Sunday, September 27, 2009

Baptism and anniversary!

The whole Eller Family! We could tell it was a wonderful day for Mom and Dad Eller and it was so nice to see everyone eventhough it was for a very short time.

Some of the cousins that were willing to pose for me. (oh, and uncle Jon)

Taylor after the baptism and a couple of her cousins her age.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Can we go pick up Meliah?

Meliah and Lizzy

It's so funny that she thought she had to look at the camera even when she is kissing me.

It has started and I'm not sure how I am going to deal with it. Lizzy misses her sister so much during the day it drives me crazy. Luckily today Lizzy has preschool so I won't have to hear her say, "Can we go pick up Meliah" until about 1 o'clock. Yesterday, we had to go grocery shopping and Lizzy thought we were going to pick up Meliah. She was so upset! I guess I just need to try to up my playing skills so I can be as fun and energetic as Meliah (ha ha - impossible)! Meliah is really fun to play with and I'm so grateful for her... listening to them play, I could never compare to her imagination!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Christian plays for the Kaliodoscope Black and White Dinner

Christian getting ready to perform "Spanish Caballero"

Christian with his new friend, Alexander

Christian played the piano for the Kaliodoscope Black and White dinner this weekend. He was able to play with some amazing pianists. One that he was impressed with was a senior in high school, Alexander Apogoti (Greek, so I'm not sure if I spelled it correctly), who is a very accomplished pianist. Alexander also composes his own music and performed one of his own pieces. It was amazing! Christian always gets really excited to see male pianists that are very talented because he's still in the stage of wondering if he shouldn't like it because it's mostly girls that do it. Christian played a song called, "Spanish Caballero" and he played it perfectly. It was a great opportunity for him. My shy guy is learning to share his talent.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Happy Birthday Dad!

My dad as the baby with his mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. (Longevity runs in the family)

Dad with 5 of his children (I was the next to come)

My wedding day!

My dad turned a year older today. He looks way younger than he is. My dad is one of the greatest men I have ever met. He has always been there for me and for my little family. He has taught me to be righteous by his quiet example. He is a funny guy that loves to tell stories and has the quickest witt! I always laugh at his jokes... probably because they are simple enough that I get them. I remember my dad giving a talk in church one time (He didn't seem to have any notes with him) and I was shocked at how easily he was able to share the gospel by what was just in his head. He began his talk by telling how many members were in the church at various points in history and how the church has grown in his lifetime. He told about the changes he had seen in his life as far as his service and experience in the church. Then he said something that really stuck with me, "I am so grateful to be a part of this church, I know it is true". I felt the spirit so strong and knew that my dad has lived his life for the gospel and for building the kingdom of God. I'm grateful for him and for all those who came before him that contributed to the kind of man he is.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Back to my stomping grounds!

3 generations - Grandpa Lee, Aaron and Christian

The kids playing at the beach.

Grandpa

Rick, Becky and Lexie around the campfire

Becky, after I made her stop to pose during our bike ride. I love you Becky... I couldn't put the one of me with you, you look way too skinny next to me. ha ha!

The kids eating muddy buddies! They acted like I caught them... maybe they were feeling quilty about eating so many treats!

Christian spent a lot of time with his sling shot! He wants a cousin his age, or one of the boys to hang out with. Jon, Scott, Alex, Rick and his dad were his buddies though. They said he kept up on the bike ride and everything!

Meliah and Taylor

Twas Scott's birthday while we were there! Happy Birthday Scott... 29 right?

Christian trying to act really excited while watching Scott and Jon play chess. He loved the hammocks and wants to buy one with his savings.

Aaron with his mom! Like I said... way too many treats up there.

Lizzy and her buddy Bella! Really like two peas in a pod. Unseparable!

Cuties in the lake

Aaron with his brother, Jon. Jon just got back from his mission in Brazil.


The guys trying to set up Kerri and Alex's mansion tent! It took forever, but they got it, finally!


Over Labor Day weekend we went up to Little Grass Valley Reservoir with Aaron's side of the family. It's only about 30 miles from where I grew up, I realized that I need to share more of who I am and what I love with my kids and husband. I absolutely love to see the stars at night, the pine trees and just the smell of the cool air.

I went on a jog one morning with plans to run 7 miles but the altitude was so much different from what I am used to. 4 miles was good enough!

We played a ton of games and went on a really fun bike ride. Becky and I did our own little extended bike ride... it was so beautiful. Kerri did a neat thing every day that if the kids found the rock that was painted like a bee, they would get a treat. They really enjoyed that. Grandma and Becky did a ton of crafts with the kids, which they loved. Bella and Lizzy had a blast together and were followed by Lexie the entire time. They played in the dirt for the majority of the time. Meliah and Taylor played non-stop too, riding bikes, doing crafts and inventing things to do! They giggled together so much!

There is just something about the outdoors, no cellphones, computers, video games or t.v. to distract from what Heavenly Father created for us to enjoy.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Busy few days!

Christian - 5th grade - 1st day of school

Teacher - Mrs. Shannon

Jon returned home from his mission on Saturday. He served in Brazil for 2 years!

The kids holding the welcome home poster that they put so much work into!

Christian and Elder Eller

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Random Summer pictures

Lizzy

Meliah

Lizzy first sparklers by herself

Meliah, Grace and Lizzy

At Kerri and Alex's home with their cousin, Alexa

Alexa and Christian have a bond. They both love music!

Families are Forever!

Families are Forever!
What a great blessing

I sure do love my family!

I sure do love my family!

Our 3 little ones!

Our 3 little ones!
We have been so blessed!!!

My parenting plan!!

I have been thinking a lot lately of what I need to teach my kids to help them become independant physically, spiritually and mentally so when they turn 18 they will be able to survive on their own. The last 9 years has flown by so quickly I can't believe it. Nine more years and my first child will be old enough to be on his own. That is a real wake up call for a mother who hasn't prepared her children for those important days. I realize that I have gone on way to long without a list of what needs to be learned and done by what age so that my kids will not be horrified when they get out into the world alone. So, I've come up with a list of most everything I can think of that would be important for my kids to know and learn and what ages they should be capable. Of course, every child is different and is capable of different things at different ages. Some learn things faster and are more motivated. Others would like to just live in the home cave for the rest of their lives and have no motivation to do any of it. So, I am including my fairly flexible plan. But if you let too many years slip by, you may need to up the work to fit everything in. I got most of my ideas from a very experienced LDS author (Merilee Boyack) who has raised several children successfully! So, hopefully you find this as helpful as I do!