West Family

2011-01-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

We went to Utah in October for sweet Quincee's blessing. We had a photo shoot with most of my family. We were missing a few. The only picture I have downloaded so far is our family one. I will post it and keep hoping I will be better about blogging! :)

2010-09-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

2010-09-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

2010-09-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

A huge hunt at the Wests - with most of the extended family!!! :)

2010-09-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Easter Weekend 2010. We had a fun egg hunt inside on Sat morning!

2010-09-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Bryn is 3! She is full of life. She has an incredible sense of humor and loves to laugh. She has a strong personality and is not afraid to assert herself. She loves to read books, and play outside, especially at the park. She is loving her time alone at home when all of her brothers and sisters are in school. I am too! She has a great imagination and can entertain herself very well playing "holly pockets" and "little people." I am grateful for the blessing it is to be a mother. Children bring so much joy and enthusiasm for life; I am thankful for all that they are teaching me!

2010-09-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Dallin is 5 and started Kindergarten this year! He loves school! The teachers give them a stamp on their hand when they have had an excellent day; listening and obeying directions and being kind to others. Dalllin is so proud that he has earned a stamp every day he has been at school. He is also counting the days and told me that he has gone to school for 2o days. We love Dallin's sense of humor and laugh. He loves to be read to. He is playing soccer this fall for the Cheetah's and scored a goal in his game last Saturday! He is a loving boy; free with kisses and hugs!

2010-09-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

Jared is a fun loving and energetic 8 year old boy. He is a 3rd grader and more than ready for the new things that he will be learning in school this year. He has Caitlyn's teacher that she had last year and is doing very well so far. He is playing soccer and loves it. He plays both defense and offense equally well. He loves to ride his bike, play wii, and legos.

2010-09-10T16:27:00.001-07:00

Caitlyn is a 4th grader and as usual is breezing through school. She signed up to play with the school band and was assigned the clarinet. She played in a basketball league over the summer and played extremely well. She can dribble with both hands and is fast. She hopes to play again this fall. She is still very creative and we are enjoying her imagination! Another old picture from our trip to Monterey. I will need to update all the kids photos soon! :)

2010-09-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

Courtney is a 7th grader going to a K-8 school. She is a good student and has some fun classes. Because she is doing so well she has the opportunity to take an "enrichment" class that is full of fun activities like making a spaghetti car and racing it, making and labeling a life size skeleton. she also gets to do a forensics unit, learning how to fingerprint etc. She is playing competitive soccer; is getting faster and more confident all the time! Whoa! I need to get a more recent pic of Court. This was taken months ago and she has cut her hair! :)

2010-09-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

Whew! Man, have I been out of the blogging world FOREVER!! (This is what Alana would say.) She is a freshman in High School this year and is adjusting well. She is an outstanding student - taking several honors classes! She is a tremendous help to me. She is so willing to babysit her younger brothers and sisters; no easy task. She loves music and has a beautiful voice.

2010-03-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dallin and Bryn love to play with "little people" so fun!!

Alana and Jared enjoying the afternoon at the park!

2010-03-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Having fun at the park!! We live so close - we walk or ride bikes.

2010-03-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

We played at a nearby park while Alana got her braces off! we took this picture in the car as we were driving out the parking lot at the orthodontist office! Yay Alana!! :)

Dallin and Bryn can play at the park and I am so grateful. I love to be outside! :)

2010-03-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Playing at the park!

2010-03-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

We had a birthday party for Ali! Dan and Ali and Dan's family; his sister and brother and parents came to play games and have cake and ice cream!

2010-03-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

Alana hanging out and being silly! :)
Bryn trying to be silly too . . .
Couldn't get their attention away from whatever they were watching on TV - gotta love the blue carpet in our rental though!!

2010-03-01T15:52:00.000-08:00

Some fun projects we worked on during break! The kids did their names and I did several - the laugh is on our piano!!

2010-03-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

Playing with toys they got for Christmas - enjoying the rest of the break at home!

2010-03-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas picture of some of the grandkids at Lyman's home in Woods Cross. Dec. 2009 Aubrey, Courtney, Alana, Tess, Caitlyn, Mya, Olivia, Jared, Caleb, Dallin, Madie, Bryn, Luke, and Kennedy. We are missing my brother's two kids - Khosi and Ethan.

2009-11-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

Alana and Courtney rocking out on their horses at Bishop's farm!
Dallin loved the animals!
Caleb, Aubrey, Caitlyn, Alana, & Jared - posing as the city council. They are so cute!

2009-11-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

What a pretty smile Caitlyn! Jared the biker.

Dallin busy typing.
The boys

Bryn loved the stroller and the bears

2009-11-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

Courtney looking very pretty with her parasol. Alana doesn't talk on the phone much - she would much rather chat online!
The girls.
I love the West kid's smiles!!

2009-10-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

Ali's reception was so pretty and one of the most fun ones I have been to.

Alana trying on Uncle Mike's tie - she is so cute!

2009-10-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

I loved this shot of the back of Ali's and Courtney's dresses and hair - beautiful!
We tried and tried to get Luke to be in the picture - this was the best we could do!
The outfits for the kids were fabulous! They wore brown, ivory, or light blue and they all looked wonderful!

2009-10-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

Jared, Caleb, Caitlyn, Mya, and Courtney are waiting anxiously outside of the temple for Ali and Dan to come out after their sealing.
Annette was a life saver on the way home from the temple - and let Jared and Dallin listen to her ipod
I guess Dallin couldn't resist the fountain!

2009-09-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

The five Jones girls - although Annette and I are partially hidden. 4 sons in law and the best parents ever!
Dan & Ali!

I love this picture of my Dad! It is a very natural smile and just like him. I love Dad!

2009-09-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

I feel as though I dropped off the face of the earth this summer! It was the craziest summer yet! I will attempt to highlight some great times. I am not a great picture taker (these were taken by my friend Jen) so I will journal about stuff I don't have pictures of. Ali was married on June 19th. This next set of pictures are from that week when the family was here. One day we went to the park and celebrated all the birthday's in June and July! Caleb, Bryn, Madie, Courtney, and me!
Madie so excited to open her book!
We had a soccer ball pinata!!
Dallin and Aubrey!

2009-09-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Courtney entertaining Grandpa or Grandpa entertaining Courtney? Whose little fingers are behind Grandpa's head?
BBQ in Chico - in June? We must have been crazy - it was hot!
My Aunt Carol and my Grandpa Roberts came for the wedding - it was great to visit with them!

2009-09-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Caleb and Jared stop running long enough to pose for a picture.
Alana and Grandma Jones helping Bryn open a birthday card!
Bryn is a little obsessed with Grandma Jones!

2009-09-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Ali's bridal shower was fun and the older neices came. Courtney loves the tiara and here they are making a scrapbook page for a book we made that night.
Mya loves Annette (who was good natured enough wear the veil for awhile!)

2009-09-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of Aubrey - what a sweetheart and as always her hair is adorable!

2009-09-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

I loved the way that Kennedy played the bowling game - get as close as you can!

2009-09-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Caitlyn must be concentrating!
Dallin and Luke had a great game of air hockey - with a lot of help from Ali!
Bryn and Luke were so cute together! (The pregnant looking lady in the background however is not!)

2009-06-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

About a month ago Jer and I had the opportunity to go to Santa Cruz and San Fransisco for a mini vacation! We went to a museum in San Fransisco where there was an aquarium and some penguins in another exhibit. (The first picture)

Of course we saw the sea lions on the pier in Santa Cruz and waded in the ocean. We didn't get a good picture of ourselves - but I decided to post one anyway as a good memory!

2009-06-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

Having a good time at the park! Bryn, Dallin in the sand, Caitlyn and Humpty Dumpty, and Alana and her friend Aislin.

2009-06-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Jared had a fun family birthday party at Caper Acres park. Caitlyn is ready to knock all the candy out of the pinata. In the background left to right Jer's sister Becky, mom Pam, and another sister Tina.

Make a wish!
Dallin made a hole in the pinata with a couple of hard hits!

2009-06-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Some more pictures at the park from Jared's 7th birthday party! He wanted to post a picture of the pinata, a picture of the spiderman cake (taken by Jared) and Jared with one of the gifts he received! Happy Birthday Jared!

2009-06-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

Jared's fine art and more of Jer and Caitlyn dancing! What a fun day!

2009-06-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

There was a Grandparents, Friends, & Family Day at Shasta School. Caitlyn performed some square dances with the 3rd grade classes and a dance with a parent, grandparent, or friend. Jer was a great sport and danced with her. It was fun to watch!
What a dancer Caitlyn!!
Danica has been a wonderful friend to Courtney this year.

2009-06-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

Dallin and Bryn had a great time playing on the playground at Shasta Elementary at Grandparents Day 2009!

2009-06-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Grandparents Day at Shasta Elementary school. It was on Friday May 8th - Jared's birthday! Jared was in a little frog and toad skit. He wa adorable! He was in "bed" when it started and he spoke in a "froggy" voice the whole time! He did great!
Courtney showed us around her classroom and Dallin and Bryn especially loved the reading area; (and the snacks of course - the plastic cup)

2009-05-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Somehow Jared's big jump was lost! Great picture!

2009-05-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

Our friend Jen got a great new camera so Dallin, Courtney, Caitlyn, and Jared thought it would be so cool to have her take a picture of them jumping!

2009-05-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

We had a great afternoon in the park in May before it was so hot!

2009-05-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jen for taking such great pictures!

2009-05-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

The mom's of all the kids who had a fun Easter Egg hunt.
Man! My pictures are out of whack and my timeline is way off~ When I make a book, I will have to spend some time rearranging. ( I say that like it is really going to happen!) (Think positive!)

2009-05-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

A picture of the neighborhood kids in Woods Cross Utah that had an Easter Egg hunt together. My sister Carrie's friends were so kind to include our family and the kids had a fun time!

2009-05-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

My friend Jen and I decorated Jerry's office for his birthday! We had signs, and streamers and we covered the floor with balloons.

2009-05-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

Another hilarious attempt to take a picture of the kids right before we leave for church! At least in this one they are all looking at the camera and attempting to smile!

2009-04-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

I love conference! I am so grateful for a prophet and for the uplifting messages. I love April. We were able to go to Utah for Spring Break and two of my sisters, Annette and Carrie. It was so much fun. I haven't taken any pictures for weeks. I hope to steal a few from my smarter family members who take their cameras places . . .

2009-02-24T13:32:00.000-08:00

I had one of the kids take a picture of us so I could finally post a pic on Facebook!
Dallin getting ready to throw a rock! The river is beautiful!

2009-02-24T13:19:00.000-08:00

More pictures at Sundial Bridge - of course they wanted to throw rocks in the river!

2009-02-24T13:14:00.000-08:00

I thought that this was the only picture of Jared's face that we were going to get! What a pill!

Sundial Bridge

2009-02-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

We went to the Sundial Bridge in Redding while the kids were off school and then over to Chuck E. Cheese - the batteries died so we only got pictures at the bridge
Jared was not cooperating at first - He was totally hidden from view - at least we know he was there in this one!

2009-02-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

Dallin and Jared being Ninja Turtles - during the week break we had off of school!

2009-02-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

Alana at the Awards ceremony for Honor Roll students at Bidwell Jr.High - There were so many that made the honor roll they had separate ceremonies. One for 6th and 7th graders and one for 8th. Alana and so many of her group of friends earned a 4.0! Yay Alana!

2009-02-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

I just wanted some proof that our little Bryn is impossible to take a cute picture of! She is a doll and brings so much joy to our family. I can't seem to take a picture of her that captures her personality or how cute she really is! Here are a few random tries!
They do show a little personality. She has wonderful facial expressions and has quite a bit of attitude!

2009-02-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

I found a better picture of Courtney's costume!

2009-02-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Courtney was invited to a "Greek" party - it was very clever and fun! The guests were to dress up as a Greek God or Goddess - Courtney looked adorable. My mom and my sister Ali came up with the costume.

2009-02-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

I feel like a complete dingbat. We can't find the cord that hooks up our camera to our computer to download the pictures. I am so frustrated! I am sure that I put it away somewhere thinking I would remember where I put it! It has been a crazy time and I have to admit (being the wonderful picture taker that I am) we haven't taken very many pictures! I guess that doesn't mean that I can't post. I keep forgetting that even if the things I have to say and share are boring (especially without hilarious pictures) I am supposedly keeping a record of our family. Jared is missing his two front teeth! Dallin learned to write his name. It was great! Alana was helping Jared with a chart that he was doing for homework when Dallin wanted to do one too. She made one for him and then proceeded to tell him how to write his name! I've never seen a kid so proud of himself. We live down a dirt road and our car is always filthy. His name can be found in the dirt in several places - until we wash it and come home - then it will be dirty again. Alana is playing basketball with the young women in our church. Jerry is coaching the boys team - so we are enjoying basketball. The three aolder girls are playing soccer. They have practiced and their first game is Saturday! We are so excited to watch them play. I am feeling very grateful today. The kids are off of school for the week. Even though it is an odd time to have a break and it probably doesn't help their studies any, it is a wonderful break! They need a little down time and so do I! Alana, Courtney, and Caitlyn spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa Jones last night and are making soft boxes today with Grandma. The baby has had a wonderful nap this afternoon (it hardly ever happens) and I've had a little time to myself. The boys will have their turn on Thursday. Of course there are a million things that need to be done, they can wait. Alana was honored at a ceremony at school for being on the honor roll. She is a straight A student along with her friends from church! I was amazed at how many there were that earned a 4.0! All of the kids are doing extremely well in school and that is such a blessing! I was called to be the Camp Director for our ward in our church and I am excited and a little overwhelmed! This is all I can think of off the top of my head . . .

2009-01-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

2 more cute cousins that I didn't post a picture of Aubrey and Kennedy with Elmo slippers from us! - does anybody know? When I go to a site to print my blog in book form, can I move the posts around and change the order or do I need to do it on blogspot first? thanks!

2009-01-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

Somehow I lost this picture from the last post! So cute!

2009-01-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

We went to the park to enjoy the nice weather - it has been in the 70's! I keep posting backward thinking I am not going to post any more pictures - I will fix that later! This park has a concrete walkway all around a grassy area. We took a walk around it and I promised the kids we would bring their scooters next time. That will make for some great pictures!

2009-01-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

The weather here has been gorgeous! I love it! On saturday when Jer and Alana were at the temple, I took the kids to the park! It seems the sand pit was the favorite!

2009-01-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful that Tiffany took pictures - thank you! We are kicking ourselves that we didn't take a family picture - Silly!

2009-01-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

We had the opportunity to go to the temple and do a session and some sealings. It was a wonderful experience. My dad had some family names that we were able to seal together. The spirit was so sweet and strong. I felt such gratitude for the sealing power. I also felt so happy to complete an ordinance that these families might be waiting for. What a special opportunity! I have such a strong testimony of the temple. It is a sacred, peaceful, and wonderful place. Every time I go the spirit testifies to me that it is the Lord's house, His presence is felt there and that He loves me - Valerie West. My perspective is changed once again to look forward with hope that our Heavenly Father is in control and all will be well. I cannot imagine a more fullness of joy than to return to live with my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ and my entire family whom I love dearly.
Thank you Tiffany for taking these pictures - they turned out well!

2009-01-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

I'll probably never capture a picture of Bryn that is as cute as she is! She is a love! She got a new little bike from Santa. So fun to see Uncle Mike and Uncle Bill in the background. Being with family is the very best! We are so blessed. Jerry's family has a Christmas Eve party with great food and a gift exchange. We draw names - so we all get a present! Our camera wasn't working that night, but I know Jer's sister's were taking pictures - I need t0 ask if I can have copies.
Jared got a very "cool" leather jacket from the Lymans! Tiff's face says it all!
Bryn in her minnie mouse PJ's -

2009-01-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

More pics from Christmas morning! Caleb loves the Transformers, and he is sporting his new PJ's as well

2009-01-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post some pictures of Christmas morning. We had a great time! Caitlyn with her laptop. Courtney with a new pen and a calendar. Alana with her mp3 player (that we still need to replace). Olivia and Mya got a beautiful barbie!

2009-01-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

I am so far behind and i will attempt to play catch up. Along with everyone else - we have been busy having fun. We had our lap top, Alana's brand new mp3 player and a shotgun stolen from our house - we had most of the hard drive backed up and so i didn't lose pictures i don't think! what a blessing that this time i didn't feel bad that i hadn't gotten the pictures off of the camera in so long ( back to November - yeah!) I hope to start checking out all the blogs again as we got a new lap top and life settles a little back to normal which is harried in a different way huh? thank you already for the comments - i have missed corresponding with you on blogspot!

2009-01-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

The five girls in my family were able to be together for Christmas - we missed our brother and his family who live on the east coast! Between my sisters and I there are 13 granchildren and one on the way (it is not mine) Alana is the oldest at 12, Courtney, 10, Caitlyn, 8 , Mya, 7, Jared, 6, Olivia & Caleb, 5, Madie & Dallin 4, Aubrey 3, Kennedy 2, Luke & Bryn 1. One afternoon during the holidays we had tired kids who wanted to watch a movie! Alana & Mya above in the family room - other kids were in and out. Kennedy is under the blue blanket, Madie, Luke, & Bryn watching on the lap top in the other room.

Caitlyn at her class party - I was able to help out in her room this year and I loved it!

2009-01-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Dallin turned four on December 9th! Classic Valerie - I didn't have my camera at his family party -but he was such a patient boy. He waited several days after his birthday until all of the family that is here could be together to open his presents and have cake and ice cream! He got this play doh and he loves it - as you can see, so does everyone else!

2009-01-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

We only took a few pictures of decorating the tree - but we had a fun time - lots and lots of kid ornaments with a cheesy star - very "west style"

2009-01-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

The kids had the camera for a while one afternoon and these were the only decent pictures they took of each other! The rest were random body parts, espeially the back of somebody's head and pictures of the floor. Dallin is ready to jump off the couch - I love the hands on the soccer ball (Caitlyn & Jared) and the one of Cait with her hood on captures her smile. She is a character and truly hilarious!

2009-01-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

2009-01-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

Alana had a fun birthday party back in November. Our friend Trevor brought his Wii (projected on the wall!) and a karoke machine. We set up our ping pong table which is where she is opening presents! Lots of kids came and we partied too late! Happy 12th Birthday Alana!! She got to go to the Sacramento Temple yesterday to do baptisms for the dead. What a special experience - her dad went and was able to baptize her.

2008-12-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful for visiting teachers. Mine came a few days ago with a message of hope. Julie B. Beck again has touched my heart. Her message is . . . "Mormon asks, What is it . . . ye shall have hope for? His answer tells us of the three great hopes: "Ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal." (Moroni 7:41) She goes on to remind us that at baptism we became participants in the first great hope, the Atonement of Christ and that as we partake of the sacrament we have the opportunity to begin again. She also reminds us that our "hope and faith in the Savior will increase as {you} repent and make personal changes. . .
"The second great hope is the resurrection." We have been promised that through our Savior, Jesus Christ we will be resurrected. The third great hope is eternal life. Because of our Redeemer we can believe in a happy eternal life of "creating, serving, learning." She says, "There is hope smiling brightly before you . . . you just need to stay in, pressing forward with a brightness of hope."
I thought it a perfect reminder of the joy of this season. I am grateful for a testimony that our Savior lives. I know that He came to earth and atoned for our sins, sorrows, sicknesses. I know that I have so much to be thankful for and it is because of my Savior Jesus christ who offers so much hope!

2008-11-25T17:39:00.001-08:00

President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency:

“A conviction that you are a daughter of God gives you a feeling of comfort in your self-worth. It means that you can find strength in the balm of Christ. It will help you meet the heartaches and challenges with faith and serenity”

This quote was on a friend's blog and I love it! It is comforting and uplifting at the same time. Thank you Kristin for helping me remember how I should react!

2008-11-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

I have appreciated my cousin Jen Hurst's blog; her thankful thursdays; and her willingness to share her testimony. There have been many friends that have shared their feelings and gratitude for blessings and I have been touched by what has been shared. I love the talk given by Julie B. Beck entititled Mothers Who Know. Jen posted a quote from her talk that I copied to include on mine. Sister Beck is an incredible woman whom I admire and believe was called by God to be a leader and share her testimony and wisdom.

Julie B. Beck said...........Mothers who know desire to bear children….Mothers who know honor sacred ordinances and covenants….. Mothers who know are nurturers, nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work…Mothers who know are leaders. These mothers plan for the future of their organization. They plan for missions, temple marriages, and education. They plan for prayer, scripture study, and family home evening….These wise mothers who know are selective about their own activities and involvement to conserve their limited strength in order to maximize their influence where it matters most... Mothers who know are always teachers….Mothers who know do less….They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and daughters? Latter-day Saint women will do this—women who know and love the Lord and bear testimony of Him, women who are strong and immovable and who do not give up during difficult and discouraging times….There is eternal influence and power in motherhood."

This quote is a wonderful reminder to me how important and sacred a role motherhood is. I often get bogged down in the daily "grind " of caring for family and home that I forget for moments this precious gift that is mine to be a partner with my Father in Heaven . What a sacred trust and responsibility to help His children to receive a mortal body and remind them and me of gospel truths.

Fun in Utah!

2008-11-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

Dallin is busy concentrating and Bryn thinks she is just as big and capable as anyone else!

Cousins!

2008-11-17T16:14:00.000-08:00

Chuck E. Cheese

2008-11-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

Courtney, Kennedy, & Caitlyn seem to be having a fun time - I think I caught Jared at a mad moment - maybe his tokens were gone? :(

2008-11-17T16:02:00.000-08:00

Alana, Mya, & Olivia having fun at Chuck E. Cheese! We loved spending time with our cousins!

Madie is such a fun girl - this day she went to school and was pretty tired! We love you Madie!

Halloween

2008-11-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

I realized I didn't have a picture of Dallin or Bryn on halloween night! Here is Dallin playing a game at Trunk or Treat. I was surprised to find this picture that Jer must have taken of the kids at my parent's neighbor's house! He decorates his entire yard, dresses up, and scares kids to death! I was anticipating him scaring us - but when he jumped out of the bushes in a hooded back cloak I still jumped! We had a fun Halloween!
Bryn was a darling dalmation - but we couldn't convince her to wear the hat with the cute dog ears - we got a lot of comments about what a cute cow we have! We got a picture of her crying wearing the ears - but I am holding her and look very silly - We'll see if it gets posted!

2008-11-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

Some of the windows in this house are very old! Jared has knocked the entire frame out multiple times. Jer has to go outside, climb the ladder and knock it back in with a hammer. I was bathing Dallin and Bryn when a sheepish Jared came into the bathroom with some "bad news." He told me that he accidently broke the window. It was about 4:30- I told him his dad would be home in an hour and he would fix it. He then said, "no mom it is really broken." I said, "the glass?" He told me it shattered and not to worry the glass went outside! What an honest boy! He helped me clean up the inside and while we were in Utah - the glass was replaced. There is never a dull moment in the West household!

2008-11-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

Whew! I am so behind! I am finally going to post! Jer had a conference in Salt Lake, Utah - I decided to go with him - I arranged with all the kid's teachers to have their work and off we went! My sister Carrie and her family live in Woods Cross and my other sister Annette lives in Logan. We had a fabulous time! Annette is working nights and some days and I was so grateful that we got to spend some time with her. She is so busy and she drove down to Carrie's after working all night! thank you annette! the highlights of the trip seems to be a trip to the mall to get caitlyn's ears pierced - she has been patiently waiting until after the soccer season was over - and a trip to Chuck E. Cheese - with 10 children 11 and under it was a busy but very fun time! Bryn 1, Kennedy 2, Dallin 3, Madie 4, Olivia 5, Jared 6, Mya 7, Caitlyn 8, Courtney 10, and Alana will be 12 next week. I didn't take very many pictures - all hands were needed to corral children - but I will post the few I have. Thank you Carrie, Mike, and Annette. We had a marvelous time!

2008-11-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Alana was so creative this year - she has outgrown all of our costumes. She went as a punk rocker - this picture doesn't do her costume justice - it was great! Alana went to a halloween party her friends put on and had a blast!
Jen did all the makeup this year and Caitlyn was so happy with her blood! Grandma made the vampire capes last year for the older girls and Cait wore one this year.

Jared was a ninja (of course; he knows all the moves). I am not sure what he was trying to accomplish here - perhaps a little boredom while waiting to go celebrate halloween!!
Courtney got into character with the vampire cape - her makeup was awesome too! she went to a friends house for pizza and trick or treating in their neighborhood. We missed her - but she had a great time and a huge bag of candy!

2008-11-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

Tagged!!

I just got tagged twice! It was fun to read the 7 random things about people that I didn't know!
The rules are:
1. Link to the person who tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 Random and Weird things about me:

1. I love to play indoor sock dodgeball & soccer with my entire family
2. Whenever I eat out - I almost always order steak!
3. I am a very early riser - I love the morning.
4. I am a clean freak
5. I think that spelling & grammatical errors are hilarious!
6. I love to drink pepsi, but I will settle for coke if it has a lemon in it.
7. I love to read while I eat - and I am passing that habit on to some of my children.

I want to tag more than 7:

1. Kristin Norris
2. Aironn Bishop
3. Cheri Garrison
4. Kelsey Burrup
5. Leslie Briscoe
6. Adrianne Vaughan
7. Nancy Kaye
8. Liz Renzello
9. Kindra Medrano
10. Nicole Scoubes
11. Mandy Taggart
12. Michelle Lowry
13. Keith or Emily Jones

2008-10-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO-HOO what a ride!"
-unknown

I found this quote on a friend's blog - actually i knew her mother better and love her to death, but i love it! It is appropriate to how i am feeling today - and if i can have a good laugh at something - i should share so others can too! :) Thanks Dani!

2008-10-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

I get to spend my days with these two little people and they bring so much joy! Bryn is a curious and determined child who can be found often in the pantry and helping herself to snacks! Dallin has an incredible sense of humor and it was hilarious to find him in the bathroom getting into the empty headband drawer. I laughed out loud and thanked him for making my day!

2008-10-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Jen took this fun picture of the boys helping to make chalupas for dinner! They are great helpers - Dallin is constantly asking if we can "make something."

2008-10-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Dallin was trying on halloween costumes this afternoon - he looks hilarious and adorable! He is trying to make a jack o' lantern face!

2008-10-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

I somehow erased this picture from the last post - I needed one of Alana - straight A's the first trimester at Junior High - Yay Alana!

2008-10-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Dallin was not in the mood to get his picture taken - and this was the best shot - he is yelling noooooo!
At least all six of them are facing forward! My kids are such fun and I am so grateful for them and their sense of fun. It helps me to feel happy too. What a blessing each of them are.

2008-10-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

I am excited to get a family picture out by this huge tree - the kids had a blast climbing on it!

2008-10-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

We live out in an old farmhouse in the middle of a whole bunch of walnut orchards. A few weeks ago a huge tree fell over blocking the road! My friend suggested we take a family picture on it or by it. After school I tried to take a few pictures and most were blurry - that is why I don't take pictures! I am more than willing to let someone who knows what they are doing - do it for me! This has been a crazy fall! I am supposed to be journaling more but it has been a struggle to find the time. This post is bound to be boring but I just thought I'd make a list of what we are involved in and it will help explain the pure exhaustion we generally feel. I know that we are not alone - most people fill their lives with "things" and are very busy. It has been so fun with 3 kids playing soccer (one night each for soccer practice and as many as four hours on Saturday - 3 girls taking piano lessons, making time for homework, and practicing piano, reading, accomplishing faith in God goals, achievement days, young men for Jer, and I am the enrichment leader. We've tried to feed the missionaries and work on our food storage; do home and visiting teaching. We have tried to volunteer in the prop 8 campaign - walking precincts and making phone calls. The farmhouse is around 5,000 square feet and has all hardwood floors! It is a ton of mopping! It is endless dusting and vacuuming spider webs. There are 3 full bathrooms and 5 bedrooms - we have had a pet rat on different occasions that i could do without! i know that i am a clean freak - and that contributes to the amount of time I spend cleaning. to me a clean house brings peace - needless to say - it has been a real challenge to keep it clean.

2008-10-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

We did it! We bought a vinyl cutting machine! yeah! I am so excited - we cut out lots of vinyl for a recent Super Tuesday (enrichment) and I hope that the word gets out that we have a machine and are taking orders. I just ordered more vinyl. We will have glossy black, flat black, beige, silver, & green. If you are interested in ordering some vinyl lettering let me know!~

2008-09-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

I was really grateful when I found these pictures - I don't know who took them. We are so grateful that Tiffany and her family drove all the way from Las Vegas to support Caitlyn. What an awesome aunt!
Jen is so suuportive of our family and children. Thank you for all you do Jen. We really appreciate your friendship and caring.

2008-09-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

It has finally been cooling down at night! It stays chilly in our house until the late afternoon. There is a big sliding glass door at the farmhouse that lets in lots of sunshine. Dallin was sitting in the sun while I went upstairs to put laundry away - I came down to see him sleeping in the sun!