Welcome...

West

7 lbs. 1 oz. 19.5 inches long

Look at his adorable little face!

Shellie had an infection and a fever of 104, so they induced labor. West has fluid in his lungs so he is on an IV and has a tube down his throat. They suspect he may have the infection Shellie had. He is on antibiotics and may be in the hospital for 7-10 days. Pray for his safe recovery.

(P.S. I hope it's okay that I posted this. I just wanted everyone in the family to see his cute face!)

Recipes

Spinach Artichoke Dip

2 jars (6 oz. each) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 pkg. (10 oz.) Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (I actually only used about 1/2 the pkg.)
4 garlic cloves, pressed
1 C. sour cream
1 C. Mayo
1 1/2 C. Parmesan Cheese ( I buy a bag of shredded...not the dry canned stuff)

Prehead oven to 375. Mix all ingredients. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Ribbon Sandwiches

Ham: Can of Hormel smoked ham mixed with mayo to desired consistency.
Eggs: Hard boil 4 eggs. Smash with fork. Add mayo to desired consistency. Flavor with about 2 tsp. mustard. Then add a couple of shakes of garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. This time I used my spinach and herb seasoning from "Tastefully Simple" but since you can't buy that in stores, it's okay without it.

Twinners!

Look how cute they look in their matching shirts! I love that Brenner and Sydney get to go to school together:)

This drives me nuts...

Sometimes I feel like we live in a different world up here in Wyoming. Well are place has these floor heaters, and above ever single one of them is an outlet. Now what drives me crazy is the warning stickers that say "Warning keep electrical cords away from heater".. OK THEN DON'T PUT THE FREAKING OUTLETS ABOVE THE HEATERS. The sad thing is there is plenty of empty wall space they could have put the outlets or could have put the heaters. These heaters do get super hot, legz found out the hard way when we first moved in "poor girl".

Very Bad, No Good, Horrible, Longest Week EVER!

(This post if for Libby)

It all started Saturday evening when I was getting a hair cut... that I hate.... reminding me that Brenner had to talk in church on Sunday. I stayed up late trying to find a talk for him but fell asleep with my laptop in my lap. Then I woke up early Sunday morning (6:30ish) and got his talk prepared... only to still have to send Ryan to church with the kids because I couldn't pull myself together to get ready for church on time. Then.... the primary got this grand idea to combine classes since the older kids (there are only 4 kids in the class) have a couple as teachers while the younger kids (there are 12 in the class) have only your's truly as their teacher... if we combine then we'll have more adults to help... no... we'll have 16 kids in one room instead of 12 and I'll still have to do all the work!!!

I got to spend all evening Sunday trying to fix (paint over) a banner that some 82 year old man messed up on for the Jubilee of trees... which I had spent about 4 days of all of my extra time on the previous week.

Monday I got to start doing remediation... which is basically where they throw 20 of the worst 8th graders into one room during their lunch period and try to get me to make them do work to pass a class that they failed 1st quarter... that is a whole blog post in itself.

That night we spent the whole evening trying to set up for the Jubilee of Trees. And I still get home late and try to clean the house.... etc. etc.

Tuesday... remediation again.

Tuesday evening we had family pictures... with a hair cut that I hate... and I didn't have time to get my eyebrows waxed... and the hat that I ordered which I based all of our colors off... didn't come in time for the pictures.

Wednesday... is that today? We found out that we may have to pay $20,000 in taxes for a business that we no longer own... (and my husband is unemployed and we are living with my parents). Oh and Joren spilled a huge pitcher of RED crystal lite all over the counter, floor, etc... while we were cleaning up that mess Brenner's soup boiled over on the stove.. I almost swore! then I went in the kids room later that night to discover Terek has colored on the floor with something... I guess I need to go buy some carpet cleaner....seriously, is it only Wednesday???

Let me just say that this is the chaos that we live in and I wouldn't trade it for the world!!! I actually love living with my parents... which I didn't think I would. I love my crazy little boys. Messes give us an excuse to clean things that needed to be cleaned any way! I love my job... aside from remediation (which I am meeting with the principal in the morning to brainstorm some solutions). I miss my kids during the day, but they have their dad and grandma. I've really enjoyed the little help that I have given Rosalie with the Jubilee of trees. This whole business stuff has really humbled us and we are grateful for that. I love living in St. George and I love my family here. I need to make an effort to see more of my family more often.

I love you, Libby... I know times get tough... and it can be hard. This life is a test and it's supposed to be crazy...

-Anisa

Because of this...

She got this...

PS... it would be nice if people would comment on the family blog:)

Thunder Football & Dixie Round-up

One of the things we love most about moving back to St. George is getting to see family more. We have loved living in South Jordan and spending our family time with Lucas and Shellie, but it's nice to see more family more often.

On Thursdays we go to Tanner's football games. He is #77. The boys get a little restless sitting on the bleachers watching the game. That night we decided to take them to the Dixie Round-up Rodeo. More sitting on bleachers.

On Saturday afternoon, we got to go to the Dixie Round-up parade. People throwing candy... that the kids like!!!

Tanner is the drum major.
Look at that.... he can march backwards! Good fun!

I'm totally up for driving 8 hours to see cute little Legacy dance as well!

Yard Sale

Mom and I are having a yard sale Saturday out here in Ivins. If you think there is anything that you would like, you may want to be one of the first ones here!! Also, if you'd like to add anything to the sale, that's fine too!

Also, mom has a few things of Granny's that she wants to give to anyone who may want them.

Reunion

Hey everyone!!!! There is a Williams Reunion this Sunday, August 15th @ the Cobble Crest in Kanarra!!!! I've talked to Aunt Debbie and got a head count of 10 from her Family, they are wanting a head count for food arrangements. They will supply the main dish and each family brings either a salad or dessert. So if anyone is coming and I have not either talked to you or your parents please let us know if you will be attending!!! I hope all can make it!! Oh and it is @ 5:30 p.m. I'm pretty sure! Love to all :)

How is Jeremy Doing?

Uncle Heff and Aunt Ellen just went to Salt Lake, and were able to stop and see cousin Jeremy. They said that he is doing really well, and has a very optimistic outlook on his brain tumor. And yes, he has a brain tumor. He is not completely blind, but is having trouble seeing, and is seeing double of everything. The doctors think that his treatments are helping and they are looking hopeful to completely get the tumor. He really appreciates the prayers that are going out, and would really appreciate visits from those in the area, or visiting. (MYSELF INCLUDED!) Just wanted to post a brief update, this is all coming from my dad, so that's as good as it's going to get.

Let's keep Jeremy in our prayers, and as always, the rest of our family who are also struggling health wise.

Ron's and Debbie's House

Just thought I'd post a pic of Mom's and Dad's new house. It's coming along nicely... but not quickly!!!

Trace's " Not So Exciting Day"

So we're up at Primary Children's Hospital today for Trace's surgery on his kidneys. We came up to Salt Lake last night so we could come to PCH this morning. It is my first time leaving Peyton (other than when I had to leave her in the NICU) and a first time surgery for Trace so its becoming a new experience for all of us:) His surgery started at 11:00 a.m. this morning and could go from anywhere from 3-5 hours. Little stinker didn't even care that he was leaving us when the doctors wheeled him away, he's a tough little cookie. We'll keep updates on how he is doing, he'll be up here for about a week, so maybe I'll get caught up on some long needed posts!

A Tribute To Logan...

We are Family, and We are FOREVER

There has been a lot going on in our (extended) family. There has been illness, job changes, movings, trials, disappointments, addictions, and pregnancy's/new additions. With that said, I hope that we can pray for each other, and support each other during these hard times. We need to have specific prayers going out for our family.

Right now our cousin Jeremy has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor. He has started treatments with high hopes that he can pull through. (Aunt) Ellen will be having a knee surgery the first of July. Trace will also be having surgery on his kidneys in a few weeks. And, Aunt Debbie is continually trying to battle her cancer.

Some of us may not always get along, or like what other family members are doing, but we are eternal and stuck together. We all are doing separate things and living our own lives, but there is always a few moments everyday that we can stop and ask our Heavenly Father to take care of our Family. We are so blessed to have stayed so strong as a family, and I'm positive that Papa and Granny look down on us so pleased. Granny's wish was that we stuck together, and I feel we are doing pretty good at. Let us take some time to remember those family members in need at this time.

Hanky Mouse... YouTube Video

Mom has a bucket list... I need to find out what else is on her list.

She wanted to video how to make a mouse out of a handkerchief. I remember Granny making these for us at church. It's kind of a fun thing to know that we don't want to lose.

Does anyone have anything else to add to Mom's bucket list?

We made this video... and it's not fancy because Libby hasn't taught me how to use Imovie yet. Anyway, now Mom is as famous as Brenner. Enjoy!!!

Presley Nicole Luke :)

My beautiful niece was born a 6:04 AM on april 26 2010
She is probably oneof the five cutest little babies I have ever seen. she was 8 pounds 5 ounces.

So far she is very good and doesn't cry alot(but still quite a bit).

Vacuum Challenge

It's fun having clean freak Shellie staying with us... if she gets bored, watch out!!!

She was making fun of us for having a vacuum with a bag in it! She said it's super old... I think we may have bought it when we bought our last house about 9 years ago! Just because she's a freak and buys a new vacuum every couple of years!!! So, Ryan and Shellie decided to compare our old Hoover to her Shark.

Ryan vacuumed Brenner's and Joren's room with our vacuum.
Then Shellie vacuumed over the room with her Shark.
If you look in the garbage you will see all of the lint and dead skin cells that our vacuum did not pick up! So, basically our vacuum seems to get the stuff on the surface that you can see, but Shellie's shark digs down deep and gets the gunk.... to think of 2 years worth of dead skin cells:)
So, maybe some day I'll get a new vacuum. But for now, I'll just have Shellie vacuum my whole house with her vacuum, then I can wait two more years for all the dead skin to accumulate and then I'll buy a new vacuum... and for the record, I'm sure my vacuum was cheap in the first place.

Wyoming.... here they come!!!

As I'm sure you've all heard, Lucas got a job in Wyoming... Rock Springs! I have to say a couple of things about my little brother and his amazing wife! First, I am so proud of them. He lost his job and immediately went looking for a new job. He was willing to move out of state.... a lot of people aren't willing to do that. He found a job that he loves. It pays well and Shellie will be able to stay home with Legz and get a part time job. Hopefully they will be able to have another baby soon:). Lucas has been working for a few weeks now. But they had to be out of their house down here this week. So, this weekend, Ryan and I helped them move. This is their cute new apartment. With a little of Shellie's touch, it will be super cute and fun for them.

Legz didn't want to be in the picture, but then changed her mind.
I have been crying all weekend! This will be such a great experience for them and a new adventure. But I am going to miss them soooooo much! They are only 3 hours away and I know we'll see them often, but it was so hard to see them pack up their home that they love and move to a strange place. Shellie is my best friend and Legacy is just one of my kids. Joren and Legacy area best friends and it will be so hard for them to not see each other as much. And I have always felt like a mom to Lucas, so it will be hard to not see them as much. But I know we'll stay in touch and we'll visit them as often as we can... and I'm sure they'll be down often because there isn't even a Target in Rock Springs.

Shellie is staying with us for a couple of weeks while she trains the new girl at work then she's vacationing in St. George before she heads up to live with Lucas. Wish them luck in their new adventures!!!

PS... just had to include this pic of the boys all cuddled up in bed together. We stayed in a hotel last night and I actually ended up in bed with all 3 of them while Ryan got the whole other bed to himself... I'm not sure how we all fit in this one bed!

A Libby in the Making

I downloaded the pics on my camera yesterday and found these.......

No wonder he's Libby's Favorite:)

-Anisa

Peyton's Baby Blessing

We are hopefully going to be able to bless Peyton on the 7th of March. I know this doesn't give a lot of time for most of you, but if you would like to come we would love you all to be there. I take her to the doctor on the third and if he doesn't put a hold on it we will definitely do it then. Our church starts at 10:30 and we will probably be doing a luncheon afterwards either at our house, but most likely at the town hall for more room!

Memory Lane Slide Show

Sydney and I have been scanning Mom's old slides on to the computer we thought we would share some of the highlights.The old farm
(if you look really close you can see the future St George Ford)

Isn't She Beautiful

New House
(notice the baby trees)

The Dixie Rock
(where's the road?)

Dad's Bike
("I get 80 miles to the gallon on this hog")

Mom in some cool Clothes
("Where's the disco?")

Happy 32!

Happy happy birthday Anisa dear. Happy days will come to you all year! If I had a wish that it could be...a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU FROM ME!!! Now just picture me singing that to you, or don't, we all know that's scary. Happy 32nd Birthday!

Come along way since this huh?