Getting ready for Trek!!

Colt and I are lucky enough to be Ma and Pa Kierstead this year for stake Trek. We got together with some of the kids in our "family" to decorate their buckets. These buckets are esentially our suitcases. This will be a great experience, we're very excited.

The girls.

The boys.

Decorating our family flag. We're the "Kierstead Kompany".

Our neighbors, the Hoovers, were also called to be Ma's and Pa's along with the Mechams. Brother Hoover's mother passed away so they are unable to make the trek. Even though I know this is where the Hoovers need to be (obviously) I am devestated!! I didn't realize, until after talking with Sis. Hoover, how hard this would be on me... emotionally. I think the spirit of trek is hitting me a day early, I've been crying off and on all day. I feel like I'm really leaving family behind. We're taking their family flag, they'll be with us in spirit! I love you, Hoovers, you will be greatly missed.

Rylee's Baptism

Congratulations, Rylee, on your baptism. I love you!!

CJ, Emily, and Rylee

There are four kids in our Howard family that have baptisms in 2010. (Tyler didn't make it into this picture, hopefully I can get one of all four of them at the next one.) Corbin is the only one left to be baptized this year.

~ Cousins ~

~ Grandpa, Erin, Emma, Colt ~

~ Sisters ~

Sights of Home

While we were in Hawaii I was often surprised by the number of people that said "Oh, you're from Utah? It's very pretty there." This really made me think. I've never considered where I live all that pretty. The snow get's old and in the summer it gets so hot that things look burnt and dead.

With that being said we all decided that wherever you might live - whether it be Utah, Hawaii, or New York - you get used to what your surrounded by and chances are you take it for granted. So when we got home I decided to look around and notice the beauty of where we are. And it turns out those people in Hawaii were right. Where I live is beautiful, I just have been so used to it that I haven't really noticed.

So here are some pictures that I took that made me remember and feel grateful, even if there is no awesome ocean near by, for where I live and what surrounds me.

We have some pretty awesome sunsets up here. Even better then the ones where we lived three years ago.

Did I say gorgeous sunsets? This is the view from our front porch.

This night there was an incredible double rainbow. You could see it from one end to the other. It was amazing. All of my neighbors were out taking pictures. It was great.

Corbin said that the mountain back there makes him feel like we're living in Ireland.

I think he was right.

The rainbows going behind our house.

The sunset that night was so bright. It was 9:00 at night and it fell like it was only 5:00. It was a crazy, beautiful moment.

Thank you for being my home, Utah!!

Marley's Preschool Graduation

I can't believe my little girl is headed into Kindergarten!! I am so very excited but at the same time a little sad. She was very fun to watch during her graduation. She put on a show. I had parents come to me afterwards and talk about her cute facial expressions. She has many!

We're very proud of you, Miss Marley!!

Marley and Dad - he's wearing the tie she made for him for Christmas.

Emma visited Marley.

Marley laughing at Emma.

Love it!

Marley and her teacher. Corbin also went to this preschool and we absolutely love it! She's the best!!!

The family.

Marleys new wheels

We finally found a little car for Marley at a yard sale. We've been looking for a couple of years now and we finally have one. She LOVES it!!

Welcome home Mommy!! I think...

I was so looking forward to seeing my babies when we got back from Hawaii. Of the three I probably missed Emma the most - but mostly because I've never left her and lets face it. She's still my baby. She still needs me for everything.

Well upon returning home she wanted nothing to do with me. It was all about grandma. For the first few hours we were back she just cried. She looked at me, cried. I held her, she cried. It wasn't working. We finally got her home and she got used to the idea of me. She still wouldn't cuddle, squeeze or give me that love that I missed from my baby.

The next day, after we were making progress, Grandma came over for a visit. She was so excited!! And as you can tell preferred Grandma over me. I was just relieved that she wanted Grandma still since we are planning on leaving her for four days while we go on trek.

Look at that look. She so didn't want me.

She cried when I took her away.

Giving Grandma kisses.

At least we know she was taken care of while I was gone!!

Mothers Day 2010

I LOVE being a mom!! Thank you kids, for being my best of everything and making my dreams come true!!