Some of our Favorite People

We are so blessed to have the best birth moms and extended families. They are all great! We love them like our own families, and we are glad to be able to share our children with them once in awhile, by letting them have a little glimpse into their lives. A few weeks ago, Helen, Kevin, and Rachel came to visit, bringing Mason and Megans little brother Logan with them.

We went on a picnic to the park and played. Logan loves all three of our kids, and of course Meg and Mace fight over him. They taught him how to roll down the hill, and they taught him how to catch frogs and how to ride a scooter. It was awesome. The sad part is when they leave and Mason thinks he needs his brother back. Poor buddy. On a good note, we are so grateful that the kids get to know their little brother, even if its for only a day or two a year. Oh, and it is always a treat to see Rachel! ALL of the kids love Rachel (who is the auntie), and they love to run circles around Adam(who is the uncle).

Logan and Mason--can you see the resemblence?

Meg teaching Logan how to scoot!

Going on a frog hunt.

Preece Family Reunion 09

We went to the Preece family reunion in August. Bear Lake is the meeting place. It was a riot. We had a great cabin this year, infact we loved it soo much that we are trying to get it again next year. It was so cool because we had access to the pool at the marina condos, so the kids were able to swim at night.
We spent time out on the lake, and the kids had a great time burying each other and building sand castles. We skiied and tubed and ate and all was well. Kim and I took our bikes and went riding. It was totally fun. I wanted to ride last year, but was not well, so it made up for it this year.
We also went to the "minitonka" cave. That was a cool experience. We climbed over 800 stairs. Steve has this problem with claustraphobia, so it was hard for him-but he overcame his fear and went. The kids loved it when I had hot flashes in the cold-because my heater went on and they warmed themselves up on me. It was funny.
One of the funniest things was Steve scaring the older kids. They had their own bunk room and were telling ghost stories. Steve was hilarious! They were all freaked out. (thats the fun of getting older I guess).
Anyways, it was great! We cant wait for next year! Sadly we missed both of two of my brothers and their families. We hope that they will make it next year.

Leadership 2009

This year, Leadership for Close to My Heart was in Newport Beach. So-I was lucky enough to spend another 4 days in Cali again in July. It was fun though. I didnt get to go to Florida last year because I had just started my health problems. So I was elated to be back with my friends again. Close to My Heart is such an awesome company to work with. I love being a director, and I love my friends that I get to hang out with. They have become some of my closest buddies. Corporate took the Directors to an evening at Disney. It was great! We had a super time. Blythe had just had open heart surgery a few months ago and so she got to ride in a wheelchair, which made it awesome for the rest of us to go to the front of the line. I guess there are some perks to having surgery huh. Thanks Blythe!

There were some other surprises while I was in Cali-A little family reunion. Steve's cousin Camille Olsen Ellis is a consultant too! She was able to make the trip. It was so great too see her, and spend some time with her too.

Happy 24th of July!

This post will tell you how far I am behind in my journalling. Almost 2 months and 357 photos (that I downloaded) later. The first half of the day we went to Steve's sister Barbs apartment and went swimming with the cousins. It was hot, and fun. It was fun too see the cousins, sister inlaws and Uncle Richie.

We spent the rest of the day with my family. Kim, Troy and kiddos, and Mick and Trina and their kiddos. We had a barbeque at our house where we had a rousing game of "Bochi" ball. OK, so we love this game. Especially Mason who loves to throw all of the balls. He does not care whose it is, or where it is flung. He can even throw a ball while eating a hot dog.

Here is the bochi crew!

Later that evening we went up to Kims neighborhood in Cedar Hills and watched the fireworks. It was awesome. SOooo fun for the kids too. They rolled down the hill in the dark and had a grand time. I am so grateful to be a part of such great families to make such great memories for my kids.

The BEST day of my life!

Yesterday was one of the BEST! So, I work at the studio very part time now to help offset some of the cost for these crazy dancers of ours. Well Mr. Donny Osmond is training for "Dancing with the Stars" at our studio. I went in yesterday morning to fill in for one of the gals. When I got there, Alex said too me-(knowing that I am in love with Don)-"Did you see know your boyfriend was in studio 1 dancing?" Well, I knew he was but I had promised Kenra that I would not cause a scene if I saw him. So I politely said that I knew he was. BUT I was dying inside-I love Donny! So I went next door to Dance Gear. I could hear him talking and laughing with Kim Johnson (his partner), and I was texting my friends that I was one wall away from Donny. A few minutes later his assistant walks in and Says "Keri?" I said "Yes", and then she walks in and behind him walks Donny. I wanted to pee my pants.

Of course I have met him and have lots and lots of photos of him. But I think I am his biggest fan! I know I am crazy, and Steve is good too put up with my obsession. I mean I took his photo out of our bedroom. So we chatted for a few minutes and took some photos. My whole day was made! AND DON WILL WIN DANCING WITH THE STARS!

Happy 1st Year Birthday Too ME!

One year ago today-I was awaiting surgery!
One year ago today-I was freaking out!
One year ago today-I was surrounded by my closest friends and family.
One year ago today-I wondered if I would be able to win the battle.
One year ago today-Ikissed and hugged each of my children and told them how much I loved them and how proud I was of them.
One year ago today I held Steves hand as he comforted me through my tears.
One year ago today I had to have more faith than I have ever had in my life.
One year ago today, I reflected on my life and knew that I was truly blessed.
One year ago today I got rid of the cancer in my body.
One year ago today I survived!

It's been a super hard year, but I am so blessed! I thank God everyday for each new day, for each new smile, and for each new memory. I am so blessed to have the amazing husband, and children that I have. I am so blessed by my friends, what angels you have been. I am so blessed to have the extended family I have, for without you I could not have done this journey so well. I am so blessed to have a loving Heavenly Father who has allowed me to continue my journey.

Where I am at now---I feel Great!

I really will be back!

It has been a month since my last post. I am having problems with my computer program that transfers my photos...BUT my goal is to get it fixed this week! I have a bazillion photos--ok at least 200 photos that I have taken in the last month and a ton of fun things to post about. SO, stay tuned..