Summer is Here

So it is really hot right now and it is going to be the rest of the weekend. I don't like the heat, never have!!

I got the girls a little pool to keep cool this weekend and they are so excited, mostly to wear their bathing suits! We will be getting wet and eating lots of Otter Pops! I hope all of you can find ways to stay cool during the summer. Did I say I don't like the heat??

Happy Birthday Jessica

Jessica is my younger best friend. She is an awesome support to me even though we live 8 hours from eachother. We have lots of fun memories from living in Utah!! She is a great mom and she and I love to eat together. She is creative and funny. I am so glad that we are friends and I hope you have a great birthday Jessica!! Love ya-

Happy Mothers Day to our Moms

This post is in tribute to our moms. Derek's mom Pam and my Mom Maxine. We love you both and we hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Funniest memory of your mom?

It was when we lived on Tioga and there was a mouse in the house and she jumped up on the chair and screamed.

What lesson has she taught you that stands out?

To love those that have gone astray and to serve.

What is your favorite characteristic or personality trait about your mom? I have a lot of favorites, but one would be that she can make friends with anyone!

What do you see in yourself that came from her, physically or in your personality? I am a lot like my mom so this is easy: I am emotional, my love for the gospel, my love for family, and love for traditions.

List as many things as possible that she has done for you.: She has shown me how to live my life, she has been there for me to talk to, she always gives me good advice/wisdom, she gave me life!!

I love you mom! Have a happy day! Love, Donna

Funniest Memory of your mom? Hiding under the bed with Tony E. and mom looking for us.

What lesson that she taught you stands out? She led by example to always do things 100%.

What is your favorite characteristic or personality trait about Mom? She is affectionate with us even amidst everything we did to her as kids.

What do you see in yourself that came from her, physically or in your personality? Her work ethic, always gotta be working on something.

Love ya mom, Happy Mother's Day! Have a good day! Love Derek

BYU Women's Conference

I had such a great time at Women's Conference in Utah this year. I met up with my sister Jamie and we stayed at Denene's place(thanks again Denene). It was fun to be back in Utah, I do miss it!! All of the sessions were so good. We heard from Sheri Dew, Julie B. Beck and of course the Prophet, President Monson. It was an awesome experience to be there with him. I took some pictures but they didn't turn out too well. I also got to see my friend Heather from S. Ogden and we got to chat and catch up. Jamie and I had a nice time together and we even got to see our cousins Teresa, Michelle and Shirlene and our Aunt Dorothy. We stayed up til midnight talking (this is normal for the women in our family). While I was there in town my friend Emily had her baby, Elise . I was so happy to be able to see her and hold Elise. She is a beautiful baby.

Derek stayed home with the girls while I was away and they had a great bonding time. He kept the house clean and did 4 loads of laundry (although unfolded I still appreciate) and he painted a wall in our house!!! He is such a good guy, I love him and I missed him and the girls. I was happy to be home after 3 days. I hope to be a better person and mother this year and I hope to be able to go back to Women's Conference next year!!

Happy Birthday Gracie!

On April 28, 2004 Gracie came into our world at 7:32 am. She weighed 8 lbs. 11oz. and 20 in. long. She had lots of dark hair looked mostly like her daddy. She has brought a lot of "excitement" and love into our lives. She is lovable and sensitive and she is a good helper. She loves preschool and princesses. She loves to dress up and pretend she is getting married. Her laugh is infectious! I love watching her play and pretend with her sisters. She is a blessing in our lives. We love you Gracie!!

Hike to the "C"

Sorry to all of you who check my blog regularly and I haven't been updating it. I haven't been on the computer as much, which is kind of nice!

We had a visitor last weekend, Uncle Shawn!! He came to visit again before he heads out of the country for work again. We had a nice weekend and it was beautiful weather. On Saturday I had the bright idea to hike this mountain that has a big "c" for Carson City, and an American Flag. I had no idea what the hike would be like but I didn't think it would be that bad. Well most of it was pretty steep and rocky and I was DYING!! That is just a sign of how out of shape I really am. The girls did pretty well considering how long it was and Derek and Shawn were fine, of course. I felt good that we got to the "C" and I have made it a goal to get up there again without having a heart attack!! It was beautiful to see the whole city and mountains surrounding us and we even got some good sun! It was a nice day and we enjoyed having family with us!

Bryanna Turns 6!!

On April 11th 2002 Bryanna Maxine Marlatt was born to us, in Portland, Or at 11:41 am. She was 6 lbs 12 oz and 20 1/2 in. long. She was a wonderful baby and we are so happy to have her in our lives. SHe is a social butterfly, she has a big imagination and she is very smart. She loves her family, church and schoo. She is a big helper in our home and she is growing up so fast. We love you Bryanna, Happy Birthday!!