Ryan is stoaked about the Chargers/Bronco's game!

I talked to Ryan on the phone tonight - he is so proud to be a CHARGER FAN right now!!

Hence....the new football background! (and...another sledding photo)

We're going downhill.....

five things........

1. Samson - I love being with him. I love seeing him grow up. He always helps me......and
his grandma.
2. Ryan - I'm so glad I get to be his mother. Truly a great young man.
3. Olivia - my brown eyed girl. She always tries to do her best and work hard. She loves to be near.
4. Isaac - I know it's not good parenting - but I love when Isaac crawls into bed with us. His boney knees and warm body makes me smile. I call him my "warm piece of toast."
5. Anne Marie - my baby. I wish she could stay 3 and live with me forever.

And Wayne.......we just celebrated 18 years......."When I count my blessings, I count him twice".

Answer to T.V. Post

This is fun.
I never watch t.v. in the day or evening.....always after 10 pm - here is what I DVR.

The View.......I hate Elizabeth - and I think Sheri is 100% brain dead......but I watch everyday.
Oprah.......I know.
Get Color.......my favorite decorating show on HGTV. I like to watch this channel anytime.
Jon and Kate + 8, Bringing home baby, or Baby story......I should of had another one.
Housewives of Orange County.......something that should not be shared.
Biggest Loser......I'm a weight loss wanna be......All the kids watch this with me.
20/20........Years most fascinating..........anything interview........or news story.

Favorite Drama of the fall
Mad Men...... I would wait patiently for this on Sunday night........awesome show........scandalous......I love the clothes!

Wow! what a waste of time.

My "Super" Christmas "Trooper"!

When people get sick at our house Olivia always gets it the worst. I got sick first, then Annie, then Isaac hit the pillow and two days ago - Olivia, yep, highest fever, reddest cheeks, sorest mouth, throw ups - everything.....officially the most sick. We had all been battling without the doctor for a week or so but Tuesday- because Olivia looked dreadful - I took the "whole shabang" in. "Everyone has strep throat", the doctor announces. Isaac and Annie immediately opted for the 10 days of pink stuff - but Olivia said, true to form again - I"ll take the shot, I don't want to miss my program". So she "bared" all and took the nice thick antiobiotic shot. OUch!

Today was program day......she didn't look even "kind of" better........but she just had to go. So we put her in the shower, put her cute red shirt and santa hat on and drove her up to school. She tried to smile....just a little. The whole 4th grade played their recorders - at least 10 cute Christmas songs, recited "The Night Before Christmas", sang some more songs, danced the Virginia Reel, and then Olivia said her part, She did it! - even though she could hardly move her mouth. Then we came home and tucked her into bed until 2:00 that afternoon, when I got her up and drove her to school a second time - where she recorded, sang, and danced for the parent performance. Yes, She did it again!

That's my Olivia............a real "Super" Christmas "Trooper"!

Get Well Soon.

Stupid Parenting Tricks!

Okay, so I'm posting my Thanksgiving pictures tomorrow - I still don't know how to do pictures "solo" so I'm still waiting for Samson to help me......which brings me to my next story.


It's wednesday night, the week after Samson turned 16, I am all settled in, with my pajama pants securely fastened (wow, that sounds weird), suffering from a giant head cold, but still, ready and willing to help Olivia with her 4th grade report on San Juan county. Of course there is much to do!..... and, well - conveniently, Wayne is out of town.

The boys are begging me to let them go play basketball at the church. All evening we had been discussing the fact that they were supposed to be staying home all week - helping with Christmas - and catching up on their homework that they missed while lounging around St. Louie. But, trust me - they really want to go play basketball!.............. I give in.

I say,

"Yes - you can go play basketball, then go to young men's, but be home by 8:30."

Then I hear the dreaded - "Thanks mom! now can you give us a ride up to the church?"

UUUghh.....this is where the pajama pants come in, and - the fact that I'm sick, and - that I'm right in the middle of Olivia's report.....and dare we mention again.....Wayne is out of town.

I say,

"Sam - just take the car - drive you and Ryan up to the church.....I don't feel like taking you right now."

"Okay mom - we'll be home on time"!

A little while later.....the phone rings......before I can say "Olivia don't answer that"......she answers it.

"It's for you mom........It sounds like a man?"

"Hello maam - this is Officer Blanketyblank.......Does your son Sam have permission to drive your car?"

"UUUUUUUUUUUUUUhHHHHHHH"

"Maam, are you there?......and Does your son Sam have permission to drive you car?"

"UUUUUUUUUmmmm yes"

"Well, could you come down here at the end of Carriage Chase Lane and bring me your license."

"UUUUUmmmmmmm yes sir, i'll be right there".

The rest of the story......Samson gets a speeding ticket for driving 40 in a 30 - and a ticket for driving on permit without an adult.
However - and thankfully, Officer Blanketyblank - somehow decided to "overlook" the other 8 or so passengers that Samson decided to "escort" over to the senior center for some Christmas caroling.

Yes, that is what I said, Samson got pulled over while driving a bunch of kids to the senior center during the young men activity.
(I guess when the Nelson's decide to dig themselves a hole........... they decide to dig a big one. )

He has been driving (everywhere) for 1 year (legally), has taken all his driver's ed, has passed his test (98%), and is now waiting for the quarter to end at school so he can go get his license.

Well..........quoting the - less than understanding police officer -
"NOT ANYMORE HE ISN'T"!


OOOOhhhhh CRAAAP! - I love being a mom, and.......aint it Sweet being Sixteen!

An Angel from India

My friend Heather and her husband Kent (across the street neighbors) are in India this week adopting the most adorable little girl. They have four older kids - the oldest Nate who is with them, Cole (14), Eliza (11), Dalton (8). Take a look at her link (An Angel from India) if your interested. I want to go get me one ( a baby that is).

The "Peops" are gone!

My fellow family members left this morning at 3:00 a.m. to drive that dreaded highway - 21 hours to St. Louis. I am left here - for five full days - as a single mother of one. yippeee skippy! I told Wayne about 3 weeks ago that I needed a vacation so I was only going to St. Louis 1/2 time and I was flying 1 way. He looked at me and said - oookkay? So Wayne, and the somehow "excited" kids jumped in the car and took off this morning.

I've got my hall pass and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

One sad note: Annie hasn't realized yet that she is not going. She packed for herself last night and got all 3 of her swimming suits in a little "wad" ready to put in the car. Somehow I've got to take her swimming.

Blogger's Fright!

I totally have it....everytime I try and write something on this here blog I get all nervous and sweaty. Ridiculous!
Wow, I have sure had fun reading all of your blogs. Such fancy people you all are. You should see me navigate through - it is laughable. I still don't know how to "comment" without being Wayne so I never say anything, but I'm here......lurking, sweating and wondering "How'd you do that"? I have started to write my top 5 cousin memories at least 5 times ( I know, that is sooo September) but I still might surprise ya someday - and write something down.

Anywhoo - just wanted to let everyone know how much I have enjoyed reading about yourselves and your terrific kids! Thanks!

P.S. This is Libbi not Wayne
P.S.S. I'm the one that voted for Obama.

Dirt bike riding

Election Thoughts

Election night for me was spent hosting a baby shower with a guest list of way tooo many..... but I did manage to sneak away and vote - for Barack Obama. After everyone finally left, I sat down to watch the election results and I must say I am "over the top" excited with our new president. I don't really know if he can do all that he has promised but I like his "way". I think he is smart, a listener, a fair-minded person and I have renewed hope in our country. I am moved (to tears) many times by what this election means for African American people in our country. I am excited to see what can be accomplished. I am not a Democrat, more a Republican, mostly an Independent - but I could not see McCain bringing our country to a better place. I can see Obama making a difference - I support him.

Moto - Fun... A saturday trip to Jericho

Isaac at his finest

Park, Mary, and the Kids

Sexy Beasts!

Halloween Fun 2008

One thing is for sure....we have a great neighborhood for Halloween. It was warm this year...as you all know, leaves were blowing, everyone's porch was decorated...and there were kids everywhere! It reminds me of the Halloween scene from the movie E.T. Mike and Holly and girls came down from Idaho, and Jamie, Justin, and girls came up from Orem, and Grandma came up from downstairs. The Hamps come from down the street. We also had some neighbors drop in.

Nice evening for all!

Group Photo

AnneMarie as a "perplexed" butterfly

School Parade

Over-Aged trick or treaters!

Wayne's work party

Annie's preschool

Just In.....from the mind of a 1st grader

Today - while driving in the car, I hear Isaac "sounding out" yet another street sign, Ooo-baaa-ma he deciphers, then the statement, "Hey mom - if that guy wins for president he is going to take away everyone's summer vacation".



Food for thought....Food for thought.

October Winter Wonderland

We woke up this morning to a coat of beautiful Utah powder.

Football Fever

Ryan is the football coach of the younger kids in the neighborhood. He runs a clinic every summer and parents pay to have them learn from Ryan.

Real Salt Lake

I was excited to get suite tickets to the Grand Opening of Rio Tinto Statdium. Real Salt Lake has been playing at the University of Utah while they were waiting for their own stadium. Soccer players like grass much more than turf. Right before the game started, the sprinklers went off. Someone forgot to turn off the automatic sprinklers. We had lots of free food and a great view. When people came in with food or drinks, Isaac said here come the "servants".

Annie Likes to Pose

Boise Wheelchair Camp - Top Male Athlete

Libbi took Ryan up to Boise ID, for a wheelchair sports camp. The camp was Wednesday - Saturday. She took Olivia, Isaac and Annie with her. They stayed at her brother's home (Joe is in the picture above in green). Libbi's mom, sisters and aunts also came for part of the trip. They had a great time.

Ryan was able to play basketball, tennis, soccer, track and field, fish, canoe and a few other sports. The low part of the trip was Arts and Crafts(retarded!). The high part was being voted the "Top Male Athlete".

Ryan and Tennis

Ryan has been focusing on tennis this year. He went to a tennis tournament in Las Vegas and won the junior division and also the men's double "C" division.

He is playing or practicing every day this summer. He will go to California to participate in the National Junior Wheelchair camp. At the end of the camp they have a tournament and Ryan will come home ranked nationally.

Ryan's on YouTube

Ryan has been playing a "1 up 1 down" tennis league on Friday nights. This is where they play doubles and one person is in a wheelchair and the other is able bodied. He is featured on YouTube.

The first voice you hear is Ryan's.

Jackson Hole Bike Ride

This is Elna falling on the morning of the first day, before starting.

This is just a few of the pictures. You can see all the pictures from the trip on flickr.
Set One http://www.flickr.com/photos/26957877@N05/sets/72157605259688119
Set Two http://www.flickr.com/photos/26463300@N02/sets/72157605253642220

5 Mile Pass

Motorcycle riding with the Hamps, Sorensons, Nordells and Quilters

Wayne had an accident and went over the handlebars.

Stake Family Fun Day

Isaac did the Stake Bike Ride and within 2 miles wiped out going down a hill