One year later and you get a new POST!

Ok I have to admit it has been a very long time.... But honestly 2010 has been a very rough, exciting, sad year.  The beginning of the year proved to be very hopeful for my father who was diagnosed with Leukemia.  He went into the hospital in February to start kemo treatments and on April 10, 2010 he passed away.  Sadly he never came out of that hospital, be he did in fact beat leukemia!  In January while preparing to get my Dad ready for kemo I found out we were expecting our 5th child - yea!!!!  During one of my many trips to Boise to spend time with my Dad I was rushed to the emergency room and was later told that I had a sub-corionic hemorrhage.  (That's where the placenta detaches from the uterus and bleeding occurs.)  Apparently (after I had our baby girl) my great friend and Doctor "Dr. Jake" told me that I had a 90% chance of loosing the baby while I was pregnant.  So little Malia born September 23, 2010 is truly a miracle!!  It has been interesting to see the circle of life in it's full glory -  life and death in one year.   The greatest experience through all of this is what my Father taught me in that hospital room.  I have never met someone where complaining was not allowed.  He never once complained.  He also taught me that patience, hope and faith are all linked together.  I actually never knew he had any of these attributes, but he most certainly did!  Most of all he taught me, that no matter what, love is forever and that he loved me with his whole being.  So after the funeral we headed home and after about one hour of being home we got a call saying Cameron's parents were on an emergency flight home from their mission and that his Mother needed eye surgery right away.  So the next morning we got back in the car and met his parents for a wonderful homecoming reunion at the new Murry hospital  ER in Utah.  So now I hope you can better understand why I have not been posting.  I am going to try and make up for lost time this winter and get this blog updated.  I really want to make a blog book for my children and will have to do some catch up if you know what I mean.  So until next time......

Family Pictures

Can I just say that my little family is so cute! Cameron and I even look good in some of these! Apparently, as you can see in the pictures Karlie really likes to stick her tongue out, which was new to me. I am so tickled at how these pictures turned out. Thanks to my friend Katie for taking such great pictures of my family! To see her work check out potatobugphotography.com.

Colorado Bear Video!

Yea this bear was right outside our cabin!

Finally a BIG BOY now!

Caden is so happy to have finally lost his two front teeth! He is 8 1/2 and has been a little upset since his younger brother has lost 8 teeth already. Watch out world the toothless wonder is taking flight!

SCHOOL STARTS!

Where did the summer go? This year we are proud to announce that the Whitehead family is sending three darling, bright, outgoing students to the Preston School district. They should be thankful for getting such great kids, plus I have no doubt that their schools scores will increase with these cuties attending! Caden is in 3rd grade, Braken 2nd grade, and my Brenna B. a kindergartner.

Colorado Vacation!

Each year we travel to Colorado to spend some time in our family cabin. My great-grandfather built this beloved cabin the year my grandmother was born - 1924. It has since been somewhat updated. For example we now have a bathroom, more efficient heaters, even a fridge! Oh the life! Nonetheless, my children love spending time in Estes Park. And as Braken exclaims "It is my favorite place on earth Mom!" I've included a few pictures of our trip, however the legacy that my family has left to me and my children surpasses these pictures in meaning. I am so blessed to have been born into such a loving, caring family. Where family truly is the most important thing in the world! If you haven't begun to leave your mark for your family to feel, start now!
-Here are pictures of the Denver zoo, children playing, time with mom, Cameron working etc... all in beautiful Colorado!

Winward Biathlon

I am so proud of myself to say that this summer I ran a 5K race on the 4th of July, and came in 12th. Pretty good for a mother of 4. Most recently however, my dear friends and I completed the Winward Biathlon. This race is a 3.1 mile run then a 14 mile bike. Yes we all did it! As you can see from the picture, Shelly, Jamie, Myself and Tracy were very excited. Everyone at the race called us the Pink Ladies. Which is much better then "Old Ladies". I had to say that for Shelly since she is finally 30! Anyway, we sure have worked hard, but I must admit I hate RUNNING!!!

Summer Fun 2009

We have been very busy this summer. You name it we have done it. Where to start, where to start? We started off by dunking the children into swimming lessons the first part of June. It was a wet June to say the least. The boys have made such great improvements and can swim really well. Brenna took lessons for the first time and did a fantastic job, she was even swimming alone for short distances. Next, we celebrated Braken's birthday, & the 4th of July. Next we relaxed a bit over in Bear lake with our good friends the Curtis's at the family condo. Then we proceeded to Stanley, Idaho where we spent almost a week camping at Stanley Lake with my brother and his family. We came home then took off to Lagoon (amusement park) because you have to go at least once during the summer! Then I went to Boise to see my Dad for two days ( all by myself I might add). He has been undergoing "kemo" treatments and I just decided spur of the moment to go give him a little love! back in Preston we celebrated Rodeo weekend with cooking hamburgers for Kiwanis's club (that was a hoot!), throwing candy in the parade on the SkyTrac, and of course going to the carnival! Now do realize that in between all of this we have been at the lake to many times to count! We have absolutely loved having the boat and playing in the water. Come the end of August, right before school we are heading to Colorado. Well I should say Braken's favorite place on Earth! You know me go go go.......

Brenna Turns "5"

Today Brenna B. turned five. I guess that means I have officially lived in Preston for almost 5 years. Brenna had a few friends over for a PRINCESS party! Everything was Princess, from the crowns, to the dresses, and even the castle jump house! I was even creative and made Princess play dough, which was a big hit! My mom always says that Brenna acts just like I did as a child. My poor Mother! Actually Brenna is a true love with a personality to knock your socks off at any minute! Happy Birthday my sweet five year old!