Christmas 09

I think this will be the most pathetic Christmas post EVER.

Christmas was rough this year... for many reasons, and I slacked in the photo department. (to say the least)

With Aunt Karen's Cancer fight coming to an end, I look back on this season and I am grateful for what I have learned and for the spirit that has been with me. I have never before had such a Christmas season that I have felt the love and support of my Savior. So yes, we had Santa, and parties, and presents, and the kids did not go without, but the most important things that were present in the Bodily home and heart this year could not have been photographed anyway.

I learned during this month of December... that all this worldly stuff and hype is not important.

Next year (or in 10 years) I will not remember what was under the tree, or what my neighbor's gifts were, or what party we were at and what activities we did...

... but I will remember those I love...

... how they make me feel...

... and the relationships I have with them...

Families Are Forever

A Quote...

My blog is seriously neglected. Maybe tomorrow.... But for today... I wanted to share this: "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. Sometimes the past is something you just can't let go of, sometimes the past is something we would do anything to forget, and sometimes we learn something new about the past, that changes everything we know about the present."

Auntie K...

... was diagnosed with Lung Cancer today.

We are...

hopeful

scared

humble

positive

supportive

did I mention scared?

.... but ready to stand with her and FIGHT. She has much to live for... and she is loved.

Aussie Dinner

Mom's cousin Phillip and his wife Diana were here from Australia.

We had dinner at The Garden in Salt Lake City. The Garden is located on top of the Joseph Smith Memorial building and it over looks the temple and temple square. It was great to see them again along with some of my aunts and uncles. A nice night and dinner out is always enjoyable too!

Halloween

Trunk or Treat 09

We were in charge of Halloween celebrations this year for Bothwell. We decided on a lighted maze in the park. I think it turned out great and the kids seemed to like it and have fun! We also had a backdrop for pictures and then we just emailed them out to everyone. It was fairly easy with easy clean up! I love fall and the decor... I just wish winter didn't have to follow!

For Halloween this year the kids were....

Kristian was a Pirate

Kassie a Mad Hatter

Kambree a Witch

Gage was Spiderman

Hey Punkin'!

The Annual Thurgood Family Pumpkin Carving

Mountain Green Fire Station

Monday October 26th

Larsen's and Thurgoods

ALWAYS a good time!

Mission

We had the opportunity to attend the closing night of the Musical a friend of ours wrote, produced, & directed in Salt Lake City.

Not only was it a great family night, but it was an AWESOME musical.

Wow... some people get all the talent. :)

The Bodily's with Jed & Tiffany Christensen

Mission: The Musical

In the words of Dr. Seuss:

You have brains in your head,

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose!

Where ever you fly,

You'll be the best of the BEST,

Where ever you go, you will top all the rest!

Thanks Jed! We're looking forward to witnessing what you will accomplish!

School Days Again

I was the first to shout.... NO!! I am not ready!

Apparently, my opinion didn't matter, and it was time to start school again.

The kids were excited... I was extremely reluctant. I would keep them home with me, if I could.

My baby girl started kindergarten.... I almost made it out of the classroom before I cried. Almost.

Big sister... showing little sister "the ropes"

Kam on her first day of Kindergarten. You can just see the excitement in her eyes!

I spent so much time taking pictures of Kambree in kindergarten (because she still needs me, right? :) That by the time I made it over to Kassie's class, school had already started. Does she look a little embarrassed by the fact her mother is standing in the doorway taking pictures?

Here we go again.... another school year under way!

THE BEGINNING

I can just see it, it will be here before I know it....

Empty Nest.

My baby started preschool.. he was so excited.

I was not.

He chose his clothes... just like his sisters do. I had no say, what so ever. Hmmmm.... Independence.

They had a name tag and a school bag ready for him, he just had to add his hand prints.

Wow.... it makes me feel even older just looking at the pictures... my babies are growing up, but I still look and feel 27. (HA!) If only....

It does make me happy, however, that he enjoys it, and wakes up every morning and asks "Is it a school day!?" with a great big smile. (well, some days it's not great big. He is his father's son, ya know?)

Preschool is just THE BEGINNING....

Girls Night Out

All the girls went out after work one night to celebrate all the August & September birthdays.

It was fun to get away from the "work" atmosphere, and have a little fun.

(not that we don't at work! :)

Amy, Britt, Katie, Tiff C, Nicole, Tiff H, Jenny, Amber, & Joey

Amy, Nicole (in the back), Britt & Katie

Jenny, Amber, & Joey

Jenny, Amber, Joey, Jackie, (Nicole's friend), Nicole, Amy, & Britt

I work with some awesome women. Gotta love friends! They keep us going! :)

4 Great Kids

My Dad took these photos in Lake Tahoe.

Four pretty amazing, fabulous, awesome, wonderful, brilliant, & uber spectacular kids! I love em'!

Kristian 13 years

Kassie 9 years

Kambree 5 years

Gage 3.5 years

I just have one question.... how is it that they all look like their Dad? I mean seriously, you think I could have got at least one out of the bunch!? sheesh!

Lake Tahoe - Day 1 & 2

Aug 8th - 15th was spent with my family in Lake Tahoe.

You can't go wrong with mountains, pine trees, water, and beach.... it was the perfect combination for me.

Day one was spent hiking and exploring several different sites around the lake that are now restored homes and estates that once housed the rich and famous.... we had a good time, even though this trail they call "kid friendly" kicked my tail! :D

(I call this day one, but in reality day one was Sunday and we just spent that hanging at the condo and took a drive to familiarize ourself with the city.)

More pics of day one... touring the old estates that are beach front property... kind of a waste if you ask me, I would love to have one of them for a summer home! The kids found a large grassy area to throw the football, run wild, and dog pile on top of uncle Aaron.

We hauled all our beach accessories 9 hours and hundreds of miles for the 3 hours we spent at the beach... but it was worth it! I could have spent all 7 days there... it was heaven on earth for myself. The kids had tons of fun in the sand, and the water too, but it was a bit chilly!

The center picture above caught Dad in the act! No wonder Gage was so dirty! :D

Lake Tahoe - Day 3, 4, & 5

Day 3 was spent on a large Catamaran... it was so beautiful and relaxing... I loved watching them put up the sails and move them around to make the boat go where they wanted... we chose to sit out on the bow where they had these large cushions and some blankets (the breeze got a little chilly!) I took a little nap, and Dad snapped a pic, that's why I look upside down.

Cory had finals and had to leave and come home on Wednesday after the Catamaran ride. So we napped and played at the condo in the afternoon, and then went out to Sand Harbor for the evening. Wow.... what an amazing place. It is for sure on my list to visit during the day, to spend some quality time at the beach, on our next visit. Awesome sand, fun rocks to climb on, and the sunset was amazing!!

Day 4 was okay... we drove up to Squaw Valley, which is like a mini Park City, and they had the Olympics there in 1960 something.... it was nice, but not my favorite. Had lunch in Tahoe City, which was a happening place, and looked like a fun spot to run the river. Would have done that if I wasn't on my own with 4 kids to watch over!

On the way back to the condo we stopped by the fish hatchery to let the kids fish. All I can say is "White Trash". Ick. I think I could have crawled out of my skin! It's one of those places I don't want to find myself in ever again! You need a shower by the time you leave just from how it makes you feel, not cuz you are actually dirty! But, on the up side... the kids had a blast! Go figure...

Day 5 (or Friday) was spent out at Virginia City. We took a train tour and visited the old mines. The kids had a ton of fun on the train. My favorite part was the old city shops, board walks, and the shopping! :) I could have spent hours, if I would not of had 4 kids to keep track of!

Great trip, with quality time spent with family. Blessed I am Indeed.

The "FFF"....

... or in other words... The "First Fun Field trip" of Summer!

Was spent at Lava Hot Springs.

The "Caravan"

We did a little 4 wheeling, which consisted of a little "visiting" (not trespassing :) of some fellow "Bothwellians". When you are a neighbor and friend... the "NO TRESPASSING" sign does not apply to you... right?

There were some who came close to having "wardrobe malfunctions"; ... some who just so happened to dress alike; ...one who did not want her hair done "because she was camping"; ...and a couple who were inseparable.

We did a little fishing, and observing of Nature and the beauty around us....

... AND we did alot of Swimming! What a Blast!

Good Times... with Good Friends... Once Again!