning her Young Womenhood Recognition Medallion. We are so proud of her.

I was able to run in Ethan's Run (10K) and loved it. I beat my time from last year by about 7 minutes. It was an absolutely pefect day in the valley. I even talked Laura into running with me. We had so much fun.

Last but not least Megan won 1st place in her school Spelling Bee and was selected to represent the school at the County Bee. This is her second year in a row. We are so proud of you Meg!!!

Why does a month go by so fast?

2011-01-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone and we are racing through the new year.It was so wonderful to have Doug, Alina and Jacob and Alex here. The kids loved it. We want to thank each of you for your Christmas greetings and love. It was such a joyous time to hear how everyone is doing. We are so grateful for family and friends who we treasure. We are going full force with Molly in basketball, Matt and I teaching Institute, piano lessons and trying to just get situated into a new year. Here we go and thanks again for all your support.

Christmas Is Almost Here

2010-12-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

Wow!! A few more days and this craziness will be over. It is amazing to me how much we can stuff into a week. Between Christmas programs, Christmas parties, Christmas Caroling, Christmas goodies do we sometimes lose the true focus. I am so grateful to my Savior and for His birth. I am indeed grateful for his Atoning Sacrifice and Redeeming Love. I hope and pray this week with all the confusion we can take time out and truly remember the meaning of Christmas.

Sing Emmy Sing!!

Carter is so Happy!! ;)

Yummy Yummy

A New Chapter

2010-12-19T20:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we don't see things as they are. This happened to me this week. We were asked to speak in Church. No big deal huh. Wrong!! This has never been one of my favorite things to do and at Christmas it is even harder. As we spoke today it was hard to see only 5 kids on the stand with us. We are so used to only having to bear our testimonies it was different to speak for 15 minutes. It has been quite the change in our lives the past six months. With Alyssa getting married, Laura graduating and moving on and Josh left for BYU last week our house seems mighty quiet even though there are 5 still home. We are so proud of each of them and all they have accomplished. I just want to thank them for all of their love support and all they have taught me. I love each of you so much. Love Mom.

Oh baby!!!

2010-12-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks have been insane. In fact I told Matt if anyone asks me to do one more thing before Christmas I needed his support to remind me to say no. Then Bishop Nelson asked us to speak in church later that day. I just wanted to cry. But it all went well. But I particularly want to thank David and Amanda Hall for the opportunity to enjoy their little Kolton for a couple of hours. Like I said it has been crazy here and I took the morning off and thoroughly enjoyed him. He brought so much sunshine and love into my day. He is a little package stuffed full of love. His smile would just melt my heart. He was so sweet. It helped to focus on something fun and remember what life is all about. Thanks again.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T16:44:00.001-08:00

Well I had the most amazing Thanksgiving ever. We were blessed to have everyone here and it was so wonderful. I am so grateful for parents. I especially want to thank Mom and Dad Weber for all they do and the time they spend with us. It has been so wonderful to have them close. I am so grateful for their example of strength and love. They have some of the strongest testimonies and the cutest relationship. I watch them and see Matt and I in 20 years and just have to giggle.

I am so grateful for beautiful daughters who so willing help and give so much to make our family run smoothly. I know there are times that I am not very patient with them but I definitely have the best ones ever. I love you girls.

For sons who have the hard job of keeping the peace and making us all be nice. Josh and Carter you are both so loving and caring. Thank you so much.

For amazing Husband who looks past my faults and weakness (its a long look) and still loves me. I appreciate his support and kindness. His gentleness and love. Thank you Matt.

I am so grateful for a warm home even though it needs cleaning, clothes to wear even though they need washing, a wood stove to keep me warm even though that means wood to chop. I am so grateful for fingerprints on my wall because that means there are sweet little face running around to kiss and brighten my day.I am so thankful for achy feet because that means I am strong and healthy as I run to keep up with all the craziness in my life.

Carter is 6!!!!

2010-11-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe our little boy is six years old.

It has flown by. Carter loves school and loves to play outside. His favorite color is blue and he likes to eat chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. He is a big fan of iron man but his big brother is his true hero.

He sleeps on the top bunk and will play trains with anyone who seems the least bit interested. He loves to exercise and tells me all the time he needs to take some laps. He is always willing to give hugs and is very kind and gentle.

He loves to read stories
and his biggest fan
is his MOM!!!
I love you Carter!!!

Family Time

2010-11-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

Some of the best times we had had together as of family have been Goofy Golfing. We went to the Valley on Veteran's Day to spend one last family time with Josh before he leaves for BYU. We were so excited that Laura could meet up with us and super excited Grandma Weber came. We missed Grandpa but so appreciate his example of dedication to his Temple calling.

We absolutely enjoyed the day of sunshine and laughter. Families are the best.

Count Your Many Blessings

2010-11-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

I know I know I bet you thought we fell off the face of the earth. Over the past two years there have been plenty of times we thought we had too. We have been through so much but the blessings have so outweighed the trials it is truly amazing to see how much the lord love us and know us. We have experienced everything from Josh's mission, Ashley's scoliosis's surgery, Alyssa graduating and going to ASU, Matt's transplant, Alyssa's wedding and Laura graduating. I have truly been amazed at the love and prayers and support we have received through it all. I hope to do better but I don't promise anything. That is my new word HOPE!! With it I have been able to do so much (plus my Heavenly Fathers help).

Here is what we have been up to lately. Spending time at the pumpkin patch. One of our favorite traditions.

Hope all is well with you and your family's. Thanks again for all your love and support.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Weber

2008-08-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Day!!! We were so excited to have Grandma and Grandpa Weber come over so we could celebrate Grandpa's 80th birthday. I just want to let him know how much we love him and appreciate all that he has taught us over the years. He is so quiet and reserved that when Matt and I were first married I was so very intimidated by him. But the more I have got to know him the more my love has grown for him. I have seen a gentle and tender side to him that I will always treasure. Thank you dad for all that you have helped teach my children through your wonderful example. You are truly an awesome man. Happy Birthday!!

Our ChoTic LivEs

2008-07-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

The last couple of months have been insane. After we got Alyssa's Graduation over we jumped right into summer. Alyssa and Laura are both working so that makes our schedules crazy. Laura was working two jobs for a while but is back to just one. Alyssa, Laura, and Molly all participated in the Patriotic program this year. Along with Molly doing summer music and Basketball Camp, all of them involoved with summer reading, Ashley going to Extended School Year, and Laura going to EFY, it just seemed to get busier. We have gotten lucky enough to follow Matt on two of his work related trips. The kids love to go swimming at the motel and Carter would be lost if we went to the Valley without going to Panda Express. We went down last week and got a clean bill of health for Ashley's back and feel very blessed to see her doing so well. It looks like it will slow down a tad till school starts after we get Alyssa moved next week. The only bad thing is that school start for Laura on August 4th. So as you can see we will probably only get one quiet week, but at this point we will take what we can get.

Alyssa Jean

2008-04-23T15:11:00.001-07:00

I just want to highlight a very special young lady in my life who I am so proud of and love so very much. I have to be honest there are days she makes me cry yet she has helped me to see the bigger brighter picture too. There have been many days she has comforted me and shared tears with me and so many that she has made me laugh. She has a beautiful testimony and very big heart. She is beautiful on the inside and the outside. Alyssa we are so proud of you and wish you the very best as you face leaving home and move on in your life.

I love you.

MOM

Spring Break

2008-04-04T10:41:00.002-07:00

YaHoO!!Finally a little bit of a break. We had to go to the Valley for Ashley. She needed one last High Contrast CT Scan done. It brought good/bad news. The screw is still protruding but it is not hurting anything right now. They are going to go ahead and leave it and check it again in three months. She is doing so good. She stood for about 30 seconds all by herself the other day and she has not done that in years. We are very pleased. We also went down to find Alyssa an apartment and tour ASU. She is hoping to move in June and can hardly wait. While we were down there we also got to enjoy the Zoo and of course go swimming. I think the break helped us get a second wind and head into the last leg of school.

Softball is going strong. Alyssa and Laura are busier than ever. We love to go watch their games.

Spring Break

2008-04-04T10:41:00.001-07:00

WOW!!!

2008-03-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

The past two months have been a whirlwind. Ashley's recovery period has totally consumed us. We have been so busy with her it seems as if everything else has gone on hold. She is doing well and started back to school last week. After we got her home from the hospital the first three weeks was spent mostly sleeping and trying to keep her comfortable.

The last few weeks have been spent desperately trying to keep her still. She is getting very active and so are her seizures. She is off all pain meds and is doing well but her seizures seem to be worse. She has to go in on the 25th of March for a High Contrast CT scan. We are not sure if this means bad news or just not enough info from the scan they took a couple of weeks ago. Everyone else is doing well. Carter has learned the art of Chocolate Chip Cookie Making and begs to do it all the time.

Alyssa and Laura are busy with School and Softball. Josh is doing great in CO and has a new companion named Elder Webster. And the little girls are anxousiosly awaiting SPRING!!! Thank you so much for all your support and prayers.

Ashley's Scoliosis Surgery

2008-01-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

On January 16th Ashley entered St. Joes Hospital in Phoenix for surgery. She was in surgery from 7:30 am to about 3:30 p.m. They fused from T-3 to L-3 using 26 screws, 2 rods and what appears to be three bridges. She was in Pediatric ICU for 3 days and then moved to the regular pediatric floor. She is doing very well today with high hopes of going home tomorrow (1-21-08). She is giving everyone hugs and smiles. We just want to thank everyone for all of the love, support and prayers. It has meant so much.

Where does time go?

2008-01-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

Josh has been gone for 3 weeks and is headed to Colorado Springs on January 16th. That ought to be a big day for us because that is the same day that Ashley goes in for her scoliosis surgery. She will be in the hospital for about a week. They will fuse most of her spine and put in rods and screws to stabilize it. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Josh goes to the MTC

2007-12-21T14:55:00.000-08:00

The BIG DAY!!! We got up early and headed to Provo. Alyssa needed to tour BYU for school. We could not believe how many people were there. We later learned on 2 days of the year they put through twice as many Elders and Sister. Of course the day he went was one of them (the week before Thanksgiving is the other one) So that day over 600 sisters and Elders entered the MTC. It was crazy. What was even crazier was that we were able to meet up with Dusty. It made Alyssa's day. So we took pictures and enjoyed time with him. We listened to the most awesome talks by President Boone and his wife. Then it was time for good byes. This had to be the most heart wrenching experience. As we hugged and cried and hugged and cried we were finally able to let go. As he walked through the doors He turned back and waved. The glow and excitement he had was unexplainable. He was so ready and even though it was so hard to let him go, the look in those big brown eyes made my heart melt. We all finally gained a little composure and headed to the car. Matt went to get the car for Ashley who was exhausted. Little Emily was waiting with me and I could hear her whining. I asked what was wrong and then she just began to cry. "Momma we can't leave Josh here. He has to come home with us." So once again the tears began to flow. The ride home was spent remembering the good and bad times. The love we share and strength he has brought to our family. What a blessing it was.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2007-12-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

We got about 4 inches over the past couple of days and school was called on Monday and Tuesday. The kids were so excited. They so wanted to go sledding one last time with Josh. They had a ball. They built this snowman that I thought was big, then I saw the second picture of it.

We are heading into Josh's last week. We packed his stuff yesterday and cried most of the day. It is amazing what a flood of emotions come in.

Molly's Piano Recital

2007-12-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

Tonight we went to Molly's piano recital. She did a wonderful job. Her and Alyssa played a duet and it was awesome. It is so fun to see them. To think Alyssa was there only a few short years ago and now she plays beautifully. I can hardly believe we have 10 short days before we leave to take Josh. We are getting down tothe end. It is definetely the hardest of happy times.

Laura LOVES Bsketball!

2007-11-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

Laura's basketball season started tonight so for FHE we went to support her. She did awesome. She is a little to nice but she dug in and worked hard.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2007-11-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

WOW!!! What a feast. We had Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, green bean casserole, frog eye salad, jello salad, white & wheat rolls, and tons of pies. It was amazing. But the best part was that we shared it with so many people. To think Susan & Dave where here as well as Natalie & Leon and Nathan and his girls. I think we had 24 of us all together. It was so much fun. We feel so blessed to have so much. We have family who loves us, the truthfulness of the gospel, a beautiful home, wonderful food and the list goes on. I am so thankful for all the Lord has blessed me with.

Family Time

2007-11-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

Today was the last Saturday we have with Josh. So we headed for the Valley of the Sun for a day of fun. We started off at GolfLand and did a round of GooFy GoLf. I think the little ones had just as much fun in the play area as they did golfing. Then we headed to the Mall and hung out and did a little Christmas shopping. It was so fun to just kick back and spend time together as a family. It is so amazing that the time has finally come and our family is changing in so many ways. It is so hard some days yet so joyful and rewarding. Josh's mission president said to prepare ourselves for the hardest happiest day. We are trying. But I don't know how good I am doing. We will miss him so much in so many ways but he will be awesome. LOve Ya JOshUa.

Carter is 3!!

2007-11-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Carter's third birthday today. I cried most of the day. To think this is the first third birthday we have celebrated in our home that I haven't been pregnant or already had another one. I can't believe we have hit that milestone. He was so funny. He did not want to open his presents or blow out the candles. After Em helped him he decided he would try but still wasn't real excited.

Carter's "Mac"

2007-11-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

We went over to Paula's the other day and Carter fell in love with this "MAC". Paula told him to just take it home and Landon was happy too(the more toys he gets rid of the more he gets for Christmas so he thinks). So Carter brings it home and wont let go . He cried himself to sleep because MAC couldn't come in to sleep with him. Needless to say MAC is now allowed in the house and everywhere else for that matter. Gotta love him!!

"TRICK or TREAT"

2007-10-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

That was not Carters "be mean face" . He no more wanted to go trick or treating than fly to the moon. But of course after we got to the first house and got candy it was a great idea.

Emily and Megan were our little island girls....

. . . and Molly as our witch.

After we went trick or treating we headed home for our
FaMilY HaLlOwEen PArtY

Carving Pumpkins

2007-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a ball carving pumpkins. A fun family tradition that we always do the family night before Halloween. It is soooo funny to watch Alyssa and Laura totally get into it. Carter did not like the inners but he had fun throwing the seeds. Em was so excited but did not really want to touch anything. While Molly and Meg anxiously waited the ending results. I think it really hit home last night that we are going through a lot of lasts. It is Josh's and probably Alyssa's last Halloween home. Oh how we will miss them. We are so excited to see what is in store and where their lives will head, yet we so wish we could keep them home to. It is amazing how fast time goes by.

CraZy HAir DaY

2007-10-23T12:45:00.001-07:00

Today at school was crazy hair day for Emily and Megan. Megan's bus driver said she should definitely win.

We thought since Carter got a new hair cut we would show that off too. When he was all done I brought him into the bathroom to show him and he just started to cry. He is so funny.

Javelina goes WILD!!!

2007-10-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday about 1:00 p.m. a javelina came into the yard. Laura thought it looked too big to wrap her arms around it. You be the judge. Whatever or however big it was, I didn't like it!!

FaMIly FuN DAy

2007-10-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

We have been looking at the calendar and realizing our time is becoming very short for all of us being together as a family. We are so excited for Josh's mission call but it is bringing reality up close and personal that our family is going to change very soon. So today we decided to enjoy one of those rare moments and go bowling and to lunch then we took off to watch Jacob and Alex play soccer. It was so fun to spend the day together relaxing and enjoying each others company. Carter loved to watch the kids bowl. He was clapping and cheering the whole time. Oh how I am going to miss these special,precious moments.

Molly's First Orchestra Concert

2007-10-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Molly's first orchestra concert. She has chosen to play the violin. She has been working hard and did a great job. She looked so mature and poised. Way to go Molly!!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

This past week the kids have had field trips at the Pumpkin patch. Molly and Em both got to go so Matt and I took turns chaperoning. It was so windy but the kids had so much fun. The corn maze was the best part. It is this cool maze in a 10 acre corn field. Carter loved it. He must have picked up 100 pumkins and ran about the same amount of miles.

Homecoming Week

2007-10-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy busy week. With Alyssa and Laura way involved with homecoming. The whole family seems to be hoppin'.

We had a ball at the powder puff football game. It was all we could do to keep Carter off the field.

He wanted to play so bad. He finally found a ball and that even made it worse.

Then came the dresses!!!!
We headed to the valley early Saturday morning the week before (Sept 29) in hopes of returning home at a resonable hour. Hahaha!! We arrived home at 9:30 p.m. But I guess it could have been later. Obviously Em and Carter were not thrilled the whole idea.

Josh's Mission Call!

2007-09-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

It's Here!!!!!!!

Today we recieved Joshua's mission call. Does anyone have a guess? No one even came close. It's in the states. In fact close to the middle. Am i killing you with the anticipation? OK OK! Here we go. Colorado, Colorado Springs Mission. Almost unbelievable huh!!!

Carter:)

2007-09-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Carter Loves to go bye especially when he knows he is going to see a "MACK"(from CARS). He gets so excited when he sees an 18 wheeler and will yell Mack Mack momma Mack until you acknowldege him.

Aspen Grove

2007-09-03T14:38:00.001-07:00

Today we headed up to Aspen Grove. We had so much fun catching baby horny toads and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. Everything is so green. One of the best parts of the trip was listening to the big kids reminisce about times they had gone there. Alyssa was telling us of a time Mrs. Fox got them lost on her 3rd Grade field trip. Oh how we love this place!!!!