Best Husband Ever!!!

Recently I had a little accident in the kitchen (almost cut off my finger...) and I have been unable to do a few things that needed to get done....and can you believe it Troy suggested he go and buy some flowers and plant them? Yes he "designed them himself, with inspiration from a friends planters. GO TROY. Aren't they pretty? Here are some of the amazing things Troy has done lately:

1) planted flowers

2) gone w/ his wife to see Twilight!

3) done the dishes everyday since the injury

I am a lucky girl!

Thanksgiving FINALLY!!!

Thanksgiving was a fun week. Della, Troy's mom came for the whole week. She was able to come the weekend before and got to watch Taylor's last football game, Haleigh & Sadie's last soccer games and our Primary program. It was our first and last year all of our kids will be in it together!!! We had a fun Turkey Day with yummy food! Troy and I even got up early and did some Black Friday shopping. Later that day Troy and Della took the kids on a 3 mile hike to Lost Dutchman. They did pretty well and had fun climbing on the rocks at the top.

My Super Speller!!!

Taylor qualified for his school spelling bee for the second year! He came in third place this year! Way to go Taylor I am so proud of you.

Stop and think.....

I am often struck by the wisdom in simple observations penned by people I admire. I decided I needed to read them more often as they apply to my life. Recently I was on a weekend getaway with Troy and some fabulous friends of ours. We had just finished hiking to a beautiful waterfall and we were in a resort gift shop buying water. While browsing (and cooling off) I came across a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt.

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. "

That really made me stop and think....as our life continues, as we grow older and our kids too, as good friends move away -I find myself most often discussing people -- how does that that apply in my life. What kind of benefit am I deriving from these discussions?

The next one came to my mind after my son's football game this past Saturday. We played a team that played really dirty. In a 40 min game this team had 3 holding penalties (that were called) and 5 flag guarding penalties called. (there were probably 15 incidents of flag guarding total - only 5 were called) They jumped and pushed and were very physical. It was frustrating gamee. The boys were frustrated, the coaches were frustrated. The other team was cussing and smack talking to our boys. It was a bad experience. After once again complaining about a call or a NO call -- the parents on the other side of the field started yelling to us to sit down, shut and and stop whining. Somehow (I know big surprize) " then stop cheating " was yelled quite loudly at the other side of the field by someone who shall remain nameless (me). After being embarrassed -- yep I admit it -- and reflecting upon it after the game the quote I had rubbed onto my boys wall came to my mind by John Wooden.

"Sports do not build character -- they reveal it."

I really think that applies to all aspects of the game. Players, Coaches, Referee's & Umpires and especially THE PARENTS. My goal is to now live that in my life during my many years of being a sports mom. Its harder then it sounds! But I know it is something important we can teach our children. LIFE IS NOT FAIR (don't you hate to admit that?) and we need to decide how we are going to deal with it. Are we going to get mad and yell across the field (oops) or are we going to put it all out there in our effort to play a game with integrity? I am grateful for the fabulous coach's that didn't get crazy mad - (or at least they didn't show it) and they told the boys to play through it and show them how to play the game with integrity. I am grateful for the positive role they are playing in my son's life. Now if I can just do the same!

I am voting YES on Proposition 102

I spent a few hours the last two days hanging door flyers for this proposition. I have family and friends in California knocking on doors and standing on street corners with 40 - 50 others getting yelled and cursed at and had thing thrown at them for holding up signs for their Prop 8. Yet others - strangers have stopped, parked their cars and joined them!

Recently I had an email containing a graphic manipulation of Samual the Lamanite on the wall having arrows shot at him -- but instead he was holding a Yes of Prop 8 sign -- doesn't it feel that way? What has happened to our country? I think the sadest part are members of my own faith picketing Church headquarters against the stand we as a faith are taking to preserve marriage between a man and a woman. It it suprizing how well Satan spreads his deception. I proudly stand for what I know to be morally correct and fundamentally crucial to the future of our country and our freedom and especially our families. I will vote YES on Prop 102 and I encourage you to do the same.

Halloween Fun

We loved having HALLOWEEN on Friday. It was one long day -- but then it was over. The kids of course went to the houses with the king size candy bars first and then enjoyed running around with their friends in a race for the most candy. Sadie did decide she did not like the haunted house and anyone jumping out at her -- as Troy was relaying that information she piped in and she said, "Yes mom, I screamed -- I did not like it!"

Fall Football Fun

This is Taylor's second year of flag football. He plays with great group of boys and coaches. One thing Taylor has learned this year is that hard work pays off. Taylor has had a lot of success catching extra points and intercepting the ball. In the game below he had two interceptions! One he ran with for a touchdown and another he made it back to the 5 yard line! As a parent there is nothing more satisfying than watching your child learn hard work equals success. A modest fist pump after a touchdown -- well there is nothing better! Go Cowboys!

After his interception turned touchdown! Go Taylor!

Sadie's 1st year of soccer!

I don't know if there is anything cuter than watching a bunch of adoreable 4 & 5 year old girls playing soccer! Sadie is pretty young but has done pretty well considering! She even scored a goal in her first game! Go Yellow Jackets! Both Nana Pat and Nana Plewe came into town for a weekend to watch the kids play their games. Sadie loves spending time with her Grandmas!

Proposition 8 in California

Many of you have heard of Proposition 8 in California. I have had friends and family knocking on doors trying to educate the public about the consequences of this legislation. Here are some of the possible ramifications if it DOES NOT pass. Thanks to my sister in law Kelly for letting me borrow your typing! These are serious issues. If you know anyone in California urge them to vote for this proposition. States across the nation are waiting the outcome of this before drafting similar legislation.

1. Children in public schools will have to be taught that same-sex marriage is just as good as traditional marriage

2. Anti-discrimination regulations will become more important than religious beliefs.

3. Churches will be sued over their tax-exempt status if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings open to the public.

4. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father.

5. Religions that sponsor private schools with married-student housing will be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if counter to church doctrine, or risk lawsuits over tax exemptions and related benefits.

6. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages will be sued for hate speech and could be fined by the government.

Canyon Lake

We enjoyed a fun afternoon at Canyon Lake with our good friends the Lymans. The kids each got to try skiing and wake boarding. Even Sadie got a turn with Troy -- what a trooper! All the kids decided wake boarding was the best. Thank so much Lymans for taking us and for taking such fun pictures since we forgot our camera! We love the lake!

Seattle

We spent a weekend in Seattle with our friends the Hamiltons and the Bruschkes. It was a fun filled trip. We spent a day in the city learning about the history of Seattle with an underground walking tour, going to the top of the space needle and browsing the famous Pike's Market. The next day we spent some time at the Ballard Locks and the salmon ladders, we took a hike to a beautiful waterfall and then ended the day taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. We had a great time.

Sadie's 4th Birthday

Sadie's Birthday was August 15th. Troy and I were actually out of town so Nana Plewe was staying with the kids. She wanted to make Sadie's day special so she took her out to lunch decked out with a Birthday Girl crown to Red Robins. They waitresses gave her balloons, an ice cream sunday and sang to her. She loved it. Later that night the kids made her day special with decorations and the special day plate accompanied a cake and candles. How sweet her siblings were to her. It is nice to get a glimpse of that - once in a great while :) - Two weeks later when scheduling permitted we had a small party with some of her friends. Haleigh was amazingly enthusiastic planning all the games and activities. She even had it written out how long each activity should take before determining the length for the invitations. How nice is that for Mom? She planned pin the crown on the princess, musical chairs and a princess pinata. Thanks Haleigh for all of your help! It was fun!

1st Day of School

The kids were excited to start school again -- but probably not as excited as I was :). Taylor is in 6th grade, Haleigh 4th and Camden is in 2nd grade this year. They all have great teachers and we are looking forward to a year full of learning and growth. Sadie is going to preschool and I will get her posted soon!

Northern California to visit the Bruschke Family

We decided we hadn't traveled enough this summer so five days before school started and three days after being home from So Cal we hopped back on a plane to visit our good friends the Bruschkes. We had a great time with the beautiful cool mornings and evenings. It is amazing how even after a year of not seeing each other the kids just started where they left off. It was especially fun to see Sadie and Alexa renew their memories of each other since they had the least amount of time together. I have to admit my favorite part was having someone cook for her! Especially someone that loves to cook as much as she does. The kids enjoyed the creek up the street and climbing around rock city.

I just love this picture.

I hope to take another one in 10 years of our most likely, most loyal BYU athletes :)!

Sweet Summertime

We think as parents we need to spend so much time and energy and money entertaining our kids in the summer when really all they need are the simplicities of nature. My kids can spend sun up to sun down and still not want to leave the beach. It cost us a whopping 5.00 in quarters for the meter for an entire day of fun. They loved swimming in the waves (and yes even Taylor gets in the freezing Pacific water) they boogie boarded for hours but the biggest time consumer was the digging and sorting of sand crabs. Why this gross little water bugs fascinate them is beyond me but they did and do and we had hundreds in buckets lining the camp of chairs and towels. We enjoyed the company of our friends the Jacobsens one day and Dad joined us the next. We love the beach!

Salt Lake City

After the Dibb Reunion we stayed at the Marriott in Salt Lake with Della, Tim & Kelly, Tyler & Kate and of course the kids. They all loved swimming in the pool and jumping on the hotel beds. The only down side of this stay was the night club music that was blasting t hrough the street that sounded like our room windows were wide open (which they were not). When we called the front desk to ask about a room change we were offered ear plugs?! I think the most drastic contrast was the glow of the Temple behind the blare of music at 1 am. So sad.

The next day we enjoyed a visit to the Hogle Zoo. The giraffe's were the favorite animal of the day. Shortly after the zoo the girls and I got dropped of at the airport to fly home while the boys drove the car home. Troy was being so nice offering to let me fly home after the 3000 miles we drove around Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana this summer. Ironically there was a monsoon in Arizona and after several delays and hours in the SLC airoport, we pulled into our garage a mere 5 minutes before the boys....

Plewe Family Pictures

During the Dibb Reunion we were able to squeeze in some family pictures. Wow is it difficult as I am sure many of you are aware - to take a picture with 13 kis 11 years and under. But then again Troy was just as trying with his sarcasm and smart alec smiles! I can't imagine how Della got any decent family pictures with Troy in the mix!

Clayton, Tim & Kelly, Della, Troy & Sarah, Todd & Monica, Kate, Austin & Tyler, Trevor

Taylor, Hayden

Caden, Camden, Haleigh, Kiselys

Carter, Sadie, Dimery, Thayer

Dibb Family Reunion Day 2

The second day of the reunion was full of fun. We started on the lake with paddle boats & canoes. The kids had a blast trying to race us (they lost) and splashing each other. After the lake came the challenge courses. We showed our bravery with the pole climb, walking across the beam and riding the zip line. Our Camden sweet boy was quite scared after he climbed the pole and realized how high up he was. It took a little reassurance but he finally dried his tears and kept going. Camden we are so proud of you!

After the zip lines we went to some team building activities. First was the Island passage. Basically we all needed to swing from the sinking ship to the island over the ocean of sharks. Can you see the square piece of plywood 16 of us are suppose to fit on. I think that is all I need to say about that! Next we went to two cables connected to two trees starting out close together then widening towards the end. This activity was about trust. All the kids had a cousin their ages and they all did really well. The last activity was also about teamwork. Everyone needed to walk on boards with ropes simultaneously. That was interesting with the ages ranging from 2 - 35! All and all it was a fun day! We all had a great time and appreciated all the hard work of the Dibb Clan for planning and putting it on. We'll see you in four years!

Go Sadie!
Taylor transitioning from the pole to the zip line.

Haleigh zipping on down!
My brave boy Camden!!!
Sarah showing off --look no hands :)

Struggling to stay on the "island"
Camden & Caden working on their teamwork .

Canoeing on the lake.

Haleigh & Kiselya

Taylor & Hayden