The Cook Family

Simple Pleasures

2010-02-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

NEW Spring Bag
Makes For

One. Happy. Momma.

Someone New

2010-02-20T21:21:00.000-08:00

Can you spot him? Riah Jo got her very own hamster for Christmas! She named him Jacob because he is furry like Jacob "the wolf" on Twilight. And NO she has not seen Twilight but she hears all about it from yours truly! She had a blast when Jer brought him to her school for show and tell. Jacob showed off by running around in his ball and all the kids thought he was great.

Idaho Falls Hoop Shoot

2010-02-20T21:05:00.000-08:00

Savannah was chosen to participate in the Idaho Falls Hoop Shoot. She loves to play basketball! She got 2nd place for the 4th grade girls division. Great job Savannah! We are so proud of you!
Sorry, couldn't get this picture turned around.

Savannah at the hoop shoot.

Savan with her daddy and 2nd place trophy.

Savan with Grandpa Rick at the Hoop Shoot.

New Year's Resolution

2010-02-19T13:08:00.000-08:00

Hello to everyone! We are alive and well! My FAB sil Jamie does my blog backgrounds and headers that are SO cute! I figured she wanted to see my mug cause she hasn't seen me on here in several months (probably wanted to see the kids BUT today she gets me). Anyway on to my New Year's Resolution--it is to go back to my natural curl! My goal is to have it look great and have all the kinks (no pun intended) worked out by the END of 2010! By the way, I have been flat ironing my hair every day for 5 years and it is SO much easier to work with my God-given curly hair! Hope all my long lost blogging peeps are having a fabulous NEW DECADE!

Festival of Trees

2009-11-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

Mariah is part of a singing/dancing/performing group called TaVaci. She performed Thursday night at The Festival of Trees and did a fabulous job! They sang about half of the Christmas songs they have been practicing for their big concert on Dec. 5. I WILL remember my camera next time. . . I WILL remember my camera next time. . . I WILL remember my camera next time!

need a good laugh?

2009-11-21T19:23:00.000-08:00

So, recently I was in my laundry room and happened to look down at the container of liquid soap I was using. In that moment I read "Gain Fabric Softner" What? Are you kidding me? Could I be that in sane? YES, my dear friends and family I am that in sane and DID in fact use fabric softener instead of laundry detergent on my family's clothes for 3 months or so! I called Jeremy at work because I was dying when I figured out what I had done and he thought it was hilarious and promptly facebooked the incident AND lovingly brought me home some laundry soap the next morning after work. We had noticed some dark spotting on some of our clothes and my sister in law, Jamie, and I noticed how wonderfully fragrant our clothes ALWAYS were! (I sent Jamie a box of clothes from Idaho to Michigan and it still smelled fresh when it got there) But never did I think this was because I was using fabric softener in lieu of soap. (and yes I felt a little gross and dirty when I found out) Has anyone else done anything that crazy before or is it just me?

Saying Goodbye

2009-11-02T08:09:00.001-08:00

My parents and grandparents came for Riah's baptism for 4 short days. We so much appreciate their love and support and willingness to travel all this way to spend time with Riah on her special day. We had lots of fun! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa and Mom and Dad for everthing you did with us and for us!!!

Mom, Dad, Grandma Ward, and Grandpa Ward
Grandpa Russ giving Jayce a big squeeze before heading off on their LONG road trip home!

Spa Party

2009-11-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

This year Riah Jo wanted a spa party (thanks Aunt Jac for planting the idea)! So, we did pedicures, manicures, make up, and massage. They all had a blast! Happy Birthday Riah Jo!

happy 8th birthday

2009-11-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

On Mariah's actual and real birthday she had a little family celebration with our lil' family. It was a school day so I took doughnuts for a birthday treat to her class and then later joined her for "hot lunch" (yuck) and recess.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-11-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2009-11-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

This is the girlies dressed for the church Halloween party last week. Guess we didn't have the little kids ready yet for this pic.

This was Halloween night. Our kiddos went trick or treating with their cousins: Jackson, Logan, Kyleigh, and Ethan.

After Baptism Celebration

2009-11-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

funny face? Riah!

After the baptism, we had a celebration luncheon at our house! All of the food and chatting was fabulous. Riah received a baptism book from Aunt Jamie and Aunt Jackie that she passed around and had all of her guests sign.

Sunday at church Mariah was presented as the newest member of the church in our ward and she recited (perfectly) the 4th article of faith. It was also fast and testimony meeting and she bore her testimony and did a great job! We are so proud of you Mariah! Congratulations!

Mariah's Baptism Day

2009-11-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

Mariah was baptized by her dad on Halloween morning! It was a beautiful and very special day that Mariah has been looking forward to a very long time! She had much support and love from her family on her special day. Aunt Jen and Jackson and Logan come from South Jordan, UT. Grandma Kershner came from Cali with Uncle Dale from Utah. Her grandparents and great grandparents drove from Oregon.
Mariah is a very spiritual little girl and loves to share the gospel with friends, family and neighbors and even gave a Book of Mormon with her testimony in it to a nonmember friend this year.
Mariah and Daddy

Riah, Mom, and Lex

4 Cook Kids

Our family

Grandma Toni and Nan

Jer's side of the fam

Jo's side of the fam

What-Matters-Most

2009-10-18T19:43:00.001-07:00

I feel President Monson spoke these words just for me! Click on the link and see if his words inspire you, too!

What-Matters-Most

Shared via AddThis

Meadow Lake (part 1)

2009-09-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Daddy~Daughter~Daughter Adventure

Before school started, Jer took the older girlies to Meadow Lake for an overnight camping and hiking adventure! They all had a blast!
The mountain they climbed. The girlies made it 2/3 of the way up and Jer went the rest of the way up without them.

Nan and daddy

Riah and Daddy

sorry--I added this one twice

I'm Too Cool

2009-09-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

I've got my shades, I've got my pop! Now I can keep up with Nanny, Riah, and Jayce ALL DAY LONG!!!

I'm Spiderman. . . .

2009-09-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

with a lawn mower!

Look At Me. . . . .

2009-09-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

this is my first pony tail!!!

Rexburg Water Park and Carousel

2009-09-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

I've taken the kids twice this summer to the Rexburg Water Park. It is free and the kids have so much fun. There is also a dry park so when the kids get a little cold or bored--they run on over to the dry park for a while. And before we leave, they always want to take a ride on the carousel! Ahhhh, if only summer took up more months of the year--I just love being OUTside!

alien toes?

2009-09-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

My ADVENTUROUS sister in law, Hilary invited Corinne (sil) and I to hike Table Rock Mountain. All was great and fun until we ran in to 2 moose on the trail so we hiked up a little hill to let them pass by. Yes, we were scared but Hilary wasn't scared enough to let them just pass by. She got the moose all "huffy" by having to take the perfect picture of them. That's why I love Hilary--she is one daring woman! So this is the only picture I took of the whole 11 1/2 mile hike because my camera batteries went dead after this first picture. Go figure! But, yes we made it to the top and had a mostly great day!Black, Bloody TOES! This is what my alien toes (my most beautiful feature--NOT) looked like after going UP (5 3/4 miles) Table Rock Mountain and BACK DOWN (Another 5 3/4 miles)! Actually they were WAY worse looking until my dear, sweet husband "drilled" holes in my blackened toes by sterilizing a paperclip and poking through the nails and blood blisters to let the blood and puss out. YOUCHY! I am not in pain anymore but I have a weird sensation when I walk of my toenails lifting off the nail bed. Not too fun, but much better than the PAIN!

swimming lessons

2009-08-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

The pics at the pool didn't turn out so great but Savannah, Mariah, and Jayce all had a blast with swimming lessons this year! Mariah's teacher wrote a personalized message on her report card that she was so excited to read! He wrote, "Mariah, You have amazing SpiderArms. Keep on practicing over the winter. Have a great summer!"

{YSNP}

2009-08-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

Gee Gee and Mariah at Big Fish Lake

The group at Big Fish Lake

Madison and Alexah at the "All Kid's Annual Birthday Bash"

Grandpa Russ and Lexie waiting for Old Faithful to errupt

Where's the cribbage board? Grandpa Ward and Grandpa Russ thinking about getting a cribbage game started.

out on a hike

Father's Day Performance. The kids sang "I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home", "I love Grandpa Ward, He Loves Me", and "Happy Father's Day to You" to all of the fathers and then presented them with loves and gifts.

waiting for Old Faithful. . . still

O.k.--so I'm 2 months late on posting Yellowstone pics! In addition I can't get my camera OR computer to cooperate so just know we did a lot of fabulous things this summer but I probably won't be blogging about it.

Yellowstone Day 1: We (all 23 of us) went on an ALL-DAY Yellowstone bus tour with Brad, our tour guide. We all loved every minute of it. The kids took turns riding in the front of the bus with Brad. We saw tons of geysers and bison. Come evening we had all the kids in bed so Jackie, Jamie and I soaked in the hot tub for 2-3 hours UNTIL someone (Gee Gee) shut off all of the indoor and outdoor lights so that ended our relaxing evening out. The next morning I asked Gee Gee about it and she said she had no idea we were still out there; she thought we had all gone to bed and forgot to shut the lights out. Thanks a lot Gee Gee :)! (we needed to come in; we were beyond prunes anyway)

Yellowstone Day 2: Jamie and Jeff took the big kids back in to Yellowstone for more hiking adventures. They saw a big black bear. The rest of us went to Big Fish Lake where there are some huge trout to see.

Yellowstone Day 3: The kids did the Junior Ranger's Program in Yellowstone. They learned about trees, fire, birds, etc. They filled out papers, took quizzes and all received shiny badges! When we got back to the cabin, we had a kids' birthday party for all the summer birthdays complete with pinata, games, decorations, cupcakes, and presents. Aunt Jamie sure does know how to spoil kids!

Yellowstone Day 4: We all went to the Grizzly Wolf Museum in West Yellowstone. Our favorite part was the "Birds of Prey" show. The ranger held a live Golden Eagle--so cool! The ranger had Savannah come up from the audience and help with the demonstration by holding a rope to show the bird's wing span. That evening we had a Father's Day Program and the kids did an awesome job singing to their Grandpa's and Daddy's!

summer fun

2009-07-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

A little back yard summer fun with our good friend Emma!

Girlies

2009-07-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Riah and her neighborhood friend, Sadie, all dressed up on a Tuesday afternoon with no place to go!

old friends are good friends

2009-07-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

Juliette and I have been friends for 10+years despite us living in separate states for the past 5 years or so. We were able to reunite yesterday and enjoy dinner and visiting while the kids played and the guys "talked hunting" at her father in law's home in Pocatello. Juliette is great at keeping in touch and we have met in various locations throughout the years. We always have fun reminiscing about our lives in Pocatello, going to school with only 1 or 2 tiny kids each. My how are lives have changed. Both hubbies are finished with school, Juliette and Chris have 6 kids (including 1 set of twins), and of course we have 4 kiddos that keep us hopping. It was a great day with great friends!

South Jordan, Utah

2009-07-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a trip to Utah to visit Jen (Jer's sis.) and her family. While there we were able to attend Jackson's baptism and the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. South Jordan, UT is unique in that it is the only city in the world that has 2 temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in it. I can only imagine that they must have A LOT of faithful saints in that area to support 2 temples. It was a wonderful and beautiful experience to take our children in to the temple. There is a special feeling to be found there which is to be found in no other place on earth. Jackson's baptism was very special (I didn't get any pics because I got sick). He is such a great kid and we are very proud of him. I was well during the open house that we attended before the baptism so I have a few pics to share of that. beautiful temple grounds

Mariah Jo

Inside the tent during the opening orientation before going through the temple.

Savannah and her cousin/buddy Jackson.

Logan (Jen's youngest), Mariah, and Grandpa Rick

Group shot in front of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.

Cook Camp Out 2009

2009-07-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

Every year since we have been married (that I can remember), we have gone on a Cook Family camping trip. This year we went to Lava Hot Springs. Friday we went swimming for the day at the Lava pool and water slides. Saturday Jer, Savannah, Mariah, and Jayce floated the river with all of Jer's family except a few of us who stayed at camp with the babies. The 4th of July (Sat. night), they had a little firework show that we could see from our camp site. The show DID NOT even compare to the Melalueca Freedom Fireworks Show in Idaho Falls. It was fine, just not what we are used to seeing. The kids had lots of fun playing with their cousins. I really liked camping in a grassy area especially with Lexie being so little still. The cousins played ball, teeter tottered, and played on the camp area swing set. Happy Camping to all of you this year! Lexie having fun on Kyleigh's little push car.

That's the camping man!

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Jayce and Logan on the teeter totter. They kept getting stuck in the middle because they are about the same size!

Where in the world have we been? YSNP

2009-06-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Yellowstone National Park! Yes, it was way A LOT of fun with 23 family members that only get together about once a year!

PREP WORK to make it all happen: 30 days
FRONT SIDE trip w/18 very welcome people at my house: 3 days
YSNP: 5 days of nonstop fun and adventures.
BACK SIDE trip: 5 days--Savannah and Mariah were invited to go to Little Big Horn Battlefield and Mount Rushmore w/Uncle Rusty, Auntie J, and kids. The girls were spoiled rotten and had the time of their lives! I had the opportunity to have Dilly (my 20 month old nephew) stay w/us during the back side trip. It was so awesome to get to know him better. He liked to play outside and give Aunt Jo LOTS of hugs and kisses! *pictures to come*

Friday Family Fun

2009-06-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Good job Savannah! You found it! That is a tiny pink geocache in the tree called a microcache.

Before the storm hit, we went out geocaching (finding hidden treasures with our GPS). It was fun minus a few whiny, tired kids that didn't want to geocache or do anything else for that matter. Next time will be better :)!

Mighty Hail Storm

2009-06-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

I know it looks like snow, but this is what our flower bed looked like after a hail storm on June 26th!

Our Memorial Weekend

2009-05-29T20:47:00.001-07:00

Sunday, after church, we had a good visit with Grandpa Hymas. Then we headed out to visit the graves of Jeremy's grandparents that have passed away.

Monday we spent the day playing at Tauphtaus Park and then had a BBQ at Rick and Toni's (Jer's parents). *I need to be better about remembering the camera*

Preschool Graduation!

2009-05-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Jayce using his diploma as a light saber.

Jayce and his best preschool buddy eating their graduation cookies.

Jayce had his preschool graduation last week! As his wonderful teacher was presenting him before the class, this is what she had to say about his favorite things!

Composer: Beethoven

Song: Baby Bumblebee

Game: Counting Bears

Story: Are You My Mother?

Artist: Duchamp

Art Project: Throwing Paint like Pollack

Toys: Legos

My Favorite Part of Preschool Was: When we eat Snack and Play with Toys

When I grow up I Want to Be: A Pilot

Our Cutie Guy

2009-05-17T17:54:00.001-07:00

I got a great report from Sister Cook at church today (yes, there are 4 Cook family's in our ward). She said he is the best behaved kid in her class, he answers questions, knows and sings all the primary songs in singing time, and is a good boy. This excellent behavior is not always exhibited at home so we were grateful for the good report! Way to go Jayce!

Mother's Day Surprise

2009-05-17T17:43:00.001-07:00

Mariah surprised me and did Savannah, Jayce, and her chores for a pre-mother's day surprise Saturday morning! On Mother's Day, I received a dozen pretty tulips (sorry no pics AND which Alexah climbed on the table and destroyed the next day). Jer blind-folded me and took me out to the kitchen where the kids sang "Mother I Love You, I Love You, I Do", and then I was presented with my tulips and sweet heart-warming cards! I hope all of my wonderful family and friends know what wonderful MOTHERS they are AND what great examples they are to me! Especially my MOM! I love you and Happy Mother's Day!

TaVaci Girl

2009-05-17T17:36:00.001-07:00

OOPS! I forgot to edit these pics! Anyway, Mariah is in a singing/dancing group called TaVaci's. She LOVES it and is good at it and that makes my heart sing! These are some pics from back stage at her spring concert!

Holding Hands

2009-05-17T17:26:00.001-07:00

We were on our way home from the store the other night and I saw THIS!! NO WAY! 4 happy kids in the back seat ALL at the same time! A miraculous moment!

Fashionista

2009-04-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

This is Riah Jo. She will make an outfit out of anything! She is so fun to have in our home. This outfit she made out of her sissy's (size 18 month) dress. She, of course, wears it as a shirt and nobody knows the difference! Thank you Aunt Jamie for the head band that she is wearing! Riah loves it!

Fish+Sun=Fun

2009-04-23T15:05:00.001-07:00

Jeremy and Jayce enjoyed a day of fishing with our good friends Shawn and Jagger. That lil' fish Shawn is holding up was the lone catch of the day (caught by Jagger)! Despite the fact that the fish weren't biting, they still had a great day!

Patriotic Program

2009-04-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Savannah (she is in the shirt that says "happy") performed in a patriotic program at her school. She did a wonderful job, as did all of the kids. They stirred up the tender feelings of my heart for this great and amazing country in which we live. How truly blessed we are! God bless the USA!

antioxidants are cool

2009-04-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

MOM--this post is for you! This is the list of great foods we talked about! You are doing AMAZING--keep up the great work! You are my inspiration in all good things I do!

These amazing antioxidant rich foods act as "housekeepers" in the body, cleaning up free radicals which contribute to quicker aging and disease. Eat these foods and they will keep you younger longer!

USDA Food and Nutrition Center's top food sources of antioxidants:

small red beans
blueberries
red kidney beans
pinto beans
whole cranberries
artichoke hearts
blackberries
prunes
raspberries
strawberries
red delicious apples
granny smith apples
pecans
sweet cherries
plums
russet potatoes
black beans
gala apples

Happy Easter!

2009-04-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

Savannah's birthday was on Easter so we had an Easter/Birthday celebration with Jer's side of the family after church at Spencer and Corinne's house. Grandma Toni made the bunny cake for Nan's birthday. We had a delicious, traditional Easter dinner, an Easter egg hunt, a little party for Nan, and chatted it up for a while.

I can't believe my baby is 9!

Cute cake--you are so talented Grandma Toni!

Impossible to get a good pic with all the kids together.

My sweetie and me and Riah. I know, it is not a great pic but I wanted the memory.

Nan's birthday party

2009-04-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Jayce found 1!

Savan and her great friend Emma. They have been friends for 6 years and they both enjoy playing together and playing sports.

Riah flying her kite.

Way up there--great job sis! Notice the beautiful weather at the park that day!

Nanny had her 9th birthday party at the park. The weather started out pretty o.k. and turned to barely o.k. to have the kids out there. She still had a blast with her friends flying kites and having a birthday Easter egg hunt.

eggs, anyone?

2009-04-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

Kids make holidays so fun! The joy they find in decorating Easter eggs is priceless!

Frosty in April???

2009-04-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, my dear friends and family this is Frosty who was created on April 3rd by my children! Once again, SPRING, we will welcome you sooner rather than later PLEASE!!!

General Conference

2009-04-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know, twice a year the church has "General Conference". The events last two days and are televised around the world and can be video streamed off of lds.org. We all look forward to general conference a great deal where we receive counsel and encouragement from our church leaders.

I am so happy and grateful to have received an e-mail from a friend with a children's general conference packet attached!! :) I have already downloaded 3 for my older kids. It is full of conference-themed activities like coloring pages, crossword puzzles, matching games, and BINGO to keep the kids happily engaged throughout all the sessions of conference. I DO also bribe with lots of special conference food treats!

To download the packet go to
www.scribd.com/doc/13298891/2009-April-Conference-Packet. Thank you to the family that made the packet and hope this helps those of you with little kids!

A Delicious Day

2009-03-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

In honor of my "Super Foods" post, our menu was as follows today:
Breakfast: oatmeal
Lunch: turkey sandwiches
Snack: bean and tomato soup (o.k., it was just a twist on my taco soup)
Dinner: I think we'll just have more of the soup for dinner!

Eating Healthy is Delicious!

super foods

2009-03-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of you Mom and Dad! They have been eating super healthy the last month or so and are such good examples to me! I found this on the internet and thought my parents might like it:

Super foods that may help extend your life. Try to eat daily.
1. blueberries
2. broccoli
3. yogurt
4. oranges
5. spinach
6. beans
7. pumpkin
8. walnuts
9. herbal tea
10. oats
11. turkey breast
12. wild salmon
13. tomatoes
14. soy

Happy 35th!

2009-03-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

Rick and Toni (Jer's parents)

Bryan (Jer's younger brother) We missed you Hil and Kyleigh!

Spencer (Jer's youngest brother), Corinne, and Ethan

Sunday Jer had a family dinner birthday party. The menu was steak, baked potatoes, salad, and strawberry shortcake. All was delicious!

We always miss Jen, Kam, and fam at these family gatherings because they live in Utah. We wish we were together more often! Today is my wonderful sister in law, Jennifer's birthday! Happy Birthday! We wish we were together to celebrate!

bronchial pneumonia

2009-03-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

Lexah loves babies. Anything soft and cuddly she calls "baba" . So she has been sick for about a week now (and all the kids went through the illness) and the big kids have felt so bad for her so they made her a bed of "babas" to comfort her! She was getting worse rather than better each day so Monday morning she woke up with a 103.8 fever so I took her around the corner to the pediatrician's office. He listened to her lungs and did the usual check up, gave the diagnosis and then a BIG shot in the leg of antibiotics and now she is on oral antibiotics for 10 days. She perked up right away and isn't contagious anymore (after 24 hours on antibiotics)! By the way--she is 19 pounds 4 ounces with all of her clothes on and a soaking wet diaper!

what have we been up to?

2009-03-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well, our washer went out on Friday, and our dryer was on it's way out so we have piles and mounds of clothes to wash and yes, you are looking at our brand new, newly installed 2 hours ago, washer and dryer that we hope will last longer than our last set of 10 years! So can you guess what I will be catching up on in the next couple of day?

Why do mormon's build temples?

2009-03-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x_-TQivCx8

85 and Kickin'

2009-03-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Jer's Grandma Stella's 85th birthday! We celebrated at the Idaho Falls Senior Citizen Center with visiting, kids running around and playing, and cake and ice cream. She is doing great and spends a lot of time at the senior center teaching crafts and playing bingo. She also likes to collect collector coins for her great grandchildren. She seems exactly the same as when I met her over 13 years ago!

food storage happiness

2009-03-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

My dear, sweet, handy-man husband is expanding our food storage room! YAY! Nothing makes me happier than food storage! It will have shelves all along the left wall that he built. This will be our first finished room in our basement and did I mention how excited I am!

Peace

2009-03-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

I had the great opportunity of attending Relief Society today! I am usually teaching primary but received a break today and a chance to attend Relief Society. We had a beautiful lesson about peace that I needed to hear, as their has been much contention in my home lately (kids arguing, mom yelling, etc.) I have dedicated myself to being a peacemaker in my home and have already had 5 opportunities to make peace since I got home from church less than 2 hours ago! :)

Ephesians 4:31-32 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

"But the peacemaker, O give ear to him! for the words of his mouth and his doctrine drop like the rain, and distil as the dew. They are like the gentle mist upon the herbs, and as the moderate shower upon the grass. --Joseph Smith

40/40

2009-03-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

It was my parents stake conference on Sunday. They were challenged to participate in the 40/40 program. My mom invited me to participate with them. Each day (in any order) you read the scriptures for 20 minutes, ponder/meditate for 10 minutes, and pray for 10 minutes AND you do all of this for 40 days! I began 2 days ago and my, the structure has really enhanced my daily study! Thanks Mom for thinking of me and for the invite! Feel free to join in if you'd like!

Positive Thinking in a Dismal Economy

2009-03-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

I have been reading--more like skimming the book "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. I really like it, although it is not in congruence with all of my beliefs. The book, however, has some really great ideas that I am learning from! To sum up the money section, she says:

1. To attract money, focus on wealth. It is impossible to bring more money into your life when you focus on the lack of it.
2. It is helpful to use your imagination and make-believe you already have the money you want. Play games of having wealth and you will feel better about money; as you feel better about it, more will flow into your life.
3. Feeling happy now is the fastest way to bring money into your life.
4. Make it your intention to look at everything you like and say to yourself, "I can afford that." You will shift your thinking and begin to feel better about money.
5. Give money in order to bring more of it into your life. When you are generous with money and feel good about sharing it, you are saying, "I have plenty."
6. Visualize checks in the mail.
7. Tip the balance of your thoughts to wealth. Think wealth.

On a side note, my interest in this topic stems from my strong desire to become self -reliant and therefore, have the freedom to help those in need.

Words to Live By

2009-02-22T20:23:00.000-08:00

I read this quote somewhere and I wanted to share it, for I love it!

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Definitely words to live by!

Where oh where are you Spring?

2009-02-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

Savannah is sitting on Frosty's head! Frosty hasn't even melted yet! Spring, we will welcome you sooner rather than later, please?!?

Can I freeze time?

2009-02-17T19:21:00.000-08:00

This is such a great time in our lives with raising our family. Yes, there are many problems, catastrophes, and much busyness each day; but I just want to freeze our family right here for about 10 years. I love the ages and stages of all of my kids. I just hope I can be the type of person to love and enjoy each phase of my life.

Happy Valentine's Day Sweetie!

2009-02-14T05:31:00.001-08:00

All About Him!
*What is your husband’s name? Jeremy Paul Cook
*How long have you been married? 11.5 years
*How long did you date? Friends: 4 mos. Dated: 6 mos. Broke up 3.5 mos. Engaged 3.5 mos.
*Who is taller? Jer by 9 inches
*Who can sing the best? Jeremy carries the tune in our family
*Who pays the bills? I pay the bills
*Who does the laundry? I do the laundry
*Who mows the lawn? He does
*Who cooks dinner? I cook dinner but Jer is King of making eggs and toast
*Who is the first to admit when they’re wrong? Jeremy
*Who kissed who first? He kissed me after 2.5 mos. of dating--I was completely in love with him before I ever got that first kiss
*Who wears the pants? We both do
*He’s sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? X-box "Call of Duty 4"
*You’re out to eat, what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? ranch
*What’s one food he doesn’t like? mayonnaise
*What kind of drink does he order? Mountain Dew
*Where did he go to high school? Rigby High School in Rigby, ID
*What size shoe does he wear? 10
*If he was to collect anything, what would it be? dvds
*What is his favorite type of sandwich? roast beef
*What would he eat every day if he could? ice cream
*What is his favorite cereal? Honey Bunches of Oats
*What is his favorite sports team? The 49ers
*Who did he vote for? McCain
*Who is his best friend? Me, of course
*How many places has he lived in? Idaho and Brazil
*You bake him a cake for his birthday; what would it be? fresh strawberry jello cake
*What could he spend hours doing? hunting
*What’s something cool about him? I woke up this morning to the kitchen adorned in balloons and candy for the kids and a dozen red roses and chocolates for me! What a fun Valentine surprise!

Happy Valentine's Day Sweetie! I love you!

Side note #1: Happy Anniversary to my parents who are celebrating 34 years of marriage this week end!

Side note #2: I found the above questionaire somewhere out there in the blogging world.

Side note #3: This is a tag--you're it!

18 months old!

2009-02-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

My beautiful baby girl is growing up! She is such a good girl already!

1. good at the church nursery

2. good at the gym nursery

3. good at going down for naps/sleeping at night

4. good at playing independantly or with brother and sisters

5. good at giving hugs and kisses

We LOVE you Alexah!

Animal Party

2009-02-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

Usually "Family Fun Day" is a little more exciting than this! But, since Jer was working, the kids wanted to have a doritos and hot cocoa tea party so that is what they got! Happy Family Fun Day!

How great is he?

2009-02-02T17:03:00.001-08:00

The other day a friend and I were talking about how our husbands have great "raw" material. In other words, they are just by nature good people. I have pondered much on this and here is what I came up with, but first some disclaimers:
Disclaimer #1: Jeremy denies that he possesses any of these gifts/qualities. However, I have proof--I've been married to him for almost 12 years!

Disclaimer #2: These are not ALL of his good qualities for he has MANY! These are just unique gifts he came with and that I am in awe of (maybe downright jealous).

1. patient
2. kind
3. loves to do fun things even if it means work
4. excellent story teller
5. excellent teacher
6. muscular, strong, and fit
7. great teeth
8. gifted drawer (is that a word?)
9. can fix anything
10. can make something out of nothing
11. can play the piano by ear
12. great dancer
13. good singer
14. athletic--can play all sports and do well
15. not a jealous bone in his body
16. beautiful way with words evidenced in his poetry and stories either written or told
17. great gift giver
18. great with children--knows how to relate to, teach, talk to, and play with kids
19. love of the outdoors
20. great shot (he is on the pistol team at work)
21. better than perfect vision at 20/15 (uncorrected)

fire station

2009-01-31T08:33:00.001-08:00

Jayce enjoyed a field trip to the fire station with his preschool class. When I picked him up, he was so excited that he was bouncing off the walls; but when I asked him a day later what his favorite part was, he said it was when the fire man showed him the fire station kitchen. What??? You are one crazy kid!!! I am sure it wasn't his favorite part-- the things kids say. Do you like the way Jayce poses for pictures??? (seriously, look at him) Thats my crazy boy!!!

I'm no exception!

2009-01-27T16:15:00.001-08:00

I know you all think your kids are cute and funny, too, well I am no exception to the rule! I found Lexie playing in the living room w/Savannah's snow hat on and Jayce's sword and shield and I had to laugh out loud. I know your kids do all the same types of things. What a blessing children are--I am so grateful to a Heavenly Father who created the great plan of happiness and allowed us the opportunity to live in families!

Four Wheeling Fun!

2009-01-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

I hear the kids had a bumpy ride and even fell off on a bumpy hill; but no one got hurt (or cried). They were all having way too much fun!

Frosty

2009-01-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

We received 5 inches of snow Friday and as you can see the kids are having a blast!

All Before Noon

2009-01-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

Today I feel so accomplished:
1. changed a couple messy diapers
2. folded/put away 3 loads of laundry
3. cleaned 2 bathrooms
4. cleaned living room
5. cleaned kitchen
6. made, served, and cleaned up breakfast and lunch
7. led my children in completing their chores (sometimes this can take all day!)
8. clipped Lexie's finger and toe nails.
9. cleaned Lexie's room

I know these are the mundane tasks of my life but I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in achieving all of this before noon!

Day With Dad

2009-01-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

Preschool on Thursday was "Day With Dad". Jer went to school with Jayce and got to tell about his job in the community, along with the other 6 preschooler's dads. They had a great time together, ate doughnuts with dad, and even wore their matching uniforms.

Shout Out!

2009-01-17T15:33:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to Rae Ann for my blog button! She had custom-made the button for Jamie's blog and had to change it all around to personalize it for me. Thank you! You can get your own button for your blog by clicking on the above link!

I also must thank my super-savvy computer girl, sil, Jamie, for the face lifts on my blog! She is awesome!

Fancy Towels

2009-01-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

Want to give the PERFECT personalized gift to a child??? Aunt Jamie sent these towels to my kids for their birthdays. Each towel is hand-embroidered with their names. My kids LOVE their new towels.

All for a great cause, too! Stephanie (the creator of the towels) is using all proceeds to fund their adoption of a baby from Ethiopia! Click on her link to order your towels!

Hoop Shoot

2009-01-12T12:40:00.001-08:00

Grandpa Rick took Savannah to the Idaho Falls Hoop Shoot on Saturday. Savannah got 2nd place for the 8-9 year old girls division. She LOVES basketball and plays every chance she gets.

Fashionista

2009-01-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

Mariah LOVES fashion. In this picture, she is wearing Savannah's white shirt, Lexie's sweater, and Lexie's new head band from Aunt Jamie. She is always changing her clothes and comes up with creative outfits, ranging in all sizes, but she makes it work.

Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin

2009-01-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Jayce using his new towel from Aunt Jamie as a costume.

Sleeping In

2009-01-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

The other morning I had to go in to Lexie's room and wake her up at 8:30a.m. She has never slept that late. I felt bad waking her up but I had to take Jayce to school.

1 year older and wiser too

2009-01-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

I can't believe our boy is 4 tomorrow! We celebrated Saturday due to Jer's work schedule. We had a family pizza and Star Wars cake party. Jayce had so much fun!

Simple Surprises

2009-01-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

My kiddos did a New Year's Surprise for me this morning! They came and got me this morning AFTER they had made their beds, cleaned their rooms, got dressed and set the table for breakfast! I don't think this has ever before happened. I'm hopin' this is a sign of things to come in 2009:). I can always dream!

AND I had a New Year's Surprise for them--DOUGHNUTS for breakfast! YUM YUM (it only happens once a year or so)! HAPPY NEW YEAR--Here's to a great one!!!

Best Sissy Forever

2009-01-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

Mariah giving Lexie a ride on the stroller she received for her dolly this Christmas!

Our Sicky

2009-01-01T18:05:00.000-08:00

We have seen Jer more in this position than any other since he got sick 2 weeks ago. He is slowly getting better each day--he can't wait til he's back to normal!

sMiLe BiG. . . .

2008-12-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

and have a Happy New Year!

Our Sports Kid

2008-12-27T10:50:00.001-08:00

Favorite gift: Wii (from Dad and Mom)

Our Princess

2008-12-27T10:34:00.001-08:00

Favorite gifts: Barbie Mermaid (Santa) and make- your -own story book kit (G-ma Toni and G-pa Rick)

Our Obi-Wan Kenobi

2008-12-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

Favorite gift: Obi-Wan Kenobi costume hand-made by G-ma Toni

Our Little Mommy

2008-12-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

Favorite gifts: Baby Doll (Santa) and stroller (G-ma Toni & G-pa Rick)

Merry Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T21:01:00.000-08:00

So--today did NOT go as planned:
1. Jer has been sick in bed with the flu since Saturday.
2. Mariah has been under the weather for a few days with a low-grade fever.
3. Jayce popped a 103 degree fever.
4. Savannah threw up twice tonight while Jer and I were trying to wrap Christmas presents.

I am counting my blessings:
1. I am NOT sick.
2. Lexie just has a little cold.

I am so grateful for this Christmas season when I can reflect on my many many blessings, especially the birth, life, atonement, and resurrection of my Savior, Jesus Christ. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

these are the days

2008-12-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

My life won't always be like this so I want to document and remember some of what our daily life was like with small children. This is Jayce (with his juice mustache) playing "Candy Land" with Keegan and Korbin. Their mom and I have traded babysitting once a week now for a year. So--once a week I watch her kids and once a week she watches mine so I can go to the temple and volunteer at the school. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful support system right here in my neighborhood.

Star Wars Fanatics

2008-12-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

Jayce eats, drinks, and sleeps Star Wars and Savannah is happy to play along!

32!

2008-12-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

Saturday Jer and the kids took me out to dinner and shopping for my birthday. When we got home, Jer surprised me with a cake and a sweet card from the kids and him. It was a great birthday!

For Grandpa Russ. . . . .

2008-12-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

who requested more pictures of his grandkids! These were taken after church last Sunday.

Thank You!

2008-12-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you to my FAB-ulous sister in law Jamie for creating my cute blog header. She is much more patient and computer savvy than I! The picture used was one from Feb. '08' when my whole side of the family were together in Oregon for Dillon's baby blessing. My how time flies. Dilly is already 1! Thank you again Jamie for everthing you do for me!

32 and Loving it!

2008-12-04T20:13:00.001-08:00

Today was my birthday--Happy Birthday to me! This is one of my favorite birthdays of all time. Here's why: (not in any particular order)
1. I got a birthday nap.
2. Enjoyed a wonderful lunch with my friend Hilary.
3. Andi treated me to "Twilight" (my 3rd time) and Johnny Carinos for dinner. So fun--thank you!
4. The women in my ward remembered me and brought me a little gift.
5. My wonderful sister in law Corinne babysat my kids. She fed them, bathed them, and even
had the house clean including the kids room and all of their homework done! Impressive, Impressive!!!!!!! Thank you Corinne!
6. My Mom, Rusty, Jackie, sil Jamie, sil Hilary all remembered me w/sweet phone calls.
Saturday I get to celebrate w/my little family and Sunday a party w/Jer's side of the family. My mil is even making my favorite--lemon pie!
I am so richly blessed in my life with wonderful family and friends! It was a happy birthday!

MOUNTAIN RIVER RANCH

2008-12-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

"The Young Guns"--our live country western entertainment. Very talented young men!

We went to Mountain River Ranch. It was so fun! We took a horse-drawn wagon ride (usually a sleigh ride but no snow yet) where we could see Christmas lights throughout the ranch. After the ride, they took us to the lodge where dinner and live entertainment were enjoyed by all.

Jeremy's parents: Rick and Tonia

Jeremy's older sister Jennifer and her hubby Kameron

Jer and Jo

Jeremy's brother Bryan and his wife Hilary and baby Kyleigh

Jeremy's brother Spencer and his wife Corinne and baby Ethan came too

"Happiness, Your Heritage"

2008-11-16T16:36:00.000-08:00

Today I have been studying my favorite talk from General Conference, Oct. 2008, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. I am posting my favorite part of his talk.

"Remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn't it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it--your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.

But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fullness of joy. Our birthright--and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth--is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.

If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation--not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.

You may think you don't have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before--colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter."

Quote of the Day

2008-11-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will--to your surprise--miss them profoundly." President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference Oct. 2008, "Finding Joy in the Journey"

2008-11-11T18:27:00.000-08:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

"Twilight"

2008-11-10T09:53:00.001-08:00

I'm counting down the days until the "Twilight" movie comes out!!! Take the fun quiz in the above post and see which Cullen heroine you are!!!

bedtime stories

2008-11-07T18:38:00.001-08:00

BOOK

2008-11-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

I have been reading a great parenting book, "The Five Love Languages of Children" by Gary Chapman, Ph.D and Ross Campbell, M.D. I know it is a popular book so many may have read it already. It is helping me to understand my children and parent them better. There is even a fun quiz for your kids to take so you can discover their love language!

I added the menu food equivalents to the below post so you can see what we really ate!

theme dinner

2008-11-02T18:33:00.000-08:00

Savannah made the menu.

Frankenstein fingers-chicken fries
Bat's blood-tomato soup
Dead bug bodies-olives
Vampire teeth-jicama cut into triangles
Goblin goo-green ranch dressing
Witches hair-angel hair pasta w/alfredo sauce
Ghost poop-small powdered sugar doughnuts
Pumpkin juice-Sunny D

Jayce painted the center piece.

Jo set the table/bar.

Kids sort of ate. They thought it was a cool idea but weren't sure about the food choices.

Trick or treating the neighborhood.

We had our friends over for dinner and trick or treating. Andi and I figured out it is our 4th Halloween spent together--our families must like each other :)!

Thank you Kristin for the dinner idea! You are awesome!

trick or treat

2008-11-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

The kids stopped by and visited with Great Grandma Stella and received yet more candy.