Brady's Award!

February 20th Brady received a Citizenship Award at his school.  I was so happy for him. He has made a lot of progress this year.  I posted it on Facebook and Instagram.  He got some really nice compliments:

• Megan Glenn Baldwin: Good job Brady! What a sweetheart
• Tammy Schulthies Talbot: Thanks Megan. And thanks so much for all you and Maria L Draper do for him at scouts. You both have so much patience with him. It's been really good for him.
• Megan Glenn Baldwin: No thank you, he teaches me more than I could ever teach him. He is great, he always put a smile on my face.
• Susan Alder Schulthies: So proud of you Brady, I think that deserves a treat! Great picture Tammy.  and then on Instagram she said: Love you Brady, it's been so fun watching him grow & learn this year!
• Karli Cleaver: Definitely one of the sweetest kids ever! Love you Brady-good job!
• Dixie Lee Peterson Johnston: Good job, Brady!
• Diane Bruneel Moats: Congrats Brady! You would get this award every day from me! What an amazing boy!
• Tammy Schulthies Talbot: We think you are pretty amazing too Diane! Thanks for all that you do for Brady.
• Pennie Ellsworth: He's growing up so fast! Congrats!!!
• Karen Alder Young: Awesome!!
• Rosie Schulthies Raven: Congratulations Brady! We love you!!!
• Shereebee Dittmer: Way to go Brady!
• Dawn Carlton: That is awesome, way to go Brady, you are a great kid!
• Brenda Hartley:  Sooo proud of you! You are such a good friend to everyone! I really miss you!
• Kelsey & Lance Peterson: Way to go!

Today I was talking to one of the 2nd grade teachers (not his) and she told me that one morning when they were lining up to go to music or P.E. Brady gently tickled her hand to get her attention and then proceeded to tell her about a girl that was crying.  Mrs. Jill Conant was really impressed by his sensitivity and concern.

Also a couple of weeks ago Scott was listening to some music and Brady told him, "Dad this is a sad song."  I was surprised that he was able to pick up on the emotion of the music.  If I remember right it was a song off the Titanic soundtrack.

Hidden Treasures Found...

So I was going through my storage room and I came across a forgotten box filled with little hidden treasures that were given to me when I was a little girl.  I was so glad they were still in fairly good condition.  I decided to blog about it so I don't forget again about them.

We are not sure who made it, but my mother and I both wore it when we were babies.  Who knows how old I was when I wrote the tag so I wouldn't forget whose it was.

My baby blessing dress!

My Grandmother Della Alder did the needle work on both sets of pillow cases and either her mom or mother-in-law did the fine crocheted edging.  They are so beautiful I have never used them.

This was worn by my mother as a baby.  Not sure who made this either.

These bibs were also worn by my mother.

These tea cups and saucers were given to me by my Great Grandmother Annie Alder.  I did a little research and learned that they are Rochelle, Eggshell Nautilus Pattern made by the Homer Laughlin China Co. in Newell, WV, USA.  This pattern was discontinued in 1941.  I had completely forgot about them so I thought it was about time I finally display them.

My Grandma Della Alder made all of these Barbie doll clothes for me when I was a little girl.  What a labor of love.  I sure love and miss her.

I can't imagine crocheting these little things.

I think I can remember my Grandmother wearing similar or maybe even the same pant suits.

My mom's baby booties made by her Grandmother Annie Alder.

This was my Great Grandmother Bessy Bair's brooch.  I thought I had the earrings to match but couldn't find them.

My baby booties made by my Grandma Alder.

Kids Loved Their Long Weekend!

Friday night we had pizza and a movie.  Kacie had Mallory and Jocelyn spend the night and so we were up late with them.  Scott and I went to bed around 2 am, but we had fun with them.  Who knows when they finally went to sleep.  Saturday Scott and I went to Costco, out to eat and then we picked up Brandon for the weekend.  Kacie had a blast with her friends Saturday.  They dyed T-shirts, did makeovers and got all dolled up for the Stake Dance in Ontario.

Where has my little girl gone? So pretty!

beautiful girls inside and out!

I love this picture of Brandon but I was really sad that we never really connected with him this time.  He just never talked to us, but at least we didn't have trouble with him sleeping and we didn't have any accidents this time.  However when we took him back home on Monday it didn't even phase him when we were trying to leaving.  It was like we weren't even there.

I love to see my kids all together...

Brady has a new favorite restaurant...Texas Roadhouse.  He had four rolls and probably would have had more if they would have kept bringing them out.  He even loved the cinnamon butter which surprised me.  Notice that he has one in his hand and one on his plate.  He just kept reaching out for more.  He was cute when the server was asking for his order he said, "Chicken Tenders and ROLLS!" The server got a kick out of it.

Scott's chicken fried steak took up the whole plate.  Needless to say he had enough for lunch the next day.

Valentine's Day

I'm a great Aunt!!! introducing...

 Kendal Mae Talbot

born: 2/10/13 at 2:10 am

weighed: 7 lbs 7 oz

parents: Danielle Freese & Stephen Talbot

she is so adorable, can't wait to meet her!

Kacie's Valentine...

 Brady's Valentine...

Kacie also had flowers delivered to the school from Steele Hartley.  I can't believe she is getting flowers from boys now.  She was thrilled to death to say the least.  They are so cute together!

Who says women never want appliances for gifts.  Scott and I have been wanting a new frying pan and so I suggested that we get one for Valentine's Day.  Practicable I know, but we are happy and loving it.  We got Brandon a package of Oreos and an 8x10 family picture for his room.  Later in the evening Scott, Brady and I delivered Valentine's to both of our parents and also to his Grandma Phyllis and then grabbed something to eat at KFC.  Kacie was too tired to go with us.

Beautiful Sunday February 10th

We had a beautiful day!  We went to Ron and Stacie's ward to watch Taylor sing.  She did an awesome job.  We then had a wonderful meal made by Wanda.  I brought in some cookie dough so the kids could have fun cutting out heart cookies and decorating them.  They had a lot of fun and it was so nice to be able to enjoy some sunshine outside.

 Ryan attempted to make a roller coaster with his dough.  It ended up being a large mound of cookie.  Wanda put a little flag on top and said it looked like the top of the moon.  It was cute.

Brady's School Artwork (Feb 6th)

 Brady made a gumball picture with a little poem in school.

I love his snowman picture!!!  He has had a much better year this year, it has been so nice.  I would love it if he could have the same teacher again next year.  He is still below average on his reading but about average on everything else.

Reid & Laura's Beautiful Kids

I was so excited to get a copy of these adorable pictures

What a beautiful family!!!

Viva Las Vegas (Jan 31 - Feb 5th)

Mom and Dad rented a big 15 passenger van so we could all go together to Las Vegas to see Reid and Laura's baby blessing on Feb 3rd.  Chad Howard was born Dec 4th 2012.  Scott didn't go because he didn't want to use one of his personal days from work and then he got sick anyway.  Dad and I did all the driving.  We went almost half way on Thursday Jan 31st and stayed at Wells at the Super 8.  Lets just say at least we had a warm bed to sleep in and we will leave it at that.  I think we made it to Reid's around 3 or 4 on Friday.

I finally got my hands on this little cutie!!!

and we even got a smile...so cute!

Brady was so happy to see his cousins...

E.J. and Rosie made it in around 8:30.  It was so fun to see their family also.  I love this picture of Caleb with Dad.

Saturday Mom and Dad took the four oldest grand kids to Walmart to pick out Valentines for all the kids.  They are amazing and always like to spoil the kids.  Kacie picked out nails and make-up.  Here I am helping them with their nails.

Brady got some bubbles and a car.  The bubbles were a huge hit with all the kids

Such a cute baby!

Three generations of Howards.

Van Howard Schulthies

Reid Howard Schulthies

Chad Howard Schulthies
If I remember right the Howard name came from Lydia Howard who was married to Henry Schulthies who would be Dad's Grandpa and Grandma.

I absolutely love this picture!  I love what Dedre said on Instagram...

"Priceless pic! Frame worthy!"

Loving their gifts from Grandma and Grandpa!

The weather was so nice.  We were all loving the outdoors!

Beautiful picture of Mom and sweet Chad...We couldn't get enough of him!

Pretty, Pretty Girls!!!

Once again we couldn't go to Las Vegas without a trip to the Bellagio garden and water shows.

This time it was the Chinese New Year!

Brady's favorite place on earth!!!

We saw six shows and only two of them we had seen before.  But then Brady informed me that he had seen the other ones on YouTube also.  Too funny!

Cute picture of Joshua and Teniele with Luigi and Mario.  Brady wouldn't get near them.

This was everyone that went.  Reid was a good sport to drive us down.

Photo bombed by Kyle!  Reid wanted me to do it to a couple that were taking engagement pictures.  It would have been funny but I wasn't daring enough.

Chad's big day...  Reid did an awesome job with his blessing.

Photo bomb by Brielle...

What handsome boys...

I think this is everyone that was there.

What a beautiful family!

All the grand kids except for Brandon and Chad! (He was hungry)

Here he made it for the picture..still missing Brandon though ):

Brady was upset in this picture because he didn't have one with just Grandpa and Grandma.

now he is happy!

Brielle's beautiful artwork...

Man of the hour!

Chad's Grandma Connie Berrett made the cute blanket.

So after our yummy dinner we just relaxed and visited, played games and watched a few slide shows.  Monday morning Dad, Reid, Ruben and I went over to Dave and Connie's at 6am to watch the Super Bowl.  It was a good game and Connie feed us a nice breakfast but we were sad that the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers and it gave us a late start going home.  Then around 5:30 pm I was driving and hit a deer about 10 miles south of Jackpot.  I was so mad because it was going to make it even later to get home with the kids for school the next day.  Little did I know that it wouldn't be until 11pm the following day that we get home.  As we were waiting for a tow truck to come and the highway patrol, the Elko Sheriff drove up.  He was a God send...so nice and helpful, much more so than the State Police officer.  So Ruben, Dad, Kacie, Brady and I rode in the tow truck and Mom, Teniele, Joshua and James rode in the Sheriff's car to Jackpot.  Joshua was in heaven riding in a cop car but Mom not so much.  She got to ride in the cage.  The Sheriff went ahead of us to get a room in Jackpot at the Four Jacks Hotel.  The Sheriff went with Mom into the hotel and told the owner that he had totaled five cars hitting deer and that he knew what we were going through and asked if he would cut us a deal and he did...he charged us nothing. Rosie told us later that Blake prayed before FHE that we would be safe and warm and make it to a safe place without it costing too much money.  Then they were shocked to hear that the hotel didn't charge us for the rooms because of the nice sheriff that took care of us.  Prayers are answered...especially from cute five year olds.  Once we finally got the van emptied and to our rooms it must have been around 9pm.  I didn't realize how shaky I was until we were in the room.  Mom and Dad went down to the restaurant to get us all some food then we all crashed I think except for me.  It took me a while to unwind.

It was a total nightmare waiting for a vehicle or two vehicles to get home with.  The crazy rental agency kept changing its plans.  They finally decided to haul a 15 passenger van out of Idaho Falls and it didn't arrive until almost 6pm our time.  This is Kacie and I begging for a car to finally come.  Once we got to Twin Falls we figured it took us 24 hours to get from Jackpot to Twin.  Crazy!  Then after we got some stuff out of the van that we left, filled up and ate, it wasn't until 8pm before we left Twin Falls.  

It was a fun trip but I could have done without the last twenty-four hours. It took me a couple of days to recover from that one. It was a good thing Scott didn't go because then he would have lost the only two personal days he has.  As we were leaving Brady said, "Are you excited to see your husband?"  It is so funny some of the stuff he comes up with.