Our last day of the Year!

We must be kind of a odd bunch, because we get a kick out of going and finding the Mountain Goats that reside in Snake River this time of the year. Of all of the things that our family enjoys doing together this one is a must every winter. This year we loaded up our adopted daughter Alicia and introduced her to the fun of spotting goats. In this top picture if you look hard enough and use your imagination, you will see two goats hiding in the dead tree at the top. Look a bit closer and you will be able to see another one at the bottom left of the photo.

As we started our adventure Tyler spotted this goat 75 yards off the road. He was all by himself and just loved having his picture taken. It was a great start to our day and got Alicia and Tallon excited to see some more.

Tallon was so cold when we stopped to see the elk. He told us that he would be able to see them with the binoculars if his hands would spot moving. He was shivering so bad but he wouldn't leave until he got to see the big one clear in the back.

Tallon loves to go by the elk feed ground and look at the bulls. He and his dad make their big plans of the day they will kill one of the big boys!

It may seem strange to some but we spent 4 1/2 hours in the car and with nothing to entertain us but the views out our windows. I am very grateful that we live in such a place that we don't need anything to pass the time of traveling, we can just enjoy the beauty that surrounds us and enjoy a day spotting goats with those we love.
Happy News Years everyone!!!

A wonderful time of the Year

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!! We sure did! We started our Christmas Eve parties with my Grandma Dana's party. We have done this every year of my life, not kidding. We always meet at 1:00 to eat, open presents, visit and go home. We have had to move the party from my grandma's to the church, but this is the only change in years. It is always one of my favorite things to look forward to. This year Santa made a visit and I thought that Tallon was going to die before he got to sit on his lap. He even managed to bring his list and chose to give it to Santa just so he wouldn't forget anything. It was the cutest thing ever. Grandma made all of her Great Grandchildren fleece blankets and they were in heaven. There is nothing better than a grandma quilt! My kids wouldn't put theirs down! They cuddled in them all day and when they woke up Christmas morning, the blankets were right there with them.
The kids got so spoiled this year. We said that we were going to cut back and we thought we had, but they still got spoiled! It was so funny this morning, of all the gifts and new toys to choose from, the kids played dress up! And I have BOYS!! The twins had to have on their new jersey's from uncle Jacob and aunt Jerrie, and Tallon wanted to wear his new suit and pretend he is a missionary. This kids just melts my heart. He sat his brothers down and read what words he could from the scriptures, and told them stories. The twins loved it and sat for a good 10 mins listening the Tallon teach them about the church. Tallon just can't wait to be a missionary and loves to tell his friends and brothers all about the scriptures. What a Kid!!

We had a treasured Christmas this year with memories that will last a lifetime. I am so thankful for the Christmas season and the magic it brings into my home. I am truly grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the message it holds and the place my children have made for it in their hearts.

Tallon's Wish List

It has been the funnest thing having Tallon old enough to write. The whole Kindergarten spelling thing is still kicking my butt, but I am getting better. He came out of his bedroom earlier this month with his "list" for Christmas. I laughed so hard as I read it. See how well you can translate.

My Wish List
I want
Fake
Duck
Fake
Duck
Coyote
Fox
Elk
Deer
Mountain
Lion
Turkey
Dog
3 (meaning 3 of each)

Seriously how cute is that. He has carried this thing everywhere with him just encase he ran into Santa. At the Dana Family Party, he was so excited to see Santa. He ran up to him, whipped out his list from his back pocket, and just sat there grinning. Poor Santa was stumped as he was trying to read it but I think it worked out okay.
Tallon was so set on getting everything on his list and it made for a very eventful December making sure he was not disappointed. He left his list with the milk and cookies and was so glad that Santa delivered!

It's a BOY!!

Baby Holt arrived on December 12 and is just adorable. He had a bit of jaundice and had to stay in the hospital for a few days, but is now doing great. We couldn't wait to get our hands on him and feel that newborn hug. I love the way they curl up and sit under your chin. Congrats to the Repair family!!

Attempt at Pictures

This morning we attempted to take some fun pictures of the kids in front of the tree. I am reminded once again that my children pose for anyone but me!! Thought you might enjoy

If you click on the picture you can get the full effect of their personalities. I hope everyone else had better success than we did.

Just for Tallon

Last night Tallon came and asked to look at our pictures on the computer. As we were going through some of the things on our little blog, he made the comment that there wasn't one with just him. So this post is just for Tallon.

Tallon is our oldest. He was born Aug 9 2002 weighing in at 6lbs 1oz and 19.5 in. He has always been a delight and is full of adventures and memories. He loves to spend time with his family whether it is hunting with dad, baking with mom, or spending time with his grandparents. Everyone has always commented on how good of a kid Tallon is and how kind and tenderhearted he is. He is always mindful of those around him. His first weeks of Kindergarten were a bit rough. It bothered him that some of the kids were not nice to others. There was a child in his class that the other kids didn't like much. His teacher watched Tallon for a few days, and noticed that he would play with his friends, and always invite the other child to play. When the child would join in some of the children would go somewhere else and once again leave this child to play alone. After a few days Tallon went and played with this certain child and made good friends with him. When his teacher thanked him for being kind to all the children, Tallon replied "Heavenly Fathers loves all the children and He would want me to be this boys friend. I love kids like Heavenly Father does." Talk about melt a moms heart when this story was told at parent teacher conference. One of Tallons most favorite things in the whole world is bucking on sheep at the rodeos in the summer. Here are a few fun shots of this years ride.



Looks like a lot of fun doesn't it!!
Tallon also loves to spend time with his brothers! When he was about 3 he was riding in the car with his Grandma Sherri and he told her "Grandma, I've been praying to Heavenly Father for a brother." He was so surprised and excited when Heavenly Father sent him TWO!! He told me that Heavenly Father loves him two times.

He told me that I had to be sure to put pictures of his gingerbread train when I talked about him, so here is this years results.


I could go on for hours about Tallon. He is an amazing and talented kid with one of the biggest hearts. I love him so much and am glad that he is mine!!

Work or Play!?

...who cares as long as the job gets done!! Saturday winter finally arrived and the kids couldn't wait to get out and play in the snow. The twins loved their first chance to get out and roll in the fun white stuff. Tallon had taken upon himself the chore of shoveling snow and was very relieved when Dad brought out the four wheeler. After about a hour of work, play time found its place behind the wheeler. The kids made Tyler go round and round and around. The twins threw the biggest fit when they had to come in, but marshmallows and hot chocolate brought back their smiles. What a fun day spent in the snow. Winter can now begin.

Let the Parties Begin

Last night was our ward Christmas party,and the kids had a ball. Tallon sang in the primary choir.

Santa made a visit. I was glad to hear that nothing has changed on Tallon's list.

The twins loved Santa which really surprised me. Vivin was all smiles, and Orrin was trying to figure out who the guy was that was talking to him.

Except for when he got a candy cane. Who needs Santa after you have your candy cane?!

We all had a great time. Everyone but Tyler, who is a Scrooge at parties, but we make him go anyway. One party down, 5 more to go. Gotta love the holidays!

Trying to be like brother!

The twins seem to have this fascination with wearing Tallon's boots. Tallon tells me it is just because they are trying to be like him. Orrin is also obsessed with the cowboy hat, looks like he will be needing one of his own!


It is so fun to have the boys getting bigger. They add a lot of laughter to our evenings!

Holy Crap your OLD!!

I remember when I was younger when you would ask someone who was married with three kids, "how old are you?", and they would say something like "oh, I am only 29", and you would think to yourself, "holy crap they are OLD!", well today was that day in our home!! Tyler turned the big 29!! (I am so glad that he is older than me!!)

Tallon has worked all week on a special gift for his dad. He has been writing stories at school about all of the fun things he and his dad do together. He brought them home and we made them into a book for Tallon's gift.

Tyler loved the book!! He just cried as he flipped through the pages. It is awesome to see how much these two love each other. They truly are the best of friends.

Orrin was not about to be left out, so he offered Tyler his string cheese!! What a thoughtful boy!

It was a fun day of celebrating. We had lots of family and friends call or stop by to offer their condolences!! Tyler is taking the big 29 kinda hard, but even as old as he is, we still love him!!

Surgery When?!

This morning we awoke bright and early to head to the hospital. Yesterday the twins had an appointment with their ENT and it was decided that they needed tubes in their ears. Not a big thing, except Tyler is out of town still, which means I got to do it all by myself. I really don't like to be independent and I really don't like it when my kids get surgery. Put these two together and you can imagine the train wreck that I was. I was expecting to have a month or so before we could plan a surgery date, and when the doctor said "tomorrow at 7:30 will work great!", I was taken off guard. But why wait!! So we arrived at the hospital at 6:45 (we being my mom and I and the twins) and were home by 8:36. Talk about quick, I didn't really have time to worry. They took Vivin back at 7:30, and then got Orrin at 7:40, and by 7:43 they had Vivin in recovery and Orrin followed in 11 mins. They had a hard time waking up and got pretty upset, but after the gas wore off they were back to themselves. So much back to themselves that I have had to put the decorations back on the tree 3 times already and they are just starting to wake up from their naps.Yesterday I had to redecorate 7 times so they have a good 5 hrs to best their record. I am now wondering why I didn't take Tyler's advice and put it up after the kids went to bed Christmas eve!! Well what fun are the holidays if you don't get to decorate the tree at least a few time a day?!

A Legacy of Love

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! We are so blessed to live where we do and one of the reasons is that we don't have to travel during the holidays! We enjoyed a feast at Tyler's grandparents, went Christmas shopping, went to the parade of lights, and enjoyed a relaxing weekend at home. We were even able to get current 5 generation pictures.Tyler, Tallon, GGreat Grandma Barrus, Orrin, Grandma Hansen, Great Grandma Taylor, Vivin.


Tyler, Tallon, GGreat Grandma Barrus, Grandma Hansen, Great Grandma Taylor

Tyler, GGreat Grandma Barrus, Orrin, Grandma Hansen, Great Grandma Taylor


Orrin, Tyler, GGreat Grandma Barrus, Vivin, Grandma Hansen, Great Grandma Taylor

Vivin, Tyler, GGreat Grandma Barrus, Grandma Hansen, Great Grandma Taylor

I am so grateful that my children have the legacy that they do. Their lives are blessed with many that love them and they are able to live close to their grandparents, great grandparents, and their great great grandparents. What else could anyone ask for!!

109!!!

Last night on our way home from visiting Grandma, Tallon decided he was going to count to 109, and when he got done we would be home. I was very curious to see how far he could really count, and wondered how long of a drive it was going to be. To my amazement, he counted to 109 before we hit the Bedford turn off!! It only took him a matter of mins. He was so proud of himself, and decided he was going to see how many times he could count to 109 before we got home. He did it 4 times. He then said that his numbers were tired and sat so quietly the last 5 miles. I'll have to admit that it was an easier ride home than I thought it was going to be. And it was definitely easier to listen to than that time he sang his ABC's all the way to Idaho Falls!!

Nap time

We left the twins with my mom for a few hours today, and arrived back around nap time. This is what we found.


I wonder what it is about being a twin that makes it so you have to be touching while you sleep. Vivin has always been the one that seems to need that extra bit of contact while sleeping,... too cute.

The smell of fress cut GRASS?!

Yes, it is true. Today if you would have come by our house, you would have smelled the smell of fresh cut grass. I have been really lazy the past few months and kept hoping that the snow would cover up the lawn, so I wouldn't have to look at it any more. Of course this year it didn't happen (just because I wanted it to). So yesterday I had had enough and got the old lawn mower out and went to work. It looks so good and it is so green. And I can now say that I mowed my lawn on the 21st of November.

Tagged!!

Okay, my sister Jullie tagged me. You can all blame her for how boring I really am.

8 Things I am obsessed with right now

• Tyler getting done with his jobs out of town and being home again
• Tallon and how amazing he is
• Orrin and how dang cute he is
• Vivin and how in the world I got him JK he is so much fun
• Finding the perfect Christmas gifts for the boys
• Trying to figure out how this blogging thing works
• Trying to sell our house (still don't know if this is good or bad)
• Yeah, I got nothing. Told you I was boring!

8 Words or phrases I use often

• "Boys!!!"
• "Okay, who stinks now!"
• "I love you!"
• "Bless your heart"
• "Really?" "Are you kidding me?" or anything that implies shock over the twins latest act of mutiny
• "Is it nap or bed time yet"
• "Raising 3 boys is like being pecked to death by a chicken"
• "I am truly the luckiest mom in the world"

8 Shows I love to watch

• Back to the boring part of my life, we don't have TV. I know, some would think this impossible. We quite like it. So unless anything Disney or Dreamworks counts, I got nothing.

8 Things I did yesterday (this is going to be good)

• Got Tallon to school on time
• Played and laughed with the twins
• Babysat the most adorable little 6week old boy
• Took the boys to Burger King for dinner
• Talked to Tyler on the phone for our daily chat
• Did some laundry
• Put the kids to bed by 8:00
• anyone want to trade lives about now?!

8 Places I like to eat

• Olive Garden
• China Town
• Rocky Mountain Seafood
• Los Cabos
• anywhere where I don't have to cook
• Garcia's
• The 5 n' Diner
• Taco Bell (but only when we are broke)

8 Things I am looking forward to

• selling the house and moving to Montana
• a great Christmas season
• Tyler coming home TONIGHT
• Tallon's next adventure
• Orrin and Vivin's next discovery
• Snow
• Days when the only things that matter are my boys
• The next Clever Ladies day out!!

8 things on my wish list

• See Alaska
• Adopt a baby
• For a home always filled with the laughter of children
• That my children will always love their mom the most
• To see the many angels that guard my family daily
• To always have friends that are family and family that are friends
• To always love Tyler more than I did yesterday
• That my children will always find joy in the little things

So now everyone knows how truly boring I am. The truth be told, I don't know how much I would really change. I am truly blessed with all that I have.

"The Gun"

This is "the gun" that Tyler is saving pennies and recruiting friends for.

A fun weekend?!

After a long week with Tyler out of town, we thought it would be fun to go to Idaho Falls, stay at a hotel and visit the museum. Well, 3 boys in a hotel is always tons a fun and this weekend they did not disappoint. Within about 5 mins of being in the room, Tallon goes into the bathroom and we hear, "Boys!!!!". The twins had found the toilet paper, well you can imagine the rest. We ordered pizza, watched a movie and went to bed. The next morning we met up with mom and dad Dana and had breakfast and off to shopping. We did make it to the museum and had a great time.

Tyler found a new gun shop and has been dreaming ever since. He is recruiting friends at this time. Anyone who wants to show their friendship by donating to his "dream gun" fund, is welcome. His birthday and Christmas are coming in Dec. He asked me to do the best I could to help in his effort and this is what he is getting. Tallon got to try out a Cricket 22 and is adding it to his wish list. We got home and went to bed. Some would say "that is a fun weekend?", well in our lives this is about as fun as it gets.

The Mighty Duck Hunters

Yes, it is that time of year when every extra minute of the day is spent hunting. The call for this weekend was DUCK. Tyler and Tallon headed off to their "secret" spot and spent a few hours in the cold and returned home with this. It is Tallon's first duck and he is hooked. Tallon loved showing off his trophy. The next step is for Tyler to smoke it and I will get to try duck jerky for the first time. Wish me luck.

Are you kidding me!!

Orrin found this old doll binkie a few days ago and hasn't put it down since!!

Tyler is completely freaking out about it, which just adds to Orrin's attachment. Last night he even had to go to bed with the dang thing in his month. The funny part is that Orrin never took a binkie when he was a baby, and now at 20 months we can't seem to do without it!!