Dear Family and Friends...

Its been over two months since I've posted!! Ahh! We have been up to our eyeballs with a move last month to Salem and now remodeling a home in Spanish Fork to move into in the next week or so. Wow! It was certainly no small task to pack up our house in Payson, glad that's over! I'm all for simplicity. But all is well. Counting our many blessings!
There is much to post but wanted you to know we are doing well and I'm anxious to get settled and start "journaling" again through blogging. Take care - loads of love -
Belle and family

And he sleeps...

Jed woke me up on Saturday at about 6:45. He had a smile on his face that resembled that of the Chestshire cat. He wanted me to see something. He had gone to Ethan's room to wake him in order to get him off to his football game in Orem as he had to be there by 7:45.
As Jed began to wake him, he said to him, "Time to get up Ethan. We've got to get ready for your game." At the same time, he began to turn over his bedding and found him dressed in his FOOTBALL GEAR! He had on his football shoulder pads with the jersey and his pants with all the pads on. Jed was laughing and said to Ethan, "Ethan bud, what are you doing?"
Ethan, still half asleep, puts his hand up as if to surrender, "I know. I shoulda wore my helmet."
Oh how Jed laughed!

Our Teenager turns 14!!

And the birthday girl is...Emily Marie. Introducing our 14 year old! (Funny sidenote. Emily was born on a rainy day and today, it was raining!)
Emily gets a new bedding set, socks, a down vest, two shirts and a pair of pants!
Because we didn't have any candles we gave Emily "14 cupcakes". She graciously shared them with us. Happy Birthday Emmy!

What we love about Emily -

Nicholas says: "she's nice!"
Macy says: "I loved it when Emily jumped with me on the trampoline and we jumped really high and I bounced on my head and we laughed. And also I liked it when we planted flowers together cuz it was fun."
Ethan says: "Emily is nice and funny and kind and loves to play around. I like to laugh and play with her."
Sarah says: "I love how caring Emily is to me and how she sticks up for me when someone hurts me. We have had lots of great times together hanging out, talking and laughing about funny things."
Mom says; "I love how Emily has always had the ability to reason and to listen. Ever since she was so little, she would listen attentively. She was actively listening to ideas and thoughts. She is good at making friends - I remember vividly seeing her among her little friends and watching with pride how comfortable and accepting she was with them. I remember the first time she gave me an absolute belly laugh - she can make me laugh hard. I love how delightful and witty she is. But most importantly, I love watching her grow into a lovely lady with a growing testimony and a desire to do good.
Dad says: "I remember so well the moment Emily was born. She was crying a little as the doctor handed her to her mommy. I was looking at her, just above her and I said, "Hey sweetheart. This is your father speaking." She stopped crying and turned to my voice. I was struck by her ability at such an age to listen and to "reasonably" look to her daddy. I love her ability to reason and to seek understanding."

And its off...

Macy was ecstatic on Tuesday, September 10Th. She got to go to the clinic to have her "pretty pink" cast taken off after 4 weeks. She was eager to cross the monkey bars again and to ride her bike without any interference. So here she sits, ready to get the saw to her arm. Nicholas instantly giggled and covered his ears as the saw cut away at Macy's cast.
Finally with the cast off, she says to me, "All better. It feels like new Mom! I can do anything!" And sure enough, she was acting as good as new - crossing the monkey bars, riding her bike and even doing handstands for added measure.

In the leavy treetops...

Who said monkeys don't live in the treetops of the United States. I found TWO -Macy and Nicholas!! I could hear (I know, pretty amazing) them a hollerin' and went to see what all the ruckus was. Discovery: Two little monkeys swinging in the trees.

Funny story

Nicholas had followed me around the house all morning. At some point that morning, I decided to clip my toenails. My toes were tender after moving a few loads and it was time to clip. So I sat down on my bedroom floor and began clipping. Nicholas was nearby, playing with his cars. Suddenly, he looked up, stunned and said, "Mom, whats dat noise?"
"Is there a noise? What are you talking about?"
"Dat noise. Whats dat noise?" Still looking around, bewildered.
"I don't know what your talking about Nicholas?"
Nicholas, then, came by my shoulder, lifted my hair by my left ear and looked at my ear. After a close investigation, he simply says, "Nope, you can't hear dat noise."
Ha, ha!!

Sisters and Mom Weekend - Sunny Southern California

First of all, I want my dear sister-in-laws, Debbie, Shannon, GeriLyn, Audra, Mary and Mandi, who were not able to make it to this weekend retreat to know they were SO SO missed!! We can't wait for the time you join us next.
This was such a wonderful, relaxing, and bonding experience for us! We ate wonderful meals at the Cheesecake Factory, twice - one evening we each got a slice of cheesecake and shared with everyone (11 different cheesecake slices!); got our spouses and children little thank-you gifts (not to mention a little spending on self :-) ); went to 2 movies; visited Jamey's lovely home; rode in a sporty Charger and Durango; swam each morning in Krystin's pool and soaked some rays; read a book; stayed up each evening laughing, crying, sharing testimonies and silly stories including Chrisy's crazy experience with a gal she visit taught who shaved her head in Chrisy's living room!, vacuuming tarantulas, Cathy's many proposals, Sandi's cockroach/jumping spider in the bathroom, Krystin's first year with Mike, etc.; feeling loved and supported in our roles as mothers and wives.
I am so grateful to Mom for her presence. She is truly an amazing woman! I adore her and value what she has to say in her efforts to teach and nurture us all and be our forever friend. Thank you Krystin for sharing your home! Thank you sisters for your patience with me and friendship - I love you and admire you more than you know! Can't wait for the next time to be with each of you!
Pictured - SandiRae, Mom and Cathy at Red Robin. All of us (with an unexpected guest! ha!) at Cheesecake Factory - Mom, Me, Cathy, Chrisy, Gina (unexpected guest) Jamey with her Grant next to her and Russell, Krystin, Tasha and Sandi. Outside Krystin and Mike's lovely home and in front of our sporty weekend car - Gina, Chrisy, Krystin, Sandi, Mom, Cathy and Me.