Once Again...Bridger

Look Jamie--two posts in a month!!

This child keeps us laughing all the time. His brain works so funny. He has a great sense of humor! When he came home and told me about this I had my friend who teaches at the school tell his teacher I wanted it, she wouldn't even give me the original, only a copy! He told me he tried to quit first, but his teacher wouldn't let him...so he resigned. Click on the letter to make it bigger.

Go SF Dons!

Halley tried out for cheer a couple weeks ago. I said all along, no matter what the outcome, the experience is priceless. I had a friend several years ago that would not let her kids failures be their failures. When this happens, I think it takes their achievements from being their achievements, as well. There were always excuses and blame on others when her children didn't achieve what she thought they should achieve. It really opened my eyes and made me aware that I wanted my children to have their own achievements and failures, otherwise they would not have any growth from their experiences. Halley struggled a little in deciding whether to continue dancing at the studio she is at or tryout for cheer. Once she decided, she worked hard at achieving the goal she had set. She had a big setback...surgery on a broken hand due to a back handspring. After recovery she worked hard to get and perfect her tumbling again. I am so proud of her hard work and determination! I am so proud that she did this on her own, it is definitely her accomplishment!

Halley and her friend Ashlyn after finding out they made the squad. (I wish you could see her outfit, my friend is an amazing seamstress and made exactly what Halley designed.)

Everyone was so supportive and sweet to her. Her friend Zack decorated her room; we made a cookie bouquet and had friends and family write good luck notes (Bridger's and his friend, Braden's, were her favorites); flowers from sweet friends; candy bar bouquet, necklace and note from Grandma Shelly. Grandma Kathy gave her the cutest monogram bracelet, but I didn't get a picture. Thanks everyone for supporting her and making her feel so special!

A few new pics...

Bridger played in a tournament in St George over Easter weekend. All of these pictures but the last are from then. I had to throw the last one in.

Not a fan of me being in the dugout, I think.

He really is becoming such a good catcher. He loves this game. They did really well, ending up in 2nd place. In one game our team hit 10 homeruns! It was crazy.

Halley at our Easter egg hunt with the friends we went down with.

Grandma & Halley

Brooks & Grandpa

Gage at the Bloomington Easter Egg Hunt.


And here's the one I just had to throw in. A couple months ago I walked outside to this:

Dear NBC

Dear NBC,

If only you had consulted me, you could have saved yourself a lot of money, time and embarrassment. I could have told you Conan would not work on the Tonight Show and I believe Jay is damaged goods and will not resume his previous ratings. Two words: JIMMY KIMMEL. Kimmel is by far the funniest comedian on late night (I just wish I could stay up that late consistently). You made all the wrong moves, and I'm sure ABC is grateful. My case in point is below: (caution, there is some language)

Jason's Birthday

Jonathon and his mom gave me the camera I've been wanting forever for my birthday. I've taken 100's of pictures but for some reason when I put the memory card in my computer it freezes everything. I reformatted it and it still does it. Any ideas? So these pictures are from the cemetery last year on Jason's birthday. He would have been 32 yesterday...

On the drive up to the cemetery I heard this song for the first time. Tears.

I just hope he knows how much we love and miss him.

Wow. I Suck.

These pictures are in the wrong order. When do you think Blogger will get a clue and fix that?

Brooks turned one on January 21st, and with a nice case of pneumonia no less. He's had it again since then, too. I guess we can say he's susceptible to it. We've quit taking him to church because this kid catches everything!

He gets to share his birthday with Grandpa Steve, who he loves to pieces.

Even though he was so sick he was a happy guy for his party. I couldn't stand the thought of not having a party on his actual birthday!

Gage learned to snowboard. Halley and Bridger said he is much better than they were when they started. I had them record him, he's a little natural! He looks forward to Saturdays even more now.

He tells us he's going to be as good as Shaun White...but probably not til next year.

Our Miracle

I miss my brother every day of my life and every minute of every day, so much that it is physically painful. That being said, I know that this would never have been able to happen had he not passed on. It is truly a miracle that this took place. Both of these girls were sealed to my parents today. I know he played a part in that. We also were able to do his temple work today. Awesome.

Tess

Jonathon surprised us this summer with this cute little (not so much anymore) Britney Spaniel. She is full of personality and we've all fallen in love with her. He refused to let us keep her in the house, apparently we would ruin her for hunting.

I walked into the garage this morning and found this.

I couldn't quit laughing. I think he might be regretting his decision!

9 months old today and crawling!

Bridger's baseball team is trying to earn money for their trip to Cooperstown, NY next summer. They are selling Fall Decorations for your yard. It is a bale of straw, a bundle of cornstalks and two pumpkins for $20. If anyone is interested just leave a comment and let me know. They will deliver to your home and if you want them to, pick it up in November when you're done with it!

Spirit Lake 2009

This is my all time favorite tradition. It is a Halley family tradition for almost 60 years (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!). It feels like coming home each year we arrive. I am so thankful for this beautiful place and my beautiful family. We missed everyone who couldn't be there this year...especially Jason.

Brooks

Bridger wanted to go to the Bee's game on his birthday. While we were there he took these pictures of Brooks. It's hard to believe he's more than 6 months now. It's weird, this last 8+ months have both sped by and been too long.

Fundraiser

Bridger's baseball team is having a huge yard and BAKE SALE on Saturday, August 1st from 7-12. They are trying to raise money for their trip to Cooperstown, New York next summer. So if you are in the area stop in! We will have lots of yummy treats and my mom is baking her famous homemade bread! It's at the Christensen's--315 West Salem Highway in Salem.

Happy Birthday Brookie!

We thank Heavenly Father everyday that you get to be here with our family. We love you!!

Itchy

Dear Mr. Stewart (we now fondly refer to you as "Itchy"),

It has come to my understanding that you have an issue. I'm not sure what the exact problem is, and I'm not sure you are even aware of your problem. There are, after all, thousands of fans watching you every day and that has not deterred you.
I Googled your salary info and it is reported as $404,000 for 2009. Now I know this is meager for MLB standards, but I'm sure it'll buy you some cream, or perhaps a better fitting cup.

We were impressed with the 3 homeruns you hit in the 2 games we attended, but honey, I don't think this is your magic genie.

Try to remember that there are impressionable children at the ballpark. Cute little girls with pink mitts shouldn't have to watch this.

Once we became aware of your situation we were curious. So we counted. In one SHORT, I'm talking 3 up, 3 down inning......39 TIMES!!

Surely your mother has mentioned this to you. It's not even just itching. There was definite cupage. And rubbing. Ew.
In closing, I'd just like to say that I'm thankful I don't have to do your laundry. And please, get that looked at. Your self examination is just not cutting it.