I'm Baaaack! The Week with my Bros

Hi Internet!

Sorry I've been AWOL. Life has been CRAZY! So crazy that I hadn't had time to shower and couldn't remember how long it had been since I hosed off. Have no fear, I'm showered and all is well.

So, here's a picture recap...or 2... of what I've been up to the past couple weeks.


Week One: The Brothers stayed

Me and the Baby Bros had lots of fun. As baby brother said, "This is kinda like we're grown up, with no parents... Sweet!"

The highlight of the week was when we headed up to Portland to visit OMSI.

Ok Internet, if you are in the Potland area, heck, ANYWHERE in the Pacific Northwest yo HAVE to go to OMSI. NOT just for kids. I had a blast, my 16 year old and 10 year old brothers had a blast. WAY fun!

My favorite exhibit, that sadly you can't take pictures of, was about prenatal development and they have ACTUAL babies at each week of development, kinda eerie, but facinating to realize how life is created. WOW.

No Beauty School Drop-outs Here!

Hi Internet,

I'm back in Oregon! I meant to post this earlier, but alas, Lund doesn't have the most technical facilities. ;)

BUT, if you didn't know, my baby sister graduated from COLLEGE this weekend! Woo Hoo! I'm so proud of my sister for sticking it out and being the first sibling to graduate.... Even if it is in Cosmetology. ;)



This is how our family feels about the accomplishment...




Aubrey-Do, the Grad!



Congrats Beeze! Love ya!

Annnnd We're Off!

Hi Internet,

So, we're getting loaded in the car so we can caravan for grandma's Funeral in Lund, Nevada. You maybe were thinking, I have never heard of Lund. Well it's a tiny little town... kinda in the middle of nowhere. Google it.

See ya in a few days!

An Angel Without Wings

Hazel Reid Duval

October 29, 1935- May 9, 2010

Our angel mother, grandmother and friend has passed away after a lifetime of service to God, to her family, and to every person she met. Hazel was raised in the protective valley of Lund, Nevada, where she will return to be laid to rest next to her mom and “daddy.” Over her life she lived in many of the western United States where she shared her kindness and quick smile with one and all. She worked in many occupations in her life as she struggled to provide for her children and friends the necessities and good things in life that she could never afford for herself. Her job as a travel agent allowed her to see many parts of the world where she came away even more convinced that we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hazel served with all of her heart in all of her many callings that she received. Her commitment to service to God and man took her to the Jacksonville Florida area where she dedicated a year of her life to full-time service as a missionary. But her greatest service was in her quiet ministering to the weak, the lonely and the heart-broken, to those she freely gave a hug or a helping hand or a listening ear. Many today call her “mom” because she gave a mother’s love to any that needed it. She did not acquire great earthly treasures, but her treasure trove consists of the 4 children she had with her former husband. Along with 21 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and friends without number who will forever know that an angel has lived among us.

To all who read this obituary, Hazel would want you all to know that God loves you, and she loves you. She would say to one and all, God be with you till we meet again.

Funeral Services will be held in Roseburg, Oregon at the Roseburg Stake Center on 2001 West Bertha Ave. on Wednesday May 12, 2010 at 1pm. There will also be a service held in Lund, Nevada at the LDS Chapel on Saturday May 15, 2010 at 3pm.

My 100th Post! I got it from my Mama!

Happy Mother's Day Internet!

Oh, and Happy 100th post to me!

When I was little I never wanted to play mermaids or horses like all my friends did. I only wanted to play one thing. "House." And I HAD to be the mom. Always. From the time I was little I knew that the one thing that I wanted most in life was to be a mother. When I went to college and was trying to pick a major, I wanted to pick a major that would help be become a better mother. I decided to become a teacher because I love children and I love making a difference. I realize now, that I wanted to be just like my own mom.

I am grateful for my mother. She set a wonderful example for me. Instilling in my the desire to follow in her footsteps and become a mom.

My mom is simply put, amazing.

My mom made our lunches everyday, even when I was in High School mom made my lunch.



My mother taught me how to be obedient. We do what we're supposed to, because it's the right thing to do. And if you don't.... "POW*."


*This is what a "POW" looks like Mom: You see this?.... POW!

My mother taught me to love and serve others, even when they're not lovable.



My mom taught me to love good things in life, music, arts and beautiful things.



My mother taught me to be strong. Even when she was going through treatment, whenever I called home my mom would sooth me when I told her classes were too hard and roommates were too much drama. She did this while lying on our couch not sure if she could make it herself. My mom is tough.



But the most important thing my mother taught me is who I am. I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father. He loves me. He has a plan for me. And even when I get discouraged with the plan, and I don't see how things are working out, My mother reminds me that God is aware of me.



I am grateful for the knowledge I have that Families can be Together Forever. Today, Mother's Day, my grandma lies in her bed unconscious. She doesn't have much longer, but I have peace in knowing that this life is not the end. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ I will see both my grandmothers again. I am grateful for my Grandmothers who love unconditionally, and passed that love on to my parents.

I love you mom!

A Super Cool Program and How you can help!

Hey Internet,

So, you maybe didn't know, But I come from a pretty big family. Also, my mom is a Breast Cancer Survivor and my grandma is currently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. So, this hits pretty close to home.

Well, one of my Aunts is involved with an Organization called B.I.G. Love, in Texas. Now, I'll admit, when I first saw the name I was worried that she was involved with the likes of Warren Jeffs. Totally NOT the case! ;)

Big Love Cancer Care is an organization that provides support for cancer patients and their families. The provide groceries, toys and support for families in Children's Hospitals.



WAY Cool!

Well, guess what?! The people at Pepsi are sponsoring the Pepsi Refresh Project, where they will donate $25k to the top 10 Organizations with the most support. And BIG Love is in the running, but needs more support. THIS, is where YOU come in!

Click on this link and click in the upper right hand corner where it says "In the Running for $25K" and you click "Vote for this idea." And then, if you have Facebook, which LBH*, who doesn't? You can link your vote that way! Easy-Peasy!

OR, Click on the link on the right column of my Blog! Like how I'm making this user friendly??

Oh, and you can vote daily, or even hourly if you're that bored!

But, vote! It's a great cause and free money! So, let's make this happen and help out some people who could really use our help! Thanks!

It's Baby Week!

Hi internet!

So, you maybe didn't know, but I have 3, count them 3 cousins expecting babies in the next few weeks. And they are all girls! Yay Girl babies!

Well, the first came to Michigan this morning. She doesn't have a name yet, but she is CUUUUUUTE!

Mama and Baby




Big brother is ALSO quite inquisitive and CUTE!




Congratulations Firth Family!

I'm in LOVE!!! Thank you, Thank You, Thank you!!!

Dear Internet,

Remember how I posted that fantastic bed set that I wanted. Well, guess what?! My AWESOME Aunts and Grandma surprised me and bought the set for me.

Don't worry I gave Grandma a kiss on the face!

My Aunt told me that when I want to say "I hate my life" I now get to exchange that thought with "I love my bed!" YAY!

When I get my bed made I'll show you a pic. It's more stunning and soft in person! :)