The Forbes Clan

Surprise!!

2010-12-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

Ok family....hold on to your horses! Yes, this is me! You are not daydreaming about me blogging I am actually doing it! So this is for my girls (my fellow bloggers)......and for the hubby who keeps saying "you need to update our blog"!
I just want to say to all of the children who are studying, taking finals, writing papers, doctoring all hours of the day, and packing! I am thinking of you and wishing you well in all your endeavors. To Kell....I'm not even sure what some of those words are that you used on your blog post, but it made me smile. To Col...I love that you like to do your homework in the kitchen. To Ash and Kaitie...I love that you two share your smiles with me everyday and that your busy doing your things. To Nat and Tam (my little mama's)...thanks for holding down the fort each day and taking care of my babies. and To Todd and Bryan...keep doing what you need to do and keep following those dreams. I've been thinking about family lately and family really is everything! I feel so blessed we've been able to spend so much time together and I'm ready for more! Thanks for Mikie who picks up the tab and thanks to my kids who still like to hang out with me. Here's to family, the holidays, and just pure joy...you are all my 'pure joy'!

Happy Day to My Man!

2009-05-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yep! Michael Jane you are my man! You are wise, kind, gentle, funny, a tough guy when you need to be, a loyal friend, the most amazing father and grandfather, a caretaker, faithful, a great listener, a great debater when I want you to be. You like to tease me and drive fast into the garage, call me a wimp when I won't wrestle, tell me I'm not making any sense when I ramble and then laugh, you are adventurous and always looking for the next fun place to travel to, you provide our family with every need and lots of our wants. I'm so thankful, grateful this day for another year of you in my life and our kids and I look forward to many more. You are my rock, my quiet guide, my best friend and this one will kill the kids...my lover! M & M forever!!!

Our Baby is Sweet Sixteen!!

2009-04-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

Wow! Our Kaitie Bug has turned the big 16! Those sixteen years went by in a blink...it couldn't have been that long ago when this sweet girl came to our family. She was doted on by her three big sisters and her big brother. The pediatrician told us all we had to stop carrying her around because she was not learning to crawl and would never learn to walk if we just packed her around all the time! If I ever let her cry when she was a baby, the older kids would tell me that was mean. Kaitie has always been so pleasant to be around and has always had a gentle way about her. When she was growing up she always had to have some project to do. She wasn't one to sit and watch TV or movies...she had to be creating. We even made her her very own 'craft cupboard' that was stocked with things to do. I would set out my sewing machine and give her fabric and she would sew dolls, purses, doll clothes and other fun stuff. When she started singing her Grandma Saundra told her not to hide her talents under a bucket, and very soon after Grandma Sally told her not to hide them under a barrell. Her talents are many...she is artistic, she is the family stylist, she is faithful, she loves the beach, and rainy weather, she is a dancer, singer, piano and guitar player, songwriter, friend, great sister, a caring auntie, a beautiful granddaughter and a very loved daughter. You bring sunshine to our days Bug and we enjoy watching you live your life! HAPPY DAY!

Easter...Spring...New Beginnings

2009-04-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

I love Easter. I love my childhood memories of Easter.
Coloring eggs...breaking my leg on Sugarhouse Hill the one year we didn't go to Grandpa's...Grandpa Edison's and rolling eggs down the hill...and throwing them at my cousins!...roasted hot dogs, jello... hiking to the top of Grandpa's mountain...grandparents,aunts, uncles, cousins...Easter egg hunts with money in the eggs!...Grandpa's talks about his love of the Gospel, his wise advice, and his shared admiration for his family. I'm so grateful, especially this year, for a Savior who loved us each so much that he gave His life and it is this day that we celebrate that sacrifice, that gift.

Because of this day we will be with loved ones again...forever.

ps. Mom tell me where you hid the 'golden egg' this year!

Joy...these bring me joy!

2009-03-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

Child of My Child~
You are the child of my child

Heart of my heart

Your smiles lift my spirit and bring me joy

I love to hear your stories, your funny ways of thinking

I love to see the world through your eyes.

Through you, I see the future and fondly remember the past

Through me, you'll have a friend that will last and last

Child of my child, you make my heart sing!

*love, Grandma Mel*

"A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty."

I just can't wait to squeeze all of you...counting the days!

A Belated Happy Day for Miss Niah!

2009-03-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

I couldn't go any longer without giving a special blog spot to Miss Niah in honor of her birthday that was in January. When Miss Niah was born her mama and pops were living in Grandma and Grandpa's basement. This was really fun and exciting because we were able to see this beautiful little princess everyday! Your mom and dad had left for the hospital and when they got there the nurses were going to send mom home, but she went walking the halls with your dad instead. She had to make a few stops at a garbage can or two because she was throwing up. When they went back to the nurse, she let them stay. Late morning, Grandma, Grandpa, Colin, Kaitie and Kell headed to the hospital. We called Grandma Saundra and she met us there. We all were waiting in a waiting room area and we were able to go say hi to your mom and dad. As it was getting closer to you being born, Grandma and Grandpa snuck down by the room and stood outside the door in the hallway. We became a little worried when a team of 5-6 people came in with special baby equipment. We weren't sure what was going on. We waited and waited and then we heard the most beautiful sound...our Niah Marie crying! We were so happy you were here and we hurried to the waiting room to share the good news. Your dad came down a while later and told us all that we could come meet you and talk to your mom. That was the most amazing thing...to meet my first grandchild! You were so perfect and beautiful and you made the cutest little faces. You kept sticking your little tongue out and your dad said that was a Mason trait. We were all so happy to meet you and you have brought us joy from that day on. You are so fun to talk to...you always ask "what have you been doing today", or "how are you today?". You make Grandma laugh when you tell me silly stories. You called the other day to tell me that your "Irish Tree" (clover you are growing) was getting really big! and that your dad was not Irish. I love that you love anything princess, disney, and that you believe in 'prince charming'! I love that you have such a 'belly laugh' and that you have a sense of humor. I love that you like musicals like your mom and are such a good singer and dancer. You bring sunshine to my days and you are growing up way too fast! Can you stay four forever?

Dancers are the messengers of the gods. ~Martha Graham

2009-03-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

What a delight...what a wonderful experience...to watch our Kaitie Bug charm us with her love of dance. Her closing night of concert was last night and even though she was curled in a ball, colorless, hooked to IV's in the ER just hours before she danced... she danced, she danced anyway and so amazingingly so! It was such a beautiful sight...no words to really explain it! I am so often overwhelmed by the dedication, hours and pain that Kaitie and Kell have endured over the years as they have pursued their love, and I mean love, of dance! It really comes from their soul and it is a true expression of something so beautiful. I always feel so graced to have been a witness to their joy...girls thanks for sharing with me. Don't ever stop!Dancers are instruments, like a piano the choreographer plays. ~George Balanchine

Dancing faces you towards Heaven, whichever direction you turn. ~Sweetpea Tyler

Fresh Poppy Design Giveaway

2009-03-15T10:56:00.001-07:00

Check out this wonderful quilt patterns at Fresh Poppy. So creative! They are having a free giveaway right now...be sure to enter. http://freshpoppydesign.blogspot.com

Happy Day to Miss Preslee!

2009-03-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, it really does seem like yesterday when 'Na' was in DisneyWorld and she received a phone call from Mama Tam who said she was in labor and a baby was coming! Preslee you were in a hurry, you weren't going to waste any time. A few hours later, Grandpa Mike called me back and we put my phone on speaker phone. Auntie Kell, Na and some drill girls and mom's listened as we sat in the restaurant at the All Star Music Resort, as you were born. Grandpa Mike and Great Grandma Saundra were there and I'm not sure who else. They were in the hall and they let us join in. It was a wonderful moment and you had the cutest little cry from the very beginning. Luckily, Kell and I were scheduled to arrive home that night and so we only had a few hours before we could meet you in person. Grandpa Mike picked us up from the airport and drove us to the hospital. You were all dressed up in a beautiful pink hat and so cute! I remember your mama's feet were swollen really big, but her and your dad had the biggest smiles ever! They were so happy and grateful that you had arrived safely after a couple of weeks of your mama being really sick.
You are a special girl Preslee Kae! You are full of sunshine and you are spunky like your mama. I love how you love your friends, Woof, Bear, and LuLu. I love that you like to dance. I love that you are a teaser and that you call me 'Na'. I love that you love Backyardigans...I do too!
We love you Miss Preslee Kae and we wish you a wonderful Number TWO birthday!
love, Grandpa, Na, Colin, Kell, and Kaitie

HERE'S THE BIG NEWS!

2009-02-25T15:23:00.001-08:00

My handsome prince of a son officially asked his princess Ashley to be his 'true love'. She said, 'yes'! Sisters Kaitie and Kell were happy to be Col's helpers. We are so happy for the two of them and life is good...

Big News Is Coming...

2009-02-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

There is some big news coming...I need to find help loading a picture and then I'll break the news. Be patient...you'll soon find out! Hint: true love + bling

Miss Chloe the Birthday Girl!

2009-02-24T05:47:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that our little Miss Chloe Nan is two years old today! I remember the phone call that Grandpa Mike received from Mama Nat saying she was in labor and then I get a phone call from Grandpa Mike saying I'm booked on a flight to leave in just a couple hours and I'm on Grandma duty!! Grandma duty is the best...second to mom duty...I just love those two jobs!

When I arrived in Burlington, Mama Nat informed me that labor had stopped. Well, we couldn't have that, so Grandma Mel, Mama Nat and Miss Niah headed to the mall and we walked, shopped and walked some more. We didn't know what our new baby was going to be, so we bought light green and yellow jammies. It worked! The labor started up again and we went home and when Mama Nat started to bend over and couldn't stand up any more and couldn't catch her breath, Papa Bryan took charge and off they went to the Hospital. It was a wonderful phone call to receive letting me know all was well and that we had a beautiful baby girl join the family. When Miss Niah woke up I informed her that she had a baby sister and she just couldn't wait to go see her. Later that day I took Niah to the store and she insisted she buy something for her new sister.

From the very beginning you could tell what a sweet, tender spirited little girl Miss Chloe would be. Chloe is Greek and it means "blooming". This is Chloe exactly because she is an explorer, curious, ever learning new things, and happy and beautiful like a new blooming flower.

We love our Miss Chloe Nan and wish her a very HAPPY 'turning two' day!!

Love,

Grandma Mel, Grandpa Mike, Uncle Colin, Auntie Kaitie and Auntie Kell

HAPPY DAY TO MCKELL!

2009-02-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

What? Kell is turning 19?!

Because she is turning 19, here are nineteen reasons we love having Kell in our family...

1. she is proud of her red hair

2. she is an awesome sister

3. her beautiful smile

4. her contagious laugh

5. she has sweet 'white chocolate' moves

6. she loves to learn new things and she shares them with us

7. she loves, loves to travel

8. she is proud to be Irish!

9. she speaks to us in languages

10. she is teaching little sister to drive a stick shift

11. she's a dreamer

12. she pursue's her dreams

13. she loves great literature

14. she can tell you about art...any art

15. she is self motivated

16. she is kind to all of us

17. her nieces and nephew love her

18. she has a messy room

19. we love, love, love the dimples!!!

Most of all...we love YOU! HAPPY DAY Kellibell!

Update

2009-01-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

change

"Learn to embrace change,

and you'll begin to recognize

that life is in constant motion,

and every change happens for a reason.

When you see boundaries as

opportunities, the world becomes

a limitless place,

and your life becomes a

journey of change that always

finds its way."

I guess you could say I've been away from my blog for awhile while I try and 'find my way'. What a journey this has been and, yes, life has been in constant motion...never pausing...and I've been trying to move forward and not backward. Some days are easier than others...some are just plain rough!

I'm so grateful for so many things and these are the things that keep me going...

(check the wordle above..I couldn't get it to go in my post..click on it and you can read it)

WILL IT ALWAYS FEEL THIS WAY?

2008-10-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked 5 months since the loss of my mom. I spent the afternoon thinking about how not everything has been a loss...there are things I've gained. I appreciate family even more than before; sisters, my dad, nephews, neices, my husband, children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, friends, my mom's friends. I've gained a marked sense of all the 'tender mercies' that have been granted. For instance, yesterday I happened to see two of my mom's dear friends at different places...places I just happened to go to on that day...month 5. I received a sweet text from Tam who had remembered the day. My Aunt Marsh called to check on us...we remembered together-her kindness, her big heart, her way of taking care and knowing how everyone was and sharing it with us, how many friends she had, that she was everyones anchor/calmer. Great phone calls with my sisters...Jen and I were able to laugh just knowing mom is proud that she has been getting a babysitter and that mom is probably teaching Dylan crazy things to do. De and I talked about how the sadness just has to come out now - now that the trauma has subsided some. I can see my mom's twinkle in her eye, her mischeviousness in so many people...Luke, Land, Kaitie, Niah. I even caught a glimpse of her in my own mirror today as I cut my hair shorter yesterday and as I walked past my mirror...just for a minute...I saw her. I went downstairs to where I had brought some of her things to my home. In a bag of her crocheting things, I found the class instructions with her own handwriting on it and the very burp cloth we had learned to do at that class together. Is it coincidence, tender mercy, that just the night before I sat up and finished a burp cloth that I had pulled out of my cupboard that I had started years ago but never finished...the very one from that same class. I'm going to put them both in a special place. I've had this overwhelming desire to crochet, sew, cook (that's a miracle!), be in the yard. Is it because I know these were things she loved to do and they are my loves too? Now the time, the mood has shifted, and it is easier to surround myself with her pictures, things and easier to do things that I know she loved to do. It's a softer sadness, a pure sadness that just has to come out. All by myself, out loud, as I was holding fabric of hers I said, "Mom, I just hope I was good enough to you. That you knew...that you know now, how much influence you have had on me. That I miss you. I love you." I had found this saying on a plaque several weeks after mom died and I had to buy it. It reminded me of her, of the kind of mom I want to be, and the kind of mom I know my daughters are and will be.

Motherhood
is not for the faint of heart
mothers are fierce
protective
HOVER
cheer
Let you fall
Let you fail
PICK YOU UP
worry
HANDLE HEARTACHE
comfort fears
teach
listen
MOTHERHOOD,
Your greatest challenge
Your Finest Hour

I love you mom....

AMAZING!! INSPIRING!!

2008-09-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

McKell called last night and invited me to come and hear Ronan Tynan at the BYU Devotional. He is one of the Three Irish Tenors. I was so excited and it was more amazing than I would have ever expected! I had chills as he told story after story of adversity and how he overcame it and how we too can do the same. I bought his book and Kell and I were able to meet him. As he signed our book, I made sure I told him I was Irish and where my people were from. It was a great experience - a great day! Thanks Kell for thinking of your Irish Mam! (mom in irish)
You can go to this link and hear some of his talk...http://www.ronantynan.net/news.aspx?bid=83

Where Have All My Children Gone?

2008-09-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm sure somewhere in the back of my mind I knew this day would come, but seriously, this is ridiculous!! Here I am 5:21 PM in the afternoon (early evening!) and I am home alone!! I think that is why I had five children - I hate to be home alone! I'm trying to count my blessings...Natalie and B are steadfast and sure as they enter year number three of Med School Of course, they had to go far, far away to Vermont, but I shouldn't complain because my cousin just entered Med School in Puerto Rico - it could be worse! Their cute girls keep me entertained on the phone - Niah tells me about the 'Nation' and Chloe and I talk 'animal'! Tam and Todd heeded my plea to choose a Med School that had a direct flight from Salt Lake. Woops! I forgot to mention to them that a 3 hour drive from the airport was not what I was thinking. They are getting a taste of the 'country life' and maybe Preslee and Baby Boy Jacobs won't be total 'city kids'. Preslee loves to say 'hi' on the phone and lets me know when she is 'all done' talking. Colin returned from his mission and I'm still grateful for the footprints in the carpet on the way to his room. He has new digs in Provo, but I like that he shows up enough to keep those prints there. Now, McKell, we may never see again. She is in her element! She loves school, dorm life, and she is always looking for her next adventure. Now, the baby, Kaitie Bug, she still lives here - at least her bed looks like it has been slept in each morning. She is busy with High School life and dancing her heart away. Let's not forget my better half - Mikie! He is building the project of his dreams (day and night dreams - he is obsessed!). Because of his hard work we will have a haven in the mountains....and here I am - ALONE AT HOME. I guess I'll go crochet! I love you family wherever you are and I'm proud of all you're doing!

Mother, Mom, Mama...

2008-07-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

When I gave birth to my first baby, Natalie, I remember my mom poking her head in the delivery room when she arrived and the Doctor telling her she couldn't pass the red line on the floor. She stood there as long as they let her and was so excited for this wonderful event. After they got me settled into my room and the nurse handed me my beautiful little girl, my mom said, "Once a mom, Mel, you're always a mom!" I've thought about those few words so many times over the years - happy times, sad times, challenging times, overwhelming times, uplifting times, frightening times and especially at this time. Those powerful, undeniable feelings of love that consume your whole being as your 'mother heart strings' as I call them, are played over and over again everyday of your life. And as mom said 'once a mom, you're always a mom!' It will never go away! My baby girl, Kaitie, danced the most beautiful dance to a song that reached out and grabbed me. Each time I watched her dance to this song I just thought of how all my children, my little babies have grown up into these beautiful, wonderful human beings. Each one is so unique and kind hearted and making wonderful lifes for themselves. There have been challenging times for each of them and I know they will have more challenges on their paths ahead, but they are each so strong and prepared. I miss my mom so much the past few days. The reality has sunk in. She was my calming influence, my rock, she made me feel like I could conquer anything and I just hope she really, really knew how much she meant to me. How greatful I am for everything she taught me and the love she showed me. Mom, Mother, Mama, whatever the title a mother may go by, those short words have so much meaning packed into them. I just felt like sharing these thoughts about how I feel about being a mom, it is priceless to me, a gift, a treasure and this beautiful song "In My Arms" says it all about how I feel towards my own children who will be 'my babies forever'. I also try to imagine that my mom made that same promise to me and my sisters that she would always be there for us and somehow, even now, she is holding us in her arms.

Trying to Stay Calm

2008-06-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

It has been really hard for me to make myself put a new post on my blog. There is so much to say, but it is so hard to put it all to words. This has been hard, very hard, and very ugly, yet there has been beauty and radiant good. My heart aches for my mom - I miss her so much - but my heart aches for my dad. He is doing so well and I am so proud of him. He is trying so hard and he is such an example to us all. I'm so overwhelmed by the help from my sweet husband, from my kids, from my sisters, from aunts, uncles and friends. It is really taking a village to put us all back together. We're moving forward, tiny steps forward.... I needed to write an article for the two local newspapers, Summit County Bee and The Park Record for my dad. I thought I would post it here because a lot of my feelings were expressed in it.

The death of our wife, mother, grandmother,
sister and daughter
Saundra Stephens Toole
was devastating and very emotional for our family.
The loving and joyous memories of her
will sustain us in the days to come and
we are finding healing in God’s tender embrace
and in knowing others remembered and cared.
We sincerely thank those in the community for your kind

expressions of sympathy;
cards, letters, phone calls, flowers,

donations to the scholarship fund, food, and many more gestures.
Most of all, for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
We have come to believe through this experience
that there can be solace, that all things are possible,
that life is precious, that peace is reasonable, that
laughter is special, that blessings are divine
and most of all that love is grand.
We have all been touched by your kindnesses,
The Immediate and Extended Families of
Saundra and Doug Toole

Peonies for Mom's Grave

Pure Tragedy!

2008-05-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet mother has died. I'm oh so sad! I miss her ever so much and love her beyond words. Pray for a miracle for my father. It is going to take a miracle to heal his mind and heart. They loved each other so-"I love you with my heart" they would say to each other. Happy Mother's Day my sweet mom. I'm taking care of dad.

2008-05-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

I traveled as a chaperone with McKell, 100 other students, 23 parents, and the most amazing Art History teacher, Cheryl Hughes, to San Francisco. I had done this six years ago with Tamara and had such a great time I couldn't wait to go back. Mrs. Hughes just opens up a whole new world of Art and a museum will never be the same. She gave lectures each night- 9-10 pm for the students, and 10-11 pm for the adults (so we wouldn't fall asleep in our rooms before roomcheck!). We were prepared for what we would see - it wasn't just another painting in a museum. I had a blast with McKell and her friends and I'm glad they let me share this experience with them.

Belated Blogging!! Cruise with the Brady's...

2008-05-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

The middle of April Mike and I were able to go with our good friends the Brady's on a Cruise. We left out of Galveston, Texas and stopped in Mexico and Honduras. It was a well needed trip for all of us and we had lots of laughter and good times. Here are some memories of the trip:

Rock Stars!

2008-04-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

When I walked into Kaitie's school for her talent show I could hear her, but not see her. I followed the sound and there they were, Kaitie and Kaylee, rehearsing in the bathroom!

They did an amazing job and looked like two rock stars standing up there with their guitars and singing. They repeated the show three times throughout the day and received more than one standing ovation! Their song they sang was Stop and Stare by One Republic.

Good job you little Rock Stars!

DANCE UPDATE

2008-03-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

Mike and Kell had a great trip to Milwaukee! They stood in line for 3 hours in the cold starting at 5:30 AM. Kell danced for the camera's three times while waiting and made some great friends in line. Mike even got a picture of Cat Daley. When they got to the doors they sent 'guests' away and only dancers could go in the Theatre. Kell waited for three more hours before her actual audition. Her specialty was Hip Hop and she was put in a group of 10. She said she was in a room with about 300 people and they turned on some random music and she 'freestyled'. She said the crowd was into it and yelling for her and she had a great time. Travis, one of the judges, mentioned something about 'looking too young'. She wasn't called back, but had a great experience and felt like it was well worth it. She thinks one of her new friends is sure to be famous! The two of them were actually snowed in at their hotel as no taxi's were running, airport closed, huge blizzard! Luckily they both love movies and watched several in their room and they found a bookstore and Kell bought Art History books! We were excited the airport opened up on Saturday and they were able to get home.
Kaitie is still patiently waiting for news from High School Musical. We're crossing our fingers!!

DANCE AUDITIONS

2008-03-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

McKell and Mike are on their way to Milwaukee as I type! Kell had planned on auditioning in Salt Lake in April. A couple months ago they changed the audition and it fell eight days before her 18th birthday. No tryout in SLC! Thanks to her great Pops they are on an adventure to Milwaukee and she will audition tomorrow morning at the Milwaukee Theatre. Good luck Kell! You're and awesome dad Mike - we love you! Kaitie and Kell were both invited last Tuesday to audition for High School Musical 3. There were fourty-five dancers in their groups when they learned the dance and then they split into groups of six to audition. Kaitie was called to the table where Kenny Ortega (director) and Bonnie Story (choreographer) told her that she had made the motion picture as a 'feature dancer'. They said that she would be contacted at a later date. YEA KAITIE! We are hesitant to get too excited until we hear back because of what happened to Kell when she was told she made the opening scene in High School Musical 2 and they never called back! Fingers crossed!

Fun sidenote: Kell was able to meet Sharpay's dog in her audition.

MY DEERS!

2008-03-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to 'my deers'! I love them! It just makes me smile when I look out back and there they are! My favorite thing is to step out on the back porch and talk to them. They are always very attentive and listen to me carefully! When Niah was here we went and bought some oats for our deer. She would tell Grandpa it was time to 'feed the deer some oats Grandpa!" We threw some salt blocks over the fence too. They liked it!

2008-03-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy time with dance! The end of February I went with Kaitie and her Dance Company when they performed at Disneyland. It was a great time! They were able to do some dance workshops, perform at California Adventure and play in the parks. They really are some cute girls!

In March, Mike, Kaitie, Colin and I traveled to New York City with McKell's Drill Team. It was an exhausting trip, but lots of fun! The girls saw all the sights in New York, attended classes at the Broadway Dance Center, went to Wicked, and participated in a competition on Staten Island. I think Colin realized that drill girls are a lot crazier to travel with than a team of baseball players!

2008-03-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

This is a true miracle! I have been braggin' that I have a blog page, but I figured it really isn't mine until I do an actual post by myself. (Nat did my first one!) I've been working on this for over a hour, and yes, a miracle has happened - I figured out how to post a picture! We had had big plans to do a family picture when everyone was in town, we even bought the outfits, but the State Basketball games got in the way - Kell had to go dance in Ogden, and her music didn't even work and she didn't dance after all! So, this is the best we could do. It was so great to be all together. My emotions were on high mode on Friday as we were together for the last time, because I knew it would be another 6 months before it happens again. Call me sentimental, I just like having all my kids around me! The top picture is me with my babies!

Here we are...

2008-02-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

Here is the Forbes Clan (Bryan, Todd, Niah, and Preslee are missing). This is the first post to my family blog!