Ms. Olympia 2008!!!

YEAH.....she did it. Jen Hendershott is the new Ms. Olympia 2008. Kat & i were able to attend her PHAT CAMP she and her crew put on in May in Vegas. Classy lady! I wanted to be there so bad. Not like she is my best friend or anything, but Kat and I really wanted to go. It is always held in Vegas and next year is a MUST lady!! Hopefully she will pull if off again! YEAH......congrats!

YEAH.....THEY'RE BACK

THEY'RE BACK!!!!! My parents are home from their mission from Quito Ecuador. I couldn't be happier! I took the kids out of school and traveled to Vegas for the day. My kids didn't get to go to drop them off at the MTC, so I made sure they had the opportunity to see them come home. It was so much fun waiting for them in a big airport too. They had never been in an airport either, so it was a real special day.
We waited and waited and waited for them to come down the escalator. Tucker saw Grandma right away and ran for her. I found that interesting because he was 11months old when they left. I guess I talked about them and showed him enough pictures for him to pick her out of hundreds of people like a needle in a haystack! The girls loved coming home and listening to Grandpa play the piano and guitar. Jenna especially! So, we had a great time and are sooooooo excited they are home safe. Can't wait for them to come visit now!

This was Madee's poster she made. It said "WELCOME HOME"

Jenna helping me with Tucker. He kept trying to climb on the luggage carousels.

This was my Dad's friend Don who dressed up like a driver for them. It was funny.
This was Tucker running to Grandma

The girls finding Grandma & Grandpa

Lovin' on Grandma and belly zurberts for Tuck

YEAH........I love them!
Just as we were leaving. Great picture huh!
My amazing parents!!!

A day at the station

Today was a rare occasion. We had the opportunity to visit Brandon's station for more than 5 min!! The last picture I have of Brandon and any of my kids at work was when Jenna was 2! SO, I knew I had my camera and decided to take full advantage of some time. What an experience we had. Kyle, the engineer, asked the girls if they had ever used the fire hose. They both responded with a "NO" and he said "well there's a first time for everything....lets go." Their faces lite up as we headed to the bays where the rigs are kept. Brandon got Tucker on the Engine and he was in heaven. When you ask him about where daddy is......is makes the siren sounds and says "work." Kyle asked Brandon if he wanted to take the kids around the block......so I jump in! I have never driven in the engine either so for me it was a real treat. I got front seat! The kids were so giddy! Tucker kept making the siren sound........so Kyle sounded the sirens. Tucker's little face was priceless. Jenna & Madee were pretty excited to be driving in the BIG truck! Once we got back the guys pulled the hose off the engine and started the water pressure. They has so much fun. Thank you so much honey, they were like kids at Christmas! Oh' and thank you KYLE!!

Trying to imagine his career!!

Pulling out. They were so giggly!

Madee taking her turn at the nozzle

Jenna next
Tucker was a pro. Brandon told him to shut it off and he knew exactly what to do.

He was mad when Daddy said he had to put it away........LOL!!!

Just a cute one on the back of the rig

This was the last picture of Tuck in the rig. I thought is was cute because he just sat there staring in the air.......kind of like hmmmm........maybe one day!

After a fun day..........8 yrs of service and my first family picture in front of the rig!

Not a bad picture either!! haha

birthday fun/ friend frenzy

We went over to our community park for a birthday party for Averie Brewer and get together with friends. The kids had tons of fun on the bounce house and sliding down was a blast.

Miss. Brewer is 5!!

The GIRLS!! (missing Tracy & Julia)

Little Man loving the slide

Sisters!

Our tether ball game......

BUT.........the funniest part was the tether ball game we were blessed with.

Marla & her son. You know you have a competitive PROBLEM when you fight over a ball with your 12 yr old son!! it was so hilarious!
THEN........

This was Marla after she won the fight!!! LOL

Kathrynne said she's not scurred Marla....

It really was fun to watch 3 adults and 1 child go all out on a game of good ol' tether ball! Thanks guys!

Labor Day camping

After a wonderful night with just Brandon & I, we came home to an empty house. Tracy had taken the kids to church and we had about 2 1/2 hrs to just veg. We got in the car and headed to Pine Valley to see if we might find a camping spot for just one night. We we pleasantly surprised when we found LOTS! We set up a tent and hopped back in the car to get the kids from church. They were so excited to go camping. This was Tucker's first camping experience and boy did he just fit the campers mold. Dirty, ate off the ground, pee'd anywhere, ate roasted marshmallows and fell asleep in my lap by the campfire. He loved it. The girls were so excited because we hadn't gone this year at all, nor did we go last year because I didn't want to take Tucker when he was learning to walk. The kids explored the woods, found bamboo that they thought was pretty neat to separate and make different sized sticks, we ate hot dogs and chips and had eggs and carne asata burritos in the morning. My favorite part........watching my kids interact with one another. Our lives are so hectic these days we forget how to play with just one another. It was delightful.

Happy 12 years Babe~

So, this year was just like many others.........but today I am more thankful for you then I was yesterday. Why?????

12 years ago

A trip down memory lane..............

Aug 31, 1996. The hottest day of the year! What a day. I remember sitting at my Mom & Dad's house with Dyana primping me. She did my hair and makeup. I was so hot I had to keep leaving the bathroom to get air. I remember getting my gown on at the temple and thinking......HERE WE GO!!! I didn't see you until we were waiting for the Temple Sealer to come talk to us. You looked so serious and nervous. hahaha I guess that's just you huh. As we made our way into the sealing room, I remember seeing my Mom first. I just cried. I was so overjoyed. We had so much support from so many different friends and family members. Taking pictures in that weather was unbearable! We didn't take many outside, I was sweating in every crevice of my body. haha

The sealing was beautiful until we got the giggles having to stare at one another. That was funny.I looked into your eyes across the alter from me and saw the most handsome, hard-working, honest, lovable, talented man. I knew I loved you, that I wanted to share eternity with you and you made me the happiest girl around! As we traveled back to my parents house to have a lunch-in, I remember going up to my "OLD" room and saying to you......"Say good-bye to this room!!" we chuckled and got out of our clothes to go eat with everyone.

The reception was so beautiful. I couldn't have asked for anything different. Everything was just the way I wanted it to go...oh' except for the line......I will pay my girls to do away with that one! My feet were killing me. I was so hungry I thought I was going to pass out. So, you decided to shove cake in my face thinking that I needed help serving myself. LOL. I can remember getting to our new apartment and just falling to the floor of exhaustion. We opened a few presents together and headed to bed to wake up early to get to the airport.

Nothing to fancy, nothing to elaborate.....just perfect for us. You sure have made up for the not so nice moments we have had. You are such a wonderful husband and have learned to love me for ME!! For that I am eternally grateful.

Today, you surprised me with a weekend in Vegas. Just the two of us. To a show, dinner and a nice walk in Town Square (yogurtland was the best!) Walking hand-in-hand reminded me of the moment you took my hand in yours and told me "yes" you wanted to be with ME for eternity. Just the quiet moments in the car, without the constant interruption of kids, starring at you as you drove. How lucky am I? You are such a wonderful husband. I love you with my whole being. Thank you for choosing ME!! I can't wait for the next 50 years!!!! love ya babe!

Jenna's Friend Party

This year we finally let Jenna have some friends from school come and celebrate with her for her 9th b'day. She had a pool party with 12 little vivacious girls.

A few of the girls on a noodle. Hunter, Jade, Jenna, Kamryn & Ashlynn

Hunter was trying to impress us with the fact that she could SHOVE a whole cupcake in her mouth at once. Tucker then had to try it........

Tagged................

1. What is his name? brandon
2. Who eats more? I would say I eat more often 6x a day, but quantity.....him!
4. Who is taller? I could never date someone shorter than me, so he is
5. Who is smarter? uhhh...i can't even figure out a 4th graders math!! HE IS
6. Who is more sensitive? If you don't know that I am something is wrong with you! ;)
7. Who does the laundry? I do mine & the kids......he does his....funny ha. I won't, well unless he begs me to
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I always have
9. Who pays the bills? can't handle that stress so i passed it on to him!
10. Who cooks more? hahahahaha I am really laughing. HE DOES!!!
11. Who is more stubborn? hands down him
12. Who is the 1st to say they are wrong? I can probably count on 1 hand how many times he has said he was wrong, actually i lied.........i can count on 1 finger!! hahahaha this is a fun game!
13. Who has more siblings? me....2 brothers 4 sisters
14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? He used to, but i stole them about 3yrs ago ;)
15. What do you like to do together? LOTS. swim, movies, chat, laugh, vacation, relax, camp, 1/2 of church. hahahaha etc.
16. Who eats more sweets? me too Mellisa.......he has soooo much control.
17. Guilty Pleasures? ONLINE! for him that would be movies and throwing fight night parties
18. How did you meet? hahaha (laughing again) at his girlfriends party the summer going into 11th grade. He broke up with her that night and I snagged him. did I mention she was one of my best friends. oops that didn't go to well!!!
19. Whom asked who out 1st? did we even do that back then cuz I don't remember
20. Who kissed who 1st? uh.........mutual. standing on my driveway
21. Who proposed? He did....nothing special after 4 yrs of dating. boo hoo
22. His best features & qualities? best features.....eyes, legs, butt, shoulders and lips. His sense of humor kills me sometimes. He is so quick with come backs. His qualities......he is a very hard worker, well more like a work-aholic. He is a firefighter and owns 2 businesses. One in Las Vegas and one in St. George. He is a wonderful dad. He has come a long way!! I love him to death and think he is a hottie-tottie!!

I tag.......Corinna, Julia, Jennifer H., Marla, Cortni, Brittney and anyone who wants to share. It really is fun!

Jenna's fun day.

This was Jenna's family party.......with the Gray's & Brewers! hahaha

Jenna will have a friend party next week, so these are just a few pictures on her "real" birthday!

Jenna's cake

Best of friends. Brylei Brewer & Jenna


Brothers for LIFE!! haha. This is Brandon's childhood friend that is also our neighbor and DEAR friend. Billy takes credit for hookin' Brandon & I up. Funny story!!!! We love his family.

100TH POST!!!!!!

Wow has time flown. I remember reading so many blogs that were near their 100th post and thinking that was a LONG time away!! Well, I have been thinking a lot about what do post for the big 100!!

I wanted to post something that might inspire others. I was blank.......until I thought of what inspired ME!

I purchased this book about 3 yrs ago and told myself I would read it. I didn't read it or have any true desire to change anything until after Tucker was born. SO, after my 6 weeks I was cleared to start exercising, I then read the book and started my first challenge. It is a 12week process of 3days of cardio, 3 days of weight lifting and 7days of eating 6 small meals a day with a balance of 40/40/20.

The book was just what I needed. I started my first challenge in on October of 06. I never finished. I got to week 10 and the holidays ruined me. I knew at some point I HAD to do this for myself.

I started and never finished challenge after challenge, but always knew that I needed this for myself, but just couldn't muster up the energy or self discipline it took to achieve something. On January 7, 2008 I knew I HAD to get this in the bag. I had to start with a purpose as if this was my 2 minute warning in a football game. That is when the football players seem to know that either they HAVE to give it their all to win the game or defend the goal so the other team can't win. I HAD TO WIN MY GAME.

I did it!! I completed my challenge and it literally changed my life. Emotionally, Spiritually, and Physically. I was lifted. I was inspired. I was thankful. I was ME! (you can view my blog about the challenge in April archives.)

I want everyone to know that Bill Phillip's new book comes out in October. This is a book that will coincide with the Body For Life book. It is a continuation of his brilliant work. I hope this is in someway inspiring to those of you who say "I will start Monday", or "I will get in shape this year" It is about NOW! Don't wait till Monday, don't give in to those obstacles that seem to creep up on us EVERYDAY. PLAN. That is what it takes. PLANNING.......oh and MOST IMPORTANT

A DESIRE!

Just a little something to look forward to in the book.....


We’ll only change the big picture by accepting responsibility for the problem and rising up to the challenge as individuals. Our personal transformation becomes the message, the example, and the inspiration which helps our families, our societies, our nations, and our world.
As you begin to walk this path, there will be moments when you may feel like giving up. Make no mistake about that. There may also be times when you question your ability to make the transformation. That’s all part of the process. Always remember this: I believe in you. I know you have the power and ability to make the change. And now, with this book, you have the keys to open the gate and discover your highest potential.
I know you can do it. I don’t “think” you can, I know you can. And soon, you will know it too.

Jenna ReAnn McNary: born August 23, 1999

• this year you started 4th grade with lots of fun girl friends.
• you love to play outside, swim and ride your bike or scooter.
• you get braces this year and funny thing is you are excited!! just wait!
• you are an amazing friend to me too
• I love your questions, you have tons. I just hope that I teach you correctly.
• you love to learn about the teachings of Jesus Christ and His gospel.
• you are a beautiful little girl with so many great qualities
• you know how important Jesus is in your life and love to talk to him and about him often.
• your favorite toy to play with right now is your American Girl.
• you love things simple
• you HATE a messy room that is usually made by your roommate :)

Jenna, you are such a joy in our lives. We are so thankful to our loving Heavenly Father for his guidance in your life. I am so glad that you love Him and Jesus and know they love you too. I appreciate your help and understanding when I am not the best at being a Mom!

I love you to the moon and back sweetness!!! Love Mommy

YUCK!!!!!

So, as we were walking out the door today, my sister ran over to our house and said "the girls have lice!" WHAT!!!! I pulled Jenna's hair out of her pony-tail and sectioned it down the middle.............sure enough.........there it was! LICE. I was dying. WHAT THE HECK! My poor kids. The first week of school and they have to stay home for 4 days. After treating with the Rid shampoo and gel, the mayonnaise method, and the olive oil method........ and combing through it SO many times my shoulders and center of my back were on FIRE, I think we got them all.

It was funny, the first day it happened, my sister ran down to the bus stop to warn the other parents there about the situation. Her girls were scared, they really didn't understand what was going on, so all the girls put beanies on and came over. Before researching, we thought they could fall or jump out of the hair. I feel like the lice pro now, which isn't the "coolest" title to have, but hey.....I think I am now. If they get this again........mark my words "they will never ride the bus again" and I don't even know if that is how they got it!!!!!

It had to be the worst week of my life. About 20 loads of laundry, cleaned and put away. Bedrooms, striped of EVERYTHING, cleaned and sealed off. 15 bags of blankets, dolls, doll clothes, toys, towels, etc are in my garage for a 2 week quarantine! I could have thought of a million other things I would have rather done!!!

back to school!!! YIPPEE!!!!

Jenna was so excited to start the BIG 4th grade this year. She was sad that a friend moved before the school year started, but all in all she was excited to get back to school. We walked into class and she found LOTS of friends from last year too!

Madee wasn't so excited! She had a stomach ache the night before, just like I used to have! She has most of her friends in her class (which scares me!!) Hopefully peer pressure won't get to her!! hahaha.

This was the "CREW" this year. Poor boy!! The first row (except the little girl in the black shirt, who is in 2nd grade!) are all starting first grade today!! Such a GREAT group of friends!

Tucker was so sad to see the girls go off to school, but SOOOO excited to see the bus. All he kept saying all morning was "BUS, mama, BUS!!"

We had a quite day today, just me and Tuck. It was very strange and hard at the same time. I felt like those hard days of potty training where I was entertaining him ALL day. He sure missed those cute girls. ****so did I***** ;(