The M and M Kemp Family

So in an attempt to play a whole years worth of catch up...here goes!!!

Temple Square Christmas 2010

Polar Express 2010

Jocelyn's 3rd Birthday...I can't believe it's already almost time for her 4th! We are so lucky to have your spunky little self in our family Jocelyn!!! We LOVE LOVE LOVE you!!!

Hmm...To Spike...Or Not To Spike...

2010-11-30T19:24:00.005-07:00

So...I guess she's just not a little baby anymore...the little spike/curl on top of her head has grown...I think we'll have to start wearing it down now...except for wild hair days!!

A Little Prayer From Brody...

2010-11-30T18:51:00.002-07:00

At the dinner table tonight, it was Brody's turn to say the prayer...it went a little like this:

"Dear Heavenly Father,

I'm thankful for the food.

Why did you make mouses? Because they scare everyone.

Is it so that cats can eat them?

In the name of Jesus Christ Amen"

We love you Brody and your quirky little prayers.

The Halloween Half Marathon...WHEW!!!

2010-11-01T20:54:00.004-06:00

So I am going to preface this with...I wasn't going to post about this...but Mike made me promise...so hear goes!

My awesome sister in law Emery and I decided to be crazy and run the Halloween Half Marathon! The key word being CRAZY!!! Well...we did it! Dressed as "Thing 1 & Thing 2" We ran our tails off...froze our buns off...and are half dead to prove it! But I wouldn't change a thing! Love ya Em!!!

Emery Rocked it! Running her first half marathon ever in 1 hour & 49 minutes...Go Em!!!

Mike was the best husband ever...packing up the two kids, camera and fighting the crowd just to see me run by for 10 seconds...isn't he amazing! He also surprised us by bringing the camera and getting a few shots! I just love you! I was able to beat my time from last year by 9 minutes...making my final time 1 hour and 55 minutes! I was elated! And couldn't believe it!

These are the faces of victory...or craziness...not knowing the pain we would feel the following day!

Not only did Mike and the kids come to cheer us on...but my cute mom and dad surprised me as well! It meant the world. Love you guys!

Halloween Fun!

2010-11-01T20:37:00.003-06:00

"Butterfly Jocelyn"

"The Spiderboys"

Brody's Preschool Halloween Presentation/Party!

"Trunk-or-Treat" Aunt Kassie (above)

Grandma & The Kiddos (below)

Some of the Kemp cousins...obviously we were all tired and hopped up on sugar by the end of the night to get everyone's attention!

I just love these kids!!! Cascade Springs!

2010-11-01T17:31:00.001-06:00

Mike Shot His First Buck!!!

2010-11-01T17:25:00.002-06:00

So I know some of you may be squirming a little...I did when Mike first showed me the picture...that's because he shot him right between the eyes!!! Mike was lucky enough to be picked for an all expense paid fully guided, lodging & food provided hunting trip! As you can see...he did not come home empty handed!!! Thank you to all those who made this possible! What mighty hunter!!!

Our Little Man is 5!!!

2010-11-01T16:55:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it's already been five years since we were blessed with this handsome, fun loving, caring, super hero love'n, couch jump'n, face make'n, family love'n boy!!! We love you super duper uber much!!! Happy Birthday Brody!!!

I figured, what little boy doesn't love more presents to open...so I wrapped his cereal...to my credit...it was a new box...and he had been wanting me to get it for a while...but wasn't exactly excited to see that the present inside was "just cereal"...oh well...better luck next time!!!

This was his real present!!! And yes...this got a little more expression of excitement then the Reeses...which we were happy to see!!!

Brody's In Pre-School!!!

2010-11-01T16:00:00.006-06:00

I'm a little late on posting...but Brody started pre-school for his first time and is doing wonderfully!!! It's amazing to watch my little man grow up...watching his little mind think creatively...learning new things...and being even more mischievous...yet...still my little man!!!

Before school officially started...Brody had a "meet your teacher" day. He was very quiet throughout the entire time...as we were leaving I asked him what he thought of his teacher...he said...in a very quiet voice..."she is the the coolest girl EVER!" Needless to say...I couldn't have picked better teachers for him!!!

Brody gets to be in the same class as his two cousins.

We're so proud of you Brody!!!

...favorite!

2010-10-21T10:24:00.003-06:00

Jocelyn wrapped her arms around me this morning...and said...

"You're my favorite daughter!" I had to giggle!!!

Joss...you're my favorite mother!!!

Joss' Toilet Talk...

2010-08-30T06:48:00.006-06:00

While sitting on the kiddie toilet the other day...Jocelyn had insisted on explaining everything that was going on at the moment. Leaning down & squishing her arms between tummy & knees...she grunted with all her might...saying..."it's just baby poop...no...mommy poop...no (with one final grunt) It's DADDY POOP!!!" It took me a minute to figure out what she was meaning...until she revealed a size of poop to be proud of! Way to go Joss!!!

Mike's First Race!!!

2010-08-25T21:40:00.004-06:00

Yes folks! Mike had his first hand cycle race last Friday! He did awesome!!! It was kind of a last minute decision...and he hadn't had much time to prepare...but after hearing it was the first ever hand cycle only race in Utah...he thought he better not miss it! He rocked it! I can't wait for his next races! Check him out...kind of a sexy man in that biking garb eh!!!

The race was built into several laps!!! So we were able to snap a few shot...he never stopped smiling!

The kids had a little waiting time...Brody checked out the competition...while Jocelyn took several bathroom breaks! Some whining in between...but never when Daddy came around...they were all cheers!

Go Daddy Go!!!

Family Boating Trip!

2010-08-25T21:00:00.001-06:00

Yes....the kids did have more fun then they're letting on...and obviously...I tried to make up for that! But we really did have a blast!

"The Captain never leaves his ship"...says Mike when we try to get him in the water! He drove the boat!

This was Mom's first time ever...or in a really long time...on a wave runner...she screamed...and screamed some more! You could hear her clear across the lake! I'm still laughing...everyone knows...if you're going to get a ride...and you're a little nervous...you don't go with Riley!

I don't think our family has ever done something quite like this...and it was worth every minute of it! Thanks everyone! Love you all!

Welcome Baby Riah!!!

2010-06-14T08:14:00.003-06:00

We're so happy you finally came into our family!!!Congratulations Cameron & Kamie!!! Have you seen a more beautiful baby!!!

Family Life!

2010-06-11T02:42:00.003-06:00

So life here at the Kemp house has ceased to slow down! Crazy, fast & furious...but I'm not sure we'd have it any other way! As you may have guessed...Jocelyn's potty training...we're not doing the "potty train your child in one day"...or "three days" or even a week....we're on the "how to potty train your child in 6 months plan!" She's doing great! I think it's me that's struggling to commit...I had such a bad experience with potty training Brody...I'm quite scared to actually leave Jocelyn in underwear all day! I took the leap of faith two days ago...we went to visit Grammy...an hour later...she had a little ball of poop in her hand for Grammy...Uuugh!!! We followed her which consisted of a trail of little hard, brown, poop balls leading to the toys...I'm so sorry Mom! But she's doing a pretty dang good job otherwise! I'd love any advice that's out there!

Jocelyn has two volumes...on...or off! Anyone who knows her...knows she's very loud...and has quite the attitude! She puts all her words to songs. She has loved pink since she was tiny...or I mean tinier...no kidding! She lives for her babies! And loves to snuggle her daddy! ...and sometimes Mom and Brody too!

Brody is growing up so fast...he just learned how to ride his bike...has a superhero shirt for every day of the week...and constantly reminds me of words we don't say!

Come this October...it will have been 2 years since we started a photography business. It's been a dream come true...and a huge blessing in our lives! I love it...I get to work with so many fun, happy, beautiful people...doing something I've always loved! It's definitely brought it's own set of challenges...such as trying to juggle family and business....house cleaning...cooking...or editing pictures... but between the two of us, Mike and I...we make it work. At least until Mike finishes school!

Mike is doing awesome! He just received his associates degree! Mind you...he started from scratch at UVU...two years ago this September...and has already received his Associates! We are so proud of him! We all laughed when he told us how he had refused to go through the graduation line...and told the school to "mail it. The stinker! He's now working on his Bachalors ...I told him next time he has no choice...he has to be in the graduation...there's no mailing that one!

Some more great news..we are now proud owners of a riding lawn mower...Mike can independantly drive! It's controlled through the hands...so he can mow the lawn anytime he wants! Thanks to family and friends...we found a great deal on an older maintenace lawn mower...it's a little exsesive for our lawn size... but he can mow the front lawn in 5 minutes easy! We applied for an assitive technology grant for the lawn mower...and just found out today he was accepted! Which was obviously fantastic news!

Mike is "Mr. Fix It" around the here...usually figuring out an "out of the box" way of doing most things...but he gets it done! He's repaired most of the broken sprinkler heads...weeded much of the yard...sprays the dandy lions with a "jimmy rigged" sprayer and his 4-wheeler...and has built and fixed tons in the house. He's also "Mr. Mom" when I'm busy doing photo shoots...or editing. He'll do it all...cooking, cleaning, putting the kids to bed...and even gives them baths! And yes, as busy as he gets...he still manages to stay the sweet, hunky, manly man I've always loved!

You Know Your Boy's a "BOY" when...

2010-05-22T17:23:00.008-06:00

You know your son has truly reached boyhood when you find 3 little dried worms on his night stand....2 little dried potato bug on the kitchen counter...and one very large pet snail who's missing from his make shift home by the sink....ugh!!!...but kinda adorable!

Date Night....hmmm

2010-05-04T18:41:00.004-06:00

Last night Mike and I had the fantastic opportunity to go out on a date! We laid the kids down...and took off! We were given a gift card to Chiles...and had been trying to use it for months now! Anyway...Monday night...it was great...empty...great food...hilarious waiter...she messed up on all our food...but kept us laughing...and discounted our meal big time because of it! She asked if we wanted dessert...Mike said..."I feel like I'm going to pop...if I eat anymore...you'll have to roll me out of here!" Get it! Ga-fa!!! Anyway...we ate and well...rolled out of there. By that time it was 10:30pm we decided we'd go get a movie and some ice cream and take it back home to enjoy. We pulled into the Wal-mart parking lot...front stall. We were both so full and tired...we curled up and fell asleep. Yes...we took a 45 minute nap in the Walmart parking lot. When we woke up...all interest a movie was lost. We drove home and fell fast asleep!

So...to sum it up...for our date night we went to Chiles for dinner...then to the Walmart parking lot for a nap!! I'm not sure Walmart parking lot is the best place for a nap...we'll have to try K-mart next!

...A Glimmer of Hope.

2010-03-02T11:37:00.002-07:00

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

If this is what can be done with the heart...why not the spinal chord? This video is in fact a glimmer of hope!

You Know Your 2 Year Old Loves You When...

2010-01-27T17:26:00.006-07:00

Exhausted from working early one morning...I came out to the living room...laid down on the couch...just to rest my eyes for a minute. Jocelyn...nearly 2...came running across the room wanting to sit by me. She had just woken up for the day and had not yet been changed of her soggy diaper. I could feel her making the steep climb up the couch...but I was so tired...I hadn't focused on her task...as I drifted off...I suddenly felt a heavy, squishy, stinky, soggy bum...on my face!!! It was...well all those things...squishy, stinky, soggy...and heavy. I guess she really does love me! I'm not sure we've ever been quite that close! ...I'm sure we'll find better ways of expressing our love in the future! In the mean time...we love you Jocelyn... & your soggy bum!!

In Loving Memory...Barbara M. Kemp

2010-01-19T00:16:00.003-07:00

I feel very humbled tonight...I cannot put to words the feelings in our hearts. What an incredible legacy left behind. A woman of pure selflessness...never complaining...lifting everyone around her...loving whole heartily...a wife who sang and danced with smiles and laughter...a mother cheering and supporting all the days of her life...a grandmother full of empathy and understanding...and never afraid to get a little dirt under her fingernails...a great grandmother...tenderly coddling sweet newborns...yet spunky enough to chase 10 giggling toddlers at a time...a rock...a spiritual giant! And while she is greatly missed here on earth...what a celebration there must be in Heaven! You are loved and missed, Grandma...I only hope...we can continue the legacy you began.

Family Pics!!!

2010-01-11T13:51:00.002-07:00

Has it really been 2 months since I last blogged!!! OK...well...here's to a new chapter...and new family pics!

It's a lot harder being on this end of the camera...total stress!!! But so worth it...we love you Emery!!! Thank you so much for doing this for us!!!

Brody's 4 years old...and a month :)

2009-11-11T13:45:00.004-07:00

And Jocelyn...she'll be 2 years the beginning of next year! But I didn't want to leave her out!

2009-10-13T23:25:00.002-06:00

The other morning while visiting family in Wyoming...Jocelyn woke up bright and early...I brought her out with the rest of the family. She sleepily rubbed her eyes...looked around...and was trying to gather being awake. All of the sudden I could feel her little body start to tighten and curl...just then a sweet little bubbly noise (AKA gas) came whistling from underneath...she scrunched up her face with a little laugh and said rather loudly "POOPIES!" and giggled!

Home Sweet Home...Thank You...

2009-09-25T01:33:00.012-06:00

I'm really not sure there's a way to express...just how amazing this feels...

But we...have a HOME!!! An actual...solid...real life HOME!!! And it's WONDERFUL!!!

Something I wasn't sure was ever going to happen...

And...something...with out all of you...would never have happened...

It's better then I EVER thought possible!

Thank you EVERYONE...for everything...from the very beginning and still today...we have been lifted by you.

Love, Michael, Michelle, Brody & Jocelyn

Numbers???

2009-09-18T15:43:00.003-06:00

So today Brody was watching Shrek...and I told him we needed to turn it off...he was very upset at this proposition...

Me: "OK, lets make a deal...you can watch 10 more minutes, and then we need to turn it off."

Brody: "No Mom! Please, please 5 minutes!"

Me: "OK"

Brody: "YES!!!"

Apparently 5 is a very important number to Brody...and even more apparently...we've got some work a head of us on the rest of the numbers!!!

Almost Always...

2009-08-25T23:17:00.004-06:00

Super-heros and dads alike...they almost always could use a hug...

800..n'Some Odd...Crawdads???

2009-08-24T00:37:00.011-06:00

Yes, eight hundred and some odd crawdads were caught that day! And we ate nearly all! For a fun family get away with the Kemps we ran out to Strawberry Lake...and had a blast catching crawdads! They are some of the creepiest looking things...but they sure are suckers for a drumstick on a string! Here are some random pictures of the day!

We all seemed to get a kick when the crawdads would clamp their claws down on the brims of our hats...Mike wasn't quite so amused... :)

Emery...she's going to hate me for posting this...I just couldn't resist!

Richard...

Dale, Mikes dad...he just makes me laugh...most days...you will find him in either a shirt and tie...some kind of collared shirt and slacks...or this outfit below...his superman shorts...his favorite pair!!! Brody also loves them! That morning I heard him holler to Elaine..."Elaine, have you seen my superman shorts...I can't find them?" It made me giggle...and I told him that sounded like something I'd hear Brody yell..."Mom, have you seen my spiderman shirt?" We both got a good laugh! ...but you can bet...if we're going playing...Dale will be in his superman shorts!!! Love it!

Mmmm...doesn't he just look yummy!!!

Yes, Mike is shirtless...that is his farmers tan...not a t-shirt!

Me...trying to be brave...but not so much!

...need I say more! Great day!

Highland Splash pad...

2009-07-27T01:11:00.005-06:00

While my sister Jodi was in town we ran out to the newly opened splash pad out in Highland! Despite the cold water...I think the kids really ate it up...not to mention it was free! I totally recommend checking it out...it's behind Kohlers (spelling?)! All the water and sun and smiles was paradise for taking pictures...too bad I hadn't charged my battery...so it died pretty quick...but I managed to get a few before so!

Summer Fun...Random Pictures!

2009-07-19T23:18:00.006-06:00

As you will see...I've just added a whole bunch of random pictures from some of our summer days...hope their not too random.

Random Picture #1) I've been wanting to try shooting fireworks since last October...so I waited all year for this event...and completely missed the timing...I got 6 shots in before they stopped...oh well next year...

Random Pictures #2-6) My brother Jeff has been doing a lot of babysitting for me while I figure out the back end of this new photography business we've been trying to launch...he's been a tone of help...and Brody LOVES him! Jeff could totally pass as my kid eh?

Random Pictures #7 & 8) I don't know...I just love my kids...and I had a lot of fun with them a couple of Sundays ago just playing on the porch...hence the pictures!

Remaining random pictures...) I really did not do a good job of capturing our 4th...but tried to get a few random pictures in...Salem Ponds with my family was a lot of fun...besides Brody being sick...despite....I think he still enjoyed parts...and chilled in other parts!

For the past few years my dad has taken Brody out for at least one boat ride on the ponds...he's a great grandpa!

Jeff...the water slide was slightly muddy around the grass!

2 of my 50 some odd cousins...they were enjoying the slip'n'slide!

This guy...above...Spencer was practically my brother growing up...he was my cousin...but we did EVERYTHING together! Now that we're both grown...and married...the treasure hunts...football/baseball games...Cowboys & Indians...just doesn't seem to happen anymore...oh well...it was fun while it lasted! Our kids will just have to do it all over again!

Brody Showing off his muscles...and again below!

Isn't he a cutie! ...I realized I didn't put much of Jocelyn in here...but we love her just as much...I promise!

I Love My Manly Man....

2009-07-01T00:41:00.012-06:00

Warning: The following has extreme mushiness...venture at your own risk!

When I was a little girl...I was quite the "tom-boy" I loved everything opposite of "girly-girl' things. I thought I was pretty tough...and felt I could hold my own...even to the point that I remember telling my mother that when I got older I didn't want my husband to have to protect me...I wanted to be able to protect myself...my kids...and even him if I had to. All those crazy thoughts were around the age of 9 years and younger....thank goodness...I wizened up... and after a few wrestling matches from older brothers, cousins, & the neighbor boys down the street I realized I wasn't as tough as I had thought...and "holding my own" wasn't exactly an option! Plus...as I grew, I started to like the idea of a strong guy by my side. This is where Mike came in!!! Tall, handsome...and strong!!! I remember how thrilling it was to stand next to him and feel so little...and well...protected! The months...then years came and went...and he was all I wanted in a husband...he did everything...for me...and my children...that a young father and husband could do. Then he was injured...my mind was racing of how I was going to take care of our family...protect...and care for everyone...this was overwhelming. Mike knew me well...took my hand...looked at me with his strong eyes...and said, "we're going to be fine...we can look at this like an adventure"...he told me how he'd find a way to take care of us...and in so many words...still be the strong husband I married. That's when I realized ...no matter what happened...he would always be my strong man...my manly man...my protector. He proves this to me daily. How? He's Mike. He reeks of manliness! First by enduring my random panic attacks of my womanly emotions...and idiotic stresses. Second, by taking on a daunting 4 years of schooling...just so he can provide for our family. Third, by wrestling me and the kids down to the floor, without so much as a flinch. 4th, by still standing by his vow to never eat oatmeal again in his life. 5th, because he loves and does the things he's always loved, fishing, woodworking, biking, serving, etc. 6th, because he is willing to be a "mr. mom" several times a week...so that I can work...as well as...on occasion...get out of the house. 7th, because, he scans a crowd whenever we're out...in case he needs to protect me and the kids from any possible predators. 8th, because I'm still his princess...by treating me to ice cream, movies, and dates. 9th, Because he's a great dad...and takes the time to teach our children the meaning of respect...love...and service. Last, but not least...10th, he loves me...and in so many mushy words...I love him (#11. he proves he's still a manly man...because I know when he reads this...he'll be slightly embarrassed)!

Family Bike Ride...

2009-06-06T16:51:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday my family invited us on a bike ride! We went down by the Provo river...and ended up at the Provo boat harbor...it wasn't way far...but a lot of fun...and beautiful! If anyone is wondering of a great bike trail...that's a great one! I loved it! We packed 5 bicycles, 1 children's bike trailer, 1 hand cycle, and a wheelchair in the back of my dad's trailer...stuffed...but definitely worth it...thanks Dad! This biking thing really rocks!

Mike and my Mom

My dad, and two brothers, Jeff and Lincoln

Jeff was determined to come close enough while I was taking his picture...as to scare me...it worked...isn't he a cute kid!

When we were all done...we drank a lot of water!

Jocelyn and Grammy (my mom)...sweet "Grammy" glasses eh!

My brother Lincoln rode in his stocking cap...I said..."isn't that hot?" his response, "yep!"

I know...probably too many pictures...and not so exciting for anyone reading our blog...but I just wanted to share! Because it was a much needed, really fun, awesome bike ride! And I urge anyone thinking about going for a bike ride...to do it...ok I'm done!

Congratulations Sariah...

2009-06-06T16:37:00.004-06:00

Last week my little sis graduated high school. And I just wanted to send a little shout out of how proud we are of her. She has always been one that has had big dreams since she was little...and well...she's accomplishing all of them. She's possibly one of the kindest girls you'll meet! I just think she's a pretty amazing girl! Love ya Sariah!

My little brother Jeff...he carried the flowers!

Brody and his uncle Lincoln (my other little brother...or younger should I say...not so little anymore) showing off their muscle!

Brittney and Michaela graduated as well...my two cousins! Congratulations girls!!! Yes, in case you were wondering...their pretty amazing too!

Too Much Good...No Such Thing!

2009-06-04T23:09:00.004-06:00

OK Seriously...I've been trying to just sit down and add to our family blog...life has been crazy busy...and I finally decided there isn't going to be a free minute...I guess I just have to steal some time! There's just too much to tell that's great news!

First...we sold our house!!! FINALLY!!! It's been a long time coming! slightly bitter sweet...but it's been long enough now...I'm just happy we got out from under it!

Second...Mike's Bike came...we're riding around town like crazy...we just can't get enough biking it...we LOVE it! (on one of his first rides...some random guy driving by in his truck leaned out and yelled..."get a real bike!" Ya gotta love those funny...slightly stupid comments!

Third...Medicaid restored Mike's physical therapy...which means he can start going more then just once per week...which may mean more progress! I about cried when we received the news...instead I raised my fist in the air and shouted "YES"!!!

Fourth...Brody has two new pets...Peggy...and Wilma...they are potatoe bugs.

Fifth...life's just good...and full of too many amazing people who love and make our lives fantastic...we sure love you all!

Pictures to come!

Boys and Bugs...

2009-05-13T07:46:00.002-06:00

The other day the boys (Brody, and his two cousins, Ethan and Lincoln) were out playing on the patio...like they do most days. Running around...with balls...sticks...and whatever else they can find. Well...on this particular day something caught their interest...they were all huddled around Grandma's flower pot. Amused by their curiosity we asked them what they were doing..."We found ants!" was their response. Oh sweet...we thought. They went on to explain what else they had found..."We found a spider web!" Oh sweet...we thought. They explained more"...and we're feeding the ants to the spider on the spider web!" That caught our attention! What! We examined closer...and yes, sure enough there was a tiny spider...attacking each little ant the boys would drop for him! After the initial shock...we were quite proud of our brave little hunters! Golly...Boys and their Bugs!

Miss You...

2009-04-29T14:46:00.004-06:00

OK...it's been 5 days since Emery and the kids moved away...and can I just say...WE MISS YOU!!! I'm not sure if anyone remembers Mike's brother's family...and how their home burned down back in November. But they've been waiting on insurance to come through since then...staying in a hotel in Provo. CRAZY...can you imagine 3 little boys 4 years and under in a little hotel room? But they have handled all of this like a grain of salt! Don't get me wrong it's been hard for them...but they have kept optimistic attitudes...great examples to me and my family as to live life happily...and make the most of things. I'm really going to miss having Emery around...I have been used to seeing her and the kids practically every day! She is someone that is so easy to talk, laugh and cry with! She has helped me make sense of so many things in my life...and the best shopping buddy ever! And now they have moved to Wyoming...where Greg's job is...to be closer...they'll stay in a home out there and still wait for insurance to come through...if you ask me...it's taken a lot longer then needed for this insurance company to get their act together...but that's just me. We wish you guys the best...and can't wait to come visit!

PS...this songs for you Em...just for laughs (the "life would suck without you" part)!

Spring Hiding Places...or Something...And Spring Pictures

2009-04-26T16:53:00.002-06:00

Apparently we need to find a new bed for Jocelyn...has anyone started putting their kids in big kid beds at 15 months? Probably too crazy and early right? And we have a new pet...his name...is Brody!

Jocelyn is 15 months now...and could walk if she wanted...but apparently wants to be like her mom and wait until 16 months...go Jocelyn!

Brody burped today and said..."what was that?!" I said "what?" He burped again...and said "THAT!" I said..."oh you burped!" He laughed and said "Oh...a burp...that's funny!"

The Best Anniversary Yet!

2009-04-14T13:53:00.003-06:00

So in the last 4 years...Mike and I have not gone on one over nighter without the kids...not one. Last weekend that was all changed! For our five year anniversary Mike took me to the Zermatt Resort in Midway! And it was so much more then I ever anticipated...you could basically call it a second honeymoon...and our first was pretty amazing! We were given a gift certificate for two nights...breakfasts...dinners...and a couples massage...can it get any better! It was amazing! We both couldn't stop saying how awesome it was! We've always enjoyed being with each other...but I think we both forgot just how much! I can't stop smiling just thinking about it! So...thank you Mike...Love you! And thank you to you who gave us the gift certificate...you know who you are! It was truly PRICELESS!!!

And Mom and Dad this gettaway would have never happened without you...thank you for not only watching the kids...but spoiling them!

CAF Grant

2009-04-08T22:18:00.005-06:00

I don't know if anyone remembers the letter of recommendation I sent in last October for Mike to be chosen for a grant where he'd be able to get a hand cycle...but if you do...you'll know why we're so excited...

OK everyone...drum roll please...."budum budum budum chow"...that was the drum roll!

Mike was chosen for the CAF (challenged athletes Foundation) grant! He's getting a hand cycle! And a really nice one at that! Now we just have to decide on the color hmm....I love decisions like that! I don't know who's more excited...Mike or me...OK...Mike, but I'm a close second...then Brody! Bike trips here we come!

I'm so grateful for people who put together programs like CAF so families like us can benefit! Thank you CAF!

"Super Daddy/Hubby" Award...Nominee

2009-03-28T22:32:00.004-06:00

I know...I tend to get mushy by Mike a lot on our blog...but it's just because he's kinda easy to be mushy about! This weekend I would like to nominate Michael for the "Super Daddy/Hubby" Award (I'm sure there's an award out there like that somewhere)! He's been racing like crazy in school with tests, papers, and random presentations, running to Dr.'s Appointments, X-Rays, sick with the stomach flu, and even watched the kids for me so I could get out this weekend! Yes, I think it's safe to say he deserves the "Super Daddy/Hubby" Award!

Love you Mike...sorry I'm so mushy!

Jocelyn sure loves her dad...she can't help but just bounce up and down when she sees him...her little cheeks jiggling like crazy!

I Love My Random Little Man!

2009-03-25T00:18:00.004-06:00

Conversation with Brody while driving in the car:

Brody: Mom....is that a park (pointing at Spaghetti Factory)?

Me: No

Brody: What is it?

Me: A restaurant.

Brody: You hunt goats there?

Me: What?

Brody: Do you hunt Goats there?

Me: Nope!

I'd like to say that was the most random conversation yet...but I'm not sure!

Congratulations Mike...One Year...A lot of Progress!

2009-03-05T11:01:00.013-07:00

I just wanted to post congratulations to Mike for making it to his one year mark since his accident. He has come so far! Right after his accident...there was hardly a thing he could do without help. He couldn't sit up. Couldn't even leave the hospital...or see his own kids. Then once he could sit up, he had to keep his brace on all day covering his entire torso. which was itchy...and a little stinky. Then once he could finally try a wheelchair...he constantly was tipping from the lack of being able to bend his back...because of the brace. He couldn't drive...go to work...or even school. Now he races everywhere...in fact many comment they think they saw Mike racing by...but they weren't sure because he was like blur going so fast. He's driving now...going to school...and even...finally learning to use his leg braces! I am so proud of him...and all that he has accomplished. His determination to continue despite so much strife...inspires me daily. He has such an ability to stay positive...not to look back...and move forward with...really...zeal!

Some days I think..."Could things go any slower?"...but then all I have to do is think how much has happened in just a year! This whole experience has taught us a lot...and we are learning more each day. We have learned to depend so much on eachother...family...friends...and most importantly the Lord. Where would we be without the love of so many amazing people. Seriously...Mike and I ask ourselves that all the time? Our circumstances could have been so much different. Thank you so much everyone. Really...where would we be without you?

Here's a list of things we've looked forward to this past year for Mike's progress...in this order...crazy to think about...here we go:

Talking to Mike on the phone after he was hurt...

Seeing Mike after he was hurt...

His surgery...

His back brace...it meant sitting up...

Sitting up... A wheelchair...

Leaving the ICU...

Mike being able to see the kids...

In patient rehab...

Transferring without help from bed to chair...from chair to car...

Racing Mike in a wheelchair...

His transition room...which meant I could stay with him...

Mike coming home for an overnighter...

Mike coming home...

Dr.'s appointments...and progress...

Brace coming off...it stunk...and he hated it...

Mike being able to roll on to his belly...

Out patient rehab...at Neuroworx...

Swimming...

Being able to drive on his own again...

Crawling...

School...

Getting leg braces...

Hugging and kissing Mike on my tippie toes...

Walking...

Our future goals:

Walking...

Mike finishing school...

Mike starting a new career...

Moving into a place of our own...

Walking...

Love you Mike...thank you for all that you do...I don't know what I did right to get you...but I'll take it...and there's no "givzie backzies!"....you're stuck with me!

Update of our Life Lately

2009-03-04T10:55:00.006-07:00

Living at Grandpa and Grandma's house...Brody has become so close with his cousins. First with his two cousins Allison and Megan...and now with Ethan and Lincoln! They spend practically every day together. They really are like brothers!

I think it's safe to say Brody and Ethan are little boys by night...and super heroes by day! It used to be Spider man and Batman...and now...because Ethan started getting into it...Brody is too...but now they are obsessed with Ben 10! It's a TV show that is about a little boy that turns into a super hero! They can't get enough of it! He's quite the super hero...except when he gets in trouble. He'll say..."Mom...call me four arms!" and I say "No...you're not Four Arms until I see my good little boy again!" He sighs..."OK...I'm Brody!" I'll have to post a video of him when he "turns into a hero!" his pronunciation is pretty funny...as well as his new Ben 10 dance!

Apparently charcoal can make for some pretty good face paint!

Jocelyn is crawling everywhere! Babbling and laughing! She has been such a giggling joy! Her hair is getting so long...I have no clue what to do with it...except...of course...keep spiking it up! I think it might be getting too long...oh well!

She's quite the daddy's girl...I know Mike will kill me for posting this picture...but I just thought it was so telling of them...and how she'll just hang out on his lap. She can hang on pretty well now...as Mike wheels her around!

My sister-in-law mentioned bubbles and jets make for some pretty big bubbles! So we tried...it's true!

Jocelyn's been one for a month now...but I forgot to post her actual birthday pictures!

She had a hard time with something...but she cheered up fast...I LOVE the new leggings and bows she received for gifts...Thank you Emery and Grandma's!

Jocelyn LOVES food! Really...yesterday she ate two bowls of oatmeal...and a huge bowl of yogurt and was ready for more...we're raising a monster...but a cute one at that!