Austin the Artist

So here is a drawing Austin did last night. He is taking an art class in school and loves it. We got him a art set for Christmas and this is his first picture from that set. Can't believe how good he is although I shouldn't be surprised considering his genes. It all comes from his father. I'll post a few more later that he wants to re-do. You will be amazed. Thought you'd enjoy this.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR FAMILY & FRIENDS

Merry Christmas everyone! I wanted to update my blog for my family so we can all feel a part of each other's Christmas since we can't be together in person. So it still amazes me that I can take a picture two minutes ago and share it with all of you two minutes later. Aren't we blessed! And what fun it is to share our joy with all of you at this special time of year. So...this is how our celebration began. We put up the tree and for some reason I didn't take any pictures. Sorry! Then Austin cleaned the house and set our table and created this napkin tree. Isn't he clever? He's always amazing me with his creativity. The pic is out of focus. Sorry. But you can see it well enough.

Then Austin made sure we purchased a gingerbread house for he and Whit to decorate. I think we did this the first FHE of December. We had our tree and home decorated the day after Thanksgiving this year which is a first. I'll try it again next year too. They had fun decorating the house. Here they are leaning over the roof trying to assemble the "V" shaped porch covering. They should just stand on their heads don't you think?

Here is the completed house. Reminds me of the story "Hansel & Gretal". Only just the good happy parts of the story. The tree to the side of the home later received individual ornaments etc. Really quite excentric. Austin again is very detail oriented. Cute huh?

Next comes all the hustle and bustle which we don't have pictures for thank goodness. But yet it is still fun and is part of the holiday experience each year. When I am busy working full time all we have time for each evening is Choir concerts, Ward Christmas dinners, YM/YW, sledding, snowmobiling, working out at the gym trying to burn off some calories ahead of time, homework, college finals, etc. etc. Wow how do we survive it all? We take one day at a time and enjoy each day! It was real fun this year. Wish I had pics of each of these things. But then it would be like watching old home movies for some. So...all of a sudden Santa twitches his nose and it's Christmas Eve. We went to Herricks new home this year and had a nice dinner and lots of delicious desserts (not to brag but my desserts turned out just as good as the filet mignon). Just savor that for a moment and your mouth will start to water I'm sure. So here is Austin holding his bubbly last night at the dinner table. My kids love sparkling apple cider. They even ask for it in their stockings each year. Austin had to share this particular bottle. Sure added to all the wonderful flavors.

My two great kids were awfully good this year. Austin kept asking last night how Santa manages to land on the roof tops and not get hurt. He's 12 yrs old but still wants to be 5. We'll savor that too for as long as we can.

So as I mentioned we had steak, red potatoes and that delicious Grand Parisian salad from Costco. I don't know what it is about that salad but I just love it. If I'm hungry I can eat the entire thing myself. We had a great time visting with Preston's parents. We took a picture of them too but poor Grandpa is just not photogenic anymore. I'm sure he'd prefer we not post that picture so I didn't. Life is getting more challenging for them each day. As my friend says "getting older is not for sissy's". So...happy thoughts...here is my sweetheart and I last night.
Our twenty third Christmas together. I'll talk about that more later. We just celebrated our 22nd anniversary. Can you believe it? Where does the time go?

After we filled our tummies of dinner, two different kinds of fudge, gingerbread cookies and my homemade almond rocha we decided to let it all settle as we read the story of Jesus' birth from Luke chapter 2.

Came home and finished wrapping a few gifts (all the gifts) except the ones the kids gave to each other and us which they had already wrapped. Look at this homemade bow made by Austin. I'm going to hide the store bought ones again next year so he can be creative and make his own. Thought you would enjoy seeing his creativity again. Inside this box from Austin to whitney was a belt. Whitney all year has stolen her brother's belt so for Christmas he thought it would be appropriate to buy belts for her. Her very own.

So the kids were spoiled as usual this year and received just about everything they wanted. It's hard the older they get because their gifts just become more expensive every year. Some years they really have to wait until Christmas to get things they have been wanting all year. It worked out this year for sure. So here's Austin with his big request. He loves to build stuff and he especially loves to find things around the house to build with. So he wanted this marble thing it has over 400 pieces so it might keep him busy for a couple hours. He's just too smart for his own good. But he was real happy to get this and be "busy" today building and building and building some more and then tomorrow he can build it another way and change it up somehow.

And then there is our patient, parent-forgiving daughter, who finally after way too long finally got an ipod. I think she's the only one amongst all her friends who didn't have one. That's ok it's been good for her to wait for this (I think). She was very surprised and is very happy to load all her favorite songs and more songs and her favorite movies, etc. It's amazing how much data this thing can store. She loves the "killers" and Andrea Bocelli and Disney songs and on and on. To say she loves music is an understatement! She also got the movie "Mama Mia" which she and I will be watching again today. We've seen it like three times already. We just love, love, love, the music. We sing and dance around the house when it's on. The story itself has issues but the music is so fun!

Again, Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks for listening to me but I just love reading and looking at pictures on everyone else's blogs too. Now on to my next big project. I need to overhaul my blog. Thought I would tackle it later today or tomorrow while I have the time. Want to do "2009 Year in Review". Would like to do as a slide show but don't know how. I'm sure my hubby does although he does get a little frustrated with me because I don't know how to do anything on the computer. Really. If someone wants to call me and tell me how to do one that would be great. For example, I couldn't take out the SD card from my camera earlier I didn't know where it was. Then I couldn't believe it was possible to insert that card into our tv and watch a slideshow of all the pictures. Wow can't believe that's possible but it sure was cool to do that. Mom and Dad - we need your digital picture frame so we can load new pics onto it if you haven't already done so. I have some great pics of our family vacation this summer, pics at snoqualmie falls, on the go carts, the boys at a car show, Whitney in the King & I, etc. etc. The King always said that too "Etcetera...Etcetera...Etcetera...". I'll quit talking now. Have a great Christmas and enjoy the last few days of 2009! We love you all!

So Many Things To Be Thankful For

Just feeling grateful tonight. For those of you that haven't heard I'm employed again back at Webb Accountancy Corp. I think I go through these trying experiences to learn more about myself and to appreciate what I don't have and what I do. I am so grateful my job was not filled in my absence and that the Webb's were willing to give me a second chance. I learned that I don't want to go back into the insurance business but I will keep my license up to date just so I have it. I do love explaining insurance to those who don't understand it but I want to be able to do it on my terms. It's something I know I'm good at but I'll just use it as a way to help other people for fun instead of work. I'm very grateful for a supportive husband who was willing to let me figure things out for a couple months. I'm grateful Preston's business was doing as well as it was considering the sad shape of our economy. The timing of everything was terrible but amazed that it always works out if we keep the faith. And that's not easy to do as I found out. I'm grateful to be employed, to have an income to be able to assist in meeting our financial obligations and provide those necessities for our family. Things are way too expensive these days. Just the necessities, even. Poor Whitney wants to get her license so bad but it's so stinkin expensive for the "insurance" and gas and......Maybe in a couple months she'll have the experience she needs and we'll feel comfortable with her having her license. She's so patient with her imperfect parents. She's busy with the school district musical this weekend of "The King and I". I get to go see it tomorrow in the afternoon and I understand it's just wonderful. I'll post pictures just as soon as I can. I'm grateful for wonderful parents who always make sure that life is more than comfortable. Grateful for their advice and understanding and patience with their child who is not a very talkative individual. I keep to myself I'm sure more than I should. Grateful for a son who on my first day of work says "so mom how was your day?" He's always so thoughtful and thinking of what he can do for others. Grateful for the love and prayers I feel from family and friends all the time. I know I never say it so: I love you all. I am grateful for you all and appreciate each and every one of you for anything and everything you do for me and my family. I must be feeling the spirit of the Thanksgiving season and wanting to post it in writing. Happy Thanksgiving. Wish we could be with all our family and friends this Thanksgiving. So instead we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I am grateful for the opportunity to be thankful.

Halloween Memories

This is how gross and morbid Preston used to dress up before we were married.

These next few are from the years we did the Haunted House down in the old Parsons building. They would dress up and scare everyone something terrible. I was so scared I never could go through the haunted house and I even knew what to expect. I haven't been able to do a haunted house since I was about 10 or so. I sure loved them when I was young. Not now.

Here's Preston climbing out of a funeral car. The spotlights were out and so were the scary creatures. About four of these scary men climbed out while the crowds went wild.

This was the whole cast involved with the haunted house. Quite the crew, huh? Austin thought this was great tonight to finally see these pictures.

Well here are the cutest pictures of all. My babies as they've grown up through the years dressing up or being dressed up. Aren't they cute?

Whitney's first carved pumpkins. I'm thinking she looks too big to be in a high chair but that kept her from getting hurt by the knives I'm sure.

I love her smile or scary look here below.

I think this kitty in a pumpkin costume has gotten a lot of use by several of the grandkids. Isn't that great?

This next pic was our warmest halloween ever. I think it was like 65 degrees. We were living in Tucson, Arizona. Kind of weird and yet really nice to not have to ruin the outfits by wearing heavy winter jackets. I had borrowed Austin's costume from a gal that was serving in the YW with me at the time. She had made it for her son. What a fun age both kids were here.

You can tell what the weather was since both the kids are carving pumpkins in shorts and tshirts. This sure was an interesting experience living in the desert for one year.

This next picture was just shortly after moving back to Wenatchee in the fall of 2000. We just had a blast reminiscing today about these costumes and everything they can remember from these nights of tricks and treats.

I know I have pictures from the last 8 years but I can't find some of them. For now I've scanned all these and more so I don't have to go through the actual pics again looking for one specific photo. Hope you all enjoy these photos. Our family enjoys this holiday and I can't believe tomorrow is Nov. 1st. Where does the time go? Trick or Treat.............

Reunion Photos Summer 2009 from Gma Pen

Whitney is not going to be happy about this picture but I thought it was cute of her and her Daddy. At least I didn't post it on Facebook. Got these pictures from Gma Pen and after seeing the ones from Mom thought I would post these. They are not great pics as they came off a disposable camera and then Gma made copies on top of that. Here they are anyway.

How often does Austin hula hoop? I've never seen him hula before. Glad someone caught a picture of him doing this. He really does exercise and this is proof. And keep in mind it was 100+ this day, so why is he working up a sweat hula-ing? And it looks like Whit is doing her usual..reading.

Us five kids with Gma Pen. Not a good picture but I know years from now we'll be grateful we have this picture. We all look a little HOT!

THE BIG 40

The big b-day has come. It was a fun day with friends and special evening with family. My great friends brought me balloons, chocolates and gifts at work. Then the moment I walked in the door from work my family waited on me for dinner. It sure was special as I believe it's the first time ever that I haven't made my own b-day dinner. Although sometimes that has been by choice, I admit. Most b-day dinners have been made by a restaurant. This special dinner was made by my lovely sweet daughter.
This is the cake that Austin made for me. I like's how there were only four candles. Perfect! It was delicious! Thank you Austin with help from Preston!

So here was the delicious dinner from Whit. She made a delicious salad that had cheese, cranberries, and other goodies in it, along with garlic bread and chicken fettucini alfredo. It was all so good! She did the shopping and everything all by herself (her friends mom drove them to the store). Along with being delicious it was so thoughtful! Thank you Whitney for a special dinner!

The best b-day gift ever is family time and good food! Love you Preston, Whitney & Austin! Thanks for a great b-day!

Austin's 12th Bday Celebration

Austin requested ice cream milkshakes or chocolate blasts as we call them for his b-day dessert. They are after all very delicious! Can't believe our little man is now 12. Where have the years gone? Don't blink for too long! He's a handsome, growing boy with a hollow leg. Some day he's going to be 6'2" like his Daddy. The growth spurt hasn't started yet but I'm sure it will soon. He already wears a size 10 shoe. Can't imagine what he's going to look like next year.

One of his gifts was the Wii Guitar Hero game. He loves to play the guitar and rock out to Aerosmith. I have to admit it is real fun to play! He's a rocker for sure and good at it too! Austin even looks like he's having fun!

This is Austin all dressed up for church. He got to go on a special shopping trip to the fancy men's clothing store with his Dad. They were able to tailor a pair of slacks just for him. He sure is handsome! That Sunday was special as both sets of grandparents were able to be there for his priesthood ordination to become a Deacon. He's so blessed to have both sets of grandparents with us and to be able to participate in these special events. Happy Bday handsome YM.

Whitney's Surprise 16th B-day Party

Whitney's bff threw her a surprise party at her house. It was so fun. They had a blast! Aren't friends the best? Yes!!! They blew horns and party poppers when she walked through the family room door. Kailey said "Whitney before we go to dinner I need to show you something" and then...SURPRISE!

The group was so big they had to take two pictures to show everyone. Most of these great kids are from church but the two next to Whit are good friends from school. Whitney is so blessed to have such a good, strong, group of friends to hang with!

Here's the other half. Good kids! They had pizza, pop, cool mini cupcakes and of course cake. It was all wonderful! Thank you Kailey! What a fun way to celebrate the sweet 16.

Before they ate they played some fun games and hung out. Then they disbursed and met at the stake dance. They had lots of fun. What a better way to spend your b-day then with friends. Whit and her friends are real close. They are all in different wards but they attend school and seminary together. They also spend just about every Friday and Saturday night together.

Whit's keeping her hair from catching on fire with sixteen candles to blow out.

We're so happy for you! We all look forward to the SWEET 16! Wonderful memories were created!

Arrival of John Austin Herrick Feb 26th, 1997

Isn't this a cool sign. Whitney drew it for her brother. I thought it was the perfect beginning to a perfect baby boy. I reminded him that I went into labor on a Wednesday evening just like tonight after mutual. I stayed up all night in pain & didn't go to the hospital till Thursday at about 3 pm. My water broke in our van on the way to the hospital & he would have been born 5 minutes later but the nurses kept telling me to breathe and not push. Yeah right! So I held off (was also waiting for a Doctor to arrive) till he was finally pushed out at 3:40 pm on Thursday Feb 26th, 1997.


Another beautiful, perfect, dark complexion, ton of black hair, baby boy. Aren't newborns beautiful? Yes, they are.

Here he is on his second day home. He's four days old here. Getting a sponge bath. You forget how little they were. How is it possible they were so small?

My muscle baby. Showing off his pecs. Funny huh?

This is one of my favorites. This was taken on the Sunday he was blessed. Our little man.

Love this pic with his Uncle Ryan. See Ma-Key & Poppa's blog for the updated version of this.

This is out of order chronologically. Sorry. I call this my fuzzy wuzzy bear. Playing dart guns with his daddy. They were shooting at Craig Franklin who was shooting back. So cute!!!!!!!

Oh my handsome little boy. We sure had fun dressing him up for church. He seemed to love all the attention, obviously.

"Hey Mom - I fixed the sprinkler for you"

Our blonde little boy on our family vacation to CA. This was at the observatory in LA.

Austin's first steps in the ocean. He kept falling down in the waves. How could he not they were so much bigger than he was. Great memories.

At Disneyland waiting in line with his Poppa to go inside the Haunted House. Love that hair!

Thumbs up for the carousel ride. I think this was one of maybe five rides he went on.

Unfortunately this was how he spent much of Disneyland. That's why we have to get back there. He was just too little & slept through most of it.

Austin discovered the water in the toilet. Note the wet floor. Good thing he didn't fall in.

If looks could kill. He didn't want his picture taken. Duh!! This was the Herrick Family Reunion in 1999 in Utah right before we moved to Arizona.

Look close & you can see what their beverage of choice was. Not much has changed in 10 yrs.

Austin loved to play in the warm rain while in Tucson Arizona. My cute little brown bear!

Oh here he is holding baby Mason the day of Great Grandpa Pen's funeral. This is also the sweet little boy who drew a picture for his Great Gpa & placed it in the casket. He wanted the picture to go with Gpa to heaven.

Got this bike for his bday & still loves to ride his bikes.

This is one of Austin's favorite pictures. He's holding his cousin Dallin.

Baptism day! How great to be able to have his Daddy baptize him.

Baptism day too! Was he proud or what to be wearing his very first suit.

One day soon he'll be driving this tractor all by himself. He's had some great training!

Ma-Key is forever saying "I love you" in sign language to the kids. They took this pic and sent it to their Ma-Key to remind her they love her.

Look at how carefully he's placing that pinewood derby car on the track. This was the year he took 2nd place. In fact he took 2nd place every year except his last when he finally took 1st. He got it finally right on the last try.

Driving his go-cart is one of his most favorite activities. He even drove it this winter. He just can't wait for the snow to melt. He'd drive it everywhere if he could.

Peace Dude! Austin loves to snowboard. Mom hasn't been to Mission Ridge this year to take any pics as he rides the Link bus to and from the ridge with his friends. He's gotten real good!

This Jan 1, 2009, Austin wanted to make the bday cake for Daddy. He spent hours at the store picking out the fondant, decorating tips, stands, etc. We won't mention what this cake cost. He baked the cake, both double layers, rolled out the fondant and did an excellent job decorating the fondant with smiley faces and other notions. He spent at least five hours making this cake. He sure was proud & so was his Daddy. It even tasted great! Austin found a new talent.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN! We love you & are so proud of all your accomplishments these past twelve years. You are growing up & are a handsome young man now!