Happy New Year!

We spent New Years Eve with some of our very best friends! Landon & Mary Cleverly and Bryce & Rachael Garff. We have been friends for years and we always manage to have a great time filled with laughter with them! We even met a new couple, which is always a fun thing. The kids had a great time playing together and it was just nice ringing in the new year with people we love! Here is to another wonderful year!

Friends are God's way of taking care of us

Most of you know that Ryan is a convert to the church, and I know that I brag how we had the most incredible missionaries. But, I'm going to brag some more because I want you all to fully understand how truly blessed we were. I know Heavenly Father wanted Elder Baxter & Elder Wright to teach us, I have never doubted that.
It's crazy to think that Austin Baxter was just a brand new missionary out in the field when he met us. You would have never known it though, when he spoke to us, we knew what he was teaching us was true. He had a passion and knowledge of the Gospel and he wasn't afraid to share it...or challenge us.
We just had a connection with him, and he truly became such a dear friend to us. Him teaching us about the Gospel changed our lives forever. I loved that he was there to see Ryan baptized, and we even had our endowments done at the Bountiful Temple, so Elder Baxter could attend. We wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Him and his sweet wife Sarah, whom I just adore, came to visit family during the holidays. Ryan and I always got our hopes up that they would have time to visit, and they didn't disappoint. We were so happy that we were able to see them.
They truly feel like family to us, and we feel so blessed to know them.

Primary Pajama Party

Ryan and I were just called to be Primary teachers for the CTR 8-9 year old class. I am so excited to be back in the primary, and extra happy that my teaching partner is my sweetheart! Plus, Elizabeth loves to see us in primary.
The primary threw a breakfast party for the kids to meet their new teachers. It was fun getting new kids in our class, and to see Elizabeth interact with her class. I can't wait to see what Primary will hold for us this year!

Chalmers Christmas Party

Our family Chalmers Christmas party is something I look forward to every year. As our families have become so large, we just don't see each other as much as I think we would all like, so our Christmas party is always so much fun. I hate to brag, but our family is filled with so many amazing people, and I feel so lucky that they are all related to me!

Relaxing with the Family

What better way to spend the day after Christmas then relaxing with the whole family. It was seriously so nice just watching movies, playing with all our cool toys, watching Adam try to dance, working on a puzzle, visiting, napping, eating yummy food and laughing.

Merry Christmas

Can I just say how much more fun and exciting Christmas morning is with kids! Elizabeth's excitement and happiness brought so much joy to my soul.Christmas morning was filled with giggles, smiles, and love.
Every year Ryan and I say how weren't not going to spoil Elizabeth, but we are weaklings. She was totally spoiled. Scarlett on the other hand didn't care about her presents, she was in heaven with all the boxes and wrapping paper!
Ryan spoiled all of his girls, including me! He thinks I'm hard to buy for because I only ask for books. So I was happy when a box came in the mail earlier in the week, that said KindleFire on the side...Ryan was not happy that I saw the box.
He completely surprised me with an awesome new camera though! I take A LOT of pictures, my family teases me all the time that the paparazzi are coming when I get my camera out. However, I have never really had a nice camera, so I wasn't expecting him to surprise me with one, but I'm loving it! I get all giggly when I take pictures now!
Thank you babe for such a thoughtful gift, I can't wait to capture our memories!




After an early church meeting we gathered at Scott and Holly's house for a delicious Christmas morning breakfast.



After pigging out on yummy food. We had a crazy present opening fest! It was seriously crazy with all the kids, trying to keep order and watch everyone, but it was fun nonetheless.




Then we headed over to wish Ryan's dad Rodney and his younger brother Randy a Merry Christmas. They showered the girls with gifts. Scarlett was fast asleep in the car, so Elizabeth was happy to help open the gifts for Scarlett.



We then headed up to my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Ray's home for dinner. Normally we go up to Ogden to my Grandma Isabel Taintor's, but she recently had a couple surgeries so my Aunt Barbara hosted. There wasn't as many cousins that made it, but it was nice just visiting with the small group that was there.



After a long day, we still had it in us to go to the Turners and watch a movie. It was a perfect way to end a fun filled day. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas with your loved ones and that throughout the busy day you all took time to remember our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and the love he has for us.

Christmas Eve

we celebrated Christmas Eve with dinner at Ryan's aunt Roxie. Elizabeth adores her cousins, whom spoiled her and Scarlett with fun gifts.


After dinner, we all met up at my parents. I love getting together with my family. I think it's because we like to laugh.




Then we did one of my favorite traditions! The kids all get dressed up, and then my dad reads the story of the birth of Christ. The kids love it, and I love it cause we can all take time to remember our Savior.


Then it's GrandMerry jammie time! Elizabeth always looks forward to getting her Christmas pajamas.

Cousin Clan

October 30, 2011
For Christmas I gave my parents a picture of all their Grandchildren. It was such an adorable picture I can't help but to share it.

Happy Birthday Mooch!

We celebrated my awesome mom's birthday as a family. I hope you had a wonderful birthday mooch!

Temple Square

The Turners and us decided to go freeze our little buns off at Temple Square, but it was well worth it seeing the beauty of the Temple lights.

Mom's Graduation from Massage School

She did it! She not only survived but thrived throughout massage school. This is something I think she has wanted to do for a very long time, and I'm so proud of her for putting it into action and completing her goal! She is a great therapist and I look forward to getting worked on by her! Congratulations Mom, we are so proud of you!

So Sweet

Cookies Cookies Cookies

If you ever what to see a huge smile, just tell Elizabeth that we are going to make sugar cookies. She loves sugar cookies, but her favorite part is to frost them.

Bountiful Utah Temple

"As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation."
—Thomas S. Monson

Our November Temple pick was the Bountiful Utah Temple. Ryan and I were able to do baptisms. Normally they prefer the youth to do baptisms, but it was early in the morning and there wasn't any youth, so we were lucky enough to do baptisms. While we were waiting to go in to do baptism there was a young girl and her parents. I talked to her mom afterward, and she said that since the girl was young she has asked that for her 12th birthday present all she wanted was to go to baptisms with her parents. So, they took her out of school because it was her birthday to do baptisms for the first time. I thought that was so neat that this young girl had her eye on such a fantastic goal and I was there to witness and strengthen my testimony. As we were leaving and asked someone to take our picture, it was fun to think that back in 2007 we came specifically to the Bountiful Temple to get our endowments, so that our amazing missionary Elder Austin Baxter could be there with us! Attending the Temple this morning was such a great way to start the day and a wonderful reminder of what a huge part the Gospel plays in our lives.

I'm Thankful for...

I'm so thankful for my awesome hubby who continues to amaze me with his kindness and love for all those around him. I'm thankful for our beautiful girls and all the joy they bring to our lives. I'm thankful for all my wonderful friends and family who make me smile and encourage me to do better. I'm thankful for my knowledge of the Gospel and the beauty and happiness it brings into my life. I'm so so thankful for the amazing family I have, they continue to fill my life with laughter and happiness. I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh Christmas Tree

Elizabeth had a blast helping us put up the Christmas tree.

I'm Thankful for Elizabeth

Elizabeth and I spent the afternoon making a turkey. Elizabeth listed all the things she was Thankful for as I wrote them down. I know that I am thankful for Elizabeth and how she can always brighten my day with her smile.

Happy Birthday Caleb

We spent the evening at the Taintor's home celebrating Caleb's 5th birthday.

Elizabeth & Amari

I am so grateful that Elizabeth has so many great friends. She truly loves her friends. This is Elizabeth and her friend Amari that she just adores.

Finger Painting

Me and my girls joined the Turners for a finger painting family home evening. We all had a fun time. I even did Scarlett's hand print, and couldn't get over how cute and tiny it was on the paper.

Happy Halloween

Wasn't it just Halloween? I can't believe this year, and how quickly it has passed! We were happy to have one of our favorite holidays finally here though! We Rodgers just LOVE Halloween! We celebrated at Holly's new house with all the family. It was really fun to watch Elizabeth's face light up when she yelled trick-or-treat.

Family Fall Pictures

I feel so lucky to have such beautiful and wonderful daughters, and an amazing sweet hubby that is my best friend. I always look forward to getting our family pictures taken to watch to see how much our girls have grown. Thanks to my cousin Jon for taking them, they turned out great!

Pirates vs Big Foot

We celebrated Jaden's birthday by attending an event that Scott and Jaden played in given by the gangrene film festival. pirates vs Bigfoot was the main event of music that we went for, but before the concert, they had a bunch of animals that the kids could hold. Somehow Ryan got me to hold a 60 pound Rescued Boa, and Elizabeth pet a tarantula, and a couple snakes. The kids loved it. It was really fun way to spend the evening celebrating Jaden's birthday.

Preschool Halloween Party

Elizabeth LOVES Halloween. She loves pumpkins, leaves, scary masks, ghosts, skeletons (she is always talking about bones),and of course CANDY! She was so excited for her preschool Halloween party, and even asked GrandMerry to paint her face. She didn't want Scarlett to miss out on the fun of dressing up either, even though we didn't go to the party. Elizabeth and Gabe looked so cute, and they had so much fun.

Smile

Elizabeth loves getting her teeth clean, and she gets excited about getting pink flossers in her bag after her cleaning. I love this girls smile!

Cove Fort

On our way home from Zion National Park, we decided to stop and take a tour of Cove Fort. We had an awesome missionary that gave us a tour. It was really neat learn about the history of this fort.
The fort was built to offer protection and refreshment to the traveler. Beginning in 1847, pioneers began settling the high mountain valleys stretching from Idaho to California. They came here to worship in peace and to build homes and communities. The fort is made of lava rock, which workers hauled from west of the property. The fort is 100 square feet, 18.5 feet tall, 4 feet thick at the footings and 2.5 feet thick at the top.
In 1867, the prophet Brigham Young called Ira Hinckley and his family to come and direct the building and operations of the fort.
Cove Fort has been restored to bring the past a little bit more to life. This is the only fort built by the Latter-day Saints in the 1800's that still stands.

Zion National Park

We decided since we were making a trip down to the St. George Temple, we should just head down to Zion National Park. When I was young, this was the place to go, I think every year we made it down to hike angels landing. Those were some great memories, so I was excited to go camping and make some memories with our little family. I'll be honest, I actually wasn't ecstatic to be going camping with a baby, but she did really well, she must be a natural camper!
I remember when I was younger, besides angels landing, I always looked forward to hiking Emerald Pools. Back then, you would hike up, and jump in the pools to cool off. There were always little frogs on the rocks, it was always so fun. Unfortunately you can't get in the pools anymore, and to be honest with the looks of the water I wouldn't take my chances. The water is defiantly not the clear emerald that I remember.
However, it was still fun hiking up with the family, and the kids had fun climbing the rocks and playing in the water.



10.22.11
Although we heard the water was cold, we still got in our suits and hiked the Gateway to the Narrows. We thought the water wouldn't be that bad, and we would hike up the water once we got to the opening to the narrows. Man were we wrong! That water was ICE COLD! I don't know how the kids were playing in the water, because when I stepped in the river my bones hurt, it seriously was frigid! The kids still had a good time, and the adults had a good time sitting in the sun watching the kids, lol.



What is camping without sitting around the fire and cooking some yummy S'mores!

St. George Utah Temple

"You are never lost when you can see the temple. The temple will provide direction for you and your family in a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from getting lost in the 'mist of darkness.'"
—Gary E. Stevenson

Our October Temple pick was the St. George Utah Temple. For some crazy reason we left the Temples that were far away for the end of the year. We thought since we were driving so far away, we might as well make a family vacation out of it. We decided we would all take a camping trip to Zion's National Park, and we made a marvelous pit stop at the St. George Temple. Since we had all the kids, which some were youth that could enter the Temple, we all decided to do baptisms. We all took turns, and it was such a wonderful spirit there with all the kids. Sitting and waiting with my younger sisters, I couldn't help to be grateful for the Gospel and all our trials and blessings we have had and made it through with our heavenly father guiding us as a family. Also, it was so fun to see our shared excitement in doing the work of the Lord together. I am so grateful for my family and that we were able to attend the St. George Temple together.
I urge you all to make it a goal to attend the Temple, you will see the blessings flow into your life like a river.

So, when I said we had a the whole family, that included 16 kids...yeah, you heard me. Lucky for us there was a city park up the street from the Temple. The kids had a blast running around playing with each other.


The Temple was so beautiful, every time we go to a different Temple, I always take time to really look at it, and I'm continuously amazed by the beauty of the Temple.