Family Visit: Firepit

We thought it's be fun to get out the firepit and enjoy the Spring weather with the Fam. Yah, right! Last night, it rained so bad that we decided to forgo our plans and stay inside. Then today, temps dropped quite a bit and the winds BLEW like CRAZY! But we decided to brave it anyways. It was way fun but chilly and the ND breeze blew ashes from here to Timbucktoo. All of us smelled SOOO smokey after. And we smelt (is that a word?) it the rest of the weekend in a jacket or a pair of Levis or anything that had come in contact with us. Oh the memories associated with smells! Too funny! The Sh'mores were sure yummy and sticky though! Thanks Honey for picking up 4 different kinds of Marshmallows just to make sure I was happy! XOXO! ;) We had GIGANTIC ones, regular ones, strawberry ones, and S'more ones that are flat and square. What will they come up with next?

Baptism Boy

We had the privilege this weekend to participate in Justice's Baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are so proud of his decision to continue following the Savior. He looked so awesome all dressed in white with his Dad! I am so glad that Brett is a worthy Priesthood holder that can perform saving ordinances in our family. We are so blessed!

As guests arrived, Justice had them sign his Remembrance Book and gave out Articles of Faith cards as a thank you gift for those who attended. He had tons of people that came to support him on his special day. We were told there was standing room only. What a loved kid we have! Thanks to all who came or wanted to be there even if they couldn't! ;)

Justice chose those who would participate in his Baptism Program. With Brett being in the Bishopric, Justice asked him to conduct, Baptize, Confirm and welcome Justice into the Church. It was special for Justice especially because he adores his Dad. Justice asked his Grandma Karla and Mom to do the prayers. Aunt Shauna gave a talk on Baptism. Then after the Baptism, Grandpa Randy gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. While the guys were changing out of their wet clothes, we played the guests a DVD that Mom put together for Liberty's Baptism called Baptism and Remembering Jesus. It's one of our favorite videos. We found it on YouTube a couple of years ago. The kids love it!! Oh, one cute memory... after Justice got baptized one of his friends yelled "Wahoo!" LOL Wahoo is right! What an exciting day!

Justice looked super sharp in his new suit (and new CTR tie-tack from Shauna). He is one good-looking kid! Funny little tidbit... when we were getting ready for the baptism, Justice went to the Church in his pjs because we knew he'd just be changing into his white clothes when we got there and then into his suit after. So, Mom grabbed the suit out of the closet on our way over. For some reason Justice look at it when we got there and discovered that there were no pants with it. Ooops! We sent Grandpa Randy back to grab some so we ended up starting late. Oh well. M.S.T. [Mormon Standard Time] anyways, right? Good thing Justice caught it beforehand or he would have come out in his Star Wars PJ bottoms. LOL Unfortunately, we didn't figure out until after the baptism that he hadn't brought any extra socks [cuz he'd worn his new white socks from the Rasmussens into the font] and only had his red rain boots for his foot attire. Shoot! Luckily, I had some McDonald socks (you know the ones you buy so you can play on the PlayLand?) in the car. Too funny! Nonetheless- we have one Handsome boy! Luv ya Buddy!

After the closing prayer, everyone joined us in the Primary Room for refreshments. We have some great friends! Thanks to all those who brought something or helped set up or clean up or just came to show love for Justice. We really appreciate you all!

We told Justice he could pick ANYWHERE he wanted for the Fam to eat lunch after. Guess where he chose? Subway! Can you believe it? That's one healthy kid? At lunch, Dad and Mom gave him his own set of Scriptures with his name on them and a medallion for his pocket to remind him to follow Jesus always! Everyone had a yummy lunch and the little ones danced like they were at a ball. What a fun day!

Justice- We are so proud of you! You are such a smart, good-lookin' kid. We know that Heavenly Father is majorly proud of you and your decision to follow His Son. We know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is God's true Church on the Earth. Being baptized by the proper Priesthood authority and by immersion is the 1st essential step in returning to our heavenly home. We pray that you continue to follow the Spirit and do those things in your life that allow you to be close to the Savior. Love ya tons, kiddo! XOXO

Family Visit: Go-Kart Fun

The kids wanted to show off Dad's new toys so they took some of our guests out for a little spin on the Go-Karts. Liberty & Justice each got to give someone a ride or two before they got kicked off the Fair Grounds. Ooops! LOL! Where the heck do they want us to drive them?

Family Visit: Lunch & Dinosaurs

When family comes to visit and school is in, Liberty & Justice love to have them come to lunch. Grandpa Randy, Shauna and Brett enjoyed an awesome school lunch sack! Lucky them! ;) Then they even got to stay and play at Recess. First, it was Justice & his friends vs. Shauna & Brett in a little football action! Then, at Liberty's recess, she want them to chase the boys with her! Oh no! Isn't she too young for that kinda stuff? LOL Anywho-The kids LOVED it!

Since B & Justice were having a fun lunch, Grandma Karla & I took the little ones to the Mall for an adventure of our own. After lunch, the rest of the gang joined us to play on the Dinos. Lots of fun! (except for when Mall security threw away Grandpa's drink. Oops! Sorry, Dad! LOL)

Visit from Family

We had family come to visit us this weekend. It was so fun to have them! Thanks to Grandpa Randy, Shauna, Grandma Karla & Ryler for coming to Fargo for our special weekend. We love you! Here's some of the special things we did with them:

  



Fargo Favorites #31

1. Flowers
I love, love, love taking pictures of flowers! They are so gorgeous. I'm planning on redoing my upstairs bathroom with some of my pictures as accents. I'll let you know how it turns out but for now, here's a few of my favorites.

2. Easter Weekend

I love Easter time! I love the time spent with family & friends, the hunts, the egg decorating and of course, the egg fights. But most of all, I love that it turns our focus to our Savior and His miraculous gift to me!

3. Busy-ness

Being busy is a good thing. Keeping busy keeps me out of bed and keeps my mind off the ever-depressing weather here. It's good to be busy!
4. Owning a working Washer & Dryer
A while back our dishwasher died. We've really enjoyed hand-washing dishes and have decided not to get a new one until we remodel our kitchen but can I just tell you how much I am grateful for my washer & dryer. Can you even imagine not having one and washing clothes by hand or hauling things to the laundry mat? AHHHHH! What a nightmare that would be! Ours is having a draining problem lately but hopefully we can tweak a pipe and it'll be all working well. Nonetheless, I'll take a drainage problem as long as it washes the loads and loads and loads each week.
5. April Showers Bring May Flowers
I am totally ready for some good, warm weather here but I do enjoy the rain. I enjoy the wet-world look and the fact that it melts away the snow and turns all the grass green. It's way pretty!
Funny story though about the rain- As we've been preparing for Justice's baptism, we have sang the song When I am Baptized several times as a family. Part if it goes like this...

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

The last time we sang it, we were laughing pretty hard. Not because of the song but becasue Liberty has some issues with the lyrics! She says she never understood this song. In her perspective, after a rain storm, the world is kind of a mess. "It's muddy, things fall down from the trees, and there are dead flies and worms all over the ground. It definietly doesn't look clean." Well, I guess for the most part, she's right. At least after a good rain storm in Fargo. LOL Oh the pure perspective of a child! She was so adamate that the song was wrong that Brett finally asked her if she'd like us to write someone and tell them that the song is false. LOL! We had a pretty good laugh!

What puts a SPRING

in your step?

Bring on the Blonde Jokes

After 2 years of a Hair Color Adventure, the BLONDE Shay is back. I've done really dark brown, light brown and red on my way back. It's been fun but when I asked Brett to be honest and tell me what he liked best- he said blonde. It took me a while to make an appoitment (and a very LONG 4 hours at the Salon-- I have lots & lots of hair!!!) but I finally got it done. It'll take bit to get used to it. It always makes me do a double-take in the mirror! LOL But Brett calls me Barbie so I'll take that as he approves!

So go ahead... bring on the Blonde jokes cuz it's here to stay for a while! ;)

Egg Fight 2011!!

The Seamons love a good Egg Fight! Remember how we are SOOO Funny? Well, there were plenty of laughs as we went head to head for an Egg Fight Champion. Actually this year, I think it didn't really even matter. Did we even have a champion? I forget. It was more about just having fun and destroying some eggs. ;)

We continued our Egg Fight Fun with Matt & Haylie. The kids actually saved some of their eggs so they could share. So cute! We have tons of deviled egg materials if you need any this week! LOL

 An all out Cat Egg Fight! LOL

Also, Haylie is so crafty! She dyed these Dino Eggs and brought some to share with the kids. Next year, we'll have to do some Egg Fights before we dye them! They turned out really neat! Thanks lady!

Hope you had an

EGG-cellent

Easter Partay of your own!

Happy Easter!

Here's a few pics of my darling kids hoping everyone had a glorious Easter!

 

And oh look!!!
A surprise visit from a stinkin' cute Easter Bunny!

The Hope of Easter

This is one of my favorite songs of the meaning of Easter! May the HOPE of Easter always have a place in your heart! May we also share our testimony that we know Jesus Christ lives. What an amazing gift He gave for us!

Happy Easter to one and all!

Decorating Easter Eggs

How come the fun things that we love are SOOOO MESSY? LOL.
We had a lots of fun decorating our Easter eggs this year. We had tons crack this year while we were cooking them. Wimpy eggs! But we still got to do at least 5 a piece. If you do the math and add the cracked ones left in the pot, that is a LOT of eggs! Thank goodness we like boiled eggs and deviled eggs and egg salad sandwiches and..... what else can you make with these stinkin' things? LOL
As usual during our decorating party, many crackles were heard as eggs slipped off the holders or were dropped too hard into the colors. AND we had a very, very colorful table before we finished. Thank goodness for butcher paper! Unfortunately this time, we had a fatality. One of Justice's favorites rolled off the table and cracked pretty bad. He had worked really hard on it and was so sad. Well, his thoughtful sister B disappeared for a bit and came back with a orange plastic egg that looked just like the one he had just lost (plus a few 3-D touches added). She's a very sweet sister!

For the Seamons fam though, it's not just about making them look pretty. It's more like prepping for the Demo Derby where you decorate for the attack. (See Post about Egg Fight 2011) There were eggs like the Purple People Eater, the Space Star, the Decorator, the Poke Ball, Captain America, SuperEgg, and Smiley. We're soooo funny! But seriously, egg decorating is serious business around here, people!

Annual Easter Hunt

The guests coming to our 5th Annual Easter Hunt (Grandma Crump-style) drastically changed this year. Our normal crew either moved or had visitors. (Brett will be irritated I used that word cuz he'd say that those that came this year are "normal". Well, that's up to discussion. LOL! j/k- luv ya guys!) Only the Tuckers have come before so it was a brand new Adventure for everyone! We had a fabulous time! This year- the McPhersons & Jimmie (Julie's Mom- she was in town for Dylan's Baptism), the Larsens, the Tuckers, the Potters and the Elders joined in the fun. Thanks for coming, guys! You are awesome! {XOXO to the Hoffmans, Webers and McKees- we missed you!}

This year, the kids had 21 items to find hidden in the front and back yard. I did mention before that it rained ALL day yesterday, right? Well, that doesn't work so well with an outdoor Easter Hunt AND 16 (or 18 if you count the Elders-lol) kiddos lookin' for loot. OR maybe it does! It definitely made it an Adventure. Here's the 2011 HUNT List:

Funny thing... at breakfast, in our morning prayer, we prayed for a little Sunshine. And who knew- our prayers were answered. So even with it being WET- it turned out to be an absolutely perfect day! Thanks Heavenly Father for being a part of our Easter celebration! ;) What a perfect way to start our Easter weekend!
Most everyone brought their rain gear or found creative ways to get around the puddles. So hilarious. Check out Elder Horrocks & Mckenzie on the playground! They are SOOOO tricky! Everyone seemed to have a good time. Even the oldest kids and the Elders (who were reluctant in the beginning) really got into it!

SIDE NOTE: We are really big VeggieTale fans so if you've seen the Easter Carol- you'll understand! If not, just smile anyways! I LOVE doing this Party! Every year growing up, my Grandma Crump did a similar Hunt at her house. When we moved here, we decided to start one of our own. We love it and the fact that it makes us feel a part of her even though we are far away! A few years ago, my Grandma passed away. She was such an amazing example of love to our family. I like to think that we keep her memory alive by doing our little Hunt! We love ya Grandma!! (If you want to watch an Easter Carol, it's on Netflix Instant. It's worth watching!)

After the Hunt, we had a fabulous Easter lunch! So yummy! We had all kinds of meat sandwiches on croissants and wheat rolls, a gorgeous fruit platter, all sorts of veggies, 7-layer dip thingy, chips, and cupcakes. Of course everyone, especially Sophie, enjoyed their candy from the Hunt as well. I think for the next seven years Soph's gonna have a pound of gun in that cute tummy of hers. But she was one happy girl! LOL! The weather was so perfect that almost everyone ate outside. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the sunshine!

At one point, Brett and Ryan L. disappeared. They decided that with the fabulous weather, they would take the new Go-Kart out for a drive. Oh, I mean- they would take a look at the Go-Kart together to decide how to put a new roll bar on it soon. Yeah- that's their story and they're stickin' to it! LOL. A few kids got a ride before unfortunately it died. Brett had to push it down the street to get it home. LOL Brett is just not having the greatest luck with these boy toys of his. I was informed that we're taking it into the shop tomorrow. ;) Hopefully, we'll get them both running before the Summer's here. It would be fun to get to use them.

What a great Easter Hunt Partay!

Thanks everyone for celebrating Grandma Crump with us!

See ya next year!

Happy BDay to our BOY!

We Partayed ALL day today to celebrate Justice's 8th birthday!

Justice and Brett started out the morning by making a Go-Kart run for some Sandy's Donuts. They looked pretty awesome all decked out in their new helmets! ;) Then, Brett made a humongous, yummy breakfast for our BDay boy per his request! Donuts, eggs, bacon and chocolate milk. Of course, that was about as long as he could wait for presents. So, rip 'em open, kid!!! He got tons of stuff. Thanks for those that sent things! (We miss you) His favorites included anything Pokemon and his 2 new Webkinz friends! 

He enjoyed the rest of the morning with all his new treasures until all our guests arrived. Since his Bday this year landed on Easter weekend, we made the annual Easter Hunt into one big Birthday/Easter Bash. After the hunt and lunch, everyone joined us in singing "Happy Birthday" to Justice. Make a wish, buddy! 

The rest of the night was filled with movies, playing with new toys, decorating Easter eggs, a few Egg Fights and spending time with the fam.

Hope you had a Terrific Day, Justice.

We sure luv ya!

We were so stuffed from the day that we saved his Birthday Meal for Sunday. His request was T-Bone steaks, crescent rolls, strawberries, blueberries, carrots and Eclair Cake. With it being Easter, we had to throw in some Deviled Eggs as well- which he loves so it was a bonus! We invited Matt & Haylie over to celebrate with us. I totally spaced taking a picture of us singing the Bday song over his Eclair cake. Oops! But what a great BDay weekend. Happy Birthday Buddy! We're way excited for your upcoming Baptism. Yeah!

OK! So I lied! I just found a picture of us singing over his Eclair Cake!

Happy Birthday to You!

Chachacha

Seven Favorite Things!

It's been a fun, busy 7th year for Justice. Here's a look back at some of his favorite things.

We love ya Buddy!

GNO on Broadway

After our long TOFW weekend, Jen Mausolf was having Mormon-girlfriend withdrawals. All Winter, I kept telling her how much she missed us but.... some people just don't listen! Being the good friend that I am- LOL!- we planned a little intervention. OK, it was completely her idea but nonetheless she's totally getting a major fix tonight!
We tried a new place for our GNO dinner. It was totally convenient because it was on the same street as the Theater and YUMMMY! We went to Toscana on Broadway. http://www.toscanadowntown.com/ I tried the COQUILLE ST JACQUES- Shrimps, scallops and lobster cooked with mushrooms, asparagus, tomatoes and artichokes in a light lobster sauce. Così delizioso! I love going to dinner with the ladies! I always laugh at our choices of conversation pieces. We are always good for a laugh or two. Tonight,  I totally laughed when I told the waiter we wanted separate checks. His reply was- "I've been doing this a long time and you are all women. I figured as much!" Darn! We're so predicable sometimes.



After dinner and being abandoned by some of our wimpy friends (JK- but some were NOT in the MOOD for a Charlotte Bronte's classic tale of romance and woe. LOL To each is own, I guess), we took a short & wet walk down to the Fargo Theater. It has been raining all day!!!!!! Mother Nature obviously wanted us to be prepared for the novel's gloomy atmospheric tone. Well, it worked! ;) Can anyone say... enough puddles already? 
Alright get ready for a Shocker!!!!- before the movie even started, we made it to our seats. Can you believe it? A first for us, I think! Several other lovely ladies joined us for our Broadway Movie at the Dowtown Fargo Theater (located on Broadway). It was fun to try a different theater. We chose to sit on the balcony and were serenaded by the organ. It was way fun! The organist played all different kinds of songs. When the movie started, the organ was lowered down into the stage. Pretty neat!
I, of course took pictures of all us lovely ladies. They always give me such a hard time- stinkers!!!! Julie's mom is in town so she joined in our fun. She must have been getting popcorn when I took pictures cuz she's not in the collage BUT she was there. Don't worry though- I took a picture of her at dessert! LOL

This was my 1st Jane Eyre experience. I heard there are like 18 film versions of the novel? Insane! But I did enjoyed this version. Of course, some may say that this version jumps all over the place and leaves out tons of information BUT when you are in a Jen Sandwich lack of info is NOT a problem. LOL! I had plenty of info on everything that was left out! It was funny because probably half of us have never read the book or seen the movie. I am told that the other film versions tell much more of the story so, we are planning a big "Long Version of Jane Eyre" Party in June. Shall be a joy, I'm sure! ;)

After the movie, a group of us decided to try out the newly remodeled Nichole's Fine Pastry Shop quickly before it closed for the night. We haven't been there forever! They have so many yummy dessert choices and tons more space than last time we went. Fancy Shmancy! I tried the hot chocolate and the Crème brûlée. Both were awesome! This was Brooke's first time at Nichole's. We laughed when she came out with a tray FULL of goodies. Turns out it was hers and Jen's but we had to tease her. LOL! Some of the other ladies tried amazing things like Lemon curd Tart, Fresh Fruit Tart, Waldorf Astoria Cake, Basic Cheesecake, and the gold topped Chocolate Feuilletine Tower- which I just had to take home for my Hubby! Thanks for letting me out for the night, Love! [He took all the kids swimming tonight. His is a brave man!]

I love GNO!!

Thanks Jen for needing a fix so we could get together!

Fargo Favorites #30

1. Spring!
Let's try this again! LOL All the snow in Fargo is gone! for the 3rd time this week.
2. Brave Kindy-gartner

Victoria got her Kindergarten shots this past week. She was so brave. She didn't cry at all even though it hurt. The nurses gave her a whole bag of goodies to take home. Can you believe she'll start school in the Fall? I am gonna miss her so much. She is such a fantastic helper! What am I going to do without her? ;)
3. Dr. Debates
We have the best dentist EVER! This coming from someone who has personally paid for his Lexus with all my teeth issues over the last couple of years. LOL!  My mouth still hurts from his visit this week but he makes up for the pain with his personality. Thanks, Dr. D for making our family love the Dentist!
4. Visiting Teaching Program

I love the VT Program of the Church! I haven't always loved it and believe me- I am always working on being better at it but it really is a God-inspired Program! It was pointed out to me within the last couple of weeks that from an outsider's point of view, it can seem that perhaps we have been "assigned" to love each other. Silly, I guess when you look at it that way. But I think that's awesome! How many times in my life have I thought to myself when meeting someone for the 1st time (or not even wanting to meet them because I'm lazy or comfy with my current group of friends)- "Hmmm, she's nice but we really don't have anything in common" or "Well, she's interesting..." or maybe no thoughts at all? Yet, how many of those with a 2nd or 3rd or 100th look- have become my closest friends. Getting "assigned" to watch over someone is not a bad thing. It means there is an order and no one gets left out. Well as long as everyone remembers that they are doing it for God. We all NEED to love each other to make it back to Him so sign me up! I want to be put on HIS list of people to love!

5. Hector International Airport

Even though it can be more expensive to fly from here to well... anywhere, I am so grateful that Fargo has an airport. With Brett's travels lately, I can't tell you how nice it is to have him land and THEN give us a call to come get him. He has just enough time to get off the plane, get his luggage and then we're there. Perfect! And as you can see in the picture- it's small and simple so getting to the airport way early is not really necessary. So nice!!!!

What are you Grateful for?

McDonald Mirrors

With Brett out of town, our FHE activity and treat included ice cream and a playland! (Missed you Honey!) We had the whole place to ourselves. It was kinda creepy actually! LOL As we were getting ready to go, we had some fun with their ceiling mirrors. We're so silly!

Déjà vu

Didn't we just do this 2 days ago? Gotta be kidding me!
7:47 AM

10:46 AM

Well...at least it's not stickin'!!!