The Nelson's Never Ending Story

Random Pictures of 2011

2012-01-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go!

Allie's Utah performance at the end of her 4th grade year! She did really well!

I just love the grins and slime on their faces when the ice cream man stops in our neighborhood!

We had the amazing opportunity to go with Mark Mabry (Reflections of Christ) and take pictures for a reenactment of the Martin Willie handcart company that will be displayed in the central bishops store house in Salt Lake City. Will be done soon and I will have to do another post!

Josh took a chance at the flow rider and was miraculously unharmed! He did pretty well too!

We blessed Elden on December 4th 2011!

Brenton made the Christmas Recital! He and Allie are amazing pianists!

My sweet baby boy!

Daddy and Elden

Brenton and his Wrestling adventures! This is a great picture!

Our kids all dressed up for Halloween!

This is the cutest skeleton I have ever seen!

Our family at the Nelson Halloween party!

Josh and I went to a Real Salt Lake game and the One Republic concert after! Fun but tiring when you are in your 3rd trimester.

Bat Man and Robin- the fearless duo out to fight crime!

Look at that gorgeous!!

two months after Josh and I were married in 2005 we went camping at Strawberry and carved our names in a tree. 6 1/2 years later we went back to the same spot and found our tree. It was amazing really because it was one of the only trees left standing in the campground where there were once hundreds. We decided it was a good omen!

Draycin turned 5 and we celebrated by going to the Tree House!

Draycin Participated in the peewee lamb show and won most outstanding thanks to Grandma Nelson!

Brenton won showmanship at the pig show at Box Elder county! It's a really big deal!

Brenton turned 9 years old!

Cael turned 3 and became the amazing Bat Man!

Cael won prince at the Bear River 24th celebration!! He is such a cute boy!!

Allie turned 10! can you believe it??

I turned 26!

Josh and I in front of our tree. I think he was trying to be really sweet because I was 36 weeks pregnant when we tent camped for 4 days. Nice save honey!

Playing at the tree house!

Pumpkin time!

Our cute kids at the Box Elder county fair.

I hope you enjoy! Will post more when I have time! hugs!

-Shari

Elden J Nelson

2011-10-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

Announcing Elden J Nelson Born Friday October 7th 2011 at 7:43 am. Weighing 6 lbs 14 oz and measuring 20 inches long! Just as cute as can be!!

You can't tell that Josh is excited can you? ;)

He is so gorgeous!

Cael actually has surprised me with how well he has done and how much he loves his little brother!

It was a cold and stormy day when he came screaming!

All of our Cute Kids!!!

Coming home! Yay!!

He is such a sweet baby!!

We wouldn't know what to do without him!

-Shari

Our Sealing Day March 19th 2011

2011-08-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

This is us coming out of the temple after our sealing! That morning as we arrived all our kids were skipping up to the temple with big smiles on their faces and Draycin exclaimed we are going in the temple!! Everyone was smiling and telling us how cute they were!! I was also very excited because We had been looking forward to this day for a long time. I even got to dress in the brides room and be treated like a bride!

It was a cold windy day, but to us it was warm and happy because it seemed as though everything went perfect! Our Sealing was wonderful with some great reminders to Josh and I about treating each other with Love and respect and not trying to change each other, but to just be good examples and supportive! We were warned that because we had a 2 year old coming in that things would not go the way we would like and to be prepared for the worst. I was sure that all the kids would behave because Josh and I had done many family nights about attending the temple and explained to each of the kids what would happen and told them the reason why we were going there. When they came in Allie and Brenton got to sit by their grandmas and watch and Draycin and Cael had huge smiles on their faces. they were asked to come to the alter and place their hands on ours- they did so and remained smiling and quiet the whole time even though the tears were streaming down my face and many others in the room. the kids were all wonderful and everything went perfectly! Draycin and Cael even stood in line by Josh and I as everyone came through to congratulate us. They wanted to be hugged and congratulated too!! the officiator was really shocked at how good all the kids were and kept saying that he had never seen that. I will take it because most of the time one or more of my kids are misbehaving at the same time.

We had a lot of family there to support us and we are so thankful and blessed to have all that could come!! We love you all!!

This is Josh's side of the family!

Sorry for making you all come out in the cold for pictures.

My side of the family!

Brad Peterson at www.bpdesignerportraits.com took all our pictures! He is fabulous and such a great guy. It was sentimental to me because he took our wedding pictures too and we were so glad to have him and his beautiful wife Amy back with us!! Brad remembered how goofy my side of the family is and asked us to take a crazy picture- as you can see- it looks like most should be on some type of medication for being crazy! ha ha!! Check out Brads sight from the link above.

Our adorable kids!

Finally the family circle is united!!

this is one of my favorites!

Our kids were freezing and cael started crying so Amy valiantly blew bubbles to get him to smile again! They were all very good despite how cold and windy it was that day!

Our kids act like that every time we kiss- you know they secretly like it. ;)

Me and Allie! I was keeping her warm while all the boys got some pictures!

We were very happy to announce that we had another baby on the way to all our family that day! So we had to get some adorable "tummy" pictures to prove that little brother was indeed there with us too!!

We waited until I was about 11 weeks to tell anyone, making sure everything was OK this time.

All the handsome boys!

this is my absolute favorite picture that Brad took! To me it has a lot of symbolism in it. All of us holding hands and pulling each other up that steep hill to reach the temple. It is beautiful!!

Our kids finally got to take a break and sit in the warm car while Josh and I got some couple pictures!

We were always laughing about something- some of the pictures were really hard to be straight faced for when Brad and Amy kept saying funny things and telling us to work it for the camera.

After pictures we went and had a great lunch at the Elements restaurant in Logan with our family!! It was delicious!! Josh and I got spoiled because my in-laws took our kids and we got to spend the night at the beautiful Anniversary Inn. I was a great day- a great beginning really. We finally made it there, but our journey to return to the sacred Temple is never ending and I am so thankful for the opportunity that we have to live our lives so as to secure our family together for eternity!!

-Shari

Christmas of the past

2011-06-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from the Christmas season of 2010. I know... I am such a slacker for not posting them until now! Hopefully after the baby is born I will feel like posting more!Josh on his 32nd b-day the day after Christmas. You can tell that it was Sunday.

It was a fun season, and I enjoyed myself way more than any of the previous years. Christmas is always hard and hectic for us with ALL the traveling and exchanging of the oldest two kids, but I really love feeling of the spirit of the season and spending lots of time with family!!

-Shari

Saturday was the BIG day!

2011-03-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

I know that this is a picture from Grandpa Nelson's funeral, but it was the most recent family picture that I could find... We really need to get more pictures together!

I wanted to let you all know that we were Sealed as a family in the Logan LDS temple on Saturday March 19th!! It was a WONDERFUL day! All of our kids were so excited as we walked up to the temple! They were very good during the sealing and I feel so blessed to have gone there with my husband and our children!! I will post more details and pictures when we get them! For now I am happy to get back to my regular routine and actually have time to clean my house!! Yay!

Oh and one more big announcement.... We are having a baby!!! Due mid October! We are really thrilled about this and I can't wait for a couple more weeks to pass so that I can get into my second trimester and stop feeling so nauseated all the time ;)

-Shari

Blessings!

2011-02-24T20:53:00.000-08:00

Tonight I asked Draycin to say the prayer. He must've been in the mood because he obliged and began right away. It was like he had already been thinking about the things that he wanted to talk to Heavenly Father about.

He prayed that we would be safe and that Daddy would be safe on his way home from work. He thanked Heavenly Father that we have a house and food and clothes and money because Daddy has a job. He asked That Heavenly Father would bless the poor and the sick, and the missionaries and the soldiers.

As I listened I knew that these were not just repeat things that he says. He was being very thoughtful, and talking directly to his Father in Heaven like he knew for sure that He was listening!

I am so grateful for the kind and loving heart that Draycin has, and that he is so thoughtful. My kids never cease to teach me more than I can teach them! I hope that I can be like them with their unshakable faith!

-Shari

A MOMENTOUS OCCASION!!!

2011-01-14T14:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went out to get the mail.... I opened the box to find a cream envelope. I grabbed it wondering if it was going to be an acceptance or a denial to our request. I ripped it open and read it while my hands shook and my heart raced.

JOSH AND I WERE ACCEPTED TO TAKE OUR TWO BOYS AND BE SEALED AS A FAMILY IN THE TEMPLE!!!!!!!!

We have been waiting for so long! This is a great blessing in our lives and we can't wait to go there!

-Shari

Happy Birthday Honey!!

2010-12-26T21:42:00.001-08:00

We all wish you a Happy birthday!!! I am so glad to have you in my life! You are a wonderful husband and father! I hope this year brings you peace and happiness! The kids and I Love you very much!! Josh and Shari Fair August 2010

All of the family October 2010

Josh is such a good daddy!

Brenton's baptism 2010!

Wrestling with the smallest of the hooligans November 2010!

Love you!

-Shari

September 2010

2010-11-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

I Know that once again I am playing catch up, But this is only some of the most impotant events from September! Allie and Brenton Started School the end of September after an 18 day vacation to Portugal. We were all glad to have them back!

Draycin's first day of preschool the first week of September!

I know only one picture from Peach days, but at least we went!

Our kids got to go out on the field at the REAL soccer game!

Allie trying as hard as she can to keep her brothers from goofing off or running away.

Draycin Celebrating his 4th Birthday at Grandpa and Grandma Nelsons.

Another Cute picture of Allie and Brenton before their first day of school.

The Spider Man cake/cup cakes I made for Draycin's Birthday!

All our cute kids at the Hogle Zoo for Draycin's Birthday activity! All of our kids are spoiled with lots of "Birthday"!

All the kids loved riding the merry go round!

Uh... I like your glasses honey! I like them alot!

Me and all the monkeys in our family!

The tigers gave us an amazing show! I have never seen them play so much!

Grandpa, Grandma, Allie, Draycin, me, Cael and Brenton in front of the Elephants!

Our little Family! The Elephants are so smart and way fun to watch!

Ever since I can remember it is manditory that you get your picture taken in front of the lion fountain! -Draycin

Our kids on the big elephant statue. Cael was really freaked out because of the noise that comes out of it. You should've seen his reaction to the big gorilla- one word... terrifying!

Brenton

CaelAllie

Cael and Daddy! Of course we rode the train!

Blow up this picture and look at that turtle's baby blues! Gorgeous!

Oh no! Brenton has been captured by a ravenous alligator, and for some reason he is still smiling?? I would be pulling the worst face possible! ha ha!

Look who just hatched out!

Draycin Celebrating his Birthday at Grandpa and Grandma Holley's house!

That's it for now! Hope you liked the pictures!

-Shari

End Of August 2010

2010-11-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Nelson helped Allie raise a pig for the fair this year. Her name was Roxy. Allie Really enjoyed doing this because she is a total farm girl! Mark Loves it too! Grandpa and Allie posing for a picture! There was a lot of work put into it by Mark, and Allie is so grateful! The kids Love to participate and go to the Fair every year!

Draycin was Wilbur and the lamb was Charlotte's web for the peewee lamb show. Draycin, of course, won an award! Thanks Julie to your genius ideas and designs!

Brenton was a leprechaun and his lamb was the rainbow with a pot of gold at the end! He won an award as well! Both of the boys are really good sports because one was a pink pig and the other had to wear his sisters high heeled shoes with buckles. ha ha!

Allie kept her pig really clean and took really good care of her, and we were all very pleased when she took...

Reserve Grand Champion! That means her hog came in second place out of some 200 pigs. She made $1,100 and also got carcass money ($125) because her pigs carcass had a lot of edible meat and just the right amount of fat. Her pig came in 2nd out of all the pigs as well! Lincoln Financial Advisors - Dusty Roche in Tremonton bought her pig and are pictured with Allie and Roxy above!

Over all it was a great experience for Allie and she can't wait to do it again!

-Shari

Brenton's baptism!!

2010-11-11T13:02:00.001-08:00

We had Brenton's baptism on November 6th, and it was a beautiful day!! The program went so well and I really feel that Brenton has finally grasped baptism and it's importance! It was an overwhelming spiritual experience to see him be baptised. Come along and have a peek at his day! Just look at that handsome little man!

Future missionary!

Doesn't he look so cute in his suit?!

Josh, Brenton and me before the program began.

Daddy and Brenton!

After the baptism a few of us stuck around to get a few more pictures! Brenton with Grandpa and Grandma Nelson

Brenton and Grandma Fletcher! We know that Grandpa was there watching over us as well.

The kids and some cousins!

Our wonderful children!!

Our family picture was a tough one to get because of the sun... as you can see!

Classic Cheeser from Josh, and cute Brenton!

Grandma Fletcher and grandpa Nelson

Shauntay, grandma Nelson and Jacinda

My crazy brother Chace

Julie, Aunt Marlene, Grandpa Holley and My mom

Dina, Shanna, Lorin and my Grandma

Grandpa Nelson and Grandpa Holley

Grandma Holley

Everyone enjoyed a plentiful feast of soups and goodies at the luncheon! I think we could have fed 50 more people with the amount of food there was! It was delicious....thanks to everyone who brought stuff!!

Sam and Brenton with the cute baptism cake that Aunt Shauntay and Jacinda made him! Thanks ladies!!

And check out this awesome gift Brenton got and a poem by his Grandma Nelson to go along with it!! It was a great day and we are so thankful to all who helped make it happen. We are blessed to have so much family support!

-Shari

Great Salt Lake

2010-10-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

My side of the family takes a yearly trip to the Great Salt Lake to play and eat every year! It is a lot of fun, and the kids really enjoy it as long as they can learn not to wipe their eyes after they have been in the water. ;) I know that this happened over 3 months ago, but I am always behind and you know that is the truth!!
Allie, Cael, Sarah, Kaylee and Karlie

Allie just Loves to play in the sand!

Draycin thinks that it is the best thing too!!

Kaylee and Leah trying to find whatever trouble they can!

Sariah, Drew, Talmage and Sarah inspect the sand

Grandma Holley Rocks her cool shades

Sam is slowly morphing into the sand man

Lauren and Sariah are the "ladies" of the group

Abby and Gracie giving a big thumbs up to the finger lickin chicken goodness!

aunt Savannah modeling how to really eat a piece of corn.

Dallin... the chicken eating man.

Uncle Shay is really excited to get a drink of water!

The kids kept sending the big truck screaming all the way down the track and Brenton would run down after it. It was pretty funny!

Nobowaki and his friend from Japan. We Love Nob!

Sweet Gabrielle and Mallory posing for a picture!

Auntie M waiting to see what Garth...I mean Uncle Shawn is going to do next!

My sister Karlie and me!

There were those who seemed to avoid every picture I took, but we still know you were there! Thanks for the fun!

-Shari

Chocolate cake and hopes for a better tomorrow

2010-09-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here drowning my sorrows in the left over chocolate cake from Draycin's birthday yesterday. Today was not good. I cried my eyes out yesterday night on the way home from my family's house. I feel so empty...like someone is always missing. I am blessed to have 4 kids for only the price of two and they fill life with joy and non stop activity! You would think that I would be satisfied. The loss of the baby has been incredibly hard on me. I so wanted that baby.... from the second I found out that I was expecting.... That child was mine. I understand and trust in Heavenly Father's will, and I know that everything will turn out as it should. I still feel such a loss. It is interesting to me how life goes, and yet I still can't help but wonder if there was something that I did to cause it. I wish that it would be over with so that I would stop thinking about it. I am so grateful for a wonderful loving husband and family!! They have been so sweet and good to check on me... to let me talk, to feed me and my family meals, to watch the kids! I have really been blessed! I am so grateful for all the love, help, support and good neighbors while I have not been feeling well.
Another bite of cake and here's to a better tomorrow!

-Shari

Number 4 I Do Adore!

2010-09-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

Today was our Draycin's 4th Birthday! I can't believe how much you have grown! It seems as though the years are speeding by like lightning. You have always been such a sweet and funny boy! I am so grateful for your thoughtful personality and very caring attitude! You are so much fun! You are so sweet and always try to cheer up those who are sad! You care about others around you, and you are very sensitive to the Gospel and it's teachings! We are so blessed that you came to our family! Know that you are Loved and that we can't wait to watch you continue to grow!Little Draycin 1 day old! Draycina and sissy just chillin! Alex and Jacinda's Wedding in 2006!

Draycin's first food- 4 and 1/2 month old!

He was always such a happy and sweet baby!

Daddy and Draycin in their matching spiffs!

Draycin and his cousin Adelaide Christmas 2007

Don't you just wish you could eat those fat cheeks!?!

Look at that handsome little boy!

Draycin is a Smiley, friendly and talkative boy! He was covered in sugary cotton candy at the SL REAL game in 2008

Playing in the water at the pool.

Another SL REAL game in July of 2009 with the family.

Christmas 2009 Monster trucks February 2010 The cutest little police you ever did see!

Playing indoor soccer! it was a hoot!

The air plane museum in Clearfield.

Playing in the sand at the Great Salt Lake!

Wilbur and Charlotte with her web at the BE County Fair 2010!

We hope that you had the happiest Birthday ever Draycin! We all Love you!

-Mommy, Daddy, Allie, Brenton and Cael

Mindy Gledhills new Music Video!

2010-09-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

She has a beautiful voice, and I Love this song! Just click here to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AWRHBHDVlQ

Playing Catch up

2010-09-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

I hate that I always forget that the pictures always go in the opposite order you post them and I forget. So this is the latest to clear back to the end of June. Look what I did to may hair! This is after the SL REAL game for Brenton and Jacinda's Birthday. They won of course! The soccer cake that I made for Brenton's Birthday.

Josh, Cael and I at the game!

Brenton being nice and sharing his Birthday sundae with Draycin!

Allie, Brenton, Draycin, Cael, Averie and Taylee at the Gateway fountains before the REAL game!

Sissy and Cael! Brenton and Draycin!

Swimming Lessons this year were fun! Draycin just came up out of the water!

Brenton posing for me to be cool at swim lessons.

Allie getting ready to get in the water!

Ummm...We all bought a horse, and Then it bucked Allie off. She got some pretty bad bruises, but was very blessed that there was nothing more serious.

Allie petting the horse.

Hill Air Force Base Museum! It was really cool and our boys Loved it!

The guys posing for a picture at the museum.

Water fight at my parents! The kids all got soaked and had a great time!

Kaylee got into the cup cakes for Brenton's Birthday and you could tell! ha ha! Leah is shooting everyone with water!

Allie and Leah duking it out!

Brenton got this Iron man t-shirt from my parents that he Loves!

Cael turned two!

His awesome guitar shirt from Turtle. The Cake I made him!

Allie riding a horse at the 24th celebration.

Brenton won the foot race for his age and got a free hamburger! He does it every year! way to go Brenton!

Cael took first place in his age group for the baby show! He was so happy!

Draycin slurping up a delicious Shaved ice, and sporting an awesome face painting!

The parade float for the 24th. We got up at 5:30 in the morning so that we could tie all those balloons on in time. We got first place though!

Josh and Brenton both acting like dorks at Bear Lake for Cael's Birthday!

Little chubby Cael!

On the wave runner! Cael just kept wanting more!

Kaylee, Cael and Leah putting on a concert at Grandpa and Grandma Holley's!

Camping at city of Rocks.

Hey look I am in a picture! I really was there.

Swimming for Allie's Birthday!

The cake that I made her! Doesn't she look cute!

Neighborhood swimming party at our house! The kids had so much fun we ended up doing another neighborhood back to school swim party!

Well there you have it. I still have like ten more things to post! Hopefully I can keep up this time!

-Shari

My Funny Little Draycin

2010-09-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know Draycin Know two very important things about him: He loves to talk, and he NEVER stops talking! There are many days that I am fully entertained by his very accurate memory, funny thoughts about life, and how her perceives things to be. In fact he has so much to say that if you ask him to give it a rest he gets quite upset and will tell you that he will not be quiet because he likes to talk....and I thought it was a "girl" thing.
Just tonight as we were driving in the car to buy him a backpack for preschool tomorrow he started talking about big, and that it meant tall and long. Then he said when I get big I will marry a girl that I Love (He smiled and giggled here) and we will have a baby, then I will be the daddy and my wife will be the mommy and you will be the grandma and daddy will be the grandpa. I laughed my head off! What 3 year old says my wife?? He is so sweet and so thoughtful! I am so grateful for the joy this little boy brings to our home! I am sure that Josh and I could get on here and tell you a thousand more stories that Draycin has told us! We totally just giggle all day as we recall all the things he says to us! -Shari

And Then he was 8!

2010-08-13T14:11:00.001-07:00

Holy Cow Ben (love name given by Cael) When did you decide to go and get so big?!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! This is a very important year for you! Baptism is just around the corner and I am excited for you to have that blessing! You are so full of life, you live in the moment. A free spirit really! I admire how talented you are when it comes to sports, and how you have such a wonderful imagination! You are an important part of our family and your little brothers look up to you! I hope that you have a wonderful year and that you learn and grow! Always tell yourself that you can do anything you put your mind to! You are a very intelligent young man! Little Ben with sissy Allie as a cute little baby in 2002!

This costume fits you perfectly! And you look so cute in it too!

Big Ben and little Draycin in 2006

What a cute little Pirate all dressed up for Disney on Ice!

Oh how we LOVE to watch you wrestle!

Who could resist that cute little dirty face??

Brenton at the age of 4 riding the late Mr. Wrinkles. We used to call that hat his bald cap.

I just Love this picture of Brenton twirling Allie around the dance floor! Watch out girls he can dance! 2007

Our Monkey appropriately posing for this picture.

Baseball season 2008! He looked so cute in his uniform!

Daddy giving Ben some pointers on how to shoot. And yes that is a pink gun. Real men can ROCK pink!

Brenton and Daddy riding the coaster in Park City. 2009

Dracula broke free from character to give us a cheesy grin last Halloween!

Starring Brenton as "Yertle the Turtle" in the class readings from Dr. Seuss 2010.

Handsome little boy!

Soccer 2010. One of his favorite sports!

See what I mean by "free spirit"?

Ice skating in June of 2010. He did very well for only his 2nd time!

Playing water basketball at Durfee Springs, Idaho in July of 2010!

Brenton Loves to camp, tease his siblings and trap bugs in plastic cups as shown here!

We all Love you very Much!!!

-Shawee, Daddy, Allie, Draycin and Cael

Cael Turns 2!!!!

2010-07-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

Cael Turned two today!! We made him a breakfast of pancakes and sausage and sang to him at 9:54am....exactly the time he was born! Words cannot express how grateful I am for this sweet little boy! He is such a joy, and has brought so much happiness to all our lives! We adore him! His sweet mischievous smile, and love for guitars and balls! He is definitely all boy (except for his love for shoes! ha ha!) He has started talking a lot! He is so sweet and handsome! I am so glad you are in our family! You add so much to it! We all wish you a Happy Birthday and many more happy Birthdays to come!! Cael at the hospital. 1 day old! First Halloween as a puppy. He had the tongue thing down to an art!

Look at those baby blues!

Sweet little Cael, and our dog....when she used to be cute.

Fourth of July '09

Out boating on Cael's 1st Birthday!
Cael & Allie (sissy) riding the late Mr. Wrinkles.

Look at that fat little squishy bundle of joy! Don't you want to hug him?

Cael and his mad guitar skills!

"Ben" , Cael and Draycin! My boys

Cael got his first real guitar!

The boys having a wild rock concert!

Cael Loves watermelon! and he has the melon shadow to prove it!

I Love this picture of Cael folding his arms and holding his hat waiting to say the prayer! He is such a good boy!

This is Cael 2 days ago at Bear lake for his Birthday. We rented a wave runner and all he wanted was "more"!

Yesterday Cael took first place at the baby show for the 24th of July bash in Bear River City! He was so happy carrying around his paper everywhere to show everyone! What a handsome little boy!

We all Love you!

Mommy, Daddy, Allie, Brenton and Draycin!

My 25th B-Day! A month late!

2010-07-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful Birthday this year!! The day started out with Josh making me breakfast and taking care of the kids so I could get ready for the day!

My Cute family posing for a picture later in the day after they sang to me! My sister invited us to go the the Willow park zoo with her and her kids. We saw the animals, ate a picnic and let our kids run around on the toys! It was really nice! Cael kept going down the slide with Allie....just look at the happiness on every ones faces!

Leah, Abby, Josh, Cael, Draycin, Allie, Sam, Brenton and Kaylee! all the cousins feeding the ducks!!

Me and Josh! When we got home Josh actually let me cut his hair because I told him I wanted to and he couldn't refuse me because it was "my birthday" ha ha! It turned out good and I think he will let me do it again!

He made me a delicious sweet and spicy apple pork dish with rice and fries! I just love it, and now that I am thinking about it.... I really want more-Hint hint! The kids sang to me and gave me gifts! I got an awesome ice cream pie (made by Josh) and I didn't have to cook or clean all day! I really appreciate all the phone calls, emails, cards and well wishes! It was a wonderful birthday!!

I Love and appreciate you all!!

-Shari

Our 5th Anniversary!!

2010-07-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

My sweet hubby planned our anniversary this year! He called and reserved a place to stay in Bear Lake (thanks mom) for the night of our anniversary and we had a complete blast! We hopped in the car after dropping off the kids at my in-laws! thanks Mark and Julie! Josh stopped and bought me these beautiful flowers on our way! This is where we stayed! It was very nice! Of course we had to get pictures of us together! thank heavens for timers on the camera!

So sweet our children would be disgusted! ha ha!

We immediately got changed and headed out to Bear Lake! And no I didn't get my hair wet, but I did get in the water up to my neck and I think that counts as still having fun!

Love letters in the sand!

Josh soaking up all of the Bear Lake goodness!!

I made a sand castle. What does it look like to you?

Our piggie toes in the sand!

We went back to world mark, got changed and fixed dinner: steak, salad, cheesy focacia bread, and fruit salad. Yum!! We ate outside as the sun went down. It was very romantic!

The next morning we wanted to go play some tennis and swim in the pool before we checked out, but the tennis court was full and the pool had a ton of people so we packed up and headed to Bloomington lake! This is us hiking up to see the lake.

Close up!

The beautiful glacier lake! Josh was brave and got in. I can only imagine how cold it was because that is snow still melting right into the lake in the middle of July!

Josh attempting to get used to the cold. At least the picture doesn't show you all the freaking out and shaking he did to get that far into the water.

They have an awesome swing there that you can swing off of into the water! Josh did it 3 times!

Check out his face! You hit that water and it sucks the breath right out of you!

We drove back into Bear Lake and looked at all the shops! then Josh took me to the play house where we saw "Bandito Rides Again". It was very funny! Then we ate at one of the burger places and topped it off with a raspberry shake which makes every Bear Lake trip complete!

We stayed in Bear lake for our honeymoon and did all the exact same things 5 years ago so it was a lot of fun to go and make new memories in our favorite places!

Thanks for the great anniversary! I Love You Honey!!!

-Shari

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLIE ANN!!!

2010-06-28T15:46:00.001-07:00

Goodness!! Where does the time go?? I was looking at these pictures of you and it seems like only yesterday that you were so little. I can't believe that you are 9! Next year it's double digits from here on out!
Allie, I really admire you! How sweet you are! Your loving attitude and the way you care for and play with all your brothers!! You are so sensitive and really pick up on others feelings. You are the peace maker in our home! I Love watching you catch bugs (even though I hate the little critters) and how you admire horses and all animals! I have totally enjoyed watching you grow and become your sweet little self! I wish you the Happiest Birthday ever and hope for many more to come!!

Look at that sweet baby! I wish that I was around to pinch those beautiful fat cheeks!

This picture makes me giggle!

Posing in your Easter Dress!

The very first attempt at soccer! Although it was not your thing, you sure look dang cute!

Allie at Chilli's- one of her favorite places to eat chicken pasta!Showing a lamb at the fair in 2005!

Our little princess all dressed up!

When Allie turned 4! that really seems like only yesterday!

Miss Allie in front of the Allosaurous!

She even looks cute holding a nasty snake!

She is a stinking cute little Cow Girl!!!

Showing her very first pig this year!

Miss Nibley pageant this year!!

Allie, Daddy and I and your brothers Love you dearly, and we are so grateful for you in our lives!!

-Shari

I'm a day late and a dollar short!

2010-06-21T23:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day honey!!! We really appreciate all your hard work, your love, your thoughtfulness, fun, attitude and all that you mean to us cannot be described in words alone! Know that we all love you and would not be who we are today without you! and hey what other dad would take all the kids in the neighborhood for a ride in the go cart???? YOU are sooo cool! ha ha ha! I really mean that

-Shari

Pigs Pools Parks and more!

2010-06-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

We're going on a skip to our favorite Vernal trip, zoomin' in the car for 5 hours! (little Einsteins)

This is the Vernal temple. it used to be a Tabernacle, but was converted about 13 years ago. We ate lunch outside just before we went home! Allie and Grandpa just before they sold her pig for $400, and then was boosted enough to make $500!

Allie did one scoop just for the picture to make it look like she cleaned out the pigs pen. Ha ha!

Grandpa and all the kids with the poor pig who had not a clue that they would soon be turn into delicious bacon.

Allie Showing the pig. I think that she did very well for her first year! The pig wanted to run a little, but Allie did well!

Allie, Brenton, Draycin and Cael posing with the pig!

Allie grew really fond of her pig and didn't really like the idea of selling it to someone else.

This was the AWESOME swimming pool/gym/rock climbing/ping pong indoor place we have ever seen! They must have a lot of money in their community because Vernal is out in the middle of nowhere and they have really neat stuff!!

Brenton coming down the really fast slide!

Allie and Draycin on the big water toys!

Cael and I relaxing in the shallow water! Josh should have given me the camera so he could be in a picture too!

There were so many places to play with the water and so many cool things at that pool that now Josh doesn't want to go anywhere else because they are all "boring". I don't think that I want to drive 5 hours to swim.

This was at the dinosaur museum! It was pretty cool. I just wish that we would've had more time to see everything!

Our kids are so very cute!!!!!!!

We were looking at the mineral rocks that glow in the dark.

Vernal is known for it's Dinosaur artifacts. Me and the kids in front of T-Rex.

Our family! We actually had a lot of fun, and it was like going on a mini vacation while we were there for the 3 days to show and sell Allie's pig!

Grandpa and the kids! I think that Mark really enjoys doing all the stuff with the pigs and kids more than he lets on.

Cael running through a small cave in the museum!

Me and Cael in front of that FREAKY looking dinosaur. It looked like it was smiling. VERY SCARY!

Brenton and Draycin digging for artifacts.

Brenton and Allie in front of the Alisaurus!

All the kids playing at this way cool park! It had everything!!

Brenton showing off his climbing skills!

Draycin cruising down the slide.

WHEE!!!

overall it was a good trip, but we were all very tired by the time it was over and we were back home!

-Shari

Miss Nibley Sweetheart!!

2010-06-21T21:41:00.001-07:00

Allie participated in the Miss Nibley Sweetheart pageant this year and I think that she had a lot of fun doing it! This is her at the end with her crown and flowers! Doesn't she look beautiful!! I am so lucky to have this little girl in my life!

What a good big sister! and just look at that gaggle of brothers she has! BEAUTIFUL!!!

Allie and her daddy. He was her escort on the stage when they were reading the bio about her. It was very cute!

Allie in her dance outfit! They had all the girls do a dance number, and Allie-for the first time- got really into wanting to have her picture taken. She just kept posing and wanting me and her mom to snap more!

So Cute! and it was a lot of fun dolling her up and getting her all ready for everything! She also performed a piano piece for her talent, and she did very well! The pageant was fun, but entirely too long! everyone was exhausted by the end!

This is the night She finished the art project she had to turn in for the pageant. She did it all by herself and it was awesome!! I had to let her stay up late a couple nights in a row so that she could finish it, but she thought it was fun and well worth the work!!

-Shari

Cael and his love for music!!!

2010-06-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is the guitar that Cael got with his money for Grandpa and Grandma Fletcher. He was thrilled when the guy in the UPS truck brought it to him! Just look at that happy face!
He really Loves the guitar and he has taken a liking to the piano too. He will often climb on the bench by himself and start playing it. He is so fun to watch!

-Shari

Officer Draycin and an introduction to Soccer!

2010-06-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Draycin bought this outfit with all the money he got from his Great grandparents for various holidays. He thinks he is pretty cool.He looks so stinking cute! He went around giving tickets and arresting everyone. He was blowing his whistle every chance he got. It was hilariousHe played indoor soccer this year for 3 and 4 year old's. It was extremely entertaining!Some games were better than others, but at least he wasn't the boy who laid on the ground and ran around pretending to fly completely oblivious that he was even playing soccer. That kid gave us some good laughs though!

This is a good action shot of Draycin going after the ball! I think it was a good experience for him!

-Shari

2010-06-21T16:58:00.001-07:00

Brenton soccer adventures in 2010!Here is Brenton with his team! Brenton really enjoys soccer! I think that he likes it more than any of the other sports he has played, and he is really good at it too! Brenton is a lot of fun to watch and he can do some really massive kicks!

Brenton Loved being the golly this year and even begged to do so many times. He had some great saves! I can't wait til he starts up again and we get to enjoy watching him excel!

-Shari

2010-06-21T16:38:00.001-07:00

Allie's spring 2010 Tavaci Concert

After the concert all the kids graciously posed for a picture! Draycin looks like a crazed monkey!Cute Allie in her tie dye for the Billy Joel medley.

They did a medley of really cute country songs too!Allie says that she doesn't want to take Tavaci anymore, and wants to dance instead. She is taking a 6 week dance course right now and we will see how that goes. I will really miss seeing her do Tavaci. I think that it has really helped her come out of her shell and try some new things!

-Shari

2010-05-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

Loud Laughter = True Love

My whole entire life I have had a very loud and appreciative laugh! When I find something funny you will know it! My head goes back and LOUD laughing come flowing freely from me. I generally catch the humor in just about anything....going on dates was a different story. Quite often (especially at movies) my dates would shush me or tell me I was laughing too loud. But when I met Josh he never shushed my laughing or told me I was being too loud, and that is how I knew he loved me! He was not embarrassed by my laugh or sense of humor at all! That is just another reason why I love his so much!!
Here's to you honey! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

-Shari

Happy Mother's Day Honey!!!

2010-05-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

You are the best!!! Thanks for all you do for all of us especially the times you don't always have to!! You exemplify that mother is not just a title or noun, but is work and an action of Love. We Love and Appreciate you a whole lot more than we let you know. Here are a few pictures of you and all the kids! We are all so lucky!
Love,

Me, Allie, Brenton, Draycin, and Cael. XOXOXOXOXO!!!!!

After Cael was born. Sure you'll appreciate this one

Salt Lake connect pass on Brenton's birthday

Thanksgiving Point dinosaur museum

Box Elder County fair dancing to the band

Willard Bay Christmas lights wagon ride

Christmas 2009 - Mom necklace from the kids

Outside skating rink in Logan. Look what's behind you or should I say ahead of us!

2010-05-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Mothers!!!

Down at the bottom of my blog, right below my two play lists there is a button that says "I read Nie Nie" Click on it and go check out her Life Changing video... This woman has truly discovered the divinity of motherhood and what is really important in life. You will cry I promise....so grab some tissues before you watch it!

Happy Mothers Day to all of you amazingly wonderful mothers! What a blessing it is to live the lives we do!

-Shari

2010-04-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

February and March!

My months and days are never dull, and they fly by so fast that it is very hard for me to find a moment to look back,let-a-lone, post anything about them..... still I feel so guilty as I read other more frequent posts of friends and family members. Then I feel guilty for feeling guilty because I am Crazy for thinking that I actually have time to post in the first place. here I am rambling anyway so I might as well attach a few pictures for you as well.... Just so I can ease my mind.

First of all... Chris and Shauntay were finally able to adopt a baby!!!! Here is Shauntay nibbling on her beautiful little Taylee's cheeks!

Taylee is so sweet an beautiful! This little girl created quite a buzz of excitement in out family! We are just so happy that she is here and that Chris and Shauntay have the sweet little baby that they have waited for for so long!This was at Shauntays baby shower! man did that girl get spoiled!Cael doesn't go a day without playing the guitar. Just the other day we went to the Book Table and went into the basement where they sale guitars only. You would have thought that he had died and gone to guitar Heaven he was shaking because he was so overwhelmed and excited. he wantd to touch and see every guitar! Trying to leave caused a complete meltdown and he cried for a very long time following.The first time all our kids got to meet and hold Taylee when Chris and Shauntay were able to bring her home!We were all baby hogging!Once again! Cael now playing guitar hero with daddy!Brenton played basket ball and decided that it wasn't his thing. Lucky for us next year we know better than to do that again!He still had fun even though it's not his favorite sport.The Valentines Dance in Bear River!I just love the look on Brentons face! So cute! Of course Josh is doing it right along with them... that is why I often feel like I have 5 kids!Sweet little boys giving mommy a hug!Sissy and Draycin!My deliciously fat little goob!Allie is so darling weather she is a cowgirl or all girly! I had some fun doing my own personal photo shoot at home!

The struggle to get this picture was awful! this is actually the 5th or 6th picture that was taken about and hour or so after the first attempt. Still they are all so cute and wonderful!

I fed the kids scones with jam and strawberry smoothies for breakfast one morning and couldn't help but snap some pictures of Cael's face all covered in the goods!

Well at least I updated and it is only 10:30 pm! Nothin but sweet sleep ahead!

-Shari

2010-04-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Fond Memories!!!

For Easter I bought the kids some of my very favorite Little (Rabid) Debby caramel cookies. These cookies are not only delicious, but very dear to me! My Great grandma Mikesell used to buy them for us and keep them in her little old oven. When we would go to visit her she always had a treat for us! She was such a wise and loving old woman.... I remember thinking when I was about 10 years old that she was definitely going to the Celestial Kingdom because she was so good! Our family had some very special moments of feeling the spirit and being together while we sat and listened to grandma tell us stories of her youth and her kids. She always sang to us! I often think of her, and miss her! I wish my kids could experience the joy of knowing her.... though, I am sure she knew and had to do with my children before they were born! On days that I miss her the most I am reminded of this song that she always sang to us before we left her house.

Put me in your pocket where I'll be close to you
No more will I be lonesome and no more will I be
blue
And when we have to part dear there'll be no sad
to do.
For I'll be in your pocket and I'll go along with you!

I Love you Grandma!

-Shari

2010-03-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

Professional pictures....finally!

We usually get our kids pictures taken every year at penny's, but we have all been sick or our kids have taken turns getting nasty bumps on their heads. We contemplated getting them individually done, but luckily found a day that they were all well and only a small amount of makeup on Cael's forehead was needed and we took them in!

It actually was relatively painless and we got done rather quickly. Poor Cael just got his 1 year pictures and he is 19 months, but we still made it! I think the constant pleading with the Lord that there would be no breakdowns and that everything would go well paid off!

Take a look at all our ADORABLE kids!!

All grandparents... do not fear we got you all pictures!

-Shari

2010-03-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

Cael is a Rock Star!! He literally just freaks out anytime he sees a guitar! I hope he keeps his interest, because he would be so much fun to watch someday!

-Shari

2010-01-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

Today...

Today many more people at ATK lost their jobs. I pray that their lives will be led in the right directions, that they will be comforted and that as they search for other options that they will not suffer. Please keep those in need in your prayers and do all you can to give service! It is times like these that we need rely so heavily on our Heavenly Father, and he uses us to help others! So please follow those promptings!

We were fortunate enough that Josh kept his Job.

-Shari

2010-01-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

More Christmas photos!

Miss Allie got a nativity ornament for the year she turned 8!The look on Brenton's face is just priceless! Classic A Christmas Story moment!The kids gave me a sweet heart necklace!I was reading what it said.My hubby and the kids after they had opened all the presents.Brenton with the Ice Age movie!Allie holding up the beautiful dress my parents bought her!Brenton is overjoyed to see that He got Lego Batman and Lego Star Wars!Allie got a huge coloring pad. She loves to color, draw and write!Draycin in his new Lightning McQueen spiffs holding Madagascar!Allie's Christmas jammies!Brenton's Christmas jammies!Cael Helping Daddy open his presents. He apparently thought that every one was for him!Josh and his usual dope eyed picture displaying his new Salt Lake REAL shirt!I am modeling the lovely work out clothes I got!Draycin Just loves this batman car that goes!This is one of the best presents Cael got! I will have to do a separate post just to show you how cute he is with it!Draycin is surveying the contents of his stocking!Cael riding the pony that Santa brought him!Our decked out house that Josh so lovingly decorated! it looked great!The tree filled with our yearly ornaments in the big kitchen window!Our Christmas tree in the living room!The boys on Christmas Eve in their new jammies!Draycin thought it was hilarious to put bows on Daddy!Cute little Draycin holding his ornament!Mommy and Cael.Cael giving Santa high five!Santa and Draycin!The boys wrestling at the Christmas dance!Mommy and Draycin taking a twirl!Draycin dancing with his cousin Averie.Cael posing for the camera.Daddy dancing with Cael,

Me and Cael with Santa at a family party!

thanks for putting all the pictures on the computer honey!

-Shari

2010-01-21T12:50:00.000-08:00

The Change
This is the hair color that I recently went to. It is so close to my natural color that I shouldn't have to dye my hair for a long time!

This is the light blond color that I sported for about a year.

The very funny thing is that the only two sweet people that even noticed that I changed my hair color thought it looked lighter. What do you think?

-Shari

2010-01-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

Random Christmas pictures!

-Shari

2010-01-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Allie... can I just say "thank Heavens for her!"

-Shari

2010-01-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

My Boys!Aren't they cute!!??

-Shari

2009-12-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Honey!!!

Today is Josh's 31st Birthday!! Honey you know how Loved and appreciated you are!! I am so personally grateful for you in my life! You are a wonderful husband, Father and provider! Thanks for all you do!

Here is to many, many more birthdays to come!

Josh and Brenton at the Dinosaur museum!Our family at the corn maze @ American west Heritage Center!Josh and Allie going to a Daddy Daughter Halloween party!Josh and all the boys camping!Josh and Cael out boating at Bear lake!Josh and I on our two year Anniversary!What a sweet daddy reading to Allie Brenton and Draycin!

Josh and Draycin 3 years ago!

Sweetheart We all Love you!

-Shari

2009-12-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

Halloween at Christmas!

not really, but it took this long to get the pictures onto the computer!

Josh and Allie went to the Daddy Daughter Halloween party for our ward!I made Allie's Halloween costume this year, and it actually turned out cute!It helps that Allie is just gorgeous!The candy house she made at the party!Our cute kids dressed up to go to the Halloween recital, and carnival at YC.Allie after she preformed her piece!Scary Brenton after his piece!Little cowboy at the carnival!The Vampire actually gave us 1 smile that night, and we caught it on cameraTrying to get the doughnuts! It was hilarious to watch!

Me and the gang in front of my parents house!Our cute kids at the Trunk-or-treat at Dina's ward!Cael, Draycin, Allie, Brenton and Averie at Grandma Fletchers!

Hope you enjoy!

-Shari

2009-12-02T22:52:00.000-08:00

Child's point of view

You know those signs that people hold up on the street to get you to buy their products? Well today we were taking Allie and Brenton to piano, and on the way there we saw a man dressed in a banana suit.

Draycin: Mom look that is a banana pizza guy! He wants you to eat his pizza with bananas on it cause people like bananas on their pizza!

Brenton: No Draycin... he is a banana because they probably are selling fruit, and today they have bananas. He is probably wearing that because they want you to buy their bananas.

Draycin: No it's banana pizza!

Brenton: Probably fruit!

Well we never could figure out what the banana man was for, but I found it interesting what the boys thought about it! Banana fruit pizza....probably!

-Shari

2009-10-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

My Life lately....

OK so I have a little confession to make.... I LOVE FOOD! especially chocolate!! I find it interesting that of all the weaknesses we as humans have, that mine is food. I have No will power!! Seriously... right now I am scarfing mini candy bars from the giant Halloween candy bag that I swore I would not open until Halloween!!
Every morning I look in the mirror and think wow! you really need to lay of the chocolate so that shirt doesn't squeeze the circulation from your arms. I am so weak! Then, because of the guilt I am constantly jogging around the house and breaking out in jumping jacks. Draycin is always asking me what I am doing. I tell him I am exercising, and he tells me to stop. Really... can't I just have someone who is on my side?!
I eat and eat and eat until I feel sick. I am going to end up as the new year blimp if something doesn't change. the thing is that I have been like this for years!! How do you change a habit that is almost 20? I really need some good practical, and preferably simple advice. Even a simple exercise regimen would be awesome! Please feel free to laugh, cry and then leave some advice... really!

-Shari

2009-10-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Long awaited post of the California Anniversary trip in August!!

Josh and I went on a really fun anniversary trip to California with My sis Karlie and her husband Paul, and My Brother Chace and his Lovely wife Julie. We left the kids at home with my parents and had so much fun for the 5 days that we were gone!!It was a road trip, and this was the first thing we saw as we climbed into Paul and Karlie's van! See the clever yellow wire holding up the laptop so we could watch movies? That was Pauls doing!We drove all day and finally stopped in Vegas where my mom had arranged for us to stay in one of her Trend West resorts! It was a really nice place! Thanks mom!Chace and Goolie!!!Us!I am so proud of this picture! I took it and it turned out awesome!Paul and Karlie! Ooohh!We all decided to go when Karlie won a trip to Disney Land and Invited us to go along with her! it happened to be around all of our wedding anniversaries.Chace and Julie's anniversary was August 5th which was the exact day we left! how fun!!Sweethearts!Honey Bunnies!Sweetie Pies!The Men! ha ha haha!!!The only thing that we went to see was the Bilagio fountains! They were beautiful!! We stayed long enough to see two water shows!We were all getting tired and still wanted to go swim at the resort so we left after the show ended.The swimming pool at the resort was so nice, and way fun! They had a lazy river, and we went wading on tubes for about an hour. we were splashing and dumping each other and causing quite a ruckus so I am sure that every one was glad when we decided to go play some water volleyball in the other pool! We played boys against girls and had a great time! it wasn't really easy but we all got a good work out I'm sure! We finished by sitting in the hot tub until the pool closed. we all showered did laundry and went to bed to wake up at 5 in the morning so we could drive the rest of the way to Disney Land. I couldn't help but take this picture of Josh, especially since he was the first one to zonk out! Arriving at Disney Land the first ride was rode was the swamp ride??? I have no Idea what it was called, but it was cool. I hadn't been on this ride since I was 12 years old! A picture of some of the cool things we saw during that ride!Can I just say that I totally LOVE Disney land and all the rides and princesses and characters!?!! No matter how old I get I still get excited about it! IT is just such a fun place that I don't know how you couldn't love it!!We rode on the Buzz Lightyear ride and shot at things with our Lazar guns. of course Josh beat me, but let me tell you on the toy story ride over in California adventure we were dang close, and that was a way better ride!!I totally loved the Star Wars simulator ride, and it seemed to me that I was the only one who didn't get sick on any of the rides when we were there! Correct me if I'm wrong.Chace, Julie, me and Karlie!Funny thing about this picture was that I was standing way behind so he looks big and I Look little!This is the Screamin roller coaster that we rode on 5 times! it goes from 0-60 in like 3 seconds. It was way Awesome and one of the funnest roller coasters I have ever been on!This is the picture of me, Karlie and Chace riding the roller coaster. Of course I knew where the camera was so I had to be crazy for the picture! Me and Josh in front of the Mickey mouse Farris wheel in California adventure!!We had to get Ice cream!and we had to pose all weird in front of the fake backdrop!Chace actually couldn't help but pretend like he was a ice cream eating giant trying to go to the movies!The Holly Wood tower of terror was one of the only rides that I held my breath on the majority of the time, and I felt like I was going to pass out when it finally stopped dropping us!My silly husband!Paul and HAPPY Karlie on the Indiana Jones ride!Indiana Jones is one of my favorite rides!The second day in California We went to Universal Studios! I am soooo glad that we went there!! IT was a blast and we got to see and do pretty much everything they had! This is Josh and I in front of the Jurassic park ride, that I of course bought a poncho for so that my hair would stay beautiful!!Can you see why?? just look at that splash! everyone was making fun of me, but I was happy because They all looked like they had been swimming in their clothes, and I was dry! Plus my bangs are oh-so important! hahahah!Josh with Alex the Lion!The set they used while filming The Grinch!This was one of the sets used in the movie War of the Worlds. They actually bought a perfectly good plane had it delivered and cut it open and ripped it to pieces for 1 scene in the movie! Can you imagine how much money that cost???Josh and the Incredible Hulk!Jason Bourn! Josh looks just as happy as I do...Strange.The animal show they did there was fantastic! All the animals that they use in the movies are sooooo cute! This monkey was darling and you could tell that he really loved his trainer! after he was done showing us what he could do he kept hugging and patting and kissing this guy! it was so cute!Spins a web any size, catches thieves just like flies! Watch out... here comes the Spider Man!!!The scary white shark that only my brother would still put his head in for a picture! too bad I didn't get that picture!Me and my sweetie in front of the Universal studios fountains!We went out on the strip next to Universal Studios to look at all the cool shops and get some dinner!We ended up eating at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was Crazy LOUD and had weird lighting, but the food was really good! We ate with Chace and Julie, and got a really good Nacho appetizer! Then Josh and I shared a huge bacon cheese burger and fries! Yum!!A very bad shot of me in front of the restaurant.They had this cute Star Wars show at Disney Land the next morning that we watched for a few minutes!This is the outside of it's a small world. I know that everyone thinks this is a boring ride, but it is actually very neat! I really enjoyed it and I took like a hundred pictures, but I only posted a few!You should see all the cool stuff they have built throughout this little gondola style boat ride!Josh is trying to remove the sword from the stone, and although his muscles are rippeling it would not budge!We took this specifically for Draycin! He just Loves Cars!!This is in front of the Bear country log flume ride where everyone got their wish and I was the only one that got soaked! I covered my bangs though... so they still looked fabulous! ha ha ha!!I just Love this picture of us on the Holly Wood Tower of Terror! Karlie- Laughing, Me-SCREAMING!! Josh-smiling, and Chace waving to the cameras. was I the only one who knew what was coming???The last day at Disney Land we rode all the rides we wanted, and stayed to watch a parade and the show at the castle! It was a lot of fun! I especially liked when they had Tinker Bell fly over the castle with the fire works!!Here is a glimpse of mickey at the parade when they were dancing and singing!!

Josh and I on the old train roller coaster. so cute!

I had to make everyone think I was scared, especially because Josh has that oh no... I just crapped my pants look on his face!!

Over all the trip was a total blast and I enjoyed it all!! I can't wait to get back there and take the kids someday!! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!!

-Shari

2009-10-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I left all of you hanging, but the power went out yesterday and I couldn't get to the computer to tell you that Josh KEPT his job!!!! Relief. The layoff was wider spread than what was originally said. It actually ended up being 550 people who lost their job. I pray that them and their families will be blessed and have the things that they need!!! There are already rumors of another layoff in April of next year. if this keeps up the plant will have to shut down all-together or they will end up having to hire people back on. Stress!! Sorry about the ranting. I feel truly blessed right now, and I hope that you will pray with me for those who are suffering.

-Shari

2009-10-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the next big layoff for ATK. 450 people will be without a job. regardless of circumstance or need they do not have a choice. Hopefully everyone is blessed in many ways despite this loss. I am praying also that my husband and his family keep their jobs too!

-Shari

2009-09-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Third Time's the charm!

Happy 3rd Birthday my sweet little Draycin!!! We are so blessed to have you in our family, and we enjoy your fun and silly personality every day!! I remember the day that you were born like it was yesterday! They started me early in the morning around 8 am, and predicted that you would be born by noon. Well the day wore on and still no Draycin... I wasn't progressing like I should and you were starting to get distressed... so at 6pm the Dr. decided that we had better do a C-section. A quick blessing (and a hair net) and we were rolled into the operating room. I stayed awake so I could see you, and as they prepared to push you out you moved into the highest left corner of my ribs that you could! They had two pretty big people jump on my stomach to pop you out, and let me tell you that IT HURT! The first thing that came out was your little hand flipping the bird to everyone in the room (this is a firm testament of the way that you are today. Hahaha!) I could hear the Dr. laughing and talking about it. Then came the full out angry screaming!!! And it did my heart good because I knew you were alive and healthy!! It was 6:12 p.m. I was able to briefly look at you and see your face and then you were gone so that I could be sewn up. There is something to say about your first born child... it is amazing how fast you bond to that child. When I finally got to hold you I remember saying how cute you were and telling you that I loved you! Your little eyes staring right at mine, and I knew that you understood what I meant and that you felt the same way! The way that I could stop you from crying by just saying one word was amazing to me! Daddy and I have so enjoyed watching you grow and become yourself over the past few years. You are a fiery, silly, and very loving boy!! We are glad that you are ours!! This is Draycin by the spider man go cart at peach days a few weeks ago!Draycin riding his "motorcycle" this summer!One of his favorite things to do. get dirty! he is very good at it!!Cute little cowboy at the fair in 2008.Lagoon 2007. his first ride alone!!First birthday! such cute boys!!He would always stick his nose up in the air and smile really cheesy!! Soooo adorable!He was walking around with those keys in his mouth forever! about 11 months old.This is what we call the knee flap stage. oh how I miss those knee flaps!Draycin was always such a happy and loving baby! he just loves everyone and everything!!
With sissy and Brenton at Disney on Ice!

Draycin and Daddy first Christmas 2006!

First Halloween as a little pumpkin! 1 month old!

Handsome Draycin all ready for his first church meeting! 2 weeks old!

The Day that my precious little boy was born!! "Dacha" Draycin for being such a good boy!!

All our Love,

Mommy and Daddy

2009-09-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

I Feel My Saviors Love!

I just wanted to take a minute and tell you that I care about you!! I have witnessed people with broken hearts, homeless, jobless, hungry, in despair, mourning, struggling, and without the Love they so desperately need. I hope that all will come to the realization that they are of worth and that Our Heavenly Father Loves all of us!!! He will always be there to comfort us and help us through anything...if we will only turn to him! I hope that everyone will know that I care for them!!!

-Shari

2009-08-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's The End Of The World....

To me anyway! Our hard drive was making some weird noises the other day and then it stopped working! All of our pictures and videos were stored on that thing and we don't know if we can get the memory transferred to a different drive or if it is ruined. SNIFF SOB!!! I am praying that it will all be fine when we pick up our new one, but am super stressed at the thought of loosing everything! anyway... if worse comes to worse than I would really appreciate any pictures you have of our family. Cael especially, because his whole first year of life would be gone!

-Shari

2009-08-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Lucky number 7!!!!

Happy Birthday Brenton!!!! We are so happy to have you in our family! We always enjoy watching you excel in all the sports you play, and you definitely keep us on our toes wherever we go! you have a fun personality and are very adventurous! I am so happy that you came into my life, and I still remember that sweet little 2 year old boy! I hope you know that your father and I Love you so very much and are proud of the person that you are! Don't ever give up Brenton! Have faith in yourself and you can do anything!!

I have a funny little story to tell you before I get to the pictures. Brenton wanted to go for a bike ride for his birthday so, Josh packed the bikes and I packed the lunch. We thought for sure that this would be a safe trip......as you would guess Brenton found a way to push it to the limit! We were on our way back to the car and crossing a board walk when Brenton decided he wanted to run his foot along the side to see what would happen while he coasted on his bike, and you guessed it...... He went flying off the side. Josh and I were behind so we watched the whole thing. We went racing to him and for some reason he was not barely hurt except for some scrapes??? I really think that there is a Very Tired guardian Angel that follows that boy around!!! It was a drop and he was very luck that it was nothing serious. At least he knows how to get his parents adrenaline running!!! On our toes!Brenton's blessing picture!Brenton at the Valentines dance in Bear River @ 2 years old!With his piggy @ grandmas when he was 3!At the hospital when he officially became the big brother! He was 4!Turtle and Spuds wedding! Brenton in Smithfield @ age 5!T-ball last summer!His 6th birthday!Christmas 2008!Brave little Brenton!Pitch machine this summer!on his scooter in July!

I just love how glorious this picture is! Such a handsome boy and big 7 already!!!

All our Love

-Dad and Shawee!

2009-08-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

I am so behind!

Here are pictures of the past few months! Also, I will be posting pictures from our trip to California ASAP!!!

The pictures go in order from most recent to past!Birthday for Cael @ grandma Nelsons!Riding Mr. wrinkles @ the farm!Cael's actual 1st birthday! we had everyone over to eat and party, and it was a blast!Bear Lake with the family!Salt Lake REAL game and fireworks on the 24th!24th of July Parade and celebration in Bear River City!Lagoon With the family!Camping with everyone! Just look at my dirty face from 4 wheeling! another reason I don't like 4 wheeling!Josh and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary!!Random picture of Brenton and Blackie sleeping on the cement. ????Swimming at the Logan pool after the barbecue for Allie's baptism!Allie's baptism! it was wonderful!

Our house! The lawn looks beautiful, but we still have no flowers! I need flowers!!!

I will try to keep you more up to date in the future!

-Shari

2009-07-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

Trials and Blessings

This is a very emotional subject for me to write about, but I feel that there is such a great message to be shared that this story must be told! Even now just thinking about it I am chocking back the tears, but they are no longer tears of sadness! It is joy and thankfulness that is leaking out of me! It has been exactly two years today since my husband had his accident.

In the summer of 2007 in the month of July my husband and I had just celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary, and we recently moved to Smithfield! Allie and Brenton were 6 and 4 and Draycin was just 10 months old. We were coming home from a very fun trip to Lava Hot springs with my side of the family on Saturday the 28th. We had so much fun and were discussing how this was one of the funnest summers that we had spent together as a family this far!

above are a couple pictures of Josh at Lava with the kids.

On Sunday the 29th we had church at 9 am. I woke up that day feeling a little strange about things, but didn't know what to pinpoint my feelings to. When we got home from church and began to prepare to go to my parents I went into my room with Draycin and sat down on the bed to feed him. All the sudden I had the very strong impression that this would be that last time I would ever nurse this baby. It was so clear that it sounded as if someone had said it aloud. I thought this was very strange and didn't understand. I finished and walked out so that we could get going. As I saw Josh, he was wearing a black t-shirt and khaki shorts and for some reason I suddenly wished that he could change his outfit, and it wasn't because I didn't like that way that he looked. I just felt so weird and thought that maybe if he changed that I would feel better. I didn't say anything because I knew he would think I was weird. so I just shook it off.

In the 45 min. drive to my parents we had a really great discussion with the kids about the movie of Joseph who was sold into Egypt by his brothers. I specifically remember Josh telling the kids that even though he experienced great trials in his life that he didn't give up and he became better because of them. He said, The Lord knows better than we do and what we can handle. He told the kids that we need to try to be more like Joseph.

As we were at my parents the kids started to play and I began helping with dinner. I completely lost the weird feelings that I had been having all day. The kids headed outside with the new fish squirt toys that my mom got them and Josh followed. I remember looking out at Brenton squirting water all over and yelling look, and then I went back to helping. not two minutes later the accident happened. In those two minutes the kids had said that they wanted to get on the swing set and that they both wanted to sit by daddy, so Josh thought the only sensible thing to do would be to sit on the middle swing. He later told me that he was warned not to sit on that swing, and after sitting anyway he was warned not to swing very high. He rationalized that this would make both the kids happy, and began swinging anyways.

Allie, rather slowly, came in the house and told me " you might want to go outside, because daddy is hurt." I dashed to the door and thought what has he done now? I saw him standing in the garden behind the swing hunched over and clenching his hand with the other one. blood was streaming from him like a faucet. My dad yelled to get a towel. I grabbed one out of the kitchen drawer and ran to Josh trying to help him wrap it up. My dad and I walked him into the house and straight through to the front door to load him into the car to go to the hospital. As we reached the front door Josh began to pass out. He fell onto me saying "oh Shari" and then back where my dad caught him and grabbed the wrist to his right hand and squoze tightly to try to stop the bleeding. At this point none of us knew what kind of damage had been done or how it had even happened. We were just trying to stop the bleeding. I was in a panic and went running to my Uncle Wills house to get help to carry Josh while my mom called my Uncle Shay. Shay was running late to his church meetings that day and was able to come over quickly and put a compression bandage on Josh's hand. When my uncle Shay arrived he could tell that I was freaking out and wisely told me to go into the house. I went inside and grabbed Draycin out of his high-chair because he was screaming (probably because of all the commotion). I took him in the living room by Allie and Brenton. The kids asked me several times if daddy was going to die. I was very scared myself and promptly told them NO he will be OK I PROMISE! My dad, Shay and Josh were out on the front porch surveying the damage. Josh could not move his thumb no matter how he tried and he continued to bleed great amounts. He was very pale and looked like he would pass out at any moment. As I was in the house with the kids for another brief moment I bowed my head and began talking to my Heavenly Father; I asked him to help my husband stop bleeding and to let us find out how to help him, and also to calm all of my family and let us have peace. I knew that this is what I had been feeling so strange about all day.

They finished up and I was going to drive Josh to the ER, but my dad could tell that both Josh and I were very shaky so he offered to drive us. As Josh and I waited in the car for just a moment while my dad got some pillows to prop up Josh's arm I tried to comfort my husband, and a tear ran down his face. I told him it was OK to cry and that I knew it must hurt really bad. He said, "I am just so upset that happened because I just ruined the rest of our summer." My heart sank because I wanted him to know that he meant more to me than any activity we could ever do.

While we drove to Mckaydee Hospital my dad seemed really out of sorts and kept trying to take short cuts to get us there quicker. Josh was the calmest one of all and was so composed the entire time. I kept trying to say things that I thought would make him feel better but it all just came out as jumbled nervous sentences. I was trying really hard to make sense of what happened and not cry so that Josh wouldn't be more stressed. We finally reached the hospital and went in at the ER. Josh even tried to walk in by himself but he had lost so much blood that we got him a wheel chair so he wouldn't pass out again. The people at the Emergency Room were very SLOW and not very helpful. they took us into a room to type our information into the computer and took their sweet time about it as if we were the next Joe in line at the clinic with a cold. Josh was in a lot of pain and just kept asking them when he could get some pain medication. After about 25 min. we were taken into a room where they gave Josh some drugs and got him in a gown. we had to cut his top off because he couldn't pull it over his hand. As the nurse left our room for a minute we knew that Josh needed a blessing and so he asked my dad if he could give him one. I remember in the blessing some specific things that were said: Josh was told that he would make a full recovery and that over time he would be the only one that would notice the difference. I felt a strong assurance that this was true and that our Heavenly Father would bless him with what he needed.

After the blessing Josh told me that I should call his parents. I had not even thought of this and still feel bad about it even to this day!! I called and talked to my Father-in-law Mark and told him all that I knew had happened, which wasn't much! I told him that I would know more when the Dr. saw him and I would call to let them know the updates. Mark told me that they would come to the hospital after they had dinner with the family.

When I got off the phone Josh began explaining what had happened and that the swing broke and that it ripped through his hand. We were still not sure at that time what on the swing had hurt his hand so badly. Several students came in and unwrapped Josh's wounded hand and began inspecting it. I was very upset about this because they took the bandage off and Josh began bleeding pretty bad again and it was so painful for him. Even after they wrapped it back up it continued streaming down his arm, and I tried my hardest to point it out to them but they didn't know where the blood was coming from! They should have just left the bandage that my uncle had put on him until the Dr. came to look at it!

It seemed like forever before they finally took him into surgery! As they wheeled him back they asked us several questions about allergies and anesthesia, and told us that everything would be OK. I told Josh that I loved him very much and then I kissed him goodbye. The nurse told me that she would be phoning me in half an hour out in the waiting room to tell me what they find.

about 40 min. passed and sure enough the phone call was for me. "There is extensive damage," she said. "He cut through the main artery twice, ( now we know the reason for all the bleeding) severed tendons in his fingers, and cut many nerves." I asked if there was any way that they could fix it, and she assured me that the Dr. was very skilled and could even reattach the tiny nerves, but that the surgery would most likely take anywhere from 6 to 7 and 1/2 hours. I sunk. My dad was there with me and asked what he could do. I needed a blessing to help me be strong for my husband and children because I knew that there was going to be a drastic change in our lives.

Surprisingly Josh's surgery was done in just under 4 hours and he was wheeled into recovery. I was informed of his room number and the Dr. came out and spoke with me briefly about what he found and what he did. i asked him about the recovery. He said that it would take a long time and told me that he would come speak with Josh the next morning. So up we all went to his room to greet him and see how he was doing.

Josh was very drowsy and tired and didn't quite know what was going on. My mom and Aunt Erin brought me some pajamas and make-up so that the stay would be a bit easier. everyone asked us to let them know if we needed anything and took care of the kids while we were gone. Allie and Brenton went with Grandma Nelson and Draycin went with my sister because she had a crib and stayed at home. Thanks to everyone who helped with our kids right after the accident and over night!

That night in the hospital I didn't sleep at all. I just kept playing the horrible scene over and over in my head. i looked at my wounded husband and wondered if his hand would ever be the same or if he would be able to do his job because it was all hands on and he is right handed. I was scared of the future and wondered how our lives would change because of this accident. I never once pushed the nurses button if Josh needed something I just went right out to their station and politely asked them for whatever he needed so that it would happen promptly. they were very nice and took good care of Josh, and me also. The first time Josh woke up after everyone had left he needed to go to the bathroom and so I helped him get up. He was so weak because he had lost so much blood. It was awful to see my husband, who is so full of life and active, become so pale, colorless, skinny and weak. he was haunted by pain and strange dreams in which he was playing the piano and golfing and doing things with his hand that he could no longer do. Things that he had never done but that you would use your hands for. I would be watching him and he would wake up reaching in the air and grunting in pain because he was trying to move his hand. These dreams continued for several months and each time he would wake up in pain because he was trying to move his hand. I, however, could barely sleep and I am sure that my body ran off of pure adrenaline for that first week following the accident.

We waited for a very long time the next day for the Dr. to come speak to Josh. When he finally showed up he didn't say much and gave us the papers to be released, but didn't instruct us on any follow- up care. We were sent home with an Rx for Lortab 5. they give you a higher dose than that when you have a c-section, and all your nerves don't end in your stomach!! They sure come screaming out of your hand in ridiculous numbers, though, so you can only imagine how painful it was. We were told that we would need to see the Dr. in two weeks, and not to move or bump Josh's hand for that amount of time. It was very hard trying to get the kids used to not bugging or bumping daddy, and I felt as though his hand became my new baby and I couldn't let anyone near it!

The first night we were home the meds from the hospital began to wear off and the prescription was just not helping the pain. Josh kept saying how much his hand hurt and writhing. i told him that i would do whatever we needed to to get the pain down, and he told me he would try to deal with it. About midnight Josh was in soooo much pain that he made the comment that it would hurt less if they would've just cut it off.... so we decided to go to the ER to see if we could get some better meds (this was only after several calls to the Dr. who did the surgery and not being able to get a hold of him at all!). We hadn't lived in Cache valley for very long so we didn't know exactly where the hospitals were and what ones accepted our insurance, and we had three sleeping children. I packed up the kids because i had no idea who could watch them with it being that late, and all our family was so far away.

The first hospital we stopped at didn't accept our insurance so we got back in the car and went looking for Logan Regional. About ten minutes later we arrived, and I got Josh and all the kids out. Allie and Brenton stayed asleep and I layed them on chairs with pillows. Draycin was wide awake and kind of confused. I signed Josh in and they took him back pretty quickly. The Dr. was pretty frustrated because he could not look at Josh's wound nor get a hold of the Dr. who did the surgery. So we explained the pain and the situation and we left with a better Rx to manage the pain. From that point on I was setting alarms to give Josh his medication when he needed. I remember several restless nights of dreaming about the accident and getting up to give him food and medication. He was so uncomfortable and also had a hard time sleeping.

The next day after we went to the ER we found out that the Dr. had been fired and skipped town leaving us to try and find a Dr. This was a very bad situation because Doctors don't usually take patients who have already been treated by another. We had many days of calling Dr.'s and providers and trying to explain the situation we were in. On top of that I was filling out forms and making arrangements with Josh's work so that everything would be taken care of financially. We finally found Dr. Barnett from Alpine who was willing to do the follow ups with Josh. He even did them for free like the original Dr. should have! We were so blessed to get Dr. Barnett for more reasons than one!

When Josh's hand was unwrapped about 2 and1/2 weeks later this is what we saw.

2009-07-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Josh was shaking and a little sick. I was just devastated at how bad it was. The details from here on are a little fuzzy to me as I have tried hard to forget about it. Dr. Barnett looked at his hand and determined that he would need a lot of therapy to get it going again. He sent us to the other end of the hospital to start therapy right away. Mind you, that this was all taking place at the Mckaydee hospital in Ogden and we lived over in Cache valley, so this required a lot of driving every other day.

Down in the therapy room they began gently moving his hand and Just taping over the wounds that were still gaping open. This went on for about a month with therapy at Mckaydee. They did several stretches that were very painful, and different tests to determine how much feeling he had. Josh had to wear a splint that covered his hand and fingers for a very long time.

After a while Dr. Barnett discovered that the tendon in his thumb had not been properly attached and was barely hanging on. Josh went through another surgery. This time he knew for sure that the tendon was attached, but that he would have to be very careful in therapy to not break it. After the second surgery they placed a drain that ran, just under the skin, all the way through his palm and coming out in the bend between his thumb and index finger. it healed up nicely, except for a small pocket of infection that we discovered after all the old dead skin peeled off. It was about the size of a pencil eraser and was right in the bend between the thumb and index finger where they had pulled the drain out. it was after that time that we were able to switch to another therapist over in Logan which was much closer to our home.

It was 13 months of time before Josh would make it back to work for good. During this time he had 2 more surgeries in Salt lake with Dr. Raemisch. He had to try to repair the atrophied (dead) muscle in his hand and when that didn't work, he used a method of transferring a tendon from the back of his hand to his thumb. Josh's brain would have to retrain itself on what finger he was moving because it was used to moving another finger. This surgery was successful and after 4 surgeries he would be done.

We struggled financially while Josh was out of work, even though Met Life took care of his pay checks, because we were paying hundreds of dollars in gas and prescriptions every week and The Dr. bills were piling up. We did everything we could to pay for things, but there were so many extra things we had to pay for that we could not keep up. We even tried to figure out if it would be possible for me to get a job, but it was out of the question. I had 3 kids I was caring for and Josh who needed constant care and help with everything from showering, and buttoning his shirts to tying his shoes, and cutting his food. They needed me at home. So we went to the bishop. It is a hard thing to swallow your pride and ask for help, but I will tell you that our family had learned a lot from this. The Lord has set up an amazing system to care for those in need, and it is truly inspired. It is such a perfect system and WE are truly grateful for it!!

We were so blessed during this time. not only did the church provide our groceries and sisters from the ward bring us dinner, but we had an amazing family who was taking care of us and helping us through it all!! I remember specifically certain things that they did for us... Josh's family dropped a huge tote at our door, around Christmas time, full of games, paper goods, and pajamas for the kids, along with several envelopes full of money for dates and coupons for family night activities and many other nice things. My mom always gave me all the Avon I ordered for free and fed us dinner several times, and my sister sent us home with several bags of groceries many times. I am so thankful for wonderful Loving families and for Our Heavenly Father who Loves us so very much!!!

Here we are 2 years later, and one more kid ( who, by the way, was due on July 29th 2008, but was born on the 25th). We Live in a nice home, and have a beautiful family and everything that we need! Even though Josh was warned to not sit on the swing that day... I believe that everything happens for a reason, and weather we know what that is at the time or not... we still have our free agency. keep in mind that Heavenly Father knows us, and what we will do. He also knows what we need, and what we can handle! He is always there even when we feel all alone and are in the depths of despair wondering why.

It is funny how such a strange accident has changed our lives in so many ways! So many ways for the better! I think that it brought us closer together in our marriage and helped our testimonies to grow immensely!!! Although Josh's hand is not quite the same, and it still hurts at times he still plugs away and hardly complains. He has become a more compassionate and empathetic person because of it! i am so thankful for the growing experience that this has been for our family!!

Down below are all the rest of the pictures of Josh's hand.

2009-07-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

These pictures go from the most recent to the oldest. This is his hand marked up to show you all the different surgeries in color.

This and all the above are the end results of the surgeries and therapy.

Pictures of the last Surgery where they took the extra tendon from the back of his hand and put it by his thumb.

Third surgery pictures where they tried to fix the muscle that had died. This muscle is very important for your motor skills and allows you to bend your fingers and pick things up.

His hand had healed up after the second surgery where they fixed his tendon again.

His hands were in the shape of a claw because of the wound and how they healed, so he had to wear these contraptions on his fingers to help straighten them. They were very painful!

After he got his stitches out from the second surgery.

Second surgery bandage.

The healed over hand from the original accident.

Pocket of infection that we found.

After all the dead skin began to peeled off. The scary plastic thing that he had to wear for a long time.

Look how swollen his palm is.

The first time we attempted to clean the blood off his hand since the accident.

What a fashion statement!

A week after we came home from the hospital.

His shorts were soaked, and we threw his shirt away.

The blood and flesh on the ground. he must've bled the most right there because a day late and 90 something degree weather, and it was still wet. He did cut his main artery in his hand so we are lucky he didn't bleed to death.

The swing that broke.

The horrendous metal piece that tore through his hand.

As he was swinging the seat broke and he was going backwards holding onto the chain and that is what did it.

Sorry about all the graphic pictures, hopefully you have a strong stomache!!

-Shari

2009-07-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Cael!!!

Wow! I cannot believe that it has already been a year!! I am sooo happy that you came to our little family!! You are such a sweet and funny little boy! I have really enjoyed watching you grow and learn and interact with your brothers and sister!! You have the sweetest cheesy smile that anyone who sees it can't help but smile too!!

I remember the day that you were born, and let me tell you that I could not wait for you to come!!! You were very active and kept me from sleeping or being comfortable for months before you were even born! It was in the morning at 9:54 am! You weighed 7 lbs 4oz and were 19 and 1/2 in. long! You had a full head of hair! You were gorgeous!!! I was so excited to see what you looked like, but scared me to death when I didn't hear you cry... your father and I asked if you you were OK because you were gray and not breathing. they took you to the table and began sucking junk from your nose and throat and rubbing you. A few moments later I heard you cry and tears came streaming down my face as I knew you would be OK! I was able to hold you and tell you hello, and thank Heavenly Father for sending you to us!!!

Cael you are a very wonderful addition to our family, and I hope you know how much we all Love you!!! We wish you the Happiest Birthday ever and look forward for many more to come!!! The pictures go from the most recent to when he was born!Lagoon on Tuesday July 21st!Allie's piano recital in the spring of 2009, he clapped for her!!Party at my parents in the beginning of July! He already knows how to shove in the cake!Cael all dressed up for the 4th of July celebration!!Here is Cael with Draycin. He is about 6 months old!4 months old and happy as can be!!About a month old! He is such a handsome baby! I must say that he has changed sooo much from birth to 1 year!He loved his swing!This is the day we took him home!

July 25th 2008!! Sweet little Cael arrived!!!

With all our Love,

-Mommy & Daddy