Christmas Break

This semester has been hard and challenging at times so I think it is safe to say that we are both excited and ready for a break. We headed to Utah first and had a really good time except Colton got sick a few days after we got there with strep and then it gave it to me about 5 days later.  Then a few days after that I got the stomach flu and was throwing up all night so our time in Utah was fun but we just weren't in the best health!  We did have a little fun while we were there though, the boys went shooting and hunting for animals and Colton and his dad went on a horse ride.  Christmas Eve we had a karaoke night and the older boys were loving that!  Colton, Kristopher, Curtis, and Bryant all had their fair share of singing!  It was great to see the family and our two little nephews that will be here with us in just a few months.  I can't believe Kylee and Kali are due so close to each other!  Those little boys will be the best of friends. It was a really fun time and a great Christmas even though Colton and I were both sick the whole time.

We left the day after Christmas to go to Colorado to spend some time with my family.  We had a great time there and Jake, Colton, and Zach went snowmobiling.  I know they all had a great time doing that especially Colton since we can't really do that in Arizona.  We played games, watched some movies, and since we were there for New Years, my Dad had all of us set some New Year's Resolutions that we will open at the end of next year.  I think this was a great family night and I loved that Colton and I had the same first resolution, going to the temple at least once a month.  I guess we both knew what to work on and I'm going to try really hard to make that one happen. The temple is so important and we get so many blessings from going there so I'm really going to make this a priority.  It was great to be together as a family, we haven't had a lot of opportunities for this and I really liked it.  I have realized lately that families are so important and I am so grateful to have the family that I do.  They have made me who I am today and I will be forever grateful for them.  There is such a peace in knowing that our families our eternal and we will forever be together.

This break has been so fun and relaxing and now that it is coming to a close we are both sad to go back to school.  Only a few more years... that seems like forever but it will go by fast.  At least I'm hoping!

Nothing like a little Egg Nog for the road trip! He makes me laugh.

Jaxton's Christmas program at school.  He was the BEST singer!

Singing their hearts out. (All night long!)

I just love this picture.

These boys love their Uncle Colton.

I loved this.  They were both taking a little snooze.

Bowling with the family in Colorado.  My Dad kicked butt!  He won both games!  I couldn't believe it.

I just thought this picture was really cool so I had to share.

Light Parade

I have to say I think this is the first time I have ever been to a light parade before and it was fun.  It is a small town thing so I got my first change to go here in Safford!  It was fun to see all the floats, some were definitely better than others, but it was still fun.  It was short and sweet but at least it got us out of the house for a little while.  I love the Christmas season and this year has been hard just because we don't have a lot of room in our apartment so we haven't put any decorations up.  (Colton said there was no room.)  I assured him there is ALWAYS room for Christmas decorations but he wasn't going for that.  Seeing all the lights did get me a little more in the Christmas spirit.

Hard at Work

I brought lunch to Colton today while he was at work and decided to ride with him for a little while to see what he did.  I quickly found out it took 15 minutes to go from one end of the row to another and all he had to do was turn it around, push a button to line it up, turn the plow over, and then wait another 15 minutes to do it again.  So it wasn't too exciting but it sure beat just sitting at home.  I think Colton really likes this tractor because it pretty much does everything by itself so he doesn't have to do much!  I'm glad he enjoys being on the tractor.

It's that time of year

Grandma has a pecan orchard in her yard and all the nuts are beginning to fall off.  They have been slowly coming off for about a month now but there's a lot more falling now since it is getting colder.  Grandma loves pecans and she loves to work!  Without fail, every time Colton and I go over to visit, you can count on Grandma being outside!  She has about 8 buckets full right now and she will have SO many more to come.  She was telling me every year is different as to how many nuts they get but these pecans are also very pricey.  She said they are about 10 dollars a pound which I couldn't believe!  I never realized how much work nuts are!  She hand cracks ever single nut.  She is just incredible and I love to sit and watch her.  I can't believe she is still working even when she is sitting!  I am sure thankful for all of her hard work so I can get some of those yummy nuts.

Grandma hard at work.

Thanksgiving Weekend

This Thanksgiving Colton and I spent it at my grandparents.  My Grandparents have a pit they always cook their turkey in along with many friends and family in town.  We pulled all the turkeys out, opened the lids to check them, and they weren't done!  They said this had only happened once before in the many years that they have been doing this.  So, we told everyone to put their turkeys in their oven to finish cooking them.  It only took about 2 more hours so it allowed time for us to get everything else ready for the turkey dinner.  We had so much yummy food!  My Mom came for the turkey dinner and brought her friend.  I had a great time spending it with her and my grandparents.  But, then we headed to Donelle's house for some Black Friday shopping!  We went out at 8 pm and let me tell you it took about 10 minutes to get what we needed and then stood in line for an hour in a half!  I'm so glad for a patient husband that stood in line while I roamed the store trying to find more deals! =)  We got him a new church shirt and some shoes and then went home for another big day of fun!  Friday we went shopping for some black boots that I have really been wanting and then we went to the movies to see Frozen with Donelle and her kids.  It was such a cute show!  We don't go to the movies much so it was fun and it was during the day so I figured Colton had really good chances of staying awake!  I just have to say I have a very caring and loving husband and I love that about him.  When Donelle and I would run to the store, Colton would stay home with all the kids and when we got home I found him playing basketball with the boys and pushing the girls outside on the swings.  He is so patient and I love that he loves to do things with her kids.  He is such a good example and I know that he will be a great father someday!

So we went for a bike ride with Donelle and the kids to Dairy Queen and Colton made me do all the work!

The double bike was a big hit!

Playing with the girls.

Playing ball with the boys.

Who knows what they were talking about!

Colton helping with the turkeys for the first time!

Grandma's House

I love to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house and I am so fortunate now to be so close to them.  Colton and I usually go over on the weekends since they have been spending their week in Phoenix for Grandpa's treatments.  Tonight was a Thanksgiving dinner for her ward and she was assigned to bring potatoes, 10 pounds of them!  So, I helped Grandma peel them and I could not believe how fast she could peel them.  I should have taken a picture of our peeled pile and mine wouldn't have even compared to hers.  She is such a hard worker and I look up to her so much.  Every time we go over, we walk in the door, say hi to Grandpa and I'm off to go look for Grandma.  She is always in the yard raking, pulling weeds, or picking up nuts now since they are beginning to fall off the trees.  I am just amazed at how much she does and how fast she works.  She is so inspiring and I am so glad to be with her for the next few years.

Weekend drive

Well once again, Grandpa wanted to get out of the house and go for a drive.  We went around the back side of Mt. Graham to Fort Grant and then to Willcox.  I had never been this way before and it was really pretty.  There was a lot of land and fields to see and it is that time of year where everything is changing colors.  I love the fact that Grandpa just likes to go for joy rides and especially with us.  He tells us all the stories he knows and then usually treats us to dinner.  I love this time that Colton and I get to spend with them and I will always cherish these moments.  It is so amazing to just take your time and see all the beautiful things on this earth.  We are usually in such a rush we don't look around us to see the beautiful scenery. So, I'm grateful for these rides that we get to take to enjoy the land around us!

Our 1st furniture purchase!

We FINALLY have something to sit on!  We have been sitting on camp chairs since August and it was finally time to upgrade!  We have been married over 2 years now and we still didn't have any furniture!  We still don't have a table and chairs but one thing at a time!  I thought couches were a little more important right now than a table and chairs.  It was quite a process though.  I looked at three..four.. maybe five different stores and went back to the first store.  It only took me a few hours to decide on what one and that is really good for me.  Colton was surprised it didn't take me longer!  I'm so glad we finally have some couches to sit on though!

Momma's Birthday

I am so glad that we were able to go to Gilbert for my Mom's birthday!  I haven't been able to see her on birthday because I have been in school and in a different state.  But this year we were able to celebrate!  Colton and I spent the weekend at Donelle's and with my Mom.  One night while we were there, Brooklyn took us to look for scorpions in the back yard with the black light.  Colton and I had never seen a scorpion before until tonight and it actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  I still have a terrible fear of getting stung by one though.  I hope it never happens!

It was also conference weekend so I would say this weekend was great!  I always love visiting Donelle and the family.  In celebrating of my momma's big day, we went to golden corral, one of Grandma and Grandpa's favorite places, and then Colton and I along with my Mom and Donelle went to a comedy club.  I had never been to a comedy club before and I loved it!  It was kid/family friendly so it was clean but still great!  I would definitely go again.  This weekend we were able to watch all four sessions of conference and I always feel so much better after I hear the words from our Prophet and leaders.  There were quite a few who talked out trails and new experiences and felt this fit in perfectly because of our new move here.  We had a great time this weekend and we can't wait to come back soon and visit!

Colton teaching the girls how to play Solitaire on his phone.

Happy Birthday!!

The scorpion we found. Hopefully we never find him in the house!

At the comedy club.  Thanks for taking the picture Colton!

Salsa Festival

Safford has an annual Salsa festival and we have never been before so we were up for an adventure.  There was a live band playing, there were many booths to walk through, and there was a car show which was probably the best part.  I love to look at old cars that have been restored and I'm sure this was Colton's favorite part too.  This was a fun Saturday activity for a few hours at least.  There isn't much to do around here so when a big event is going on, we are sure to go! Colton said the blue 69 Camaro was the best looking one there and I would have to agree.  I do have a thing for chevy and camaros.

Morenci Mine

There is a mine about an hour away from us and Grandma and Grandpa took us for a drive today to go check it out.  I had been there before but it was a long time ago so it was neat to see it again.  It is huge!  I definitely didn't remember it being so big.  It is an open pit copper mine and we watched the big dump trucks travel from one spot to another dumping all the wasted sand and rock.  I love exploring the land and nature around us and it is even better when we have a personal show-fer to tell us all the stories about it (Grandpa).  We were keeping our eyes out on the way home because Grandpa and Grandma were telling us there is usually big horn sheep in the hills.  We were just about back in town and Colton spotted one up on the hill.  We pulled over and as we were watching him, the sheep jumped up on a rock and was just standing there as if he knew we were staring at him!  It was cool and kind of funny.  I wish I got a better picture but this one will have to do.   

Oh kitty

Grandma and Grandpa have a cat at their house and this is where I found him today. I just thought it was cute and kind of funny so I just had to share!

Labor Day

I am so glad after two in a half years of being married I was finally able to bring Colton to Mt. Graham for Labor Day!  This is a family tradition that has been going on for years and years!  This is a very special place and as Grandpa says, "a piece of heaven."  There are so many friends and family members that celebrate Labor Day here at Columbine and I couldn't think of a better place to be!  Thank you Clint and Rachel for bringing your Ranger and taking us for rides.  We had so much fun!  It is so fun to go hiking, play games, sit by the camp fire, and make biscuits and homemade ice cream.  So yummy!! 

Little get away

My Grandparents have a cabin on Mt. Graham and they were so nice to take us this weekend with them.  We got things ready for the big annual Labor Day celebration next week where hundreds of friends and family will be there. So, I figured I better take Colton before all the craziness since he had never been before.  He loved it because 1. he loves to be in the mountains and 2. it was a lot cooler! It's always a tradition to pick raspberries and I'm glad they are in season now so we could go! Colton had never done this before and I think he really enjoyed it.  He sure did pick a lot more than me!  I just kept eating mine as I was picking so I didn't end up with very much.  Darryl was up there too and he came to visit the one day and started talking to Colton a little bit and they soon found out that they both served in Chili.  So of course they talked about all the places there and where they went for about half an hour!  But I'm glad they found something in common, I will always remember that Darryl went to Chili on his mission.

Picking raspberries for the 1st time!

Grandma and Grandpa have this little friend right outside the cabin that loves to come and visit!

hot hot HOT

We have only been here for 2 days and we are both dying of heat!  Yes, I love the heat but when it is 95 degrees in our apartment I'm not so happy!  I wanted to unpack everything and get things organized but it was just too hot.  We slept in the front room on our blow up mattress because it was a little cooler there than in the bedroom.  We had three fans on us and the little window ac unit.  Well we were so miserable we would just stay at Grandma and Grandpa's all day.  We finally called our landlord and told her about our ac not working and she said we could buy a new one at Home Depot.  So we go to Home Depot and pick one that would fit and come back home to take the old one out. Little did we know that this was going to be a bigger process than we thought.  Thankfully the neighbors were home so they helped us.  I only stayed for a little while and then I went to Grandma's where it was a little cooler.  It took Colton all afternoon to get the ac unit in but now we have cool air so we are much happier!  Lets hope this ac unit doesn't break on us anytime soon.

Move to Arizona

Colton and I will be in Arizona for two years going to the Nursing program at Eastern Arizona College.  We both got accepted earlier this summer and were debating whether or not we should go but it seemed like one day we just packed everything up and we were gone!  I had to retake the nursing entrance exam so that really determined if we were going to be moving or not.  I finally passed, after the third time, so we decided Nursing is what we wanted to do.  The move here was so long.  It took us about 15 hours to get here but I'm glad we are finally here!  Our apartment is small and we have a lot of stuff but good thing we have a little storage shed that we can keep a lot of our boxes.  Unpacking everything is going to take awhile but it will get done.  I'm excited to have my own little place to call my own and to decorate.  This is going to be a fun little phase of our life.

This is only a small fraction of all our stuff.  We are going to have a lot to do!

Bowling

I went bowling with Kali and the boys and they were so fun to watch! The boys would get so excited for their turn and they always had to be right there by each other.  Boston was always up with Jaxton when he was bowling and same with Jaxton when it was Boston's turn.

 

Birthday Boy

Colton's birthday is today and I just have to say I'm glad he didn't find his presents before today!  I bought them about a month ago and they were kind of big and awkwardly shaped so I didn't really have any good places for them besides the garage.  But, he didn't find them so I did well! Colton is just like any other guy when it comes to tools.  That is what he wants for every birthday and Christmas.  So that makes it easy on me but tools are expensive so it will take many many more birthday's and Christmases I'm sure before he has everything. I bought him car ramps to change the oil, a creeper to get under the car, and a jack because he insisted he NEEDED one. Happy Birthday dear!

Putting his creeper together in the garage because he was too excited to take it inside!

Jackson Hole

 We took a family trip with Colton's family to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone.  We did A LOT of driving in the four days that we were gone but still had some fun!  Kristopher took us to this really fun place where we could go swimming in the river and all the little ones really enjoyed this and the big ones too!  There was a place to go cliff jumping and of course all the boys had to do it. It seemed like they all had a really fun time and we were looking all weekend for a bear but didn't see one, just a lot of buffalo! The one day all the boys and Taylor went white water rafting and had a blast!  They went when it was cold and rainy but they still had a blast, they all wanted to go again!

Colton's little buddy.

Too much shopping for the boys!

The boys just HAD to have these shirts.

There were two buffalo that decided they wanted to join us for lunch!

Cliff jumping!

The girls!

White Water rafting trip and of course MY husband is the one who WANTS to fall out!! What?!