4th of July Weekend...

The 4th was pretty low key and laid back. It was nice. Owen cooked up some burgers for us on the ol' grill and we played in the yard and had a nice bbq dinner. Then we waited.... and waited...and finally got to go into town to watch the fireworks show at the fairgrounds. It's so fun to watch the kids get excited about all the colors and fun shapes they could point out as they watched the display. It was really quite an impressive show for a little town. And the crowd was big, for Bonners Ferry anyway. Of course, nothing like CDA, so it wasn't as stressful trying to keep the kids together... and it only took us 15 min to get home... yeah!!!(...and we live at least 10 miles out of town.) Remembering the many 4th's spent at the lake in downtown Coeurd'Alene, the one big annoying bummer of the evening, was the drive home....it was a good 2 hours at least to get home traveling the same distance we do here. We got a much better deal this year, in my opinion.

Kaelynn took great care in making sure her ear drums didn't "blow out":)

Sunday, we headed up to Yaak, MT to see some of Owen's family who were up visiting from Kalispell, MT and Coeur d' Alene. It was a nice family get together. Owen's brother, John, blessed their son Alma while we were there. Afterwards we had a nice dinner and let the kids play while the rest of us chatted and caught up with one another.

Unfortunately I have no pictures to prove any of this happened...bummer!:(

Gone Fishin'! 7/1/09

Braden has been begging us to take him fishing for some time, and so Owen brought home the conoe from the school and we decided one evening to take the family fishin. We went out to Bonner Lake, just a little lake up the road from our house. It was so awesome! I don't know exactly what was wrong with these fish but they were practically jumping in our boat...seriously. Kaelynn caught two fish with just a hook...no bait, just a hook. Crazy, but great for the kids. They loved it! Braden and Kaelynn both caught four fish each. Had it been left up to the kids, we would have stayed out there all night. Needless to say, we had a few meltdowns on our way back in...

Look, Papa, I did it!!!

Umm, Kaelynn, Are You Feeling Okay? 6/27-28

So, Saturday, Kaelynn woke up with these little bumps all over her body...not a ton, but enough, and they looked like little mosquito bites. She was itching like crazy. I just thought the poor thing got eaten alive all night by some mosquito that somehow got stuck in bed with her.

Well, the day progressed and the "bites" seemed to be spreading, and not only spreading but getting bigger. By that afternoon I was convinced this probably wasn't mosquito bites. She acted totally normal, besides the itching, she was completely Kaelynn. So, I was baffled. Did I really need to worry about this? She seemed totally fine, but this rash thingy was looking uh, really scary.

That evening we were headed to Sandpoint to go out on the boat with Owen's Dad, so we decided to swing by urgent care on our way there. The doc looked a little shocked, but seemed convinced that this was simply a reaction to t a spider bit and that we would just need to manage the itching and it would go away. So we treated her with benadryl and oatmeal wash and dermacort in hopes we would see some improvement. Much to our dismay, that night was horrible and she started a fever and her body began swelling.

The next day, we obviously kept Kaelynn home from church, but in his early morning meetings, Owen mentioned to the Bishop, who is a local physician, that Kaelynn had gotten this strange rash, and to us seemed completely unexplainable. He told Owen to bring her to church after all the meetings were over, that afternoon, and he would take a look at her.

He was obviously not expecting what he saw, but he had apparently seen something similar. He had some crazy name for it...but in the medical field there was no known cause. He was certain this was not an allergic reaction, but just a rash that would take it's course and go away without any apparent cause.

And so we took it. We gave her Zyrtec and let it take it's course. And by Tuesday, there was no evidence there had ever been a rash of any kind. Her skin looked completely normal. It was the strangest thing, and nearly gave me a heart attack worrying about what was going on with my little girl. But all is well and now we have some great pictures of this inexplicable rash that will make for some awesome story telling in the years to come!

Weekend in Tri-Cities 6/19-21

The kids and I went down this weekend to Tri-Cities for my sister Karen's baby shower. This will be Karens 4th baby, and the 7th child of her newly blended family. Everyone did a great job contributing to make this a special day for her. Shawnte' and Sarah are creative geniuses and so everything looked cute and adorable!! And the food was fabulous thanks to Travis and Katrina!

The last few years for Karen have been a bit crazy, to put it mildly. She really has been through a lot. But through it all she still remains faithful and as wonderful as she's always been...and dare I say, maybe even better! She's taken her challenges and her adversities and used them to raise herself up, not bring her down. She is a fighter, and boy this girl just never gives up! Honestly where she has overcome, I have often wondered if I would have cracked, fallen and lost hope. But she never did...or at least not for long. With everything she's overcome, really she is an inspiration and example for us all!!!! She is truly one of life's heroes and I'm so, so thankful that life has brought us together so that I would have this opportunity to learn from such an amazing woman!! I'm deeply indebted.

This a picture of my sister in law, Sarah, Shawnte', and myself and Karen is of course in the middle with her cute little baby belly front and center!

Here's Karen with some of her goofy friends at her shower.Karen cutting the adorable cake Shawnte' made

It was a great weekend to be with my Dad and Katrina and the rest of the fam. It seems like forever since we've been there....and it has! I can't even remember the last time we were there. Anyway, it was wonderful to be with family and just hangout and catch up.

Hanging out on the swing in the back yard. Mackenzie, Vance, Shawnte', Sarah, Sienna, Karen, and Shyanne.

Cutsie patootsie, Makenna B, held still for a spit second to let Grandma take her picture. It was nearly impossible for us to get her to sit still...there was way to much going on, too much to explore. She just didn't have time for this kind of stuff!

This is Papa and Braden on Papa's lawn mower. He's got a lawn maintenance business and so he's got to have the big tough machines. Braden feels pretty cool on that thing...(so does papa I think:)


Kaelynn and Papa on the beast

I love these pictures of Braden and Breck getting tutored by Papa on the mechanics of auto maintenance. They seem very enthralled, if you ask me!!! Grandma set up her fondue out on the back patio and the kids all roasted marshmallows over it and made s'mores. They loved it!!!

Grandma K, Kaelynn, Mackenzie, Colby, Aunt Shawnte', Braden and Shyane

Grandma Katrina, Kaelynn, and Mackenzie

Peek-a-Bum! 6/17

I just thought this was super cute. The other night when we went to check on Makenna before going to bed, this is how we found her. I'm not sure if she was cold or if she was playing before she fell asleep, but anyway, it made for a good laugh and a cute picture!

Mommy's Day 5/8-10

Mom had a fabulous Mother's Day weekend! Owen watched the kids while I got to go spend Friday and Saturday in Coeurd'Alene with my Mom and my sister. We pretty much just relaxed and hung out and did a little shopping for my Mom's newly remodeled kitchen. It was such a treat to have a little weekend gettaway with the girls.

Sunday morning I woke up to the fresh aroma of breakfast cooking in the kitchen, courtesy of Dad and Kaelynn. It was absolutely spendid! (partially because I didn't have to cook...woo,hoo!) Braden himself had no small task in the effort of making Mother's Day morning special for me, as he so dutifully tended to Makenna while Dad and Kaelynn prepared the meal.

I have such a wonderful little family that loves me and takes care of me. Thanks you guys...you're the BEST!!!

While I was gone over the weekend, Owen and the kids did a little landscaping in the front yard. They went out to Moose Valley to carefully select the perfect Mother's Day bushes to go in the newly lanscaped plot. Didn't they do a fabulous job?!!! We have 3 Peony plants and I forget what the other ones are called, but they look great. I was so happy. I love driving up to our house now, as they have made it so welcoming and inviting.

YOU'RE ALL JUST SO INCREDIBLE and I'm grateful you're mine!!! I have to say that this experience called Motherhood has been the most exciting, challenging and rewarding experience of my life. I love it with all my heart!!! There is no other place I'd rather be, nothing else I'd rather be doing and no other title I'd rather have than wife and mother. Truly life is brought into perspective and it's true meaning, in it's fullest, is made manifest as I'm anxiously engaged in this, the greatest of all work.

I love you, my darling little family!!!

Kaelynn's 3! 4/19

Has it really been another year? Is my sweet little girl really 3 already? It's hard to imagine that that much time has passed since she was born. And, I love her more than ever! She is such a joy to me... to our family! I'm so grateful for her! She definitely brings an element to our family dynamics that uh, how should I say this.....well, lets just say she keeps us on our toes. She's quick... very quick, smart, (a smarty pants even:), sensitive, compassionate, helpful, has the cutest little giggle, affectionate, independent, persistent, loves to learn and sing and sing and sing and sing! It's so exciting to watch her blossom into such a beautiful person, both inside and out. I can't believe she's my little girl and mine forever!!!! What a blessing!


We had a little family birthday party for her on Sunday. She had Nana and Tapa, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Shawnte' and Uncle Cameron, Vancey Pants, Aunt Holly and Uncle Carl and cutie pie Tori all here to celebrate her special day with her.

Shawnte' made an adorable princess cake, at Kaelynn's request, and it turned out absolutely adorable! She's amazing!


Kaelynn's definitely my little sugar lover and could hardly contain herself knowing full well how yummy that cake would be. Her taste buds got the better of her and could no longer control herself....she just dug right in....

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH LINNY! HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY!

Easter 4/11-12

Easter weekend was fun filled. On Saturday we down to the fairgrounds for a little Egg hunt. Unfortunately we arrived right on time, which apparently was too late, because most of the eggs were gone by the time we got in the field to look. Oh, well. A nice man noticed that Kaelynn and Braden hadn't found any eggs and so he gave them a couple. Then we just played on the swings and peeled eggs and ate....what they could choke down anyway:)

Here's cousin Tory and Kaelynn workin on peeling an egg

My Mom and Gary came up for the weekend. It was so fun to have them here as always. She helped me cook a nice ham dinner and Shawnte' and Cameron and little Vance came up on Sunday to enjoy the meal, which was fantastic, if I do say so myself:) It was so great to have them all here.
I love having family around and wish it could happen more often. I really cherish all the moments we do have together....

Happy 60th Birthday, Grandpa Baisden!!!!

Happy, Happy Birthday, Grandpa dear!

Grandpa Baisden turned 60 on Tuesday and Grandma threw him a surprise birthday party. I'm pretty sure he had some sort of inkling there was something going on... there was a leak or two coming into the event, but, we won't mention any names;) However, I don't think that spoiled any of the fun and excitement. How much he knew, he won't say, and really it doesn't matter. He loved every minute of the evening as he was surrounded and doted on by the people he loves, and that love him, most. He was gracious and completely elated!

His mom, Great Grandma Beverly, his two sisters, Carol and Linda, brother-in-law, Carl, and Jeff and Anita all flew up from Utah for the day. That had to have been the best and biggest surprise of all.

We had a fabulous dinner and lots of fun. There must have been 30 or so people, all family, there. And cousins galore! Kids everywhere. If you're not use to kids, this definitely was not the place for you. It was pretty crazy and chaotic...my sister-in-law and I like to call it "The Circus". There were 12 little cousins running around all under the age of 5...a circus indeed:)

Owen's Aunt Linda got us all together to get pictures and what a feat that was. Holy cow! Getting pictures and managing that many kids is a wee bit daunting, and nearly impossible I might add, and therefore we never do it. But, we accomplished the impossible that day, thanks to Aunt Linda and her determination to keep us motivated and encouraged as she and others snapped away. We got great pictures and they're so nice to have, and though the process was rather exhausting, it was well worth it and thankfully should hold us over for a good while:) Thanks, Linda! And to everyone else that took turns taking pics!

Here's an idea of how crazy it was

Great Grandmas Beverly and Joy, Grandpa and Grandma Baisden, all their children and grandchildren...(minus 1)

John and Charmaine with all their kids. This one turned out well I think.

Here's a pretty good pic

We just want to say how much we love you, Grandpa, and how grateful we are to have you in our lives. You are a blessing to us all in so many, many ways. Thanks for loving us and thanks for being YOU!!!

Happy Birthday!

Vance's Blessing Day

Sunday our little nephew/cousin Vance was blessed. Oh, he really is just so adorable!!!! I couldn't get enough of that little face! My mom made the most adorable outfit for him. He looked like a mini Joseph Smith with his little outfit. I loved it!

Anyway, I am without much want for pictures this time around. We remembered the camera, (thanks to Owen), and between the 2 of us, and others, we got lots of pictures to share.

Nana and Baby Vance

Vance looking oh, so adorable in his outfit!

Cameron, Shawnte' and Vance. What a cute little family!!

Mama Shawn and her baby boy. Love this pic!

It was so special to be there. I know I say this all the time, but I think it is just so amazing these little (really, great) souls coming to us. Little Vance has such a strong spirit and I know he is going to be a great joy to his family...and to all of us!


So, we had yet another fabulous weekend with lots of family. Even Uncle Jehkiah got to come. And Ta'pa is back from South America, so it was great have him there, too. And Uncle Jeremy.... all these wonderful people we haven't seen in a long time! So, it was great fun!!! WE missed Gramma Trina, Uncle Jayden (Jayden got horribly sick right at the last minute. Stink!) and Aunt Karen and her family. It was a bummer not having them, but it was great to be with everyone there including Cameron's family!

Here are some more pics of the weekend:

These are some pictures of Papa with his grand babies...minus Sienna and Vance...don't know what happen to them during this pic.

This is a picture of Uncle Jehkiah and Kaelynn trying to get a good picture for his cell phone. Gotta love Kaelynn's cheesy "com'on lets get this over with" grin.

Owen and Papa shootin' the breeze....(where exactly did that phrase come from anyway?...shootin' the breeze...funny)

Jehkiah and Jer-Bear Reynolds...aka Jeremy

Nana and Ta'pa. Gary's lookin pretty South American himself with that nice tan and all:)

Jonathan and Nicole Morton....Cameron's brother and sister-in-law. Aren't they cute?!!

Natalie (Cameron's sister) and her daughter

Miss B trying on everyone's shoes

Little Breckel Freckel

Uncle Josten torturing Braden...I'm sure very deservedly:)

Makenna and Kaelynn

Cute little Ella (Cameron and Shawnte's niece)

Mikin Morton (Cameron's brother's wife and Ella's mom) and her son Asa