Those 6 CRazY Buntjers!!

SOME Of My Favorite Picture Memories EVER

2011-08-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

So because it's my birthday today...and this is my blog...my birthday post is going to be some of my favorite pictures over the last 4 years! I might have posted some of these already, but too bad! You have to see them again!!

Jesse and I

Lucy Goosey (then)

Gabey Baby (then)

Dawson (aka Bubba) (then)

Rylee Anne (then)

Rylee Anne (now)

Lucy (now)

Gabe (now)

Dawson Jacob (now)

Jesse and the girls

Love birds!

Lucy in the snow

Gabe first day of Kindergarten

Lucy and her BFF Morgan

Hahaha - Just for fun!!

Dawson and Cooper

Dawson

Dawson the tease

Gabe the center of attention as usual

Family

The man

My 4 WONDERFUL children

Lucy driving her brother crazy

Corie, Pam, Me and Ali saying goodbye

Good morning Gabe

Little Dawson

Fall 2010

Papa Powell and Rylee

Ry and Daws

Lucy when she was 3

Grammy loves

Gabe's picture shoot

Laughing with Gabe

Dawson stud-meister

Gabe's popcorn time

Lucy in San Diego

Ole!!

Shake Shake Shake Senora!

2011-08-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Here is Gabe in action! He LOVES shaking things he finds around the house...or at the doctor's office. This is the blue band they used to tie around his arm when they gave him a shot.:( This was the day we found out that for sure it was Polyarticulate Rheumatoid Arthritis. It was a sad day, but we feel so blessed to have been able to find it, since he couldn't "tell" us and we are SO super grateful for amazing doctors and specialists!!!!

Dawson's Baptism Day

2011-08-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

Mom, Dawson and Dad

Great Grandpa & Grandma Powell, Dawson, Great Grandma & Grandpa Williams

Grandpa & Grandma Buntjer, Dawson and Grammy & Papa Powell

Cheesin' it!!

I still need to post the pictures of his baptism that Heidi took with her good camera, but I wanted to post about it since it was back in February!! This was such a wonderful day for our family. He looked so handsome and was really excited to be baptized. He had tons of family and friends their to support him. Jesse sang...I don't know how he does that in front of so many people, because their was probably 7 kids in our stake getting baptized that day! He did a great job. My favorite part was towards the end he looked down at Dawson while he was singing and he could hardly get the words out. He was choking back tears. It was so sweet. When you look at Dawson you can't help but see greatness in him. I love him so much and I am so grateful for his choice to become a member of this church!!

Osmond Visit Summer 2010

2011-08-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

We were SO glad when the Osmond family came last summer to visit for a month. We partied it up. Here are some of the highlight. We went to the Thanksgiving Point petting zoo. The kids had a blast!! Gabe was getting so hot so I just kept dumping the water bottle on him and he would giggle. He didn't love the animals, but likes to get splashed! We had a fun 4th of July celebration down in Payson. The kids made candy jewelry and had fun being with their cousins!!

I DON'T wear BIG Earrings

2011-08-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

Ok I LOVE a good pair of big earrings...but this is to show how mild my earring obsession is. I haven't got to this size quite yet :)

Bubble Dawson

2011-08-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

HOLY BUBBLES Batman! Dawson got a REAL bubble bath at Grandma and Grandpa Buntjer's after a cousin sleepover. This was the screen saver on my phone for about 3 months. Dawson loves to do things over the top!

Love this BOY!!

THE Boys of ACN

2011-08-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

This isn't the best pic ever, but I had to post these ACN boys. This was them in San Jose. Craig Cotter, Jesse Buntjer, Ryan Johnson and Jeff Jamieson.

They LOVE the national conventions. I think they party 75% of it and work the other 25% :)

I LOVE Lightning

2011-08-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night Jesse and I were awake for that CRAZY lightning storm around midnight. So we took our chairs out and sat in the garage. I know he did it for me. He knows I love a good electrical storm.

I didn't have my camera...but it reminded me that I never posted these pics I took 4th of July 2 years ago with my dads camera. We were in Payson and it was an AWESOME storm!!

Jake's CANCER Free PARTY!

2011-08-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

Lucy the CRAZY lion!!

Dawson the BIGGEST BYU fan of them all!

The GREAT invitations Heidi did for the party.

Her cute CIRCUS set-up. I did do the cookies!! YUMMY!!

Photo Booth

I LOVE this picture of Jake and Dawson.

We are SO SO HAPPY that Jake is "officially" cancer free. I can't imagine all he and his family have gone through. They are the BEST!! Heidi did SUCH a GREAT job on this party. So glad she is one of my BEST FRIENDS in the WHOLE world!! We are lucky to know them all!!

Messes are FUN!

2011-08-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the little mess maker having fun in therapy. His teacher sent this to me! YAY for shaving cream.

WANT TO WIN A TRIP TO PARIS?

2011-06-08T11:09:00.001-07:00

OF COURSE YOU DO!! GO ON OVER TO OH HAPPY DAY TO ENTER!!!

MANDY

A MUST READ!!!!!!!!

2011-05-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Our Family: Our Sweet Wendy: "Today, as I begin writing this, it is the start of the second day without my dear Wendy. I can wake up and there is one frozen mome..."

HELLO WORLD

2011-04-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

Wow!! Life has been crazy (as it always is)...between 4 children, a hunny workin 2 jobs and YM president, Gabe being diagnosed with Polyarticulate Rheumatoid Arthritis (and treating that), and starting an earring business!!

Jesse and I moved my computer upstairs finally in an attempt to help get my earrings on etsy (etsy.com~ best handmaid craft website ever), and I think it will help with my family blog too (here's to hoping)!

I want to start putting some of my craft projects on here as long as all our family mumbo jumbo.

Mandy

Provo Freedom Festival Run Summer 2010

2011-01-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

Okay here is my attempt at my 2011 goal of being better at posting... I miss my sister (who lives in D.C.) so much so I thought I would start with this post! (Makes sense in my head ha ha)

We got to run in the 5k freedom festival run in July of last year! It was so much fun!! She was here in Utah visiting for 4 weeks while Joe did his summer internship! Oh and did I mention she was 12 weeks PREGNANT?? She is the WOMAN!!

This is a picture of us outside of Mimi's Cafe where we put back on all the calories we had burned at our race...GO US!!

I love you Julie and I miss you more than words can say!!

Sneak Peak at our NEW FAMILY PICS

2010-11-24T18:55:00.000-08:00

THE EARRING BLOG IS UP AND GOING SO CHECK IT OUT!!

2010-11-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

Okay!! I finally set up my earring blog if you want to check it out: Hoop-LA Earrings
I also got a NEW VINYL MACHINE!! It's 24 inches....instead of my 15 incher, so let me know if you need any vinyl for Christmas!! Go to my vinyl blog: Urban Vinyl Lettering

HERE THEY ARE!! MY EARRINGS ARE FINALLY POSTED!

2010-10-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

AS SOME OF YOU KNOW I DECIDED TO START A LITTLE SIDE BUSINESS MAKING AND SELLING EARRINGS!

I AM AN EARRING FREAK :) AND COULD NEVER TRULY FIND EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR....SO I DECIDED TO JUST START MAKING THEM MYSELF.

THEY ARE PAINTED, DISTRESSED AND THEN I PUT A SEALER ON TOP TO MAKE THEM DURABLE!

EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM IS LIGHTWEIGHT AND WILL NOT PULL YOUR EAR! THE POSTS ARE ALL NICKLE FREE SO NO ALLERGIC REACTION WORRIES (I HAVE SUPER SENSITIVE EARS)!!

I am running a special to get the word out...they are only $8 a pair (and $2 extra if they need to be shipped- for as many pairs as you want). The price will go up as I start putting them in boutiques and stores so I can cover what they charge me!! All you have to do is make a comment on the pic of the one you want me to make and send to you! They are all on tags so they make super cute gifts!! You can also email me at onecrzymama@msn.com. My cell is 801-898-4565

SUPER STYLISH EARRINGS

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CLASSY EARRINGS

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EARRINGS EARRINGS

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FUN COLORED EARRINGS

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OUT OF CONTROL EARRINGS

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NEW EARRINGS

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EARRINGS GALORE

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AND MORE EARRINGS

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HOLY COW THERE"S MORE EARRINGS

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MORE EARRINGS!!

2010-10-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

EARRING MADNESS

2010-10-04T19:48:00.001-07:00

Gabey's sweet prayer

2010-04-19T23:20:00.000-07:00

GIVEAWAY

2010-03-14T00:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this blog I check for cute craft ideas is having a giveaway, and this is one of the prizes! GO CHECK IT OUT!! At sWeeT cHarLi!

More Doll Pics

2010-03-13T15:42:00.000-08:00

Granma B.s Done it AGAIN! Dolls!!

2010-03-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post the cute dolls Cathy made for Lucy for her birthday! She is sooooo creative! Lucy has LOVED to play with them. I keep telling her that people would LOVE to buy these!!

So let me know if any of my blog readers is interested!! Then I can let her know!

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY Goosey Lucy!! 3/5/10

2010-03-13T15:25:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Lucy!!

Here she is blowing out her pumpkin chocolate chip cookie "cake". She insisted that this was what cake she wanted...so I just stacked them together to look semi-festive.

It was a couple days of fun for her. Grandma B. took her and Isabella to lunch the day before and they played for hours at Grandma's house after. Then the next day Grandma and Papa P. and Great Grandma and Great Papa P. headed up and took us to lunch at Applebee's. Then that night Jesse and I took all the kids to Cosco for Pizza...I know fun, huh? Then Pumpkin chocolate chip cake and presents!

She was one happy girl(as usual). Lucy is the sweetest, most outgoing, loving, nurturing, fantastic little person EVER!! I am so blessed to have her as my girl. I feel like the Lord has a special work for her! She keeps me on my toes, and wrapped around her finger! Unless you know Lucy, words can't describe just how heart warming she is! Love you Goosey!

Powell Family Christmas Eve 12/24/2009

2010-03-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

Here we are heading down to Payson to spend Christmas Eve with Dad, Mom, David Jr.,

Great-Grandma and Great Papa!

We had so much fun, and were completely spoiled(as usual)!!

It is so nice to go spend the day there and not have to fit everything in just one day. We started doing the Christmas Eve thing last year, I think, and it is HEAVENLY!!

It did feel REALLY different, though without Joe, Julie and the kids. I NEVER want to spend another Christmas without them!!(Did you guys here that? Start booking your flight now!)

We started at Grandma and Grandpa's house and then went to mom and dad's to open gifts!

Then they all came up to our house Christmas morning after the kids opened presents. I made Cinnamon rolls, and grandma brought fruit, and mom made the most delicious breakfast casserole, YUMMY!!

Powell Family Christmas Eve 12/24/2009

2010-03-12T13:10:00.001-08:00

Powell Family Christmas Eve 12/24/2009

2010-03-12T13:03:00.001-08:00

Not goodbye...Just see you in a while!!

2010-03-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

Okay I have to throw in some current stuff while I am also trying to go back a couple months...or I will be eternally behind on my journaling.

Alli is in so much trouble (well really Tyson is in BIG trouble). Their family moved to Arizona yesterday! We showed up the night before they left to bring her some treats for the road trip, a friendship quote(that i will post on my vinyl blog), and we put funny vinyl sayings all over her car so she would know how much we would miss her! It is crazy that she is leaving!! We all4 have boys that are 6 with Down Syndrome so we have a very special bond...but it is so much more than that now. I would do anything for these 3 women!

Can't wait to see you this summer Alli!!

Dancing Queens

2010-03-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

Here is Rylee and Lucy's Christmas dance concert. It was so fun to watch. Both my girls LOVE to be on stage and performing...something they DEFINITELY got from their father (he totally admits it too). Lucy's dance was to Somebody Snitched on Me and Rylee's was ... oh I can't remember I'll have to ask her because she remembers all the details!! Pictured is Lucy's BFF Morgey (Morgan) and Rylee's BFF Kasidee.

Tree Decorating Night

2010-03-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

It's about time...I KNOW!! I am going to attempt to get caught up over the next few weeks, we'll see how that goes!! This was the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It was so fun to decorate the tree with the kids. They wore their aprons (thanks Grammy) and we had so much fun looking over all the old ornaments. Me and Jesse have a gorgeous tree upstairs (the kid tree is in the basement) but of course I spaced taking any pictures of it...so maybe next year!!

Thankful

2009-12-22T00:13:00.000-08:00

So I know I was a flake on the thankful alphabet....but my vinyl lettering business kind of took over my life for about 8 weeks!! Now it is the week of Christmas and I am feeling thankful for soooo much! Especially our wonderful family and friends who love us and are such a big part of our lives!! Thank you to all of you. I am going to finish my alphabet countdown where I left off as soon as Christmas is over. As for now I am thankful for my Savior. I am thankful for His birth, His perfect life, His sacrifice for me, and His Resurrection . And I am so ETERNALLY grateful for his plan. I am so thankful I get to be with my wonderful little family forever!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

DRAPER LIVE NATIVITY 2009

2009-11-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

The live Nativity that my Father-in-law is in charge of (designed and set up and operates) is starting this next week so I thought I would give all you

friends and family the heads up!

For those of you who have been...you know. It is by far the BEST THING IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!! My father-in-law works on it (and the entire Draper stake) for 2 months, just to run it for 4 days. You might have seen it on the different news channels. 2 years ago I think we had something like 35,000 people go through!!

This is so special to our family.

Gabriel was able to be the baby Jesus as a newborn, and Jesse and I got to be Mary and Joseph. Let me tell you, I bawled my eyes out for a solid hour. IT IS AMAZING! Every year I end up sobbing into my father-in-laws chest telling him that he has given me the most priceless gift. To be able to feel like I was there. I saw the woman at the well. I saw the merchants in the street. I touched the donkey. I saw and heard the innkeepers solemn words, "there's no room in the inn". I saw the blind man and three wise men bearing gifts. And at last I hear the angels singing as I look at the baby Jesus sleeping peacefully in his manger. I stand at his feet. I was in Bethlehem, if only for a minute. It is real.

It strengthens my testimony as the spirit testifies that this is what happened. The savior came and he lives again! It takes me through a whole year, until I can see it and feel it again the next year.

The Dates are Monday November 30th through Thursday December 3rd from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. each night.

The address is the LDS stake center at 12100 South 700 West, Draper

I am THANKFUL FOR EXTENDED FAMILY

2009-11-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

I am SO thankful for mine and Jesse's large extended families! I rely on the strength of 2 sets of wonderful parents, grandparents, Sisters, Sister-in-laws, Brothers, Brother-in-laws, and lots of ADORABLE nieces and nephews!! We are so lucky and blessed to have such a huge support system so close to home...except for you Jules...but you'll be back!! And we get to connect through Skype now!! YAAAAA!!

The Promised frosting recipe!! My new Favorite!

2009-11-16T23:15:00.000-08:00

Glacé Icing

1lb powdered sugar (about 3 3/4 C)

1/4 C + 2T C whole milk (low-fat actually works, but use whole if you can)

1/4 C + 2T light Corn Syrup

1 t extract (I use almond because I use almond in my sugar cookies)

With a whisk, combine sugar and milk until smooth (no lumps!) Then stir in corn syrup and extract.

You will use this same recipe for both glazing and piping.

To prepare the icing for piping, you just add more powdered sugar. Just eyeball it. You can't really mess it up because if it's too thick you just add more milk and if it's to thin, you add more powdered sugar. I add it in small amounts until it's a good consistency. For me, it's when it gets to a point where it's relatively hard to whisk it by hand.Take your glazing icing and separate it into bowls if you want to color it.

Go to Our Best Bites to see the pictures and lots more fun ideas to do with this frosting!! I LOVE this website!!

I am THANKFUL FOR DAWSON

2009-11-14T21:00:00.001-08:00

I am SO thankful for my Dawson!! He brings laughter to our family. He is the biggest tease ever...and MOST of the time it is funny!

I love to watch him enjoy life. He loves making paper airplanes, riding his ripstick, playing XBox, riding scooters, swinging, jumping on the tramp, eating pizza and PB&J's, wrestling, playing football, playing with friends and cousins, building forts and jumps, and eating brownies!! He is all boy, and he is so sweet with his sisters and brother. He is so loving towards Gabe especially. He knows that it takes Gabe a little longer, and that when he breaks a toy or something it usually isn't on purpose!

Thanks Dawson for showing me how to have fun and laugh at life, and how LOVE!

I love you BUBBA Doo!!

I am THANKFUL FOR COOKIES

2009-11-13T00:17:00.000-08:00

I love cookies. They really are my dessert of choice...especially if there is chocolate or peanut butter involved!!

I found this fantastic recipe for Glace Icing on OurBestBites.com. I will post the recipe in the next day or so!! The reason it is so great is because it's easy to make and it hardens so that you can make fun designs, make cookie pops from them and you can stack them and give away without worrying about messy frosting. Try it and I promise you will never make sugar cookies the same again! (Oh and they are TASTY!!) I scream, you scream, we all scream for COOKIES!

I am THANKFUL FOR BROTHERS

2009-11-10T21:34:00.001-08:00

I am SO grateful for brothers!! First, my own brother David!! He is amazing. Strong, sweet and so caring. He is 10 and 1/2 years younger than me, but we have still always had a really close relationship. I am so grateful for that. He makes me laugh and he is so cute with all of his nieces and nephews!

I am grateful for his faith and how much he loves the temple. He is a good man! Love you Dave!!

Next, is my 2 little guys. Watching these 2 BROTHERS together is really fun!! Dawson is forever entertaining everyone and making us all laugh, especially Gabe (who is laughing in this picture hysterically!!).

I am grateful that Dawson is such a good brother to Gabe, and that Gabey loves his Dawson. I can just picture these 2 in my minds eye as they get older....hahaha! Let the good times roll! Love you my BOYS!

More Family Pictures

2009-11-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

More Family Pictures

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More Family Pictures

2009-11-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

CRAFTS

2009-11-07T22:24:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I want to know HONESTLY if I should start posting some of the crafts my mother-in-law and I do. I have had so many people ask me how we do some of our crafts. We usually use really cheap materials, and my mother-in-law is SUPER CREATIVE. I thought we could do it once a week and call it Crafts with Cath!! What do you all think? We have spell books for Halloween, and those cute felt witch boots (that were like $70 at Swiss days and I think we made them for around $10). Then there is all the mod Podging and Christmas crafts.

I don't know...I am just trying to decide if it would be something I should do...or if it's already all over the internet and nobody really cares :). Let me know.

By the way I started a vinyl blog for all my vinyl lettering stuff so you can see my fonts and quote lists!! Go here: to THEVINYLPLACE.BLOGSPOT.COM

CROCK POT Chicken Tortilla Soup

2009-11-07T22:08:00.000-08:00

Found this Yummy recipe on The SistersCafe Blog (one of my fav's for recipe's). Go here to see pictures and the original post!! Tell them Mandy sent ya!! :)

I am THANKFUL A-Z

2009-11-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

So I am stealing this FUN idea for the month of November from my friend Emily (go check out her cute blog!!)

Each day I am going to TRY to post something I am grateful for starting with that letter! I am really excited because I have SO much to be thankful for.

So here goes A. I am thankful for Autumn. It is by far, hands down, my favorite time of the year. It's the perfect weather, smells, Halloween(my Fav), Pumpkins, seeing my cute kids in their costumes, family parties, all the beautiful colors of the leaves as they change, less yard work :), hoodies, and looking forward to Christmas. This is my favorite time of year.

Here we are at the Pumpkin Patch by our house!

The Saddest Little Story!! Please HELP!!

2009-11-06T15:54:00.001-08:00

{reposted from Kaitlyn's Korner}

My kids are going to do this tonight! Hopefully you will too!

If you would like to make a difference today, send a card to this angel...

A 5yr old boy named Noah Biorkman, is in the last stages of a 2 1/2yr battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer. The family is celebrating Christmas next week {because they don't think he's going to make it to December 25th} and Noah's request is to get lots of Christmas cards...

Lets get him some.

Please send cards to:

Noah Biorkman

1141 Fountain View Circle

South Lyon, MI 48178

Thank You! His story is in the Detroit news, read here.

Feel free to reblog this to reach as many people as possible!

Our New Family Pictures!!

2009-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, so Jake hasn't edited all of them yet, but I had to post them anyway!! I am SO SUPER IMPRESSED at what a GREAT job he does! I will post more individual ones of the kids later! P.S. Maybe leave a comment about which one is your fav...because I am only going to blow one of them up in my living room!! Thanks everyone! Mandy

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SNow should NOT be legal before Halloween!

2009-11-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

This was the scene here in good ole' Utah the week before Halloween! WOW! It was a huge storm, but it was PERFECT snowman building snow....so after the kids begged for a while, they bundled up (in whatever I could find because I hadn't even unpacked all our winter stuff yet) and braved our icy backyard. They started on the tramp, and then moved onto the snowman building. I couldn't believe that they stayed out there for almost and hour and a half!! I must have raised me some

TOUGH kids :).

Lucy came in first, then Dawson (because his hands were literally frozen) and last was Ry Ry. She was determined that Mr. Snowman would get all his face put on.

So, even though I complain about the bitter cold....it was a really fun morning!

SNow should NOT be legal before Halloween!

2009-11-02T23:17:00.000-08:00

2 FUN RECIPES

2009-10-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

Just click on the recipe to enlarge it.

I found the 1 hour Cinnamon Rolls on crapIveMade.blogspot.com. She is really crafty and this seemed like such an easy recipe for Cinn. Rolls, so give it a try!

Then the perfect pancake recipe I found on cafezupas.blogspot The lady swears that this is the best pancake recipe period! We will be trying it this weekend!!

Let me know if you make one!

Happy cooking!

Our HALLOWEEN Party

2009-10-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

We threw a Halloween party for a bunch of friends at our house on Saturday. It was a TON of work, but so much fun!! We started by having appetizers and cider, then we headed to the pumpkin patch by our house. Each couple picked a pumpkin, and then we came back and had a pumpkin decorating/carving contest. It was hilarious to see what everyone did. We even got ours a costume. Our pumpkin was the Little Mermaid.

We had some dinner (served out of 2 pumpkins) and then headed down to the basement for caramel apples and some of Jesse's homemade apple pie (to die for honey!). We finished up with several rounds of Mafia until we couldn't play anymore!

It was so fun!! I LOVE HALLOWEEN!

Happy to Start School

2009-10-17T03:51:00.000-07:00

I had to post these pictures of Gabe starting Kindergarten! He could not WAIT to get out the door. Thanks mom for capturing these moments....priceless.

Gabe loves school!! He gets to swim on Friday and they play in these really cool sensory rooms a couple times a week. He is in heaven. He has been doing sooo good at using his words the last week or so. He says his prayers every night, asks to go "outside", tells me "movie" when he wants me to change his video, and he is babbling all the time. I am really excited for him to continue to improve speech wise. It is so nice to be able to know what he wants, and have him feel like such a big guy!

The Adventures of Yucee and Morgee

2009-10-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you Julie for making me want to blog after my 3 month hiatus!! Shame on me! Here was Lucy and Morgan's first day of ballerina (as they call it). Ok, these 2 girls should be the subject of their own t.v. show, or a comic strip at the very least!! Me and my friend Robynn are ALWAYS laughing! Personality plus....both of them. So when they combine it is truly magical...and sometimes frightening! WOW, are they cute or what?

Amazing hair, amazing girls!

Lucy really loves ballet. She always comes home and sings us the songs she has danced to about butterflies and the song "I'm gettin Nuttin For Christmas".

2009-07-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is Dawn, Lucy and me in the kitchen making pancakes for FHE! We love Dawn so much! She is like part of the fam! Dawn is 46 and has Down Syndrome. She is such an inspiration to me. I hope I can be more like her someday!

We made pancakes with vanilla syrup (the best), ate strawberries, and sausage and Jesse gave us a great lesson!

ENTER TO WIN

2009-07-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

Enter to win one of these darling nursing covers at:

http://www.todaysgiveaway.net/

Cheeto-licious!!

2009-07-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

Gabe + Cheetos = LOVE

My little Gabey absolutely loves him a big bowl of Cheetos! (Okay, who wouldn't). Lucky for him he doesn't have to watch his girlish figure!!

I had to take a few pics of his cute Cheeto mustache!

Granpa's Love

2009-07-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

As you can see Lucy has her great-grandpa wrapped tight around that little finger of hers! I have the best grandparents in the whole wide world!! They love each of their great-grandchildren!! But I have to admit, they have been really smitten with Lucy and her oodles of personality. It is hard not to be totally charmed by her. She is WONDERFUL! Anyway, I got these great pictures of her and great-grandpa when they were over last, so wanted to post them. They had Lucy, Rylee and Dawson all over for a sleep-over one day this last week. They still have so much energy!! I am so glad my little ones get these good memories of them. Some of my fondest memories as a child were at my grandma and grandpa's house!

The book I am reading

2009-06-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

I am reading The Book Thief right now by Markus Zusak, and I am really enjoying it. I am about half-way through. I am reading it because I read I Am The Messenger by him about a year ago and LOVED it. SUCH A GOOD BOOK. I was in a book club at the time, and that was a way fun book to discuss. I would definitely recommend both of these books!!

Books we are reading!

2009-06-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I thought it would be fun to post the books I am reading to the kids this week! Random...I know! But I am somewhat obsessed with children's books. So trust me that I won't stear you wrong if you are looking for a great one. I think sometimes I enjoy the books as much as my little ones do. So first is Amazing Grace, a WONDERFUL story of being able to accomplish your dreams no matter gender, color or age! When we were done reading it tonight my son, Dawson said, "Mom, that book gave me good feelings." PRECIOUS.

Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm is tomorrow night. This is a really entertaining book. Lots of fun pictures, and story line. Then on to Frederick on Friday night...cute. Saturday is Russell and the Lost Treasure. I bought this at a school book fair for $12 (which I normally won't do) because the illustrations and character looked so endearing! We are finishing with Duck for President. Great story! So I thought I would post some of the books I'll be reading periodically. I know how much I appreciate it when people give me their opinion on a book so I know whether to spend my precious time on it. I buy most of my books in really good condition from garage sales. I have found a lot of treasures!!

My Stud of a Brother

2009-06-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

Okay...here is my little brothers pictures I took before he left on his mission! I know he is SO handsome! We went to all these fun places to get some original pictures. Then me and Julie put them all together in a book on blurb.com and then made a video! Yes, mom cried, and so did the rest of us. Side-note: If you know of anyone who would like me to take pictures of their missionary (or a missionary who wants to surprise their parents) let me know! I have been thinking of doing it as a little side business!!

David- I love you and the person you are... and I always will!

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Sweetest Conversation

2009-06-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, we were at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house last night for family night. We had walked through most of the temple and had gone into one of the sealing rooms. There was a cute couple bearing their testimonies of how important it was that families were sealed for eternity. I was listening when Lucy (who was sitting like a big girl in the seat next to me) said:

Lucy: "Mom, what is that thing for?" (pointing to the altar in the middle of the room)

Mom: "well, that is where you get sealed together. A husband and wife, get to kneel across from each other and make promises to Heavenly Father so they can be together forever. You'll get to do that someday. Just like mommy and daddy and Grandpa's and Grandma's. You will kneel by your husband in a pretty white dress." Lucy looks around for a minute taking it all in.

Lucy: "Will you be here with me mom?"(I start to tear up right about...now)

Mom: "ya, I'll be sitting right over hear where we are."(she looks around for a minute, contemplating....like 3 years olds do)

Lucy: "I think when I'm kneeling there (pointing at the altar) I'll look over at you, mom, and smile."

Mom:puddle on the floor. Priceless.

Thanksgiving Point First Grade Field Trip

2009-06-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Whitney who took these cute pictures at the field trip this last week!

It was so fun to just get to be with Rylee! It is so great to get that one on one time with each of the kids at different times! I am such a quality time person (my "love language") so this kind of stuff is right up my alley!!

We met at the school, then rode in a bus down to Thanksgiving Point. When we got there we got to go explore the gardens and splash around on the big Noah's Ark water feature. Rylee and Maya didn't want to get drenched, but they put their toes in.......girls....sheesh!!

Then we ate lunch together and went to the animal farm and saw lots of smelly pigs and goats!I was glad we ate before this part of the tour!!

I'm not sure I'll remember all the details of this day, but I know all I'll remember how Rylee just wanted to sit by me and have my attention, and show me off to her cute little friends. I'll remember holding her hand while we walked out to the buses, and how I wished she would stay 7 forever.

A Happy Leprechaun

2009-05-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

Here is my happy little guy on St. Patricks day. If you can't see from the pictures his shirt says: "Good Luck...you'll need it". Miss Emily (his teacher) asked me if I was sending a message to school today...OH YA!! They already know he can be a little trouble, so I choose to make a joke out of it. Makes it seem funny, and not so exhausting!!

Jesse and I and all the kids were just hanging out in the living room making Gabe laugh. This is the Gabe we see around the house all day....funny, outgoing, and lovable! I thought this would be good proof for those of you who see him out of his comfort zone...scared, crabby, and very upset! He loves his own house and things. Most kids are that way in some respects, but Gabe takes EVERYTHING to the extreme!

Thanks Gabe for being wonderfully contradicting! I love all your different personalities all at the same time, it's what makes you ... you, and that will ALWAYS be a good thing in my book!

New Giraffe Boots and a Cute 3 Year Old

2009-05-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

Are these not the most fabulous boots ever? Okay so I have a thing for giraffe right now, but Lucy really loves them!! She would look cute wearing a trash bag, but she looks EXTRA cute wearing these.

She turned 3 in March....I can't believe my baby is 3...and no we are not ready for number 5 yet. Just answering that to get it out of the way! hahahaha!

Love you my Lucy Faye!

I LOVE my Grammy

2009-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Grammy came over and stayed with us Monday night while daddy went out of town and the kids were off track! We went and saw Monsters vs. Alien and ate at Ikea for lunch on Tuesday and walked the 3 mile store! It was so much fun. These were taken on Lucy's Bday, but I thought they were so DARLING of our dear Grammy.

That night mom and I watched Nights in Rodanthe. I had read the book, and loved it, and I thought the movie was pretty good. I don't love Richard Geere, but it was ok. I bawled like a little baby....so me and mom looked like we were night of the living dead the next morning!! Nothing a little cover-up wouldn't cure! I LOVE spending time with you mom!!

Thanks mom for being my bestest friend and always showing us how much we are loved by you. We count ourselves so blessed to have you in our lives!!

SHREK

2009-03-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

I love this Shrek towel that Grammy and Papa Powell got for Gabe for Christmas! Gabe's favorite movie character of all time is definitely Shrek! After bath time he'll wear it around the house for a while! What a character!! Gabe even looks sweet dressed as a Ogre...that's when you know you're DANG cute!

Don't they look so sweet!!?!

2009-03-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite picture of the two of them. I LOVE to remind myself that even though half the time they are bugging each other, they really do love each other and have fun together! These 2 help me so much with Gabe and Lucy! I think I take for granted sometimes how good they are.

Rylee is my responsible "2nd mom" and Dawson is my big time helper!

Love you guys!!

A Pirate's Life for ME!!

2009-02-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

Look at what Cathy and Steve did for Christmas this year for the grandsons!! She gave them each their own treasure chest (which I need to get a picture of up close because they are really cool!!) and inside was a pirate costume and every gadget you need to be a good pirate!! Swords, eye patches, fake gold and jewels, a really cool treasure map (courtesy of Steve), and even a princess crown so when they found their princess they could give it to her! They are so creative it's kinda scary!! In order for the boys to find their present they took them on a little scavenger hunt around the house. They gave them clues which finally led them to a room in the basement where are these cool treasure chests were! So we took some pictures that night looking mighty piratey I would say. Dawson was really getting into character. He kept trying not to smile so people would be afraid! Gabe wanted no part of it, so I didn't push. I don't want trauma over a costume...but I must say that would have been heavenly to see him dressed as a pirate...I would have been his princess!! I think they'll be wearing these for Halloween this year, so I'll steal a picture of Gabe in it then. Watch out Gabey!!

Grandma Buntjer's Christmas Doll

2009-02-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

So every year for Christmas for at least the past 9 years (since I've been in the family) Cathy makes a doll for each girl for Christmas!! AHHHHH !! Can you say YIKES. There are now 13 granddaughters!! So she basically starts sewing in March and barely gets done in time to set them out on Christmas day. I LOVE this tradition. I think I might be even more excited than my girls are. I can't wait to see what she has done for the year, and every year just when you think it couldn't get any better it does!! WOW Cathy you are super grandma for sure! Even the older girls still really like their dolls from Grandma. It was so funny to walk downstairs and see the whole couch covered with these sweet dolls of hers. Look what I have to measure up to!! Sheesh!! Love you Mom! Thanks for all the sweet memories you create for these grandkids.

Kelsey and Lucy

Isabella

Maddie and Megan

2009-02-24T13:15:00.000-08:00