FiveKats

Dylan's Basic Graduation

2011-03-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Dylan after his Turing Blue ceremony. Doesn't he look sharp in his Dress Blues.

Hugs from everyone

Brothers

Boy do they look up to their big brother.

Dylan with Grandpa Marc & Grandma Linda

They met us in Chicago, we all flew to Alabama together and drove the rest of the way to Fort Benning Georgia. It was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed the extra navigational help. ha ha We would have been so lost!

They are ready to PLAY THE GAME

On the first day of boot camp all the soldiers had to run this hill with all of their gear. It's a lot steeper than it looks in this picture. Cole had heard the stories and Dylan challenged him to run it (without any gear). Cole DID IT! He did it with out any stops and the next picture is him at the top. Gabe did it next and made it all the way to the top too. Dylan was proud of his little brothers. :)

(even us OLD folks climbed it a LOT slower of course)

Way to go kido!

One of the next things they did was making them hold their ruck sacks above their heads and not touch their heads. Dylan relaxed for a second and let it rest on his head. OOPPS. Drill Sergeant caught him and threw his bag into the gravel pit and made him crawl for it. It was a hard first day and the thought of quitting crossed his mind a few times. Dylan is one tough kid, he did not quit, he kept going and he made his dream come true. He made it through one of the toughest boot camps they have and graduated a US ARMY INFANTRY SOLIDER.

Where Dylan spent 16 weeks with his battle buddies

The Barracks

His Platoon

Charlie Company 4th Platoon ROUGHNECKS

Dylan giving us the grand tour and showing us where he did all his training.

Celebrating with lunch

This was a real cool little Chinese Restaurant we found off base.

Dylan really liked Gabe's Fedora and bought it from him.

National Infantry Museum.

Amazing place

The row of flags has a flag for each state

Chillin at the motel after a long day. Isn't he a handsome young man!!

Dylan words can not express how proud your family is of you. You did something most of us would never be able to accomplish. You had your struggles but never gave up. You are everything I expect from one of our brave servicemen.

You are smart

You are brave

You are resolve

You are steady

You are consistent

You are a Untied States Solider

You are my son

2010-06-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

The Boys getting ready for the talent Show to day at school! They did such a great job!!!
Gabe played the bass! He is Amazing!

His friends played in the band too. Jonathan provided vocals, Tim played guitar, & Ian played the drums!

I wish I could figure out how to put the video up!!!

Keys to Success

2010-04-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Dylan was nominated my three of his teachers to participate in the Key's to Success program that Ken Graff's puts on for kids that are doing well in school. Each kid chosen gets a key, if your key starts the car, YOU WIN the CAR! You can imagine how excited Dylan was! He turned the key on Friday....his did not work. :-( Sad for him. But we took him out to lunch and sluffed the rest of the day together. It was a lot of FUN!

Here are some pics of the events. Of course it was raining so we had to do it indoors and with an inflatable car. But I don't think the kids cared.
Way to go Dylan!!!

Each person was asked why they were nominated....Dylan's answer was "Because I'm Cool"
Ha Ha What a ham! Then he said because of his grades!

He turned the key, but no car. Again Way to go Dylan!!!!

They had lots of other games too that other kids were able to participate in. It was a lot of fun.

2010-01-31T01:03:00.000-08:00

I decided to share because of some of the stories I read from people that have been through the same thing.
I was lucky and feel like I need to share.

These pics I have not let anyone look at.

I started taking Lamictial 3 weeks prior to my "break out" I got really sick about a week before I was hospitalized in July last year. It started like the Flu. I went home from work sick on July 20th and did not move from my couch for 2 days. Running a fever of 104 and not being able to bring it down. I went to the Doctor and he did some test and sent me home with strict orders to stay out of work until he knew what was going on or I got better. I told him I thought it was mumps because the last time I felt this bad was when I was a child and almost died.

I got much worse a few days later and my doctor could not get me in. I went to the ER and they told me it was the FLU most likely the Swine Flu and gave me Tamaflu and discharged me. When they were wheeling me out to my stepmothers car I passed out. I woke up to the wheeling me back into the emergency room and starting more tests. Once they determined I would "live" the sent me on my way. The next day I developed a terrible rash on my face and upper torso. I called my Doctor and let him know what was happening. This was on July 23rd. He brought in another doctor and they did not have a clue as to what was going on with me. (I have to say I love my doctor, he is a good family friend) They asked me to give them a little more time to figure this out and they would check with me again on Monday.

I went home with an over whelming feeling of dread. I KNEW something was not right. On the 24th of July, which is a holiday here, I had my husband take me to the hospital in Salt Lake City The University of Utah. Because a friend that is a nurse told me to stop messing around with small town hospitals and get my behind to a major hospital. I knew I needed to be seen at the University of Utah.

I asked my husband to call a friend and ask him to come and help give me a blessing. They did and we headed to the ER.

After a very long emergency room visit (in the hallway on a gurney) I was advised that I probably had Stevens Johnson Syndrome, however the test was expensive and painful, they did not do the test unless it was more severe and they wanted to try medication first. I was given steroids and if I remember correctly antibiotics. They sent me home and told me if the rash spread at all to come back immediately.

I got up early Sunday morning because I was in such discomfort I could not sleep. I did a lot of research on the dangers and the long-term effects of SJS and was very worried. When I got dressed I found my rash had spread. It covered my feet, entire face, my mouth, throat, pretty much my whole body except my legs below my knees (really weird I know) I woke my husband and asked him to take me back to the emergency room. He did and I was admitted within an hour. I was there for 5 days. I started in the burn unit and then move to a non-critical ICU, then to a regular hospital room. I was given Immunoglobulin product and replaces what is being damaged. I don't understand it all but I know it helped. Because of the cost they have to make sure you are improving or the insurance company will not pay for it if they continue the treatment. I was very lucky not to have been affected as bad as it could have been.

I was very blessed, it is usually much much worse. It has taken 6 months to get where I am today. I still get tired very easily but I have more energy than I did when I was first released. I have had no further breakouts and no side affects thus far. I do have to go in for a few tests this month to make sure but I do know things are better. I have a few skin issues but they are minimal.

The Lord intervened and spared me a lot of the trials, embarrassment and humiliation of this disease. I pray for all that are still struggling and dealing with the after affects. I am SO grateful I have a wonderful husband and friends that have the priesthood and can ask the lord to intervene in my behalf.

This was before I went to the ER at the U of U.

I did not take any more after this day. This was after visit one to the U of U.

http://www.sjsupport.org/index.shtml

2010-01-29T21:27:00.000-08:00

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

Then people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons: things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

I Love this thought. I don't know who originally wrote it but, I love to remember this when I am having a hard time
with past relationships. :-) God knows us and knows what we need and when we need it.

2010-01-01T17:49:00.000-08:00
The Newest addition to our family!

Welcome Abram & Wyatt

Proud new mom & dad!

It was a little stressful for a about a month for
the Miller family while waiting for the arrival
of the two little bundles of joy. My sister spent
a little over 4 weeks in the hospital on strict bed
rest. She went into labor at about 31 weeks, it
was such a miracle they waited as long as they did.
They were born Monday morning 12/28 at 8:09
& 8:10, weighing 5lbs 6oz each. Abram was born first
and was 19 in long, Wyatt was a minute behind
and was 18 1/2 in long. (I hope I got those right ;-) )
I had the opportunity to go to the NICU with
the boys and daddy right after they were born.
I spent about an hour with them and took some
great pictures, with my sisters camera. Wyatt
spent 5 hours in the NICU and Abram spent
about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Both babies are perfect and healthy.
What a wonderful experience! I feel so blessed that
my sister asked me to be there. Two be apart of
such a special event. She has been the
rock in my life and I don't think she realizes how
much I appreciate her friendship and support.

Welcome to the family Abram & Wyatt!
Love you sis!

2010-01-01T17:18:00.000-08:00
Merry Christmas 2009

Cole benching his new punching bag

Using the new gloves (OH MY What were we thinking!)

We got 2 sets of gloves & 2 mouth guards,
his grandparents got him 2 protective head gear!
At least that should minimize the damage, right?
LOL

Gabe received a new DSI for Christmas

Dylan received a new electric air soft rifle.

So Cute!!!

Our niece's Hannah and Samantha, Christmas Eve

Dylan was such a good sport. We played Curses
with Jason's family as teams and Jason & I were
to chicken to do the challenges, so Dylan did them.
We won the game! What an awesome young man
we have!

These boys and there airsoft guns.

Cousins Adam & Hannah and Aunt Kathy

Even little sis got in on the fun. She even went out and
shot it with the boys. You GO GIRL!

2010-01-01T16:03:00.000-08:00
Maddiline & Dylan hanging out. Maddi is playing a game on the Xbox and is getting really good!
Maddiline had fun with her cousins she climbed all over Cole for hours. Cole was very patient with her.

Dylan and Maddiline playing
Jason Holding our niece Trinity (5mo)
YUMMY CAKE!!!!
Dylan Blowing out his candles 18 WTH!!!
Cole & Trinity
Dylan on his Birthday 18 years old!

I can't believe Dylan is 18 years old. He picked a coconut cream cake. We played hookie from school and work, it is out tradition for the kids' birthday, we went and saw Avatar and took him to lunch. Normally Jason can't get the day off, but he was able to this year. It was a lot of fun. We had cake and ice cream at home with the family and relaxed the rest of the night.
On Saturday we had all the family over. We really enjoy the kids family parties, we love to get together with our family and visit with everyone.
As teenagers all ways do, he got cash for his birthday. He bought a wireless controller that he has been wanting for a while.

Happy 18th Birthday Dylan!

2009-10-18T09:53:00.000-07:00
We lost a member of the family this week and he will be missed. Picasso was the most mellow and gentle cat I have ever had. He loved to cuddle with the boys and he slept at mine and Jason's feet every night (it drove me NUTS) Dobie loved to chase him and they never warmed up to each other, or should I say Picasso never warmed up to him (Dobie love him and just wanted to play LOL). He loved to go outside and roll around on the ground. He always slept on his back, it was the funniest thing I had ever seen.
Thursday he went out and did the same thing he always did, rolled around on the ground and just hung out in the front yard. He sometimes liked laying in the road but ALWAYS moved when cars approached. We don't know if he feel asleep or wasn't paying attention or if someone else was not paying attention. But he was hit by a car and passed away. It has been a very hard week, but have comfort knowing he is some where better.
Picasso We love you & you will be missed.

Picasso 2006 - 2009

2009-07-19T13:15:00.000-07:00
Anna Beautiful New mom

Calvin My wonderful lil bro & New papa

Gabe & Trinity Jade

Dylan & Trinity

Cole & Trinity

Uncle Jason

New papa Calvin is SO proud

Auntie Heather

My crazy Dylan....He is such a ham!

Gabe just hanging out.

We drove to Rock springs and saw the new baby, Trinity Jade is a very beautiful addition to our family.

2009-06-14T08:38:00.000-07:00
Dylan's Big Day

June 12 2009 Dylan Scott Katsilas was sworn in as a United States Soldier. He will be going to Basic training July 2 2010. He is now a member of the United States Army Future Soldiers Program. Pending his graduation from high school next year Dylan will be going to Fort Benning Georgia to be trained as an Infantry soldier. He will have a military graduation ceremony that family will be invited to attend; but we will not have that information until he is in Fort Benning next year as to the date.

This is what he swore to....

I, Dylan Scott Katsilas, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

It was very moving. Jason and I only found out the night before we could attend. I was able to get work off, but unfortunately Jason was not.

It is bitter sweet, he is growing up so fast. He will be 18 in about 6 months. I just can't believe 18 years have gone this fast. But Jason and I are so very proud of the man he is becoming. He has grown up to much in the past year. I see less and less of the boy and more and more of the man.
Except of course when he is teasing his brothers. LOL

Chad, Dylan & Chet All Future United States Army Soldiers

2009-06-07T21:03:00.001-07:00
Check out my new blog too....

http://katsilasark.blogspot.com/

2009-04-20T20:56:00.001-07:00

He Passed!!!!!!!!!

Dylan passed his ASVAB test (military entrance exam test)
He will be going to boot camp this summer!

I can't decide to cry or cry or well cry is what I want to do...
my baby is not a baby. He has become a man.

2009-04-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

This is especially for the girls at work. Most everyone has heard the story about the rooster jumping on my head. I was not at a farm I was in front of my house leaving for a date with my husband. The neighbor kid Brennen was walking his rooster and we stopped to talk to him. At the same time I was asking him if the rooster was nice and it kept getting closer and closer. I asked him a few more times and then It flew at me. It landed on my shoulder and neck and I just screamed! LOL!! My HEROIC husband could only stop laughing long enough to get out his camera and snapped this perfect shot! (and I am glad I did because we both bust up over this still) The only thing better would be my scream attached to it. I seriously thought for a minute I was going to get my eyes pecked out!!! They no longer have the rooster, he was too time consuming and maybe a little worry some attacking poor old ladies minding their own business. lol

2009-04-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

I do not want to gross any one out. *********
So THIS IS YOUR WARNING **** If you have a weak stomach and do not like anything that is disgusting **do not scroll down after reading. This is the after math of one of Dylan and Cole infamous wrestling matches. And Dylan’s last words were, “well if you're going to wrestle me with the knife at east put the sheath on it, I don’t want to loose an eye.” LOL at least he was thinking of his safety right. HE is FINE by the WAY!! other than he has 21 stitches. I was getting ready up stairs for company coming for dinner(in less than an hour) and Jason was talking to me. Gabe came tearing up the stairs yelling for us in a panic that Dylan was bleeding. Yup the next few hours were in the ER. Imagine that!!! Lucky our friends were gracious enough that they just hung out with Cole and Gabe visiting and catching up and we ate about 10pm. What’s new around our crazy house. I LOVE my Crazy HOUSE, I LOVE my crazy kids even if they drive me crazy!! If you want to scroll down..

Keep Scrolling if you dare.......

This is just after seeing the first doctor
and we are discussing the possibilities of what bringing in a specialist means.......

This is after he is totally numb and he wants a picture for his friends and I am trying to stop the blood from getting in his mouth. It was pretty swollen.

Getting stitches, only Dylan's second set of stitches, 1st set was chasing Cole through our kitchen in Midvale slipped on a Lego and hit the Kitchen floor. I think, if I remember correctly that was 4 stitches and he was 4 or 5. Not to bad.

This is right after.
He thought it was way cooler than how he looks, I think at this point he was pretty beat, imaginable so.

2009-03-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

Dylan I love this pic of him.

Picasso hiding under the pillow. He
actually pushed me off the bed to have
this spot. Crazy cat!

Dylan's room.

Had to incorporate the Army
theme in his "new" old room.

It took 3 coats of paint to finish his
room. Love it though. Its much darker
than the pictures show.

2009-03-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

Cole & Ashlee 2/09 Cole's Birthday

Gabe's self portrait 2009

Dylan's studying for his ASVAB
3/2009

2009-03-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

Our new spare room. I have some touch up
painting to do and I need to get the bed
frame up and paint the dresser but other than
that this room is done. I still LOVE the colors
in this room.

This is Cole and Gabe's new Room. Gabe
picked it out the color. I have to say I was
a little worried when he first picked it out.
But I love it more than I thought I would.

I love the size of this room. We have the
two dressers in one closet. The Bo-Flex,
Tread Climber, 2 beds and 2 shelves, and
a ton of room in the center for them to
Jam on their guitars or work out.

2009-01-26T10:49:00.000-08:00
So we have been teaching the boys to cook. Every child should know before they get out on their own right. Well my kitchen usually looks like a hurricane hit it, I guess you could say the that's true X's 3. Hurricane Dylan, Hurricane Cole & Hurricane Gabe, in no particular order. LOL. So they have their favorite things to make, but last week Gabe decided he wanted to make Quesadilla's, while he was looking for the tortilla's he placed his pan on the stove and started to heat the pan. In the mean time he calls me because he can't find the tortilla's. Mind you I am on a call with a customer at work and can't get to the phone when he calls. I send him a text a little later and let him know if we have any where they will be. Turns out we didn't have any, man what a drag. So Gabriel goes and finds something else to do, I believe he went to watch TV. Now I know all you parents out there are thinking ok what about the pan on the stove. Yupp he COMPLETELY forgot about it. Now about an hour or so later the boys are all watching TV and they hear a big CRACK! Yupp our nice fairly new flat top stove shattered. I can imagine the tension in the air, poor kids. I am surprised he didn't have a heart attach. After discussing having to put $300 -$400 plus into replacing the flat top surface and the last thing we wanted is another glass top that will possibly break in a week or even another 4 years, we decided to buy a gas stove. I have to say I have a little apprehension about using gas, but I love the way it cooks so I am really excited as well! Well, Gabe will be able to tell his story forever he will always be able to say ya when I was 13 I cracked my parents stove and I survived. We did get a very nice set of Ginsu knives out of the deal so he is very excited about that! Crazy kids. Gotta love em, they keep you on your toes and keep life Very interesting! What we do with out them.

Jason had SO much fun putting this together!

2009-01-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

Our cute little Dobie!!

Dylan in his new Military Fatigues. (digi camo)
He bought them with his Christmas money.
Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

Look how cute we are. 19 years this May. Wow!

2008-12-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of our friends and family that made this Christmas the BEST Christmas we have EVER had! We have had an extremely tough year. We were not able to get the boys anything this year, but our wonderful family and an anonymous friend blessed the boys & Jason & I with a wonderful Christmas. The Christmas Spirit is always alive and well around the Holidays but this year more than ever thanks to wonderful Friends and Family.

2008-12-27T18:48:00.000-08:00
Family Christmas Party

My boys went home with a tone of clothes! My sisters spoiled them rotten. They needed it desperately! They were so excited! Thanks guys your the BEST!

More Games

Jason reading The Night Before Christmas.... Or should I say a REDNECK night before Christmas. We laughed so hard. I am not sue who went home with that one.

Tucker & Casey My Very cute single little Bro!

LOL Don't shot me Casey! Love ya

2008-12-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

This is our annual Family Christmas party. All of (well most of) the syblings get together for Christmas. We have this awesome game we play every year.

This year everyone was pretty broke so we did white elephant gifts. You all sit in a circle and the gifts are in the center. Everyone takes turns rolling the die. If you roll a 7 or an 11 you put on the oven mitts and choose a gift. Its is not quite as easy as it sounds and we all know what we are doing so we use extra tape. When the next person rolls a seven or an eleven the previous player has to stop unwrapping. The player that rolled the die now chooses if they want to take the present the previous person was unwrapping or get a new one. And so it continues, its makes it interesting because you can also steal someones open present. So if someone gets something you want you can take it when you roll a 7 or 11. But each present can only be taken 2 times.
So we have a lot of fun!

This is tucker giving it a go! He did a great job!

Gabe, He got a special car waxing kit. Sorry kiddo be a few years before you can use it on your car, but I think my car could use a wax.

Rachel, getting a pair of Cookie Lee earrings.

Jason M. He got a crepe maker.

It took Jason a few to find what was in this special big box, but he got a DVD, the Sandlot.

Gabe kicking back on uncle Brian's chair snuggling with Brilee's pink bear. Aaah.

Tucker playing with his Dinosaurs.

2008-12-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Dylan's 17th Birthday. Wow how time flies. He was born December 18th 1991 at about 8:41 am. He was 7lbs and 21 in long.

This is him with his Grandma Linda about 8 months old.

Dylan blowing out his 17 candles!

Opening his presents! I think he is a little spoiled. He got more cash that I ever have in my pocket. Oh to be a kid again. We bought him The Dark Night, The NEW Batman. He loved that movie, we all did, but Dylan did especially. We put it in a cereal box and wrapped it up it was great!

My TOO cute Niece's and Nephew Tuck eating birthday cake!

This is what Dylan both with his birthday money. It was a set a hand gun P99 and an MP5, The hand gun broke within the first few days so he returned it and be bought an all metal MP5. Much nicer and more sturdy.

Dylan is getting ready for WAR with a couple of his friends. Good thing there are all toys, I would be a little nervous!

2008-12-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

Yes this is a strange picture to put onto our blog. But it tells such a wonderful story, I wanted to share.

In short. About a year ago we had some things happen in our family that threw our lives into turmoil. It was a very hard and trying year. We were financially and emotionally drained.
A few months ago we had to go to our Bishop and ask for help. For the cupboard you see in this picture was bare.
We have been faithful paying our tithing and praying for a miracle.
We were in such a bad position, we were facing even loosing our home. Up until a few days ago we thought it might come to that. But our prayers have been answered in more than one way.
Each year Jason gets a Christmas bonus from his employer. Its how we buy Christmas for the kids. During a family council we had the boys told us that they didn't want anything for Christmas they just wanted to keep the house if it was at all possible. What a sacrifice for three wonderful boys. Christmas has aways been a very big deal in our home. (as with most of us parents) We tend to go a little overboard. I prayed about what to do and Jason and I talked about this in great length. We decided it was best to make sure we had our 3 months food storage in case things got bad again or any number of things we are supposed to be ready for.
Then for Christmas one set of my parents bought us food storage! How wonderful! They followed the spirit and helped us prepare. I am SO Thankful for them! We used most of our bonus and purchased a 3 month supply. We have only a couple of more things we need to be fully prepared and will have them next week. What a difference a month and the blessings of the lord make!
“When obedience ceases to be an irritant and
becomes our quest, in that moment God Will
endow us with power” --Pres. Ezra Taft Benson
AMEN!
I have seen the heavens open and the blessings pour out and we have not enough room to receive them or to store them.
We have parents telling us not to worry about our kids they will be well taken care of and my wonderful sisters as well. How much does one person deserve. I can tell you I want nothing more this year for Christmas! I have a wonderful family, my children are all healthy and happy and I have not enough room to receive the blessings the lord has given me. So in return I am letting everyone I know, know how grateful I am and how thankful I am!

Merry Christmas Everyone!
May the Light of Christ Fill your Lives this Wonderful Season!

2008-12-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

It has been crazy at our home the past few weeks. We Always put our Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving every year. This year we (meaning Dylan) put the tree up for Thanksgiving and put the lights on it. (fabulous job BTW) Our Christmas boxes have sat in our living room for the past hmm...... Almost 3 WEEKS! So today after church I decided it was time to get in the Christmas spirit and get the decor out!
Wow I am exhausted, and I just set up our village. The boys must have had 10 lbs of sugar each. They were bouncing off the walls. Finally we got the tree decorated, and I was told I could now make the necessary adjustments because I do every year after they go to bed. LOL how do they know. So we moved a few things around, only because the have not quite got the concept of spacing yet. They did a fabulous job!
Dylan, because he put the lights on this year got the honor of putting up the angel. The first time, as you can see from the picture was a little crooked. :-) So he made a few adjustments and now we have a lovely angel adorned at the top of our tree.
Then because they expended so much energy they were hungry. Surprised...I'm not these boys eat like they have not eaten in a week, and that's at every meal!
Cole loves to cook. So he made waffles, wow I didn't know kids could have so much fun cooking. I think the wound up on the ground wrestling more than standing and actually cooking. But it was nice not to have the worry of cooking tonight. Yeah!
What a crazy group we have here. But we love em!

2008-12-14T17:34:00.000-08:00

This Cole & Dylan getting their 2nd class Scouting rank December 3rd 2008. Great Job guys!!

This was the same night Dylan led the Color Guard. This was his first court of honor that he led his fellow scouts. He did a fantastic job!

Gabriel received the rank of Tender Foot. Fantastic work Kid-O!!

How blessed I am to have such a great group of kids!

2008-12-14T17:32:00.000-08:00
This is my Niece. She was in the Nutcracker this year. She was the cutest cookie Ever!!

2008-11-23T23:26:00.000-08:00

Our little family is not so little any more. At 5'4 I am the shortest in the family. So we added another member so I would be a little taller. Meet Dobie...Our little Min Pin... He chases the cats around the house like a mad man. The poor cats. They are getting used to him more everyday. Now Kiki just sits and

growls and hisses at him. She has even swatted him a few times. She's letting him know who the queen of the castle is. LOL its been a week..I am told it will get better. Picaso is just skittish and hides; but at least he is coming out to eat. He has even sat on the other side of the couch opposite of Dobie while he sleeps. But as soon as he opens his eyes it sounds like world war 3 has just broken out in my house. Maybe he just has little dog syndrome and that's why he is picking on the cats..who knows just pray for us. We are attached to them all we can't give any of them up.

2008-11-23T23:15:00.000-08:00

We decided to go for a ride today. We went to the Geode beds in the West desert. We brought the newest member of our family too, Dobie. (the cats really needed a break) We stopped at the pet cemetery and the Pony Express Monument on the way up and stretched our legs, 80 miles on a dirt road does a number on you.
We had a lot of fun and the boys loved it. Digging in the dirt collecting rocks. Sweet!

We are enjoying all the family time we can get out of our fast growing ever maturing teens. I am reminded almost weekly that Dylan will be 18 in a little over a year. He recently announced he was going on a mission. YES!!!!! We will continue to pray over the next two years that he will stay the course. He got his patriarchal blessing last Sunday; it was an amazing experience. I am grateful he shared it with us.

Home Coming 2008

2008-10-07T21:18:00.001-07:00

This is Cole First dance. Home Coming 2008.

Cole humoring his mother with a very cheesy grin.
Ahslee and Cole getting ready to exchange corsage and boutonniere.

No blood lost here. Good job guys.

Posing for lost of pictures. Thanks!! Such good sports for the parents.

I never imagined I would Ever be in this position, mom of 3 teenagers. Seeing her kids grow older and go through the steps of growing up and moving on. I hope the moving on is still at least 5 years.

I am so blessed to have such great kids!

2008-09-14T11:14:00.000-07:00
As promised.....Pic of Cole's Favorite Past time.

2008-09-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

Ok so all my friends are hounding me to update my blog! Life just gets crazy and time slips away from you. Every one is doing well and growing to fast! Dylan will be 17 in December, Cole will be 16 in February and Gabriel will be 13 Next Week! Wow how time flies. I went from raising little boys to raising young men. And what handsome young men they are!

This is Cole & Gabe backing up a storm in the kitchen. Gabriel is going to grow up and be a chef. Then I can be a his baker.
Dylan as you can see is my Army man. He has been working on this Gilli suit for a month it is quite tedious work but he loves putting it on and sneaking up on you. Its great camouflage with out carpet. Almost tripped over him the other day. LOL he thought that was the best.
Cole is our resident musician, he has been teaching himself how to play guitar and is really good. I do have pictures of him...how ever my computer is giving me fits and I don't have access to most of my picture. So this update will have to do for now.

2008-04-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

Having Teenagers is a wonderful experience! You learn
a lot about your self as well as your parents. You wonder why
we develop gray hair. Teenagers are the reason. I know I have
earned every one of mine.

First you can go from Best friend to sworn enemy in the
same day, in the same minute. Usually because one of the four
F's are not with in there reach. Usually because you have removed
them. What are the F's you ask? They are the key to a Teenagers
happiness...And they can not live with out them!!!!

They are...
Freedom
Friends
Fun
and with boys.... Food (lots of Food)

LOL

They are also a great source of happiness...

When they learn to do thing on there own,
talk to you about their hopes and dreams. When they come
to you to mend a broken heart, to wipe away their tears,
share their happiness from a job well done or for advice
for help with a problem they don't have the answer to,
because (at this minute) you are their best friend and
they hope you have the answers. Which of course you do!
If not Think Fast! LOL

But mostly I think it's great to realize that your parents
were not quite as dumb as you may have thought!
And One day I will be smart again too!
I am so looking forward to that day.

Our Family

2008-04-25T17:20:00.001-07:00