.

"She said What??!!"

2011-06-16T18:02:00.004-06:00

So a few days ago, Calista went to play with Nana for the day. When Nana brought her back she told me this:

Calista: "Nana do you want to play?"
Nana: "Sure, what do you want to play?
Calista: "Let's play like I'm Gay."

Nana: (dying inside) "Uhhh, how do we play that?"
Calista: "You sit down here, and I will do your hair."

Oh my, the thoughts that race through your head in 5 seconds! The precious innocence of my sweet little girl versus the aweful confusion of the American Society and the English Language!

Explanation: Calista had just gotten her hair cut that day at our favorite little Salon in Rupert by Mrs. Gay Tiller. She simply wanted to pretend she was one of her favorite people. Gay is so awesome and Calista loves her!

Nana has known Gay most of her life, in fact, she cut Lance's hair throughout his whole life and still does. Nana quickly put it all together and we have been laughing about it ever since...

CUTE FIREMAN???

2011-06-07T14:10:00.010-06:00

My little FireMAN

Happy Birthday Mesa Belle!

We sure had fun meeting the firemen, sparky the firedog (who terrified Nelson), touring the firetrucks, getting little fireman tattoos and learning about how to escape a smoking house at the Pocatello Fire Dept. All the kids, except for Calista (who has a mind and opinion of her own,) dressed up as firemen and fireladies.

My little FireLady!

What are these goons doing? ....

Oh... trying to get a picture of this rouny bunch of FireLittlePeople

I love my dad's talent...

2011-05-31T13:30:00.003-06:00

It was so fun to go to my daughter's dance recital this year and not have to worry about taking pictures. I just enjoyed the show, while my dad caught my daughter doing what she loves most... Dancing her little heart out!

I love her!

Our days...

2011-03-02T15:01:00.002-07:00

Calista was so kind to give us sparkle-foam paper manicures.

Nelson is developing quite the talent of playing the piano.

Making doughnuts! If you know Calista, you know she loves to cook. We had family projector movie night. We watched Ramona and Beezus- so cute- and made doughnuts and ate till we were sick. It was so much fun.

School art projects. Miss Andrea never runs out of ways to use paper plates.

Dancing ALWAYS...

Grandma Lois Robertson Bannister

2011-02-17T11:19:00.005-07:00

May 27, 1919- February 13, 2011

91 years old

At 8am Valentines Day my Dad called to tell me that Grandma passed away. She has been on her way home for several months gradually letting go. She was so frail thin last Sunday that I knew it couldn't be too much longer. she really wanted to go and I am happy that she has relief from her earthly body. She is with her Wilfred and many friends that I am sure were waiting with open arms.

She and Grandpa Wilfred Bannister left behind

3 sons: Arthur, Charles (my dad), and Mark. 10 Grandchildren: Jenny, Tim, Chad, Cassie, Jamie, Kelley, David, Bettie, Amy, and Michele (the last 8 are my siblings)and 32 Great Grandchildren.

Grandma always had the best skin and hair. Her skin was flawless and smooth. She loved children with all of her heart and was one of Calista's very best friends. Every time we would go to my mom's house Calista would run to 'old grandma's' bedroom and chat and play for hours. Grandma never tired of the children and always doted on each and every one.

She was always playing games and singing and bouncing her fingers to some melody. Once while visiting her in Vallejo, CA, she taught me a card trick with the Jacks when I was very young and it made me feel like the coolest kid in the neighborhood. I could doop even the older kids. She always spoiled us when we were young with things my parents couldn't afford. We loved her attention and would fight over the phone when she called. This was back when you actually paid to make a long distance call and yet she would talk to each of us... she must have spent a fortune just to call and talk to her grandchildren.

About 6 years ago she moved into my Parent's home. Which was such a blessing. Although it took us all a long time to count it as one. Calista got to really know her and love her, we all did really. She could rile up anyone with her questions, make you giggle with a dirty joke, and make you laugh out loud at her dry sense of humor. She was a democrat through and through surrounded by staunch Idaho Republicans and she stood her ground! I'll tell you my mom and dad's house is going to feel a lot emptier. She had quite the presence. We will all miss her dearly.

Goodbye Grandma. God be with you will we meet again.

Calista and I at her mother and fathers grave in Buhl, ID May 26, 2009

Converstaions with my sweet Calista

2011-01-10T16:02:00.006-07:00

Last Night at about 9:45pm:
"Mom. when houses burn up, do Monsters live in them?"
"No Calista, Monster are not real and don't live anywhere."
"Yes, they do... We have a Monster in our house."
""We do?"
"Yes, his name is Nelson"

A couple of weeks ago after Great Aunt Rena's funeral:
"Mom, where is Rena going?"
"To Heaven to live with Heavenly Father."
"Where are they going to put that box?"
"Well they will go to the cemetery and bury it in the ground. That is our custom to bury the body but her spirit, the part that makes her who she is goes to live with heavenly father."
Long Pause
"So Heavenly Father lives in the ground?"

I thought that was a very logical conclution. She is such a thinker! Needless to say we had a long talk on the way to the cemetary.

Tis' the Reason

2011-01-04T19:07:00.006-07:00

Calista and Carson as Mary and Joseph during our Ward Christmas Dinner while the children sang Mary's Lullaby. It was so sweet and we had one sweet moment of the real reason for Christmas.

---Just a thought---
I wish they would ban Santa Clause from Ward Dinners! Santa is everywhere, at the mall, at the square, at every party, in every yard, at the Festival of Trees, but where is the Savior?
This year at our Ward Christmas Dinner, the Primary Children sang two songs about the Savior, there was such a sweet spirit, and then before they could even walk off the stage -in comes Santa Clause to take over the show and kill the spirit. The focus on the importance of Santa really saddens me. I know the children love Santa, but there are some occasions where it would be nice to focus on the Birth of the Savior.

Growing Up

2010-12-23T19:24:00.005-07:00

This Month Nelson is 7 months old.

He weighs in at 14 lbs 10 oz 5th percentile

He measure 27.5 inches 90th percentile

We are holding out hope, that we may have infused some tall genes into the Stevenson name!!

He started crawling early November and he is already pulling himself up on everything. He thinks he needs to walk already! I am in for a treat!

No teeth yet and he is struggling with sleeping. He is the worst at taking naps, we usually have to put him in his car seat with a bottle by the dryer with the dryer running to get him to take a nap. He goes to sleep alright at night, but wakes up usually between 2am and 4am, takes a bottle, and sleeps till about 6 or 7. He will not cry himself back to sleep. We have let him go upwards of 45 minutes and he just continues to cry. He's a toughy!

What I wouldn't give!!!

2010-12-13T11:50:00.003-07:00

I miss the Sun, the beach, bright colors, warmth, T-shirts (or lack thereof), flipflops, picnis, sweating sodas, endless hours at the park, evening walks, star gazing, patio meals, grilling, bubbles, squirtguns, AHHHH.

Hahaha... I have looked at this picture at least a dozen times and just noticed the couple making out in the background...

Good eye, Erin.

Snow Days

2010-11-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

Everytime I want to complain about the snow I am going to look at his picture! So Cute!

My sister had a huge drift in her back yard which is usually quite flat. The cousins built snow cave all day long!

Calista has the BEST cousins! They are all trying to help her get on top of the drift.

Calista's first trip down a hill on a sled. Look at that smile!
PS. No we are not bad parents. This is the first time she has ever wanted to!

Happy Halloween

2010-11-10T12:27:00.004-07:00

One Bad Dude!

Tinkerbell and Peter Pan

Tinkerbell and Merina Mermaid trick or treating at One Bad Dude's house!

He Can FLY!

The Annual Halloween Costume Parade.

And I dressed up as One Bad Dude's Lady Friend (aka Tinerbell and Peter's mommy)

Please join me in Voting for Butch Otter

2010-10-29T13:45:00.004-06:00

I have never publicly supported a candidate for any political office before, but I am concerned that Keith Allred may fool too many of my friends and family so here is my opinion:
ALL PARTY AFFILIATIONS ASIDE
Yes, Keith Allred is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Ok, he may share some of the same family values, but that does not make him a good candidate for governor. There are many of the LDS faith that lack what it takes to be governor? I am LDS, should I be governor? And Honestly, how lame is playing the religion card??? Being of the same faith is not a reason to vote for someone.
Yes, Allred now lives in Idaho, claims to be a 5th generation Idahoan, but for most of his life, he has been a Harvard Professor. Impressive sounding, but that means he has lived a very different life than most of us. He has lived and taught at a very liberal and formal institution, spent his days in high-rise buildings and elevators, philosophizing life. I have lived in a large, vastly populated, liberal, eastern college town, and let me tell you it is nothing like the life we live and cherish here in Idaho. Member of the LDS faith or not, how could he even know how to protect our way of life when he has not lived it?
Butch Otter has done an amazing job as Governor. He has kept our budget balanced and refused to send the State of Idaho into debt. He will not let Idaho spend money we do not have. This shows a deep integrity that is nearly completely lost these days. He shows impeccable fiscal responsibility. DO NOT let anyone blame your local problems with education budgets on the Governor’s office. Talk to your local school district and Superintendent. They are happy to send on the blame to Butch Otter to clear their responsibility, but not all school districts are having problems. This is usually the result of poor management from local authorities.
Frankly, Otter’s latest’s stand against the Federal Government mandating Wolf conservation is proof that he will stand up for what is best for Idaho. Who wants the federal government, from eastern, liberal states mandating our way of life? (Hey that sounds like Keith Allred, hmmm.)
I have had the opportunity, on several occasions to shake his hand and talk to him and his wife. They are good, sound, quality people, who show the wear and tear of being on the campaign trail for months and fighting for their livelihood. They are stalwart Idahoans. They live the lives we cherish here in Idaho. Butch Otter has integrity and has shown it in word and deed.

I love Bear Lake

2010-10-22T16:20:00.004-06:00

A Rare Family photo...

Where are all the kids... At the Lake... Nope in the Hot Tub...

The kids all get along so well. Even after two days with no sleep!

Coby shot this great photo of Lance on the water.

And After

Friends like these are rare to come by. I love them!

And I love this boy.

Me and My Favorite Little Girl!

Calista made a necklace out of a sea shell she found on the beach. She has been so proud of it and she wore it to school the day after we got back.

Ahhhh. I love Bear Lake!

Metal Art is Unique and Beautiful

2010-10-19T16:20:00.003-06:00

I love this new product offered by my sisters Metal Fabrication Shop. It is truly unique. You have never seen anything like this in a store. It is hard up wrought iron cut into temples and names and images and it is beautiful... IF YOU NEED A CHRISTMAS GIFT for that very hard to buy fer person visit her website at www.metalart4u.com

This is my front door. You can custom order any person's name...

This is in my daughter's room. She loves it and so do I.

Minico Homecoming Parade

2010-10-01T11:35:00.002-06:00

GO SPARTANS *** GO MINICO

(I never thought I'd say that in my life, being a Highland Ram, we somewhat disliked the Spartans ........ now we love them)

Pure elation! Calista has always loved cheerleaders. We found them before the parade started and they were so cute and sweet with Calista. She was in heaven! It nearly brought me to tears.

Everybody is somebody's HERO!

Finally

2010-09-28T11:49:00.000-06:00

I ordered one of these sofas, it will be in next week. I did not tell Lance wich one I ordered...
Thanks for all the input.

Which Sofa and Love Seat combo???

2010-09-21T11:52:00.004-06:00

This is our living room. It obviously needed help. We sold our furniture and are staring over. We definitely want leather, because of the kiddies.

So these are what we have come to...

OR...

Lance and I desperately lack at decorating skills. This will be our second attempt to get it right in our living room. I want to have it decorated and furnished by the holidays. So if you have an eye for this crap, or just an opinion , please share!

Lance prefers one and I prefer the other... I'll keep which ones we prefer unposted, so there is no bais!

PLEASE HELP!

1st Day of School

2010-09-16T17:00:00.003-06:00

Our little RockStar is growing up so fast. She has changed from Princess to RockStar because she is so darn sassy and quite the entertainer! See ya later, no tears shed... She is off to meet Ms. Andrea her new teacher!

We just love her!

3 months old

2010-08-04T11:06:00.005-06:00

Nelson R. is 3 months old August 1st.

He is healthy as can be.

Weight 12 pounds even (25%)

Height 24 1/2 inches (75%)

Hopefully he will continue to be tall and we can restore some height to the Stevenson name!

This was Nelson at 1 week. I think his sock monkey shrank.

I love his smile. It is so contagious. He is such a good baby, so mellow and loving.
He is sleeping from about 9:30pm- 4:00 or 5:00am. He wakes, eats, and sleeps another 2-3 hours until 6:30-7:00am.
We just love him!

Our Yellowstone Adventures

2010-08-02T14:55:00.001-06:00

Calista has the most dynamic and sassy personality. She loved Yellowstone!

All she wanted was to see a BEAR. We saw several elk, but everytime we did she would whine and say, "But that's not a BEAR. Lets go to bear country!" She would look through her Bincoluars and claim to see animal after animal and when we asked her to decribe what she saw it was usually a pink bear, with a black tail, named Treeah.

Our Family

Lance and Calista climbed and climbed...

She loved the rocks...

And they climbed some more. Can you see them way on top?

If Calista looks like she thinks she owns this place, it's because she does. This is the bottom of Uncle Tom's Trail. It is known for its decend into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. There are 328 very steep stairs and 1/2 mile of trail decending into the Canyon. Calista litterally ran to the bottom, we took some pictures, and then she ran back to the top while mom huffed and puffed and rested about every 50 stairs.
She is a trooper!

Old Faithful. They geysers just never get old. They are amazing.

Doesn't Nelson look like he is having fun? He really was a trooper too. He had a hard time getting decent naps in so he was a little more restless than normal but for taking a 3 month old to Yellowstone for 2 1/2 days, he was wonderful!

Infant Geyser.

Petrified Tree? We think it's a hoax! That's why they lock it up.

The cute little Cabin that we stayed in outside of West Yellowstone. The Cabin may have been the highlight of Calista's trip. Since we have been home she has asked to go back to the cabin at least a dozen times.

Yellowstone Poster Child

2010-08-01T22:03:00.001-06:00

If this isn't every litte kid after two days in Yellowstone!

I love this little fart!
More pics to come...

My Youngest Sister is getting Married

2010-08-01T12:08:00.000-06:00

Yup, its a joke. She is really getting married, but this is not the offical announcement. It made me laugh though.

My little bugs...

2010-07-18T20:03:00.004-06:00

I love these two little bugs so much. Calista loves her baby brother so much and is so good with him. She tugs on his arms a little too much but she means well. She is always singing to him, the lullaby, Edelwiess, from the Sound of Music, and Lullaby and goodnight. And she says, "Mom, baby brother is so stinkin cute." We called him baby brother the whole time I was pregnant because we did not have a name for him until he was about an hour old, so we still call him baby brother, probably more than we call him Nelson.

Bad Hair Days

2010-06-05T18:08:00.005-06:00

I let Calista play with a comb in the bath tub. This was the result.

It was so tight I thought I would never get it out. This was after 30 minutes of dangling. Then I got smart and cut up the comb...

Luckily very little hair had to be cut!

My tool kit.

This is in memory of Jessica Curzon's bangs- or whats left of them after her two year old got ahold of them while she was asleep.

This is also in memory of Calista's friend, Ana, who get her locks tangled in a toy truck and had to chop off her beautiful hair.

It must be in the air!

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T13:38:00.001-06:00

Every Memorial Day, we read memories of Lance's dad from the Memorial Book that Teresa put together when he passed. Calista loves learning about her papa. (We left Nelson sleeping in the car.) The rest of the day Calista asked people, "Did you know my papa is buried?" It was cute.

Nelson R. Stevenson

2010-05-08T13:35:00.000-06:00

One week old.

Welcome Home

2010-05-06T13:08:00.000-06:00

Nelson R. Stevenson born 9:24am on May 1, 2010 weighing in at 6 lbs 14 oz

Gotta love the immediately after shot!

Calista meet her baby brother.

Going Home. Finally! As much as hospital's cost they should be more comfortable! We were so excited to go home!

SUPER SATURDAY

2010-04-10T16:48:00.001-06:00

I think the Stevenson Clan gave a whole new definition to Super Saturday. We had the opportunity to get some trees at a big discount, but the trees needed to be planted right away. So 9 hours later, 3 men (who can no longer feel their arms) and 3 women (who mostly directed where to put them) planted 30 trees on 4 properties.

Thank heaven for big equiptment!

It was so stinkin' cold and the wind never let up all day. So much for spring weather!

SUPER SATURDAY, continued...

2010-04-10T16:34:00.001-06:00

And today....

Calista got her big Ariel.

If you have spoken to Calista in the last two weeks, I am sure she has told you all about it.

Her chart says... "I WILL BRUSH MY TEETH WITHOUT WHINING!" and has a picture of her big Ariel on it. She did such an amazing job! We went from constant fight every night to her being excited to brush her teeth. She is very proud of her pearly whites and our bedtimes are so much easier. 28 times she had to brush and really she only whined about 5 times. I am so proud of her and she really feels like she accomplished something.

Here is her big Ariel. I am sure that if you see Calista in the next month you will get to meet big Ariel in person. She won't let her out of her sight!

And to finish off an already exhausting day... We went to Minico High School's production of Beauty and the Beast. Calista loved Belle so much. She was very talented and beautiful. Calista also talked to Gaston and she said to him "You are a bully!" He said "I'm hurt!" and she said "You are crazy!" Honestly, who teaches this kid these things!

At the end of the production on the way home...

I asked "Did you love it Calista?"

Calista "Yes, but I do not ever want to see it again! I did not like

the Beast

the werewolves

or Gaston!"

I asked "What did you like?"

Calista "Belle."

And that was that. At 10:30pm we dropped into bed! What a day!

Conversations

2010-04-04T17:33:00.003-06:00

Calista yells at her dad: "No Stop it." in a very mean little voice.
Mom chimes in: "Calista, don't talk to your dad in that voice. Say, 'daddy, I don't want you to do that' in a nicer voice."
Calista again yells at her day: "Stop it" in a very mean little voice.
Mom chimes in: "Calista, don't talk like that. Nobody talks to you that way. Who do you think you are?"

Calista triumphantly proclaims: "A bossy little girl!"

To which we failed any sort of lesson, cause Lance and I cracked up!

What do you do? She makes us laugh.

Easter Egg Fun

2010-03-31T14:48:00.003-06:00

This was my fun. I saw something online about tie-dyed eggs and had to try it. You take 100% silk ties and wrap your eggs up, boil in vinigar water, and the tie image adheres to your egg.

Fun huh!

Guess who did this egg!

Calista checks on her eggs every day. She loves to just look at them, and last night she was actually talking and singing to them. She shows everyone that walks in the door!

Calista loved dying eggs so much! She wasn't really all that interested in it until she saw what happened when we dipped the first egg into the dye. Then she couldn't get enough!

I wish we would remember to get the camera out more often. We always forget till the very end, but here is the one picture we got.

Baby brother has three more weeks! Eggs are supposed to represent New Birth and Fertility so I am hoping some rubbed off on me and I will go sooner than that!

Calista's First Dance

2010-02-24T18:37:00.004-07:00

Calista performed in her first dance during halftime at the Minico Spartans game Feb 12th. She was so stinkin' cute. We videoed it but I am having trouble uploading it but you should come over to my house and watch it- cause it so so precious! I can't believe how proud you can feel as a parent. Watching her try so hard and be so brave in front of all those people made me love her so much! She is 7 months younger than anyone in her dance class and had only been going to class for 3 weeks and she was so brave!

They danced to Lollipop, Lollipop and had oversized lollipops as props. For the next several days she had every serving spoon in the house out pretending that they were lollipops and performed her dance endlessly.

She loves her teacher Mrs. Brooke so much. She talks about her all of the time. Mrs. Brooke is my childhood best friend's cousin from Pocatello. I knew her growing up. Now she lives in Declo and I am so glad cause she has my little girl wrapped around her finger!

Sweet Gifts from God

2009-12-09T08:41:00.003-07:00

GIFT #1 A Long and Peaceful Night.

My sweet sleeping Calista. Last night my baby girl went to sleep at 7pm and she is still snoozing away at 8:45am this morning. I love her for it!

(She was 5 months in this snoozing pic)

GIFT #2 Short Nights/ No Sleep

It really is a gift! Today is Hump Day. Not because it's Wednesday but because, we are 20 weeks and counting on our way to a baby boy! 1/2 way there and trying to prepare ourselves for those endless new baby nights!

Pheasant Dinner?

2009-12-02T18:20:00.003-07:00

My Dad is always looking for the next great shot. Unlike Lance, it is with his camera not his rifle.

This one was taken outside Declo.

Lance's last pheasant he shot. He's up a few from last year so this year there WILL be a Pheasant Dinner. . . (which personally I find gross!)

New Family Photos 2009

2009-11-24T16:18:00.002-07:00

This is my family... no not my extended family, just my brothers and sisters and kids. That's what happens when you have 8 children. In 37 years they grow to 41. I am so lucky to have grown up in this family. I love my brothers and sisters so much despite all of our quirkiness!

We wanted to wait till next summer for our 'official' family photo but my dad was gracious enough to shoot some quick shots of our little family.

Halloween

2009-11-10T14:46:00.005-07:00

I love Trunk or Treating. Our ward had a little Parade of all the the children in costume in the gym before the trunk or treating. Here is Calista with some of her friends.

Meet Cinderella.

If you called her Calista she would quickly remind you: "It's not Cista it's Cin-bella!"

Ready to go trick or treating and Dad's office and Nana's school. We went on Friday too mostly because she dressed up every day the whole week so I finally took her a little early.

Anyone have a suggestion?

2009-10-26T12:41:00.002-06:00

I love to read, but I am fresh out of novels.

I love Historical Fiction or a clean thriller or anything legal that details a good trial.

Anyone have a suggestion?

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-20T14:54:00.004-06:00

We love a good Pumpkin Hunt.

Last night we went to this great Pumpkin Patch in Paul. I love to go to the local patches because it sucks to buy your Pumkins at Wal-Mart.

This is my younger sister Michele, fresh off of her mission in England.

Isn't Calista's hat darling. I bought it at the Farmer's Market in Heyburn for 3 bucks! There is some good shopping around here!

We did carve our Pumpkins, but the pictures didn't turn out. We will have to try again tonight.

Book Blog

2009-08-25T16:55:00.004-06:00

I'm just going to write because I cannot help it. —Charlotte Brontë

So I started a new book blog.

By no means am I a very good writer, but as I watch my husband's kind, patient eyes glaze over as I constantly bombard him with my musings over what I am reading I knew I had to find a new outlet.

I have loved it as I have set it up over the last couple of weeks and it is surprisingly fun for me. If you'd like to look for a good read or suggest a book that I may like please feel free.

Also I want to open it up to anyone else who may want to rant about their readings so if you'd like to be a contributor let me know. I can add you as a blog author as well.

A Tribute to A Fallen Sodier

2009-08-17T09:23:00.005-06:00

I received this link via email froward, and since I don't forward I thought I'd put it on my blog. It reminds me of the day they escorted Blake Stevens, a kid I knew in High school, through Bannock County in 2007. Calista and I watched the precession but until you witness a video like this one you don't get the whole story. It is sobering, yet beautiful and I cried through the whole video. Watch and you won't be disappointed...

http://blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE

“Killed in action the week before, the body of Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009 . The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia .. A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time.

The link above is a short travelogue of that day's remarkable and painful journey. Watch this if you wish to have your faith in America restored.”

Calista's first trip to the Playhouse

2009-07-29T17:06:00.003-06:00

Over the week of July 4th the celebrations in Rupert never end. One evening we went the the playhouse down the street from our house.

This is Rupert in its former glory the Wilson Theatre is being restored, and it is beautiful...

This was Calista's first play- and definately won't be her last. We went to a quite interesting version of Cinderella but, nonetheless, Calista still talks about meeting Cinderella at the playhouse.

Trip to Pendleton, OR

2009-06-15T16:58:00.006-06:00

Dad and Dave at the Farmer's Market

We all bought necklaces for all of the girls at the Casino Gift Shop. They were all so excited and cute about them.

What a Bunch of Girls, Carrradie and Kalan conversing about a purse, Bubba putting on her necklace while Calista does her hair!

Calista had so much fun in Pendleton. She spent all of her time running with her cousins and riding Bubba's bike. She is growing up so fast and when she is around all of her cousins she seems to grow up so quickly trying to mimic everything they do.

We went to Kaiya Spencer, my niece, baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was so fun and she looked so beautiful. I wish I had taken a picture of her. woops.

Calista's rash is all better now. After three days it just went away over night. We still don't know what it was, but we think it was a food allergy. The Doctor had no guesses either. I just hope it doesn't happen again!

And IT Persists...

2009-06-11T13:08:00.002-06:00

Last nightThis morning

Sorry about all of the pics of my ailing little girl, but I am amazed at how bad this rash is and

it just keeps getting worse and moving all around her body. She itches bad, but she is such a good sport.

Last night, I asked her what is on your skin, she shrugged, and said, "I dunno, it's all dirty. I need a bubble bath."

Rashes itch

2009-06-10T10:45:00.003-06:00

The photos above were last night. I thought they were bad rashes until we woke up this morning and they spread 5 times more.
Anyway with the development of a rash and a cut on her knee she is convinced that she is broken and won't walk. She says, "No, I can't walk, I got two ouchies." And reminds me all of the time "I broke."

Last night I had had enough of carrying her around and told her to go upstairs and get her "tags" (aka blanket) herself. She pouted, " No I can't walk, I got two ouchies!" and I told her she was going to have to try, to which she stood up, took two steps forward, then took two steps backward into my lap and said very matter-of-factly, "I can't walk, I tried, It hurts, Take me."

I can't wait until she feels better! She is definitely sassy and stubborn!

City of Rocks

2009-05-31T22:09:00.002-06:00

Top of Bathtub Rock

My nephew, Dale, gave a great talk in church about our trip. Here's the link.

Bunch of Monkies

2009-05-22T21:42:00.000-06:00

The Jacaway Boys. Calista tried hard to keep up.

I (heart) Rupert

2009-05-17T21:14:00.000-06:00

The Archibunch finally came for a visit sporting the newest trend in graphic tees. You know its a funny thing about people you love that you don't get to see enough. It made me sick to my stomach because once they were here I realized how much I did miss them.

Here is an open invitation to anyone else who "I (hearts) Rupert"

Kendyl and Calista....Two little peas in a pod... and they both love dirt! Good thing cause that's all I got in my yard!

What is Mandy looking at?

May flies!

We tried to go to Lake Walcott but the flies wouldn't make room!

So to Lance's moms house to shoot the breeze and the gun.

Tutu dress

2009-05-08T21:01:00.000-06:00

Calista calls this her tutu dress. I learned how to make them at Women's Conference. You know the LDS church does so many things you never think of like make thousands of tutus for little girls in crisis centers. I love the service night at Women's Conference. Good times!

Golden Gloves National Championships

2009-05-04T13:56:00.000-06:00

My cousin, Ben Ferrin, (in the red) boxed this year for the Golden Glove Title. My dad, Chad, Dave, Craig, and Lance all drove down to the Salt Palace to watch him.

Ben is self trained and he boxed University of Michigans Top Boxer who is ranked 3rd in the nation. He lost after three rounds and it came down to an even score and the Judges called it. That's as close as it gets. Great Job Ben... we are cheering for you next year!

Womens Conference 2009

2009-05-01T09:04:00.003-06:00

Everyone was having babies, so Cassie and I braved it as a duo!

I am always totally amazed at the number of ladies in one place. Lance always asks me how many men are there?... well this year I counter about 4.
Frankly I think he is intimidated!

They put on an amazing concert every year.

This woman reminds me of the end of the movie August Rush. I don't even care much for clasical violinists but she gave me goose bumps. There was another guy, who is current touring with Phantom ... words can't describe so I won't even try! And they always have Hilary Weeks who is so funny and talented and many more great performers.

The sunny weather was such a great break!

Easter Weekend

2009-04-12T13:28:00.000-06:00

We went to my brother's neighborhood Easter Egg hunt. Hosted by my Brother, Dave and his wife Jamie Lynn. It is really fun and a great idea! Theydeliver eggs to every house in the neighborhood a week before. The owners of the home fill them and hide them in their yards for the hunt. Then they divide the neighborhood one street for each age group.

Calista was proud of her efforts

Calista and her cousin Will and his mommy Cassie

Matthew and Carrady

Calista spent the rest of the afternoon babysitting her new cousin Jenetta Anne. aka Baby NettaEaster Morn with Daddy

The New Easter Dress... But is you ask Calista, it is her Barbie Dress.

Ready for Church.

Tallen places 5th in State Tournament!

2009-03-17T09:26:00.004-06:00

This is my oldest nephew Tallen (in the red.) This was his last match at state and he placed 5th. It takes so much work and dedication to compete at this level.

He's a senior at Highland High. Go Rams!

We are so Proud of him!

McKenna and Calista enjoying a little wrestling.

A Valentine from Jayden

2009-03-03T09:09:00.008-07:00

Dear Calista,
I think you are a
beautiful young kid you
are just like candy kisses,
and cinamin lips. You
are such a wonderful
girl. I love
you so so
so so much.
Love,
Jayden

I love you BUG!

Jayden wrote this letter for Calista for Valentine's Day. This is officially the sweetest Valentine I have ever seen.

Thank you Jayden!

What has Fred Brown been up to?

2009-03-02T09:36:00.005-07:00

Check this out...

This family was in our ward in Lansing. Fred (aka Wayne) went to Law School at Cooley till he failed out. I had Daniel in Nursery. What a crazy nightmare...

God Bless Grace and her children.

Such a Big Girl!

2009-02-06T10:39:00.002-07:00

Do you notice anything different about me?

Yup, no more diapers!

An amazing feat- I was really nervous to start, but Calista has been begging to go on the potty since October. Well I finally mustered up the courage and after 5 days of potty training madness- She hasn't had an accident in three days!

Guess who's Two?

2009-01-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Eating a cupcake at her makeshift Birthday Party. We weren't going to have a party for Calista this year, but when her cousins wanted to go skiing with Uncle Lance on her Birthday, we decided to tag along. We spent the evening in the lodge with Carrady and Wilson and a hundred other crazy, drunk skiers and a band! It just so happened to be Pebble's 60th Birthday Party too! Great fun!

What is wrong with America...

2009-01-20T18:25:00.003-07:00

Yesterday, my brother and I were talking about how much we would like to live in that world where you could walk into a hardware store or gas station and have a 'tab' or 'account.' The good ole' days where everyone knew their neighbors and trusted them!

Now we live in the world of Corp. giants who trust no one and don't give a hoot about their customers. Today I walked out of the house with out my ID on accident and drove to Twin Falls with my brother. We went to Home Depot, a store I have been in a hundred times. This time I had a check for my construction account. I called Lance and got my Driver's Licence number and used a check to buy Calista a treat. Then we went shopping for 2 hours and went to check out again. This time -NO WAY- they will not take my check no matter what! Even though my 2 year old daughter calls me 'Bettie' they refused to believe that I was indead Bettie Stevenson without seeing a photo ID. Then they said, "We could take a credit card." I have my credit card number memorized so I proceeded to tell her it. But NO they would only do a credit card over the phone. WHAT- what kind of sense does that make? I offered to call her on my cell phone- NOPE. They said that they could call my husband and have him tell them the credit card number. What in the! Here I am right in front of them, my face on their cameras, with my, by this time, screaming daughter, but they trust another person, whom they have never seen, over the phone. Who knows whose credit card he had!

They did call Lance and he told them my credit card number over the phone. By this time I wished I was the crook that they thought I was.

I will never go to Home Depot again for their foolish policies- and I long for the good ole days!

I will also never forget my ID again- Good heavens!

Lance's First Day of Work

2009-01-15T10:29:00.003-07:00

I know many of you have been wondering how Lance’s new job is, well…

Lance’s first day of work began with a whopper!
Thinking and worrying about his first moments in office and approximately 63 minutes before being sworn into office, Lance got a special surprise in his rearview mirror.

Yup, Officer Sam of the Rupert City PD.

Lance was nabbed for going 23 miles an hour in a 15 mph zone. Embarrassing enough huh. He was pulled over right in front of the Courthouse at 8am on a Monday morning. Luckily, the officer had compassion on the new Prosecuting Attorney on his FIRST DAY OF WORK! However, I don’t think he will ever live this one down.

Lance has now been officially sworn in and is committed to NOT speeding anymore!

Family Christmas Party

2009-01-02T14:11:00.004-07:00

Can you believe this is the smallest Christmas Party I think we have had in 15 years!

Every year we make Gingerbread Houses out of graham crackers and Uncle Dewane reads the Christmas Story in honor of Grandpa Ferrin. This year I built the IF Temple for my sister Michele who is on a mission! Only a missionary would want a temple gingerbread house!

Calista just snuck around and ate everyone's houses- that is just like her!

THIS OLD HOUSE

2008-12-29T22:23:00.003-07:00

I created a new blog for the remodel of our new OLD house. Check it out!

It may be slow moving, but I am going to take pictures every step of the way. It should take 2-3 months to complete.

Let it Snow!

2008-12-08T14:52:00.004-07:00

It finally snowed today. Calista loves the Snow. She gets really excited and shouts NO NO NO... she can't say the "S" sound which is really obnoxious because if you know Calista you know she already says "no" a LOT!

Because she got snow on her pants and they got all wet we had to take them off when we got home from running errands today. I told her that we would have to get another outfit to wear today so she ran to the dirty clothes basket and fished out her "Meena" dress. Meena is short for Marina- her cousin who gave her this cute little hand-me-down. She was very satisfied when we got it on her and she pranced around for a couple of minutes. Then she ran into her bedroom and got her "Bubba" boots. Bubba is her other cousin Kirsen's nickname-Bubba also gave her these boots-which she LOVES. So I guess we had our first official dress up session.

A note about her smile. Lance and I always try to get her to smile funny. We ask her to show us her "Best Smile Ever" smile and she curls up her nose, squints her eyes and shows her teeth. It makes us laugh hard every time!

So here she is in her "Bubba" boots, "Meena" dress and her "Best Smile Ever" smile.

It think she looks like a rock star!

Our little Angel

2008-12-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

More and more I am beginning to realize what a blessing and a miracle our little Calista is in our lives. She brings us so much joy! She has a personality that is just bursting at the seems and no matter how sad you are, one look from her could heal just about anything!
We lost another pregnancy (14 weeks) on Monday and my dad gave me a blessing before I went into surgery. He blessed me that I would find strength in Calista -and I have so much! Lance has been out of town and as I have struggled with this I have found so much strength in the unconditional love of my little angel.
While I am still hating the idea of it all, I am thankful for the many ways the Lord has blessed me this week. I went in on Monday for my scheduled appointment to find out that my two sisters had appointments at the same time with the same doctor. I am grateful that their appointments went well and that they were there for me in a time when I very much needed them. They saw me through the appointment, ultrasound, surgery, took care of Calista and stayed with me for two days. With Lance being gone, I had to rely on my sisters and my mom in a way I never have before. I am so thankful for their service and selflessness.
I have been trying lately to find joy in the journey and not be so concerned with what comes next! Life can be hard and so sweet at the same time, but I find joy and comfort in the service of my friends, family, and ward members. Thank you.

SuGaR cOoKiEs FoR dAdDy

2008-11-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Calista and I miss her Daddy! He has been out of town training for his new job. He comes home today so we made him a surprise...

His favorite... SuGaR cOoKiEs!

Calista loved frosting the cookies. She even helped me cut them out and sample the frosting to make sure the purple frosting is as yummy as the pink!

Mr Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney

2008-11-05T21:10:00.007-07:00

I am so proud of my husband. All the work paid off! and we have soooo many people to thank. We are having a get together at Doc's Pizza Friday night from 5:30-7:00pm. Come if you can so we can say thank you in person!

Election day made for a crazy day and night. While we were picking up signs Calista threw up- I think she gets car sick. We were by Lance's moms house so we ran her inside threw her in the tub, got the car seat cleaned out, and then she threw up some more. It was awesome- and great timing (that is in my sarcastic voice)! We finally got her taken care of and ran back into town.

The votes were to be counted at 9:30pm so we waited and of course the machine wasn't working right. So we waited some more- that was excruciating. Then at 10:30pm the first precinct was in. Lance was ahead by 22 votes. AHHHH. There are 11 precincts and the absentee ballots and they do one at a time. Each report comes out about 5 minutes after the previous one and each time Lance would inch ahead. I thought I would vomit each time I would see the lady stapling the precinct reports to hand out. It seemed kind of archaic and cruel. Finally at 11:30pm all votes were in. It was official- LANCE WON!

And just for the record McCain blew Obama out of the water in Minidoka County!

I forgot my camera, so I don't have a picture of the night of but you can't get them all, huh.

5 Days and Counting

2008-10-30T08:26:00.002-06:00

Please, Please, Please, don't be one of those people who choose not to vote.

You have 5 days left to make up your mind. If you need help, here you go:

Vote: John McCain, President

Vote: Jim Rich, US Senate (Idaho)

Vote: Lance D Stevenson, Prosecuting Attorney (Minidoka County)

My poor Archibunch bunch

2008-10-15T18:31:00.005-06:00

(Sorry Mandy, this is the most recent pic I have of you all! Please forgive, but I think it is cute!)

Here is a call to all you bloggers out there. Find a way to back up your blogs! I do a coffee table book every year from mypublisher.com and have it printed. Some people just copy and paste their posts into a word doc and save them in files.

I would throw the biggest fit if my blog disapeared like my dear friend Amanda's blog did. It is like my family history.

Talk about feeling helpless! Amanda-I want to scream for you- It probably wouldn't help much but it seems like the most logical thing to do.

Ben and Becca

2008-10-07T08:58:00.010-06:00

This is my adorable nephew Matthew.

Yes, he is the monkey that he appears to be. We love him!

These are his adorable little twin firends, Ben and Brecca.

They have a very rare disease and life threatening called Ataxia-Telangiectasia. Children with A-T are usually confined to wheelchairs by age 10 and often do not survive their teens. Because A-T is a multi-system disease, scientists believe that A-T research will help more prevalent diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, AIDS, and cancer.

My sister Jamie (Matthew's mom) is helping their mom get the word out and get donations for research.

Ben and Brecca's mom helps my sister out a whole lot. She watches Matthew so that Jamie can go back to school.

If you can, click here to take a look and send some love their way.

Mesa Belle's Shower

2008-10-02T13:45:00.005-06:00

A little Late is better than never. On Friday, all of my sisters threw a surprise baby shower for Amy and her little Mesa Belle (the cute baby in the pic) . My mom and all of my sisters were there except for Michele (aka Sister Bannister) who is serving her mission in England. Kelley came from Oregon and Amy was in town from Phoenix training to start her new business, First Impressions.

She was quite clueless, as we showed up at Applebees and there were balloons and gifts on the table she said, "Did I miss something?" Instead of yelling surprise, we just said, "Oh, you forgot it is Jamie Lynn's birthday!" We then let her feel bad for not bringing a gift for about 10 minutes! - Just a little sisterly love!

We finally told her it was for her and Mesa Belle. She felt a little dumb. It was a lot of fun- it helps when you have a gullible sister! We love you AMY! Good luck with your new business!

Jack Jack

2008-09-29T20:41:00.015-06:00

I just wanted to send some love to Cobe, Tiff, and Corbin. We love you guys. We love your "Jackie" too! I feel so fortunate to have spent Labor Day with your sweet family. You guys are a wonderful family- now and forever.

I have never seen parents that took the time to play, really play with their children as much as Coby and Tiffany do. I know that Jack was loved as much as any child could be. We are so fortunate to have been touched by Jack and we are so fortunate to have the Rich Family as our beloved friends. Some people just have that twinkle- that ability to love.

We will forever hold Jack's memory in our hearts. As I reflected on my memories of Jack, nearly all of them make me laugh out loud- I love that. What a little joy!

I couldn't help but to call him "Jack Jack," like The Incredibles. It just fit his dynamic personality.

I am so grateful for the blessing of eternal families. I know the Lord loves us and has a plan for each one of us. I know that Cobe, Tiff, and Corbin will hold their "Jackie" again.

Labor Day Weekend in Bear Lake

2008-09-08T14:57:00.000-06:00

This is Calista's first ride on a boat. She loved it. The boat made a very stoic, calm come over all the kids. It was nice.

Isn't Summer so cute all wrapped up in her towel?

Coby is an aspiring NASCAR driver.

How cute are Cobe and Corbin?

Lance "THE FLAG MAN"

One of the most common conversations this weekend amongst the youngsters: "Mine," "Mine," "Mine," "Mine!"

Love this picture of Mandy and Summer!

Around the Fire

The Minnetonka Cave. Discovered by some guy out grouse hunting. Go figure!

There were lots of cool formations. Of course the pic doesn't do it justice.

The Rich's in awe of ... well something in the cave!

Relaxin' in the cabin. Thanks Coby and Tiff (and Jim and Joanne)

Boys will be boys. Preparing for a swim in like 45 degrees!

I love our Lansing Family!

(we are still waiting for a few of you to join us!)

Calista's Shadow

2008-09-02T20:00:00.003-06:00

When she first noticed her shadow two days before I shot this video, she was terrified of it. She would run and cry each time she saw it.- It was hilarious! I finally got batteries for my camera to catch her terror on video, but all of the sudden she decided her shadow was her new best friend. Still cute- but not nearly as funny.

HI MOM

2008-08-15T09:44:00.002-06:00

You are the one who sent me to Bettie's!

Snacks on the Porch

2008-08-14T20:36:00.002-06:00

Everywhere we have gone in the last two evenings, everyone thinks these two are ours also.

I wonder why?

Red Hill

2008-08-14T11:26:00.002-06:00

I love the hike up to Red Hill and it is a great tool when you are watching kids! While Mom's in Pheonix and Dad's working, Chris and Matt are hanging with us in Pocatello! We are having a great time!I love this picture. Don't worry Jamie, Calista is crying because I tried to take her juice away.
Calista needs more sleep. She woke up two hours early today because she remembered that her cousins were sleeping the other room. She ran in to their room and yelled "hi" while waving vigorously.

Stripper Anyone?

2008-08-11T14:16:00.019-06:00

One thing I have learned this month...

I hate STRIPPING paint!

This was our porch last month, ugly... dirty... yes! But had I known the work to reburbish it, I would have convinced myself that is was beautiful as is!

Your worst nightmare...

This stuff would eat through everything and burned like hell when it got through your gloves. Well it will eat through everything BUT 7 layers of PORCH PAINT!

Who paints porches anyway?

After applying the STRIPPER, the paint bubbled up like it was just going to strip right off, but it was only teasing. Just like a STRIPPER to shed only one layer at a time!

After one coat...

Three coats and Four days later we gave up STIPPING and got out the sander.

Finally, the bare wood!

DISCLAIMER: Honestly, Lance did not do all the work; he just doesn't know how to take a picture. He spent his fair share of hours laying on the grass watching ME work. I promise...I have a witness!

Stain, varnish, sand, clean, varnish, sand, clean, varnish! Done!

Our Neighbor Joe...

2008-08-04T14:52:00.004-06:00

You got to love good neighbors!

Our favorite neighbor ever is Joe Burton- He is 88, single, and still goes golfing every single morning at 7:30am. He is so sweet, lets us borrow all of his yard tools (yes, we are too cheap to buy our own), and always is great for a conversation in the front yard.

He gave Calista this teddy bear. She loves it! This is the thank you card Calista made for him. Isn't she talented?

We were so excited to move back into this house just to have him as our favorite neighbor again. God bless laid back, hard working, kind people- They are dwindling all too quickly.

Walking in our SHOES (literally and figuratively)

2008-07-24T16:07:00.007-06:00

I love this picture because it reminds me of when she was a baby, playing with her toes and my keys.

Lately, Calista has been walking in our shoes. It is awfully cute, but it really makes you think about what you do and say. She touches everything her dad touches (and if you know Lance, you know he can't keep his hands off anything!) She follows me everywhere. And last night, after watching Lance and I work on the porch, we were taking a break and she tried to replace the sanding pad on the sander, scrape paint off the porch with the tools we were using, put our work gloves, etc. She does everything the we do.

She is so cute and brings us so much joy.

Our Fourth of July

2008-07-05T08:57:00.006-06:00

Man, I keep being blown away by all of the support the Minidoka Community keeps giving Lance. They are all so nice!

Lance's float

Let's face it, isn't it every little boy's dream to have his very own float!

and walking banner!

We spent the evening at the Professional Bull Riders Event. Two solid hours of bull riding!

Calista couldn't keep her eyes off of those bulls. She was glued!

Fixin' Lance's mom's dock

How do you eat good on the the 4th? Invite a bunch of Brazilians to the house to barbecue. Holy crap that stuff is good! I don't even like meat and I gnawed on that stuff for two days. MMMMmmm good.

Nelsen Family Reunion

2008-06-29T13:31:00.000-06:00

Going for a little ride. Calista loved the scooter, but she kept trying to push with her foot too. She is a little copy cat and tries to do everything that Lance and I do. It is so cute!

We spent the day and evening at Lance's mom's house playing in the water and trying to stay cool. It was Lance's grandmother's 84th birthday! The evening was full of funny skits put together to play out 20 year segments of Lola's life. They were very thoughtful and funny!

Princess for a day! (Lola Nelsen)

Somebody should remind you to take the family picture before 15 hours of fun in the sun!

My Favorite Dress

2008-06-25T16:12:00.003-06:00

(The top pictures are from today~ The bottom picture were when she was 7 months old.)

This was and is again my favorite dress on Calista. She wore it all last summer. I was very sad when I packed it away, but today (due to my not having done the laundry) in desperation I opened her 3-6 month box and found that many of her clothes still fit her! Yeah, seriously, she hasn't grown a whole lot only in height and attitude!

Calista is now 17 months old going on 15 years old. She really can throw some attitude. She is a very determined little girl who will not take "no" for an answer. Her favorite thing to do is stand on the porch, wave and yell "hi, hi, hi, hi" to everyone the walks or rides by. She is a little social butterfly and she loves all the attention on her (I think she takes after her dad a little?!)

Stevenson Family Reunion

2008-06-24T13:20:00.000-06:00

I think the men had the most fun! Dave and Rick ran the pinata. That is Richard hiding in the trees- it WAS the only shade...
Lance teaching Calista to hit. Parenting at its finest!

We camped in a gravel pit... but the kids had fun. (Calista and Alex)

THE MONTH!

2008-06-23T22:35:00.008-06:00

So we sold our beloved house on 9th... and moved a couple blocks away (into our rental) on 10th! We put it up for sale and had a full price offer in 2 days, then they wanted us out in 3 weeks!

We displaced our pour renters, packed like mad dogs, moved all of our belongings into the garage at our rental, and moved in with my mom and dad (thanks guys!) for about 3 weeks while we worked night and day on our new old house!

What a month!

Lance and I refer to this time as: "THE MONTH!"

Here is the journey~ we sure had a lot of help. We could never have done it without our family!

Bathroom Before...

and After!

Bedroom Before...

And After!

The rest of the house before...

(thebackground pic is the hardwood before it was refinished)
And After!

Next on our "to do list"... the KITCHEN!

Our newest additions!

2008-06-18T22:25:00.007-06:00

Meet Johnny, Torrie, Harry, and Dan - our new quadruplets... 4 baby birds were hatched in our front yard light. They are so cute. I check on them everyday and watch the mommy birdie fly in and out a million times with their food. I love them like my own!

When I took a picture of them little Harry thought that I was his mommy bringing him food. I felt really bad. It still makes me feel bad when I look at the picture. I hope he wasn't too hungry!

Patent Leather Shoes

2008-06-12T15:05:00.001-06:00

Calista would like to show you her new favorite shoes. I personally do not love them so I have never put them on her. In our new house, her shoes are down where she can reach them. She saw these shoes and brought them to me twice this morning. Later in the morning I caught her trying to put them on herself.

About an hour later I told her to go get her shoes so we could go "bye bye..." and for the third time she brought me these shoes. I put them on her and she pranced around the house. She especially loves the sound that they make on the hardwood. She definitely has a mind of her own. So although she is in her sweats and a sweatshirt today... she is wearing her patent leather shoes!

Sister Spjute's Example

2008-05-19T09:13:00.005-06:00

My sister is on her mission in the England, Birmingham Mission. She is youngest and the only one of 8 children in my family to serve a full time mission. She has become an inspiration to us all. I am so proud of her. On May 10th, while out running with her companion, Sis Lindsey Spjute, Lindsey collapsed and died. Many hard moments followed that really tried the faith of my sister.

I went to her funeral today. It was the best and hardest thing I have done in a long time. Sometimes, on this earth, there are people among us that are truly special. I never met Lindsey in life, but she was undoubtedly prepared to meet her Savior.

The lessons I and My family have learned from Lindsey's passing are innumerable. I have found a new love and respect for my little Sister Bannister, who through it all is now serving the Lord more diligently than ever, after living through a trial so hard. I also know how important it is to live life everyday with love, compassion, and energy! Sister Spjute was a diligent Journal writer and her family is finding comfort in her life. I always said that my blog is my journal, but, from Lindsey's example, now I know better.

Life is too short, let go of contention and grab onto the finer things!

Vote for Lance...

2008-05-06T14:20:00.006-06:00

It is so funny where life takes you.

After running campaigns at ISU, we vowed we would NEVER get into politics. One thing I have learned so far in life:

Never say Never.

Running a campaign is like a job interview that lasts 6 months. It will all be worth it though in the end. We want it so bad it is like the feeling when you are 10 years old and you really want to go to Disney Land and you are just sure the day will never come...

Pray for us!

So many people are helping us. It is so humbling that people believe in you so much to give you donations and so much support. Thank you everyone so much!

Thanks Dad for taking Lance's picture. You are such a talented photographer.

We are so lucky to have so many friends and family that have so many talents that they are willing to share.

Women's Conference 2008

2008-05-03T21:16:00.005-06:00

Jamie Lynn, Cassie, Jamie, Bettie (me), and Mom (Bettie)

We had such a wonderful time. This was my first year at Women's Conference and I hereby vow to never miss another year. It was an incredible experience. I bonded with my sisters and mom and 20,000+ other women as we LAUGHED, CRIED, SERVED, WORSHIPED, SANG, SMILED, RAN, WALKED, and STOOD IN LINE (a lot.)

Honestly, by the end of this amazing two days we were then addressed by our Prophet Thomas S. Monson. Just imagine 20,000+ women talking and waiting when he walked in the room within 1 second it was silent and everyone on their feet. It felt like a movie that had been scripted perfectly as one woman began to sing We Thank Thee O God for A Prophet, then another, then another, then 20,000 voices, then the organ joined in and I couldn't even sing. My heart was full and the spirit was so strong and my testimony was strengthen as the spirit testified to me that President Monson is truly a Prophet of God.
His message: Live today, don't put off things for tomorrow.

The concert was amazing. So many talented performers, but I have to say Hilary Weeks and Micheal McLean were my favorites. This is a clip of Micheal McLean at the very end of the concert. I don't know if you just had to be there or not, but if you have time watch for a little laugh. He should really be a stand up comedian. I honestly about peed myself laughing!

Ode to Mandy...

2008-04-29T07:35:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Amanda. I love you to death!

Hope all is well, you deserve the very best!

You are such a stinkin' riot. You make life fun.

Thank you!

Lance's Campaign

2008-04-25T14:56:00.002-06:00

Man, when people have someone run against them, they sure do know how to whine.

Check out the front page article in the South Idaho Press.

http://www.southidahopress.com/articles/2008/04/25/news/local/9482stapelman.txt

Honestly, do these people think that Lance and Kent are going to rearrange their lives and careers, uproot their families, and spend thousands of dollars on a campaing all to carry out a vendeta for the Republican Central Committee. Get a life!

Rain, Rain, and Grey Skies!

2008-04-25T08:50:00.002-06:00

Honestly, will it ever warm up. Yesterday was only 42 degrees.

I really need some sunshine.

I feel like I am still in Lansing, MI not beautiful sunny Idaho.

Rain, Rain, go away, LET THE SUN COME OUT TODAY!

Growing like a weed...

2008-04-24T11:39:00.002-06:00

Alex 14 months / Calista 15 months

They get along so well. Calista is thrilled that she has one friend that she can look in the eye!

13 months ago

Calista WINS!

2008-04-16T12:54:00.005-06:00

Lance got his first stitches, oh wait, he has never had stitches! He is indestructible!

Bettie got her first stitches when she was about 3. I was running down the hall to kiss my mom and dad goodbye. They were off to the temple, and I tripped head first into a green chair in our living room. Needless to say they did not go to the temple.

Calista got her first stitches, 3 of them, when she was 14 months on Saturday, April 12th. She was helping mom with the laundry and was climbing up and down the stairs. The next thing I knew she was at the bottom with blood all over her little face. I called for Lance; he was out in the yard cleaning out the pond. We rushed to the Immediate Care, where they took their dear sweet time, while our hearts were breaking for Calista. An hour later they finally started stitching!

Lance was holding her legs, I was holding her arms and tummy, the nurse was holding her head, and the Doc was stitching. It was quite the process. Lance has always had a hard time with needles, so I, the good wife, told him about 10 times not to look. I hate needles too, but with all of them that have been stuck in me in the last two years I am getting tuffer. I knew I could handle it. I watched the first stitch and the second stitch and then I passed out, bonked my head and fell to the floor.

We finally left almost two hours after arriving with a tired little girl, three stitches, a goose egg on my head, and a new embarrassed humbled Bettie!

She made through it all just fine.

We love to watch the squirls in the backyard through the kitchen window.

IT IS OFFICAL

2008-04-09T22:44:00.001-06:00

Lance is running for Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney. I am so proud of him. He is always up for a challenge. Keep him in your prayers! We want to win!

Hunting for Eggs

2008-04-02T14:19:00.006-06:00

Ready, Get Set, Go!

Total Chaos!

The Aftermath

Easter Morning

2008-03-23T13:49:00.003-06:00

Calista got some balls, bubbles, and a "My First Bible."

Jamie and Craig and boys stayed the night with us. The boys slept in the storage room in the basement. We had a great morning!

Easter Sunday, Michelle spoke in Sacrament Meeting because she is leaving on her mission on April 3rd. She did such a great job. It was like she had allready been on a miision. We are so proud of her!

Our Lansing Family Trip

2008-03-16T14:32:00.018-06:00

We hiked up to these rocks that have ancients (?) drawings on them.

What a bunch of posers we are!

So I made this little collage and all I can say is... Isn't Mandy hot?!

So this is the first time Calista has worn her new swimming suit. She looked so cute, but she was so tired that she fell asleep in the pool with me. Ahhhhh. The pool was so warm, it felt like a bath tub. It was so awesome!

Lots of Relaxing and Good Eatin'

Thanks Coby and Tiff!

We had so much fun in the Sun.

Some Cute Pictures...

2008-03-15T11:26:00.002-06:00

Over the last month, Calista has been pretty cute. Here are some of her highlights...

Calista in her Mr. Potato Head Get up!

One day I left my candy bar on the couch, and she found it. She does take after her mom a little.

Honestly, this is what her hair looked like when she woke up from her nap. A natural beauty!

And this is a typical day in Calista's life. She keeps my cupboards cleaned out.

Trouble Maker!

Timing is such a funny thing...

2008-03-11T16:18:00.003-06:00

So I had a Doctor appointment today. It's still a little surreal, but I need to get it out. The Doctor couldn't find a heartbeat. He said, "That is not so uncommon at 10 weeks." But I could tell he was worried. He squeezed me in for an ultrasound where they confirmed that our little baby no longer has a heart beat. As I sat and watched the lines that moniter the heart go flat across the screen, I knew. I tried so hard not to think about it, but you have to eventually right? All the worries I had about fitting into our little house are no longer necessary, but I wish they were still valid.
What's hardest is that I still feel pregnant, but now I can't attribute it to the joy that will come in the end. They tell me that I will stop feeling pregnant when they get the baby out tomorrow.
Lance said that we needed to give this little baby a heart and a body. I watched his little heart beat during my ultrasound at 6 weeks. It was strong. I was never worried. Even when the Doctor looked worried, I didn't feel any anxiety.
Now the baby is still there, but no longer living. I already miss him, or the thought of him, so much. I have a new appreciation for all of the awesome people I know that have gone through the same thing and so much worse. I know everything will be ok, and even though I cry I don't feel like this is a mistake. The Lord knows what he is doing, and I know there are a lot of little spirits waiting to come to earth.
Now I hold on to Calista so much stronger. Lance and I are so lucky to have her and each other.
So just a week ago, we decided that it was time to tell all our great news, timing is such a funny thing...

So much has happend!

2008-03-04T16:26:00.003-07:00

I have been quite sick this month. The Flu has been awful this year and I was lucky enough to get it twice! Along with an infection! And a vomiting good time!

So I know that all of you want to see something that I have peed on. Here you go!

So I am 10 weeks along. Due on 10-4.

It took us so long to get Calista that this one took us by a big surprise. Lance is so stinking excited because he sees how cute Calista is and thinks he is getting a new toy! I, on the other hand, was scared to death. I thought- "I already have a baby!" and "I don't want to be sick!" So the last month has come and gone and I am still alive, although many times I wished I wasn't. I hate being pregnant, but I DO LOVE THE RESULT!

I realize that we are so lucky and our children will be close and be great friends.

And honestly, if we don't start focusing on another baby, Calista is going to be way to spoiled!

PERFECT... in every way!

2008-01-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

This is the first time Calista has let me put a headband on her in 6 months. I was so excited I had to take some pictures. She is such a poser!

She is so precious!

Where did she get that cheesy grin!

Then she spreads the headbands out throughout the house. She keeps me busy!

So... she has been walking like this for two months now. When will she venture out on her own. Everyone tells me that I shouldn't want her to walk so soon. But I am tired of dirty knees!

Calista's Aunt Tree gave her this doll. She carries it with her everywhere, and rocks it and puts her blanket on her. Love it!