tnt young

What We Were Up To In January

2012-02-12T19:41:00.001-07:00

What a month January has been! It started with a wonderful trip to Texas! For my Christmas present my family sent me to Texas where my mom's side of the family lives. I had been really missing them and bummed that they hadn't met Suzy who is named after their sister, so I thought it'd be awesome to take her down to meet them. They were all super excited too! We all met at a hotel in San Antonio. We had a great time mostly just hanging out with each other. I loved getting to know my younger cousins better, they have grown up so much while I wasn't watching! We also went to the River Walk. It's beautiful, but I'm never going back on a Saturday night ever again! It was crazy busy! My favorite part, though, was playing a simple game called "if/then" with the group... we ended up laughing until tears come! I know my mom was there with us laughing too, and full of joy that we were all together doing exactly what she'd be doing if she was here!

On January 14th my cousins Steven Young (well he's Todd's cousin too, but we won't get into that complicatedness) got married to a sweetheart named Gabbi! First of all, I LOVED her dress! And my second favorite part of their wedding was the "kids table", it kept my kiddos entertained pretty much the whole time! I did a photo booth for them too. I really enjoy doing that, and would love to have a real set up for it someday! I'm very happy for this cute couple!

The week following that I took Suzy in for a fever she had had for six days. I kept thinking it had to be just teething because she didn't have any other symptoms... but I was wrong. After a couple tests they found out that she had Kawasaki Disease, inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels. They admitted her to the hospital for an IVIG (basically antibodies into the vein through IV). That was not fun. They did an EKG the next morning, it showed a healthy heart so no damage was caused by the disease. We still have one more blood test to go before they've declared her officially over it, but once she is the doc says he's never seen it come back!

It was an insanely busy month. My Januarys are usually the quietest month of the whole year, so hopefully this isn't going to be the tone for the whole year! But I'm excited for this year... Todd's general contracting business is progressing steadily! Liv will be turning 8 and getting baptized in July! Gary boy will start first grade and be in school all day! Suzy turns one :P but that means all sorts of milestones for her! And in March we'll be relaxing with the Young family in the Carribean on a cruiseliner! Plus, all the things we don't know are coming (all good of course, no more hospital stays!) Bring it on 2012!

Wordless Wednesday - Late as usual ;)

2011-12-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Not Really a Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-15T00:16:00.001-07:00

My father in law, Gary Young, is too funny! The power went out in Toquerville tonight, but he just couldn't let the Christmas lights not shine... so he hooked them up to his generator! What about the folks INside the house!?! Priorities... :D

Month of Gratitude - Day 30

2011-11-30T21:57:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for gifts of all kinds. I am grateful for the gifts you give and receive. I am grateful for gifts that are talents. I am grateful to be able to share. These are "football" (aka soccer) jersey Nate's sent to us for birthday presents. This is what I love about a gift... it is thoughtful and unselfish. It's whole purpose is to serve another. I have thoroughly enjoyed this month of gratitude, and now I am ready to act on those things. I am excited to share with others through my talents and other well thought out gifts how much I love those I am grateful for!

Month of Gratitude - Day 29

2011-11-30T21:47:00.001-07:00

I am MORE than grateful for my mom! She was/is a great example of a Christlike woman! She raised us kids to be creative, to get good grades, to do what was asked of us. She was kind. She led by example. She is my best friend! I am even more grateful for Heavenly Father's plan that families can be eternal, because I am looking forward to crocheting by her side for the rest of eternity!

Month of Gratitude - Day 28

2011-11-30T21:38:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for my brothers! They are both serving LDS missions right now, and I am grateful for missionary work too! I'm very proud of them and so happy that we are all great friends! I am grateful for Linda's daughters, too, who are now my sisters! And I am grateful for Todd's brothers and sister, also. Siblings are amazing. I am so grateful that we have these built-in friends!

Month of Gratitude - Day 27

2011-11-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

I am very grateful for my dad's wife Linda. She is incredibly talented, kind, and thoughtful! She includes my family and brothers as if they were her own. I am very grateful that my dad found such a wonderful person to share his life with!

Month of Gratitude - Day 26

2011-11-26T21:32:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for traditions! Since I was four-ish my dad has held season tickets to the Utah State University Aggie football games! We went to their home games whether it was sunny, rainy, or snowing. I am grateful for all the memories I have of these games. So every now and then I get the chance to take my kiddos to a game, which we did today. As I was watching my sweet Liv endure the cold I remembered being in her shoes. I had no idea why we were torturing ourselves to watch this game, and that was when I started asking my dad about football. "What's a down" "What do you mean, 'holding'" "How can you even tell the difference!?" and so on. I get so excited when I get to share this tradition with my kids, and I'm excited to see what traditions of our own we create and the kids will cherish!

Month of Gratitude - Day 25

2011-11-26T21:28:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for outings with my kids. They don't have to be fancy, just something special. I'm grateful that even simple things can please my them!

Month of Gratitude - Day 24

2011-11-26T21:20:00.001-07:00

I am grateful Thanksgiving. I am grateful for the yummy dinner that my Grandma Norma and aunts provide for our family! I am grateful for the gathering of family and loved ones in one place! I am grateful for a season when we all take time to just think of what we're grateful for. And I am especially grateful that this season comes right before the commercialized Christmas! I heard a great quote this month: "It's not happy people that are thankful, it's thankful people that are happy!"

Month of Gratitude - Day 23

2011-11-26T21:17:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for my aunts and uncles! They have each played a part in raising me through their examples and advice. Plus, they are all hilarious!

Month of Gratitude - Day 22

2011-11-23T00:34:00.001-07:00

I am very grateful for our van! I never thought I'd be a minivan owner, and now I couldn't be happier to have one in the driveway! This vehicle has taken a lot of stress out of my life, thank heaven!

Month of Gratitude - Day 21

2011-11-23T00:30:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for Heritage Makers. It is the company through which I am able to digitally make beautiful books. These books are my family's history. They do so much more than just put pictures on a page... they record memories that I NEVER want to loose!

If you want to learn more contact me or go to www.heritagemakers.com/tamiyoung

Month of Gratitude - Day 20

2011-11-21T00:09:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for my eyes. I complain about them sometimes because I can't seem to get the right prescription to see clearly, but I'm grateful that I can see! I can't imagine not seeing Liv dance, are the smile in Suzy's eyes, or watch the actions Gary makes his toys do when his imagination is at work. I am so grateful to have eyes so that I might see the beauty all around me!

Month of Gratitude - Day 19

2011-11-20T00:17:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for baking! I am not good at cooking, at all, but I love to bake! It makes good yummieness that I can share with others!

Month of Gratitude - Day 18

2011-11-20T00:14:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for dance sessions in the kitchen with my kiddos!

Month of Gratitude - Day 17

2011-11-18T00:57:00.001-07:00

I am VERY grateful for my camera! It is part of me! I don't know what I'd do without the ability to freeze a moment in time! (btw, this picture was taken/posted by my aunt Kris... it's kind of fun to see me in action!)

Month of Gratitude - Day 16

2011-11-18T00:45:00.001-07:00

I am incredibly grateful for my grandparents! Gma Norma, Gpa Monty, Gma Betty, Gma Alma Young, Gma & Gpa Dodge, and Gma & Gpa Sudweeks! They all set amazing examples and have heavily influenced my life! I love this picture of Gma & Gpa M because it brings back a fond memory I have of dancing with Gpa in their living room when I was in high school. They were teaching me how to swing dance, and I remember thinking it was the coolest thing that my grandparents still danced together!

Month of Gratitude - Day 15

2011-11-15T23:58:00.001-07:00

If it wasn't for the necessity of water from winter I would say I wasn't grateful for winter. I don't like winter. But what I have fallen in love with is fall! I am grateful for the beautiful way that winter is welcomed in, it makes it a little bit worth the cold!

Month of Gratitude - Day 14

2011-11-14T23:41:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for clean floors. It is my goal to once a week vacuum and mop the floors. But it never fails that within a half hour of doing any clean up the floors are cluttered with toys again. But I realized something this weekend... one day my kiddos will be gone and I will have clean floors pretty much all the time. So today I am grateful for cluttered floors, because it means my house is filled with children!

Month of Gratitude - Day 13

2011-11-13T23:00:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His example, His love, His atonement, His sacrifice, and His resurrection. I am grateful to have His spirit with me. I am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and to have the gospel as part of my every day life! I am grateful to have an eternal family! I am excited to some day be able to be with Him again and thank Him personally for all He did for me!

Month of Gratitude - Day 12

2011-11-13T00:23:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for spiritual uplifts! Today I went to Time Out for Women, I loved having my cup refilled and getting to know friends better and even making new friends! Every one of us is busy, it's good to have a time out!

Month of Gratitude - Day 11

2011-11-11T22:51:00.001-07:00

I am incredibly grateful for my dad! For one, he never killed me! Not after the several car accidents, the late night with boyfriends, my stubbornness, independence, and so on! He is supportive of the things I do. He loves my kiddos very much. It's fun to watch him play with them, it reminds me of the fun I've had with him! Love you, Daddy!

Month of Gratitude - Day 10

2011-11-10T21:42:00.001-07:00

I am incredibly grateful for this beautiful little girl! Olivia is the one that made me a mom! She looks just like my mom, which is a little blessing from heaven since my mom passed four months after Liv was born. Liv is such an easy child. She's very smart and very artistic! She loves to dance, sing, write and illustrate stories! She is a VERY GOOD friend! For someone that was so shy that a fellow schoolmate in preschool asked her if she even talked... I am very impressed with how well she greets new children and becomes their friend! She will always have hold of a big part of my heart, and I am forever grateful to have her!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-10T00:11:00.001-07:00

Month of Gratitude - Day 9

2011-11-10T00:06:00.002-07:00

I am very grateful for this little boy! Gary is such a tenderhearted little boy! He has an imagination that is very involved. So many times I wish I could see what he sees! I wish I knew his mind better, he thinks so different then others. I want to dive into that little brain and figure him out, so I could be the best mom for him! But I can only enjoy what he shows me, and I love it. I love him!

Month of Gratitude - Day 8

2011-11-09T23:54:00.002-07:00

I am grateful for my home! Well, this is technically "my home", it's Gary and Karlene's, but we live in the basement, so it's my home! I am grateful for it, especially as the weather cools. When I lay in bed at night and listen to the strong winds of Toquerville, my heart swells with gratitude that I have a warm place to live!

Month of Gratitude - Day 7

2011-11-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

I am incredibly grateful for this man! My husband! Todd is such a great character, and he puts up with me, so he's amazing! It is great to have found someone that keeps me balanced! He is a great dad to our kiddos, I love that he loves them so much! When Liv was a baby I put a poem in her book that said "I never knew how much I loved him until I saw him love her..." and it's still true to this day with all our kids! I love you babe, always and forever!

(p.s. Just so you know, I do know I'm a day behind and I will make up for it... just once I finally get a picture of the thing I am grateful for that I wanted to post a couple days ago. That's me... spacey ;))

Month of Gratitude - Day 6

2011-11-07T23:42:00.004-07:00

I am grateful for Miss Suzy Anne Young! She is a piece of heaven that I am so lucky to have! She is such an easy baby. She loves to just chill! Her giggle sounds like sweet bells, and her big toothless grin warms my heart! I call her "My Sunshine" because that smile can turn my skies blue in an instant! I am so grateful for this gift!

Month of Gratitude - Day 5

2011-11-06T08:04:00.003-07:00

I am grateful for my in-laws! They have happily let us live with them through the poor college years. They play with my kiddos, and love them so much! Karlene and I have become good friends and Gary is my second dad! I love their willingness to give service, they are incredible examples. For example, last night Gary dressed up as a native american chief for his nephew's (Robbie Young's) arrow of light ceremony. I love them both very much!

Month of Gratitude - Day 4

2011-11-05T00:25:00.004-06:00

I am grateful for tub time! All of my kids love tub time, probably Suzy the most! She loves to splash like crazy until she gets it all over her face. Then she looks at you with surprise like you did something to her! It's so fun to watch!

Month of Gratitude - Day 3

2011-11-04T00:37:00.001-06:00

I am grateful that my hubby has good friends and good hobbies!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-04T00:35:00.002-06:00

Month of Gratitude - Day 2

2011-11-03T00:40:00.000-06:00

I am grateful that m Liv has good friends! She talks about them all the time, especially these two... they are besties!

Month of Gratitude - Day 1

2011-11-02T01:33:00.002-06:00

I am grateful for the relationship these two have! Whenever Suzy sees her big brother she perks right up and gives him a big ol' grin!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T22:33:00.001-06:00

Happy Halloween Everyone! This year we are a bunch of skeletons by request of Gary Boy! I'd say that I don't know why they're all so boney because we feed them so well... but they don't eat as well as we feed them (except maybe Suzy) so I guess it fits! Anyways, I think they're very cute! The other day I had to take Liv into the dentist and he asked her if she was going to dress up and go ask strangers for candy? This made me chuckle and really think about what we do on Halloween... cause it's just that! We do the opposite of what we have been taught and teach! Oh well... we are excited to do some
trick-or-treating, and hope that you all get lots of candy too!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T22:19:00.002-06:00

Photo Shoot Busy!

2011-10-24T00:04:00.000-06:00

I have been busy with photo shoots lately, and I love it! Last week I took engagement pictures for my cousin Steve and his wonderful bride-to-be, Gabby! There wedding is having a nautical theme, so we hit the deck at Quail Creek and the beach of Sand Hollow! Then I took pictures for my friend's family, the Scotts! They have such beautiful children! And I'm so happy how they turned out since little Alex was screaming and crying all the way to Grafton. Grafton is a little ghost town near Rockville, Utah. I love to take pictures there! It's very rustic and provides several different textures for backgrounds! After that I took pictures of Becky and Vinnie again... their bridal/groomals. But they've requested I wait until after the wedding to post those, which I will honor, so keep an eye out for those later on!

Click here for more of the pictures from these two photo shoots!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T19:37:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-13T12:01:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T05:51:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday (a day late)

2011-09-29T10:24:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T14:56:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T23:25:00.003-06:00

Becky & Vinnie's Engagements

2011-09-12T22:32:00.002-06:00

For four years I have been waiting to take these pictures! I'm so grateful that Becky & Vinnie asked me to actually do them! We had a lot of fun doing the shoot! I just wish we had more time. The canyon walls make the sunlight very unpredictable, but it was a very successful shoot! For more of their pictures click here for my photography blog!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-07T16:56:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T00:46:00.003-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T21:24:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T09:53:00.000-06:00

More Photography

2011-08-16T09:18:00.004-06:00

I am glad that I have been able to take pictures again. The heat down here makes it a little challenging, because hot kids don't last long for posing but I'm glad to be behind the camera!

Click here to view pictures

from the Kleinman and the Ewell shoots!

Back to School

2011-08-15T22:51:00.004-06:00

The kiddos headed back to school today... well, sort of. Liv for sure did. Oh, what a morning it was. The kids were excited for the first day so they both woke up without a fight and got ready and on their way without a problem. We took them to the bus stop. Once they were on we headed to the school. We like to do that to make sure they find their classrooms without a problem so they have confidence the next day. We got Gary to his class (they wait outside) then Liv to hers. Liv started second grade today with Mrs. Rowan. She met up with a friend right away, dropped off her back pack, and headed to the playground. I barely snatched her before she was playing so I could get a hug... I guess she doesn't need me so much anymore, she's a pro at this school stuff now! When I met back up with Gary and Todd they were still the only ones at Mrs. Creels door. When the bell rang and no one was coming to open the classroom door we knew something was up. So I went in, long story short... Kindergarten didn't start this week and Gary doesn't have Mrs.Creel. See we got a letter in themail telling us Liv's teacher, but not for Gary. But in a meeting at the end of last school year it was decided (or so I thought) that Gary would be in Mrs. Creels class. So I knew the teacher and start of school date & didn't think twice about it. Well for some reason it was decided that Gary would be in Mrs. Covington's class. This will be great because his best friends are in that class too! The other good side of this story, count your blessings, is that kindergarten wasn't starting yet because they were doing testing all week (something else I would've known had I received a letter). Well, Gary's testing time was at 9am (same time as school starting) and that's when we were there! Thank heaven because Todd had to work all day so I wouldn't have a car to bring him back if the appointment had been any other time. Good grief what a morning! Liv had a great first day, and Gary boy is super excited to be in a class with all his friends. I'm excited to have some spare time to get stuff done. Yay for back to school!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T09:27:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T10:04:00.001-06:00

Suzy's Four Months Old

2011-07-29T10:56:00.002-06:00

Believe it or not it's been four months since my angel was born! She's getting so big (but I won't know exactly how much for a couple more weeks when she gets weighed in at her well check up) but I'm guess 12 or 13 lbs now! Doubling her birthweight! She has discovered her voice and loves to "talk". This is adorable all except during church classes ;) She puts everything in her mouth which means as soon as she's mobile the kids will have to keep their toys in their rooms because they have hundreds of little toys now days. She's starting to giggle, but right now it takes a lot of work to get her going, and she mostly only does it for her daddy... he's always been the playmate for each kid! She's a very easy baby... she loves spending time with her Gpa Gary ever night, she loves being talked to (especially by her big sister and brother), she has a huge grin (which I was hoping to capture in the photo but she thought it was too bright, so I was lucky just to get one with her eyes open), and she sleeps through the night which makes for a happy mother!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T16:09:00.000-06:00

Pioneer Day

2011-07-26T18:34:00.004-06:00

I'm so proud of my little ones! For Pioneer Day (actually celebrated on Saturday the 23rd in Toquerville) the kids woke up bright and earlier to get dressed in their "pioneer" clothes and made it to the parade line up at 7:30am. Our primary "float" won first place, it was awesome! Then the kids sang pioneer songs at the park program. I had to be at work but I'm grateful that my hubby got them to these events and took pictures for me. I love these type of traditions!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T12:18:00.000-06:00

Liv Turns 7!

2011-07-16T23:17:00.008-06:00

I can't believe my little girl is seven, but it is so. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday party theme and she chose her favorite thing to do... Dance! So that's what we did! We had the girls dress up in tutus so they came ready to get their groove on. We played Simon Says while we waited for everyone to arrive. Simon mostly told them to do dance related moves. Then Liv blew out her seven candles and we ate cake & ice cream... sugaring up the kiddos so they'd be ready to burn some energy on the dance floor! Then we danced, played musical, did the hokey pokey, and so on. I loved hearing the girls giggle and getting those shy ones to shake it a little! The girls got to dress like stars and do a photo shoot which I will then send back to them in a thank you card! Last was unwrapping presents. I love when the kids get excited to GIVE the presents, they are so sweet! It was a super awesome party! It especially makes me happy when Liv says, "It was the BEST party EVER!"

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T00:46:00.001-06:00

Independence Day

2011-07-11T00:46:00.008-06:00

I know, I'm a week behind, but oh well! Here's what we did on independence day...

I'm a mean mom, I haven't taken my kids to see an areal firework show until now. I grew up going to firework shows and they

just got boring. May seem hard to believe but they did. So I didn't have much ambition to want to keep my kids up late and deal with grumpy attitudes the next day for fireworks on independence day or

pioneer day. BUT while we were in Salt Lake last time the West Fest was going on in West Valley. Well, you can see those fireworks from my dad's deck. Since Liv hadn't gone to sleep yet anyways I took her out

back so she could see what was making all the noise. Well, she was in Awe! It was in that moment that I realized that I had been depriving my kiddos of a great tradition. So I was set in taking them to a firework show this year & it was totally worth keeping them up late for! Lying next to Liv and listening to her "oo" and "ah" over all the "sparkles" was priceless! I love experiencing

joy through my kids, and rediscovering the magic in things! Plus, I have found a new challenge... getting a great shot of areal fireworks! I love taking pictures of fireworks but I wasn't very good at taking areal pictures (although the first firework shot I like cause it reminds me of dandelion fluff!) So now I'm challenged and fireworks have lost their boringness!

Wordless Wednesday (a day late)

2011-07-07T22:03:00.001-06:00

Sand Hollow Camping

2011-07-03T23:29:00.007-06:00

Friday we decided to go camping at Sand Hollow as a last "Hurrah" before Taber and Koda headed to Colorado. I was very anxious about taking Suzy out in such a heat (104 average this weekend) but

it needed to be attempted. It was rough on her, but she held up pretty well. Then slept and slept when we got home. The older kids, Liv, Gary, & their cousin Koda, had a BLAST! The played in the water

nonstop! I helped Liv make a sand castle with much success! The boys enjoyed sword fighting... they'll sword fight with anything! Todd and I had a good time skiing, it's been a year since I've been able to ski

(pregnancy, you know...) and boy could I tell it'd been so long! I was a wuss and ended up sore. So here's to more trips to the lake, asap! Thanks Gary and Karlene for sharing your toys and creating fun

memories with the family!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T14:54:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T00:28:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T00:06:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T19:38:00.003-06:00

Suzy's Blessing Day

2011-06-06T00:33:00.007-06:00

Today was a very special day! Suzy Anne Young was given a name and a blessing by the power of the priesthood! The blessing was given by her dad, but several men that we love and look up to stood in the circle. I love the feeling that comes from having my child surrounded by men set apart with such power! After being given her name her daddy blessed her to be optimistic and a peacemaker. He told her that we are excited to have her in our family, and that we are excited to teach her the gospel of Jesus Christ. He then blessed her with that she will understand spiritual concepts. He blessed her that she will be sensitive to the spirit and follow it's promptings. Then, like his father blessed him with when he was an infant, he blessed her with the ability to make friends easily! I know this little angel will be strong in all things and I'm excited to watch her grow! Thanks to all that were here physically and in spirit!

Liv's May Dance Recital

2011-05-18T22:18:00.005-06:00

I love to watch Liv dance! She is such a shy little one, but when she's dancing she comes out of her shell and shines! This time she got to dance to two princess songs. Her ballet coming from Snow White and they tap danced to a song from The Princess and the Frog! We're thinking of trying hula dance next... that could be awesome! But I think my princess will always come back to being a ballerina!

Todd's Graduation

2011-05-09T23:23:00.004-06:00

Exciting things happened last weekend! The big one for us was Todd's graduation from Southern Utah University! After three years of hard work he earned his BS in Business Management. We are grateful to our family that traveled to celebrate this event with us. So many people helped us achieve this goal, thank you so much! Todd now thinks this means he's smarter than me, and says he has the paper to prove it, but we all know the truth ;) I'm very proud of you honey! You are such an incredible man and this choice to go back to school is one we'll never regret! Keep your goals high!

Time's Flying

2011-04-26T21:11:00.002-06:00

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T20:36:00.005-06:00

Happy Easter everyone! It's a day late, but that's okay! I was pretty bummed this Easter weekend that we didn't get our kids together with their cousins. I love having an egg hunt with the cousins... watching all the friends run around together is so fun! But it just didn't work out this year... that's what happens sometimes. It ended up great though! Todd cooked a wonderful meal for us, his parents, and his sister, Karlie, and her boyfriend, Kye. So we were able to be with family and then have an egg hunt for the kids. The day was absolutely gorgeous... that is, until we decided to have the hunt! Then it started to rain! Bah! But we decided to go for it anyways... we laughed the whole time and it ended up being more of a "Race to find the eggs as fast as possible!" Instead of just an egg hunt! It was a good time! But we didn't forget the main reason for Easter... we talked often about our Savior atoning for our sins, dieing, and then being resurrected so that we may all live again and be with our loved ones! How grateful I am to Christ for making this ultimate sacrifice so that my family can be together forever and that I may be forgiven of my sins. The feeling is more than the human language can define!

Powdered Stripes

2011-04-16T20:12:00.005-06:00

I was able to finish a couple of crochet projects before Suzy came and life got centered on baby! This is one of them, made for baby Noah... my newest nephew! It's a fun year for our family, there will be three new additions by the end of the year. Baby Noah was born in February, baby Suzy came two and a half weeks ago, and another baby boy is coming in June! Very exciting.. which reminds me, I need to get going on another one!

Click here to see more of my creations!

Suzy is Two Weeks

2011-04-12T21:23:00.002-06:00

It's been two weeks since little Suzy joined out family, it's hard to believe! Mostly it's just been a blur... but I've spent most the time just staring at her, so I'm a happy momma! She's been trying to stay awake longer from time to time, but she doesn't really know what to do when she is wide-eyed. So she just acts hungry more often, go figure. My favorite thing is that she loves to hold onto things, which usually means loved ones fingers... mostly mine ;) It's especially cute when she's nursing and holding her own hands together over her chest! She's precious!

Liv's First Loss

2011-04-11T23:05:00.002-06:00

Today my big girl lost her first tooth! It's hard for me to believe that this has finally happened, but it has. I'm so proud of her, growing up so well. I don't really understand how, cause she's a very picky eater (maybe she survives on air), but she does. And here's proof, one lost, sparkling white, shiny tooth left in a little tooth pillow I made for her... waiting for the Tooth Fairy to make her claim! I'm very excited to see her reaction in the morning! What a big day it's been for her!

Todd's Moment of Fame

2011-04-08T08:36:00.003-06:00

My honey made it on the front page of the Community section in the Spectrum newspaper Wednesday! He cooked for three days for a special event that his HRHM class put on for the Retail Alliance in Cedar City Wednesday. Here he's using a huge ladle to spoon Raspberry Chili Chutney into warming pans. I'm so proud of him. And I'm very grateful that he likes to cook. I love to plan parties and bake, but when it comes to meals I'm no good... so he's a lot of help to have around! Love you, Babe!

p.s. His major isn't in culinary or hotel management, he took this class as an elective for fun... even though it's one of the hardest ones. He's a business management major, and will be graduating in May, YAY!

What a week it's been!

2011-04-05T20:58:00.001-06:00

Suzy Anne's Birthday

2011-04-01T21:36:00.002-06:00

Suzy Anne's birthday went very well! The doctor and I decided that an induction was appropriate. Well, honestly, he looked me in the eye at my 38 week visit and asked, "Do you want to get induced?" I replied sheepishly, "No... but I really don't want to be pregnant anymore..." So Tuesday, March 29th, I got a call at 6am from the hospital asking if I was ready to have a baby, "YES!" I said. Then I double checked to make sure they actually had called and I wasn't just dreaming! We headed to the hospital right away. Things officially got going at about 8am, and progressed nicely. But early afternoon I got stuck dilated to a six for awhile, which was right after I got an epidural. The nurse started getting a little concerned because baby's heart rate was dropping drastically during contractions. So she had me roll to my other side, and within minutes I had gone from a 6 to a 9! And then baby was ready to make an appearance! At 2:54pm she was delivered, and everyone was being introduced to Suzy Anne Young!

Announcing...

2011-03-31T17:05:00.002-06:00

Suzy Anne Young

born March 29, 2011

6 lbs 7 ozs

19 ins long

Here Comes Baby!

2011-03-28T16:40:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day! The doctor is going to induce labor, yay! Well, I think I'm excited... I would rather come on my own but when the doctor looked me straight in the eyes and asked me if I wanted to be induced I had to be honest... I replied, "No, but I really don't want to be pregnant anymore..." I feel funny for taking this route but it's good for a number of reasons. One, I haven't gained weight in over a month and a half, and my belly measurements dropped off and then stayed small for the last month. Two, I really am done being pregnant. I'm sure every woman feels this way at the end of eight months, but I really am tired of the carpal tunnel, the exhaustion, and not even being able to pick up my own house because it's so much work to bend over. And three, it is nice to know when it's going to happen so Todd could forewarn his teachers and get work off, and so my dad and Linda could be here without having to drop everything when it happens. So, yay, our newest addition arrives sometime tomorrow! (depending on when the hospital calls to have us come in)

Overlook Hike

2011-03-14T18:12:00.007-06:00

If you come to visit us, we will do our best to entertain! And one of the things I love about living here is that there are lots of things to show our guests! This time we had family down we went on the Overlook Hike in Zion National Park. It is a short hike, one mile round trip, but it isn't 100% easy. Liv and Gary were always holding hands with one of us. I've given it years before I thought Gary boy was ready for it, and I'm glad he did cause he did really well on it! It was a beautiful day, the perfect temperature for a hike, and good company... who could ask for more!?!

Garys First Soccer Game

2011-03-03T20:03:00.004-07:00

Gary boy had his first ever soccer game! He was a littleembarrassed when told not to touch the ball with his hands, but after some coaxing he joined the group again. He was so excited the whole game whether he had the ball or someone else did! And it was pretty crazy watching the group of eight chase the ball around! His coach let him have a try at being goalie... I'm not so sure that's the right position for him, too much watching. Once the ball came down to him he stopped it, then kicked it back in, but was disappointed when he was told he couldn't run back down the field with the rest of the team! I'm really excited to see how playing a sport helps him learn to work together, follow rules, make friends, and so on!

The Infamous Dragon

2011-02-10T12:12:00.007-07:00

This dragon has become famous in our family. I started it about six months ago, but I didn't realize how large it actually was. I got very discouraged by Todd kept pushing me to get it done. And I'm glad he did cause it's awesome, Gary Boy loves it, and I've been complimented over and over again. Making stuffed toys is a whole lot more work then afghans, but they are so much more rewarding. I love seeing the character come out as they come together, and I especially love seeing them played with. Just so you know, if you ever receive one of my creations make sure you use it. I'd rather see a worn out item because it had been well loved versus a perfect project that's sat on a shelf... I just wanted that known for the record!

Click here to check out my other crocheted creations.

Playing with Light Sabers

2011-01-19T16:32:00.007-07:00

The other night Todd took the kiddos outside in the dark to have a light saber "fight" so of course I was right behind them with my camera. I had a lot of fun playing with the aperture to see what abstract images we could come up with. Even the kids thought this was fun! But even when I was done taking pictures they were not ready to come in, so the Light Saber Battle continued!

Our December

2011-01-04T21:39:00.033-07:00

What a month December was! And I know it's January, but I wanted to let the world know what we've been up to anyways! This first picture is of the nativity put on by cousins and second cousins at the Young Family Christmas Party! I am very grateful to Grandma Young for putting on this party every year! It's fun to watch the kids grow, especially now that Gary boy will actually participate in the nativity!

On December 17th we headed up north for more family parties... another of my favorite traditions: Grandma Norma's Christmas Party! It just wouldn't be Christmas without it! It's getting

harder to put on the nativity with this family, but with three new grandchildren (great grandchildren to Gma & Gpa) in 2011 hopefully in a couple years it'll be much easier to fill the roles! This year we had

to use Brenda as one of our wise men! Then Santa AND Mrs. Clause came by! They were a hoot!

We were going to head home Monday the 20th, but a huge storm rolled in. After rolling our truck three years ago in December (on our way up for the Montgomery party) we are much much more cautious

about what conditions we drive in! So we decided to stay up and wait out the storm. What a good choice that was! Turns out, the snow is actually fun when you don't have to deal with it every day! I was grateful

to get this picture of Todd and Gary boy shoveling Grandpa Larry's driveway since I have one of my daddy and me in about the same spot and everything (although I was about a year and a half) AND I have

one of Liv and her daddy doing the same! I'm sentimental like that! Us big kids ended up having a snowball fight, I'm surprised to say I thought that was super fun! And we all worked together to make Mr. Snowman! Which Todd and Aaron helped the kids shoot him with their soft air guns, so he ended up covered in colorful little balls!

Also while we were stuck in Salt Lake we decided to go see the temple lights. This was my idea, but I don't know what I was thinking! Pregnant lady plus cold plus lots of walking didn't really turn out to be the best combination! But I think we all had a great time! Unfortunately Grandma Linda wasn't able to join us because she had been fighting an infection all week. But it was okay because she

was finally feeling better (because of all the rest) to join us for present unwrapping the next morning.

So Christmas Eve morning we were able to unwrap presents with my family before we headed home! I love actually seeing people unwrap the gifts I've picked out for them! The kids got all sorts of fun stuff

including a Tiana doll for Liv and an Iron Man action figure for Gary! But the best gift for Todd was ribbon candy! He loves the stuff, but it's hard to find! We were spoiled!

Before we headed home, though, we were able to go to the Dodge family party. I was happy to join them there since originally we were the only part of Gary and Karlene's family that wasn't planning on going. But since we stayed through the storm we were able to go without making a special trip. Plus, we finally got to meet up with Taber who came from North Carolina to visit for the holidays as well as Koby and Koda who came from Colorado!

We had to drive through terrible fog (but still better then white out snow storms) to get home Christmas Eve, but we made it safe and sound and with enough time to do traditions. It was a lot of

fun to have so many people around Christmas morning, but it was also craziness! But being with family is what Christmas is all about to me, so I loved it! Liv got lots of Zoobles and Gary boy got his Criss Cross

Crash race track, we were all spoiled! So in the end... it was a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!

Gary's Preschool Program

2010-12-14T22:31:00.004-07:00

We went to a fun little party at Gary's preschool last night. They had the kids sing a couple songs, Gary was the most bouncy one of the bunch. He thoroughly expressed his joy through movement! You'd never known that earlier that day when the teacher announced they'd be working on their songs he said, "No, thanks!" But, hey, at least he's polite! Afterwards we decorated gingerbread cookies. The kids took their time and made very handsome little men!

Liv's First Dance Recital

2010-12-05T18:44:00.003-07:00

First of all, I want to thank everyone that drove down and those nearby that came to Liv's dance recital. I felt very loved having such a great support group there for her! She did a great job! She started off a little rocky since she got stepped on by a tap shoe right before the show was to start. She was pretty sad, but went on stage and did her best on the tap routine until she got kicked by another tap shoe (on accident of course). She was hurt and wanted to run to me, but she braved through it and finished the routine! I was very proud of her succeeded at her first "the show must go on" experience! She did especially well at the ballet routine (below), she loved that dance and it was easy to see! I'm very happy that we found something that she enjoys and can shine at!

Todd's Birthday

2010-12-02T21:08:00.003-07:00

My sweet honey had another birthday! He actually got to celebrate for two days! While we were in Salt Lake we went to see the new Disney princess movie, Tangled. The kids were super excited about the movie when they saw previews, so Todd, being the softy he his, told the kids all he wanted for his birthday was tickets to see Tangled. So we gave him the tickets and invited a bunch of his friends to go with us. I appreciate Todd's friends,they are awesome! Afterwards we went to the nearest ice cream shop for ice cream cake. Unfortunately we weren't the only ones with such an idea, so it was a bit of a wait to purchase the cake. But luckily a restaurant across the way had the BYU/UTAH game on it's big screen TV, so Todd and his guests were able to watch the end of the game. What a close one! (The Y didn't win, but Todd had fun anyways, he's a good sport). We went home to Toquerville that night, so he didn't have to travel on his actual special day. That night we had dinner with a handful of his family! I think he had a good birthday, I sure hope so... he deserves it!

Winder Family Pictures

2010-12-02T20:48:00.002-07:00

I haven't been taking as many pictures lately, but I do still enjoy it. Although this little one, even though she's usually my friend, was not happy with me at all. I think it was the big camera I kept pointing at her. But once we got her grandma there we got some smiles, well... at least no more tears, from her! Click here to see more.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T21:51:00.005-07:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a great time celebrating in Salt Lake with the Montgomerys. I failed at writing what I was grateful for everyday this month, but that didn't mean I didn't think about it everyday. So here's the bottom line... I am grateful for all of my family members, but especially that my Grandma Norma is recovering well from her heart surgery! I still want her around for several more years! I am grateful for my dear husbandand my sweet children. I am grateful I am pregnant againand I am excited to see what type of personality she develops! I am grateful for all the blessings I have and the great people that are in my life. I know it's more broad then if I had written it daily, but there is so much I am grateful for... just know that I am! I love that my Grandma Norma hosts family parties for the main holidays, it is so fun to have these traditions. I remember sitting at the kids table with my cousins and developing friendships there, and now I get to watch my kids do the same thing with they're cousins. I love Thanksgiving, and now I'm looking forward to Christmas (as are my kids with immense anticipation!)

Salt Lake City Snow Fun

2010-11-28T21:41:00.004-07:00

The kids were super excited to see snow when we arrived at my dad's place in Salt Lake City. Me, not so excited. But I love to see my kiddos having fun so while we were up there I bundled them all up and took them out for some quality time with the snow. Liv dove right in and made a snow angel (she's come a long way from the toddler that wouldn't even put a finger near the stuff)! Gary boy started building a tower which turned out to be the mountain with Toquerville Rock on it. They had fun throwing snow. Liv threw it in the air while I was Gary's main target... trouble maker. In the end, all this only lasted five, maybe ten minutes tops, and then they were too cold and ready to go back inside. I guess they're spoiled with the warmer side of Southern Utah living!

Grateful Day #7, 8, 9, & 10

2010-11-10T20:22:00.005-07:00

So, I'm really not good at doing this on a daily basis, but oh well, cause I still think about it every day and come up with something new each day... it just takes longer to get on blogger and write them down! Anyways, for day #10 I am grateful for ultrasounds! Today we were able to see our little GIRL! She is already a big tease. When we first started the ultrasound she had her ankles crossed and her hand between her legs, so we were thinking we may not even get a peek! But with a whole lot of poking she moved her hand, but still we'd get her to open her legs for a second then she'd snap them shut. But it because obvious that there weren't any extra appendages and that she did have girly parts! Yay! Both kiddos are happy to be getting a little sister!

Day #9 - I don't have a picture for this one, but I am grateful for the chance to make cookies with Gary boy! He's really becoming such a big helper with the cookie making! I do have to hold him back from eating all the dough (and he gets frustrated cause I make him keep washing his hands every time he eats some) but it's really become a bonding experience for him and me!

Day #8 - I am grateful for Google Maps! It's been fun to easily see where my little brother is physically on his mission. He just got transferred to North Sheilds, so I googled it and was not only to see a map of where he was but also the buildings and streets from their ariel option! I think it is just too cool!

Day #7 - I am grateful for good doctors! I appreciate all the different kinds of doctors, but on this day specifically (Monday) because my sweet Grandma Norma was in for heart surgery. The surgery went smoothly and she's been recovering well. Thank heaven for the medical knowledge we have now and the great men and women that work hard to perfect their trade!

Grateful Day #4, 5, & 6 (catching up)

2010-11-07T19:44:00.004-07:00

I was determined not to fall behind on this little project of mine, but I did nonetheless. Oh well! I'm going to do this backwards though, I guess... #6 - I am grateful for Fall Daylight Savings! I know it's hard to adjust every time this comes around, but taking my time getting out of bed because of the extra hour this morning felt wonderful!

#5 - I don't have a picture for this one, but I am grateful for clean floors. I haven't yet mastered uncluttered counters and desktops, but I have to have a clean floor to relax! And now that I'm not working all the time or struggling with morning sickness I have been able to get back in the routine of keeping my floors pretty darn clean!

#4 - I am grateful for my husbands friends! He had a very close group of friends in high school whom we still try to get together with. They are very fun people and I'm grateful they accepted me! He has a

close group of friends that he's made since we got married that he gets together with every other Friday night. And a couple of those friends and him had a getaway this last weekend. Something I love about all these friends is that they are my friends too, I know their wives and their families and it makes it special! Thanks to Todd's friends for being so awesome!

Grateful Day #3 - Tiny Miracles

2010-11-03T21:17:00.003-06:00

I guess a miracle shouldn't be called "tiny" but the reason I call them "tiny" is because you have to look harder to see them and recognize them for what they are. But in my life I have experienced lots of these types of miracles. I think I started noticing them when my mom was fighting breast cancer but even in every day life it is such a blessing to see the ways that Heavenly Father watches out for us and to give Him credit for it is a gift from Him. So keep your eyes open for "tiny miracles"!

Grateful Day #2 - Holidays

2010-11-02T20:59:00.005-06:00

I wanted to make sure I posted about Halloween, so I decided to express my gratitude for holidays. I love them, all of them! They give us a chance to break from the every day routine and have some fun! Halloween is one of my favorites... it's fun to dress up and be someone or thing different, you get candy, and it's like the kick off of the winter holidays! I love Thanksgiving cause you can get together with all of you family and eat yummy food... it's like Christmas, but without the stress of getting the right present for everyone! And then there's Christmas, which is special for so many reasons! But I especially enjoy Halloween in southern Utah because I don't have to pile on layers of clothing to keep my kids warm while trick-or-treating! All we've needed is a light jacket & this year we had gloves too. It's nice! I hope all of your holidays, especially Thanksgiving, are awesome!

Grateful Day #1 - Family

2010-11-01T22:37:00.002-06:00

What can I say, my family is my #1! I am so grateful that I have two wonderful children (and one on the way). Liv is an angel (most of the time), she loves school and learning. She's not very talkative in class but she absorbs everything. She loves to write her own stories and play with her dolls. She's got a close group of friends at school that the counselor calls the "Tea Party Girls" cause their quiet and keep to themselves. I'm so happy to see her being social! Gary boy is anything but shy! He is a ball full of energy... ALL of the time! So he's a bit more of a handful, especially for his teachers, but I'm happy for it because he has so much personality! He has this extreme imagination that it's hard to keep up with hat he's got going on in his mind. He's always making gun and car sounds, I'm impressed by what sounds he can make! He is his daddy & grandpa's shadow... I can't wait to see what he ends up doing when he "grows up"! This little baby that has yet to arrive, I am so grateful that we will be blessed with another angel! I'm excited to see what this child will be like and how he/she will fit into our family! And them, most importantly, I am very very grateful for my sweet husband! Todd and I have been married for over 7 years now! We have had our ups and downs and I feel like we are doing better now then ever! I can honestly say he is my better half! He keeps my head on straight and is incredibly patient with me! I think he deserves a medal for being my husband! I am grateful for his hard work at school and providing for our family all these years!

Recent Creations

2010-10-27T16:27:00.006-06:00

Sorry I've been away for so long. I ended up getting two jobs and pregnant all at the same time! But things are calming down now so hopefully I'll be around more again! Here are some of the blankets I have finished while away... making a circle blanket went really fast and was totally different. I'm not totally in love with this one (except the color) but I'm excited to try some of the other circle blanket patterns I have! The white one was a ton of work, but I loved how it turned out! It's thick and soft, very neat combination! I hope to be posting some more soon.

The Ewell Family

2010-08-19T21:04:00.002-06:00

This last weekend I was able to take pictures of my good friends little family! Hunter, her little one, wasn't so sure about me since normally when he sees me it's cause I'm babysitting him while his momma is at work. So he didn't warm up to me until the end, but we were able to get some fun shots anyways! Click here for more of their pictures.

Liv's 6th Super Birthday

2010-07-31T16:40:00.012-06:00

A couple weeks ago (on July 14th) we celebrated Liv's 6th birthday! It's hard to imagine it's been six years since my princess arrived, but she sure acts like a 6-year-old! For her birthday she chose a Mario theme since she LOVES the Mario Party games and the new Super Mario Bros on the Wii! Since in Mario Party they play mini games that are a lot like carnival games we decided to do the same! We had Bean Bag Toss, Balloon Pop, Ring Toss,Bottle Knock Down, and a couple other fun games! The kids earned stars for their accomplishments (just like in Mario Party)and kept track of them on a score card around their neck. The cake I was especially proud of, and thoroughly enjoyed making since Todd was able to stay home and take care of the kids while I made it! (And a special thanks to Allison Smith for the inspiration!) Liv was blessed with several gifts, but she especially loved her new purple horse! Thanks to all the kiddos that came (and parents for bringing them), the party was a success... Liv said it was her favorite one!

Independence Day

2010-07-24T22:39:00.008-06:00

I know that this is super duper belated, but I feel funny that it's been so long since I posted something so I chose to post this nonetheless! The events keep happening and leaving me little time to sit and edit then post... it's been an insanely busy month! But I love it, July is, BY FAR, my favorite month! So for Independence Day (since I'm trying not to just call it "The Fourth of July" cause if you think about it it really does sounds kinda silly) we had a little barbeque with the Christensens. I cooked uplots of yumminess in patriotic colors which also made them fun to eat! The kids especially loved the blue star shaped ice cubes! The weather was wonderful (this was before the insane heat wave hit) so we were able to sit outside and play games mostly! When the sun had set we started fireworks. Lonnie and Todd were able to put on a great show with our $25 bunch of fireworks. In-between choosing which fountain to do Lonnie would throw out some flowers then Todd would like another firework or two... it was fun! I am very grateful for our country, and for those who fight for our freedom!

Olivia's 6-Year-Old Pictures

2010-07-07T16:26:00.005-06:00

I can't believe my sweet girl will be six in a week! She has grown so much, and I am so proud of her! Last weekend we took her out to take pictures, she was all smiles!