SPT-Me!

This weeks SPT was no challenge, no props, no tours of your hometown, just you!


Today has been one of those crazy busy days! The day before we leave town, seems to usually go like this. We are headed to Utah tomorrow for the next 8 days. I can't wait!!! The one part that makes me feel a little sad is that Ben, Nathan, and Desirae wont be joining us. They had commitments, school, work etc. that they couldn't get out of. Hopefully next time we will all be together! Today has been filled with washing, packing, shopping, etc. This morning I had Sarah take this picture of me at one of my favorite places... the porch. This porch is where I read the daily mail. I love sitting out there reading the mail, and catalogues. The weather has been a little to warm for this the past month. I miss my quiet time. The porch is also a great place to hold wonderful conversations. I also love to sit out on the porch to watch thunderstorms, and monsoons in the summer.

I have to share...

I found this on someone elses blog this morning. I just had to share it with all of you! It really got my thinking, in the right perspective this early morning. I was having trouble getting onto blogger. I am so happy that the problem is fixed! I don't think I have missed these many days blogging in a while. I hope everyone is having a happy summer morning! :) Twenty Ways to Lead a Happier Life

1. Compliment three people every day.
2. Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
3. Be the first to say "hello".
4. Live beneath your means.
5. Treat everyone like you want to be treated.
6. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen.
7. Forget the Joneses.
8. Never deprive someone of hope. It may be all he has.
9. Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage.
10. Be tough-minded but tenderhearted.
11. Be kinder than necessary.
12. Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
13. Keep your promises.
14. Learn to feel cheerfulness, even when you don't feel like it.
15. Remember that overnight success usually takes about 15 years.
16. Leave everything better than you found it.
17. Remember that winners do what losers don't want to do.
18. When you arrive to work in the morning, let the first thing you say brighten everyone's day.
19. Don't rain on other people's parades.
20. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

It was such a fun day! I got to meet up with my cousin Ashley! What a treat it was to spend the afternoon with her, and her sweet little guy! It was so fun to be able to sit there, and visit about family. It was fun to realize how much we have in common. I got home, and couldn't believe I didn't take a picture!!! I even had my camera in my purse, ready to go! I think I was just enjoying the wonderful company. Ashley, let's get together again super soon! :) I found Ashley's blog thru another blogger that we both know. Imagine my delight when I came upon Ashley's blog! I was so happy to see her!

Sarah's early Birthday...

Dessie, and Sarah

the cuties!


We have had a busy few days around here! We decided to celebrate Sarah's birthday a little early this year. We seem to be out of town every year, right when her birthday arrives! We always do something fun as a family, but she hasn't had a friends birthday in a few years. She wanted to go to a water park, and spend the day with her friends. There are many resorts here in the valley that have super deals during the summer months! During the winter the resorts prices are much higher. Arizona is probably not on the record for one of the states visited the most during the summer! The winter is a whole different story. We decided on where we where going, and had a blast!!!! I picked the girls up on Monday afternoon. Desirae joined us there after work. We got checked in, and then cleaned up for dinner. Steve, Jake, Nate, and Aaron all joined us. Everyone had a great meal! The girls, and I headed back to the hotel to walk, shop, talk, and watch a movie. I thin I got about 3-4 hours of sleep! Yesterday we headed to the water park that is right on the property. We really had a fun day!

Father's Day...

Jake being creative!!!

The kiddos

Mom, and Desirae

Steve's dad, and Trudy

Lash enjoying the evening
Steve waiting to dig into his edible arrangement, his Mom sent to him

Yesterday we had our families over for dinner. It was nice to celebrate Father's Day with "THE DADS."

Dad...

Tonight I have been thinking a lot about my dad. I really am not sure how to express my feelings for this wonderful man, that has such an impact in my life. My dad passed away when I was 14. I will never ever forget that day..that time. My Dad passed away from cancer, Hodgkin's disease. He fought a good fight to beat this monster. My dad was one of 7 kids. There are six boys, and 1 girl in his family. Actually there was 8, but one of his brothers passed away soon after birth. My dad taught me so much in the little amount of time we had together. He was one of my closest buddy's. We had a special bond, that I will eternally hold dear to my heart. I will never forget the fact that he would love to take me to his plant with him. There was so much going in there daily, but when I was there he made me feel like I was the most important. He was always so proud to show me off to his employees. I also will never forget how he would take me to breakfast with him. He went to breakfast 5 out of 7 days a week. He would meet daily with his brothers, and other good friends of his. I remember ordering pancakes, and fresh squeezed orange juice. There are so many memories, but these are just a few. My Dad taught me that if you work hard, you will succeed. He taught me that anything is possible.

I would love to have my dad meet Steve, and my darling children. I would have loved my dad to have seen me in my wedding dress. I know that it would have meant so much to him.

I do know that he is in a better place. I also know that he knows my little family, and he did see me on my very special day. I am so very grateful for the gospel. I believe in eternal families with all of my heart. I look forward to the day that I will be with him again.

Fathers day has always been a very sad day for me, since my dad's passing. I would think, that after all of this time it would have gotten better. Then when I really think about it, it makes sense to me that it hasn't. There was nobody like Gary Arthur Winetrout, my dad.

I love this kid!

taking it all in

Nate enjoying his morning

I couldn't resist taking these pictures of Nate. Nate has had a love for golf since he was a little boy. He has been enjoying watching the U.S. Open this morning. Nate has been playing competitive golf for about 10 years. For the past 10 years he has spent a huge amount of his youth, at the golf course. He has the natural ability to play strong, hard, and good! I never have known a kid that has so much determination to succeed in a sport. He spends many of his days on the course in 110 weather.There have been many weeks, months that he has,played 6 days a week. It used to scare me that he would get heat stroke! We could have never ever talked him into staying off of the course. We just make sure he has tons of water, and Gatorade! In the next few weeks Nate will be playing in the AZ. Amateur tournament, and Gateway tournament. Right now he seems to have passed up most pros at the courses he plays at. He currently has a handicap of 4!!! I am documenting this to let Nate know how much we love him! How proud we are for all of his years of very hard work. I want Nathaniel to know that he has taught me so much. He has set such a strong example of determination, and drive. He has also taught me that if you really do stick with something no matter what, dreams can come true. I want him to know that I thank him for what he has displayed, as hard work, and determination. Naters if you are reading this know I am SOOOO proud of you, and love you more than my words can ever express.

Cool site!

I have to share this new find I found! I have a big wish list! I love the aprons, shoes, bags, towels...well, I think I want it all! Hee Hee! I just had to share! :) http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/accessories.php

Home sweet Home...

We made it home safe, and sound this morning. Steve, and Jacob drove up to Heber last night. Steve had some business in Showlow today, so it worked out perfectly! I was so tired from lack of sleep the night before. I kept wondering how I was going to sleep last night! I was so glad when Steve called, and said they where going to come up. Steve talked to the police this morning. It sounds like they have it narrowed down to 2 different groups or individuals that are doing some break ins. It sounded like they where right on track on catching both. We ended up having more things stolen than I had thought. They took all of our canned goods, and a quad helmet, and a Harley helmet. Steve is sooooo much more observant than me, it isn't funny! Well, I am off to get a few things done around here. All is good! I hope everyone is having a happy day! Thank you for all of your kind words yesterday. I really do appreciate them. We have never been broken into after all of these years. I realized that I was almost naive to it all. When the police started asking me the names, and makes of things, I was lost! I kept calling Steve asking him what color was that quad, what make was it, color etc. For a second I was afraid that the policeman was going to think I was a total airhead or making it up! Gezzzz! This lesson taught me to take better inventory of the things we have.

SPT, and a crazy day

This is one that was taken a few months ago. Since it is Self Portrait Tuesday, I thought I better put a picture in for documentation.



Today's SPT is to look around your home, and showcase the history, and folklore of Americana. We are up at the cabin so this was a little more challenging. Here are a a few pics. Yesterday I headed up to the cabin with Sarah. The boys where all working, and Steve needed to stay home to work, and watch over the boys. So we headed out early yesterday. It was such a beautiful morning. The rain was coming down on our way here..everything felt perfect. I got to the cabin, and opened the garage to pull in. Right when the garage went up I noticed the quads where parked weird. I thought I wonder why Steve parked them so we can barely get in the garage! I walked in, and noticed a few cupboards where open. I had my arms full of bags, luggage etc. I walked into our bedroom, and noticed that our bed had a pillow out of it. It was on top of the comforter, not in the comforter. The whole time I am clueless! So, we walk in the front room, and are opening the blinds. Sarah says "MOM" there is glass all over the chair, and the floor. I walked over to look. The fear started to become a realization. Someone had been here or was in here! I took Sarah outside, and called 911. Th Deputy was here in about 5 mins. I love that about small towns. To make a long day short. We had a quad stolen, and a little damage in the garage from moving the other quads around to get the one the guy wanted. He took the newest,and fastest. Steve was not happy! So I had some fear about staying up here. Now this is a little town that they don't lock there doors. I then started getting a little mad, and thought No way! I am not turning around, and going home. It wasn't a good nights sleep. I had about every light on in this place ohh, and left the TV going. Today is a new, and better day. A day in the life! I need to add that the contractor that built our home came over. We ordered a new window that wont be in for another week! He was so kind to board the window up for me.

a wonderful Sunday...

Today has been a really nice Sunday. One of those Sunday's that things go smoothly for the most part. Ben was home all week from the Academy. He left today to head back to Tuscon. I am going to miss him!!! This was the one hard part of the day...saying goodbyes. Everyone in the family really misses him during the week. He only has 4 more weeks to go. Church was really nice today. In Relief Society our lesson was on Provident living. It was such a great lesson. One of those lessons that leaves you really thinking. I left there ready to start some new goals. Here is a picture Desirae snapped of us right before we headed off to church. We are missing Nate Ben, and Desirae in the picture. Dessie stayed home to get Ben off. Nate was to join us at church. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!

Sarah made this hat to hang on the post of her bed. We found the hat in the dollar section of Target! Love that place!



This little lamp I made for a total of about 8.00!





I think I am just about done with Sarah's room. There are still some places I need to touch up. It was such a fun project! The best part about it was that I was able to spend time with Sarah. Here are the photos I promised. Ignore the blue tape. Those are just places that need touch up. :)

Sarah and Chloe having fun!

Chloe, Sarah, and James...

so much talent! :)

Sarah's master piece

Today Sarah, and I met up with Janae, and her sweet children. We met at a place in Mesa called Create It. It is a place where you pick what ceramic you want to paint. We left the creations there. They will go ahead, and fire them in the kiln for us. We will be able to pick up our treasures next week. I haven't been to one of these places in a few years. It was fun to be creative. After our creativity we decided to go for Mexican food! YUM! We went to Tia Rosa's. That is always so yummy. It was a great day. Thanks Janae, and kids for spending the afternoon with us...so fun!

a project day...

Today is one of those days that I am enjoying working on projects. These are some of my favorite days! I think I will have Sarah's room done by tonight. I hope! It has been a lot of fun. I am going to put out the few Fourth of July decorations that we have. This is the one holiday that I never have had to many decorations for. Maybe it is because it is right in the middle of the summer. It usually is so hot here in July. We try to be out of town as much as possible. I was looking at Heidi Swapp's website the other night. I stumbled upon this cute idea for the kids. I thought it would be great for them to be able to sit, and relax, and let their minds be creative. I was on Kim's blog the other day. I saw that she had come upon the same thing. So cute Kim! I chose to put the crayons, markers, and colored pencils in buckets, decorated for the Fourth of July. I found these at Target in the dollar section. Gotta love Target!

Spt-favorite color...

This is my favorite color this afternoon! The color that is under these little foils on top of my head! It is kind of ironic I am having my hair done the same day as this particular SPT! :)




red, green, and golds

reds, greens, whites decorate the french doors going outback.

Lelly's challenge this week is to have us post about our favorite color. I first read this challenge, and though oh no! I love color!!!! Not one color. I love just about any, and all colors. I have never been one to shy away from and particular shade. I love to decorate with many colors. I have surrounded our family with many reds, greens, yellows, and warm colors. I really wish I cold pinpoint one color that is mt favorite, but really can't. I love em all! I also like to wear many colors.

what do you think?

The other day when we where at Sports Authority I saw a bike that I keep thinking about. I have been thinking about getting a bike for some time now. I want to be able to take bike rides with the kids, and Steve. Last summer while we where in Newport I saw a bike that I should have bought. I kept thinking about it while we where there. I then came to the conclusion it would be pretty hard to get it back home. We already had 5 kids, 2 adults, and a weeks worth of sandy clothes! I have thought about that bike from time to time. The other night I saw something similar to it. I think it is a darling bike! Here is a little detail to it. Let me know what you think? :) I know I must be crazy, but it looks sooo fun!

A busy weekend...

We have had a crazy busy weekend. I am so glad that things have quieted down. We had a dear friend pass away this week, Jamie Pottle. Jamie has been a friend of ours for years. We have so many fun memories with her, her sweet husband Joe, and 4 darling children. Joe, and Jamie would have been married 25 years this year. Steve, and I went to the services yesterday. We both really struggled. Steve wouldn't want to admit it, but he had a hard time. He is tough on the outside, and so tender in the inside. I kept thinking about Joe, and his 4 children. My heart hurt so bad. Jamie suffered from cancer for 5 1/2 years. Joe was right by her side. I kept thinking about my life. What would I do if this was me? The thought can be horrifying. I left the long emotional day being thankful. Thankful for my health, for my life as it is. I am so blessed with a wonderful husband. I have four amazing children, and a precious daughter in law. I have the gospel, and a Heavenly Father that loves me. For all of this I feel incredibly blessed. W got home, and the kids where getting hungry. We decided to go to BJ's. We sat, and ate, and visited. On the way home Steve had to stop by Sports Authority. He needed to get a few things for his trip to Utah today. Her are some pictures of the group before we headed home. These kids can crack me up! :)










Nate wanting to get out of there... :)

Aren't they quite the group?