Happy Halloween!!!!!...details later.

having fun

The model homes are right across the street from our backyard, so we were having fun taking pictures right before a monsoon, with the big flag blowing in the background. Silly maybe, but fun!

gossip girl

Okay, so I was so sure that I wasn't a long story, deep thought kind of blogger...

I will do my best to not be deep, or long.

So, I was giving a friend of mine a hard time about gossipping (how the heck do you spell gossipping? two p's????) and this friend wasn't really even being a gossip, I was just giving her a hard time. However it led to thoughts and a conversation with my sister. Let's make it clear-

I am guilty of gossip, in general (not making any big, public, confessions).

The biggest reason I was making a big joke or fuss of the gossip thing was more because I didn't want people to think of me as being okay with gossip. Yes, I know, I already confessed that I am guilty as charged, but I figure if people don't think you're okay with it to begin with (which truly I'm not okay, even though imperfect in the area) than they will be less likely to start a whispering, tattling, gossipy conversation with you.

Why am I going on and on? because I did feel hypocritical to even tease someone else about something that I am not perfect at.



Great, now everyone will be afraid to talk to me because they think I'm some big gossipy brat-

Let me explain where I come from on the whole "gossip rule".

I went to a private school for 2 years of high school. Our rule was that you were not even allowed to use someone's name unless you had specific permission from that person. Maybe this is extreme, well of course it is, but it made a definite impression on me and it sure did make it easier to not gossip. Even if you wanted to tell some herrendous story, you weren't allowed to use any names, thus eliminating the gossipy-ness.

"What a ridiculous rule, like anyone actually followed it!!"

Actually, we did. At least myself, and my group of friends did. Seriously, you got in trouble if you got "caught".

It was a unique time that I'm sure can't be recreated in "the real world", but it still made an impression and set a standard in my life, that yes again... I confess I do not maintain.



And the long, but not deep conversation with myself, for everyone in the world to read, is DONE. (don't flatter yourself, only about 3 people check your blog, and Jen T. you barely count... you and you're sarcastic comments... ;)

more family reunion fun!

In case you needed proof that I'm a total nerd....This was our Family Reunion Birthday, and I was definitely a hit with all people ages 10 and under... Woo HOO

More birthday fun...

PEEK A BOO!!!

Todd's sister Joyana and her daughter, Brooke. Yes, I did make that balloon flower... I know, you're totally impressed. (aren't we all?)

Mom and Dad Young...

All the Young Grandchildren in order of age... this is a priceless picture to me... it's not some great portrait quality photo, but it marks that moment in time so well... I can't imagine when I'm Grandma Young looking at what me and Grandpa Young have helped to create. How Awesome.

Lilli and cousin Brooke hanging out on the fake rocks.. this was a really cool park. Could make a girl want to move up to Idaho.

I'm not sure who in the family took this picture, but it's really cool... All the older cousins playing at this really cool park filled with BIG musical instruments. There are constant songs and sounds filling the park... REALLY COOL!!!!!

Here is our daddy playing on the rocks... I don't know who did this picture, but thanks. Love it.

Thanks again to someone's creative efforts, Joyana's I'm guessing. Lots of big girl cousins constantly tending to my little ones. It is sooo nice except they get spoiled with all the attention and I get spoiled with all the time off. It's hard to come back from a vacation like that. Thanks Girls... and Mason.

Brynlee, Jessi, Adria doing girl stuff?

Let the Hool-a-hoop games begin!!!

Everybody loves Uncle Andy! (todd's brother)

girl cousins

boy cousins plus uncle andy

Todd's Triplet Older Sisters opening their birthday card!

Boggle... good times

photo shoot time...

We had such a great time. Thanks to Mom and Dad Young for making it all happen. Love to all the Youngs! from the Youngs!

young family reunion

On our way to idaho... Heidi sat with Andy, Todd's brother.


Tug-of-war!
It was girls against the guys. Girls won the first time, then they planned to just let go on the second time. It worked out well except that Heidi and Lilli didn't quite get the memo on the whole "letting go". They got yanked pretty severely and both were done with the whole thing. Luckily, we had Mason, the girl's older cousin, to comfort them. Both girls have huge crushes on him.... it is so cute.














Todd being attacked by the girls... love it.

to catch you up quickly...

Lilli's school had a family fun night at the good old "GREAT SKATE"! If you grew up in Glendale you probably used to go here when you were in 5th or 6th grade. Quite the happenin' place if I remember correctly!
At one point I was carrying all of our shoes (Todd's big man shoes, my shoes, and lots of little flip flops). Heidi was completely terrified and so she had wrapped herself around my leg. I am struggling for my life because I'm wearing skates for the first time in probably 5 years and my pants are falling down some because of Heidi's tugging..... well you know how you always run into people from highschool at the worst time???? I look up in time to see one of my highschool crushes walking by laughing at me. He made some comment to me, I can't remember now... but I just felt like an idiot. Good times. Other than the first chaotic moments, we had a lot of fun. Todd and I took turns taking the girls out on the rink and holding them up while they attempted to skate. It was a really good arm and back work out and I was pretty sore the next morning.
This is just a cute shot from Aspen Grove. I wish I had gotten Lilli in focus a little better, but it still captures the sweet moment. Sisters are the best. I'm so glad my house is full of them.
I heard the sink going on and off, on and off. I was getting ready to lecture Lilli or Heidi about playing with water. I was very suprised to walk in and see little "Gwendi" in our raised vanity sink. I couldn't believe she had climbed all the way up there. She was quite proud of herself, as evidenced by her constant grin and excitement.
This is Todd's pride and joy. He set up an oreo display at Wal Mart (he's a Kraft Sales Rep.). He actually brought his camera to work with him on that day. My husband is such an artist. I swear he does actually work at work... or so he tells me.
p.s. does that actually look like an oreo to you????