I'm really ticked!

This is a picture of Brielle holding a sign for her mom and dad last year for the St. George marathon. I ran the Salt Lake marathon in '97, wow, 11 years ago, and have not had the desire to do another, I felt like I got a good time, (3hrs 57 min) I made it under my goal of 4 hours, (barely) and just was fine with running one. I ALMOST signed up for the marathon this year, but missed it because I kept deciding and then it was too late. Now I'm ticked because two Saturday's ago, a girl in my ward asked Sara(another girl from my ward) and I to run 17 miles with her to train. I was totally excited, I just wanted to know if I could do it. I did it, and I have been running with her since. We ran 9 miles last Saturday, and I plan to run her 19 and 20 mile runs too, so I've got to figure out a way to run the marathon!!!! I'm so mad, because I really want to do it this year, so I've heard people running with other people's numbers, you're not supposed to transfer numbers, but I think if you just run as that person's name it is ok, so if anyone is not running, I'd love to run for you, I promise I'll try to run fast so you can have a good time on your name.:) Anyway, this picture is actually on the St. George marathon website, I just had Brigham two days before, and I didn't get to go, but at the last minute made signs for Brielle and Bryson to hold up, and sent them with my mom and John, and they didn't even take a picture of them holding the signs, so I thought it was so cool when someone took this and put it on the website!!!

IT'S YOUR.....

Boy do we love you!!!! Integrity, one of your best qualities.
Really do LOVE you!!!


Talented in everything you do.

How we love to just spend time with you!

Dang good lookin!!!!

Awesome DAD!!!!

You are #1 in our hearts, (next to mom of course!)

Happy Birthday

Bon voyage Summer......

It is over!!!! I thought summer would be relaxing, and it was anything but that, we were so busy, and with four kids home all the time I was soooo ready for school to start today. We didn't even go on a vacation this summer, but it still felt busy, and we were always doing something. Brigham is so ready to get some more attention.

Last week we went to jumpin' jacks with some friends, it was really fun, and nice and cool inside.

They had music playing, and so a bunch of girls danced and Lydia tried to join in.

Saturday we went bowling, a request from Marcus. Marcus was sure he'd be good, cause he played it on the wii.



Lydia loved it, and always ran back so excited , not even looking at how many pins she knocked down.Kaitlynn left yesterday, she was so excited to go home, I guess living with a family with four kids under 8 wasn't as relaxing for her as she thought. She said the excercise was harder than she expected, but she was really glad she did it. She excercised 5 to 6 times a week, and helped out babysitting when I needed her. Lydia is excited to get her room back, now if only we can get her to sleep in her room. I'm sure Kaitlynn was so excited to get home to her own room also.

This was actually Kaitlynn's first time bowling EVER! Great form Kait!:)

Kaitlynn's FIRST DATE

Kim this is for you and Ryan. Their first daughter Kaitylnn went on her first date!!! Her date is a boy named KC from my ward. His mom is my visiting teaching partner, and I absolutely love her. He comes from an amazing family!

I did her hair this morning, and then we went shopping for the perfect outfit.

Her hair turned out cute,

and she found the perfect outfit!! Have fun Kaitlynn, I'm sure she'll put more on her blog.

Did Everyone get their copy of 'Breaking Dawn'?

This is Kaitylnn, she was SOOO excited to get her copy of 'Breaking Dawn'. We drove down first to Barnes and Noble at 10:30 PM, and wanted to see what the party was like. Both of us had gotten up at 6:00 to go on a bike ride, so we weren't real enthusiastic about joining all the partying, but there were plenty of people that were dressed up, and many had shirts that said, 'Team Edward", "Team Jacob" ect. We decided to go over to Walmart and get the book cheaper. The line was sooooo long, but it went pretty smoothly.

The check out lines were so long, there were a couple of people that came in just to get a few things they needed, they weren't real happy.

I was trying to be sad because I didn't get a copy. I actually ordered a copy off of Amazon.com, cause I got free shipping, and I also ordered "The Host" which I have not read yet, but I have to say, after seeing everyone walk out with two or three copies, I kind of felt left out not walking out of the store with a copy. We finally got checked out and left Walmart at about 1:00 AM. I have not done that forever!!! I was so grateful that John and the kids let me sleep in until 10:00!!!!! I bought a Diet DrPepper when we headed out that night, because I was already so tired, but I don't think the caffeine kicked in until I was trying to go to sleep. It was about 2:30 before I fell asleep.

Well, this week we had a couple that was doing the program at the spa who stayed in our basement. They wanted to bring their baby, so we watched him while they were at the spa. He is one month younger than Brigham, bigger than Brigham, and you can tell from this picture has lots more teeth than Brigham. He was a good baby, and slept a lot. Kaitylnn took care of him, I am so glad I had help, I'm not sure how mothers of twins do it!!!

Lydia loves being the mom, she played great with Jackson.

Brigham didn't really like this new baby that was taking up his space.

My Testimony

After reading the Ensign this month and reading Elder Ballards talk titled 'Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet', and listening to his talk he gave to graduating BYU students, (click here to listen) I've decided to share my testimony on my blog. I do have a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that it was restored for these latter days by a young man by the name of Joseph Smith. He was the young man who was an instrument in the hands of God to restore the true Gospel to earth in these the Latter days. I know that 'Joseph Smith has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it..(D&C 135:3)'. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world, he died for us so that we might live again. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, it is a daily guide for us, and with it Great will be our Joy. I know that the temple is the Lord's house, I know that families can be sealed for time and eternity in his house. I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us, and is aware of each of us. These things I testify of in the Name of Jesus Christ Amen.

This last week John and I were able to attend the temple (thanks Kaitlynn for babysitting). Just like the primary song says, "The temple is a place of god a place of love and beauty." As I was sitting there in the temple, my mind wandered, and I began thinking that I really wanted to see just a little tiny glimpse of the angels that I so often felt in the temple. I remember attending the temple soon after a cute cliente of mine passed away. She was a temple worker at the Mt. Timpanogas temple, I knew how much she loved the temple and I was certain I felt her spirit there. Well, sorry back to my story.... I was sitting there thinking that Lamen and Lemuel saw an angel and they were rebellious:

1. 1 Ne. 3: 29
   29 And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an ^aangel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ^bruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will ^cdeliver Laban into your hands.
   

I know it was silly, and I knew I didn't need to see an angel, what good did it do for Leman and Lemuel when soon after they were rebellious yet again:

1. 1 Ne. 7: 10
   10 How is it that ye have ^aforgotten that ye have seen an angel of the Lord?

Still, we had to wait a few minutes in the temple because they were not ready, it was so peaceful and I couldn't help but keep thinking, "oh, I just want to have a little sign" ok, I know, I know that the scriptures also tell us:

1. Alma 32: 43
   43 Then, my brethren, ye shall ^areap the ^brewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth ^cfruit unto you.
   

So I knew my request was silly, but I still couldn't help but think that I just needed something to just keep me moving forward. Well, when we moved into the next room of the temple, I was walking in to be seated, and I happened to sit right next across from my husband, and it was at that moment, I felt a tender mercy from my Father in Heaven. John is truly my angel, he hates when I get too personal on my blog, but his heart is so filled with love for the gospel and for our Savior Jesus Christ, I am just so thankful that I can spend the eternities learning and growing with him. Now if only I could find a way to treat him as the gift he is to me.:) For some reason, I struggle with showing him the same kindness I show others, but it is way to easy to release my frustrations, complaints, my self conscious weaknesses, and my anger on him, the one I know loves me, and takes all the ugly I dish out.

(As I was googling for a temple picture I came across a blog of a young woman expressing her reasons for leaving the church. We now live in a world where there is so much confusion, and I am so grateful that we have a prophet that leads and guides our church in these Latter Days.)

Our 24th!

We started the day out by waking up at 5:30 Am and running a 5 mile fun run at Ivins City. Kaitlynn's mom sisters and brother came down to see her run, and I knew she was in pain because she pulled her muscle and couldn't run the day before, but she really wanted to run this race, and her family was here, so she decided to try it. The trail was a beautiful trail, running along side of the red mountain, and through Kayenta on a dirt road, passing a few ranches, and then downhill . Kaitlynn was in pain probably the whole race, but she wanted to finish, and we did. I was really proud of her. Then we stayed for the Ivins City breakfast and parade, and then on to the lake. John and one of his best friends purchased a boat a couple of weeks ago, and so we took Kim's family and went out for the day. I really do love just sitting on a boat and having our family out on the lake. John has been so busy lately, he gets up and goes to football(he coaches ) at 6 am, and then to work, and sometimes, I don't see him until 9 at night. He also has a new calling in the ward(first counselor in the elders quorum), and I really do try to be supportive, but it's hard to let your husband go help others move, clean up, or just visit, he never complains though, although it takes a lot to get a conversation out of him when he is having conversations all day long, and most of them (because the spa's clientele is mostly women) are women with lots and lots of issues, so spending the day with him on the lake was really enjoyable, it's amazing how I now cherish even riding in the car with him. Then on the way home, the trailer to our boat had a blow out, we had to park it drive all the way back to costco get the tire fixed, and come back, that time in the car with him, I could have done without.:) We got home, and John barbecued his famous chicken and steak. We ended the day with fireworks, our neighbors gave us quite the show. Lydia and Smokey posing for a picture at the parade!

Kaitlynn and I running in, oh the pain she endured. Her mom Kim and sister Makenna ran in the last block with us. Maryann's in the picture also, she ran too, she pushed herself a little too hard, and was sick the rest of the day(she's way too competitive).

Marcus and Payton rode with our primary in the parade.

Yet another busy week......

Brigham standing for the first time without falling soon after.

Kaitlyn is the daughter of my husband's sister Kim. She came down to live with us for a month. She really wanted to workout every day, get a tan, and just get a fresh start for school this year(what teenager doesn't?) So on Monday, we got up and ran the good ol' stop sign trail. Oh how I love/hate that thing. My mom was here with Michelle and the new babe, so she came also. My mom is like the energizer bunny. Kaitlyn did awesome, she ran/walked 3 miles up, and 3 miles down. I took Lydia and Brigham, and left the boys home to sleep. Tuesday Kaitlyn ran it faster. Tuesday night we went shopping for new running shoes for Kaityln, because she was getting blisters with her other ones. Marcus got some new running shoes too, so he wanted to run with us in the morning. So on Wednesday, I took both Payton and Marcus, and can I tell you, it was PURE JOY!!! Marcus ran most of the way, and then jumped in my stroller, which I didn't mind, because it gave me a better workout, but Payton ran with Grandma. He stayed up with her the first 3 miles, and then Grandma wanted to go to the top, so Payton turned around and ran back to me and asked if I needed help pushing the stroller. He was incredible, and not even tired. So he ran back to the 3 mile marker with Kaitlyn and I, and ran all the way back. Along the way, I let Lydia out of the stroller so she could run. For some reason, running with my kids was just priceless. Payton really had the best attitude, and none of my kids were whining, it was WONDERFUL. We went swimming later that day, and Brigham stood for the a very long time all by himself. Thursday, we ran again, Kaitlyn was really sore, and pushed through a lot of pain. I left all my kids home, because Grandma and Grandpa Kemp are here this weekend, except for Brig, I pushed him in the stroller. Kaitlyn pushed the stroller up the last mile, and I ran with my mom to the top. I told Kaitlyn to go as far as she could and try to meet us when we ran down. I knew she was really sore, so I really didn't think she would go too far, but we turned around, and she was pushing the stroller up the last mile which is STRAIGHT up. My mom took the stroller, and Kaityln and I walked up to the top and made it to the stop sign, I was really proud of her, because I knew that she was in pain.

Last night, we sent Marcus home with Grandma Meacham. She was going to take him to Kim's house to stay for a week. So this morning I got Payton up, and brought him running. He is going to play tackle football this year, and I'm really nervous. So, today was not pure joy, try pure headache, he complained almost the whole time. He was able to sit in Maryann's stroller for a little bit, but she got a flat, so he had to get out. Maryann ended up putting Jayni in my stoller and pushing it. I stayed with Payton and tried everything to motivate him. We walked most of it, and he just was stubborn. At one time he planted his feet and told me he wasn't moving, and I told him he could walk home then, and I left. After a while I could hear him yelling MOMMMM!!!! It was an angry yell, so I kept walking(I used to get embarassed about others watching my children throw fits, but I don't care anymore). He started running to catch up screaming and finally said PLEASE STOP! So I did, I let him catch up and I told him to stop screaming it was unacceptable, and we walked in silence the rest of the way. At the end, he started crying and said sorry, we hugged and talked, but oh my what a different experience from Wednesday!!!!

Baby Kade is here!!!

He's here, and we're so excited. He sure is cute though, sorry I didn't take very many pictures, Amie (Cam's sister) was snapping a bunch with Michelle's camera, so I only took a few, so hopefully CAM will post a few on their blog soon. Laur and I walked in with Michelle's kids, and Michelle could not hold back her tears. She has four beautiful kids, and there is a special spirit that comes with each newborn that puts life back into perspective. Congratulations Michelle, you are amazing! Here he is 20 minutes after Birth!

All three of Michelle's kids are so excited to have Kade in their family.

Kade is mom's 17th grandchild! This is Laur's little girl Sadie, she is soooo cute

As we walked into the hospital with ONLY four kids under 7, someone made a comment about how big our group was, good thing we left 6 kids home! This is Sadie and Jayni walking with Grandma. Sorry the pictures weren't too good, hopefully you can see pictures soon on Michelle's blog.

This is for Cam!!!

My brother-in-law hates being seperated from his kids, so this is for him, now tell Michelle to have that baby!

Our 4th of July weekend

(This picture accidentally got erased, so that is why it is up here.) Payton, Marcus, Lydia, and Jordan enjoying the firework show at Grandma and Grandpa's.

We weren't planning on going North for the weekend, but John's brother Jason and Mary just got back from a year in China, and so we wanted to see them. On Friday, John went golfing with his brothers and then when he got back, we went over to Jason and Mary's house. We walked over to the park to play volleyball. I used to love to play volleyball, but haven't really played since High School. We played 2 on 2 (Jason and Mary; and John and I). It was a blast. The kids just played around, and we played some serious volleyball (so I thought) . We played three games, and we actually won one of them. (Jason was easy on us, he has a MEAN spike-ouch!) I didn't have my camera, but I wish I would've, cause Payton took some really cool pics with my phone, but I can't put them on the computer. We came back to my mom's and roasted marshmallows, and watched fireworks in my mom's back yard.

Grandma and Grandpa came out for the fireworks show too.

Greg always loves to be around his family. He loves each of his nieces and nephews, and it is fun to see him get so excited to see each of them.

Greg really wanted to celebrate in style, so he got a sheet, and set up a projection screen outside, and we watched 'Spiderwick'. It was so much fun, we watched 'Vantage Point' the next night also.

(This is a pic of Greg catching some rays, and Chris and Laurie staying out of the rays). On Saturday Lydia and I went with Chris and Laurie on their boat, and John took the boys golfing, they actually chose golfing over boating. John thought it was going to be crazy because of the 4th, but it actually was not busy at all.

I didn't get to wakeboard at all last summer, because I was pregnant, and we haven't been out at all this year, so I really enjoyed getting out on the lake again. The water got pretty choppy, so I decided to try the tube(not a good idea). On Monday morning, my back KILLED!

For being such a girly girl Lydia's pretty tough. I never blogged what happened to her last week; she got hit with a bat (a foam one marcus was swinging), and cut her eye. I thought she'd go bezurk when she saw blood, but all she said, was "o-my gosh, o-my gosh, o-my gosh". She absolutely loved the tube, and smiled the whole time. ( This is my nephew Jordan and Lydia)Ok, I have to stop, we have a crazy weekend ahead of us, my sister Michelle's kid's are sleeping over, because Michelle is so close to having her baby. Kim(John's sister) and her girl's are on their way down to spend the weekend, and leave Kaitlynn for a month, and Laur(my sis ) is traveling down tomorrow to be here for Michelle's baby, and spend time while Trav is in Alaska, and my mom and dad are coming down tomorrow, so I need to STOP BLOGGING!!

Brigham is 9 months today

9 things in 9 months1. Crawling. Brig is now crawling everywhere, but mostly to mom's feet to beg to be picked up.

2. Standing. He is now getting comfortable with pulling himself up. Unfortunately our coffee table is metal and tile, and when Brig smiles, he bounces up and down, then hits his mouth on the table.
3. Teething. No teeth yet, but he has been chewing his hands like crazy for the past two months. He loves to bite anything, especially mom's chin.
4. Eating. He loves to eat all the time; bottles, rice cereal, fruits and veggies, crackers, and he especially loves Popsicles. He still likes to nurse, but mostly at night or in the morning or when we're out and about, and I forget to bring his bottle (which happens more often than not).
5. Kissing. Oh, how he loves to kiss. He grabs the back of your hair, pulls you in and slobbers all over your face; the best kisses ever. He is also the king of pinching.
6. Talking. Mama, dada, and as Lydia tells everyone, "My brother Brigem says, 'Blah Blah'." The kids love to try and teach him new words.
7. Sleeping. Finally Brig is out of mom and dad's room, and in his own crib in his own room. He sleeps through the night, but mom loves the middle of the night feeding/bonding (every ONCE in a while). Naps are whenever and where ever we can, in the car seat, at the pool, in the stroller, but my favorite is in his crib for 3 HOURS. We still all fight over cuddling and falling asleep with him.
8. Growing. He is already wearing 12-18 month clothes, he is growing up so fast. He is now a whopping 20 lbs. The doctor says he is above average for his weight, but below average for his height. He's a solid chunk.
9. Playing. Brig loves to jump in his jumper, he loves stroller rides, he loves to go swimming, and he loves to play with his brothers and sisters as long as I am close by. He always looks back at me with a look of fear when his brothers and sister take him away to play.

Oh, how we learn...

I spent most of the day Saturday doing laundry, and washing load after load. When I clean I don't listen to music, I just talk to myself. My thoughts were turned to how I was going to answer at judgement, when I am asked how I managed my finances. On Friday night, I decided since John was at a football camp, I would pack all four of my kids in the car, and go shopping. I'm sure my mom is gasping about right now, and asking, "Why would you do that?" I don't know, I had a target gift card for $30, and oh ya, I needed to pick up Brigham's crib bedding. After 8 months of being in my room, I think it's about time he sleep in his own room. I found a crib set for $69, you can't beat that!!!! So anyway, I headed to target, and oh ya, Target also had my wallet that I lost 2 weeks ago, I canceled the cards, and got new ones, but at least I know someone doesn't have it. So, we're at Target, my kids are doing pretty well; I decide to shop around a little. I bought some stuff that came to about $40. I pulled out my new wallet, and my gift card wasn't there? I don't know where I put it, so I just used my debit. We stayed and got popcorn, pretzels, and chicken fingers at Target(gross). Then I decided that I wanted to run into Children's Place to see if they had a swimsuit for Lydia, they didn't, but had some great sales for Brigham. I got him a cute pair of shorts and a shirt for church, no he didn't really need them, but I thought I'd use them for our family picture I intend to get someday soon!!! Then Lydia came up to me with this purple dress. Lately she has decided that she loves PURPLE. She carried it around and told me she "Weally wanted to get it!" I thought it was on sale for $9.99, and thought it was kind of cute how she was so determined that she wanted it, so we found purple flip flops to go with it for $1.99. She was so EXCITED! Well, I didn't find a swimsuit, but managed to spend money for clothes we didn't necessarily need, and her dress was not on sale, it was $14.99, but I caved. So we walk out, and I thought I should check Gymboree for a swimsuit. I didn't even have a stroller for Brig, I was lugging his car seat. So we all walked down to Gymboree. Of course, they were having a HUGE sale. I found the cutest swimsuit! I was so excited, it was on sale for $9.99. The kids were watching a movie, so I shopped around a little, and found a cute skirt and shirt for Lydia for only $11, and come on, tell me it is not fun to go to church with a cute new dress. So, I went up to the register, and of course had to buy the cute matching swimsuit cover up for only $7.99. While I was at the register, the lady at the counter asked if I saw the cute plaid shorts that matched the shirt I bought for only $5.99! How can you not buy them? Well, the kids were tired, and I still needed to get Brig's bedding. Why do I tell you all this, because all day today, I have been thinking, thinking about why finding a good deal makes me feel so good, and it is so easy justifying a good deal for shorts when in reality I really don't need them. I mean, am I really going to look back at my life, and say,"Oh, I remember those shorts, I got them for such a good deal." I know that I could be better, I think I find a good deal, but always end up buying more than I need. Just a thought, I have a feeling, that I am not the only one who thinks about this. I know we hear over and over again, that our generation is the generation of more, more, and more. I don't necessarily think that it is evil to shop or buy stuff, I absolutely LOVE Lydia's swimsuit. It makes me smile when I see it on her, because it is so cute. The other stuff was not necessary, Lydia would probably not even remember today that I didn't buy her dress. I just want to be smart, be conscious of my wants, and my needs, and my daily choices. On Sunday, I taught Payton's primary class, the lesson was on making choices. I told them to imagine they were alone on a raft in the middle of the ocean. They discover that they must lighten their load because the raft is riding low in the water. They must throw overboard all but two items of their supplies: Life jacket; first aid kit; chest filled with gold; Fishing pole, tackle and bait; Case of one dozen bottles of fresh water, Two-way radio, Box of emergency flares, Large can of shark repellent. This activity posed a dilemma, choosing would be difficult because they would not know what would happen in the future: they might sink and need the life jacket, become thirsty and need the water to drink, become hungry and need the fishing pole, encounter sharks and need the repellent, need the radio to seek help, get hurt and need the first-aid kit, need the flares for a nighttime rescue, or get rescued in the next few hours and wish they had kept the treasure. Anyway, how fitting that a lesson I was teaching to 8 year old children helped me so much. I am thankful that I have the choice to learn more to be like my savior. He is the true example, and it might take me all my life, but ultimately it's not about the choices that we think will make us happy, we do not know the future. I am grateful that I have the knowledge that we are here on earth to learn and grow, and we will make mistakes, and then we will learn to recognize those mistakes, and strive to be better. I am thankful to know that "The Lord is my Shepperd; no want shall I know. I feed in green pastures; safe folded I rest. He leadeth my soul where the still waters flow, Restores me when wandering, redeems when oppressed. I really felt like I needed to add this, because I struggle with this, and want to strive to make better choices not only for myself, but for my children to learn that they can't make choices by themselves without the help of the Holy Ghost, no choice is a silly choice, because each choice we make is another step closer to where we want to end up, and for me, that is back with my Father in Heaven and to hear him say, "Well done, way to make good choices!!!(or mostly good choices:)) "
Brig's new bedding, what a steal!

Lydia, showing off her PURPLE dress she picked out all by herself! The purple flip flops were only $1.99, she has a ton, but we're always looking for flip flops when we leave the house.

The shorts I was easily sold on.

Lydia's cute skirt for church. My justification,"They are both 4t, so they will fit her next year too."

The swimsuit that should have been my only purchase for her!!!

Who needs a Wii?

We almost bought a wii last year, John was checking every Walmart from American Fork to St. George, and we were so close to getting one, but someone snatched it up before us. Well, after failing at getting the wii, John decided to get the xbox 360. I wanted the wii, so the kids could at least get some excercise, and not just sit and play. Well, Payton can NOT play the xbox while sitting still, so I guess it turned out ok.

52 blessings #6 grateful for a sister who does HAIR!

Ok, I'm so bad at this blessings once a week Laurie, but maybe I'll get 52 before the end of the year. :) OH, how nice it is to have a sister who does hair. Today Maryann came over, and we did each other's hair. I decided to go a little blonder for summer. I wanted to get a picture of the both of us, but Mares was in a hurry. I didn't do much to her hair, just fixed her much needed roots.:) She's still the cutest blond ever. Thanks Mares, I love my hair.

Proud moment for me.....

so much has happened, we had a wonderful Father's day, I actually got all four kids up and ready by ten minutes to 9, and we were to church on time (very important to my husband, and very hard for me, usually he gets the boys ready, and I get Lydia ready, and we barely make it). Breakfast in bed was not possible for me, so we had a brunch when we got home. John got himself a phone , he is the king at finding a bargain and got a $400 phone for $130. John has been really busy, he has started coaching football this year, he just has a passion for it, and he took a break for 2 years, but is so ready to get back into it. He is coaching the freshman team at Snow Canyon. He has had a football camp every Saturday for the last three Saturdays, and he gets up every morning at 6 to go to practice. In his spare time, he takes the boys to the High School, and throws the football around with them , and they absolutely love it! So, I've been trying to keep the kids busy in the summer, not as easy as I thought. The highlight of this summer so far has to be a silly 5k run/walk that we signed up for because Michelle wanted to do it for her birthday. On Saturday morning, we woke up at 6:30, and went to St. George town square. I needed to register my kids, so I wanted to get there early because I wanted to beat the crowds, well it turns out we were the crowd! Not very many people signed up to run, maybe 30 or so signed up. Well, there wasn't really a start, they just told us to start running. We started running, and I was prepared to NOT get a workout, thinking I would spend most of the time trying to get Payton and Marcus to keep running. The kids started running with Maryann (she wanted a workout), and then started dropping off except for Payton, he kept running with Mares. Well, about a mile into it, I decided to run up and catch up to Mares and Payton, so Maryann could get her workout. I tried, I ran as fast as I could(I was pushing Lydia and Brigham in the stroller), but I couldn't catch them. I finally caught up to them at the very end. I just couldn't believe Payton, he was jogging with Mares like 3 miles was NOTHING! He ran in to the finish, well we didn't really know where the finish was, there was not much of an ending, but he was the FIRST one in! It was incredible, I was so proud. We got some water, and headed back to cheer everyone else on. Marcus and Bryson were next to run in. Before the race, they were handing out free candy to all the kids, and Bryson and Marcus both got a side ache soon after they started running. I took video of the race, and thought it'd be fun to post it Play by Play, so if you want to get the real effect, start at the bottom, and go up, I posted them wrong, so the first video clip is the end of the race. I ended up sweating a ton trying to catch up to this guy!

Marcus did really well, but wasn't sure why Michelle wanted to run a race for her birthday

We won for being the biggest family to run, thanks Michelle for having a fun Party!:)

(start with the last clip first and then end with the first)(ok, I threw the very last clip in, it was funny, because both Bryson and Marcus had side aches because of the candy they downed right before the race, and yes that is Michelle ready to have her baby any day RUNNING! )

Happy Father's Day Dad

I just wanted to wish my dad the Best Father's Day, and reminisce through the years of my childhood. After having one girl myself, I can't imagine raising THREE more. I think my fondest memories of my dad were in the car. Because I chose to go to Lehi, my dad drove me every morning, and because I was a teenager, I had no concept of my dad having to be to work......oh the drama of not having anything to wear, and not finished with my hair.......and of course if I got into the car, and dad thought my shorts were too short, I had to march back into the house to change, of course the shorts would go into my backpack to change into when I got to school(sorry dad). I have many memories of sitting in the garage and helping my dad (really just keeping him company, and fetching his water) with the little blue Renault that my parents let me drive to school. I knew if I didn't stay in the garage until it was done, I wouldn't have a car to drive. I remember holding up sheet rock in the basement while my dad went to find nails. I remember hiking Timpanogas mountain with the family, and my dad always trying to teach us to be prepared in any situation. I remember the many, many, many times my dad would be out looking for me in the wee hours of the morning. Now that I cherish sleep so much as a parent, I am so sorry for that. I always hoped that he would be asleep when I got home, but NEVER did that happen. I remember running the Salt lake marathon and I passed my family at the end, but the only one at the finish line was my dad, I collapsed in his arms and had such an overwhelming feeling that I was witnessing a little bit of how it will be when we return home to our Father in Heaven! I remember my dad going to everyone of my basketball games, and being so supportive. I remember my dad taking me to UVSC every day the first year I went there, he always tried to get me to memorize, scriptures, or Articles of Faith. Mostly I remember the importance of Family Prayer, and Family Scripture EVERY day were to my dad. Dad never missed an opportunity to have Family Prayer. I am so thankful for my Father, and want him to know how much I love and appreciate him. Love you Dad. Greg, where did you think your good looks came from?

I love the expressions on my mom and dad's faces.

What a great example you are to all of us dad.

Payton's baptism and more birthdays

So much has happened, I hate playing catch up, but I'm going to try because I know it is important to document our lives, so here it goes. On May 31st we had John's parents, his sister's Kristine, and Kim and their children, and my parents stay with us. We had a full house, but we had a great time, and the kids were in heaven. The baptism was more than words could express, the power of the Holy ghost is real, and to witness one of our own children receive that precious gift made all our endless efforts to try to be the parents god would want us to be so worth it. I am so proud of Payton. Payton and a little girl Tegan were the only two getting baptized from our ward, so after they were baptized, we went into the primary room, and listened to my sister Maryann play primary songs on her violin(thanks Mares) while we waited for Payton and Tegan to get dressed. The bishop said a few words, and then Tegan and Payton sang, "The Things Jesus Asks of Me" it was so cute. Plus, Brigham slept throught the whole baptism.( a tender mercy :) ) All in all, it was a wonderful weekend, thank you everyone for coming and supporting Payton on his special day.

How cute would this family picture be if it wasn't blurry!!!! Dog gonnit! Grandma and Grandpa Kemp thank you for coming

I love this boy!

We celebrated Grandpa's birthday on Sunday,

Grandma and Grandpa Meacham, thanks for coming

Payton's cousin Joshua

Payton's cousin's Jordan and Bryson

Payton's cousins Jasmine, and Mckenna, and of course, his cute younger brother Marcus who looks up to Payton so much.

I had to throw this picture in, I've been telling Lydia for like the last year that when she wears underwear, she can take dance. Well, she has been really good, so I signed her up for ballet. We went and bought her and her cousin matching ballet outfits and got all ready to go to dance when five minutes before AAAAggggghhh Lydia had an accident in her dance outfit!!!! We took it off, and she had to go to dance without her cute ballet outfit, she was so sad, but got over it real quick, and had a blast at ballet. This is a picture of Maryannn, Jayni, and Lydia stretching.

MORE DRAMA! Recently Lydia got my hair scissors, and cut her hair. I had to cut it into a cute little A-line bob. I put up all the scissors in the house, and then one day, I found her with her hair chopped up by her ear!!! She got scissors from Payton's back pack, and they are not sharp scissors, but she managed to do damage. I really didn't know if I could fix it and make it look cute. This is a picture of the damage, it was just chopped everywhere!