MEMORY WALK 2009

Every year my family does the Alzheimer's Memory Walk to raise money for research and awareness. This disease is something very personal to us because we watched our sweet Grandma Bird battle this for years and years. We also watched Grandpa and the amazing way he cared for her the last couple years. He was so completely unselfish! He had dedicated his whole life to her...and in those final years, that dedication required 24 hr. care. Feeding, bathing, changing, etc...he did it all and NEVER complained. His love and devotion to her was one of the greatest lessons I have ever seen. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to live with them for 6 months the year before she died. That time with her, and the opportunity to serve her is something I will always cherish!! We miss them dearly!!!! We were short about 15 people this year. It was really hard to do this without Grandpa Bird and without Mom and Dad this year. We miss Mom and Dad sooooo much!! A few tears were shed...
Rachael was at the State Marching Band Competition and
Michael had a scout hike so they both missed the fun!

Nicole was the oldest grandchild there and was such a GREAT helper.

I couldn't believe how far she carried her cousin Jameson!

I love my nephews!!!

Alex was literally trying to crawl out by the end...Corinne got a workout!

HALLOWEEN

I told my parents when they left on their mission to the Congo in Africa that I would post more often so they could see pictures of the kids. As you can see...I have failed miserably! In my defense, I have been A LITTLE busy lately! (But that story is for another blog entry!) So this is for Grammy and Papa...we miss you guys sooooooo much! Darth Maul
Twister...one of our favorite games!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Rafael)

Missing Rachael...she was at the NAU Band Competition.

Biker Chick!

Pirate!

Don't we look mean???

Summer Fun

BROADWAY KIDS!!

The Phoenix Zoo

Bowling...one of our favorite activities!



Touring the Krispy Kreme store. We got hats and a free doughnut!

A tour of the Fire Station in our neighborhood.

It wasn't our best summer ever (that's an understatement!) but we did get to do some fun things before my surgeries. We just loved getting to spend time together!

MORE FAMILY PICTURES

FAMILY PICTURES!!!!

http://amyfraughtonphotography.blogspot.com/

These pictures were taken by my friend Amy Fraughton. She is an AMAZING photographer!! She was so great to work with and I'm so grateful for her generosity! This photo shoot was offered to me as part of a Christmas promo she did. My dear friend Angel submitted our family and we were chosen for this great opportunity. Thanks ladies!!!!

MICHAEL, YOU ROCK!!!!!

Michael got his Arrow of Light award at the Blue and Gold Banquet last night! He has worked really hard on his scouting and got his Weblos and his Faith in God last month. He loves the scouting program and has had a great leader, Bryan Mortensen. He has really encouraged Michael and helped him so much! I am so grateful for his help too!! :)

They gave him an amazing arrow that he can hang in his room. It's something he's very proud of and I'm proud of him too!

Michael's b-day party was last week. When he found out he couldn't take 10 friends to the movies ($$$$) he decided to do a Rock Band party. All the kids took turns trying each instrument and each soon picked their favorite one. Except for Miles Christensen (guitar). He plays the piano, drums and guitar...the REAL ones! So he couldn't choose a favorite and pretty much kicked everybody elses booty! You rock Miles!!! They had a great time!! Even little Dylan loved it! :) He thought he was one of the big boys playing "Wock Band!"

We love you Michael! And in every way...YOU ROCK!!!

WHO'S KID IS THAT ANYWAY?????

If you want to feel better about your day just go to my sister's blog (The Webb Family) and read her "Laundry Issues" entry.