McCain House

Winter project

2012-01-07T20:19:00.000-06:00

Warning...you may like how my bannister looks, but ask yourself first before you decide to try it...is it worth it? Painitng a bannister seemed like such a simple thing. Wrong. It is the most tedious, time consuming project we have ever taken on. Hopefully it will be worth it in the end.

half (ha! not really) completed

permanent fixtures, this paint can will NEVER go away

Kinda looks finished here. Don't look too close. And look at Carson~~he is no help at all. Unless you count the dog hair "texturing" permanently affixed to the finish.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-07T20:06:00.000-06:00

If you read this blog, you without a doubt read Caitlin's blog that is exceedingly better. So for all things Christmas and Holiday related I defer to her...with one exception. Christmas morning at Gee and Poppys!

Convention Time!

2011-12-28T09:11:00.000-06:00

Okay, so this post may be a little behind....Christmas managed to get in the way of alot of little things like posting on the blog. But it is December 28th, and now I am free to catch up! Abby went to Union Station for her first dance convention in November. It is 2 grueling days of nonstop dance. (She loves it, don't let her kid you) This year 2 reality shows were being filmed during the convention. One called "Dance Moms", (Admit it, I know you've seen it) and the other was MTV's "Made". There is a very good possibility Abby will appear on one or both of these shows in upcoming episodes! We had to sign waivers, take pics the whole works~ crazy! above is a picture Abby took with Abby Lee Miller, star of Dance Moms. She and her dancers even came to Abby's studio to visit following the convention. How cool is that.

Here's What...

2011-11-18T14:32:00.002-06:00

Here's what has been on my mind this week.
Parents love their children individually. Not equally. Not comparatively. A child is loved for the characteristics they alone posess. Not the qualities of their siblings, that they might not share. A parent loves their child based soley on the fact that they are their child. We love them for who they are, just because they are ours. Every child deserves their own relationship with their parents. To judge one's self based on the the way a sibling is raised or loved, is selling yourself short. You are not that person, and therefore, will not be brought up exactly in the same manner. How can a parent raise one child exactly like the other? Each child has their own special identity and deserves to be raised to compliment that personality. So, if you tend to compare yourself to your sibling(s), maybe you have some unresolved insecurities in your own mind that need to be addressed. The other sibling(s)should never be blamed for their own positive characteristics. No one is perfect, we all have our own insecurities, flaws, and traits we need to improve upon. It is a parents job to highlight the positive so a child gains confidence and feels loved. That is a very personal thing. If you believe you are not as loved/liked as one of your siblings, than you are only misguiding yourself. So, you might want to ask yourself, "why do I really feel this way?" Because I believe if you seek honest answers, you will find that you are loved exactly for who you are, and no more or less than another. To believe a parent might love one child more than another is a horrible insult to the sacred role of parenting, and I have a very strong feeling Our Heavenly Father feels the very same way. He loves us individually, and judges our own progression in this life and would never compare us to the person beside us and the path they are on. I love each of my children for the individuals that they are, for their own character traits that compliment who they are, and who they will become. I also love their shortcomings, because I am their mom and everything they do is a wonder to me. Nobody else will EVER feel that way about you!(Dad excluded) I am inspired by each one of them every single day. I am fully aware that it is not the work of myself that created such amazing people. They get the credit for who they are, along with the mercy of a Heavenly Father, who has blessed them for their faith and diligence. And I pray I can be the mother they deserve.

The End of an Era

2011-11-07T10:25:00.001-06:00

Liz-E and A-Liz~ then and now

Last night was Abby's 8th grade cheer banquet. Those things are always brutally long with bad food and rowdy kids. But knowing that her junior cheer days are over was very sad. Next step...high school. Oh boy.

Picture of the week

2011-10-30T22:07:00.002-05:00

District Champions 3 hours later

Powder Puff Football...Abby style

2011-10-15T21:40:00.000-05:00

And they call themselves the "Epic 8"!

pretty cute, huh?

oh, and by the way....Abby got her braces off. Beauuutiful!

silly cheer girls

"There's no place like Homecoming"

2011-09-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

Mitch and Rachel

Mitch and Taylor

Blake, Mitch and Oliver

Mitch and Allie

The Guys

Crowning

Homecoming 2011~ The girls looked beautiful and the boys looked handsome. Mitch had a great time. He was chosen as the sophomore representative on the court so we were able to sneak in to the dance, 'eavesdrop" a little and snap some pictures. Abby got a preview of what she would get to experience next year...not sure she was all that impressed! For further details, please call Lisa, as I am not permitted to divulge any more than this on the blog! (and if you are confused about which girl was Mitch's date, join the club!)

Mitch turned 16

2011-09-25T11:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Mitch!

Mitch had a very low key 16th birthday. He (and Abby) had a football game on his birthday and practice/games every other night during the week, so a few days before the actual day, we took him to Charlie Ghitto's to watch him carbload on all his favorites! Then, thursday after his birthday, I took him out of school early to get his license. He passed his driving test after being gone for approx 10-15min. Does this concern anyone? :)

The Wildcats played at the Dome...no big deal

2011-09-22T09:53:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh...what a hunk

the cutest

cheering on our beloved Wildcats

September 10, the football team had the opportunity to play at the Edward Jones Dome (home of the Rams) in "The Great High School Football Rivalry". We played one of our rivals, Marquette High School. Not only did we beat them 49-0 (ouch), our fans outnumbered them at least 5-1. We have spirit, yes we do! And, Abby got to stand in the tunnel with her cheer squad to welcome in the team. It was a family affair! Go Cats...and a message to our competition...you can't fight the purple! To watch the game in it's entirety go to http://www.ihigh.com/. You know you want to! ;)

Abby's Birthday: Part 2

2011-09-05T14:59:00.001-05:00

"the birthday girl"

"carefree"

trying to get the sea doo off the ramp...it takes lots of muscle!

"Hunks on the lake"

After the football game we headed straight to the lake for the rest of Abby's birthday/Labor Day weekend. Abby brought Julia and Mitch brought Kyle. We had some quality lake time at Nannie and Poppie's lakehouse. It's sad to think another lake trip is probably a year away. It can't be true!

Abby's Birthday: Part 1

2011-09-05T14:45:00.000-05:00

passing out birthday treats

getting birthday hugs

Are they awesome or what?!

half time dance

Abby turned 14 this weekend. She started off the day by cheering her first game of the season in 105 degree heat! What a trooper. The entire football team and cheer squad sang to her. How cute is that! Happy Birthday Abby! We love you!

Happy Birthday to My Boy

2011-08-31T15:22:00.000-05:00

Carson is 11 today...love you

You had to be there!

2011-08-27T11:13:00.001-05:00

#1 fans

Our 1st game of the year was against our biggest rivals, the Lafayette Lancers. And wow, was it a game. The Cats fought to the very last second of the game. I am no sportscaster, but we literally had two seconds on the clock and Eureka threw a long pass to the endzone and the crowd went crazy! We thought we had tied up the game. The crowd went INSANE! But his foot was out of bounds. What? It couldn't be. Wildcats, you have HEART! Your fans love you. And I must add, Eureka fans outnumbered the Lafayette fans in their own home stadium! Way to represent, Eureka.

Mitch made "the news"

2011-08-21T09:50:00.001-05:00

The Varsity Football team had their "kick off" to the season Friday night by playing in the Fort Zumwalt West Jamboree. Mitch actually got about 6 reps in and got his photo published in the Eureka/Wildwood Patch online magazine. I know... your'e saying "What's that? I've never heard of the Patch". Well, if you live in Eureka, you do! Mitch is #73!
http://link.patch.com/view/6kbj.fw/917e0733

Back to School...

2011-08-17T20:00:00.001-05:00

Today was the first day of school. I really can't believe it. Summer, I miss you already. Mitch's Six Flags pass is still sitting on my desk, unvalidated. We went to the lake once, and the pool twice. What the heck... please don't go! Abby started 8th grade today and is quite pleased to rule the halls of LaSalle Middle School. And Mitch is very comfortable being a sophomore this year. However, he left the house at 6:50am this morning and returned at 6:50pm tonite! Now that's a long first day of school! Oh well, I have a feeling its going to be a great year.

More Random Summer Events...

2011-08-12T10:31:00.004-05:00

Cooler Races at the River City Rascals game. Mitch and Austin raced. Mitch won.

Mitch got his braces off. Gorgeoussss!

Gage turned 1!

Okay...so summer might have gotten away from me

2011-08-12T09:49:00.004-05:00

Feathers are the latest thing
Salt Lake Temple
Blue Lemon Cafe, the yummiest find of the trip
Utah Desert
oops, I don't know how to delete

Abby and Lindsey, total cuteness

Wow, what happened? School starts in less than a week.(Wince) So, I thought I would post a few of the highlights of our summer. Abby went to Golden Line camp and totally rocked it! She came away with one of 2 special awards. Go Abs!
Mitch was asked to go to the varsity camp in Blue Springs and JV/V went to a Parkway camp. Go Wildcats! We also took a girls road trip to UT to return Caitlin to Provo. As the mom, I might have enjoyed that trip a little more than my girls. I actually had them all to myself for almost a week. Summer, please don't go!

State Champs!

2011-08-07T11:10:00.006-05:00

The Eureka Legion Post 177 freshman team won the state champioship in Branson this year! Way to go Eureka!

Mitch played at Busch Stadium!

2011-05-25T18:45:00.004-05:00

Mitch had the opportunity to play in Busch Stadium this season. So cool! Usually, they would play another team, but this year they scrimmaged the varsity. Freshman vs. Varsity...and the freshman won. Shhhh...the varsity are a little sensitive, so we don't talk about it much. But WOO HOO! Go Freshman!

Liftoff!

2011-04-27T22:42:00.002-05:00

Mitch Man's first home run of the season. Three run shot, I think once you watch the video you'll know where it went. Nice job Mitch!

Happy Easter

2011-04-20T13:06:00.002-05:00

We are so proud of our girl! Showcase 2011

2011-04-20T11:18:00.003-05:00

Stella won the raffle!(which is a little "sketchy" since I was the one who sold her mom the tickets. I hope there isn't an investigation- I swear, it wasn't rigged!)

Mitch is proud. He actually hugged her, but this was all I got on camera.

Good friends coming to cheer Abby on. This is Lauren and Becca, aren't they cute?

And of course, we wouldn't miss it for the world! We are so proud of you, Abs. This showcase is the highlight of Abby's dance season where she gets to show off her "sweet skills" to one and all! Thanks to Poppy and Gee, Poppy Mc, and Tracy and Stella for being there on her special day!

Since cameras are not allowed in the theater, we will post some video at a later date...after we get the dvd we had to pay $35 for. Not bitter.

"Cruisin" Part 2

2011-04-20T10:08:00.002-05:00

Universal Studios in Orlando

Love the hat (Bahamas)

Our "fabulous" boat

Our cabana on Castaway Cay. It was stocked with everything, and we had our own private beach! So cute!

Welcome to Us!

"Cruisin" With Mickey! Spring Break 2011

2011-04-20T09:57:00.003-05:00

Mitch knows how to relax

Good Reliv' friends and YUMMY food

Our Favorite server, Kurt, wearing Mitch's "Faux"kleys!

Animal lovers!

the glamorous life (yeah, right)

2011-03-10T17:12:00.006-06:00

I thought I would share a little bit of a day in the life at the Barn! Today's shipment: 98 boxes, about average. At about 125 boxes I would get some help, otherwise I am on my own. So this looks like alot to bring in, you say? Well after I bring it in, I unbox it, put it away and take the boxes right back out the door to the compactor! Today was also a light furniture day, no big furniture to lug, push, or roll in the door.I also need to find all of the backorders, put them aside and call customers to come get their products.

My "Desk" -jealous yet?

Tools of the trade, "must haves" if you will. Glasses to see the tiny sku numbers, a box cutter, well, for cutting boxes, a marker to identify products and lots of diet coke.
Well, this is as good as it gets. No dressing up or make up for me. I get filthy working in the barn.

Stage One Dance Competition

2011-02-24T15:12:00.004-06:00

"divas in black"

Abby had her 1st dance competition of the season... she ROCKED it! 3 high golds, a platinum, and a special award for "most entertaining for her small group jazz number. On to the next one!

Freshman wrestling

2011-02-24T14:56:00.003-06:00

Wrestling season is a difficult time for moms. Watching your baby get roughed up on the mat each week is no easy task. Fortunately, Mitch seems to have a knack for it, and did most of the "roughing up"!

McCain Family, est. 1985

2011-02-10T14:15:00.001-06:00

I woke up to roses, thank you

Looking very sultry, Mr McCain!

"Just Babies"

26 years, that's a long time! 25 was exciting, and felt like an accomplishment, a landmark...26 just makes me feel old! Nevertheless, there's nobody else I would rather have grown up with, shared a family with, and have as my partner for eternity. I love Ron McCain.
Last night we ditched the kids, and went to dinner at Vin de Set downtown. The best part was reminiscing about our wedding day and trying to squeak out the memories. (It has been 26 yrs!)

"Snowpocolypse 2011!"

2011-02-03T17:12:00.004-06:00

Father/son pep talk

Hey, old man...I thought you liked the snow!

Yes, that's what they were calling it...The entire town of STL shut down this week in anticipation of the "big one". 24/7 broadcasts of poor reporters out in the elements waiting for the calamity to strike. Malls shut down, grocery stores closed, Blues hockey canceled-wait...I thought they needed ice. Schools closed for days on end. So here's what really happened. A little rain, sleet for half a day, and then about 4-5 inches of snow. Are you kidding? We bought a generator, a kerosene heater, a week's worth of food (that we had to fight for off the empty shelves of Walmart)! How disappointing. No emergency, not even a little inconvenience. Other than two teenagers laying around the house all week.Poor Dad, he was in crisis mode-and loving every minute. hehe. Well, when the next one comes around we will be READY. So, come on over.

Vegas, baby

2010-11-01T20:02:00.002-05:00

Check out our Vegas/Halloween adventures here.

Football, my favorite season!

2010-10-25T14:29:00.004-05:00

The nonviolent portion of the game. My favorite part.
Boys of Fall

Abby is an excellent baser!

Cutest cheerleader ever~ You wish you were a wildcat!

What a great season- 7th grade struggled, but they had awesome cheerleaders to make up for it, so noone really noticed. :) And, the freshman were totally awesome! Even though we have 1 game left to play, I am going to predict only 1 loss (and that was in overtime.) A highlight....Beating Lafayette Baby!

Wedding photos, (what we have so far!)

2010-10-25T14:13:00.007-05:00

Although, it was a beautiful day, it might have been a little humid for Utah fingers!

What cute kids!

Mitch loved his tux and wanted to keep it, and look, they aren't fighting! They must love you, Cait!

Radiant!

What a gorgeous and photogenic couple, we love you.

Cool pic

It is now October, but I think about this day almost everyday, and want to go back and do it all over again. Just exactly the same. The day was filled with love, and all of my most favorite people. The best combination!

Check it out

2010-10-14T10:10:00.002-05:00

See what's happening at the Moss house here.

School days....

2010-09-13T20:17:00.002-05:00

It's that time again. where did the summer go? Have a good year Abby, Devin, and Mitch. Mitch started seminary this yr. This is what 5:30 am looks like, right Mitch? (he's yawning) Graduate school, 7th grade and 9th grade, watch out-here they come!

Introducing Desmond "Fishie" Moss

2010-09-12T17:07:00.003-05:00

Hi Family,
Meet the newest member of our family! His legal name is Desmond, but all we ever seem to call him so far is Fishie.

So far he's not as friendly as he is pretty, but we like him all the same. Next step: puppy business.

Our True Identity

2010-07-27T17:15:00.000-05:00

Our True Identity

Summer Achievement: The Big Kahuna

2010-06-23T17:12:00.005-05:00

College Graduate!

2010-05-06T09:46:00.003-05:00

Caitlin Graduated from BYU on April 23. It has been whirlwind. Her dad and I drove out to see her cross the stage, had a quick lunch with Devin and his parents, and got right back in the car! With Caitlin in the backseat, yay! She found out the very next Monday she was hired for the job she wanted, a marketing specialist at "Close to My Heart". They are a scrapbooking co. in UT. Check them out online. Lots of changes, but she is ready, and we are proud of her! Next step, wedded bliss!

We're engaged!!!

2010-03-27T21:24:00.005-05:00

Here are some photos from the day Devin and I got engaged!! It was so wonderful. He is so wonderful.

August 7th here we come!!!

Festival of Colors

2010-03-27T21:02:00.010-05:00

Here in Utah they do this thing at the Hare Krishna Temple called the "Festival of Colors." It's brilliant: powdered chalk and hundreds of college students. What more do you need? While you're there, if you think about it too much it could seem slightly cult-like; however, I think it's only because I don't completely understand the religion and the tradition. I think it has something to do with welcoming spring. The announcer called it

"BYU's unofficial spring break."

I dressed everyone in United Way t-shirts. How cute.

Llamas! They ate right out of the palm of our hands. They're cool.

Please do not sit on the elephant. Thanks.

Student United Way Charity Ball

2010-03-27T20:52:00.006-05:00

This semester I've been working with Student United Way to plan and execute our Student Charity Ball. The night was a success and I think we raised up to $30,000 dollars to go towards education in Utah County. Not too bad, huh?

Afterwards, Devin, Brendan, Dave and Michelle came and helped clean up. How great of them.

more fun in the sun!

2010-03-24T21:24:00.004-05:00

"La Pura Vida"

2010-03-23T11:07:00.007-05:00

We went to Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica this year for spring break. It was warm, beautiful and relaxing! We ziplined through the jungle canopy, rode the waverunners on the ocean, golfed, ate wonderful meals, and did alot of laying by the pool. Oh yeah, there were monkeys everywhere! Coming home was very hard, maybe we could move there?

"The Heart of A Champion!" (jk Mitch!)

2010-03-05T11:14:00.002-06:00

Mitch won the AAU state championship last weekend!

(More details available upon request, he he!)

HONOR

2010-02-26T09:00:00.003-06:00

"A student who exemplifies the virtue of Honor is one of integrity and faithfulness, and one who embodies a sense of truth and virtue."

On Monday, Mitch went to the state capitol with his principal and counselor to receive "The Glory of Missouri Award". He was awarded for the virtue of "Honor". There are 14 virtues carved into the pillars of the floor of the House of Representatives, and a child from Mitch's school was chosen for each of the virtues. Our State Representative then presented each student with their certificate. It was a great day, and we are proud of you, Mitch!

Student of the Month!

2010-02-17T17:20:00.002-06:00

Abby was student of the month for January, and we are proud of her! This was a goal of hers, and she accomplished it (by January!). She has worked hard in her studies, and at being a responsible student and friend, and she deserved it.

Way to go Abs!

Vegas Valentines

2010-02-16T13:12:00.006-06:00

Here are some photos from our road trip to Vegas. Shooting, movies, cards and The Strip made it a perfect valentines day vacation! Love you all!

January

2010-01-31T23:19:00.004-06:00

Hello Family!

Here are the only two pictures I have from this month (besides kung fu panda). The first is from this weekend at the BYU v UTAH basketball game. Yeah, we won. And we got front row tickets from my job. Yeah, I have the hook-up.

The next photo is from the Snowboarding Grand Prix in Park City. Shaun White was there. He rocked it. It was a lot of fun, and I'd like to think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The others in the photo are from my ward, and they're all cool.

I'm happy and I hope you all are, too. Love you more!

LA Dance Magic 2010

2010-01-18T18:59:00.014-06:00

Abby and I spent the weekend downtown attending a dance convention. It is two solid days of dance. Abby loved it, and we had a great time. She did awesome and it renewed her love and enthusiasm for dance.

Kung Fu BYU?

2010-01-18T17:27:00.004-06:00

This is the only picture I have as of recent, but I wanted to add my two cents to the family blog. This Kung Fu Panda giant statue is in a building on BYU campus. Can you guess which one? No, you can't. It's the MATH building. Yeah. Who knew those mathematicians watched cartoons, let alone even liked them? Not me. I'm a little envious. The communications building where I live doesn't have anything this cool.

Sorry I'm so immature for a 21-year-old. I figure I better take in all I can before I head out into the working world in April. I love and miss you all!!

Ringing in 2010

2010-01-18T15:44:00.004-06:00

Karaoke, food, "Rock Band" and great friends...

What could be better!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2010-01-18T14:32:00.005-06:00

The holidays this year, for me, were one of the most memorable we have had in years.

We didn't take any exciting trips or receive any grand presents, but with Caitlin being gone so much of last year, I was grateful that we had time just to spend together and be a family of five again. It always amazes me how we pick right back up where we left off. Being at home playing games, watching movies and making each other laugh was the best gift I never asked for! We spent time with family and friends celebrating Christmas and ringing in the New Year, and made memories to talk about for the coming year. So, enjoy some of the times that were captured in these photos I wanted to share. Oh, and the red tree...I love it even though I take a lot of abuse over it!

Star of stage and screen! (Well,almost)

2009-11-19T18:09:00.009-06:00

Abby recently appeared in her school's production of "Once Upon A Mattress. She performed as a dancer. She played a knight and a lady so several costume changes were necessary. Abby was one of only 3 or 4 sixth graders who had a part beyond the chorus. I smell a leading role next year!

TESTIMONY

2009-10-16T11:23:00.002-05:00

Since this is primarily a family blog, a way to keep in touch, I thought how appropriate for each of us to document our testimonies in this way. So, family of mine, I will go first and I challenge you to do the same!

I want my Heavenly Father and my beloved family to know that I have a testimony of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. The greatest blessing and the knowledge that I hold most dear is that I am a Daughter of God. I have questioned as of recent, "Does Heavenly Father know and love me?" I am one of millions on this earth, how can He know me? The answer came as I looked around and saw that He gave me a wonderful husband who loves ME like no other could. By the grace of God, I met a man who knew the truth at a time when I was looking for it. What are the odds? He could just have easily moved to some other town, for his family had moved many times in their life. but, they came to "Little old Mt. Zion", where my family just happened to have relocated. I remember laying in my bed at night as a child wondering, how can there be so many churches, when there is only one God. Yes, I was a deep thinker after all! Next, I was blessed with children who inspire me to do better everyday so I am worthy to be their mother. It is not to my credit that they are who they are, I am not that good of a mother. God gave us a plan to be born into families because He loves us, and wants us to be happy. I know He loves me because He created this Plan for us. Next, I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and my brother. He came to earth to set the example for us to live our lives that we may return to Him. He suffered for my sins, even the stupid mistakes that I make when I know better. But, I know, because of His sacrifice, I can repent , and those mistakes will be forgiven and forgotten. Since we come to this earth as imperfect as we are, I am truly grateful for this blessing. Next, I am grateful for Scriptures, which are like a book of directions left for us. If we study the Bible and The Book of Mormon, we follow that example of Christ and know of Heavenly Father's plan. He would not put us on this earth without instruction. Which leads me to Prophets. I am grateful for Joseph Smith who was brave enough to question and to ask of God, "Which is the true church?" and President Monson for revelation in these days that we need to know of God's counsel to us at this particular time. These are the truths that I hold most dear, I want to shout it from the rooftops and I want my Father in Heaven and my family to know I believe these things. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

2009-10-09T12:06:00.001-05:00

I miss you guys.

"Words of wisdom I needed right now"

2009-09-25T13:11:00.008-05:00

"Always remember that women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are coarse; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity."

This is a quote from my lesson for Sunday. It always strikes me that my Father in Heaven uses me as an instrument in my very own hands to teach me the things He knows I need to hear at very particular, specific times in my life. Words that I planned to teach others are actually meant for me. Hopefully the young women I am teaching this Sunday will benefit from these wise words as well!

Will I ever see them again?

2009-09-14T20:11:00.003-05:00

The computers came much to the joy and excitement of Mitch and Abby! It has turned out to be a great birthday after all.

Happy Birthday to you!

2009-09-14T09:49:00.003-05:00

Abby and Mitch celebrate their birthdays in September. It was kind of low key for the both of them, but they seemed okay with that. They must be growing up. Their busy schedules get in the way of big celebrations. They both decided this year instead of celebrating by throwing parties with friends, they wanted to put that money towards laptops, and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their computers! Yay, I get the computer all to myself! Abby celebrated her birthday at The Club at St Albans with Ryan, Tracy, Stella and Jake, and Gee and Poppy. Last minute schedule changes gave us the evening off so we were able to celebrate on her actual birthday. Mitch celebrated at the Melting Pot this year. His favorite place. We had a great dinner and Gee and Poppy were able to go with us. YUM!

Caught up in missing Missouri

2009-09-07T19:36:00.014-05:00

Hi family! Here are a few of the pictures from our adventure out to Missouri. I like Utah and I like school and everything, but I miss you all as usual.

A new year, a new beginning...

2009-08-18T11:58:00.005-05:00

School has begun once again. I know there was some excitement in the air this morning as early as it was! Abby is anxious to start a new chapter in a brand new school. Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday, she was carrying her backpack, which was bigger than her, off to kindergarten! Now she is entering middle school with Mitch. I told Mitch to watch out for her today, but secretly I have a feeling it will be the other way around! Mitch is now the big man on campus being in 8th grade. It will be a fun year for him before he returns to the bottom of the totem pole as a freshman. Meanwhile, I am sitting at home wondering what to do with myself. I remember past years when I looked forward to them going back, so I could have just a little time to myself! But as they have grown, I enjoyed all the time we had together over the summer, and I will miss them like crazy. Notice Mitch has his braces on. He got them on last Friday, and is adjusting fine. However, he needs to learn a completely different method of eating now. Chewing small bites instead of shoveling and swallowing is now a necessity! (Mitch, I apologize, your eyes were closed.) I wish them all the best for a successful, fun filled school year, and I am sure I will find something to fill my days eventually!

Mom and Abby Liz join me in the beehive state

2009-07-11T15:34:00.015-05:00

Last weekend, Mom and Miss Abby came and stayed with me in Utah for a couple days. We had a blast together, as was expected, and all of my friends ended up liking them more than me. I can understand that, though, so I'm ok with it.

After I picked them up from the airport, we went the the Pizza Factory. I couldn't believe my mom and sister were sitting directly across from me so I had to take a picture.

Then we all headed to Target. Brendan and Abs can almost share clothes!

The next day we did a little shopping and just hung out before Stadium of Fire. This photo is our best attempt at a group shot. Abs, you need to grow a little more sweetie.

Abs and I rocked the hair flair for the fourth. She keeps me young. Mom was lame and voluntarily excluded herself from the coolness of the red and blue streaks.

Since Abs and I are both proud supporters of Independence, we attempted to paint our nails red, white and blue with stars over the top. The idea was a lot more successful than the actual results. Next time we'll just paint our faces or something less strenuous.

Stadium of Fire was a huge success. Despite our bloody noses due to our seat location, we each highly enjoyed rocking out to SHeDaisy and the Jo Bros.

This is what you get when you mix cuteness with sass.

I love this picture. Mom couldn't take her eyes of Joe Jonas. (PS - Who names their kid Joe Jonas anyway?)

Here's some videos from the night of concert fun:

The next day was Sunday, so Mom and Abby had the pleasure of experiencing first-hand the exciting life of a BYU singles ward. After church we made fajitas and had dinner together like a real family. We even had fruit pizza for dessert. That night some people in my ward came over for game night, which was mom and Abby's introduction to the back-biting game of mafia. I'm glad they got to meet some of the people I hang out with on a regular basis because afterwards we stayed up and chatted for a while. It's nice to be that much more connected and get their insights.

Overall, the hiatus was much too short. Driving Mom and Abby back to the airport was a bitter and not-sweet-at-all goodbye. I almost got on that plane with them but for some reason this is where I'm supposed to be right now.

I love you, Mom and Abby!! (Dad and Mitch, I miss you)

Finally a water dog at age 8.5

2009-07-01T18:39:00.001-05:00

That's where you'll find me

2009-06-13T19:47:00.005-05:00

Since no one else writes on here, I decided I'll just talk to myself. Even though I'm the one in the family with the least going on in her life to write about, I'll pick up your slack guys.

While I was walking to my weekly water aerobics class in the rain the other day, I turned the corner and saw THIS:

Beautiful, huh? Ok, so I didn't do that great of a job photographing it with my phone. But seriously, I've never seen a rainbow this wonderful. It was a COMPLETE rainbow with all the colors. I'm talking Roy G. Biv here. And it went right over BYU campus. Looooove it.

Love you all,

Cait

A few requests

2009-06-06T18:33:00.002-05:00

Mitch, what the heck? I thought you were going to have a post up by Monday? As the perfect one in the family, you are obligated to participate in this blog. Engage in the conversation, little bro. I want to hear what you have to say. (aka: read what you have to write)
I would love to see some pictures of the most loved and best looking in the family. I miss Carson. A video would be nice, but I don't want to be too unrealistic.
Miss Abby, where's the dance footage? I know you had your spectacular recital recently. Let's see it sista.

Ok, I think that's it for now. I don't want to be too demanding. Life is good here in Provo, but I miss you all as usual. I've recently decided that instead of continuing the dating scene I am going to purchase a puppy and live happily ever after. Or you could just ship Carson out here for me. Thanks!

Much love,
Cait

BOOM!

2009-05-31T10:08:00.007-05:00

Mitch hit his first home run of the season and here's the swing, PERFECT! This was a BOMB, 320' to right center clearing an 8' wall at the 300' mark. Unfortunately, the other team was not as excited about the tater as we were. He batted twice more in the game and saw a total of 13 pitches, ALL CURVE BALLS. Very poultry like if you aske me.

So far this year Mitch is batting cleanup, hitting .333 and leading the team in extra base hits, slugging percentage, hit by pitch and STRIKE OUTS, ugh... He's really been working on his swing lately and in his last three games he is hitting .800 with a .750 slugging percentage and an .889 OBP with 4 runs, 2 RBI's, 2 stolen bases and only one strike out. Way to go!!

More pics of the trot around the bases will be coming, and hopefully many more pics like this one.

SURPRISE!

2009-05-31T09:11:00.003-05:00

That sneaky Caitlin flew home to St. Louis and surprised her Mother on her birthday. This is kinda after the surprise, but you get the idea.

Three Desks

2009-05-29T21:46:00.008-05:00

Hi Family!

So you know that picture called "Three Dresses" or something with the baby blessing dress, the baptism dress and the wedding dress? Today I discovered a relation of that painting to my life.

Get this. That painting is a person's entire life in three dresses. Well, this post is my entire day in three desks.

Desk 1: The UW

About four or five of my hours in the morning are spent here. It's kind of sad looking, but I enjoy it most of the time.

Desk 2: The DU

This is where I spend my afternoons. I like the window.

Desk 3: My room

This is my favorite one. I'm supposed to study here, but sometimes that doesn't happen. Case and point: I'm blogging now instead of studying Isaiah.

Now you know my view during a typical day. Love and miss you!!

-Cait

6th Grade Here I Come!

2009-05-28T16:46:00.006-05:00

Ive been in Elementary school for 6 whole years! And I announce that today I'm not! When this summer sadly ends I will be in 6th grade,and my first year of Middle School!!! I will be going to LaSalle Springs Middle School. In these pictures I am at my 5th Grade Celebration. In one of the pictures you will see my friend Anna. Anna is going to a separate middle school. And at the end of the Celebration she was not so happy. Lets put it this way She was bawling! I felt so bad and wanted to cry myself! But my friend Elizabeth stepped up to the plate and cryed for me. But not only was she crying but she was laughing too. As I walked down the hall with my half laughing half crying friend I couldnt help but laugh myself! For my 5th Grade Celebration we went to Sports Fusion. This is like a Chuck-e-Cheese but with blow up activities. My friends and I decided to play laser tag. The game sessions were about 30 minutes long. I had no idea how to play and not suprisingly I came in last place. But that didnt stop me from having a really fun time! These are a couple pictures from the Celebration. Well thats all I've got to say about that!

Abby

Miss Abby's Gotta Dance!

2009-05-28T13:32:00.004-05:00

This is a dance routine that Abby did entirely on her own!! She performed this at her schools variety show on May 2 in front of about 500 people. Way to go, Abby!!

The Road Home

2009-05-28T12:34:00.003-05:00

This post is for Caitlin. First, to show her our beautiful "new" Old State Rd. This road has been a disaster as long as we have lived here. Finally, after 6 long years, the road was repaved! Everytime I drive on it, I feel happy. Everyone is tired of hearing me say, "Look how beautiful our road is!" It just feels so luxurious! (Seinfeld moment) Secondly to remind her how to get home. So she never forgets how much she is loved and needed here in our home. She is a 1000 miles away, but still a very important and necessary part of our family. We don't see her everyday, but we could not function as a family without knowing she is a vital member. We love you, Caitlin, and miss you, but we know you are out there in the big world spreading your wings and becoming the person you are supposed to be. But don't forget to use those wings to come back to the nest!

Love you more,

Mom