Sweet Rice

2011-11-11T12:33:00.001-08:00

Family pictures can be fun, but they can also be exhausting. This year my kids did not want to cooperate, so it took some bribing. We did get some really great ones. Thanks to my friend Elizabeth who helped out. We will have to make this a yearly tradition.

2011-10-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Easy fix to the back porch, I was sick of the boring concrete slab. So I spray painted a pattern, just need painters tape and 5 cans of spray paint. It was fun and so easy.

Summer Vacation In Canada

2011-09-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip out East, the weather was great for our first two weeks, then it rained and rained after that. The kids have made some really great memories. We got to see lots of family and the kids got to meet some of my oldest friends.

Flower clips!

2011-06-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

So only 2 weeks until we leave for New Brunswick, Canada. We are all so excited. The kids got their green cards and we will soon be off. So I wanted to make something for my nieces, I went over to a my friend Ami's house and she patiently taught us how. I was able to make 3 there, and 9 today. I love learning new things and to be more creative, thanks Ami!

JAMES.....TOOLS......HAPPY WIFE!

2011-05-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

I thought a DIY project was a good idea for today, so here's our new headboard. I wish we didn't have to hang it so high, but we have an outlet that we can't cover up.

More projects

2011-05-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to throw out Russell's lamp shade, but it needed a makeover. Since I love the floor patch, I thought that would be a cool way to give it a new look. It was so easy.

I needed new pillows for the living room. and couldn't find ones I liked. So I dusted off the sewing machine, and whipped some up.

Projects around the house!

2011-05-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Crazy bold colors in the children's rooms, and their bathroom.

I love neutral colors, which I used around all the common areas. I chose sacred soil for my bedroom, it looks purple which I love. You can see all the other projects I have been up to. I'm a bit obsessed with NATE, his show is amazing. I also love blogs! I get inspired all the time. I have other idea's I hope to do on other walls, so we shall see. Russell's room is a calming blue and green. He needs a calming place to read and play.
I received my mother's china a few years ago and bought this cabinet a few months ago.
I have a nautical theme in my living room, which started with a picture of the bluenose, that I got from my Grammie Russell 10 years ago, she was going to throw it away. Then James the smaller replica, and I have been adding small things here and there ever since.
I love piknic, and I recently framed the black and white pictures that I made.
I saw the flower ball on a blog, and thought that would be a good way to use my bridal bouquet.
I saw a wall of the letter of someones last name, and had to copy it. So I came up with the "R" wall. It looks better than the picture, I took framed pictures of all of us, and different R's that I found. So this is what I've been doing.

We love Spring!

2011-05-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, HAVING FRESH VEGGIES,
WE ARE SO BLESSED!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T09:38:00.001-07:00

I took the kids to the community Easter Hunt, we got there a little too late, most of the kids had already cleaned up. I thought they were pretty cute. Russell stayed in the car, heaven bid that he actually see someone he knows. That is what I deal with on daily basis. We did our Easter stuff Saturday morning, I learned over the years it's easier to do that morning instead of Sunday, and we can do a lot more fun things, and focus on Christ on the Sabbath. We had a wonderful meal. Just wish that I was in a better mood. We found out Friday, that my parents flipped their car. My Mom takes care of a cancer patient, and he needed a ride to get treatments, since it's all day, Dad went with her. They have a 2 hour drive to the hospital. When they were almost home, my Dad fell asleep at the wheel. They totalled their only car. Mom was badly hurt, broken vertebrae and broken bone in her face, one eye is badly bruised. She is still in the Hospital. Dad just got home yesterday, and he's on pain killers for his sore body. It's hard to live so far away from them. I am grateful for my brothers who are there to take care of them.

Softball!

2011-04-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

It's been fun watching Rebekah improve her softball skills. She is so shy and is starting to warm up to the other girls. We have the best coach, he really puts forth a great effort to make sure they are learning and improving. Notice that she is grabbing her helmet in the first picture, she just got knocked in the head with the ball.

A DO OVER!

2011-04-09T16:45:00.001-07:00

Ever wished you could have a do over day, well that was my day today. Here I spent the last 3 months training, running and more training. Today was race day.... To begin, I had major anxiety, but we had a great start. Ran the first 5 miles in less than 50 min. While suffering with side splinters. Then made it to the sand pit. WHAT THE HECK! Hills, I don't like hills, and I don't remember reading about any hills, and they were very sandy. from Mile 6-8 so it was hard to get my footing. Then I ended up with an ankle injury, Oh and Aunt flow thought she needed to throw in that challenge as well today! It just wasn't my day, I guess I won't be checking a full marathon off my bucket list today, lets hope for a better day tomorrow.

Updates

2011-02-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

This is Russell working on his World Conservation award - making bird feeders.

Jacob throwing in the ball.

Russell playing at the park.

Jacob looking so cute in his Uniform

I had to get Rebekah to jump out of this tree, she is a lot like me. I climbed trees very well when I was her age.

Jeremy playing on the slide.

We have been busy painting rooms, cleaning closets and enjoying the sunshine. Spring is in the air. It has been colder here, which is unusual for this area. So we welcome the warmer temps. I have decided to run another marathon, this time it's a full. So it takes up a lot of extra time, training and getting ready. My friend Emily asked me if I would join her in training with her personal trainer. It's been a lot of fun, and also a lot of work. I can't believe how much more the trainer has pushed me. I'm just looking forward to crossing it off my goal list. i'm not looking to run the best time, but to run a good pace and finish. I love that I have friends who have also ran in races to guide me a long.

Jacob just started Soccer, he loves it, he's really taken to the sport and isn't to bad at it. Rebekah is in Softball, she has great coaches, they are helping her learn this new sport and she's having so much fun. Russell just finished up his wolf badge, and is looking forward to having the summer off. Jeremy is wishing I put him in a sport, but mom just doesn't have that much time at the moment. Next year I will try to be better at getting him into Soccer as well, he is only 4 after all.

HO! HO! HO!

2010-12-10T09:55:00.001-08:00

Jeremy had his Christmas party yesterday. He was so cute singing and dancing. He even got to see Santa.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-10T09:36:00.001-08:00

For the first time ever, well the second time, (but the first tree was from The SAAN, and it died the first year). We now have a pre-lit fake tree. I LOVE IT, no vacumming every hour. NO mess. NO sticky fingers from watering and decorating it. Now if I could keep the cats from taking all the decorations off.

"Fear is our only road block; we can accomplish anything we put our minds to."

2010-11-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Shanna, Holly, Sandra, Laura, Andy, Bishop Bitter, Tammy, and Dallas. We are missing a few Cypress people. How cool is it to run a race with your Bishop? His whole family was fast!

This was my first half marathon. It was a great race! At mile 8, I injured my quad muscle, which seized my leg pretty bad. By mile 11, I was in tears, I said a lot of prayers at that point. I knew that with the faith I have, I could finish strong. My time was 2:32, not bad for my first marathon.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

We had trunk or treat at the church on Saturday, since Halloween was on a Sunday this year. It was combined with Silver Pines ward so the kids got lots of candy.

Rebekah's Appliance

2010-09-29T06:25:00.001-07:00

After visiting the Dentist before School started, we found out that Rebekah had a very crooked tooth. It is still under the gum, and she had to have two baby teeth pulled, now we can see it pop up a bit. The appliance will help make room for her crowded teeth. The tooth will then have to be attached to a crain and pulled slowly straight. It's been a big deal, she can't eat anything crunchy or sticky. She is a good sport, I think it will be good to have it done and out of the way before Middle School.

On his way

2010-09-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

This little guy is on his way, he will be starting School next Tuesday. We are excited for this new adventure. I love watching my children grow up. Some stages I'll miss, but for the most part I know it's just LIFE. The other kids are all adjusting to School, I no longer have to carry Jacob crying on the bus. Rebekah is in her last year at Elemetary. Russell just started Cubs, he's back at Piano lessons, and Rebekah is playing better then ever.

SeaWorld San Antonio

2010-09-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

We went for the full day, from opening until closing. Everyone enjoyed it. Except for when we were soaked at the shamu show, Jeremy screamed for about half an hour after. LOVE THAT PLACE!

Back in School!

2010-09-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

Three in School, and Jeremy goes in a month. We have very busy mornings, but once there out the door it's so quiet, Jeremy gets very lonely with out the siblings around:)

JaCoB's Birthday!

2010-09-07T10:25:00.001-07:00

Jacob had a great birthday, he had Christopher over and they went and played lazer X.

Russell's Baptism

2010-07-06T14:08:00.001-07:00

Russell was baptized on the 19th of June. He was so excited to be baptised. We are so proud of him, for making this great step in his life.

Jacob's Preschool Grad 2010

2010-06-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

Time is going fast, I held Jacob back a year and sent him to Pre K. instead of Kindergarten, well he's done and off to Kindergarten this fall. Jeremy will be attending preschool also, I can't believe how fast the time is flying by. The Preschool is run by high school students which I totally promote, since I did that myself my senior year. Jacob had Miss Steph and Miss Madi, they were great with him.

My first Triathlon: 275 Meter Swim, 13.5 mile bike, 3.3 mile run

2010-05-26T11:09:00.001-07:00

I had it on my to do list, but didn't think it would be this year. I had a friend ask me to join her and so I did. It was amazing. Some points of the race were hard. Like running up a hill right after you just biked 13.5 miles, AND I made the mistake of getting into the water before the race, I already had anxiety about the swim, so when I got in to try it out and realized how fast the current was going, and I have to swim it in just a few minutes, totally freaked me out. They announced that anyone who isn't a strong swimmer might want to just do the bike/run, They shortened the swim because it was going to fast, but I didn't back out, I thought I was going to faint, all the blood rushed down to my feet and I just did it anyway. It was over coming my fears and accomplishing this huge goal of mine, I was pleased with my time of 1 hour 40 min. Of course now I want to go and beat my time. Thanks Girls, it was so much fun can't wait to do another one with y'all!!

More pictures - Easter Weekend

2010-04-09T10:30:00.001-07:00

The kids loved Mckinney falls, they loved jumping off the cliff, that night we went to a carnival and rode a few rides and played a few games. I didn't know that my kids were so good at playing darts. It's always fun to go away and discover new places.

Mckinney Falls

2010-04-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

2010-04-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Russell looses his first tooth!

2010-03-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

As you all know, my kids teethed very late, we are still waiting for Jeremy to get a few front teeth still. It has been a blessing because they all have good strong teeth, I guess the later you teeth the later you will loose them. So he will be eight in a few months and finally got his moment.

Jacob's half birthday

2010-03-24T16:57:00.001-07:00

Since Jacob has a summer birthday, his preschool makes sure they have a chance to celebrate it during the school year as a half birthday. We ended up spending the whole morning at the school Mrs Whinery invited Jeremy to play along at the playground, and do there letter lesson. It was a fun morning with his class.

San Antonio

2010-03-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

We took a break from life here, and drove to San Antonio, we went on the river walk, watched the St. Patty's Parade, went into the museum and on the tomb ride.

HOME SWEET HOME

2010-02-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

It was such an awesome time going home by myself, I really had a lot of time to refect on my life and learn a lot about who I am, and what I'm striving for. Without kids yelling and crying and demanding my every minute, I think all mothers need this. I really had great one on one talks with my Dad about the scriptures. visited family and old friends who I love so much. Shopped with Mom and Jess. Went Sledding and tried snowboarding with Ken and Matt. Laughed and cried about old memories and all the great childhood fun that we use to have. My kids survived too, Grandma Rice barely survived, she was really sick, while I was away. She is now vacationing in Mexico. Hope she comes home feeling better (THANKS LOIS!)

My family in New Brunswick

2010-01-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

I made it home safe and sound, Enjoying every minute.

Happy Anniversary to ME! (2 YEARS)

2010-01-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

2 Years ago today, I joined the LA Fitness gym here in Cypress Texas, I automatically fell in love with working out there. Weird and crazy I know. I feel mentally freshened after each work out and after each inch lost. I have amazing friends coaching me and complimenting me, which kept me going. I have lost a total of 45 lbs, and gained a lot more energy!

Christmas PJ's all homemade

2009-12-24T08:21:00.000-08:00

I think they all turned out, Jeremy's are a bit big, but he will grow into them. It was fun to sew again. It had been a while.

Kids all dressed up!

2009-12-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

These are the cuties that I love, all dressed up!

Getting ready for Christmas

2009-12-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

Jacob's School Party

2009-12-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

Park Creek Christmas party 2009

2009-12-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

The kids had fun at our first community Christmas party, Santa came in a fire truck and there were hotdogs and bouncy place to play in. The kids loved it, even though we all froze.

Houston ZOO

2009-11-30T18:14:00.001-08:00

The kids had a blast last Saturday at the Houston Zoo. We got to see most of the animals. It was a cooler day here, so it was a perfect day to go out and play.

Rebekah gets new glasses and kittens.

2009-11-13T12:26:00.001-08:00

Rebekah failed the eye exam at school, so I needed to get her in and get her eye checked. I was hoping she had another year or that she had her dads eyes. Well she picked out some really cute frames. She also has been wanting a kitten, when James had a client with kittens we decided to check them out, the kids just loved them, now that we no longer have a dog, the kids have thought they needed a pet ever since, poor fish they get neglected, but the kids really enjoy these two, one is playful and the other is cuddly. There names are Lily and Roxy.

Family Pictures 2009

2009-11-07T15:20:00.001-08:00

This was our first try to get some Christmas pictures, the kids barely cooperated, it was tough but I got a few good ones, maybe next year we can hire someone.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

PLAYING AROUND IN PICNIK

2009-10-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

I was just informed about this fun editing online program called picnik. http://www.picnik.com/app Rebekah and I did a fun photo shoot a few weeks ago, she was a great photographer. I have lost a few pounds along with my friends. We are doing a biggest looser. Which will be done in a few weeks. I am happy with my weight, and continue to eat healthy and work out 3-4 hours a week.

Creativity Night: Bow making

2009-10-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

This is the bow Lisa taught us how to make.

I saw a flower bow online, and tried to copy.

My friend Lisa had

creativity Night at her house,

she taught us all how to make cute bows.

I went home and made a few more with Rebekah.
I hope she wears them, because they are so cute!

Lisa has a business and sells them,

she makes the cutest bows ever.

Rebekah turns 9

2009-10-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Her new skates

The birthday Cake

Rebekah and her gifts.

Rebekah posing by the garden.

Garden update!

2009-09-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

We have had tomatoes and watermelon out of the garden this year, they were very yummy. I just planted cabbage, lettuce and broccoli. Hoping that we can eat those this fall. I also planted two trees a mangerine and a peach. We will see how long that takes until we see any fruit.

Surfside beach

2009-09-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at the beach for Labor Day.

Random cuteness.....Jeremy

2009-09-05T15:00:00.001-07:00

Aug 24th, First day of School

2009-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Rebekah is going into Grade 4 and Russell is going into Grade 2. They are excited to go today, hope that lasts for at least the rest of the week.

Splash Town/Jacob's 5th birthday!

2009-08-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

We had a fun day, we got to Splash Town early so we didn't have to wait in long lines for at least the first few hours we were there. Rebekah is our dare devil she went on the Texas freefall. Russell went on all of them but that one and the Tornado he's just not tall enough yet. They all had a good time, until Russell got lost. He wasn't lost that long, but to him it felt like forever. We came home and had a few friends over for hotdogs and cake.

Finally!

2009-08-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Jeremy has been hanging out in his room quite a bit, and not because he's been in trouble. They are finally building a house on the lot next to us, because of the drain on that lot, it has been a hard sell. After 2 years they are finally adding a house. I am excited to no longer get a bunch of weeds in my yard. Jeremy is excited too, he has been watching all the action any time he hears a truck or tractor he runs back in. The kids counted 7 dump trucks the other day naming all the colors. They too are excited to see Mighty Machines coming by.

dear life.... she has amazing talent, I am even looking into photography classes because she has inspired me.

2009-08-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

http://janalaurene.blogspot.com/ Take a look, she is having a contest~

Jerry and Jamaica tie the knot!

2009-07-26T18:59:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful day for a wedding, Bishop Bitter did a great job with the ceremony. Everyone looked great. The cake turned out great, thanks Sandra for your help.

Happy Tenth Anniversary James!

2009-07-17T08:31:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrate 10 years, how time flies when you have someone by your side, who you love. Looking forward to many many more years with you.

Vacation 2009

2009-07-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

This was in our tent.

Shannon

Scott and Ammon

Me getting ready to jump

Sunset at Lake Powell

Rice Family

Jason, Shannon and the crew!

Andrea and her amazing jump!

Grand Canyon

Justin

Jeremy and Justin

Jared and Daniel

Jerry and Jamaica and the crew!

JUMPING ON JUNK!

Proud to be.....

2009-07-01T09:27:00.001-07:00

Happy Canada Day, to all my family and friends back home.

Happy 4th of July to everyone here celebrating it with us.

First Fondant Cake

2009-06-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun, making marshmallow fondant and playing around with it. I made a white cake with strawberry filling, It's far from perfect, but it tasted so good.

Here comes TROUBLE!

2009-06-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

Life has been pretty exhausting these days, now with all the kids home, Jeremy has been getting into everything! It's non-stop, loosing keys, painting walls with white out, dumping bubbles everwhere, dumping out the gas in the weed wacker, picking keys off of our friends laptop with a butter knife, letting the dog out and going for a walk with him, bleaching my bedroom carpet, watering my living room, coloring walls, broke piano key and colored it blue, killed the fish (dish soap) painted my bathroom with pink nail polish. Sounds like I don't even watch the kid, but the truth is, he's soooo sneaky, he waits until I am not in sight. These are the days of my very last terrible two, It's a good thing he's very CUTE!

POOL PARTY/BARBEQUE!

2009-06-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

Our friends the Erickson's and the Stanton's were over for a swim and a barbeque. The kids got a long great and had so much fun.

School is finished....YIKES!

2009-06-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

The calm days are over, it will no longer be the 3 of us, but the 5 of us all day. All ready today I had to break up a few fights. Fun Times!

Since we are budgeting more, I now cut the boys hair, to save $$. I am getting better and better. Russell is still hesitant. I actually started after Jeremy got a haircut, I asked to keep his curls, and the lady cut them off. I figured it was time, so I've been doing it for 3 months.

Russell turns 7

2009-05-15T09:53:00.001-07:00

Notice the cake, the icing melted during the 5 minutes it took to get from the store to my van to home. Oh well it tasted great.

Our latest update on Russell, is that he is trying very hard to improve his reading. I had a chat with his teacher last month, he struggles to stay on task. After doing more research on ADD, I discovered a natural remedy called focus, for this specific problem. http://www.nativeremedies.com/products/maintain-concentration-focus-formula.html?ysmchn=GGL&ysmcpn=Google+Main&ysmgrp=ADD+Split+Test+Phrase&ysmtac=PPC

We have this daily communication sheet between the teacher and I , it either has an F - for not focusing or a T - for talking. OR a smily face for a good day. Since being on the product, (it comes in a liquid we mix it with juice, twice a day) he has only had 1 F. This is huge since for the first week and a half he got F's and T's. It's helped his self confidence big time. We are so proud of him!

Slip 'N Slide

2009-05-04T18:58:00.001-07:00

The kids needed something to do, so we got this Slip N' Slide water toy. It was actually a lot of fun. I had to show them what to do, but once they figured it out, it was non-stop fun. It came with a surf board but it didn't work as well as just running and getting a big splash.

My baby is trained!

2009-04-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

So for Jeremy's reward this week for staying dry, he picked out this lion bubble blower. It's very cute. He has been doing so well, and on his own. I don't have to ask him. When he had a BM today all by himself, that is when I knew he really is TRAINED, Yippie!

The Garden

2009-04-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

It's pouring outside at the moment, I took these pictures just a few minutes ago. The garden is coming along nicely.

Our little cowboy

2009-03-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

Rebekah dressed up Jeremy in his rodeo gear, all ready to go. We really had plans to go, but I woke up one morning with severe back pain, and sciatica. I've been taking 20 pain killers a day just to cope. I pray that I will recover from it soon. I do have great kids, they take care of one another and help me while I rest.

My BFF came to visit!

2009-03-24T09:18:00.001-07:00

It was so great having the West family come over for a visit. Kay has always been such a great friend of mine. I'm so glad we were able to catch up, and have another great time together. I look forward to many more. -LOVE YA KAY.

Rebekah and Russell start piano lessons!

2009-03-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

These are a few pictures of the kids practicing on the keyboard, they just started taking lessons, we are hoping they will keep learning and then we can get a real piano. We also had stake conference yesterday and here are pictures of the family.

Russell on air guitar!

2009-02-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

Some ask why I don't have many pictures of Russell on here, well he is usaully hard to track down for a picture. Here he is before School. It was class picture day. He is complaining about how often he gets into trouble at School these days. I guess his teacher has given enough warnings. Off to the Principle's office he will go, one of these days. He's our class clown.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T08:33:00.001-08:00

Jacob helped me make this special treat for Daddy. Hope you are enjoying lots of sweet things as well.

Tooth Fairy makes a visit

2009-02-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Rebekah lost her third tooth, a top one. Yippy. She was very excited since most of her friends have lost like 8. We are a little slow at growing teeth in this family. Jeremy just cut through his second bottom front tooth this week and he's two. Which means my kids loose them a lot later, which is actually a good thing.

Rebekah left the tooth fairy a note...My tooth, please give me $5 or $1. Thank you.

Relay for Life!

2009-02-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

If you want to help me and my team raise money for Relay for Life in memory of Ethan. Please go to:

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/hollyrice It is going to a great cause to fight cancer. I will be walking with my team from 7pm - 7am on April 24th.

Husker Hates having his picture taken

2009-02-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

We got Husker for James on his birthday, we got him from our local shelter. He has been the best dog ever, minus the holes he dig's in our back yard. He loves the kids, stays outside most of the time and takes me for a run when ever he thinks I need one, or vice versa. Here are some pictures from today. He was not pleased!

Driving is a lot of work!

2009-02-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

This happened after church. We got home and Jeremy went outside, rode the jeep around. Next thing I notice was, he was asleep.

Tag your it. RIGHT NOW!

2009-01-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

Right Now:
Out of my window: Dark night, stars up above.
I am wearing: Cords and an old navy quarter sleeve, violet shirt
I am hearing: My kids helping each other do homework.
I am thinking: About my Immigration Interview next Tuesday.
I am thankful for: My husband, my children, our home, my family, my Savior, my dog.
I am creating: a Garden.
I am going: To the Lawyer's office in the morning.
I am hoping: That this year will bring lots of great blessings.
I am reading: Matthew Ch.10
Around the house: LOTS TO DO!
A few of my favorite things: Cycling, hiking and spending time with the family.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Get things prepared for Budget Night next week for Relief Society.

Our baby turned 2!

2009-01-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

Our munchkin is now 2, where has the time gone. I am usually so excited to celebrate milestones, but my heart is a bit sad that my baby is growing up.

Grateful for.....

2009-01-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

Draper UT Temple

Did you all get a chance to listen or watch this:
http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6616644
It was great to hear Elders Quentin L. Cook and Russell M. Ballard from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speak out for our church. I am grateful that we have this amazing faith, to keep us in tune with what is important in life. I love my family, and hope that with what is going on in the world today, they will always know that they can turn to the Lord for peace, and know that our Eternal Family is what is truly important.

A few pictures from the weekend

2008-12-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

My favorite ornaments on the tree

2008-12-14T16:42:00.000-08:00

Grandma Rice made these for the kids last year for Christmas. I love them. It will be fun to put them up every year.

What happens when you crash into your brother?

2008-12-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

Poor Russell, has an eye injury. Thanks to Jacob.

I guess they should listen to Mommy and not run in the house next time.

It's snowing in Texas!

2008-12-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

So we woke up and it was a cold morning, the kids wore mittens, hats there thickest jacket which is a fleece. Around 3:30 it started snowing. It feels more Christmas like now, the best part is, it won't actually stay. It will get up to 70 by the weekend. Even still today it feels like home.

Mighty Minds!

2008-12-06T21:30:00.001-08:00

The grade 3 classes, put on a play about using there minds. Rebekah had a part on spelling, she did a great job.

The Cold Play concert was awesome!

2008-11-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

James and I got to go to Cold Play last night, thanks to my neighbour/friend Cynthia who babysat for us. (It was to late in the evening for a young teenager to be up on a school night.) It was a great concert. There opening acts sucked, but it was still worth it to see them live.

Who loves The Twilight Series....ME

2008-11-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

Twilight : Thinking Aloud! : CafePress.com

You can order shirts from this website that say things like, All I want for Christmas is Edward or Twilight Addict . It's pretty clever. I really loved the books. I did nothing for a whole week. My family was very happy when I was done. I know I'm looking forward to the movie coming out next week.

Houston Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town > Copperfield Sun > News

2008-11-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Houston Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town > Copperfield Sun > News

James got in local cooperfield paper. Take a look.

Interactive Classroom Makeover Contest

2008-11-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Interactive Classroom Makeover Contest

Help our school get $25,000 worth of technology! Please Vote it ends Friday, Nov 14. Once your on the home page, scroll down to the K-5 Finalists and our school is the 4th one down. Our school is Black Elementary, in Cypress, Texas. Thanks everyone.

At the park!

2008-11-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

The kids love riding there bikes to the park that is a neighborhood near by.

Halloween 2008!

2008-11-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

Rebekah

Russell

Jacob

Jeremy

No more training WHEELS!

2008-11-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

After Jacob learned how to ride his bike without training wheels, there was no way that Russell was going to sit back and watch, he tried so hard to keep up. Now both of them are great at it.

Russell the artist

2008-10-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

Russell painted this in Kindergarten, he had it diplayed at our school division all summer. So as soon as I saw it I was amazed at the job he did. I must say our kids do have some talent when it comes to painting. Rebekah won an award in Kindergarten for a painting she entered in the Claresholm fair. Maybe I will let them take those Art lessons they are both wanting to take.

A Wonderful Beginning!

2008-10-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Rebekah was baptized on Sunday, it was a beautiful day watching her make this choice and to have this new beginning. We are proud of her for all her choices and she is a great example to her brothers.

Rebekah's Birthday!

2008-10-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Rebekah had a great day with her friends, Megan, Hilda, Ashlynn, Alyssa, Savannah, and Madi. They started by making a scrapbook page, then Grandma Rice drew there picture, which they added to the page. Rebekah got 4 new webkins, 2 barbie's, flip flops, shirt, flicka the movie, gumball penny bank, and 2 Jewelry boxes. We ate pizza and had cake and ice cream. It all went well.

Fallen Tree's are fun!

2008-10-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

The kids turned this fallen tree into a play ground, we knew it wouldn't last, but they enjoyed it while they could. Thanks IKE!

Jeremy got his first haircut!

2008-10-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

No more curls!

Still as cute as ever!

Rebekah is turning 8!

2008-10-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

We have a busy week coming up, Rebekah is having her 8th birthday party and baptism. So since we would be so busy next weekend, we thought it would be a good idea to get her ear's pierced this weekend. She has been anxiously waiting to turn 8, so that she could get them pierced. She was brave and is loving her cute pink earrings.

2008-10-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

So I finally figured out how to change things on my blog. I never have the patience enough to fool around with these computer programs. I would add pictures except for the past 6 months I have to upload them to the laptop first. Very frustrating since it's always with James. Hopefully in the next day or so I will show you what we have been up to.

HURRICANE IKE!

2008-09-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we faced reality in a hard way. It has been quite an active year for hurricane's, each time one comes close the media has you freaked out for the worse. Well this time it came! Luckily our community only had fallen trees, but we did loose the steeple of our chuch building. We had no power for 12 hours and then it went off again after 8 hours until the next morning. I am in charge of the Emergency Preparedess for our ward at church, so I have been busy these last few months being a good example and making sure I have a good food supply, mastered bread making and had 72 hour kits in place. I was told from past experience that stores have a hard time getting back to stocked shelves after a hurricane. So I went to Walmart today and sure enough it looked very empty. I am thankful that we are safe and were taught about the importance of being prepared!

Before & After

2008-09-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be a good idea for me to show you what I looked like a year ago, and then what I look like now. You all know I joined the gym 7 months ago, well I got hooked on Spinning class. I think it has changed me in a very good way. I make the time to go to the class 3 times a week. I lost 3 sizes and am hoping to maintain and tone from now on, and if more sizes come off that will be even better.

Welcome Olivia and Amelia!

2008-08-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yesturday was a very exciting time for the Straight Family, we had two babies born within an hour of each other. Analise, Paul's wife had gone into labour Sunday night, she finally delivered early Tuesday morning to Amelia Elizabeth 8lbs 9 oz she was two weeks early. Jessica, Matt's wife was very sad to think that her baby was never going to come. She was already 3 days over due, well after having a pitty party for herself because Analise was having her baby, she also went into labour and had Olivia Sky 7lbs 13 oz Tuesday morning.

New addition to the family

2008-08-07T21:39:00.001-07:00

Here is Husker our new Dog, he is 2 1/2 and very well behaved. We got him from our local shelter. We have already gotten attached to him. The kids are eagerly waiting to be old enough to walk him.

Sprint for Life

2008-07-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

This was back in May. I ran my first 5 k. It was so much fun I ran with two friends from church. The challenge we faced was it was a run/walk race so when we got there late, and registered then realized we were stuck behind the walkers we were disappointed and wanted to run the race, so me being the competitor I am. Decided to run pass the walkers, every time I hit a marker I would ask how close I was to the running groups, they would say your just a few minutes away. So we all ran fast and eventually caught up. Our time says we finished in 42 minutes but we know we ran it a lot faster because we had a 15 minute last start.
I can't believe my progress since May. I am still attending the Cycling class and am loosing more and more inches each week.