Catching up

Wow, It has been too long since I have posted, I keep saying I will do it, but then something else comes up!

December 9th

After shopping on line for many days, I realized that shoping online is not my thing and I decided to go to Cabela's myself-at least that was the plan until Casey had to come a long and pick up a gun that he had ordered. He knew I am getting him a gun safe for Christmas, but he didn't know which one, until he crashed my Cabela's party. I was so excited though because I wheeled and dealed with the sales person and manager and got the safe for 10% less than the sales price. Somebody stop me!!

Thanksgiving 2008

Over Thanksgiving we made the trip to Idaho once again to celebrate the holiday with Casey's side of the family this year. We had a lot of fun and ate way to much (which is easy to do especially when we had almost as many pies as people!) With Casey's family over the weekend we payed cards, shot guns, shot bows and arrows, and watched movies. On black Friday, I had my traditional early morning shopping trip with my sister and Mom (for part of the time). We started out at 4:30 in the morning and went to Walmart in Burley, and then on to Twin Falls were I found quite a few good deals, but not as many as years past, but that did not hold me back from spending more than I should have!! It's alright, it only happens one a year and it's only money!!

After shopping we went to my Dad's house where he had his mechanical bull set up in his shop for the kids, ha ha (although you should see Casey on that thing he should have been a cowboy, or maybe not. Ye Haw!!)

When we had had enough of the bull we headed back to the Bradshaw's where it was hot chocolate and donuts as if the calories from Thanksgiving weren't enough, yum yum. Saturday we visited Lisa so our kids could play with their cousins, after that Casey and I went on a date and saw the new James Bond movie. We told everyone that we were going to go and "bond", Lisa piped up and said aren't you already pregnant?! We had to clear that up real quick and let them know it was only a movie! This weekend we also told everyone the news that we are expecting our forth baby in July! After the movie we went and visited my Mom. Sunday after church we met my Dad and headed up to the mountains for the annual cutting of the Christmas tree. This is a fun tradition for our family to cut our own tree, the kids like hiking all over the mountains looking for the perfect one.

For family home evening the other night we had a lesson on helping thoughs less fortunate and we asked Kolby and Shelby if they would be willing to pick one of their presents to give to someone who didn't have anything. I told Kolby to be thinking about it and it was pretty obvious he was having a hard time with the thought of giving up one of his presents. Shelby on the other had was just like "ya sure". After a little thought, Kolby piped up and snapped his fingers and said, "I know, lets turn our garage into Santa's workshop and make them a present." We said that was a good idea, but after a few visual aids he began to understand that he was still going to get some presents, it was just one present we were asking him to give away.

November 8th 2008-Dad and son outing

Casey took Kolby to the BYU football game today to see BYU win over San Diego State. It was fun for them to spend some time together. They got hot dogs, some candy, and Casey even got Kolby a big foam cougar claw to waive around. I think we have just started a new tradition!

Right after the game we took an emergency trip to Idaho to see Casey's Grandpa Bradshaw who is not doing good. He has heart troubles and the doctors have given him a few weeks to maybe a month to live. As of this date (December 10th) he is still with us, but is not expected to make it to Christmas. We were able to go and talk with him and Grandma and Uncle Terry who was there helping. He had definitely taken a turn for the worse compared to when we saw him last, but he has not been in good health for a long time and is ready to be done with his suffering. It is sad to see our parents and grandparents getting older, but that is just a part of life!

Halloween 2008

What kind of Mom would schedule a dental appointment for a 3 year old where she would have to be sedated to have 6 cavities fixed on Halloween morning. I'll tell you who, ME!! Although it sounds cruel, the doctors assured me that she would be fine by that night and they were right. She was able to walk and run all over the neighborhood (even in the rain) with a bag of candy so she can gear up for her next dental appointment! The night was fun, we started out with our tradition of bread soup bowls with homemade chili and then went trick or treating all over our neighborhood. We even were able to stop at Casey's favorite house, the Perry's for some homemade donuts!

Cause Its a Girls Night Out

OCTOBER 16 2008
I had my 1st ever girls night out and it was so much fun. Myself and 3 other friends, Robyn Wooten, Laurel Garrett, & the one the planned it all CarryAnn Rowley, took off for St. George, Ut. on Thursday and left the hubbies behind with the kids. I told Casey that it was a "business" trip. Our 1st meeting was held at the Tuicon theater where the seminar was about Les Miserable. The speakers did very well and weren't even dry. Carry Anne was so excited b/c she thought we had front row seats, but it turns out row FF is the very back row. They were still great seats but we did have to give her alot of heck for that.

While I was on my business trip we had our ward Halloween party. I was bummed that I missed it, but sometimes you have to take care of business first! Casey was brave enough to take the kids to the party by himself and he even dressed them up pretty cute!

The Mighty Hunters

October 1, 2008

Shelby had the choice in the summer whether or not to take a karate class with Kolby or just watch and take a Tumbling class later. She decided to wait though sometimes that was really hard on her. So now on Tues. she goes to her dance class and loves every min. of it. She is sooo cute in her little outfit too.

OCTOBER 6 2008
I never thought the day would come but finally the braces came off & now I have to act my age and no more excuses. If only that was all now I still have to do the implants.

OCTOBER 9 2008
After an absence of hunting in the beautiful Idaho mountains we are back. Casey and I left the kids with Grandma and went hunting with my dad and brother Justin & his son Logan (10yrs.)
We had a blast. Casey filled his tag the 1st day and caught alot of guf from this because it was a spike. He would always come back with, make fun all you want but I'm the only one who has got one. Justin said he thought after Casey shot oh crap he just shoot a doe. I was excited for him none the less, this was his 1st deer and it was a (small) buck.

j/k it was pretty good size for a spike. We saw quite a few more right before it got dark but didn't fill any other tags. I got made fun of b/c earlier that morning I saw a buck & tried to get closer to it b/c I wasn't sure how far away I could shot & drop it but in the process of getting closer it gave me the slip. So being outright mad at myself we decided to stay one more day & give me one more shoot. Unfortunately I didn't clear my name but only made it worse b/c my brother was yelling at me to shot it its a buck trace and I could see it clear as day but I had my dads gun which is a nice gun I just wasn't used to it and when i pulled up i couldn't find the deer through the scope. Needless to say I decided that before next year I will be caring my own gun and I will have practiced alot with it so watch out.... I'm comin' back next year to get that slippery sucker and he better be alot bigger too.

Bills, bills, bills

Sept. 28, 2008
The kids and I were glad to get our daddy back from Kentucky late on Thursday. In fact I was so glad that when he got home @ midnight that we stayed up talking for a few more hours about everything that happened w/ both of us while we were apart. Casey says everything in Kentucky is looking very promising and as long as oil is high and the pumps are pumping out the black stuff we will get the green. I like that kind of talk.

Kolby and Shelby had dental appointments and man teeth are expensive. When all said and done, it will cost us around $500 for Kolby and Shelby will be $900-$1,000 dollars. I told my dentist because of my bills to him we will never be able to stop working & can kiss the idea of ever being able to retire goodbye. Oh but just look at those smiles they are worth every penny.

On Saturday Casey left in the morning to go with the young men in our ward to a Turkey Shoot & the kids and I did our Saturday chores. Kolby & I had a long talk about getting our chores done before we play. He is a good cleaner and does his chores well, Shelby on the other hand drags her feet constantly and thinks she needs somebody "helping" her no matter what the task is. Looks like Cooper listened to my little pep talk and is starting early or at least I am crossing my fingers. When Casey got home we had ourselves a visit from Aunt Cindy & Grandma Joy. Grandma & Grandpa just got back from a trip to Scotland & came bearing souvenir gifts and stories. Then I went to the General Relief Society broadcast. It was a good meeting as always.

FAITH OF A 5 YEAR OLD
On Sunday I made some Carmel corn then later when we were nearing dinner we were deciding what to make Casey suggested scones and Navajo tacos b/c and I quote, "I'm feeling especially skinny today." So we fried away including a blooming onion as well. mmm mmm it was tasty were just tring to put on a few extra layers for the winter so we can stay warm.

Kolby gave a talk in Primary today. It is his favorite thing to do, infact he seems to always be assigned the talks so we are running out of ideas. I thought it would be a good idea for him to share a testimony building experience that he had himself. He said, "one time I was at school & my mom was getting some gas. Shelby, Cooper & mom hurried home to meet me at the house when I got done with school. A min. after I got home Mom said," everyone in the car, hurry, hurry, hurry! I lost my wallet at the gas station." When we were in the car mom said she was scared she wouldn't find it & it had important stuff in it. So I asked my mom if I should say a prayer cause when I am scared I say a prayer & Heavenly Father helps me feel better. She said it was a great idea, so I did. I told mom after the prayer that I had a good feeling but then we couldn't find it at the gas station so mom said that we all need to look for it on the road as we drove home. And I decided that I should say another prayer and ask Heavenly Father to help us find it. Even though I was nervous I told my mom that I thought we would find it & she said i hope so buddy. We still couldn't find it so when we got to our home I said maybe we should go inside and look and she said good idea. So we all went inside and right after we did the phone rang. Mom said it was a lady & she found her wallet. We were so excited we all went to get it and told Kathline Thank you for being honest & told her she was an answer to our prayers. I know Heavenly Father hears my prayers & helps me find things & helps me not be scared." Kolby has got quite a big testimony for a little guy, it does my heart good to know this. Infact just a couple days ago he couldn't find a toy he was searching for. It was getting late and I just wanted him to go to bed. I said i would find it after he went to bed so he could have it in the morning. And then he snapped his fingers and said ahh I know, we can just say a prayer. So he did and about a min. later he found it. Such great amounts of faith he has already at age 5 (almost 6). We are so proud of him and the young man he is becoming.

Making Memories!

September 19, 2008
This time of the year is my favorite time to be in the mountains and we were going to go camping this weekend but b/c of uncertanty of the weather we decided to stay a little lower for the weekend. We headed up little cotton wood canyon for a couple hikes. The 1st hike was short & a little rocky for little legs. At the end of the hike was a waterfall.

Then just across the road was our 2nd hike which was a longer but easier hike for the kids and at the end across a creek was an old milling building (very cool.) On the way back down of this hike we had a race, Kolby got to say were each race started and ended so you can guess who won every time. On this hike we all found a great hiking stick, even Cooper. Then we went and found a picnicking area & made a fire and made hot dogs & roasted smores. It rained on us a little but all & all very nice hiking weather. We had a blast! Quoting Kolby,"this is an awesome day." And so it was just that...an awesome day.

September 20, 2008
We had planned to sleep out on the tramp last night but on the way home from our picnics Kolby didn't feel well & they all fell to sleep. which was a good thing b/c it rained cats & dogs pretty much all night. We made up for it by making German Pancakes (the kids favorite) for breakfast. Every Sunday Kolby gets to go help Casey prepare for the sacrament with the young men in the ward & Shelby gets so sad every week b/c she doesn't get to go. Well, she & I had the opportunity to go clean the church together. She was so cute and she would say, "I'm such a good cleaner huh mom." Sunday when it was time for Casey to leave on Sunday it will be a bit easier b/c she had her turn & now its Kolbys. When Shelby and I got home we all went for a bike ride on the Jordan River trail. It was really pretty and fun too. I told Kolby if he won us all that I would make us all fresh peach milkshakes. mmm mmm they were tasty too. Another great day with the family.

***The other day we went to the book mobile to check out some books and Shelby found a video she wanted to check out (the little princess, ofcoarse) she said to the librarian, " we are going to get this, is it on sale?" Oh boy, a fellow coupon shopper in the making.

A Legacy lives on

I think the last post was about our camping trip to Yellowstone & Island Park which was a blast. So I will pick up from there. Casey's brother Richard got married to Caitlin in the Logan temple Aug.16,2008. We had a night off because of my dad took the kids for us for a few hours & then my mom took them over night. Ahhh, there's nothing like a night off. My mom even took them swimming without swim suits & informed me later she was kicked out of the pool because Cooper didn't have on a swim diaper. Oh well, kids had a ball on their sleep over with grandma.
Then the next weekend Aug.23,2008, we zoomed once more to Rupert for the Twin Falls Temple dedication. That was fun, we've never been in the temple when it has been dedicated.

Aug.29, 2008. Then a few days after that Casey & I celebrated our 8 anniversary. We didn't do anything that night b/c Cooper was sick but we went to dinner & a play (Oklahoma) @ Thanksgiving Point. We both really enjoyed that & each others company, it has been a great 8 years & we are looking forward to many, many more.

Aug.30-Sept.1, 2008 We stayed put for Labor day weekend and we were ecstatic about that b/c we have been going so much it felt good to be home. We were going to take the kids on a little hike but the weather had other plans. It rained on and off pretty much all day. So instead they put on there rain boots & slickers and went around to neighbors distributing flyer's for our annual Dutch oven dinner in our back yard. Which was Sat. September 6. We had a lot off fun w/ friends & neighbors and Yummy food. Of coarse my cherry cobbler was voted #1 of the dutch oven desserts (so what if it was the only dutch oven dessert.)

SEPT.6, 2008 My brother Clint & I took off right after the party to go to Rupert because our grandma Garner wasn't doing very well and they didn't think she would live very much longer. So my little bro & i set off without spouses or children. Might I add this was the 1st night Casey has been alone w/ the kids w/out me since they were born (minus hospital stay while having another baby). It was awesome & especially b/c being with my bro. it was like going back in time. We turned up the radio, laughed, & even missed our exit to my dads house. We got there and my sister in laws face was plastered to the window & seconds later my dad was out in the yard b/c she thought we were drunk drivers. When it was time for sleep we all piled in the room were my older brother Justin proceeded to tell us as he was falling to sleep that he was hot & he couldn't help it, and my sister Gwen forgot how to stay on her side of the bed & stayed up talking to me tell way in the morning hours. Justin was our alarm clock & stunk us out of our beds. Clint and I hurried got ready & headed over to see grandma. When we got there grandma looked good & her mind was sharp. I guess the cancer didn't get everything. We walked in and immediately she said oh hi Tracy & Clint. Then she looked at me asked about me family & then Clint asked about his job search. We laughed as she told us a joke, then she confessed to Clint how bad she had felt when he was over for a visit once & she didn't have any goodies for him. She said she didn' t know what was taking Grandpa so damn long to come and get her. It was a great visit we had with Gram's for about one hr. then hospice came to bathe her so we went downstairs & about 15 min. later she passed. Either she was waiting for us or Grandpa must have heard her and decided he better listen to her plea or he would hear about it later. The viewing & funeral was Wed./Thurs. Sept. 10-11. It was a good service & was good seeing all my cousins, aunts & uncles. My sister in law, Jennete, had her baby boy on Tues. and all was well with them. Also throwing on more event in Kolby lost his 1st tooth on Sept. 10 right before bed while eating a peach. I have to say it was hard for me to go into my grandparents home and as instructed remove any gifts & pictures we gave to them. That was my second home & it was hard to see it all change so abruptly.
Grandma taught me a lot, she was an amazing homemaker. She taught me how to quilt though I will never will quilt like her. She taught me how to make hand dipped chocolates. She was an awesome canner and baker. She was very supportive and attend all my recitals & sports events that i can remember. She loved the out doors, fishing, camping, genealogy and her testimony was strong. And i will never forget once as a teenager she was out at our house one summer afternoon we were out in our shed working and grandma torn a nail and i was trying to repair it and my dad and I weren't seeing eye to eye on something that he said I couldn't do or go & of coarse I wanted to, anyhow Grandma said to my dad, "Oh, Ivan lay off of her she's a good kid, I remember someone that was a lot worse". I'll never forget that. There are many more memories i have of my Grandma Cherril Garner. I hope that I can be like her & I will continue to strive for that goal. She has big shoes to fill & it will be harder without her over my shoulder checking on my work but she was a good teacher so hopefully her legacy will live on threw me.

Sept.13 Casey & I went to the BYU/UNLV game, what a fun game & Casey totally called it, he said BYU was going to kill them. The end score of the game was BYU 59-UNLV 0. It was great weather maybe even to hot, especially with water $2.50 a bottle. Casey was so excited to go he went and bought us BYU shirts. He said the blue i was wearing wasn't the right color of blue. Now I'm ready.... GO COUGARS!

SEPT.14, 2008 Kolby lost another tooth. He is so excited that the tooth fairy came and now he has a chance to get more money. He is so cute b/c he can't talk quite right. Today Shelby was mad and didn't like what Casey was saying to her and said," dad, i JUST want a baby sitter!"
We had a good day we watched Lion King as a family, then went outside and played freeze tag! Kolby is pretty fast. We have fun kids.

Family reunion pics. and Richard's wedding and Twin Falls Temple

Here are some pictures of our family reunion and camping trip we had that I mentioned in our last post.

Tracy floating down the river

Tracy, Cindy, and Jenny braving the cold tempurature of "Warm River"

On August 16th Casey's little brother Richard acturally got married. We are still in shock ourselves! Richard is so shy, we wondered if he would ever talk to a girl, it is a good thing Caitlin took charge.

On August 24th we had the opportunity to go to the Twin Falls Idaho temple dedication. President Monson was there along with Elder Eyring. It was an awesome experience to be in the temple when President Monson was there. We were not in the same room as him, but it was a cool experience. I know the people of southern Idaho are excited to now have a temple of their own!

Family vacation

Because I (Casey) can not get Tracy away from her dang vampire book I am going to take care of this latest post. I am excited for her to finish this book so I can have my wife back. I guess I am not as cool as Edward because she has been spending a lot more time with him lately!!

It has been a very busy last couple weeks for our family. The last weekend in July we had the Garner reunion/spudman triathalon. We had the opportunity to watch family and friends run the triathalon from the comfort of Janice's house (they run through her back yard). Maybe in the next couple years Tracy and I can do it this race, I need to actually start exercising first! We then had a chance to go to Ivan's house and let the kids ride on the horse. As you can see, Cooper was smiling and having fun, but Shelby was not. Kolby through a huge fit so he didn't get to ride!








From the 3rd through the 10th we had a fun family trip to Henry's Lake in Island Park Idaho. We stayed at Tracy's Dad's cabin on the lake and spent time riding 4-wheelers, going to Yellowstone, fishing, floating the river, and just relaxing. It was lots of fun, but we didn't take any pictures because our battery was dead in our camera. After the cabin we went to the annual Cunningham reunion at Warm River. It was a lot of fun to see family, float the river, golf, and play cards. If we can steal some pictures from my Mom I will post those later. Last year on this trip it was the first with our camp trailer, this year went a lot smoother, we didn't even have to duct tape it together!!

On the 13th of August Tracy and I had the opportunity to chaperone the first day of youth conference. It was fun to spend some time with the youth in our ward. We spent most of the day in Salt Lake visiting some church sites.

July 10, 2008 we were cleaning up from dinner and Shelby was jumping around and hit her lip on the table even though the cut was on the inside of her mouth the band aid on the outside of coarse made it all better.

July 12, 2008 Casey and I always say if we can teach our kids anything it would be obedience and the value of hard work. I think its important to teach the love of hard work or rather the love of a job well done while they are young so this Saturday we worked hard with what I grew up specializing in "pulling weeds".

After awhile of weeds they were to pick the strawberries & raspberries. As it was getting closer to lunch most ended up in their mouths then in the bowls. Following their appetizer they both had an excuse to enter the house promising to come right back out. After a few min. I went into check on them only to find them actually preparing themselves some lunch. Kolby warming up some pizza & Shelby attempting to make herself a peanut butter and honey sandwich. I'm not sure if their learning value of work but i guess their learning something!

July 19, 2008 Kolby and Shelby tried something new. They were participants in the Draper rodeo as mutton busters. Kolby had a great ride and a lot of fun Shelby on the other hand wasn't so sure about the whole thing and mounted with assistance but didn't make it out of the pen. We had a great time Kolby would love to do it again but Shelby just likes to ride on daddy.

First time for everything

This is my first ever blog and because I am not too good with computers this is a big accomplishment for me! Now we'll see how long it takes me to post again. My main purpose for doing this to to use as a journal for my family so hopefully that will be my motivation to post a lot.