Steve and Bette Graham Family

Matthew, The Super Hero!

2009-04-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

So Matthew last week decided to climb up on his CHEST HIGH dresser and jump off of it. I am not sure which super hero he thought he was, but I am sure that it was one that flies. So this happened on Monday afternoon. When Steve got home from work, he checked out the foot because Matthew wouldn't walk on it at all. He crawled everywhere. Steve said give it a couple of days, because there was no swelling or anything. By late Tuesday he still wasn't walking on it at all. And much to my chagrin, he missed pre-school that day too. I took him in to get x-rays. Luckily there was no broken bones, he just has a bad sprained ankle. He is still hopping around but otherwise, most of the time it doesn't bother him. I was really grateful that he didn't break anything. So he was asked if that was a good choice? He said "Yes then No." He then was aksed if he was going to do it again. Then he said "Yes and then No". So hopefully he means the latter rather than the first. Otherwise, we may have an update to this post!!

Benjamin and Redbox

2009-04-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

So I have some pictures that I will post when I have more time. We went up to Utah over General Conference Weekend. We had so much fun staying with Ben and Cait. (Steve's sister and brother-in-law) The kids LOVED playing with their favorite cousins. I had a blast holding their new little GIRL, Alissa. That was so much fun. I didn't give her up very often. She is 3 weeks old.

So the real reason for the post is to tell a great!! story about Benjamin. So for any of you that know him, you will totally understand. For those of you that don't, trust me, soo typical.

So on our way home we stopped to get gas and they had a Redbox ($1 movie rental out of a machine) But the cool thing about Redbox is that you can return it to any Redbox you want. (in other words you don't have to return it to the one you rented it from, including out of state) So we decided to get a movie to keep the kids happy on the rest of the drive home. (PS they rented happily never after (animated), the boys said it was the worst movie ever!!) So we are leaving somewhere near Cedar City, and we are driving on the 15, and Ben says "Mom, how will we get the movie back that we just rented?" (we have done this before) I said, "Oh, I have nothing to do tomorrow and will just drive back to Cedar to return it." And his response was, "well isn't that a long way? Like hours?" OH, my Ben, smarter than a cookie, but can be so dense sometime. We all were laughing so hard when he thought that I was really going to drive back.

Well, gotta go to choir, will post more later.

UPDATE

2009-03-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. It has been way too long since I have blogged. I am addicted to Facebook and have sorely neglected my blog.

All is well. We are busy like always. Michael is really busy playing baseball. He made it in the Majors this year! Steven is recovering from mono again. Will be back to school after spring break. Benjamin is busy getting bigger!! He weighs almost as much as Steven now. He is doing great in school. Matthew is doing well too. He is loving pre-school and doing well.

Today, he decided to do a superman off of his dresser and now can not walk on his left foot. Steve doesn't think he did anything other than bruise it good. I hope so.

Steve is busy with work and as the Scout Master. He never is without something to do.

Bette just received a new calling in Primary (at church) She is now the new 2nd counselor in the Primary Presidency. I am a little nervous because I am over Scouting. There is alot to do and am hoping I can keep up with it all.

Well, that is about it. We are venturing up to Utah this weekend to visit our new niece, Alissa. She is soo cute and can't wait to see her.

Steven's Birthday with friends at Sky Mania (wall to wall Tramps)

Bedtime Problems Update

2009-01-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

Update on Bedtime problems:

So it has been 5 nights in a row and he has gone to sleep on his own. I read to him and let him keep his door open. That is all it took. I just hope it keeps going this way. Thanks for all of you for your advice. Next we work on him staying in bed ALL night.

So on Sunday his was acting up in sacrament meeting so I took him out. Just as we got to the door, he holds his butt and says "don't spank my butt Mom" and then looks at me with those big brown puppy dog eyes. AAHHH! Matthew is always a source of either amusement or utter humiliation. It just depends on the day.

Bedtime Problems

2009-01-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

Attention ALL Moms: I need some advice. Okay, here is my problem. Matthew does not like his room. I don't want to rearrange all the boys because Matthew needs his own room and not be in a room with the other boys because they have too much stuff for him to get into. A few weeks back he told be he had monsters in his room and then when I showed him No monsters he said they were outside his window. Another things is that in order for him to sleep, we have to lay down with him until he falls asleep. Which isn't too bad but before we could read to him and leave and he would go to sleep. Another problem is in the middle of the night around 2 or 3 o'clock he wakes up and climbs into bed with us. Our bed is not big enough for all of us. I am going to rearrange his bedroom today with his help and suggestions. Does anyone else have any other ideas to help him sleep in his own room? ALL night. And to put himself to sleep without locking him in his room? I am running out of ideas. I would appreciate any suggestions or ideas. I will try anthing.

Christmas Morning

2009-01-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

We all got up around 6:45 and opened presents. The boys are allowed to look in their stockings before we get up. So they are got up and looked in their stockings which they had a lot of fun doing. Then it was time to open presents. We usually make them open one at a time. But for some reason this year was basically a free for all. It was fun though, just a little crazy.

Matthew opening a train. He is so excited. (though you can't tell from his face. I don't know what he is doing.)

Another one of Matthew

Michael and Steven showing off their new shirts.

Michael and his new guitar. (starting lessons next week)

Steven doing something. Benjamin showing off his fancy new scooter.
Michael and his new Nintendo DS. (Matthew broke is other one)

Finally Christmas Eve and Morning

2009-01-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

So after we spent time on Christmas Eve at Felices house (see previous Christmas post). We came home with Aunt Jenny and kids, Rob (Bette's brother) and Michelle and kids, and Mom and us. We did our family gift exchange and had hot chocolate and cookies. We had a good time and then it was time for everyone to go home and go to bed after we tracked Santa and found out that he was getting close. We also had the boys open their "present" with the annual matching PJ's (Thanks to Old Navy for having all the same pairs in the right sizes).

Mema (Bette's Mom) A beautiful robe

Matthew and Daddy (A firetruck)

A bunch of us. Bette (got a bag with her name embroidered on it) From her Aunt Jenny.

All of the kids. (Ava, Julia, Spencer, Sidney, Justin, Matthew, Michael, Benjamin) I think all we are missing in this picture as far as kids is Steven.

Michelle with her head cut off (SORRY) And Hunter the cutest little baby dressed in his striped holiday shirt, and his new hat from Little Steven.

The boys in their matching pajamas. Sorry, the lighting stinks.

Matthew

2009-01-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

Matthew is always doing something worth writing about but I usually don't post about it. But this time I thought that I would.

Last night everyone is watching tv in the family room, my mom goes in the DARK kitchen to find Matthew with the canister of instant hot chocolate and a spoon, just eating it off the spoon. (YUCK) These are the kind of things he does when no one is paying attention to him.

Yesterday he left and walked down to the Freeman's (neighbors) and was hiding out under the table when I came to get him. I am glad that when he does decide to disappear, I can always find him there. I am also glad that he is terrified of cars and stays on the sidewalk.

The boys were happy to us (Michael and Benjamin) after school. They normally ride their bikes to and from school. But yesterday Matthew and the dog (Zoe) and I decided to walk (Matthew rode his trike) to the park next to the school and play for a while. When the bell rang we met them and rode home with them. It was a lot of fun. Matthew rode his trike the entire time and had a blast. It was a beautiful day here in Vegas yesterday. 65 degrees. We totally enjoyed the temperature.

Merry Christmas

2009-01-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

Michael quickly leaving Santa's side. (thinking I am outa here)

Sydney (Aunt Jenny's daughter) posing nicely with Santa.

Matthew being "sad" because Santa mentioned making "good choices"

Spencer (Aunt Jenny's) son smiling (Sorry about the "red" eyes)

Benjamin happy for his new gift.

Steven (Yes, a smile does exist) He only smiled for the adults.

Okay, so now that Christmas and New Years is over, I will try to catch up some of the post of our funfilled Christmas adventures.

We had a great time on Christmas Eve, we visited with Mom's friend Felice and her family with all of our family. We had a great time and had a special visit from Santa Claus. He brought some presents for each of the kids and they sat on his lap. Matthew had a few extra requests FROM Santa about making "good choices" You should have seen the look on his face! It was great. Here are the pictures of each of the boys and my aunt's kids too.

ALERT!! Part 4

2008-12-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is. Pictures of the snow! It is really real. It is not fake. Also, the boys have a SNOW DAY!!! IN VEGAS!!! They are so excited. It is 10pm at night and I still have one or two outside in the snow. Enjoy the pictures.

A picture of the front yard with light snow you can't see yet!!!
BUT ITS REALLY THERE!

In the parking lot by the Junior High, the snow is actually sticking!

Light snow with boys out front enjoying the beginning of the snow showers!!

LOTS OF ACCUMULATION!! Matthew in the front yard enjoying and loving the snow!!

ALERT!! Part 3

2008-12-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, I guess I have to say I was very skeptical about actually getting snow. Wednesday, today, is the day! We are actually getting snow, here in Henderson! Its not sticking yet, don't know if it will, but I have three of my four boys outside running around in it. If it actually sticks to something, I will take a picture of it. (For Memories) Hope everyone here in Vegas is enjoying it. It is nice, just don't want it to stay around for very long. That is why I live IN THE DESERT!!!!

ALERT!! Part 2

2008-12-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Of course, we did not get snow. The northeast side did get some snow because they are in higher elevations, but we did get rain, and alot of it. It has been raining steadily since 9 am this morning. And it is almost 4pm. Although, it is cold and wet and overall miserable, we do need all the rain we can get here in Vegas. Alas, I will keep updated on whether we get any snow later in the week. This storm is supposed to last a good 3-4 days.

ALERT!!

2008-12-14T23:02:00.000-08:00

TOMMOROW THE CITY OF LAS VEGAS AND HENDERSON, NEVADA IS EXPECTED TO GET SNOW THAT WILL ACCUMULATE!!

I WILL KEEP EVERYONE POSTED IF IT ACTUALLY HAPPENS!!!!!

Christmas Choir Concert

2008-12-14T22:50:00.000-08:00

So every year our stake hosts a "Night of Choirs". Each ward in our stake has choir and sings one song. We had that tonight. It was a great evening of beautiful music by each choir and was heartwarming and spiritual. Music always makes my heart "sing". (Yes, pun intended) I have sung in our ward choir since we have moved to Las Vegas and I love it. I almost wasn't able to sing this year due to some untimely laringitus this past week. But fortunately my voice was strong enough by today to be able to sing. The Spirit of Christ always seems so much closer while I listen to and participate in music. I hope that we can all slow down long enough to remember the "reason for the season". I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and have given all of us, ALL of our innumerable blessings in our lives. I hope everyone reading this enjoys this wonderful CHRISTmas season with your families and friends.

The Graham's are wishing you a most blessed season!!

Annual Family Home Evening

2008-12-14T22:29:00.000-08:00

We have a Family Home Evening that we started two years ago with some friends, The Freeman's. We go to the Bellagio Gardens every year at the Bellagio Hotel down on the strip. Every Christmas they decorate their flower gardens with beautiful Christmas decorations. Each year our tradition has added a family here and there. We then go to Denny's and have dessert and hot chocolate afterwards. This year we enjoyed the company of the Freeman's, the Scott's and the Murdock's. We all had a great time and look forward to our continued tradition.

Hope you enjoy the following photos.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-12-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

We had a great day. Thanksgiving was at our house and we had my mom and brother and his family and we had the Scott's. It was relatively quiet compared to some years. We had a good time and had a lot of great food. It was raining that day too. It was nice. In the evening we checked out some Black Friday deals, and some of us decided to brave the crowds. My mom even spent the night at Best Buy with her friend Felice. Overall, it was worth the crazy crowds and awful early morning times. We all got what we wanted from the deals and went home satisfied. I hope everyone else had an awesome Thanksgiving Day too.

Happy Birthday, Michael

2008-11-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

Well, this past weekend was Michael's 11th birthday. For those of you who know us pretty well, we didn't think he would make it to his 1st birthday, let alone his 11th. He was born with an infection and a very severe heart defect. At 6 months, he had open heart surgery, and has been fine ever since. We love Michael and his willingness to always help out, without a complaint, most of the time. He is a sweet and responsible boy, whom his little brother, Matthew, adores. He got a football and a game for his DS. He got to go on his first Boy Scout overnight camp out with his Dad and big brother. We had dinner and an ice cream cake with family. He enjoyed his weekend.

Here is a picture of him with his birthday cake.

Matthew

2008-11-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

hijacked

2008-11-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

Bette has mistakenly trusted me with her password. needless to say that is why her background is now something that she would love!!! hope she likes it

Finally Twilight

2008-11-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

I went to see Twilight this afternoon. It was really good. They had to change things from the book, its almost impossible to make any movie better than its book. But overall, all six of us that went enjoyed the movie immensely. I think I will enjoy watching it at home instead though, because there was alot of giggling during the emotional parts. It was definitely worth all the expectation and excitement. It was just great to see most of the things you envisioned in your head brought onto the screen. GO SEE IT! It'll never be as good as the book but it was worth watching.

Our Trip to Utah

2008-11-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

Left to right:
Cait, Steve, Dave and Sara

Matthew (pretending to be a pirate??) and Mom

Halloween we took a trip up to Utah to Steve's family in Provo. The kids had a long weekend due to Nevada Day, so we took advantage of the long weekend. We celebrated Halloween with the Hyde's and the boys "Favorite" cousins. We had many Halloween activities on Friday and Saturday. We went to church and just enjoyed each others company on Sunday and Monday.

Here are some pictures.

Steve and sister, Sara

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-11-15T18:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, for those of you who know Steve and I very well, we have never in 15 years of marriage ever dressed up for Halloween. Not because we don't enjoy the holiday (AHH, all that candy) Just because we never felt like it. This year we decided since everything was on sale this year, what the heck, we would. (writer's note: our costumes have nothing to do with the books I just finished reading, HONEST, Steve just refused to be a convict) So here is a picture of the Graham family ALL completely decked out for our Ward Trunk or Treat. Yes, you may have fun laughing. Some people didn't even recognize Steve and I at church.

Yes, Steve and I are vampires. Steven is Slim Jim, if you don't know what they are just look up SLIM JIM on the internet. Michael is Zorro, Ben is the black faced Grim Reaper. Matthew, well what can I say, the kid loves candy, but not Halloween. I could barely get him in any costumes, let alone the very cute Wolf costume that he was supposed to be. So he is a very old Woody with no hat from Toy Story. KIDS!

Twilight

2008-11-15T18:22:00.000-08:00

Okay since I added the Twilight Widget to my blog, "some" people have expressed their disappointment that I didn't add any text so here it is. I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY AT 3:30pm. I am going to see the movie with a bunch of friends. Afterwards, we are going to dinner so that we can discuss the movie. I am currently rereading Twilight the book. And will probably go on to reread books 2, 3, and 4. I have probably read everything there is about it I can on the internet. I have sent out Twilight E-cards. My desktop screen has Twilight. And yes I am one of the millions who have bought the soundtrack. (Bella's Lullaby, ahhhh........) There is nothing to say. You just have to listen to it. I have been having many conversations with many different people, everyone has loved the books, and can't wait for the movie. Also, not to brag, but I read all 4 books the first time in 5 days. This time I am taking my time. To all those other TWILIGHT freaks, ENJOY the movie.

TWILIGHT

2008-11-13T20:25:00.001-08:00

Matthew is so FUNNY!

2008-11-09T18:04:00.000-08:00

Just a little story about Matthew. There is always something funny that he is saying. I thought I would share this one with you. So during sacrament meeting at church, I had to take Matthew out and give him a talking to. (I know shock!) So we are walking down the hall and he is resisting me so I am holding his hand pretty tight. He tells me, "Mom, you are going to break my bones!" He is too funny. I don't know where is gets this stuff from?

A picture

2008-10-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share this picture of us from last year. We were doing a scrapbooking page for our bishop that just got released. ENJOY!

He's Finally Here (Another Nephew)

2008-09-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

HUNTER ALLAN DANKO
9 LB 12 OUNCES
20 IN LONG
Huge hands and feet!!

PROUD PAPA DANKO WITH HUNTER

So, for those of you who don't know. My brother and his wife Michelle had there baby last night. He was a whopping 9 pounds 12 ounces. Delivered by caesarean. He is so adorable and HUGE! His name is Hunter Allan Danko. Congratulations to new Mom and Dad (this is #4, HAHA) Just like big your sis.

New sister Julie, Aunt Bette and new brother Justin, with Hunter

Matthew

2008-09-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Just a little story about Matthew. He went to preschool today. Karen dropped him and Will off for me. (Thurs. is supposed to be my day) Anyhow, Karen was there waiting for them to get done but she was really early. So with about 20 minutes left to class, Matthew spotted Karen through the window, and started to wave her in, telling her to come and get him now! Just thought I would share Matthew's crazy actions. Have a great day.

Steven's Hair!!

2008-09-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, for those of you who don't know Steven very well. He has been telling me since he was two what he wants to wear and how he likes his hair, etc. My mom says its because I made him hold his own bottle at the age of two weeks old. HAHA! Anyhow, he has since had his hair pretty long in the front and likes it that way. We have compromised by letting him get it cut by a "professional" instead of his dad. We also have agreed that the back stays short and the front stays long. Well, this last month, it was time for haircuts for school. I agreed to let all the boys get there haircut from a "professional" (fantastic sams). In consequence, nobody got as much hair cut off as I would have liked. So here we are only a few weeks into school, and ALL FOUR of their hair is driving me crazy. Steven especially, since he has decided lately not to do anything other than wet it down.

Well during Stake Conference today, I wrote Steven a little note and said that this week he had to get his haircut again. (I usually have to give him a few days to get used to the idea. I have learned that springing a haircut the same day on him doesn't go over as well.)

NOTE: Steve and I have decided that in the whole scheme of things, we aren't willing to have WWIII over his hair. As long as it is kept short in the back for passing the sacrament.

Anyhow, Steven wrote back and told me NEVER! (haha he always says that!) Then his dad saw our note and wrote on it, that if Steven let him cut his hair, that he would pay him $50. So he actually went for it.

Now, I am surprised only because not much motivates Steven to getting anything done with his hair. My theory on it is that HE himself was getting sick of his hair and that's the reason he agreed. So, here are the before and after pictures. ENJOY!! I KNOW THAT I AM!

BY THE WAY DON'T LET THE LOOK ON HIS FACE FOOL YOU! HE LOVES IT!!!!

By the way, we cut the other boys hair too, but they don't care quite as much about the hair as Steven. I hope they never care as much as Steven ever!!!

BACK TO SCHOOL!!

2008-09-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

Michael, below Steven, right

Life has settled into a routine finally after 3 months of no routine. All of the boys are back to school and doing well. Ben and Michael are playing soccer. Steven is taking piano lessons and Matthew started preschool. Our kitchen is partially done and looking great. Steve is busy coaching Michael's soccer team and being Scout Master and working. Bette is busy keeping Matthew happy and encouraging him to separate himself from her. She takes him to the gym everyday and now he just started preschool. She also starts next week taking care of Aliana and Julie on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Matthew, left
Benjamin, right

Trip to Utah

2008-07-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

So we went on our annual trip to Provo, Utah for the 4th of July to visit family and enjoy the holiday. We stayed with Ben and Cait (steve's sister) and their 6 kids. We all had a great time. We also visited with Steve's mom and dad (home for the summer) and Steve's sister Sara and her husband Kevin. We went to a parade, visited a Di Vinci exhibit, went to IKEA had a good time.

HA! It's done!

2008-07-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

I know that most of you that bug me about my blog will be shocked that i finally did it but I did. I know that I am very bad a blogging. But one of my mid-new years resolution is to post at least once a month. So that those of you that are always looking for a new post from me, (and you know who you are!) will actually log on and find one.

Bag Tag

2008-02-21T15:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, here is my bag tag.

Now keep in mind that my purse was just on vacation along with the rest of us. Since then I have had almost everyone in the house sick, so it hasn't been cleaned out.

The largest pile that you see is a pile of receipts. There is also a wallet, and checkbook. Some garbage. A pair of Matthew's socks. Some dollar bills and some change. There is also a post-it pad. The last little pile is a pile of cards, i.e. driver's license, medical cards, debit cards, credit cards, costco cards. Anything I have used in the last week and was too lazy to actually put back in the wallet.

Now since I don't know very many bloggers, I don't have 5 people to bag tag. So the only one that I know is Meghan. Anyone else that reads my post and would like join in, let me know.

Bette

Too Cute not to Show

2008-02-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

Bottom: WILL
Right: ANNMARIE

So, Karen was over the other day. (I know shock and amazement) The kids found Michael's baseball helment and glove and decided that they wanted to play ball.

Right: Not a great picture. But Annmarie and Matthew on Matthew's bed. Note: the little red head over in the corner is Will with the helmet on.

SICK OF SICKIES

2008-02-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

OUR WEEK HAS NOT BEEN THE BEST. Since Steven was the only one sick last week it wasn't so bad. But this week everyone else decided to be sick too. I have had Matthew very sick, Michael, Benjamin and Steve. Michael hasn't been to school all week. Ben only went on Tuesday. And Steve has missed work on Thursday. I have to say the I (of course, the Mom) has only had a few sniffles. I AM SICK OF THE SICKIES. They have had coughs, running noses, sore throats, chest conjestion, and HIGH Fevers!! Joy. Nothing to do except to live through it. I will probably get sick next week after everyone else is well. Sorry no pictures to prove the illness, but trust me, it exists. KEEP SMILING :)

Steven's Milestone

2008-02-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

Okay just to let you know Steven attended his very first joint activity with the Young Men/Young Women. We would never admit it be he was very excited and had a great time. They played dodgeball. Here is a picture.

Our Trip to St. George/Enterprise

2008-02-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

So this past weekend we went up to St. George for the weekend. We were meeting Steve's sister Cait and her family on Monday for the day. They live in Provo and were visiting family for the weekend. So we decided to make a weekend of it. On Saturday we stayed at a hotel. (ask the boys the best thing about Saturday and they will tell you the hotel. It shows how often we stay at one) We drove around St. George and visited the St. George Temple and visitor center. Steven took pictures on his phone of almost all of the Book of Mormons in different languages. He thought that was really cool.

On Sunday, we drove up to Enterprise to see the Holt's (a family that just recently moved up there from our ward) We had a great time. Why??? Do you ask? There was a special reason, other than the fact that they got to see there friends and play the WII (nintendo) IT HAD SNOW!! Yes, that cold, wet, white stuff that I happen to like living without. The boys loved it. We went to church with the Holt's and then had lunch and the boys went outside to play. Matthew was sick and so he stayed inside, but the other boys went. We also got to go see and feed some horses and drove around town. We had a great time. Thanks to the Holts for there hospitality and letting us stay overnight.

Okay, now for Monday. We drove Monday morning back to St. George and visited with Cait, Ben and the kids (Steve's sister and family). We visited at Ben's sister's house, Mindy, who was kind enough to let all 14 of us invade her home. We had lunch and then went to visit this place called the Lemon Squeeze. Steve and Ben and the kids went and hiked up and squeezed through. The only one not to make is was Steve. He was too big?? Imagine that. I guess all those extra muscles from his new job is doing something:) Bette and the girls stayed down with the babies and the dogs and watched. We had a great time going to a park afterwards and then had dinner at Mindy's house and drove home.

Top left: Steve in Lemon Squeeze.

Top right: Some of the kids "hiking" around the rocks

Left: All of our kids and Ben and Cait's kids before we left.

Stazrting left to right: Robin, Carter, Michael, Steven, Matthew, Carrie, Riley, Benjamin, Parker, and William.

So that is all for now. Look for more on the saga of the Graham Fam soon.

Bette's New Van

2008-02-12T15:19:00.000-08:00

Let me begin this new post by letting you know a little about the history of Bette's vehicle's. Since Steve and Bette has been married (14 1/2 years), Bette has had exactly 3 cars. The first car was actually Bette and Steves when they first got married and were in college. That car they kept for several years and it became Bette's car after Steve got another one. When Michael was born or maybe a little before, Bette got her first van. Around the time of Benjamin coming into the world, (Ben is almost 8) Bette got her next van. And that is the last vehicle she has had since around 2000. Steve has had to many vehicles to name or remember. FINALLY, she has waited be been very very patient. HER WAIT IS OVER. She now has a new van. And she LOVES it. See the picture of her new van!!! (new to her anyway)

A NEW UPDATE!!!!

2008-02-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

Since the last post was entered by someone else!! I have decided to show all of you that I do know how to post and add some stuff every once and a while. (I hope everyone notices the much better spelling of this posting than the last!!:)

So it was Steven's 12th birthday on Sunday. He was sick and not feeling very well but was very excited about his bday presents that he picked out on Saturday with Mom. He got a new jacket and some new shoes.

These are two pictures of Matthew. Never a dull moment with him around. Above he is laying on the floor and pretending he is sleeping. He covered himself up with the rug!! Below is him in the bathtub getting his face scrubbed because he decided to put on Mom's permanent lipstick. Note to self: Don't leave THAT lipstick around for Matthew to play with!!

Here is a picture of Steve and Chris (Karen's husband) cutting down our huge pine tree on New Year's Day. The next is a picture is the house before the tree came down.

NOW TO CLOSE MY BLOG. I HOPE EVERYONE IS HAPPY AND HAS ENJOYED MY NEWS. LOOK FOR A NEW UPDATE COMING SOON. MAYBE EVEN LATER TODAY!!! IT'S A NEW ADDITION TO THE GRAHAM HOUSE (AT LEAST AN INANIMATE OBJECT!)

PS. EDITOR'S NOTE. Spell check is down. But this editor doesn't need it.

I can't take it anymore

2008-02-07T15:31:00.001-08:00

editior note spell check not working sorry.

Yes this is Karen Scott posting. I like Jenn Elison cannot handle to look at the dog's photo one more time. so I am posting for her. I happen to have a few photos of them durring the past few months. Bette may not like them but she will get over it becuase I AM POSTING FOR HER!!!!!!!

Recent Happenings. . .

Well Steven turns twelve on the 10th and looking at her track record. . . This will be a post about steven's birthday. He had a great day got everything he wanted plus. He loves his mom and dad. Loves his brothers and wishes they would have some more kids. BUt that one really is on bette and steve.

Michael. . . starting baseball, he chose this over soccer. . .what was he thinking. Ok Bette is happy with baseball Steve was hoping like me for soccer.

Ben . . . in school he had to make a stalker map . . . how he gets to and from school. it was really cool with legos and everything. He got 100% on it. Way to go Ben!!!!

Matthew. . . Where to begin. . . He is a child who listens to everything his parents say. And quickly obeys. He never yells at anyone especially his mother. He goes to bed with out crying and never needs to be told to get back in bed. He and Will (my son) never fight or yell at each other. ok today is opposite day for matthew.

Steve. . . has begun working 6 days a week. Has been told he needs to cuss more at work to fit in. hopefully he will not turn into the potty mouth we all know his wife is!! hahahaha just kidding bette

Bette . . since the new year she has been doing really good at working out at the gym. She loves to go to class and die, but she loves to have sometime alone with out kids to listen to music and shower alone. She is looking really good. Call her everyday to make sure that she went to work out. This will give her the motivation that she needs.

Zoey. . . ok really do we need to talk about her. I was not asked to dog sit in a few weekends because she was afraid that Zoey might not be around when she got back. What can I say. . . not a dog person.

Here are some of the photos I have of the graham family

steve and bette on the way to his work party. I have these because they used my camera.

ZOWIE, OUR 50LB LAP DOG

2007-12-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

Here is an updated picture of our dog, Zowie. She is one years old now and still thinks she about 10lbs. She loves to curl up on the couch with you and sleep. She follows me (Bette) all around the house. She is adorable and we love having her around (most of the time)

Steven's First Band Concert

2007-12-28T18:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, Steven started playing the clarinet this year in Junior High. On December 19th, he had a first band concert. It was very exciting and he did a great job. The 6th grade band is huge!!

Steven is the second one on the left. The blond next to him is Garrett, his really good friend.

Finally a New Camera and Christmas

2007-12-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

OK, here we are!! We have a new digital camera and a lot of things happening since October. My goal for my blog is to update once every two - three weeks.

So here's the update:

November was a very eventful month. Besides the obvious, which was Thanksgiving. We also had Michael's birthday, where he turned 10. We had his birthday party on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, since his birthday this year fell on Thanksgiving. The day after Thanksgiving we all went bowling. Including Mema (Bette's Mom) Uncle Robby, Ava, and our friends the Scott's. We had a great time.

Steve's work has been extremely slow with cabinets, as most of you know, so he found a new job. He is working for Las Vegas Paving on the bridge crew. This new job also makes him part of the Carpenters Union. (which means great benefits for the family) We are very excited for a regular paycheck and regular hours.

Trip to Utah

2007-10-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

So, last weekend we went to Utah. Steve had his 15 year missionary reunion in Salt Lake. We took all the kids and spent the weekend with Ben and Cait (Steve's sister) and their family. We had a great time and the kids didn't want to go home nor did Ben and Cait's kids want to us to leave. It was a little cold, but we survived:) So as soon as I figure out my camera I'll post a few pictures.

I DID IT!!

2007-10-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have been inspired to finally start my own blog. You might be lucky if it gets updated a few times a year but we'll see.