Vegas Bronley's

Annual Newsletter 2010

2010-12-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

Eric
Eric is still traveling for his job and gets to see exciting places. He has been to Hawaii 5 times this year. He has also accepted more responsibility at work learning new classes to teach. Brandi was able to go to Idaho with him again for a week. He is going back to college for his Master’s in Business.
Brandi
Brandi has finished up her Master’s degree in Special Education and was able to get her Student Teaching done this year. She had a great experience with teaching in her own classroom and had a great Co-Operating teacher working with her. She made new friends and hopes to be able to keep up her friendships. She is hoping to get a teaching job at the beginning of the New Year. Brandi was able to go to Idaho with Eric for a week in March. It gave her a chance to see many different temples that are in Idaho. Brandi had a chance to go to Texas for the first time. It wasn’t for a great reason but got to meet my cousin Dawna’s husband and children. It was a hard trip on her and glad that there was family there with her.
Jake
Jake is 11 and in the 5th grade now and is at a new school this year. He is now a foot shorter than his dad and almost as tall as his mother. He tried out for the school Honor Choir and actually made it. He is excited and his first performance is this month. He earned is Arrow of Light and Webeleo’s badge in Cub Scouts. He is now in the New Boy Patrol in Boy Scouts. This is his last year in Primary and pretty soon will be a priesthood holder.
Trent
Trent is 9 and in the 3rd grade now and is at a new school this year. He is growing like a weed now and is just a little over 4 feet tall. He just recently earned his Wolf badge in Cub Scouts. He has adjusted well to the new school and enjoys being in the 3rd grade.
Bronley Family
As a family we have been able to take many different trips. We started the year off with going to Flagstaff, Arizona for Brandi to be able to take a test for her schooling. After she was done with the test we spent some great time being able to play in the snow and going sledding for the first time. Another big trip that we took was up to Colorado to see Eric’s brother Chris and his family and little boy Adam get blessed. This was a fun trip to be able to spend time with everyone and to have all the cousins around to be able to play together. We had a chance to be able to take some great pictures of everyone too. We took a couple of trips to Utah. One was for Brandi’s cousin’s wedding and the next one was to visit with Eric’s brother Tim and family. We took a trip to Ventura to help Eric’s dad fix his Grammy’s bathroom floor. We also went to the Ventura Fair and I meet up with a friend that I meet earlier in the year.

We hope that this finds you all doing well this holiday season.
Love,
The Vegas Bronley’s
Eric, Brandi, Jake, and Trent

Working on Grammy's Bathroom.

2010-08-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Recently we went to Ventura to finish working on Grammy's upstairs bathroom floor. In June Eric and Bruce went to help with thie bathroom having water and termite damage to it. So we went back this August to finish it and lay down a tile floor.

Bruce and Eric worked over a couple of mornings in getting the floor laid down. Here Bruce is measuring the floor to find out where the center of the floor is to be able to start laying down the floor.

Here it looks like Eric is just supervising his dad in working on the floor.

Here we are beginning laying down the tile floor and getting it all layed doen and worked out.

Here is the floor finished being layed down and waiting to be grouted.
Here is the floor finished and looking great. We did a great job for not knowing what we were doing. Grammy enjoyed it and was greatful when we were finished and her bathroom looked great again. Now we need to paint it but that is another time.

I lost a dear friend and family member

2010-05-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

On April 29th, 2010 I recieve a call from my Aunt Vicki to tell me that my cousin Dawna had died in a car crash. She was a beautiful soul that was taken from this earth for another calling. She left behind so many that loved her. She was a loving mother to her children Emily, Adia and Liam. She was a loving wife to her husband Scott. She was a loving sister to Jim, Wayne, Duncan, Jill, and Alexus. She was a loving Aunt to Morgan, Alex, Alyssa, Nevin, Katylynn and Danica. She was a loving cousin to many including me. She is going to be greatly missed.

At her funeral there where so many nice friends of hers there expressing how much she loved everything. It was so nice to see that there will be many people that are going to be there to help the family while they are going through the grieving process. It is going to be weird to not see her smiling face at family functions. But I know that she is going to be watching over us.

Colorado

2010-04-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

As a family we recently took 13 hour road trip up to Colorado to see Chris' family and the new baby. We had a pleasent drive with all 5 of us in the car. We were able to rent a Ford Flex for free with Eric's points from traveling so much and got our hotel stays for free. The perks of him traveling for his job. We enjoyed the lovely senery on the way up and back. Bruce enjoyed pointing out different shapes in the mountains. In one he pointed out that it looked like it had a face on it.

After leaving all the beautiful rocks and entering into the beautiful ski country of Colorado we were able to see Vail and many other ski resort towns and feel in love with all of the beautiful senery.

After traveling all day we got there around 10 at night. We droped Bruce off at Chris' house and went on to our hotel to get some much needed sleep. On Saturday we got together and went to a beautiful park there in Parker and took lots of pictures of the kids and families together. Here is a picture of the 5 oldest grandkids. Starting left we have Trent, Joshua, Layton, Lizzie and Jake.

The boys enjoyed pertending to be army men at this little stream. Here they are holding their guns. Of course you have to imagine them being there.

Here they are plotting about how they are going to cross the stream.

We then got a picture of all the grandkids together. Poor Lizzie is the only girl so far. I know how that feels. I have 6 boy cousins before me and then one after me before I got to have girl cousins to play with. From the left we have Layton, Lizzie, Joshua, James, Trent, Adam and Jake.

The kids even enjoyed getting all together in their own little circle and play games on their DS's. It is cute even Lizzie gets right in there and plays with the boys.

The kids did really well and had fun playing with each other and of course they all had to go in the same car with Uncle Eric and Aunt BB. So we got back from the park first and took pictures of the oldest on the front steps.

Here is a wonderful 3 generation picture with Bruce and all of the brothers and their children.

We even got to take a rare picture of Grandpa holding Lizzie.

Look for more of our trip to Colorado and Adam's Blessing in the next post to come.

A New Year

2010-01-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

We started our New Year with surprising the boys with a trip to Disneyland for New Years Eve. We spent the whole day at Disneyland and California Adventures.
We started the trip off by telling Jake and Trent that daddy need to go to LA for a one day training trip. We rented a car and drove down to LA and found our hotel that was in Santa Ana. The next morning we woke up early and told the boys we needed to find where daddy was going to train. After driving around Disneyland once it took them until we pulled into the parking garage to figure out where we were taking them that day and oh they were so excited.

This was taken on the tram to the entrance to buy the tickets to Disneyland. This time we decided to do a park hopper ticket. So we did both lands.
Here the boys are racing to get into Disneyland they were so excited to see everything. I was excited to be able to see Disneyland all decorated for the holidays
Here the boys are in front of the famous Mickey face and Disneyland Train station.
This is Trent on his first Star Tours ride. Last time we went to Disneyland he was to little to ride this ride. He was so excited to be able to finally get on all of the rides that he wanted to ride. We got to also see the new Finding Nemo ride on the Submarines. But I think the best part was seeing both the boys faces after we got done riding Space Mountain.
One of Jake's favorite characters lately is Jack Skeleton from Nightmare before Christmas. So he was excited to be able to get this picture taken of him with Jack. We also went on the Haunted Mansion ride that was all decked out in Nightmare before Chrismas.
After awhile and a lot of rides at Disneyland we went over to California Adventure to see what that was like. We went and saw the 3-D Muppet movie, rode the Monsters Inc. ride, rode the Grizzily rapids ride twice and soaking wet and we also stood in a long line to ride the Toy Story Mania ride.

As Jake will say mommy loves to have pictures of everything. So I try and document the fun we have.
This is just me with the boys having Eric take more pictures of us.
There was a nice couple that was even nice enough to take our family picture at the Hollywood backlot spot.
We were lucky to find a short line and take some pictures with Characters. We took one with one of my favorite characters Goofy. We even took some with the Cars from the movie Cars.We had a lot of fun but after 17 hours at the park we were ready to go. We stayed all the way until it was New Years Day. We had a great trip and loved being able to celebrate the new year with Disney.

Christmas Newsletter

2009-12-20T17:54:00.000-08:00

I thought I would also post my Chistmas newsletter on my blog.

Vegas Bronley’s Newsletter

Breaking News:
Trent was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints by his dad on November 28th, 2009.

Jake:
Is in the 4th grade this year. He was excited to be able to be in the school choir this year and did a wonderful job. He was also chosen to be on the News team by his teacher. Jake is also a Webelo’s in Cub Scouts and is still enjoying to go to scouts. His teachers says that he is a unique character to have in class. Jake also received the Principles award for Citizenship at school for his continued efforts in making his class room environment a happy one.

Trent:
Is in the 2nd grade this year. He has joined the cub scout this year and is excited to do things that his big brother does now. With his teachers help he has decided reading is not so bad and has improved greatly. Trent also received the Principles award for hard work in the classroom.

Brandi:
She is still being a substitute teacher and is enjoying the chance to work with different students. She has also had the opportunity to go on a couple a training trips with Eric. Eric and Brandi got to take a week and go up to Idaho Falls in June for a training trip that he had up there. She and the boys also went to San Diego with Eric for two weeks. She is almost done with Master’s degree. She will be starting her student teaching next school year.

Eric
He traveled more than usual for work this year helping in other market’s mostly in California. We were able to go with him to Fresno, Visalia, San Jose, San Diego and Brandi was able to leave the kids with Grandpa and spend a week with Eric in Idaho Falls. He has now visited 30 different cities in 2 years with AT&T and with the cities he has revisited has almost traveled 100 times.

The Bronley family wishes all of you a happy holidays and the best for 2010

2009-12-12T14:21:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Jake's Choir Concert at School

2009-12-10T18:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a couple of videos that are from Jake's Concert. It was really good and seeing my son sing was wonderful.

This video is of them singing We Need a little Chirstmas. Enjoy!

Trent's Baptism

2009-12-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday my little boy was baptized by his father and was confirmed a memeber of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints by his father too. It was a nice day and it was nice to be able to share it with my grandparents and friends from Church.

Jake was such a great big brother to Trent when he showed him what it was like to be baptized when he was 8 years old 2 years ago. And he said a great prayer at the end of the Trent's baptism.Trent was able to have his primary teacher Sis. Scharmann, Our home teachers Bro. Beals and Bro. Thompson, and our Bishop. It was nice of them to all show up for his special day. Trent had a big circle for his confirmation. Those that took part were Bro. Beals, Bro. Thompson, Grandpa Bronley, Great Grandpa Mealey, Uncle Tim, Bishop Nelson and Daddy. He was blessed to be able to have everyone there.

It was a great Baptism and a very special day for our family.

Daddy with his two boys. Next big event will be Jake getting the Preisthood in 2 years. Atleast I have 2 years to get ready for that.

Our family on Trent's special day.

Trent with his Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Mealey on his Special Day.

Trent with his Uncle Tim(TJ), Aunt Mary, and Cousins Lizzie and James on his Special Day.

Trent after being Baptized and Confirmed.

My Baby is Turning 8

2009-11-12T15:47:00.001-08:00

8 years ago I had a sweet precious baby named Trenton Kyle. He was 5 lbs and 13 ozs and was 18 1/4 inches long. He came a month early and scared us with his breathing and had to stay in NICU for 5 days. But on Thanksgiving morning we got the best call to tell us to come and pick up our little peanut. We were so greatful to have him home with us that each Thanksgiving is just another reminder at what a special gift he was to us.

This is my precious little boy when he was one years old. I still can't belive that he has grown up so much. He would love to take pictures and would just be the best little boy when he took pictures.

He was such a cute litte boy and would love to follow his older brother around. He was also my little cuddler and still is. I really miss this about my little boy.

He is still my sweet little baby boy he just is getting so big and grown up. He loves to take pictures with mommy and to go shopping and just being able to spend time with me. He loves his daddy too.

This was him on his last day in First grade and Frias Elementary school with Mrs. Steelhammer. He is in the Second grade now and learning so much. He is starting to love reading and Mrs. Kay his teacher is one of the best.

He has loved watching all of the Man vs. Food shows and when we went to Cheeburger Cheeburger he wanted to eat the half pounder hamburger challange and actually finished it. He was so proud of himself. This was his first time eating this hamburger.

I am looking forward to seeing him getting baptized this month and look forward to many more years of watching my baby boy grow up.

Jake turned 10.

2009-10-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

On October 6th Jake turned ten years old. I still can't believe that it has been 10 years since I gave birth to him. He had a great birthday. We took him to Chili's for dinner and the waitress sang happy birthday to him and so did some of the tables around us. It was a great thing for him.

As you can tell he got what he really wanted. Trent gave his brother a Clone Build a blaster and Jake has been asking for this for sometime now. He was so excited when he got this.

He also got a Star Wars Lego Jedi Starfighter from Grandpa for his birthday. He is a big Star Wars fan.

I still can't believe that my little boy is now 10 years old.

First day of school

2009-09-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well it has finally come the first day back to school. I never thought it would get here. Jake and Trent have been out of school since July and didn't go back until Sept 14th this year. They actually got a summer vacation. That is what we get for changing tracks on them. If you don't know what tracks are my boys go to year round school and tracks tell you when your breaks are. There are 5 tracks and Jake and Trent were on Track 5 last year and now they are on Track 1. But they like it so far.
Jake is in the 4th grade now and has Miss Atwood as his 4th grade teacher. He has decided this year that he is going to be in the Give back club, join the choir and wants to be in the play. He is already starting in being busy like crazy.

Trent is in the 2nd grade now and has Mrs. Kay as his 2nd grade teacher. He absolutely loves her. She is going to be good in getting him to read and write better. Trent wants to start playing soccer this year. We will have to see how things go.

Trent was so excited that on the first day of school he actually got to hold the flag in the front of his line for class. Frias elementary has the flag ceremony outside before going into class.

And of course Fat Louie decided to give the boys a gift as we were taking pictures and getting ready to go to school. This cat will bring in a bird everyday of the week if we would let him. Apparently when we were gone the first week in San Diego he brought in a bird everyday for Bruce to clean up. Wasn't that so nice of him. I hate having to clean them up so now he has to play with them outside.

Don't my boys look so excited to go to school?

My first day back was on Tuesday. I subbed at an elementary school in the Special Education Resource room for the 4th and 5th graders. This is great practice for me since this is what I am going to school to get my masters in. I look forward to being able to have my own class and teach those students to see the light turn on in their eyes when they get it.

Baby blankets and more baby blankets

2009-09-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been busy working on crocheting a bunch of baby blankets for family and friends. I enjoy being able to make these blankets for them and being able to see their reactions when receiving the blankets. This blanket was made for my sister-in-law Mary and my new little nephew James.
This blanket was made for a dear friend Andrea Anderson who waited for almost 3 years to be able to bring her daughter Kylie home from Guatamela.

This blanket was made for one of my cousins Sarah Hinton and her first little girl. These blankets were made for a friend in my ward at church Allyson Larkin and her precious set of twins, Lily and Crew.This blanket was made for another friend in my ward at church who has recently moved to Texas. Christa Harbach and her new little girl Eva.

I am currently working on a set of blankets for another friend in my ward at chuch Suzanne Johnson. She is having a set of boy and girl twins.

I look forward to being able to make more baby blankets for family and friends. It is a nice little quite time for me to get away from the world.

Second Trip to San Diego

2009-09-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

We went back to San Diego fro another week with Eric on a training trip. It was a great little family trip. Wish that we could go with him on all of his training trips. But with the boys going to school and me substitute teaching it is hard to do that. We miss him when he is gone.

We took the boys to see the USS Midway aircraft carrier. We took a great tour of the ship.

Jake is really big into the military. So we thought that this would be a great experience for him. It was a great oppurtunity to help the boys understand what their Great Grandpa Bronley did and what their Grandpa Boswell did in the wars.

It was a great experience to see what the sailors had to live with while at sea on this ship and any of the other ships.

Even Eric enjoyed going and seeing the USS Midway. He wanted to be a helicopter pilot when he was little.

We also had the chance to eat at some of the resturants that are featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network. The first place we ate at was a place called Pizzeria Luigi. The Second was Crazee Burger where Eric had his first Kangaroo Burger. Yes you read that right.

The last place that we went was Studio Diner. The food there was excellent.

I had East Coast style Fish and Chips. It was huge.

We are now back in Vegas getting the boys ready to go back to school.

First trip to San Diego

2009-08-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

Recently we took a trip to San Diego with Eric on one of his training trips. Since the boys are out of school until Sept. 14th we were able to go as a family instead of sitting at home wondering if Eric was ok. It was nice to be able to be together as a family. On the way out to San Diego we were going to take the boys up to Calico ghost town but didn't have enough money to get in so they settled with taking a picture by the sign.

We stayed in the Woodfin Suites hotel in Mira Mesa. It was a nice one bedroom suite that the parents were able to have their own little room to escape from their boys.

On tuesday Eric didn't have to work so we were able to take the boys out and see some of San Diego. We took them to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. They had a ton of fun looking at the fish that are in the Pacific ocean.

The boys also enjoyed being eaten by a shark. We actually all took pictures with the shark but I love how this one turned out with the boys.
It was so nice to be able to see the ocean again and have a nice view from the aquirium. The boys actually got lucky with one of the spy glasses not working and was able to use it with out having to put any money in it to see out on the ocean.

After going to the aquirium we took the boys down to Seaport Village Shops and ate at the Edgewater grill. It was nice to be right there on water eating lunch. We then walked around down there and looked at some of the unique shops. We also rode the Historic Carousel there. It was nice to be able to take a nice picture with my boys.

We also took the boys to see the beautiful San Diego temple. And talked to them about the importance of the work that is done inside of the temple. It was great to see the reactions of how they acted at the temple. And I hope that one day I will be able to go to the temple with them.

We even gave the boys each an oppurtinity to take a picture of Eric and I at the temple and this is the one that Jake took of us. I think that it actually came out really good.

There will be more to come. We are taking another trip back to San Diego.

Ventura Fair and the Beach

2009-08-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

On August 8th we went to Ventura fair in Ventura, Ca. It was the first time that we had gone since Trent was a baby. Jake and Trent had a fun time riding rides, playing midway games and looking at all the fun things that there is at the fair. Jake and Trent also enjoyed being able to pick whatever they wanted to eat.

There were so many fun little characters to be able to pose and take pictures of the boys with. I love this one of Jake and Trent with the roasted corn men. Aren't they cute.

Each of us rode one ride with the boys. I rode the ferris wheel with Jake and Eric rode it with Trent.

Jake and Trent enjoyed being able to ride one ride with us. It was nice to be able to just be with one of them. This is the view from the ferris wheel. Isn't it gorgeous.

We had lots of fun at the fair. We saw a family friend at the fair we hadn't seen since Trent was a baby. Life was so great that day while we were out of the nice Vegas heat. We enjoyed the nice cool weather of Ventura. Can't you tell I am in pants. I also got a nice sunburn on my neck that was exposed.

The next day we went to the beach before leaving to go back to Vegas. The boys had so much fun at the beach and playing in the ocean with their dad.

Can you find Jake in the picture? Jake felt the strength of the ocean.

This is has far as I will go in to the ocean. I have such a fear of the water. But I went down and put my feet into the water.
Even mommy went down and put her feet in the water. But that is as far as I will go.

Trent wanted so bad to build a sand castle with daddy so they tried.

And it was sad to go back home but we had to be back home for Eric and Bruce to go to work. It was a nice short little visit with family and friends. Hopefully we will be able to spend time with them longer the next time we are there.

4th of July and a Baby Blessing

2009-07-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

We went up to Utah for the 4th of July this year. It was great being able to spend the weekend with Eric's family. We left Vegas on Friday morning and got into Eagle Mountain, Utah later that day. We stopped in Cedar City and ate lunch at Wingers. We got to see Tim and Mary's new place there. And it was great just to be able to see the new little baby James. He is such a baby doll.

On the 4th the family came to our hotel and we went swimming and then we went to the Mall for lunch. The grandkids got to ride the Merry go round that was at the mall and the kids had alot of fun. We then went to Thanksgiving Point in Lehi to have a family picnic and watch the fireworks. Everyone was there but Apryl and Matt.

Our family pic on the 4th. I finally was able to get one of us all in our flag shirts. This was the first year that we did this.

Here is the pic of Chris and Gina's family. They are expecting #3. Hopefully we will be able to find out what they are having soon. They are due in January.

Here is the updated pic of Tim and Mary's family. James was born at the end of April and this was his first 4th of July.

All of the grandkids looking up in the sky. I love this picture they are actually waiting for a train ride in cow cars. They loved it and had a great time with each other.

Then on Sunday we all got together for the baby blessing of James. It was a great blessing and it was great to have everyone together for such a special event.

Even Mary's grandpa and his girlfriend where there from England. This was actaully the first baby blessing that all the brothers were in the circle together. It was great to be able to get them all together for it.

This is the men that were in the circle. Tim's two brothers and his dad and then Mary's three brother's, brother-in-law, and a great uncle.

I love this pic all the kids lined up on the bike rack and they let us take pics. In the picture are: Jake, Trent, Joshua, Layton, Lizzie, Samual, and Allen. It is a great pic of Tim and Mary's nephews and daughter.

Here are the boys after the blessing waiting to go back to Tim and Mary's for lunch.

We went to the park later and got pictures of all the Bronley grandkids together.

After Lizzie ran out of the picture we got one of all the Bronley boy grandkids. Poor Lizzie is the only girl.

We were able to get a 3 generation picture of the boys. It was a great visit and I wish it didn't have to come to an end. Eric left Monday morning for a training trip in Dallas so it was just me and Bruce to drive home. The boys actually did great on the long drive.

My Cousin Brittney is Engaged.

2009-03-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to announce that my little cousin Brittney is engaged to be married. Ok she's not so little anymore she is now 19 and going to BYU Idaho. She is engaged to Adam Christopherson.

Here a couple of pictures of the happy and cute couple. I am still in shock that she is engagged. I remember when she was born. But I am very happy for her and know she will be very happy.

Handmade By Me!

2009-03-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

I've seen something like this on a few different blogs. The first time, I missed being part of the first five.Here is the deal:
The first five people to comment on this post will get something made by me.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2- What I make will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do whatever I want!
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your own blog and offer the same deal to 5 of your own lucky blog readers. So, the first 5 people to leave a comment telling me they are in, win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it.
Let the games begin!

Taylor turns Sweet 16

2009-03-31T13:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my niece Taylor is now Sweet 16. It seems like just yesterday she was born. I know that my mom is very proud of this sweet girl. I am proud of her in everything that she has accomplished in her life. We got to visit with her back in Feburary. We wanted to try and surprise her for her birthday but wasn't able too but her dad did. I am sure that it was a great surprise for her.

This picture was taken in Fresno when we went up in Fresno. I know it isn't a great pic but it was funny. This is at a gas station.

Taylor with her dad, stepmom Melissa, and stepbrother Willie. This was taken in October of 2007.

Taylor with Grandma in 2006. This is one of the last pictures of Taylor and her grandma taken.

Taylor with me and Eric at Thanksgiving 2008.

Taylor with her Great Grandma Mealey. Thanksgiving 2008

Taylor with her Great Granpa and Grandma Mealey at Thanksgiving 2008.

She is growing up just to fast. I wish I was able to see her more often. But it is great when we are able to get together and see her. Hope you had a great Sweet 16 Taylor.

Phil Keoghan the host of Amazing Race in Vegas

2009-03-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

So Phil Keoghan the host of Amazing Race is riding across country for MS and he stopped in Vegas today. He was down at the GNC on Blue Diamond road. So after taking Eric to the airport for his two week training trip me and the boys stopped by to see him and get some autographs. It was great while we were there he talked to a guy on the phone who just had surgery for his MS. He is such a great inspiration to us all.

Jake went up and got his GNC hat signed and was excited to meet him.

Here is a pic of the boys next to the trail that Phil's dad drives around with him.

Phil was nice enough to even give us a card that was signed just to the boys Uncle Tim. Uncle Tim is a big fan of Amazing Race and will get a great kick out of the autograph. The card is actually personalized to him.

The boys then took pictures together with him. I think it is a great thing that he is doing. I would love to help bring the awareness about MS to everyone. It is a very hard disease that cripples so many.

You can go to www.philridesacrossamerica.com to find out more about what he is doing and what states and cities he will be visiting.

St. Patty's Day 2009

2009-03-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was St. Patty's Day and our traditional Irish dinner was fun. This year we decided to do Cornbeef Sandwiches. I bought some lunch meat at the Smiths Deli to make great sandwiches. Jake actually tried it and liked it. I think he ate like 3 sandwiches. But they were small little sandwiches that were supposed to be in the shape of shamrocks. Here is what they looked like.

I also go Sour Cream and Onion chips. There are green flecks in the chips. We also had Tortilla chips and Gaucamole dip that was green. I went to a place called the Cupcakery and bought cupcakes. Here is what they look like.

The flavors are Grasshopper, Bailey's Irish and Cream and Indulge oh my Ganouch. They were very good. We had them with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

The boys got to have some fun too. They had their St. Patty's Day shirts on from Old Navy and then I got them hats and some bead necklaces. They had a great time with it. Here are some pics of the boys in their St. Patty's day attire.

The boys goofing around.

Jake posing after his little Irish jig.

Trent pretending to drink green beer.

Ode to my Mother

2009-01-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. She would have been 64 years old. I just wanted to say that she was a great mom to me and my big brother Rick. We loved her very much. I miss her everyday but know that she is in a better place and watching over us like she did here on earth. She was also a great grandma to my boys and to my niece Taylor. They miss her very much but are they also know that she is in a better place and she is out of pain now. Growing up my mother always made sure that we had what we needed to get through school and to help us become the parents that we are today.

My parents were married in Dec of 1966 and they were happy up until I was 12 years old. Then they divorced and my mom took me and my brother to raise us. She never talked bad about anyone not even my dad. She was still in love with him just couldn't live with him is what she always told us. But even though she was alone raising us she made sure that we got to and from school and all of our church activities.

I got to go to Canada with my Grandma Mealey, my mom and my brother when I was little. She made sure that we knew who are family was and were we came from. This is a picture of 4 generations that was taken when we went up to Canada. My Granny Souch (Grandma Mealey's mom), My Grandma Mealey, My Mom and me. I think I was 8 years old in this picture.

My mom made sure that I graduated from High School. She was so proud of me that day. I was so happy that she was there for me too. My Senior year was tough with having to have a surgery at the beginning and having to be out of school for 3 months. She helped me fight to be able to go to the prom, grad night and actually be able to paricipate in my high school graduation ceremony. I am glad that she was such a fighter for me.

She was always a big cheerleader for me and my brother in everything we did. She was also a great supporter to all of my friends that were around me too. When ever there was anything that they needed she tried to help them out.

Even when we made bad choices she never told us that she told us so. She let us make the choices and then learn from what we did. Like when I married my first husband Travis Anderson. She never told me that I wasn't going to be unhappy and wished us both the best in our marriage. And when that marriage failed she let me come back home and try and pick up the pieces after the hurt that I was going through. She helped me get back to church and make the right choices with my next one. She was extremely happy when I found Eric and went to the temple to be sealed and take out my own endownments. She supported me the whole way through it. Even with having a cast on her hand from having surgery she was there for me.

She was so excited that the day she became a grandma when my niece Taylor was born. She was the best grandma to her and my boys. I know that her life has been changed the day that my mom passed away. She is a great young women today for some of the things that my mom did for her.

This was the last picture takem of my mom with her grandsons. They were very excited to have a great grandma like my mom. She was so great to them. I believe that they are going to be great young men because of some of the things that she taught my boys. Plus she taught me how to be a great mom for my boys. The day that I learned that I needed to say goodbye to my mom was a hard one for me. But she taught me that I will see her again and with my temple blessings and hers I will be able to do that. I am so glad that she was my mom and was able to teach me to be a great mom too.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

This year we had a small Christmas at home with just our family. Since we traveled for Thanksgiving it was nice just to be here with the family. We had a great suprise the week before Christmas and had company come into town. Eric's brother Tim(TJ)'s wife Mary, daughter Lizzie and mother-in-law came into town to try and avoid the snow on their trip home from Texas and instead they it the snow here in Vegas and wasn't able to drive through it. Also Mary's mom got sick and they ended up staying until Sunday.

Also on Saturday Eric's, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Bob came through town on their way to Arizona for Christmas. We got together and had dinner with them at the South Point Buffet. It was nice seeing them again. We hadn't seen them since my dad had passed away in 2002 and we had gone up to Washington for his memorial. They hadn't seen my boys since Jake was 2 and Trent was only 6 months old. And they had never met Lizzie before. It was a great visit. We stayed at the buffet for 2 hours.

Well Christmas day was just small. But we actually like that.

This is the second Christmas that we have had since my mom has passed away and it is really different without her around to help me get my house all decorated for Christmas. And then with the snow we really weren't able to get into our garage to get the house all decorated up the way that we want it each year. But we did finally get one of our tree's up on Christmas eve and get some decorations on it in time to celebrate Christmas. We took around some bags of goodies to our friends in the ward. We had alot of fun doing that.The boys didn't believe us when we told them that if they weren't good through out the year that all they would get from Santa this year was buckets of coal. Well they each got buckets of coal. One small stocking with a Toontown card in it and a little lego. But I don't think that they really minded that they got a bucket of coal from Santa. They did get other gifts from mommy and daddy and they enjoyed those.

We got Bruce, Eric's dad, some sweats for USC and a digital photo frame that he has been asking for lately. Eric just asked to get his car fixed so that he can drive it again. I got a new camera that I can keep in my purse to be able to take pictures of cute when it happens. I also got a ihome for my ipod to be able to listen to it in my room.

On Friday we took the boys ice skating for the first time. They enjoyed it. We didn't last long at the rink though. My feet really started hurting and the boys I think got bored with it. I really am the only that can ice skate to be able to help the boys but we got them out there and they started to have fun.

It took me to coax them onto the ice by helping each of them by themsleves.

We were able to find these metal walkers that helped the boys skate on their own.

I think that they did very well for the fact that it was their first time being on skates.

In fact on Saturday Trent actually asked if he could go ice skating again. So to me I think that means he had fun.

Eye doctor and Glasses

2008-12-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

I finally got all of my boys into the eye doctor. Trent was the first to go because his teacher was worried about his eye sight. It was taking him along time to copy something off of the whiteboard. So we took him in and he actually did need glasses for reading and looking at the board in school. So he doesn't need to be wearing them while playing outside. But he looks really cute in his glasses. But he could grow out of having to wear glasses.
So I finally got Jake and Eric to the eye doctor too. Jake got a good clean bill of eye sight. He actually has 20/20 eyesight. We were really proud of him for that. The next was Eric to see the eye doctor. He actually has good eyesight but in his left eye it was blurry. So he actually needed to get glasses to see long distance. He has to wear them when he is driving or watching tv at a distance. I think he looks handsome too.

Snowing in Vegas

2008-12-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

We were luckly today and was able to get snow here in Vegas today. The boys wanted to go out and play in the snow when they found out that it was snowing. So we were able to find a place up in Summerlin where the snow was sticking and they had alot of fun playing in the snow.

We found an empty lot and was able to make a snowman with the boys.

We had alot of fun while playing in the snow.

Thanksgiving and the Beach

2008-12-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. I got to go up and have Thanksgiving with my family in California. We drove up to Bakersfield on Thanksgiving and had one dinner with my family that lives there and my grandparents.

This is Trent and Jake with one of their cousins in Bakersfield, Nevin Gillis

The next day we drove up to Fresno and had another Thanksgiving dinner with my family in Fresno and Madera, my niece Taylor and my grandparents again. It was great. I hadn't seen alot of them since last year. And I hadn't seen Taylor for a year now. I really need to see her more often.

Jake and Trent with their Cousin Taylor Boswell (my niece)

Jake and Trent with their Great Grandma Mealey, my grandma.

Jake and Trent with their cousin Taylor and Great Grandparents, my grandparents.

Then afterwards we drove back to Bakersfield and spent the night and then the next day we drove down to Ventura and visited with Eric's Grammy and took the boys to the beach.

This was actually the first time that we had ever taken the boys to the beach. I think that is interesting that after 9 years of having the boys we had never taken them to the beach.

But they enjoyed it and forgot that it was the winter and decided to play in the ocean and get all wet.

Halloween and the Dentist.

2008-11-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

Well this post has been long time coming. I know that I needed to post this after Halloween put I just now put I just now downloaded the pictures from Halloween. The boys really had a great time. We did Trunk or Treat on the 25th of October for our ward here in Las Vegas. Jake actually got brave this year and went into the spook house that they had set up at the church. Trent chickened out again. But they had alot of fun playing with their friends and then of course going around and Trunk or Treating.

We decorated the back of the van and handed out candy to everyone. I know that the picture really doesn't do it well. But this is what it looked like. Jake went as a Clone Trooper from Star Wars and Trent went as Ironman.

This is Jake playing around in the church. Eric took these pictures and I thought that they were great so I wanted to share them with everyone.

Then for school our boys dressed up as Cowboys for Nevada Day. The school celebrates Nevada Day instead of doing Halloween parties. They get a lunch supplied for them and do Nevada Day activities. Trent was so excited to finally get to dress up as a Cowboy. And both of the boys wanted to dress like thier Uncle Rick who is a Cowboy. I think they would make him proud.

This is Trent wearing his hat over his eyes he wanted to wear his hat that way for the picture.

Now onto the Dentist. My mouth started hurting on the 25th of October and the pain just got so bad that I needed to go to the dentist. I found a great dentist that is in our ward. They call him Dr. Mike. I ended up needing to have 2 root canals done and some deep cleaning of my teeth. I still have to go back to get the rest of the 2nd root canal done next week but my teeth are clean and I am feeling much better now.

http://www.justsmileslv.com/

The boys also went to the dentist. Trent got his teeth cleaned and didn't have any cavities. I was very proud of him.

Jake on the other had ended up having on cavitiy but he got it filled today and did a great job at the dentist. I thought that he would have had a hard time when they went to numb his mouth. But he was very big boy about the whole thing.

And Eric will be going to the dentist tomorrow. So we are just getting everything taken care of before the year is up. But it is a great blessing to have such great people that go to our church and being able to find a good dentist that will take care of you.

All about my love

2008-11-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

The rules are posted at the beginning. Each person answers questions about their sweethearts. At the end of the post the person then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they are tagged!!
WHAT IS YOUR HUSBAND'S NAME? Eric James Bronley
HOW LONG HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN MARRIED? 11 years and still going strong.
HOW LONG DID YOU DATE? 6 Months
HOW OLD IS HE? 33 years old
WHO IS TALLER? He is!
WHO CAN SING BEST? I can
WHO IS SMARTER? I am but with cell phone products and data he is.
WHO DOES LAUNDRY? Both of us
WHO PAYS BILLS? ME!
WHO SLEEPS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BED? He does
WHO MOWS THE LAWN? WE both do depends on if Eric is in town.
WHO COOKS DINNER? We both do.
WHO'S THE FIRST TO ADMIT THEY ARE WRONG? He does.
WHO KISSED WHO FIRST? He kissed me.
WHO WEARS THE PANTS? We both like to think that we do! We're about equal!
I tag...Tricia Young, Karen Baker, Michelle Mierzejewski

Tagged

2008-10-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

After reading my friend Tricia Young's blog she made a challange to answer these questions.

5 FAVORITE PLACES I'VE LIVED

1. American Fork, Utah - I lived there as a child and have many happy memories of my family there.
2. Everett, Washington - Moved there from Utah when I was 11 and loved being up there and meeting new friends.
3. Fresno, Ca - I know that sounds weird but I miss there because I miss my niece that still lives there.
4. Ventura, Ca - I loved it there because this is where me and Eric lived after getting married and decided to have a family. Also Jake was born there.
5. Las Vegas, Nv - This is where we decided to make our home and stay. We had Trent here and have been here for 9 years now.

5 FAVORITE SNACKS

1. M&M's
2. Carmel Popcorn
3. Doritos with Jalopenio Chedder Cheese
4. Pepsi - I know this is a drink but I like to eat it with my snacks
5. Junior Mints

5 JOBS I'VE HAD

1. Hairstylist - I loved this job. I got my license in California back in 1994 and just recently let it go.
2. Business Owner - In Ventura we owned our own Locksmith business.
3. School Crossing Guard - I love doing this and working with the kids up at Frias Elementary School where my kids go.
4. Substitue Teacher - I am so looking forward to being in a classroom with children that want to learn.
5. Mom, Wife, Daughter & Friend - This is my best job and my most favorite.

IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS I WOULD

1. Pay off all my bills.
2. Buy a house
3. Pay off my brothers bills
4. Save some for when I retire
5. Pay my tithing

5 THINGS I LOVE

1. Eric
2. Jake
3. Trent
4. My extended family
5. Crocheting and scrapbooking

PLACES I HAVE LOVED VISITING

1. Canada - When I was little my grandma took my family up there and I got to see my Granny Souch and had a 4 generation pic taken. And then in 2001 I took Jake and my mom up there for my mom's real dad's funeral.
2. Disneyland - I know that sounds weird but it was fun being there for my honeymoon and then being able to take my kids there.
3. Oregon Coast - I went there when I was 16 to my Aunt and Uncle's cabin on the coast and had just a great time with them.
4. Washington - It was a sad time because I was going up for my dad's memorial but it was a great visit with my big brother.
5. Ventura - I love going and seeing the beach.

That time a year again

2008-10-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it is already fall. We were going to go to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard today and found out that they close at noon so we went to the Bellagio Conservatory. We wanted to see the fall setup that they did. It was gorgeous and the boys had lots of fun. We also took some pics of the boys there.

This is a pic of the boys and a giant pumpkin that was on display there.

This is a arch and walkway that you can walk through and look up and see pumpkins. And then there is a pic of the boys looking up at the pumpkins.

These are pictures of us with the boys in front of an ent that was on display there too.

We really had alot of fun and took lots of pics. I recommend that you go and see this if you come to Vegas or if you live here.

11 Years of Wedded Bliss

2008-10-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

This has been an up and coming post. Eric and I have been married for 11 years back on Sept 26th. I can't believe that it has been that long ago already. But to tell you alittle bit about how we started. We actually met on AOL Im. Eric found me in the profile section and instant messaged me to see if I was someone else I answered back no and from there we just started talking back and forth on instant messaging. We would email each other on a daily basis. After getting to know each other alittle bit more we moved on to talking to each other on the phone for hours on in. Eric decided for his Spring Break from College that he would come up and met me. We had not met yet because Eric lived in Ventura, CA and I lived in Fresno, CA which is about 4 hours apart. But he rented a car and drove up to Fresno and met me and we haven't been apart since. We finally met each other in March of 97, by May of 97 we were engaged and by Sept of 97 we were married in the Los Angeles Temple. It was such a special day. I got my endowments taken out on that same day and having my mom, my grandparents and my Aunt Laurie and Uncle Mike there for it was such an experience. Eric told me that his heart dropped into his stomach when he finally saw me in my wedding dress. We had a Ring Ceremony at the Ventura Stake Center that night for those that were not able to attend the sealing at the temple. And a special treat that I got was that my Big Brother Rick sang our first dance song. Which was Me and You by Kenny Chesney. Eric's brother Chris played the guitar and Doug McCoullough played the piano. It was great and is a great memory that we have.

For our honeymoon we spent 5 days at Disneyland. On the 5th day we also went to Universal Studios. It was fun and was great being able to just spend time with each other as husband and wife.

And now today we have 2 great sons who keep us on our toes.

Jake turned 9

2008-10-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe that he has turned 9 already. It seems just like yesterday he was a little baby fighting for his life. And now look at him grow up. Jake is 88 lbs and 4'4". He was born at 7 lbs 9 oz's and 18 1/4" long. He has grown up so fast. Jake right before his birthday also lost another tooth. That makes 7 teeth that he has lost since he turned 6. Jake is only a foot shorter than his mother now and I am sure that he is going to be taller than me. Jake had to come home from school and do his home work yesterday before being able to get his gifts but he was very suprised when he walked into his room to see his gifts on his bed.

Jake's favorite thing is Star Wars. So he got a Star Wars Clone Trooper Helmet that talks, a Star Wars Spider Droid and a Star Wars Clone Trooper Blaster. He was extremely happy to be able to get gifts. The boys worked so hard on Saturday to get there room cleaned. We told them that there wouldn't be any presents for birthdays unless the toys in their room was picked up they didn't need anymore.

We went to Wal-mart and bought a Chocolate cake and brought it home and decorated it. Eric wrote on it Happy B-day Jake and then put a battle of Star Wars Galatic Heros on the cake. Jake loved the cake and was very excited about it.

We sang happy birthday to him and then he blew out his candles. And of course we had some cake and ice cream. Jake also got to pick out what he wanted to eat. Jake picked Caines Chicken Fingers. They were good.

Crocheted Baby Kimono

2008-09-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

I actually made this one for my little niece. I enjoyed making it and then seeing her actually in it.

Crochted Baby Kimono (size 24 months)

Hook size: h

Yarn: TLC (neapolitan)

Back:

Ch 48

Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each ch across. (47 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across

Repeat row 2 until piece measures 10" from beg. Fasten Off

(12" x 10")

Left Front:

Ch 40

Row 1: (RS), Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (39 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across.

Repeat row 2 until piece measures 4 1/2" from beg, end with a wrong side row.

(9 1/4" x 4 1/2")

Shape Neck:

Row 1: (RS), Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc to last 3 sc, sc 3 tog. (37 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, turn sc in each st across.

Rows 3 - 26: Rep last 2 rows 12 times.

Row 27: Ch 1, turn, sc to last 2 sc, sc 2 tog. (12 sc)

Row 28: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across.

Repeat last row until left front measures 10" from beg. Fasten Off

(9 1/4" x 10")

Right Front:

Work as for left front, reversing shaping by ending with a RS row before starting next shaping on WS row.

(9 1/4" x 10")

Left Sleeve:

Ch 34

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (33 sc)

Rows 2 - 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across.

Row 6: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first sc, sc in each sc across to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, (35 sc)

Row 7 - 26: Repeat rows 2 - 6, 4 times. (43 sc)

Rep Row 2 until sleeve measures 7" from reg. Fasten off.

(7" x 7" x 8")

Right Sleeve:

Work same as left sleeve.

(7" x 7" x 8")

Left Front tie:

From RS, insert hook into row below first sc 3 tog on left front and pull up a loop. Make a ch 30" long.

Next Row: Sl st in each ch to end. Fasten Off.

(30" Long)

Right Front tie:

From RS, insert hook into row below first sc 3 tog on right front and pull up a loop. Make a ch 13 1/4" long.

Next Row: Sl st in each ch to end, Fasten off.

(13 1/4" long)

Finishing:

Sew shoulder seams. Place markers 4" from each shoulder seam. Sew sleeves between markers. Swe sleeve seams. Sew right side seam leaving 1/2" open, 1" below sleeve for left front tie. Swe left side seam. Weave in ends. Insert left front tie through WS of right side opening and around back; tie into bow with Right Front tie.

My pattern is adapted from Lion Brand Co.

Crocheted Laptop Cover

2008-09-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Another pattern that I did. I thought I would start sharing my patterns and the projects that I am working on. This will give me stuff to blog about. So here is the Crocheted Laptop cover.

Crocheted Laptop Cover

Yarn: CA - Bernat Camouflage (purple camo), CB - Patons Twister (blue bongo), CC & CD -Simply Soft Tweed (white & black)

Hook Size: H (5 mm)

Special stitches:

Dc Decrease: (yo insert hook into next st pull up a loop, yo, draw through 2 loops on hook) twice, yo, draw through, 3 loops on hook to complete the stitch.

Abbreviations:

Rnd: Round

Rep: Repeat

DC: Double Crochet

SC: Single Crochet

St: Stitch

Tr: Triple Crochet

HDC: Half Double Crochet

CH: Chain

SL: Slip stitch

FO: Finish Off.

Ch 28 with two strands of CA held together.

Rnd 1: 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 25 ch, 5 sc in last ch; working on opposite side of beginning ch, sc in next 25 ch; join with a sl st in first sc. (60 sc)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, * (2 sc in next sc) 5 times, sc in next 25 sc; rep from * once more; join. (70 sc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, * (2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc) 5 times, sc in next 25 sc; rep from* once more; join. (80 sc)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, * (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 5 times, sc in next 25 sc; rep from * once more; join. (90 sc).

Cut one strand of CA and FO, remainder of case will be worked with single strand.

Rnds 5 - 7: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join

Rnd 8: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next sc and in each sc around; join to top ch 3.

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts, * decrease over the next 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, decrease, dc in the next 6 sts, dc in the next 10 sts, decrease, dc in the next 11 sts, * dc in next 5 sts, repeat from * to * join in top of ch 3.

Rnd 10: Ch 3, dc in next 4 sts, * decrease, dc in next 5 sts, decrease, dc in the next 5 sts, dc in next 10 sts decrease, dc in next 11 sts * dc in next 5 sts, repeat from * to *, join to the top of ch 3.

Rnd 11: Ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, * decrease, dc in next 4 sts, decrease, dc in the next 4 sts, dc in the next 10 sts, decrease, dc in the next 11 sts, * dc in the next 4 sts, repeat from * to * join to the top of ch 3.

Rnd 12: Ch 3, dc in the next 2 sts, * decrease, dc in the next 3 sts, decrease, dc in the next 3 sts, dc in the next 10 sts, decrease, dc in the next 11 sts, * dc in the next 3 sts, repeat from * to *, join to the top of ch 3.

Rnd 13: Ch 3, dc in the next st and in each st around, join to top of ch 3.

Rep Rnd 13 until case measures approximately 7" from bottom changing to CB when joining last rnd.

Next Rnd: With CB, ch 1, sc in same st as joining and in each dc around: join, changing to CC.

Next Rnd: With CC, ch 3 (counts as first dc) * tr in next sc, dc in next sc, hdc in next sc, sc in next sc, hdc in next sc ** dc in next sc, rep from * around, end at **; join, changing to CD.

Next Rnd: With CD, ch 4 (counts as first tr), * 3 tr in next tr, tr in next de: [holding back last loop on hook tr in next st] 3 times, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook (tr cluster made) ** tr in next dc: repeat from * around end at **; join to top of ch 4, changing to CC.

Next Rnd: With CC, ch 3 ( counts as first dc), * hdc in next st, sc in next st, hdc in next st, dc in next st, tr in next st **, dc in next st; rep from * around end at **; join, changing to CB.

Next Rnd: With CB, ch 1, sc in each st aroun; join, changing to CA.

Next Rnd: With C, ch 3, dc in each sc and in each sc around; join to top of ch 3.

Rep last Rnd until case measures 13 1/2" from beg, or until 1/2" less than desired length, change to CB when joining last rnd.

Next Rnd: With CB, ch 1, sc in same st as joining and in each dc around; join changing to CC.

Next Rnd: With CC, ch 1, sc in each sc around; joining, changing to CD.

Next Rnd: With CD, ch 1, sc in each sc around; join. FO, Weave in ends.

Finished Length 14"

Crocheted Peachy Queen Baby Blanket

2008-09-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

I have had a couple of people that have asked me where I got a pattern for one of the blankets that I crocheted. I made up the pattern myself so I thought I would post it here for others to be able to use and enjoy. Here is the picture of the blanket.

The pattern,

Yarn Needed: Caron Simply Soft, 4 ply, Lt. Country Peach

Hook Size: H (5.00 mm)

Pattern Stiches used:

Slant Stitch: Skip next sc, dc in next 3 sc, YO, insert hook in skipped sc and pull up a loop even with hook, YO and draw through 2 loops on hook. (twice) You just made the slant stitch.

Cross Stitch: Skip next st, dc in next st, working around dc just made, dc in skipped st. You just made the cross stitch.

Blanket Body:

CH. 125 loosely

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. (124 sc)

Row 2:(Right Side): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), turn; dc in next sc, *[skip next sc, dc in next 3 sc, YO, insert hook in skipped hook, (YO and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice](slant st made); repeat from * across to last 2 sc, dc in last 2 sc's. (30 Slant Sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, turn; sc in each st across. (124 sc)

Row 4: Ch 3, turn; * skip next st, dc in next st, working around dc just made, dc in skipped st; repeat from * across to last st, dc in last st. (61 Cross sts)

Row 5: Ch 1, turn; sc in each st across. (124 sc)

Repeat Rows 2 - 5 until you reach 43" long.

End with Row 5. Finish off.

The edging you can be anything you want. I used the backwards sc.

Weave in ends.

Abrevations used"

DC: Double Crochet

SC: Single Crochet

Sts: Stitches

Ch: Chain

YO: Yarn Over

Here is a close up of the stictches.

Praxis

2008-09-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have finally passed my Math Praxis. It only took me 4 times of taking it. I am very happy that I have finally passed it. I can get back to going to school and getting my teaching degree done. I start back up with directed study. I am really excited and glad that I finally have accomplished it.

First Day of School

2008-09-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

I know that this post is a little late. But we had a great first day of school. Jake is now in the 3rd grade and Trent is in 1st grade. I wasn't able to walk the boys to school this year due to being a crossing guard and I had to make sure that all the rude parents get crossed. You would think that they would be greatful that we are up there to help them and their kids stay safe.

Anyways Jake really like his teacher and Trent likes his too. Trent was alittle upset that none of his best friends aren't in his 1st grade class. Jake got lucky and some of his Kindergarten friends are in his 3rd grade class. There are even a couple of members of our church in there too.

Memory Lane

2008-08-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Yellowtail Resturant

2008-07-22T22:56:00.001-07:00

Eric and I got to go and eat at the new Yellowtail Resturant in the Bellagio. Bruce my father-in-law got free tickets to the private party for dinner there. It was my first expericence eating sushi and I actually enjoyed it. I was afraid that it was going to be really fishy and it wasn't.

Here is me at the Resturant.

Here is Eric at the Resturant.

This isn't a good picture but this is where we sat and the view from where we were sitting.

Here is another one. These pictures were taken with the iphone.

And this is Eric enjoying his soup.

And this is a picture of the check of the meal. Not sure if you can really see it but the grand total was 245.13. I am sure glad that this was a free meal. It was a great time and I enjoyed the atmosphere.

Haircuts and a burn

2008-07-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

Well with it being so hot here in Vegas the boys get really short haircuts. And it was time to give them haircuts again. All three boys got their haircut. And to top off a nice haircut is always to add a burn to our arms right.

Eric with his nice new haircut and of course a shirt that I found at Old Navy that says his hometown on it.

Jake with his buzz and his new haircut.

Trent with his Superman pj's on and his new haircut.

Well Trent likes to help cook with daddy and he reached his arm over the pan and put his arm on the pan and fried his arm. Luckly we got ice on it right away.

And to top this all off Eric had to pack to go on another training trip again. He left today for Baxter, MN. He will be there till Friday.

4th of July

2008-07-19T19:56:00.001-07:00

Well the 4th of July was a fun and exciting time in our family. We always go and see a movie in the morning of the 4th. So we took the boys to see Wall-e. They loved the movie and actually sat through the whole thing.

We then went to the fireworks stand and bought fireworks to light of that night. Another family tradition that we do is we BBQ Tri Tip and have homemade potatoe salad. I made my mom's famous homemade potatoe salad the night before to have for the 4th. It turned out very good. I was amazed that it came out has well as it did. The boys went swimming and had fun that way too. And then we waited to get dark and we went out and light of the fireworks. But of course we needed a lighter stick to be able to do that. So Eric went down to Walgreens to get that and on his way there his white Mazda brokedown. We had to push it to the parking lot and then we went on and got some ice and the lighter stick and went home to finish off the 4th with the fireworks.

The boys really enjoyed this years 4th of July. Of course each year I get them matching shirts for the 4th. Here they are in them.

And this year Trent got daring and wanted to help light the fireworks. Here he is with Grandpa helping him.

And he would run away to watch what happened.

We all love watching the fireworks but I think the boys had more fun lighting them off.

Praxis 1 Test again

2008-07-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

I just got my results for the writting portion of the Praxis test. I passed. It may have been by one point but at least I have passed. I know just need to pass my Math portion of the test and I can finish with my schooling. I am on a leave of absence right now because I didn't get the Praxis passed on time. But I am taking my Math portion on the 10th of July and I pray that I pass and maybe I can get back into school right away.

Praxis 1

2008-06-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

Well I took my Praxis 1 test today. I was able to pass the reading part put failed the math section by 3 points. And I have to wait for the results for the writing portion of the test. I am hoping and praying that I pass the writing part so the only part that I still have to take is the math again. It will be less expensive this way. But I am just glad that I got it out of the way and just need to get on with the rest of my master's program to be able to become a teacher.

Eric's Birthday

2008-06-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day we celbrated Eric's 33rd birthday. It was his day we took him to the movies and we saw one of his childhood icon's. Indiana Jones. It was a great movie and then afterwards we went over to Red Rock for lunch. The boys went into Kids quest because they don't really eat anything when we go to the resturants and this way they get to play and then have food there. We then took Eric over to the Salt Lick Resturant there for some good Texas BBQ. I think he had a great birthday. And then of course he left the next day to go to El Paso for a week. He got back and then left today for Little Rock. Happy Birthday my loving dear husband Eric. I hope that you had a great day.

I have been a bad blogger.

2008-06-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Well alot has happened that I need to post about. At the end of April we went up to Utah for Tim's Graduation from College. It was a great visit. We also got to visit with some of my family while there because I had a cousin that graduated from BYU. One of the great moments was that all of the Bronley cousins were able to play together again. The last time that they were all together was at Thanksgiving. We were able to take some really great pictures of the them all together again.

We are very proud of Tim for finally finishing up with College. Congratulations Tim!

And it was also a great oppurtinity to get a picture of the Brothers and their dad altogether.

The next day after gradutation we all got together at Tim and Mary's and took pictures of the grandkids in the backyard. Wow the backyard was great and had great places to take pictures. We actually got a bunch taken and were happy with them. Don't the boys all look great. Here is the fun with the boys. Jake is 8, Trent is 6, Joshua is 4 and Layton is 2. There was a boy born every 2 years.

And then we add Lizzie who is the cutiest little girl. And Lizzie is 1 and 1/2 almost 2 years old. This is also cute at how the hieghts go up.

And then we took one of them sitting down. This one would be really cute if Trent's hands weren't in front of his face. But I do think that we got one with them all looking. It was really bright there.

Another great thing that came from this trip was that Grandpa fianlly got to hold his granddaughter for the first time since she was born. She didn't like having Grandpa or Uncle Eric come near her. And this trip both of them got to get hugs from her and Grandpa actually was able to have her sit on his lap.

And just for fun here is a picture of Lizzie looking cool in the mall.

I was also able to take my boys by the house that I grew up in and the elementary school that I went to when I was a child. It was a great trip. I did find out that my childhood home was up for sale to bad that we don't live in Utah or have jobs there I would by the house in a heart beat. I have great memories growing up in American Fork. What a great vacation. I can't wait to do it again.

Eric is off to Little Rock again

2008-06-01T11:22:00.001-07:00

Well it seems that these last couple of weeks Eric really hasn't been home. He travels for his job now. He went to Little Rock 2 weeks ago and now he is going back there today. Eric just got home from El Paso, Texas yesterday and left for Little Rock again today. The kids are really having problems with this trip. They are worried about Eric because they heard on the news that there is alot of storms that are headed that way. Luckly after this trip Eric will be home for 3 weeks in a row before having to go to Indiana for a couple of days. I love my dear husband and miss him when he is gone but love it when he comes home and I see him with our kids and how much they love him and miss him.

Eric's trip to LA

2008-04-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Eric recently took a trip to LA for a training class that he needed to take for his job. While there he went out with his sister and went down to the Chinesse Groman Theater and got some pictures of the Harry Potter stars hand prints. He also was able to take one of his co-workers around that had never been to LA before. They went to the beach and saw some sights there too. Here are the Pictures that he took with his new iPhone while there.

Baseball Game

2008-04-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

So on Saturday we went to a 51's game here in Vegas. It was family night and we had great seats. We took the boys and they had alot of fun. We got free hats, shirts, ice cream sandwiches, and meals from Carl's Jr.

The boys had a great time and was able to meet Cosmo the 51's mascot and Cosmo even signed something for both of the boys. Trent got his hat signed and Jake got his foam finger signed.

We had great seats to be able to see the game too. We decieded to that this should be something that we do as a family every month.

We had a great time. It was breast cancer awareness night at the came and the 51's players wore pink jerseys and auctioned off the jerseys during the came. Eric bought me a pink hat.

And of course daddy enjoyed being with his boys.

First missing tooth

2008-04-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

Well my baby who is now 6 has lost his first and his second tooth. He pulled them both out by himself. The first tooth he pulled out and went to show his big brother and he actually lost his tooth. And then just last night he pulled out his second tooth. My pictures of that are on my phone and not on the computer. So I will have to post them on another time.

I can't believe that he is losing his baby teeth already. I remember him just getting his baby teeth.

Me at Work

2008-03-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well Eric thought it would be fun to take pictures of me while I was doing Crossing Guard. He did this with out me knowing because I really don't like to have my picture taken. But here they are. I am currently a School Crossing Guard for LVMPD at my kids school here in Vegas.

Jake will leave for school right after we usually get up to the corner that I work at. And then one of Trent's little friends from Kindergarten will come and get him to walk with them and their parents.

I do crossing guard in the morning from 8:40 to 9:10 and then I go back when school is out and do it from 3:20 to 3:45. I really enjoy doing it and feel great when the kids and parent's actually thank us for being up there to help them cross the street safely.

I am not sure though at actually how long I will be doing this. I am currently applying to be a Substitute Teacher here in Clark County. And I am also going to school to get my Master's in Elementary Education. So come next year by Sept. I will be doing my student teaching. I am currently studying to be able to take my Praxis I test.

Easter Day

2008-03-30T21:23:00.001-07:00

Well we wook up to the kids very excited about going on their easter egg hunt in our backyard. They got their easter baskets before they went on their egg hunt. The boys got new clothes and lots of candy in their easter baskets. I guess with all the excitement Jake got sick. We weren't sure if he was going to be able to do the easter egg hunt. He came back and went out and did the egg hunt. But because he got sick we were unable to get to church.

Eric for Easter dinner bbqed Tri tip and we had baked potatoes. It was a very untraditional dinner but it was great. Since we didn't have family here to really cook up a big dinner.

St. Patty's Day

2008-03-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well I know that this is a little bit late but I wanted to at least post it. We had a great St. Patrick's day. The boy's got all dressed up in their green shirts from Old Navy.

We also had a great Irish style meal with green potatoes to top it off. I made a Shepards pie.

And for dessert we made a red velevet cake with green frosting. The reason there are candles on the cake is because Trent thought we needed to celebrate St. Patty's Day.

And Trent even got into it with his green derby style hat

What's in my purse

2008-03-17T10:39:00.002-07:00

I saw this on my friend Tricia's blog and thought it would be fun to do on mine. What's in my purse. I actually thought that I had a clean purse. I really don't have any little kids to carry stuff around for anymore.

I have:

a checkbook

a planner

2 phones

a hair clip

Mints

tampons

a hair brush

a pen

a bottle of lotion

14 lip glosses

a file

and some sunglasses

What is in your purse I would like to know. This was actually fun. I did this while changing my purse to a new purse.

Replacing the Grass

2008-03-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

After 2 years of laying the sod to replace the dead stuff. We had to do it again. We need to replace the sod in our front yard. We started the day before by digging up the front yard and getting rid of the old sod. The next day my Father-in-Law Bruce, the kids and I went down to Star Nursery and picked up some more sod to be laid down in the front yard.

It was a slow start and the boys were excited to be helping.

Bruce was working really hard to get this laid down and looking nice. He was on his knees alot and we are very greatful for his help in getting it done.

Jake and Trent were very excited to help. They were taking the Sod down to grandpa to be able to lay it down.

They were also helping to lay it down. I have never seen my boys work so hard to be able to say that they have helped with something.

The grass turned out very nice and made the front of the house look a bunch better.

After 8 Years

2008-03-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

After living here in Vegas for 8 years we finally went and took pictures of the boys at places here. Also went and vistited the Shark Reef. It was a lot of fun. The boys really enjoyed it. We took them to the Beligio to see the Garden in there. It was all decorated for the Chinese New Year.

The boys I think really enjoyed the gardens. They enjoyed all the time that they were able to spend with just mommy and daddy.

We then we went outside and watched the fountain show. We also so some baby ducks while we were waiting for the show to begin. Trent took a really cute pic while doing his modeling poses.

And then we were told by the security guard that he couldn't sit up there. And shortly afterwards the water show began.

After all of this fun we then went and took them to M&M world. They wanted to watch the M&M movie.

After all this fun a couple of days later we took the boys to see Shark Reef. They had fun there learning about all of the different types of fish and sharks.

This was the boys listening to the headset about fishes.

And then this is the boys in the Suken Ship where there were sharks and lots of other fishes.

Our next stop that we are going to go and visit will be the Mirage Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

Crochet

2008-02-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

I have been so addicted lately to crocheting. I was taught by my mom when I was a young child. And I hold this talent special because it was taught to me by her and she was taught by my grandma on my dad's side. This is a family talent that has been passed down from generations. I have been lately working on Granny Squares for a swap on one of my favorite group websites. The website is Cafemom.com

I have made many baby blankets for my own sons and for my family and friends. I enjoy being able to see the reactions of thier faces when they find out that I made it special for them.

I have lately made sweaters for both of my boys. Trent loves wearing his. It makes me so happy that my kids enjoy what I make for them.

I have also made purses and am currently making me a sweater for me too.

Crocheting helps me relax and feel closer to my mom.

One Year

2008-02-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

Well it has been one year on the 4th of Feb since my mom passed away. Something sad happened last week. Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley passed away. My mom was probably so excited to finally be able to meet him and probably tried to be there when he entered into heaven to greet him. He will be missed. He was a great prophet and man. President Monson said: “‘Here and there, and now and then, God makes a giant among men.’ President Hinckley was such a giant – a giant of knowledge, of faith, of testimony, of compassion, of vision.” This is quoted from President Hinckley's funeral.

My mom and President Hinckley are sadly missed in our family. My boys loved their grandma.

I miss my mom and wish that she was still here. But I know that she is better off where she is. She is out of pain and with her big brother and her husband again. My dad passed away 5 years before she did. My mom was my best friend and she taught me how to be a good mother, wife and loving friend.

Mom I love you and am glad that you were my mother.

The Year 2008

2008-01-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

Well here we are the beginning of a new year with new adventures ahead of us. Christmas has come and gone and the year 2007 has come to an end. It is time to make those dreaded new year resolutions. I was reading a friends blog and she came up with a good idea rather than making a bunch of resolutions to just concentrate on one word. I actually like that idea so the word that I have picked is Courage. I need to work on this because it seems that my courage has left when my mom passed away last year.

Christmas was good for us here in Vegas. It was just us again here to celebrate. The boys had fun and I think that they got what they wanted. Jake and Trent got two joint gifts which were a Power Tour Guitar to be able to help them learn how to play. They also got the new Star Wars Lego video game for the Nintendo DS. They really wanted the WII but we couldn't find one to be able to get it.

Jake got clothes and I think the best gift that he liked was his inventions book. He is very intrested in science.

Trent got some new shoes and I think the most favorite toy that he got was his nerf gun. Both the boys got one but Trent really loves his. Eric got a new travel kit to be able to take on his trips for his new job. Eric flew out to Dallas, Tx today to start the training for his new job. He is going to be in Dallas for Today until Friday and then he will be home until Sunday and will be flying back out to Dallas to finish up his training. And then the following week he will be in Chicago. He will then be home for a while. Eric's new job is going to have him traveling for training other AT&T reps. This is the type of job that he has wanted for a long time.

As for me I will be going back to school this year to get my Master's Degree. I will be starting on the 22nd of the month and will be doing it online through Universtiy of Phoenix again. I will be going for my Master's in Elementary Education. The boys will be going back to school on the 7th of the month until the end of Feb and then they will be on Track break. I have been able to get things around the house caught up. I am hoping to be able to have a great year this year. And only want good things to happen to everyone.

Trent was the VIP

2007-12-14T12:47:00.000-08:00

Trent was so excited at the beginning of the week. He was made the VIP in his Kindergarten class and got to bring home a special friend with him. Trent got to bring Mickey mouse home with him for a week. Here is a picture with him and Mickey.

Trent and mommy filled out a journal page for each day that he had Mickey and what he did with Mickey on those days. We then decorated the page with stickers of the holidays. Here is what the page turned out like and a picture of Trent with the page.

We then filled out a VIP page with his favorite things and a picture of him on it. We then decorated that page too. Here is the pictures of the page and one with Trent with the page.

Trent looks sad in the picture because he knew that Mickey had to go back to school today so another special child will be able to become VIP next week and take Mickey home. But we are very proud of Trent for being the VIP this week. He is my little helper and I am sure that he tries to help as much as he can at school too.

Decorating for the holidays

2007-12-14T12:31:00.001-08:00

Well I have finally got my house all decorated for the holidays this year. This was a really hard task for me to do this year. This was always my mom's favorite thing to do at this time of year. So we let her do the inside of the house and we decorated the outside. This is the first year without my mom so I needed to do it on my own. So here is what my house turned out like.

This is the Top of the DVD player.

This one of the shelves above the TV.

Here is another shelve above the TV.

Here is the Front door.

And next to the Computer Desk in the Living room.

This Shelve is in Tribute to my mom this year. We bought her a Christmas bear with the year the she left us on it. She really loved collecting Christmas bears.

Here is a picture of our main tree that Santa will leave presents under.

Here is the Tree that we have in the living room. It is a much smaller tree than the main tree that we have up.

And our little tree that is on our Cable box.

Hope that everyone has a great Holiday.

Holiday Baking

2007-12-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

Well it is that time of year again. Time to start the holiday baking. I have been baking up a storm. I love to bake it also helps me be close to my mom since she is the one who taught me how to bake. She was a great baker. We would always have fresh baked bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies and lots more when I was little. This year I made everything with the Splenda for baking and Splenda Brown sugar. With Eric and Bruce both being diabetic I need to cut out the sugar. Here are some Peanut butter cookies.

Here are some Chocolate Cookies.

Here are some Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies.

Here is the Rice Krispie squares that I made for my kids. They really love these things.

Here are many tiny little Pumpkin Bread loafs.

Here are some Oatmeal Raisin and Oatmeal Craisin cookies.And then of course you have to clean up afterwards here is a picture of Eric and Trent doing the dishes afterwards. Trent has become our little helper around the kitchen. He enjoys helping with the dishes and making dinner with us.

Thanksgiving Day and the Day after

2007-11-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving day has come and gone but there is lots of food left over to eat. We had Turkey, Ham, stuffing, Potatoes, Turnips, Corn, Orange Jello Salad, gravy, rolls, and so much more. Eric was cooking all morning long.

The Family started arriving Wed night with Tim, Mary and little Lizzie.

Then Apryl and Matt arrived on Thursday Morning. They got here before Bruce had gotten back from picking up Chris and his family from the Airport.

Then Chris, Gina, Joshua and Layton arrived on Thursday morning. Bruce went to the airport and picked them up.

Then it just seemed like the flood gate of people just kept coming. But it was a great Thanksgiving Dinner and everyone loved the food.

The day after Thanksgiving the family all got together and we took group pictures. We also took individual family pictures.

The whole big group.

Grandpa with all the grandkids.

Great Grammy with the great grandkids

Apryl & Matt Delancey

Eric's Family

Chris' Family

Tim's Family

The Grandkids

The Grandsons

Jake's Baptism

2007-11-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that my oldest son Jake is already 8 and getting Baptized.

Jake was baptized on Nov 3rd, 2007 by his father Eric and then was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the same day by his father. It was a very beautiful day for such a special day.

He got to share his special day with his best friend Taylor Corbett whose birthday is actually the day before Jake's.

Those that were baptized that day were Heaven Meadow's, Jasmine House, Jake Bronley and Taylor Corbett

Those that came to share in the special day with Jake were our friends the Youngs. Tricia and her boys Shane and Trevor.

Jake, Trent, Shane & Trevor Young after the baptism.

The family after the baptism. My face is swollen due to a really bad tooth.

Getting Ready For Thanksgiving

2007-11-19T21:21:00.000-08:00

Well here we are the year is almost over and it is Thanksgiving Time already. We are busy getting the house ready to have all of Eric's family here for Thanksgiving. It will be the first time that everyone has been together since 1997. Chris' family will be here from Colorado. Tim's family will be here from Utah. Apryl and Matt will be here from California. Eric's Grammy and Auntie Gail and her girls will also be here. Plus Bruce's friend Mike from Ventura will also be here. We have totaled it out and there will be 19 people here for Thanksgiving. We are planning on taking family pictures while everyone is here. When I get those I will post those so that everyone can see how much we all have grown. This is going to be my first Thanksgiving since my mom passed away at the beggining of the year. This holiday season is going to be different. I miss my mom but know that she is in a better place and is able to always be with me now.