Number 9

Today is our 9 year wedding anniversary, really 9 years? I don't feel that old that is until I look at the two kids in this wedding picture and think about all the things we've done over the last 9 years.

We've done a lot of really great things the last 9 years and a few not so great. Over the last 9 years we have lived in 4 different cities, 5 different homes, 1 very very hot apartment, visited 3 different countries, threw up on a Brazilian bus, got lost in Mexico, traveled 11 different states, driven thousands of miles together some joyfully and some not so much, bought 2 new cars, sold one piece of junk truck, finally got a new couch, finished a basement with a few not so pleasant words, painted our kitchen 4 different times, landscaped a yard using my sister and I as the weights on the grader pulled behind the 4 wheeler, watched a lot of basketball games, played 100's of games some of which are now no longer aloud to be played due to our competitive nature, eaten a lot of really great meals and some that end up straight in the garbage, tried tons of new recipes only to find out grilled cheese and tomato soup are still a favorite, and most importantly brought 3 soon to be 4 really great kids into the world.

The best part of all is I still miss Anthony while he is at work and call him at least twice a day not really with anything to say but just to hear his voice. I get excited every time he walks through the door after work. Love falling asleep on his chest while he watches the news. Can have a disagreement and be over it shortly after. I am free to rant and rave while he patiently listens to me. He always eats my sometimes not so great food without complaint. At 3:00am when I give him a nudge to go see why Kaitlen is crying he goes. I love that even though we have 3 very small kids we still make time to be together. I love that he goes to work everyday making a difference in the lives of high school kids and I never hear him talk badly or complain about one of them.....not even the trouble makers. I love that he holds my hand while we are at church or just walking around town. I ask myself everyday how in the world did I find someone so great at the age of 16??

Taste of Spring

We've spent the last week down in southern/central Utah watching Anthony's basketball team play in the state tournament it was so great to get a taste of warm spring weather and watch his team take state for the second year in a row! We had a great time swimming, going to parks, out to dinner, watching games and just spending time with each other.

We went to visit where the Fremont Indians use to live it was pretty cool to see the art on the rocks, the kids loved it, and I just loved being outside!!!

We decided to take a hike to the cave of 100 hands, lets just say it got a little muddy and the farther we went the more we were all sinking in mud. Savannah went to take a step and lost one of her shoes back in the mud, it was so funny all we could do is laugh and head back to the car.

Winter Fun

I definitely think that summer is much more fun than the long winter months but we have been trying to make the most of the snow. Trying to find outdoor activities you can do with a 7 month pregnant wife a 6 year old, 4 year old and an almost 2 year old has its challenges but we have had a lot of fun the last couple of weekends. We are all just so happy to be outside enjoying the sunshine.

Ice Fishing

Four-Wheeler Sleding (our new favorite)

Blueberries

I found a sale on Blueberries this weekend at Reams they were 50 cents a pint so I bought a whole case of them for $6! They taste so good and the kids love them.......maybe a little to much, lets just say everyones systems have been cleaned out :) I found the best recipe for Blueberry french toast, it is so good and could easily pass for a dessert.

1 loaf of french bread, 4 eggs, 1/2 c. milk, 1/4 t. baking powder, 1 t. vanilla extract, 41/2 c. fresh or partially thawed blueberries, 1/2 c. sugar, 1 T. (heaping) cornstarch, 1 t. cinnamon, 2 T. melted butter

Slice the bread diagonally into 10 - 14 (I only did 8 slices) 3/4 inch thick. Arrange in a single layer in a 9x13 dish.

Whisk the eggs, milk, baking powder and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth. Pour gradually over the bread, turning to coat completely. Chill, covered with plastic wrap, for 8 hours or longer.

Combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in a bowl and mix well. Spread evenly in a buttered 9x13 baking dish. Place the bread wettest side down over the blueberries. Brush with the melted butter.

Bake at 450 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown garnish with confectioners' sugar.

( I got this from the "Always in Season" cookbook)

Dancers

These are my cute little dancers. Lately our afternoon routine includes a lovely little dance and rock concert by Savannah and Kaitlen while we anxiously await Samuel's return from Kindergarten.

Kaitlen loves to wear sunglasses and talking on the phone, she makes me laugh :)

Back

Two weeks after christmas and I'm finally back in the swing of things. I'm afraid blogging is the last on my list of things to get done so here we are. Like so many of you we really had a great holiday season I love going to stay with family for the long break we always have the best time.

Its a Girl!!

We were so excited to find out yesterday that we are having a healthy baby girl. I think that Samuel is warming up to the fact the he will be the big brother to three sisters! Savannah can hardly wait to have another "gul" (she can't say her R's) I was just so grateful to see that everything is developing great.