Pine Wood Derby 2011

     David's first Pinewood derby. Here are all the cars the boy's worked so hard to build.

David Jr and his "Punisher" Pinewood Derby Car.

David Sr., David Jr. and Uncle Allen worked on building this car. David Sr cut it out and left the rest for Toad. He got to sand it and even drill the holes for the wheels. He later painted it and uncle Allen and David Sr. put the stickers on along with the weights. Uncle Allen put the tail lights on and the side mirrors to give it some character.  The night of the Pinewood Derby Uncle Allen and Aunt Sarah came to watch Toads car race. It was a great night and everyone had a blast. A big Thanks to David Sr. and Uncle Allen on helping David Jr achieve his Pinewood Derby Patch. 

David Sr. Toad & Allen

Two new nieces in six days

It's been an exciting past week. Two wonderful little bundles of joy came into our lives. 

Adaylse June Alvarez

7lbs 9 oz

20 inches 

January 26th 2011

Adaylse is the first niece on the Alvarez side. It's nice to finally have that side of the family grow. Congrats Jose and Kristi. You two did an awesome job!! Good luck and on being first time parents. It's an amazing experience and a lot of hard work, but so worth it!

Shaustia Lovinya Walker

6lbs 2oz

19 inches

January 31st 2011

Congratulations Tyson and Sabrina. Your little girl is adorable. Little "Shasta" is simply perfect. This is number six for my sister and I think she's totally amazing. Your awesome girl!!!! Having four children myself I don't know how you do it. Good luck and enjoy that little angel.

Onxy, our miniature Freight Train.

Oh goodness gracious, it's been so very long since I last posted here. Things have been busy and I failed to keep up on this like I had planned. I can't believe it is already February 2011, last year just soared by. 


Our newest Canine companion is a real treat to have around. Getting a puppy for Christmas isn't really an unheard of tradition and this last year David got a beautiful Mastador. She's the mixture of a Labrador and an English Mastiff. 

Since Onxy has joined our household she has wormed her way into the hearts of each of us. Her puppy stage is exhausting though, she loves to run and ponce through the house leaving behind her mayhem and destruction. Especially if the children are playing quietly in their rooms. She searches them each out to give kisses while destroying whatever game they were playing. They laugh and chase her down, because she can't seem to stay in one place long enough. The house is most peaceful when she sleeps though and I especially love those moments.
I forget how much joy a puppy brings into a home. It's easy to get caught up in the business aspect of raising a family. I didn't realize anything was missing until she walked, our pounced, through our front door. It's been a year now since our faithful and dearest companion Jewel passed and I think the children were ready for that part of their hearts to be filled with a new puppy. 

It's hard to believe we've only had her 6 short weeks. She already fits in so well. It's hard to imagine my daily routine without her. As you can see in these photo's she thinks she's a person and that her place to sleep is on the couch. She does have a doggie bed and uses it, unless I allow her to sleep on the foot of the bed. However, she is getting so large that she takes up too much room and it gets to hot for her. She is starting to prefer the laundry room where her dog bed is. It stays cooler  there at night then the rest of the house. 

Our dear girl is now 18 wks old and a whopping 50lbs. She's a true angel and a joy to have. Shiera especially loves her and tries to hold her, even though Onxy out weighs her in every aspect. There's our little Shi Shi as happy as can be with her puppy. 

Summer....why must you leave us???

Summer....oh how I wish you would last longer. I am not looking forward to the cold. It would seem we'll have an earlier winter then last year. It's been cold already. It feels as if Fall is right on it's way. I am not at all excited about this. Nothing we can do though, but endure. 
       We spend Labor Day up at my parents Cabin in Gilmore. We haven't been there for three years and it was nice to see what had changed and what had stayed the same. Gilmore is an old mining town. There is a beautiful lake up on the mountain that provides a nice fishing hole. Little David was able to fish for the first time. His Uncle Allen taught him. David was having a blast! Even though the fish were biting he wasn't able to catch anything. We did however have a fun time watching a little chipmunk play in the tree next to us. The kids sat and watched the little guy come out and eat the food they put down for him. 
       I'm not a big camper, but this trip seemed to be a very relaxing one. The children were able to play with their cousins and us adults were able to sit and visit. It's nice having the children grow up and see that they're capable of playing with out constant supervision. 
It was a great weekend, however the mountain's were a bit cold. The nights were freezing and the constant cool wind wasn't the funnest. But still, it was a nice get away. The last day we were there we took all the kids on a walk through the old mining town. They got to look at all the old buildings and hear the fun little stories. We did have to be a little careful though. The had been some bear sighting's a few weeks earlier, with a bear tearing into cooler's full of food and such. So we didn't venture to far into the wooded area's. We hadn't thought to bring a gun with us for the walk, so we just stayed on the safer trails. Which worked best for the children. 

Cabin where a dead man was found. 

The Historical Society has been working very hard at preserving the old buildings. They've braced them up and reframed some that were falling down. They even went as far as fencing some of the more dangerous buildings off so no one could enter. At lot had changed in just three years. I forgot my camera, so these photo's are from 2007. Most of the buildings look the same, while some are worse off. The winter snow has done it's damage on the weaker buildings. It's sad to see them falling apart, but I suppose that is how things are. 

The inside of the cabin from above. 

This photo to the right is an old cabin that they fixed. The put the wall back up and reframed the inside of it. This building has a sad story to it. Two boy's from Idaho Falls, killed their father and brought him up to Gilmore and buried him inside this cabin. They didn't bury him that deep and a bear smelled his body. The Bear came down and found the dead man and dragged him out of the cabin. The police found the remains and the boy's I believe are now in jail. The picture of the hole inside the cabin is where the boy's buried their father.

A few other photo's of the Town of Gilmore.












This building is laying flat now, just a pile of wood!

Bobcat down....Wolf to go.

Last night was David jr.'s first offical Pack Meeting. He has loved being in scouts and has been working his little heart out to get things passed off. He was able to get his Bobcat patch last night and is so very excited about it. When we got home he's like,  "Okay Mom, how many more things do I need to do to get my Wolf patch." His goal is to get it by the next pack meeting. I told him he doesn't have to accomplish everything so quickly, but he's determined. He is close to receiving his gold arrowhead patch though. Just two more to sign off and he's passed his first ten. I can tell we're going to be very busy with this whole "scouting" thing all summer! :)

King and Queen of the "dirt pile".

Since having the top soil brought in, our kids have found it to be the best part of the yard.  Joshie and Khandi Kane have been spend the day out there. Rain or shine they're determined to play in the dirt!!!

I remember being a little girl and loving to play in the dirt piles that my dad had made. The adventures that awaited us...tunnels and dirt houses for various toys.  The kids have enjoyed pulling each other up and down the hill with the wagon. Sadly the wagon being old finally broke and no more of that game. LOL...oh well at least it was fun while it lasted.


Joshua showing off his big muscles. What a fun group of kids.

The Age of Accountability....

On May 1, 2010 David jr. chose to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. David is the oldest child in the family and his decision made us so very proud. Here he is with his father on that special day. I must say, those two boys look darn good all dressed in white.

A funny little story at the beginning of this event was when David jr. saw his Dad all in white he remarked, "Dad, that's about as white as you'll ever get." We all laughed, that toad man can be so funny at times. 

David Jr was so nervous and excited all at once. We helped take the nerves away by making him stand and smile for a million photo's, he was a good sport through it all. 

One of the better pictures of our Family before
 we had to go and sit down for the service to begin.
From left to right : Shiera, Shaleen, Joshua, David Jr, Khandi and David Sr.

Granny and Papa with the Toad Man! This is their second grandson to be baptized.                                                                    

Grandpa Alvarez, Toad Man, and Aunt Mariela. Grandma Alvarez wasn't able to make it because she had to work. So we took lots of pictures so she would be able to look and see what happened on his special day.

Uncle Tyson, Aunt Sabrina, Syrena, T'leese, Tyson jr., Shirlynn and T'Kierra with David Jr. We're so glad they made it to celebrate his special day with him.
They're all so cute and dear to our hearts!!! Thanks Walker Family, we love you!!!!!












This is Uncle Josh Johnson with David Jr. Josh and David Sr. have been friends forever!!!! We've dubbed him "uncle Josh" and the kids just love him and he's always there to support the important stuff.

Oh and this is David with his"Mommy"...or is he getting to old for that??? Mommy doesn't think so. He will always be her little boy, no matter how old he gets.

After David was baptized we had Uncle Tyson go and get a picture of him all wet!!! The man of the hour folks, "David Alvarez Jr."

He was freezing and totally ready to get back into his dry church clothes. But even though he's all soaking wet, I'd have to say he's still so darn cute!!!










David was baptized and confirmed by his father. These are the worthy Priesthood holders that were able to attend and stand in the circle.

Bishop Hall, David Sr, David Jr, Papa, Uncle Tyson and Uncle Josh

Surprise, Surprise!

Got a phone call at 6:30 am from Jefferson School district stating that school had been cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. So I got off the phone and turned on the news...4 inches of snow in most places plus a wind of 30 miles an hour. School are closing all over the place. So I thought I'd check on the animals. Every pet accounted for and doing well.

I opened the front door to find snow every where...the kids are loving and are begging to go play outside. Maybe later this afternoon when the winds die down. As for right now, it's a indoor kinda day. Not planning on running all my errands like I had wanted too. Not worth it to drive with crummy road conditions. David Sr.  is suppose to be heading home today, I hope he is careful in his travels. Well Gizzy Mo is throwing a fit and wants back inside....so until next time. Everyone stay warm and enjoy this lovely Tuesday.  

It went away...then it came back!

The snow just doesn't want to leave...it melts away...then the sky opens up and more flakes fall. This afternoon it rained and rained....what a surprise I got when I opened the door to feed the cats. SNOW. AGAIN. 
Why can't we just have a normal spring...you know rain, mud puddles, partial sunny days full of breezes. Not snow...snow...and more snow. If you haven't noticed I'm not the biggest fan of snow. Don't get me wrong, I love the look and feeling the white fluffy stuff brings but I'm just ready for summer to come. Being able to play in the park with out heavy coats and boots. I'm thinking that Boots, our cat, is also ready for summer. He kept trying to come inside...even with his food in front of him. Poor Frosty, our other cat, wouldn't leave the shelter of her cat house. She isn't fond of this wet white stuff floating everywhere. Well happy April everyone!!! Maybe we'll have the good fortune of fuller river's and streams this year when it all melts away. :o) I guess we can find a positive in anything...when we have too! :P

Look at all those snowflakes falling around our little boots...I wasn't willing to walk all the way out into it and feed him in his dish, so I just dumped his food in the snow. I'm sure he won't mind! :)

Happy Easter

       It's Easter time already, so far 2010 has just flown by. I'm so amazed by how quickly time flies. We spent the weekend at Granny & Papa's. The kids loved the sleep over, in fact they really didn't want to go home. Mommy however needed to get home and get laundry going and get stuff ready for Monday. 
       The Easter Bunny was able to come and visit the kids, everyone was so happy to see him, well everyone except Khandi Kane! She was TOTALLY freaked out. She was screaming and totally panicking. The moment the easter bunny walked through the door she took off into the kitchen. That poor little girl has always been terrified of him, I wonder if it'll ever change. Maybe next year!!!! 
       David Sr. wasn't able to make it home for Easter, he is still working in California. The kids and I really really missed him. I think it helped the kids staying at Granny's place. I honestly felt lost with out David by my side, he is such a help to me...we are the best team! So without him...I just didn't get everything accomplished that I wanted and I didn't get any photo's. Thank heavens for family, they all had their cameras so I'll have to go and borrow memory cards and then download them on my computer. :o) When I get those pictures, I'll gladly post!!!  
So Happy Easter everyone, may your day be a nice an peaceful one.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

We have been having some totally crazy April weather, it's like the Heavens played a big April Fools joke on the land. We thought spring was on it's way...the snow was gone and the normal spring showers were here. Then suddenly out of no where, Snow! It all happen yesterday...we awoke to winds and rain..then hail....then snow, back to rain, then snow...then a thunderstorm, in the middle of the snow storm. Very strange! Then everything stopped...just muddy puddles from the snow melting..then closer to the evening it began to snow, it snowed...and snowed...and snowed! Lets just say we could bring out the winter boots and sleds. Time for frolicking in the snow! And to just think, I just packed all the winter boots and coats away. The joys of living in the Western United States. Crazy weather all year round.
We're now just wondering, will it be gone by Saturday?? Our Hansen Annual Easter Egg hunt will be on Saturday. We're thinking kids will be hunting eggs in the snow...unless we find a building big enough for 12 rug rats to race around and find brightly colored eggs filled with goodies.
One thing is for sure, I'm sure the "player" of the Easter Bunny won't mind the cool breeze coming from this lovely weather. I've heard it get's a little hot in all that fur! :o) My only disappointment is that I haven't a photo to post so you could see all the fluffy white covering the trees and ground. My camera is not with me...darn it all. Maybe later! :o)

The weekend is Finally here....ahhhhhhh!

Well it is finally Friday...the day of the week we all just love.  The kids were way excited because tonight their two cousins were able to spend the night. Sarah went to Utah for a dress fitting...her niece is getting married so they're picking out the dresses. So she let Alaysha and Drennin stay over. I tell you what, it's been a hyper roller coaster since 3pm. They've been having a ball that is for sure. :o)

This is Alaysha, Joshua (on the floor under the blanket), David and Drennin. They were pretending that Joshua was a ghost, so he was chasing them around the house. His costume was a purple Tinker Bell blanket. they were having the best of times. I am actually really happy they stayed over. The kid's daddy went back to California for a week or so and they were really missing him. So this has been a nice distraction from the whole 'Daddy is gone' feeling floating around the house. 

     Our evening is not over yet though...we've got movies and popcorn awaiting us. I'm hoping all this hyper activity will wear them down that when the movie starts, their eye lids will softly close and off to dream land they will go. I am totally crossing my fingers that it will happen that smoothly. However I am a realist and I do know exactly how children work....when it all gets quiet, suddenly they'll realize whats happening and well...I'm sure you know where we'll end up. :o) 

     

2nd Grade Singing Program

Toad had his first school program last night. He was way excited and kept reminding me all afternoon that we had to be there by 6:30pm. He had a speaking part which he was WAY excited about also. There were a total of five second grade classes and he was proud that he got picked to tell a little story before the last song of the evening was sang. I think he did an amazing job and we are just so proud of our little toad man...a.k.a. David Jr.

Love At Home

 Family night went wonderful...we sang some songs, played a game and built an easter house out of Short Bread.   Thought it would be fitting to build a house when we talked about love at home.  The kids had so much fun...we got lots of pictures.

Our house kept falling because lovely Shiera kept trying to eat the walls. But it was still fun...

Family Night!

It's again Monday and I am suppose to have some fun little family home evening thingy ma jig planned out. I decided that since my wonderful (most of the time) children have been having an extremely hard time getting along as of lately.  Maybe just maybe a lesson on 'Love at Home' would be most appropriate. Now I must admit, while searching the internet for some stories and a fun little object lesson I have failed miserably on the whole 'Love at Home' theory. I have raised my voice quite a few times, said some hurtful things, spanked, which I rarely do if ever, and made my little girl cry. So I ask, is this showing 'Love at Home'? Uh..No, I don't think so. So maybe this lesson will do good for Mommy and Daddy as well as the kids. 

Finally got what he wanted....

One of the fun little..or should I say "big" things that David got for his birthday was something he's been wanting for a long....long....long....long....long time. I am pretty sure that most men, if they don't already have it, want one of these. Or something like it.

It seemed as if everything worked out just right this year and I was able to do this...so this is us bragging just a "LOT"...David is so excited so I had to post it. :o)
(Yes that is New Moon playing on this here T.V. for all you Twilight fans out there.)

David with his 47" Philips television.  He was just so happy and proud