Family 5K/1Mile Run

So many fun and exciting things have been going on in our lives I thought I better hurry and document them before I start forgetting the details.The first week of June our family decided to run in our first ever 5k. Actually Lonica and I did the 1 mile and Dathan and the boys ran the 5k. It was so much fun. We all had a great time and did surprisingly well considering that none of us are really runners.The boys were amazing. Out of a couple hundred runners, Justin and Jalen came in together taking 4th and 5th place. Johnny was right behind them and came in 8th overall and taking 1st place in his age group. Dathan amazed me as well. He hurried home from a long day at work to join us. It was awesome watching him cross the finish line.Lonica was awsome and ran the mile like it was nothing. She came in first in in her age group as well. I finished the mile without having to call an ambulance and actually finished 2nd in the women over 40 group. Yay me!

The only disappointing thing was that Jordan was not able to get off work. We had been planning this for a while and he really wanted to come. Infact, he almost lost his job over the whole incident. But hey, now that we know we can do it. There will be plenty more opportunities. It was a fun event for all of us.

You better watch out!

December is always such a fun and busy month. We have enjoyed a school choir concert, our ward party, dance parties, and work parties. Dathan's company always has a nice sit down dinner for the adults and then the next week a family party with what has to be the "real" Santa. Not just one of those helpers like at the mall.

Johnny wasn't sure what he wanted and told Santa to surprize him.

Loni told Santa she wanted a Nintendo DS. When he asked what color she said blue. Blue???? Santa just assumed she would want pink. I hope the elves are able make an exchange.Jalen decided not to sit on Santa's lap. So Santa got off of his chair and came and sat on Jalen's lap.

We had a great night. And now we are just waiting for the special day to arrive.

This week I decided not to post any jobs. I just figure we all need to spend our time getting EVERYTHING ready by this Friday. I want to have it ALL done before the kids are out of school. Then maybe next week we can spend out time looking for opportunities to serve and help others.

After all....isn't that what Christmas is all about?

Family Pictures

Well we did it. We survived another family photo shoot. And I couldn't be happier!

Yes I stressed over what to wear. I worried about where to go.

I should know by now that all that matters is that we are all together and happy.
And I am not even going to post my favorite. You will have to wait for our family Christmas card for that one.

Let Freedom Ring

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him. ~Abraham Lincoln


I am many things. I am a daughter and I am a wife. I am a mother and I am a woman.


But on Friday I was reminded that I AM AN AMERICAN.


I am so grateful to live in this country with so many opportunities and blessings. I love this nation, "one nation under God". And, if you ask me, our 4th of July was a perfect day of celebrating.


Johnny, Lonica and I headed out early to line up for the parade.

I LOVE PARADES!

It was so much fun! Here is Johnny entertaining the crowd and one of the dances that I spent last week teaching to about 80 girls (and a few boys).





After the parade we loaded into the car and headed to Uncle Kent's and Aunt Blythe's for our annual family 4th of July Party.


Where we ate and ate AND ATE!




Played in the pool.

And lit fireworks.

These three put on the most amazing firework show. I am surprised that they didn't singe the hair off their arms. They put their lives on the line for our enjoyment. Thanks guys!

FAMILY, FOOD AND FIREWORKS. It doesn't get any better than that!

This truly is the land I love.

May I never wake up from the American dream. ~Carrie Latet