Big D gets Braces November 3rd 2009

Darrien has been spending a lot of time at the dentist lately. For one, to get all of his teeth fixed and second all the prep for braces. He got that accomplished then the molds got made, the plan prepared and now Darrien is the proud new owner of braces for the next 36 months! They only did the top for now but put the bands on both top and bottom. They couldn't put the bottom ones on as they needed to have his top straightened more so that when he bites down he doesn't knock the bottom brackets off since his bite is so close. He goes back in 5 weeks to get the bottom ones put on. I am sure he isn't excited like I am but he will thank me when he is older....


"Mom I am really mad at you right now you are smiling and happy and this SUCKS" Mom...."Darrien give me a big smile" As he mumbles under his breath he gives me the smartelic smile...its still cute Big D..



Darrien "I am so NOT happy right now i am going back to school..." he really must have not been happy to want to go back to school when he could have taken the rest of the day off!

I personally think he looks so grown up and quite handsome with braces!

5 years

Wow how time flys by...As I was sitting here today realizing I need to get the rest of the kids Halloween costumes done it dawned on me....

5 years ago.....I was teaching the sunbeams in primary
5 years ago....I made carmel apples for my primary class
5 years ago...My teaching partner Laura Chapman decided it would be fun to tell Jim I thought he was 'hot'
5 years ago....I took the carmel apples around and drove around Jim's block several times cuz I was embarrassed that he knew I thought he was hot...until I saw his dad (RJ) outside
5 years ago...I jumped out of the car and ran the apples to RJ to give to Patrick... he wouldn't take them he wanted me to give them to Patrick
Now....I think RJ wasn't wanting me to give them to Patrick but rather give them to Jim
5 years ago....I spent 3 hours in front of Kathy & RJ's house talking to Jim
5 years ago...At enrichment night Jim's Mom Kathy said "thanks for trying"
5 years ago...I went "huh trying for what" and it hit me...she thought I was trying to pick up on her son! Well dang if she thought that was trying I will show her!
Now...I think Kathy really new that I was not a girl that was going to take "aww shucks thanks for trying..."
5 years ago...As soon as I got home from enrichment night I picked up the phone and called Jim we talked for 5 hours!!
Now...boy am I glad that Kathy challenged me and RJ wouldn't take the apples
5 years ago...Jim & I went on our first "official" date a Lehi HS football game to watch RJ ref
Now...laughing hysterically because it wasn't that cold and both Jim and I were wearing turtlenecks...hummm wonder why????
5 years ago...I met the man of my dreams, my prince charming, my hero, my love, my world, my heart, my soul, MY EVERYTHING
Now....And all be darn after all we have been thru we are still together and in love
5 years ago...I was so happy and grateful
Now...I am still happy and even happier and so much more grateful
5 years ago....I met my husband
5 years ago...I learned what true love really is
Now..I know what true love is and I AM SO HAPPY I HAVE IT!
5 years ago.....My world became complete

I just want to tell my wonderful amazing incredible husband.....I LOVE YOU! You are my hero, my rock, my strength, my EVERYTHING I don't know what I would do without you...

Thank you for all you do you are AMAZING!

H1N1 ugh.....

H1N1 aka the swine flu hit the Walker house last week of course while I was in Denver. Darrien came down with it last Tuesday Oct. 13th so Jim took him to the Dr and sure as crap he tested positive....Of course I find out and feel helpless because I am so far away. Well they survived but barely until I got home on Thursday night to find Jim sick as a dog in bed. Poor baby I sware he looked so miserable. Then Aubrey got it Friday, then Connor Saturday then CJ Sunday and Patrick Sunday night...so needless to say it has been an insane couple of weeks but what's new really? Just another day in the Walker House.

We are finally getting back in the swing of things Darrien and Connor were able to go back to school Thursday and Aubrey went back today..Jim was finally able to go back to work today since it is so contagious they didn't want him near the ambulance geez the nerve...just kidding lol at least he was able to get some much needed R&R. I am crossing my fingers that all the kids will all be at school bright and early Monday morning or else Mom might just have a breakdown..........ok another one hehe

On a brighter note guess what????? I AM THE ONLY ONE NOT SICK!!!! Seriously how many times in my life have I been able to say that??? Umm Never!! So ya I am bragging that for once I didn't get it!!!!!

Take that you nasty swine flu!!!!!!!

(ok really i don't want to get sick this is purely for your reading enjoyment so if I get hit w/it ten times worse i will know i should have just kept my mouth shut...swine flu coodies please don't curse me please pretty pretty please...im begging..pleading...)

Oh and if I never have to use another can of lysol or clorox wipe in my life I will be happy....

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY AUBREYANN

Happy Birthday my Dear Baby Girl Aubrey!

Wow I can't believe she is 7 already...it seems like just yesterday she was just a tiny little baby saying "Mommy I want Boobie" lloooolll...Now she is all growed up as she says.

Well all I can say is you will always be my Baby Girl!

I LOVE YOU TONS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUBREY!!!!

My dear Nana.....

I had to pull every bit of my being together these past two weeks to get thru getting the call that Nana wasn't doing so well to getting the call that she passed. I know that Nana was suffering for many years and I had convinced myself that I was prepared she would be in a better place and no longer suffering all though both of those statements are true.....Reality then hit..I don't believe you can truly ever be fully prepared to loose a loved one, especially one that has had such a part of your life.

For those of you that don't know, Nana and I had always been very close. I spent quite a few years of my youth living with her and when I didn't live w/her I was frequently found at her house.

I had the blessing of being able to sit next to her bedside on Monday and Tuesday of last week. There was this brief moment where Kylon my little brother and I were sitting in the room and her eyes were open. She wasn't able to mutter any words besides a ya or nah. As she lay there struggling for every breath she took she looked deep into my eyes and I could sense that every part of her being was trying to say something..She did the same to Ky...As I made my way over to her and kissed her head and held her hand there was a brief moment in which it was just her and I and I told her how much I loved her and how much of a difference she made in my life. It took every part of her being with her muscles being so rigid to lift her arm to hug me. I know this may seem like a simple gesture but given that she hasn't recognized anyone for the past couple of years and the fact that she was so rigid from the Parkinson's this indeed was my miracle. As I walked out of her room at the nursing home I felt a warm wind blow and a feeling of peace come over me.

I drove home Tuesday night Jen (one of my best friends) had come up with me so I did not have to be alone we talked and she made me make a promise to always remember the good times. I can't thank Jen enough for that..words can't ever say thank you enough.

After I dropped Jen off I was alone and began to think of wonderful moments with Nana I stopped at Wilson's Arch and enjoyed the beauty that it has to offer I turned the radio up and listened to Moments by Emerson Drive...That song got me the rest of the way home as I belted out every word with tears but knowing that Nana wasn't always like this and she did have her moments, her days in the sun, when she was second to none.

This is for you Nana! I love you more!

God's Garden

God looked around his garden and found an empty place He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest God's garden must be beautiful he always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering he knew you were in pain, he knew that you would never get well on Earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb so he closed your weary eyelids and whispered "Peace Be Thine"

It breaks our hearts to loose you but you didn't go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

You will forever live on in me Nana!

I love you....MORE!

Nana I will miss you.....By Darrien Cade

Darrien wrote this and shared it at the Memorial Service for Nana...

Our beloved "Nana" Iva Jean Watts returned to her Heavenly Father on Sunday September 6th, 2009 after a long painful battle with Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's and frequent strokes.

Nana was born on February 4th 1930 to August & Amelia Danklef in Sandy Utah.

Her life was filled with many struggles and hard times yet she never complained,she did everything she possibly could to make the best out of every situation she faced. Nana was a strong, independent & stubborn woman. Her strength will forever live on in her Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.

She is survived by her 3 Grandchildren Natalie Walker (Jim), Michelle Neves (Dre), Kylon Neves (Erin) her 9 Great Grandchildren Darrien, Anthony, Connor, Patrick, CJ, Arianna, Aubreyann, Lasyia & Dre Shawn. Her loving niece Connie and nephew Val.

She is proceeded in death by her parents August & Amelia Danklef, her sister Florine Danklef, brother Ed Danklef and her daughter La Ronda Neves.

Nana spent the last 7 years of her life residing at Art City Nursing in Springville. We wish to thank the staff for being so good to our Nana. Words cannot express our gratitude for your love, care and compassion.

We would also like to thank Sunbrook Hospice for the comfort and peace they gave to Nana during her last days.

Nana you will always hold a special place in my heart. I will miss you and I love you dearly..

Darrien

Yet another new addition to our family

As most of you are aware we had to put our precious Kitty Meow to sleep in October of last year. Well I have been dead set on finding a "rag doll" cat and I have been looking I swear but no luck.

So yesterday while we were getting ready for our get together we had stopped at Gramma Tanner's to get some stuff from her house. Well the kids ventured on down to her neighbors that had some kittens....The kids have been begging for a cat for months now. Patrick and CJ came back and said Mom you have to come look at these kittys they are so cute. So Jim and I wander on over there and guess what I find no not a rag doll but a kitten almost 6 weeks old that looks just like Kitty Meow except of course skinnier, smaller, younger and more playful. So.......Ya Mom caved and we have a new Kitten!

She is way cute and the dogs enjoy giving her licks of love LOL she isn't quite sure what to think about it just yet but she is getting used to it. Just look at this I know it isn't the best picture..my camera on my cell phone is broken so we will make due LOL

We haven't decided on a name yet I am leaning towards Jinx since she looks so much like Kitty Meow...Here are the names the kids have suggested:

Princess
Amy
Sassy
Turd (of course this was Aubs)
Smalls
Jewls
Mae Mae
Cookie
Lula
Suzy Q
Minute (another one of Aubs cuz this is what Gpa Tanner calls her)

Who knows what we will decide so if you have thoughts let me know!

Here she is! Isn't I cute?!?!?!

First Day of School 2009

WOW How time flies....it felt like just yesterday the kids were getting out of school for Summer Vacation....Well now it is officially over. They all started back on Thursday Aug 20th. I just can't believe that all the kids are now in all day school!

Darrien is in 9th Grade
Connor & Patrick are both in 4th
CJ is in 3rd
Aubrey is now officially in all day school 1st grade baby!!!

I find myself sitting here now during the day's missing the noise that the kids made. Granted I don't miss the fights....just one more little step in the reality that we are getting old!!!!

Congrats Kiddos! Enjoy the school year!!!!

Congrats Connor, Patrick & CJ on being baptized

We headed for Utah County on Friday August 21st so that Connor, Patrick and CJ could get baptized on Saturday morning.

The boys have been super excited about it since Connor and Patrick decided they wanted to wait until CJ turned 8 so they could all get baptized together. The boys looked so handsome and it was such an amazing time. Grandpa Walker (RJ)baptized all 3 boys. Trenton confirmed Patrick & CJ (thier uncle on Kirsty's side) and my Dad Reg Confirmed Connor. I was sooo impressed with the huge turn out we had. Thank you to everyone that made it to this special even in the boys' lives.

We all gathered together at my Dad & Step Mom's in Lehi on Sunday and enjoyed some yummy food, laughter and the company of our Family and Friends.

The boys are so excited to be members of the Church now. Thank you to everyone that participated in this we really appreciate all your love, kindness and support.

Connor, Patrick & CJ Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you for taking this next step in your sweet little lives. We love you so much boys you are all 3 so amazing.

We Love you!!!!!!

Mom & Dad!

MIke & Jenny's Roof

After our family campout we headed to Pleasant Grove on my Birthday so Jim could do the roof on Mike & Jenny's house. They added an addtion onto the house so they decided to tear off the old roof and re-roof the whole thing.

We got up thier Tuesday afternoon, Heather was so gracious to offer to babysit the kids so Jim and I could enjoy a nice dinner out for my Bday. We went to Tepenyaki one of my most favorite resturants YUM!

Then Wed morning Jim started the roof and I headed into my office in Orem and worked. By Thursday evening the roof was complete of course not without a few minor hiccups and Jim feeling like he had been ran over by a dump truck.

I ventrued to get up on the roof once not without shaking and freaking out and that was enough for me Jim and Jenny had to help me down since I was so freaked out LOL.

Jim did a great job on the roof I sure hope that Mike & Jenny think so too!!!

Family Reunion 2009

We had the pleasure of having our Walker Family Reunion/Campout down here this year at a campground called Buckboard which is up in the beautiful Abajo Mountains.

The campout started on Wed Aug 5th. Mike, Jenny and thier kids Heather, Austin, Cody & Mistee came down on Tuesday to get a head start we enjoyed Tuesday night visitng with them and letting the kids enjoy the company of thier cousins.

Mom & Dad, Laurie, Brandon thier kids Braydon & Maddie, Quin, Shery and thier kids Brexton, Jensen & Teagan, Grandma & Grandpa Hansen, Aunt Cindy, Aunt Mary all joined us up at the campground on Wednesday. Everyone camped but Grandma & Grampa, Cindy & Mary they came up for the days and stayed at the Day's Inn I think they liked getting away from the kids and having the Hotel to go back to where they could have comfy beds and a swimming pool.

We enjoyed fishing, hiking, camp fire fun, playing cards, Shery did this awesome game of sharing money which we all had fun with. She gave us all envelopes at dinner the first night that had play money in it. The object of the game is to give money to someone when they do something nice for you or say something nice etc. Then at the end she had an auction of fun little prizes that you could buy with all the money you earned. Jenny did a pinata which the kids really loved. Laurie & Brandon took the kids on 4 wheeler rides. Mom did a painting craft and all the kids got to paint little wood ornaments.

We had the whole back loop of the campground to ourselfs which was way nice! The kids stayed close and even our dogs stayed right around camp. Other than a few cuts and bruises no serious injurys wooo hooo!

Jim, Darrien, Shery, Quin, Mike, Heather & Austin all went down on Thursday night to enjoy the Emerson Drive/Charley Jenkins concert since it was the San Juan County Fair during this time. Jim brought me back some CD's from both bands so that was cool. I was battaling a kidney stone so I didn't get to go to the concert but they all sure had fun.

We got rained on a couple of times but other than that no complaints. The bugs were minimal really I don't even think I put Off on my kids at all. It did get cool at nights especailly after the kids were in bed and the adults were sitting outside playing cards. We pulled the picnic table up close to the fire so Shery the eskimo could stay toasty warm.

I think we all had a great time I know it was one of my most favorite family campouts!

All I can say is I think it was a great success I am so grateful to have such a wonderful loving family! Mom even went to the extent of making Dutch Oven Raspberry Cake and everyone sang Happy Birthday to me. It was really special :)

Grandma, Grandpa, Cindy & Mary all stayed until Friday the 14th so we got to enjoy thier company on Sunday evening. Then on Monday they all came over to do some wash while Grandpa's truck got fixed and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner together. That was really special too since as long as Jim & I have been married we haven't ever had just them over for dinner.

To our family thank you all for coming down here I know it was a long drive but I hope you guys feel like it was worth it. We sure enjoyed seeing everyone again and getting to spend some great times with you!

We love you lots!

July 24th Weekend

We spent the Utah Pioneer Holiday up camping with our friends Mike & Amy Cox and thier 3 kids Addie, Oliver & Lucy. They came down from Pleasant Grove with thier trailer and we headed up the mountain. We had a total blast! It was also Monticello's celbration so we came down for the parade, activities at the park and fireworks.

We were able to expose Mike & Amy to small town America! They loved how cute the town is and they had a blast seeing how our way of life is so different than fast paced Utah County. All though they both said they could never live down here LOL.

Good times I tell ya good times! Nothing like good friends, good food and lot's of fun!

Thanks Mikey & Amy for coming down it is so awesome to spend time with you guys!!!

Be prepared for a boat load of new posts

Been a very busy summer and have some fun stuff to update my blog with.....So stay tuned!

4th of July

We decided to do something different this year and go to Blanding for the 4th of July. It was a hot day for sure and I know the kids enjoyed all the fire trucks coming by and spraying them down along the parade route. I don't think the parents liked it as much as the kids, as everytime one of the trucks came down the parade route you would see parents fleeing from thier comfy chairs for cover from the down pour of water.

Aubrey and Connor both went fishing in the fish umm pool pond?? I guess so we brought home 2 fish to add to the family...they didn't last long though...We enjoyed lunch at the Patio I know all the locals will laugh at this....it was my first time eating there and we have only lived here 2 1/2 years?? YUM is all I can say!

We then finished the evening off with a concert in the park, it was really nice up until we were eating dinner and the wind started up and it was raining in sheets rather down pouring in sheets of rain!! Plates were flying, canopies....I even ended up w/who knows who's bbq'd beef sandwich landing on me....All I could do was laugh histerically watching everyone "run for cover" Everything was sopping wet, we even ran to the laundry mat to dry out the blankets so the kids wouldn't have to sit on wet blankets! After the little fiasco the night turned out to be beautiful making the fireworks show totally awesome!

Happy Belated 14th Birthday Darrien!!!

Ok so I suck as a Mom! I have been so good about saying Happy Birthday to my kids on my blog....Well shame on me for being so freaking busy I missed doing Darrien's

Darrien turned the big 14 on Sunday July 12th!

Darrien I am in shock that you are 14, it seems like just yesterday Uncle Ky and I ran around calling you "head" since when you were a baby your head was so big! And now you are a young man!

Some of Darrien's amazing traits I adore:

-his outgoing personality he is always so friendly to people and makes friends wherever we go!

-his compassion if I am having a bad day he does everything he can to make me feel better!

-his love for his siblings....You will often find him sitting w/Patrick talking about Pokemon not because D loves it but because Patrick does and he loves to make him smile

-how smart he is....sometimes to smart for his own good!

-how much he loves "La La" (my mom) it makes me melt...they were so close and even though she is gone he still hangs on and does special things in her memory like on Mother's Day and now he wants to do something on Sunday for her since it is her bday

-how he can turn Nana around she can be totally grumpy and with her Alzheimer's she doesn't recognize people and becomes angry but Darrien can always turn her around and make her laugh and smile. That is incredible for a 14 year old!


Darrien I am so proud of you and so honored to call you my son! I love you so much Big D!

Happy Belated Birthday my dear son!!!

Loves & Hugs!

-Mom

Congrats Monticello CUBS GOOD LUCK AT State!!!

WOOO HOOOO for the Monticello Cubs who took league championship and will now be heading up north next week for some state playoff games. Good Luck Boys!!! Connor I am so proud of ya!!! Way to GOOO!!!

WiN wIn WN or maybe just have a blast!

Schedule for any interested:

Tuesday 7/14 12 noon Monticello Cubs vs. Lehi Diamondbacks
Tuesday 7/14 6 pm Monticello Cubs vs. Springville Giants
Wednesday 7/15 10 am Monticello vs. Payson Braves

I believe all games are played in Payson but not 100% sure yet!

Summer Woe's

Nat's Questions to no one in particular most likely herself she tends to do that on a frequent basis....Be affraid it looks like she is going to answer herself tooo!!! Don't call the looney bin just yet.....Ok maybe you should....

Question: Summer comes Summer goes but when will summer really come?
Answer: Think about it maybe a late start on summer will mean an even later start on winter! How's that for positive thunkin?

Question: Is it seriously the end of June? As in July 4th is just a few days away???
Answer: Yes Nat you have a calendar that is full every day and you now it is almost the 4th of July get with the program girl!!!

Question: More baseball practice and games? Are you serious?
Answer: Just think 2 more games "YOU CAN DO IT" (note to self it is pretty sad when you have to cheer yourself on for your KIDS activities)

Question: Did I ask what is up with the weather already?
Answer: I can't remember must be that darn old-timers getting to me again

Question: How did my Mom & Dad Survive Summer vacation??
Answer: Oh that's right they locked us kids outside...Isn't that illegal now? Oh I guess that is a question answered with an answer then a question man I am on one...

Question: Are all little girls drama or just mine?
Answer: Are all little girls drama or just mine??? still wondering...

Question: Seriously my oldest is 14 wow where did it all go?
Answer: It slipped by right in front of you...

Ok now that I have asked all the questions I have for now and I walk around the house to make sure everyone is snug as a bug in thier beds and step on a few toys and say a few choice words about the fact that my house is less than spotless and my foot hurts.......I look at my sleeping babies and can honestly say....I wouldn't have it any other way....

As my wise Grandmother always tells me "it will keep" it's one of those open ended comments that can leave you pondering for hours...the dirty dishes "it will keep" the laundy "it will keep piling up" the weeds "it will keep" on growin'. The one thing that won't keep is the days of our childreen's lives.

"Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least." Goethe

Loves and Hugs to everyone!

Family, Mud the falls nothing but fun!!

Shery & Quin and there 3 boys came down for a visit. We got to enjoy thier company and Aunt Nat got her baby fix with Teagan! The adults even got to enjoy a nice evening out to dinner much thanks to Darrien for holding down the fort and watching all those kids nice job D!

The storms had sure made the water muddy but we still had a total blast!!!

Pictures from our River trip

We took a one day trip down Westwater...It started out as a beautiful day but ended freezing cold! Our friends Bryan & Jymi and Cody & Sara came with us. We had a blast and even got to see the old miners cabin that I took my head out on LOL. All in all A++++ trip...

"Buddies"

Puppy Pictures