Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!!


Merry Christmas from our house to yours! We hope you find peace and happiness, love and joy!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

RUN!!

This is a comment from my babysitter to her mom today after watching the kids . . .

"If 60 seconds go by and you don't hear anything, you have to run and find them".


This is her response to an email I sent my family about her first comment . . .

"LOL! I read that to Megan and she said "It's true you should see the messes I've cleaned up when I give them 3 min"

Stacey is a saint!!!"

I'm insane!!

Monday, December 14, 2009

God Knows Us

"God knows us and know our needs, but it is generally through another person that He meets those needs." Spencer W. Kimball

I read this for the first time right before my mission and it has become my life quote. One of those quotes that you never forget and means so much to you. I recall being the person Heavenly Father used to help someone. I recall seeing other's being instruments in His hands for my family, friends and acquaintences. I recall and cherish all of you who have been my needed "person" to help me through my life.

I have a horrible memory of my childhood (at least compared to my sisters), but I do remember those who served me, taught me, impressed me, lead me, influenced me, showed me and laughed with me. I wish I could list you all. But I want you to know that your impact on my life is appreciated, felt, loved and cherished.

I have been given wonderful parents, grandparents, sisters, husband, children, teachers, friends, co-workers, (no bosses: eek!), roommates, mission companions, neighbors, those I serve with and have served with in callings, visiting teachers (I almost hate to admit this, but what would I've done without Lois Pinster in my life.), leaders, teammates, parents of friends, and many teachers (my own and my children's).

Whether it was a lesson that changed my perspective, an example that set me straight, an experience that altered by life pattern (my in-vitro buddy), an unconditional love that never waived, an expectation that I either was hell bent on breaking (I was NOT the first of my Laurel class to get married, I was the last!) or would rather die than not fulfill. I have been molded by the hand of my Heavenly Father by you. I always wonder with every new calling, new friend, new neighbor, or visit with my family and friends what I'll learn, what I'll experience, what need will be fulfilled by those around me. There is so much to learn. I'm so grateful for His loving hand in my life and for all of you.

So on my birthday, I am grateful for my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my temple sealing to my wonderful parents and sisters, my temple sealing to my amazing husband and children, my life, my "people". You are appreciated by little ole' me.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving Denver Style


Luker's train was a hit with Jack and Molly! Luke and Jack spent hours playing trains. Two boys in heaven!!




Denver has some awesome parks. The kids hit up a few over the weekend.


In Dunlop tradition, we had to go to a movie. Jess and I took the kids to see "Planet 51" while the dads took the little girls home to sleep. Yea! The moms and dads went to see "Blind Side" that night and we all LOVED it!! Great flick!


Those who know me, know I LOVE my Ergo. We put it to the test . . . check out who's in the pack . . . Rylee???? Wasn't to bad and a great workout for the legs.


We tried a few recipes for cupcakes and cookies. Delicious!


Matchy matchy girly girls. Adorable!


The boys loved their time together. Whether it be computer games, basketball, the park, Wii, Foosball, or just chillin'!! They had a blast!



Mom's and their baby girls!



Dad's and their couch!

Great weather, fun family, fabulous food, wacky adventures, it was a great weekend! Thank you sooooo much Morties!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Natali Jones


Playin' in the dirt!
Natali at Hagg Lake August 2008


One of Ben's dental assistants, Jamie, has two children. Nathan who is 6 and Natali who is 3. Adorable kids, friendly, polite. Kids you don't mind being around. Last Friday, Jamie went in to wake Natali and found her non-responsive and very feverish. They rushed her to Doernbecher Children's Hospital where for five days they tried everything to bring down her temperature, control her seizures, reduce the brain pressure, and figure out what was causing all of this. They did surgery on Sunday to relieve the brain pressure. They concluded it wasn't menigitis. But on Tuesday they established she had no brain activity. Yesterday she died in the arms of her loving parents. Our family heart aches for the Jones family loss. We ask you join with us in prayer for their comfort and healing.

Hug your babies! We are so honored to be trusted with their care while they grow. What a blessing!

Monday, November 2, 2009

I'm 3

Jack turned 3 on October 7th. (The day before the trip, hence the late post.) We did a small party with his favorite spaghetti dinner and cupcakes. We just adore him. He brings so much energy and love into our home. He is a mess maker, mischeivous, sweet, loves his siblings, athletic and quite the little driver. He has worn through the tires on the battery operated John Deere Gator in 4 months. He loves to swim. He'll jump off a diving board over and over WITH HIS LIFE JACKET ON. He is into trains, trucks, cars, and all things with motors. Typical boy!






This is Jack's experiment with the spray sunscreen on the bathroom walls. He came out and proudly stated, "All done. I show you!" Ahhhhhhhhh!!



We also celebrated on the trip with my Mom and sister, Cydney's, birthdays. They do it up right!


Love ya buddy!

Introducing . . .

First there was Max (our Shute Park kitty), then Maison (our garage sale save), then Malcolm (our neighbor's), then Mabel (from Petsmart), and our most recent addition from the pumpkin patch . . . MASON

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Happy Pumpkin Carving Step by Step

You Can Take What You Can Carry!

Jack and Molly went five times to Lake View Farms just to ride the train. Hey--it's local and cheaper than the zoo train. Jack is all about trains!! A little boy's dream!

This is our trip as a family. It was a beautiful sunny day and no one had a melt down. Success in my book these days.

Rule of the Day: You can have any pumpkin you want. As long as you can carry it back TO THE CAR by yourself!! Jeff and Hannah switched pumpkins about 4 times.















What should we be?

So many choices and only one Halloween. We had a hard time choosing. These are just the few we got pictures of . . .












and yes, we are your 37 year old girl scout and 35 year old boy scout. (Thank you Suzi for pointing out we're both older than orginally posted. I'm losin' it!) Lovin' Ben's knees!