Alone

For the first time since we were married in August, Ryan and I had a night at home without any children. It was a little strange going to bed without the hall light on and not hearing anyone bang on the wall in bed, but I think we'll survive a week!
Saturday we drove to Kingman, AZ to drop off Grant, Hayley and Zack for their Christmas visit with their Mom. Sunday we took Chloe, Darby and Sadie to meet their Dad in Fillmore, UT.
We will be doing quite a bit more driving this weekend to pick-up the kids in Arizona. But for now, I am just going to enjoy my time with Ryan.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I absolutely LOVE Christmas. I love decorating, I love shopping, I love the anticipation of what people will think of their gifts... But most of all, I love the spirit of the season.
Last Friday night, Ryan and I went to see "The Forgotten Carols" and I truly believe the Shepard's Carol when it says, "And if you feel the spirit in the air, then just like me you'll know that he was here... And he will come again, 'cause he was here!"
What better message could there be for a confused world? The Savior of the world was here and he will come again.

Merry Christmas!

Snow Day?

Normally sitting at my desk, I can look out and see desert, red rocks, and off in the distance snow on Pine Valley Mountain, but, not today. Today, I see snow everywhere, including the usually red rocks and Pine Valley Mountain is entirely hidden by clouds. I drove to work in a slushy, one lane mess. The kids are out of school for a snow day. Most of Washington County is under 6+ inches of snow. The one redeeming factor is that as bothersome as the snow was to me this morning, I am fairly sure that it will be almost completely gone by the time I go home from work.
I know the kids are home playing in the snow and loving it! And, Ryan is wishing it would stay around awhile for him to be able to 'play' in. So, I guess when it comes to the powdery white stuff, I am seriously out-numbered in my dislike. Oh well!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

Not that our normal lives aren't busy enough, with the Christmas parties and programs, this week and next are more crazy than normal.
Monday Ryan had his company party in Vegas and didn't get home until almost 9:00p.m. Tuesday, Darby and Sadie had dance, Grant had scouts, Zack had pack meeting, Chloe had Young Women, Hayley stayed home sick and Ryan had Elders Quorum Presidency meeting. Wednesday was my Mom's birthday as well as Darby & Hayley's choir concert. Tonight, we have Grant's band concert. Friday, Chloe is singing the national Anthem at the Girls' High School basketball game. Saturday is Darby & Sadie's dance Christmas party and our Ward Christmas party. (Which Ryan and I are in charge of the nativity/program.)
Next week, Darby is Mrs. Claus in the 4th grade Christmas play, Chloe has a choir concert (both on Wednesday night) and Zack has a Christmas program on Thursday.

Ahhhhhhh!

Zack's Baptism

Saturday night Zachary was baptized. Hayley gave a talk about the Holy Ghost and Ryan Baptized and confirmed Zack.

It was a really nice night, and a great weekend. We had a so much support from family, it was great.

It was crazy at our house this weekend with all the family, but it was so much fun! We are so grateful for the love and strength of our family.

Thank you all so much!

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday!
I love the chance to spend time with family cooking, eating, cleaning up and just hanging around without the pressure of commercialization that goes along with Christmas.
As a little girl, I remember getting dressed up and having Thanksgiving with all of my cousins. I looked forward to it every year.
Yesterday, Sadie's class had a Thanksgiving program and sitting there listening to 1st Graders give their meaning of Thanksgiving gave me a renewed appreciation for what is good and right with the world.
I truly am thankful for so many things...
My Savior, my incredibly handsome, sweet husband, our beautiful children, the incredible place we live, the love and support of such great family and the endless blessings of the restored gospel. (I will end there, but the list goes on and on.)
Happy Thanksgiving!

Darby is 10!

Wednesday, November 19th, Darby turned 10!
She is such a sweet girl. We are so grateful to have her in our family. She is a constant peace-maker at home and is always cognizant of the feelings of others.
Happy Birthday Pretty Girl!

School Lunch

Today was parents' day at the elementary school. I got to go eat lunch with Sadie, Hayley, Darby & Zack. As entirely un-cool and embarrassing as I am, I hope they know how much I love them, and how cool I think they are!

A little late.. but better late than never

Darby, Teacum, Hayley and Grant

The girls awaiting the costume awards.

Zack, Darby, Hayley, Teancum (Ironman) and Sadie

Hey guys, give me your candy!

Grant, don't make Mariah mad anymore!Even the car was dressed up!

Election Day

I got up early this morning to go vote before work. I got to the polls about 7:10am. There was already a line well out the door and I debated at whether to stay, or to go home and get to work on time. But, as I was driving, the Boy Scouts from our ward were out putting up flags on the lawns and down Telegraph Street. It was a great reminder that voting is a privilege that I NEED to take advantage of. I ended up only 10-15 minutes late for work, with a sense of pride and patriotism that I wouldn't have had if I would had skipped voting this morning.
I am grateful to live in this country, I am grateful for those who have sacrificed so much for my freedoms, and I pray for the perpetuation of the faith and values on which this great nation was founded.

I am... Tag

I am: Heather; A wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend & child of God.
I know: that Christ lives.
I want: to be sealed to my husband.
I have: been watched over even when it would appear otherwise.
I miss: eating lunch with Ryan everyday.
I dislike: contention in my home.
I fear: I'll never be good enough.
I feel: like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I hear: office chatter, typing, etc.
I smell: my hand-cream.
I crave: time alone with Ryan.
I cry: because I feel out-of-control.
I usually: try to smile.
I wonder: how long it will be before I feel normal again.
I regret: ?????
I care: that my family is happy.
I worry: that my family won't be happy.
I am not: ready to give up.
I believe: that with faith, anything is possible.
I dance: when nobody is watching - most of the time
I sing: all the time. There is always a song in my head.
I don’t always: Tell people exactly how I feel.
I argue: when I feel threatened.
I write: E-mail, text messages & grocery lists
I win: ?????
I lose: time... every day
I wish: I could see the outcome.
I listen: to music.
I don't understand: the big picture.
I can usually be found: running around like a crazy person.
I am scared: of losing it all.
I need: to feel like I a make a difference.
I am happy: when I wake up and Ryan is there.
I tag: anyone with the desire or the time.

Sisters

I am one of the very lucky people in the world to have sisters who are also my best friends. I grew up the youngest of 6 with my closest sibling almost 5 years older. My sisters were 14, 12 & 4 when I was born. Being the youngest, I also gained sisters-in-law at a fairly young age. They have been a part of my life longer than they weren't. (Poor ladies, stuck with me all this time.)
As adults my sisters have been my cheering section, my shoulders to cry on and even my biggest critics when I needed a kick-in-the-butt. They have been a constant in my life, and I very grateful for there continual love and support.
I have also been blessed with other sisters. Most recently, since I have married Ryan I have gained 3 more sisters. I am grateful for the opportunity to have them in my life and to benefit from their experience when they were there, and I wasn't. You will never know how much I appreciate your love and support as well.
In addition to my literal sisters, I have so many great, enduring friends that have buoyed me up and helped me through hard times.
Thank you all!

Crazy Busy!

Life is crazy right now. But, no worries, I'm sure it will calm down in about 9-10 years.

We have started a new chapter at the Allred/Mecham house. Ryan started working this week, and it has been crazy(er)!
Ryan isn't crazy about the new job. But, we'll take it for now and go from there.

This week we have had something going (or several somethings going) every night. It seems like we have been jumping from one thing to another. For example tonight; Zack has scouts at 5, Grant has a band concert at 6:30, Ryan could go bowling with his new co-workers, Chloe will have play practice until 7:30 and I am going to Signature Suppers to make 3 prepare and freeze meals. (Bad timing, but I won it on the radio, and with a family of 8, who is going to turn down free meals?)

Tuacahn & Big River

Last night Ryan and I went to see "Big River" at the Tuacahn Theater. It was incredible!
Tuacahn is a wonder in itself. It is the most beautiful outdoor theater set against the back-drop of a red rock canyon.When Ryan was here in June, he and I went there to see "Les Miserables." It was fantastic. But "Big River" was absolutely amazing! For about half of the show, the stage was flooded with running water to represent the Mississippi, with an actual raft floating all over the stage. I feel bad that we waited until the last night to go, because I would have recommended it to everyone.
The special effects that they can do being outdoors are incredible. There were live horses, actors on zip lines spanning across the stage, and real running water! I don't know where else you could see anything like it!
Thanks for taking me Babe!

A little Change

I changed the background, not to anything cool like Amy does... but just to switch things up a little. I also really like the symbolism of the lighthouse.
There is something very safe feeling about a lighthouse. And, I personally always imagine home a little like a lighthouse. A safe place to light the way in from the stormy outside world.
So, it may not happen immediately, but hopefully our home will become a safe haven from the outside world.

It's October Already!

I cannot believe how time is flying by. I have been trying to post something at least once a week, and it just seems crazy because we have SO much going on all the time but when I come to sit down and write about what has been happening, I draw a blank.

Last week was Pine View High (Chloe's school) School's Homecoming. We took the kids and went to the game. All of the kids had their faces painted, and they watched the game and we had our own little cheering section! It was a lot of fun! the game went into double over-time, we definitely got our money's worth.
I love High School football. Most of the kids are there because they just want to play, and many times the one that wants it most, determines the outcome. Plus, where else can you watch a game with this kind of background scenery?

Double Birthday

Tuesday was Zack's 8th birthday and Wednesday was Sadie's 7th birthday, so last night we had a combined party for them both.
The CHEESY GRIN TWINS!

Great Weekend!

This past weekend was a lot of fun!

Friday night we celebrated Mike's Birthday. It was a lot of fun.
Saturday we had a lot going on, but we had a really great time. In the morning, all 8 of us loaded up and headed for Toquerville Falls. None of us had been there, and we were told it was about a half an hour to get there. But, it ended up taking about an hour because the last 5 1/2 miles was a very rough road, that took about thirty minutes to negotiate.
The falls were beautiful. While we were standing at the top trying to decide how to get down, Chloe jumped and got the party started!
Everyone except Sadie and I ended up jumping. But, we all played in the water and had a great time.
Darby and Zack hunted tadpoles and frogs.

Afterward Darby, Sadie and Mariah were in the Dixie Lions Round-up Parade.


The evening ended with our ward talent show. Darby danced, and the whole (Jensen/Bracken/Allred/Mecham) family sang, well sort of sang, "Skin." Not one of my proudest moments.

Sunday was a relaxing, great day.
I could take quite a few more weekends like that one!

One more down

I can't believe another week has passed. I have been such a big slacker as far as this blogging thing goes. It just seems like the days fly by. There is so much going on all the time.
We haven't had one night this week without something going on. I sometimes wonder if I/we spend way to much time just doing things, instead of taking care of what is most important. Last year Elder Oaks gave a talk in GC entitled, "Good, Better, Best" and I worry that I do a lot of good things, and miss chances to do the Best things.
One thing that I have loved is that ever since Ryan and I have been married (almost 6 weeks) is that we have had family dinner together almost every night. Last night Darby commented on how nice it was to sit and eat as a family. While we were finishing getting everything on the table, I stopped to listen to the chatter coming from the dining room, and it kind of made my heart smile. There were the usual comments, "Don't eat yet, we haven't had the blessing," and "That's not what I wanted." But there was also some good conversing about what happened at school, what Zack and Sadie want for their birthdays and several other various topics. Maybe I'll consider family dinner as one of my best things for now, and go forward from there.

Whew!

Well, I think we are done traveling for awhile.
This past weekend we went to Phoenix for Candice (Ryan's sister) and Tim's wedding. It was really nice! The drive to and from Phoenix was long, but not too bad.
The Wedding was nice, but the highlight was watching the dance.

The kids had a great time. They completely wore themselves out, and did some pretty major floor sweeping with their nice clothes on. But, overall it was a good time and we had a lot of fun.

Hopefully, we will be staying at home for awhile now. Ryan and I have both been sick, and with school, dance, play practice, etc.; some stay-at-home time sounds eventful enough.

Long Weekend

This past weekend for Labor Day, we took the whole Fam and headed north.
Chloe, Darby and Sadie stayed with their Dad for the weekend, and the rest of us spent the weekend at the Garcia's, with all of the Jensen's there too! It seems like some of the most memorable and best times are just hanging out with family and being together.
On Saturday we went to Copperton Park and visited the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine.Sunday we went to church and took it easy.
Monday, it was rainy an awful in the morning, so we took a ride around and looked at the Great Salt Lake before we picked up the girls. Then after we picked up Chloe, Darby and Sadie, we ate lunch at La Frontera, and headed home.
At our favorite gas station in Beaver, the girls introduced Grant, Hayley and Zack to the "Big Rocking Chair," and of course, we HAD to get pictures! (Chloe was too cool, or not primped enough for pictures. I'm not sure which, but anyway, she's not in them.)

Another Week

It has been another week! And once again, everyone is alive and kicking!

Yesterday was Hayley's 10th Birthday! For her party we went to the park, the kids played in the water, we had KFC for dinner and ate cake, of course.
Our neighbors the Jackson's joined us, as well as Grandpa & Grandma Bracken, and all the Jensen family.
Hopefully Hayley had a great day and good times were had by all. There are many more days like this to come!

First Week

What a great week!
All of the kids have made it through their first 4 days of school.
No one has died, and I haven't killed anyone. (That is a bonus in itself.)

I am so loving being married! Ryan is such a great guy! I am so in love with him! It is so nice to have him here all the time! I am so grateful to have found him.

Done Deal

Well, it's official. Ryan said, yes. He is now stuck!

We have the daunting task of melding two families and two households. The kids are getting along as well as or better than I could have hoped for. They are fighting like siblings should, and all is right with the world.
School starts tomorrow. Sadie will be in 1st grade, Zack in 2nd, Darby in 4th, Hayley in 5th, Grant in 6th and Chloe starts life as a sophomore. Oh my gosh, just typing that made me tired!

We (at least I) am excited for this new adventure. I'm sure there will be obstacles, but easy would be boring!

Oh My Gosh!

I cannot believe that I am getting married this week!

Chloe and I went to Girls camp last week. We were gone, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We had a really good time. I am glad I got to have that experience with her. The timing wasn't the best with the wedding this week and all. But I am glad I had the chance to go. And I know that I will understand things better in the future, having been.

Ryan and the kids will be here tomorrow! I am so excited! I have missed him like crazy! We haven't gone this long without seeing each other since we met. I don't know what we were thinking, but at least we are sure that we want to be together!
I think our house will be chaotic for awhile. As we moved Chloe and cleaned out the little girls room, it seemed like 'stuff' multiplied instead of diminished. And, tomorrow we will be adding another house full of stuff. It will be absolutely crazy, and I can't wait!

Well, this week I have to change the title of my blog. So, if you have any great suggestions, please let me know.

The Girls are Home!

I am so excited to have the girls home! I picked them up in Fillmore on Saturday, and they are done with their summer visits and will be home until Labor Day!

We have lots of excitement going on at our house. Not the least of which is Sadie has finally lost her first tooth (2 months short of turning 7.)

We are in the process of re-modeling the computer room into be Chloe's new bedroom to make room for the boys in her old room. Grandpa and Mike are taking care of us in the re-model and paint department as usual.

Girls Camp is my next big endeavor. Chloe and leave next Wednesday, and will be gone until Friday evening. I will be grateful and relieved to have that over.

After Camp, I will have exactly a week to get everything else ready for the wedding. that's plenty of time, right? I have bought the girls' dresses and that was a huge issue, so hopefully other things like table linens and flowers will come together. Regardless, it will all work out.

Updates

For the next 4 weeks, it is most likely that this blog will become an update on wedding plans and how things are progressing.

For now, this is what is set. Ryan and I will be getting married, August 9th at the Relief Society Building in Washington. It will be small. We will be dressing/decorating in Light green and Ivory.

My mom has already started baking tart shells, and has bought table decorations.
Brenda and I spent last night driving around looking for dresses for the girls and shirts and ties for the boys!

Tonight is girls camp preparation, so wedding plans will have to hold off.
There is definitely more to come.

4th of July Weekend

I always love the 4th of July holiday. It seems like no matter what else is going on, the 4th of July is just a great day for food, family and fun.
This year was no different. Chloe and Mariah danced in the Stadium of Fire at BYU on the 4th, and the rest of the weekend was spent with family.Saturday we had a barbecue with all 6 of us Bracken kids together, (which doesn't happen very often.) We always have a great time when we get together! I am grateful that as adults we all get along and can still goof around.
AND... after meeting all of my brothers and sisters and seeing all of this craziness, Ryan still says he wants to marry me! Who could ask for anything more?

Summer as a Kid

This afternoon I met the little girls and my parents at the park for lunch.
As soon as they were close to finished eating the girls were off to wade in the water.
I love to watch kids just beings kids. And, wading in the water and catching tadpoles, is definitely best enjoyed as a kid.

July? Already?

Oh my gosh! I cannot believe that it is July already!

Last weekend was Frazier and Mindee's wedding. It was beautiful! They probably thought I was a freak of nature, because I told them like 5 times to take care of each other.
Ever since my own separation/divorce, I have cried all the way through wedding ceremonies. Not because I am am sad (or cynical) for the couple getting married, but more because I have been on both sides. I have been incredibly happily married and also felt the betrayal and loss that comes from broken promises. All of that aside, I am incredibly happy for them and excited for them to start their life together. I absolutely believe that being married and building a family together is what it is all about.

The reception was great. Is was nice to see family that I haven't seen for years. We always have a good time when the family gets together.
All of the kids had a great time playing on the grass and dancing.

What a GREAT Week

Well, Ryan is headed for home... We had such a great week! I can't wait until he is here all the time!
Friday night we drove up to Payson and stayed with the Garcia's.
Darby and Sadie came from their Dad's Saturday morning and they got to meet Ryan in person for the first time. All three of the girls totally love Ryan already. (That comes as no surprise, he pretty much won over everyone he met immediately!)
We spent most of Saturday with Ryan's family. His sister Catherine and her husband Rich were on their way back from Wyoming, so the girls got to meet them and their kids. We met lots of Aunts, Uncles, cousins as well as Ryan's Grandma.
Sunday was my Dad's birthday, so our week ended with another family gathering.
Ryan fits in so well with my family, I am so looking forward to getting our kids together and starting this whole big family thing.

Some Cute Weekend pics

I'm a BIG slacker-head

I have been out having a good time, not checking my e-mail, reading blogs or anything. (I even left the mail in the mail box for 4 days.)

Ryan has been here the past 4 days, and we have been out playing and taking it easy. On Monday, Chloe, Ryan and I went to Zion's National Park. The beauty and the majesty of the canyon never fails to amaze me. Zions has always been one of my favorite places on earth, and it was even better to get to go with Ryan.

We had a great time! Chloe and Ryan braved the water, while I cowered on the shore.

Chloe's Birthday

Today my Beautiful Chloe is 15. It is hard to believe that I can possibly be the mother of such a gorgeous teenager. (I still feel a lot like a teenager myself.)
Before Chloe was born, I didn't know what I would do with a child of my own, all the time. But, from the moment she was born, she was my girl!
Chloe has been a great blessing in my life, she keeps me young, and makes me old all at the same time.
Happy Birthday Beauty!

Big Family

Last night I came home and Chloe had been working on a White Board rendition of what our family will look like pretty soon. (She included Jake in the portrait.) But, I thought it was worth sharing!

A new week, A new month

I have debated whether or not to write/post anything because it is pretty hard to beat last week's excitement! I am personally more excited now than I was a week ago, (if that is possible) to be getting married! I can't wait for the family to meet Ryan (they will love him) and to start making definite plans.
This past weekend I stayed in Payson with the Garcia's who have moved back to Utah for good! Woo Hoo! It was great to meet Mindee, Frazier's fiance', and to share in their excitement!
Saturday we picked up Darby and Sadie, did some shopping and had a little party that night. Bonnie and Jeff hadn't seen the girls for almost 2 years.
On Sunday the girls and I went to our old ward in West Valley (That ward will always be like home.), we stopped in to see John, Jane & Jordan, I took the little girls back to Jason's, then headed for home for a barbecue to celebrate Kenny being home from Iraq.
There is certainly no room in my life for complaints. Anyone who has as many reasons as I do to celebrate is very blessed!

It's been a week... a BIG week

I haven't written or posted anything for a week. It has been busy, a little sad and really great all at the same time.

Last Friday was the last day of school for the girls. Sadie is officially in 1st Grade, Darby is now in 4th and Chloe is a sophomore (yes, she is in High School!) On Saturday, Darby and Sadie headed off to Jason's for a 4 week visit. (That is the sad part.) Chloe is staying home this time to practice for the Stadium of Fire.

On Friday, I went to Arizona for the second time this month to see Ryan.
For any of you missing out on the story here, I met Ryan online and we started emailing each other in January. In mid-March we started chatting online almost every night. From there we started talking, pretty much every day. We met in person the first week of May and that went REALLY well. This past weekend, I met his kids (he has 3, that he has primary custody of.) Grant is 11, Hayley is 9 and Zack is 7. I also met his parents and 2 sisters.
On Sunday night we officially decided that we are going to be married. Yes, you read that right. All of the particulars are still up in the air, but it is going to happen.
Ryan will be here the weekend of Father's Day, and again the 4th of July weekend for anyone that wants to meet him.

Pizazz Dance Review - Saturday May,17 2008

This is Chloe all decked out!