MMM! Smores!

A few weeks ago, Nathan earned enough Mommy Bucks (my new reward system for doing their chores) to have a family bonfire/smores night. I found the most gigantic marshmallows at Food 4 Less, and you should have seen the kids' eyes when I brought those home. As much as I LOVE smores, I couldn't even eat one. The thought of such a huge marshmallow made me feel ill. But the kids LOVED it! Giant smores!! Time to earn more "Mommy Bucks" for the next fun time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utah Howell reunion 2009

We went to Utah in July of this year to see Mike's family. His sister Debbie and his mom came from Southern California, His brother Doug brought his family from Texas, and his brother Jeff and family came from Seattle. We met at Steve and Tanya's house for a family dinner and the kids got to play in the pool and waterslide and we played the traditional family games. Mike's sister Jan and Kendall and Kendra came over as well. It was fun to have so many of Mike's family in one place. That doesn't usually happen. We are going to have to do that more often! Tanya's brother had a cabin in the mountains that we also went to for a few days that had lots of fun activities- basketball shooting, bike riding, horseshoes, badminton, Wii, and of course lots of cooking, campfires and games! We had a great time!
(you can double click on the collages to see the pictures closer!)

 

 

Our own Howell family Jack-O-Lantern!

Quick trip to Utah...

I had been talking with my parents about the condition of my brother Brian who is autistic and Down's Syndrome. He had gotten really sick and spent a couple days in the hospital with Pneumonia. They found out he had some issues with his vocal cords/lungs that are non-treatable, and they thought they may have to put him on a ventilator. So I grabbed a flight Tues night at 10pm, hopped on a plane on Wednesday and went to see him before he got too bad. He really means a lot to me, and we have all had some great times with him, even though there have been many difficult times as well. He is non-verbal, but you could see his agony in his eyes of not wanting to be in the hospital. He was miserable- hard to see him in that state. But I'm glad I went. Tanya was sweet to watch Addison while I took my mom up to the hospital one morning for a visit. My siblings also all came up the first night and we took turns seeing him in the intensive care unit, since only 2 could go in at a time. We also got to have a family discussion and cry a little together. Uncle Ned and Aunt Judy were sweet to let us stay, and even use their car, and were great hosts to a stressed out family. Dad came up on Thursday night and I got to see how happy Brian was to have his Dad there.He would just stare longingly at Dad, saying with his eyes, "Help me!". At one point, he grunted and got mad when mom left the room for a few minutes. I'm so glad I went. He is doing better now and at home with Mom and Dad to take care of him. Lots of decisions have been made and are made daily on his behalf and it's a little stressful on them. I have angels for parents- they are amazing in their show of love, patience, and concern for their little boy (who's actually 35). We all love Brian and have great memories of growing up with him and would not be the same without him. At one point when I was first pregnant with McKenzie, I had to have some genetic testing at the U. The genetic counselor told me it was alright if I found out my baby had down's Syndrome to abort, since that's what many choose to do. I couldn't believe she'd tell me this, although they probably have to, but I told her of my brother and how much I have learned from him and would never consider that. I'm grateful to a loving Heavenly Father that put him on this earth to teach us a few things. Now if I could only remember these lessons during my daily struggles...
Here are some pictures of my quick jaunt to see him...
Addy with Grandma and Grandpa...

Tanya really entertained Addy well for a few hours...They put fruit loops on the babies eyes, which made Addy laugh. It was cute to drive down the street and see Addy pushing the baby buggy.




With Judy and Ned, wonderful people in their newly remodeled kitchen. Fun to see it!

Visiting Brian in the hospital.





Brian feeling better and at home for now...Check out his smile. You can see how much happier he is at home. Wish I could be there in person to enjoy his happiness. Thanks everyone for your prayers for him. Glad he's feeling better.

McKenzie receives Young Womanhood Recognition...

McKenzie worked hard the past few years to receive her YW Recognition. The program was really nice- these 3 girls are WONDERFUL! They sang a beautiful song, then had tributes made to them, a slide show they worked on together, and the Bishop and Stake YW President made the presentations. What a great night! Congrats McKenzie! We love you!