The Kerr Klan

NEW BLOG

2010-09-07T11:22:00.001-07:00

My new blog is www.talenakerr.wordpress.com

Check it out!

Week 25 "Celebrating Teens" Photo Challenge

2010-06-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/

Please visit www.iheartfaces.com

Week 23 • Play Photo Challenge

2010-06-08T00:52:00.000-07:00

Play the saxophoneCheck out www.iheartfaces.com

Graduation Pictures

2010-06-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

I find it very strange here in Hanford, CA that they have a cap and gown ceremony for 8th grade graduation. Nevertheless it was a nice ceremony, short and sweet, it was a hot evening, and the young kids looked so grown up!!!

He was so excited to be there.
One handsome dude!

8th grade graduation photos

2010-05-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Our oldest son, Jacob is graduating from the 8th grade

His awesome, beautiful saxophone.

Jacob and Jenny, two good friends!

Just a little glimpse of some of our May actvities

2010-05-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Jacob and JD at the 8th grade banquet

Jacob after he received "Band student of the Year" award.

Jacob dressed up for 8th grade banquet

Aaron on his last day of preschool, enjoying ice cream and doughnuts

His spot on the mat the "monkey", a perfect place for him.

May Day.... May Day!!!

2010-05-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

Life has been crazy, busy and hectic lately, I have thought about the above way to often these last couple of days and wishing I was there instead of here.

Oh, the crazy month of May!!

So much to write about, so little time.

Some highlights of the month so far, and it's only the 11th.

Weekend alone with my hubby at Harris Ranch

Weekend girls trip to Las Vegas

Scholastic Book Fair

Getting our computer repaired and back

Mother's Day

And I even forgot to pick up my son today from his Saxophone lessons --nice! (just a highlight of one of the things I've forgotten lately).

Spring Break Part #1

2010-04-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

After our Hawaii trip, we were home for three days and then headed to Utah for Spring Break, which was March 29th-April 5th. The day after we got back from Hawaii I picked up my Mom at the Fresno airport. She was our special guest speaker for the adults in our ward. Her topic was "Living in Truth and Avoiding the Pit of Illusion" For more info visit her blog at www.sherriejohnson.blogspot.com. As always, she did an awesome job. On Sunday we headed out of CA for the drive to Utah. It was my mom, and I and the four kids and our friends caravaned behind us. Poor Daddy had to stay home and work. We missed him terribly! Here are a few shots from our vacation.
This is Tyler, our second oldest, he is 11. He is sitting in one of my Mom's beautiful green leather chairs. The natural sunlight is coming through the open window. I LOVE his freckles.

It was so awesome to return to the beautiful sight of the Salt Lake Temple. Our youngest wasn't with us, (thanks Mom, for watching him that day). They were so excited to get their pciture taken. It was also a little cold for us Californians.

"I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday......". This is our oldest Jacob, who is looking out the window of the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

And it SNOWED, while we were there. It has been YEARS since I have witnessed snow falling, it was so beautiful. I think the Utahans were sick of it by then. I thought it was absolutely beautiful.

And we were actually able to go to a 'cousin' birthday party. It was a blast. It was an alien birthday themed party. This is our youngest Aaron (4), with his cousin Eli, who turned six while we were there. Thanks family and friends for all the good times!!

Change of Command

2010-04-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

Last Tues. the 13th I had the awesome oppurtunity to photograph my friend's husbands change of command ceremony. He has served our country for 20 plus years in the United States Navy.
He was promoted to Commanding Officer. And I had the special honor and privilege of attending the ceremony. There was a special reverent and sacred feeling there. His parents were there (from Kansas) and ny freinds mother was also there, (from Florida). Here are a few images from the day. I shot 198 images for her and her family. I LOVED it!
This is absolutely my most favorite shot of the whole day (below). Mr. R. mothers hands holding the program.

His beautiful wife was able to put on his 'pin'.

Giving his boy a hug after the ceremony

And this is why I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE photography. I was able to capture this moment in time when both parents/grandparents are together (this was the first time since they were all together since Mr. R. and Mrs. D were married).

I am grateful for these special friends!

Day #5 Dole Plantation and going home :(.

2010-04-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

I never knew there were so many varities of pineapples.

Saying goodbye to this wonderful view, was very hard.

The flowers there were exquisite.

Banana tree.

We were able to tour the Dole Plantation by riding on a small train, 2 mile trip around the Plantation.

Good bye Hawaii, we LOVED you, hopefully we can visit again some other time.

Day #4 Beach Day

2010-04-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Abigail loved using the boagie board.

Aaron taking a break to eat his lunch.

The view was spectacular

Our family on the shores of Hawaii!

This was interesting to watch-the famous blowhole. The water would come up between the rocks and 'blow out'.

Day #3 in Hawaii, Rest Day.

2010-04-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Playing cards outside on the deck.

I loved the RANDOM assortment of dishes we had at the rental house.

Playing on the beach, Abigail and Aaron.

A view from our backyard.

It was pure JOY to watch our four year old play in the waves.

Day #2 in Hawaii, Polynesian Cultural Center.

2010-03-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

The views were spectacular!

At the Luau, the food was delicous!

Our family in front of the Hawaii LDS Temple

A Samoan climbing a coconut tree.

So beautiful!

Day #1 in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor.

2010-03-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

The USS Missouri was spectacular.

And of course the USS Arizona was solemn and reverent.

Vacation of a lifetime

2010-03-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hawaii was AWESOME! More details to follow....

Twenty Years ago Today!

2010-03-17T23:56:00.000-07:00

In two minutes March 17th will be over. Twenty years ago today Jay Dee and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. We were married at this time because it was our spring break, he was attending the University of Utah, I was attending Weber State Univeristy. Oh we were so young and naive, I was 20, he was 22. Four kids later and living in CA, I would have never have even imagined we would be where we are today. It's very overwhelming to think about the last 20 years, where does the time go? I am grateful and blessed!

winter lettuce

2010-03-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

My winter garden was a sucess! I think spring is finally here!

Happy Monday

2010-03-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

What's in store for you this week? Happy Monday

For the beauty of the Earth....

2010-03-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend!

Mandy and David, You are the bomb!

2010-03-10T21:08:00.000-08:00

Mandy and David THANKS for letting me take your pictures!

Blossom photos 2010

2010-03-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

Polly Pocket and friends

2010-03-08T11:53:00.001-08:00

OHHHH this wall!

2010-03-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

More 'scouting' finds. I loved the colors in this wall.

Favorite photo of the day

2010-03-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

This HAS to be one of my favorite photos. EVER. Aaron and I went out 'scouting' yesterday for places to take photos. We found some awesome locations. All in dowtown Hanford, who would have known????

Chocolate for Chocolate

2010-02-25T12:09:00.000-08:00

I truly honestly believe in kindness begats kindness. Monday as my friend and I approached our daughter's dance class, she was grumbling about her awnry, sick toddler and she mentioned she was going to wait outside in her car with her sick toddler strapped in his car seat. My mind suddenly went back to the days when I tended to toddlers, soggy diapers, wiping noses and planned the day according to their nap schedule. In the meantime, my four year old and I walked over to the donut shop, while we waited for the dance class to finish. AHHH I could smell and see those yummy chocolate doughnuts, we picked out our favorites. We then headed back to the parking lot where I could see my friend in her car. I approached her window. "Cranky kids calls for some chocolate", I told her as I handed her a small white bag with chocolate doughnuts and gave her a small carton of chocolate milk. She smiled and was very appreciative.
Then on Tuesday I grabbed whatever kids wanted to go with me (two came) and we headed to IHOP for their free short stack of pancakes. We devoured our free pancakes, they were so yummy! The waitress brought me a free hot chocolate, she did it simply because she knew I wanted one and out of the kindness of her heart. It was the best hot chocolate I've had in awhile. I sipped on it and thought about the day before; chocolate for chocolate my friends! Kindness for kindness, I'll take that any day.

Some more fun with my camera

2010-02-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

I love the above photo, because I can actually see the water droplets on his chin.

New camera lense

2010-02-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

Woot! Woot! I got a new lense for my camera! I love it!! This is Aaron, our four year old. I LOVE his dark. brown beautiful eyes!

Some of my favorite Vaelentine pics

2010-02-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

My awesome Valentine dinner!

My daughter's best friend, Alli.

Taking a bite out of a cupcake at her class Valentine's party. (Abigail)

Aaron at preschool writing in his journal.

I sent a singing telegram to my husband on Fri., this barbershop quarter sang two songs, Yours Truly and I'll always call You Sweetheart. It was classic and he was so surprised.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

One way I love to express love to my family is to cook for them. Valentines is extra special, today the meny consisted of ribeye steak, baked potatoes, iceberg salad, boiled asparagus, and rolls. It was soooo yummy. I just wish I felt better to enjoy it. Nasty winter head cold has set in. I hope you all have had a wonderful Valentine's and have expressed your love to everyone and to your special Valentine.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-02-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

Today, Feb. 5th is my mother's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! From the Kerr household we give you great big hugs and kisses. This picture was taken in Dec. of '09 when she and my Dad came to visit for Abigail's baptism. She is with Tyler (11) our second oldest. My mother has taught me so many things among them:

1. How to choose happiness
2. Optimism
3. Unconditional love
4. Family is important
And I think the most important is how to put our Savior Jesus Christ first in our lives.

FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS! WE LOVE YOU AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

2010-01-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

I am reading an excellent novel right now, "The Help" by Kathyrn Stockett. My sister-in-law gave it to me for Christmas. The detail and character development in this novel is absolutely amazing. It takes place during the 1960's civil rights movement, (era). One of the main characters, Miss Skeeter is a white woman, who recently graduated from college and comes back home to Jackson, Mississippi. She takes an amazing risk by interviewing 'black maids' and wants to publish their story. See amazon.com or goodreads.com for excellent reviews of this novel.

The Snow Trip Day

2010-01-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

The kids and I had a blast Sat.. We traveled to the mountains, up through Kings National Park and played and went sledding in the snow. Lots of laughter, fun and wipe outs!

Giveaway at 'Good News'.

2010-01-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Head on over to GOOD NEWS! (My Mom's blog), for a chance to win her latest book.

'Gospel Insights To Everyday Living'

www.sherriejohnson.blogspot.com

A New Year!

2010-01-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

I am very excited for 2010! I don't know why, but I just have good vibes about a nice even number like 2010! 2009 was an awesome year and I hated to see it go, I hoping that 2010 will be just as good to us.
The above picture was taken in Gilroy, CA on Jan. 6th 2010, at Chevy's restaurant. We traveled to San Fransico on Sun. the 3rd (to get my sister's four kids back home) we vistied The Exploratorium on Tues. and then drove down to Santa Cruz to visit The Mystery Spot, stopped at Chevy's and then back to Hanford on wed. night. It was an awesome family trip. Today we saw the Sherlock Holmes movie, I thought it was exciting and intense. I would highly recommend it! Happy New Year to everyone!

DPP: December 22

2009-12-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

DPP: December 20

2009-12-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

DPP: December 19

2009-12-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

DPP: December 18

2009-12-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

DPP: December 17

2009-12-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

DPP: December 16

2009-12-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

DPP December 9

2009-12-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

Hanging the house lights! Love our California winters, pansies and calily in full bloom!

DPP December 8

2009-12-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

DPP December 7

2009-12-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

DPP December 6

2009-12-06T21:51:00.001-08:00

DPP: December 5

2009-12-05T20:21:00.000-08:00

DPP: December 4

2009-12-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

Giveaway!

2009-11-25T15:04:00.000-08:00

This is an awesome giveaway I'm entering, oh Santa, please come early.

http://scribbit.blogspot.com/

Favorite Photo of the Day!

2009-11-24T22:26:00.000-08:00

This has to be one of my favorite photos from today, I took Aaron and my camera over to the park and had fun taking picutres, oh boy do I love this little guy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-21T20:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages

I am Thankful!

2009-11-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

Thanksgivng is less than a week away, where has the time gone? I did my 'turkey' shopping last night. I bought a 25-lb turkey to cook up for next week. I have to say, I LOVE the cooking part of it all, the smells, the preparation, gazing over cook books, the planning, the shopping, I LOVE cooking for my family! And they LOVE to eat it, and I LOVE to eat it, I can't wait. We will be having a small crowd here next week, probably 5 extra people, plus our family of six. Our favorite family recipe for Thanksgiving is corn pudding, so yummy!

Speaking of food, we had a fabulous Halloween dinner. Pictures above include wiches brew, table setting with homeade root beer in the cauldron with dry ice, kitty litter cake, and pizza mummies.

An awesome experience!!!!

2009-10-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

This beautiful family used to live right next door to us. They are very dear friends to us. Mr. W, serves in the military, he is a F18 pilot. He has been deployed for the last six months. Mrs. W. had a baby four weeks ago, yes, while he was gone! He wasn't able to come home for the birth. On tues. Oct. 20th he returned home with his squandron and my friend asked me to come take pictures of the days activities. He saw his little girl for the first time that day. It was a beautiful day! Here are some of my favorite shots from that day. I took about 200 pics that day.

The W. family posing in front of a F18, which Mr. W. flies, he was serving on the USS Reagan.

The W. family reunited after a six month deployment

Gettting ready to greet their Dad.

Anxiously waiting for their Dad. It was so cool to be right in the hangar and watch the jets come in, it was also very loud!

This is one of my favorite shots from the day, the two oldest kids, huggin' on Mom.

Photo of the week.

2009-10-19T23:45:00.000-07:00

Just couldn't help post this photo. This was taken Sat. night at the roadshows (plays/skits). These two girls were part of the animals that were chosen to go on "Noah and the Ark".

I Am Thankful...

2009-10-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

.....for a busy, hectic life.
......for four wonderful, beautiful kids who wanted to go to the Pumpkin Patch even though it was raining
.......for the oppurtunity to serve others
.......for the oppurtunity to see families reunited after military deployment (more details to follow)
.......for awesome friends who make me laugh and smile

Have a Great Day!

2009-10-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

My 10 year old son, Tyler (above photo) was giving the blessing on the food today. And this is what he said, "May we please have a great day for the rest of our lives." That was his prayer, I thought it was so cute! Because he is always having a good time. He is such a cute boy and we are so lucky to have him in our family.

Sick Kids!

2009-10-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have a nursing degree and my husband has a medical degree. So,why do I get so stressed when my kids are sick? The only thing that has kept me sane this week has been my daily workouts at the gym. My cardio workout was excellent this week, more than I've done since my 10K this summer. I needed to release stress, and anxiety. And release I did, it felt so good! I've also been doing a lot of weight training, and oh my do I feel better. I think there is something to do with release of endorphins and weight lifting.

My kids have been very sick this week, my second oldest Tyler has missed five days of school. It seems to always hit him the hardest and he is always out the longest. He is one tough guy! The above picture is what my kitchen counter looks like when the kids are sick. Nyquil works great for their coughs-and knocks them out too. For Tyler, I am using buckwheat honey and he seems to really like that. My husband says, it's going to be a long, busy winter for the flu. So, what are your flu remedies? And many prayers to all of you who have sick kids!!!!

Newport Beach

2009-10-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at Newport Beach last Thurs, Fri and Sat.. I took two of the kids Abby and Aaron, I just love the above photo of them, jumping on the bed at the lovely Mariott. I was able to see two of my sisters, Meleah, Anissa and their families.

Abby posing for me on the hotel furniture.

Aaron peeking out of the covers. I LOVE his eyes!!!

This has to be one of my favorite photos of Aaron on the beach.

Just another awesome photo of Aaron in the water.

I am Thankful.....

2009-10-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

1. for being able to visit two out of eight of my amazing sisters this past weekend.

2. for being able to live in a time where we are able to have a living prophet on the Earth today and have the technology to be able to hear his inspiring words.

3. for my loving husband and family.

4. for peace and comfort.

5. for being able to photograph the beautiful "Birds of Paradise" above at Newport Beach.

Funnies from our house!

2009-09-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

My four year old started preschool this year and lately has been very interested in how to spell things. Yesterday he was sitting at the kitchen table and he was asking me how to spell simple words, like Mom, Dad, cat, his first and last name. Then he said, "Mom, how do you spell credit?". I said, " Why do you want to learn how to spell credit?" And he replied, "Because you have so many credit cards". Oh boy, they do observe everything.

Children

2009-09-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at church was our 'Primary Children's Sacrament Presentation'. It is absolutely the best sacrament meeting of the whole year. Why, because the children are so real, sweet, innocent, vulnerable, trusting, full of faith, so close to heaven, their words and singing are full of beautiful messages. So, for Family Home Evening last night we discussed this verse:
1 Corinthians 13:11
" When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things"
We talked about how much influence that little children have and the sweet spirits that they are, and how we as adults can become more, and learn from them.

Family Campout

2009-09-19T22:52:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome family campout these last two days at Shaver Lake. The kids had a blast! I know they enjoyed because in every one of their prayers they would say, "Please bless us so we can have some more camp outs in the future". Everyone was given a camp name, these pictures will describe their names.
Jacob, above was named 'Rubix', because he played with his Rubix cube the whole time.

Abigail was 'Frog Princess' because she caught these little frogs

Tyler, in the middle with the green shirt was named 'Pyro' because he was obsessed with starting and playing with the campfire.

Aaron was named 'Rocky' because he would climb and climb and climb these rocks.

I was named 'Dutch' because I made this awesome dessert in the Dutch Oven, the recipe was titled "Chocolate Lover's Delight"

Jay Dee was named 'Air Bear' because he said he slept well on his new air mattress I hooked up for him and he SNORED like a big bear.

Good time had by all!

Hello!

2009-09-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

Has it really been over two months since I have posted something. WOW, where does the time go? We keep so busy, I guess I forgot about my blog for awhile. Well, it has indeed been and exciting and eventful couple of months. The most exciting part of the summer was our cruise to Alaska, it was awesome! We celebrated my 40th birthday and we were gone for seven days by ourselves. It was a dream vacation. We had the time of our lives and saw some beautiful country, ate some delicous food and slept whenever we felt liked it. The above picture is just one of about 1000 I took on our trip. I do have a small trigger problem with my Nikon D80.

The next photo is of our family, with Jay's mother and sister, my grandma was also with us, she is taking the picture. We had some fun times, which included birthday parties, backyard barbecues and family reunions. We are in front of the Oquirrh Temple in South Jordan, Utah.

This next photo is of our second son, Tyler. I thought I downloaded a picture of our oldest son, Jacob, who turned 13 on August 4th. I am to tired to fix it. Tyler's photo will have to do for now.

I turned 40 on July 24th, it was wonderful to be with family on my birthday, we celebrated at my parent's house with lots of family, food and birthday cake!

Happy Fourth and Happy Birthday!

2009-07-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love the fourth of July, absolutely my favorite holiday. I love it even more because it is my husband's birthday tommorow. We crashed his lunch hour yesterday and celebrated with the other dr's and their office staff. Above is Dr. Beddoe and Dr. Castillo. He works with these two fabulous men!

These are the gifts he received from his MA Vanessa, and the office staff.

The kids and I celebrating with the Dr., ie. my main man!

When my two oldest boys walked in the room they immediately silly stringed their Dad, it was awesome!

The beautiful cake we brought in for the party, so yummy!

Happy Birthday Jay Dee, WE LOVE YOU!

Monday at the Zoo!

2009-06-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

And, YES I did take the above photo at the zoo today!

I am thankful for:

1. Good times today with the kids and friends, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and 'In and Out', can't get better than that!

2. My testimony of the gospel.

3. Awesome family and awesome friends!

4. My health and strength

5. My minivan!

I'm entering a giveaway

2009-06-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

So, I'm entering a really cool giveaway at this site

www.bluelilly.squarespace.com

She's an amazing photographer with lots of talent, I have met her and she is a delight!

Please, Wendy pick me for your giveaway!

Summertime Memories

2009-06-03T10:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had so much fun sitting outside in our backyard, enjoying the nice cool weather, and I sat and watched these three little monkeys play. Our Aaron is on the right and his two friends, Sam and Isaac were over for the day. I marveled at their innocent play, their sweet spirits and just how much they love to PLAY and have fun. So I sat and watched and my mind took me back to when I was little, I asked myself questions, "What did I do in the summertime"?, "What were some of my favorite childhood memories?".

So here it goes, some of my favorite childhood summer memories.

Playing with my sisters in the unfinished basement.

Riding our bikes

Trying to sell painted rocks to our neighbors.

Trying to sell radishes from our garden to our neighbors.

Working in the garden

Bottling cheeries with the family

I have a very strong vivid memory of having an all night Monopoly gamathon with my oldest sister, Laresa.

Family camp at Nephi KOA

As I got older, my summers were filled with girls camp, youth conference, EFY, working at The Cottage, and then working at Pineae Greenhouses.

What were your favorite childhood summer memories?

May you all have a wonderful summer filled with cherished memories and eat lots of peanut butter with apples! YUM!

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!

2009-06-01T09:13:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for:

1. A loving and supportive husband

2. Four wonderful, beautiful kids.

3. Peace and love

4. Eating S'mores with my family last night! So yummy!

Science Showdown '09

2009-05-29T08:54:00.001-07:00

SCIENCE SHOWDOWN '09!
As a family last night we went to the Middle School and supported Jacob at the seventh grade science showdown. It was a lot of fun! There are two seventh grade science teachers, Scholz and Vaughan, Jacob is on the red Vaughan team. Many of Jacob's friends were on the blue team, Scholz team and Mr. Scholz just happens to be his Young Men's President from church. So Jacob was ready! And ready he was! He has been studying for a month or so. So, they have two teams made up of seventh grade science students, who go head-to-head for the science showdown, Scholz has the winning record at 3-0, and unfortunately he won last night, so his record is now 4-0. It was a fun night! It was exciting to see all the seventh graders get dressed up, painted faces, signs, yelling and screaming for their team. I was so proud of Jacob he was on the vertebrate team, he was the only one on his team that got all the questions right, he rocked!!

Here are the two teachers conversing after the showdown.

This is Jacob's tshirt he made for the showdown.

This is Jacob and his science teacher, Mrs. Vaughan, she has been a very positive influence for Jacob.

Here we are decked out in our red to support Jacob, and the red Vaughan team!

May 19th, 2009

2009-05-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it is May 19th and I have been trying really hard to remember why this date is so important to me. And it finally hit me why this date is engrained in my memory. It's not our anniversary or anyone's birthday, (not anyone close to us anyway). On May 19th, 1995 is the day I graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in nursing. On May 19th, 1996 is the day my husband graduated from George Washington University medical school. I loved those years, my mind floats back to those student years, I loved them, I yearn for them, I miss them. I miss the East Coast. I loved living in Virginia, I loved the history of Virginia. The state slogan/motto of Virginia is "Virginia is for Lovers". I loved that it was just 'me and him' (my husband and I) we had so much fun, saw and traveled to so many different places, toured every Civil War balltle sight we could, (my husband is a big history buff). Our oldest son was conceived in Virginia, later born in Altoona, PA. So, I think that it was kind of ironic that our youngest son, Aaron graduated from his first year of preschool today. And what a delight it was! They sang songs and we watched a special DVD of their preschool pictures, it was very cute. So here are a few pictures from preschool today.

Aaron is the last one on the right, with the truck on his shirt.

I thought these girls looked so cute standing in the front row with their adorable dresses on.

Aaron on his last day of his first year of preschool. My mind today has gone from May 19th, 1995 to May 19th 2009. WOW, a lot can happen in 14 years!

I will miss you and I love you!

2009-04-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

To my husband and children,
I love you with all my heart, but I so despertaely need a break from you. Oh blessed children please be good for your father, please do what he asks of you. He is already stressed that I am leaving. Please no one get sick, your father still reminds me of the last time I went away and someone got sick.
To my dear husband, good luck, I will miss you, please get the kids to school on time, to bed on time, and pack yummy lunches for them. I will be so happy and refreshed to see all of you late Sat.. night and I will smother you with kisses while you are sound asleep and tucked in your beds.

GRIZELDA-How dare you?

2009-04-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

Grizelda, how dare you come back into my mother's life! You will be defeated. My Mom is stronger than you! You are not welcome on this planet.

To find out more please see my mother's blog

http://www.sherriejohnson.blogspot.com/

Prayers are welcome for my families behalf.

For peace and comfort I will be visiting the Fresno Temple tommorow (pictured above).
Thanks Grizelda, for making us fall to our knees in prayer and humility.

NKOTB

2009-04-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who is obsessed, (and that is a light term) with 'New Kids On The Block'. She was a groupie of theirs when she was in high school and now that they are on tour again she is following them around California, she even went to Tacoma and Salt Lake City to their concerts. I love this friend dearly! I don't really remember this group when I was in high school, but they sure are fun to watch in concert and we had a BLAST! I even got to meet them at the "Meet and Greet", with my 5 star VIP pass, it was awesome! Here's just a few pictures from the evening. I was in the sixth row.

Tyler's track mett

2009-04-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

I love this photo I took of Tyler at his track meet. I just wish I had adjusted my shutter speed so he would have been in focus. He participated in the long jump. Jumped (flew) over nine feet, go Tyler!

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

I Stand All Amazed

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enougth to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

Hymn #193

Spring Break--We Had A Blast!

2009-04-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

We had an absolutely fun time on Spring Break, we headed down to San Diego for a few days. Monday the 6th we played at Legoland, Tues. we saw the beautiful San Diego Zoo and Wed. we toured the USS Midway, the midway is an old aircraft carrier that is now in the San Diego Harbor and they have made it into a museum, it was absolutey amazing! Here are just a few photos from our trip. Tyler is above posing in front of one of the airplanes on the flight deck of the Midway.

I think my husband wants to be chief captain?

The aircraft carrier was absolutely beautiful, it was retired in the San Diego Harbor after Deseret Storm.

This is me, Abigail and Aaron riding the SkyFari at the San Diego Zoo

Beautiful flamingoes at the Zoo!

Some days I fell like (I am) Super Mom!

2009-04-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure how I was going to work out all the details of today. I had agreed to chaperone my first grader and her class on a field trip to the zoo and my son, Tyler also had a track meet, he was competing in the long jump and the 1600m relay. I had on my Wonder Woman costume today, that's for sure. I am thankful for good friends who helped me with my other children today, becuase of them, I was able to still chaperone at the zoo with the first grade monkeys and take them to see the monkeys.

And I still made it back to Hanford High to see my fifth grader compete in his first event, the long jump. He jumped (flew) over nine feet.

Here he his getting ready to have the baton passed to him for the 1600m relay.

On days like this I am thankful to be a Mom and I am eternally grateful for good friends, good health and happy active kids!

What I've been up to...

2009-04-03T18:09:00.001-07:00

Dancing the 'El Macerena' at the Holiday Inn...
Playing the tooth fairy.....

Taking down the crib, even though Aaron has been out of it for over a year. Jacob's teeth/chew marks left on the crib (he is 12 now).

Letting AMVETS pick up the crib, free pick up, can't beat that!

Trying to burn down the house, by forgetting about my boiled eggs on the stove. This is why I truly believe there are guardian angels wathching over us and protecting us.

It's all about the 17th of March and being green!

2009-03-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Nineteen years ago on the 17th of March (1990), my to-be husband and I entered the Salt Lake Temple, (small picture above) and we were sealed for time and eternity. We celebrated by escaping to Avila Beach last weekend and celebrated some more on Tues.. On tues. we had lunch together and then ate dinner with the kids by eating and devouring everything green I could think of, including Leprechaun soup, green jello, green kool-aid and I even tried to dye the homeade rolls green. It was fun, I'm glad they invented such things as St. Patrick's day so we could have a little bit more exciting dinner than Top Ramen and grilled cheese sandwiches. The Leprechaun soup turned out delicious!

Anniversary getaway!

2009-03-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

My husband told me to be ready at 4pm on Friday, and ready I was. All I had to do was arrange for babysitting and he took care of the rest! We will be celebrating our nineteenth wedding anniversary on Tuesday. We dropped the kids off and away we went to Avila Beach for the night and spent all day together on Sat.. It was awesome! I didn't want it to end, but life must go on!

She loves posing

2009-03-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, thanks for indulging me, but isn't my daughter beautiful? She's my only girl so I can say that.

I just can't get enough

2009-03-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

I just can't get enough of these pictures. I went a little (a lot) crazy with my camera and Abby and her hat.

Abigail and her hat!

2009-03-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

I had sooo much fun taking pictures of my beautiful daughter and her lovely new hat.

Pay it Forward

2009-02-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

Pay it Forward
I've seen this a couple of places and decided it would be something fun to do. So, here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (or be lazy and copy and past like I did). Then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival or your gift! Please submit in an e-mail or on the comment, your address, if I don't have it already. Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!

Just finished reading.....Molokai

2009-02-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

This was our month's selection for Book Club. This was a fascinating novel. The novel starts out when Rachel, the main character is seven years old. She contracts leprosy and is quarantined to the island of Molokai. The rest of the book is her life story and the trials and presecutions she faces as a victim of leprosy. I look forward to discusing this on Wed. with my friends at book club.

Daily Gems

2009-02-06T16:04:00.000-08:00

I received this today in my "Daily Gems" inbox. I needed to read this today. Just thought I would share it with my readers. Enjoy!

Enjoying the Moment
Posted: 06 Feb 2009 01:00 AM CST
"What can . . . young mother[s] [do] . . . to reduce the pressure [of raising young children] and enjoy [their families] more? . . . "Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction. "Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: 'The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less' (Loud and Clear [1004], 10-11)."
M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 109
Topics: Adversity, Motherhood

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-02-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

Here's to the best Mom in the world! Happy Birthday from JD, Talena, Jacob, Tyler, Abigail and Aaron. We love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

2009-02-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom!
First of all, Mom, please don't be mad at me for posting this photo. I love this photo! You look fabulous for just having neurosurgery. I loved, loved staying with you in the hospital! I am thankful that I was there to help you. For all these years you have been there for me. I'm grateful for once, I was able to help you and I loved every minute of it. Thank you for giving me the oppurtunity!
Thank you for....
bringing me into this world
teaching me
listening to me
praying with me
being my MOM
Happy birthday wishes from your daughter and family in CA who love you very much!

I love......that my son loves to help.

2009-02-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

If there is tools involved or something to be fixed my ten year old son, Tyler is always there to get the job done. I disconnected my dryer vent yesterday, to clean it out, etc.. and to see if it will run better and it turned out to be a little bit of a catastrophe, but my Tyler was there to save the day.

I LOVE that he can fit into VERY small spaces and fix things, he knew exactly what to do.

And he always has a smile on his face while doing it!

And, because it was a CRAZY afternoon and I was still in my running shorts and shoes when my husband got home, his idea was on my legs and NOT fixing dryers. So, a big THANKS to Tyler for helping me and knowing what to do! I love you Tyler and I love that my husband is still in love with my legs.

So cute!

2009-01-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

For a cute little story about my adorable 3 year old son, see here:

http://www.sherriejohnson.blogspot.com/

The Audacity of Hope

2009-01-21T11:33:00.001-08:00

So, I have been very intriqued by watching the Obama's on TV the last couple of days. So I went to the library yesterday and tried to check out this book, and of course our lovely hometown Library doesn't have any copies, I think it's a ploy to get 50 cents out of me. Anyway, has anyone else read this book? If so, is it worth reading and what did you think?

HOPE and CHANGE

2009-01-21T11:03:00.001-08:00

Hope and Change seemed to be the theme of yesterday's inaguration. It was amazing to watch the millions of people who flocked to the nation's capital to witness this historic day. I was captivated by peoples emotions and how much of their soul is invested in our new President. I think by far my most favorite part was when Pres. Obama's smallest daughter gave him the "thumbs up" sign after taking the oath. It was so adorable!

Maritn Luther King Jr Day

2009-01-19T14:36:00.000-08:00

The last time I saw this was in college when I had to take a speech class.
I enjoyed watching it again today, and how ironic that Pres. Obama will be close to the Lincoln Memorial tommorow taking the oath of office.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=youtube%2C+i+have+a+dream+speech&ei=utf-8&fr=b1ie7

She did it!

2009-01-16T18:10:00.000-08:00

Hello Hanfordites---are you loving this afternoon weather? The morning fog has not been to nice, but we have certainly enjoyed our afternoons and have been soaking up the sunshine. Abigail was determined to learn how to ride her bike this week. On Wed. she finally got it! She has been riding and riding since then. No training wheels! I am so proud of Abigail! This week she competed amongst five other first graders at her school for the first grade spelling bee. She came in third place. She went out on the word 'pretty' I told her she can't miss that word, because she is my pretty princess. Cheers to Abby!

We were blessed in 2008!

2009-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

I hated to see 2008 come to an end. It was a great year for us and one I did not want to end. We were very blessed and for that I am eternally thankful. It was not without it's challenges, but with those challenges came many blessings! We kept very busy and I make myself dizzy thinking about 2008. Myself and/or all of my family made it to Utah four different times this year. We had a couple of fun family vacations, one was to So. Cal, the other to Utah during the summer. We went to Disneyland in Sept.. In Feb. of 2008 we bought a new van. In 2008 my kids turned 12, 10, 7 and 3. I turned 39, my husband turned 41. Our oldest son received the Aaronic Priesthood, my husband was ordained a high priest. Our youngest son Aaron was potty trained and started preschool. I was a better mother to my children in 2008. I was a better wife. I ran a 10K and a 5K this year. I was a happier person in 2008. I was able to see ALL of my sisters and my brother in 2008. I read lots of good books. I am hoping and praying that 2009 will be just as nice or better than 2008.
In 2009 I will....
write down every book that I read
accept WISDOM as my yearly theme
continue to be grateful for what I have
May the year 2009 be good to you!

I am sad...

2009-01-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

As I was putting the kids to bed last night, I told them I was very sad that this winter break is coming to a close. This has been a Christmas season that I will never forget. It was awesome. I had way too much fun with my kids, we stayed up late, watched too many movies, slept in, ate way too much good food, I drank too much egg nog, played tons of games and board games, watched Utah defeat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl-oh yeah, go Utes! We attempted to go sledding in the mountains, laughed way too hard, visited with all my family, had way too much fun with the in-laws, watched Neil Diamond in concert on New Year's Eve, witnessed a medical miracle, and the best part was having my husband home for six days!

A Christmas to remember......full of miracles

2008-12-26T13:31:00.000-08:00

This Christmas will be one Christmas that I will never forget, one full of miracles. On Dec. 11th, my Mom called me to tell us that she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was devastated and full of anxiety and stress. I cried on the phone with her, "It's not fair". I told her as the tears ran down my face. After a session at the Fresno temple on Fri. the 12th, I had peace and a stillness in my heart and I knew she was going to be ok.. The kids and I flew to Salt Lake City on Dec. 18th (via Southwest Airlines, southwest airlines--we love you!). After a long day of traveling I met up with my family members and Mom and Dad at Zupas (yummy place to eat). My parents were at peace. That evening we gathered around for a priesthood blessing that was given to my Mother, there once again was a feeling of peace and answers to prayers. That evening my brother and Dad joined my Mother for a hair shaving ritual. Again my Mom accepted this trial with grace and a sense of humor as she smiled when she saw all her hair fall to the ground. On Friday, Dec. 19th my Mom entered the OR at 2:25 pm.. My awesome and wonderful sister, see her blog at www.wickhamfamily.blogspot.com watched my kids so I could go to the hospital to be with my Dad. I got to the hospital around 5:30 pm. Around 7:00 pm the wonderful and awesome Dr. Cook, came looking for us in the hospital cafeteria. He sat down and talked to us like he didn't have anything else to do that evening. He used the words miracle and mystery quite a few times as he described her four hour surgery. My Dad and I sat on the edges of our chairs as we listened intently to his description of how he rescued Grizelda, (for more on Grizelda, http://www.sherriejohnson.blogspot.com/). The words coming from his mouth were words of magic and a miracle. Grizelda was not cancerous, she would not require chemo or radiation. And the amazing Dr. Cook was able to remove the tumor, he called it a lymhangioma. Granted, they are still waiting for a full pathology report, but everything looks good! And another blessed miracle is that my Mother was able to recover with full eyesight without any visual impairment! Grizelda was resting on Mom's optical nerve. Dr. Cook was amazed that she wasn't blind already. My Dad and I embraced and cried, yes, right there in the hospital cafeteria--of all places. My Dad and I found the hospital chapel and knelt down and gave a prayer of thanks and thanks and thanks, we cried some more! Then we started making THE PHONE CALLS--close to a hundred or so. We called the sisters, brother, grandma, aunts, and friends. Everyone rejoiced with us as we told them the good news. The neurosurgeon then came to find us and he also told us that his part was finished, putting the skull back together. He said everything went well and he was pleased with the outcome and how well she was doing. They took my Mom to ICU and my Dad and I followed her up there. At this point I agian offered another prayer of thanks, I was so grateful to my Heavenly Father for helping me get through nursing school. I could read the monitors and I KNEW she was ok. I made sure she was comfortable and my Dad and I left the hospital around 10:30 PM. My Mom spent two days in ICU and then another day on the regular floor. The night she was on the surgical floor I was able to spend the night with her. I loved it, I loved being in the hospital right next to my Mother. I was able to take care of her and everything she needed. It was an experience I will never forget! Monday afternoon my Mom was discharged and was able to go home. She is doing very well and each day she gets stronger and stronger. The kids and I flew home on Tues. the 23rd, again another miracle, we came home without a hitch in the traveling plans. Oh, we did have another small miracle on the way home, we were about ten miles away from our house and the gas gauge was blinking red and it was on EMPTY! The numbers said I had 3 miles to go. Again my wonderful kids offered some prayers that we would get there safely, and we coasted into the gas station right by our house. YES, another miracle and prayers answered. We anxiuosly came home to an excited Dad and husband. This Christmas season has definitely been one of answered prayers, diligent faith, hope and peace!

Please pray for us!

2008-12-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

Last week, Dec. 11th, to be exact my dear mother called me to tell me and my husband that she has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was devastating! I was a hysterical mess. On. Fri. the 12th I was still a mess and I made a last minute decision to go to the temple. There was peace, hope and answers to prayers. I felt reassured and hopeful and full of faith that my Mom would be ok.. And she is. So I made some arrangements with credit card in hand and the kids and I are flying to Utah tomorrow. My Mom will have surgery on Fri. the 19th at 3:00 PM. We will be returning on the 23rd so we can spend Christmas here. Please pray for us that the kids and I will have a safe and uneventful travel. And please pray for my Mom, Sherrie Johnson, that she will have peace, comfort, faith and a healthy and speedily recovery. Check out her blog at www.sherriejohnson.blogspot.com. Her posts are full of faith, optimism, and prayer and her main focus is on the Savior Jesus Christ.
Happy Holidays to all!

It's really ok?

2008-12-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

This past week.....

I have tried and tested the concept of balancing to see how many dishes I can pile in the sink.

I wanted to see how long my kids could wear the same clothes day after day because I just haven't got the laundry done.

I wondered if my three year old will develop kidney failure after devouring 15-20 kids chewable vitamins.

I wanted to see how many times I could leave the driveway in one day. Tuesday I think I broke my record. It was a horrendous day!

I have come to realize that it is really ok that we don't get our outdoor Christmas lights up, even though everyone else in the cul-de-sac has theirs up and got them up the day after Thanksgiving. And our neighbors for the last two years in a row have won the city decorating contest.

I really can function with 3-4 hours of sleep a night, (not recommended).

I have learned that it's really ok to say "no", sorry folks, I can't be all things to all people. (even though sometimes I think I can).

Through all the crazinees this week has brought upon me, I have also learned that.....

I am extremely grateful for wonderful, listening friends

I am grateful for small answers to prayers

That being in an upright position and breathing in and out is a wonderful blessing.

I am thankful for laughter and the people who make me laugh, (my sisters and my brother--thanks!)

And I am most thankful for a loving, gracious, kind Heavenly Father who loves me and the knowledge that I have, that I am a daughter of God.

I can't stop listening to.......

2008-12-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

......Barlow Girl Home for Christmas

My favorite track is #2 Carol of the Bells

Birthday Highlights

2008-11-29T22:07:00.000-08:00

Abigail getting ready to open her gifts.

Her request for dessert was vanilla ice cream with lots of toppings!

My favorite part of the party was this customized Bingo game I made from this website www.print-bingo.com. We used Skittles for the markers.

Abigail and her party guests

Everyone, including Dad had a blast in the SpongeBob bounce house.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABIGAIL!

2008-11-29T22:05:00.000-08:00

Our third child and only girl turned seven today. Abigail Ivy Kerr was born on Nov. 29th, 2001 in Salisbury, Maryland. Of the four children's birth's she was by far the easiest and least painful. Also, my smallest coming into this world at 7 lbs. 6 ozs.. Abigail has a passion and enthusiasm for life. She excels in school and is an avid reader. She loves all her friends and is a social butterfly. She is a confident, smart little girl. Growing up with three brothers isn't always easy for Abigail, but she can hold her own and fight for what she wants, (good or bad).
We love you Abigail! Happy 7th Birthday!