Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Merry Christmas



If this isn't classic Santa and me picture I don't know what is. We've had lots of fun with G'ma & G'pa Smith, Aunt Liz, Uncle Andrew, Abby baby, and Uncle Dave! Here's a few more just for laughs! Ty and Abby did have a few mins when they liked each other.... and thanks to our wonderful in house Santa 

 

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Fun in the Snow





Having fun in the snow here in Idaho.  Hope you enjoy!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Butler Look-alike Meter

we're not sure this is acurate but since it was scientifically done i guess its true

Sunday, December 14, 2008

House Update

Well Folks the long awaited day has finally arrived and it looks like the Bank has accepted our buyer's offer and everything should be signed and finished by the 30th. Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts as we've been making this long journey. It's hard to me to let go. I love this house. There are many memories, many friends and family that have walked through our halls, many happy days. I hope the family that moves in will love it as much as we have. Hopefully they'll be nice... sorry guys if they're not we haven't even met them. We'll miss all our wonderful neighbors and friends. Thank you for helping us make our house our home for the past 2 years. If you're ever out in Sacramento give us a call!

Blessings

You can count on children to teach us how thin the veil really is. This last week Brian has had alot of migraines and so on Thursday he called a friend from our old ward to come give him a blessing. Ty was still awake by this time and so of course I stood holding him trying to keep him quiet. Knowing something was going on and I'm sure probably feeling the Spirit he was uncharacteristically quiet. After it Brian's blessing was over and Derek had another neighbor had left Ty climbed up on the same chair and sat calling "Dad" Brian was already close by and so asked him what he needed. Ty took Brian's hands and put them on his head, closed his eyes, and folded his arms and said Amen. Brian and I joined him in saying Amen. It amazes me how much he picks up and understands. Somedays I wish he spoke a little more clear so that I could understand all he knows, but for now I'm content with Dad, hands, and Amen

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Hugs kisses & Nite nite

Ty has learned over the past few weeks to give real good hugs and kisses. Before bed we go around to everyone in the house and he gives them a big hug, a kiss (if he likes you, you get one on the mouth, if you took him away from cleaning ie the broom or mop you get the cheek) He makes sure to give each one of the dogs the same treatment. It's so cute and as he leaves each person he tells them nite-nite. So with that XOXO nite nite

Butler Family Pictures

So somehow between the Temple and the family dinner on Thursday and the reception for Greg and Carinna on Saturday we were able to get some Butler family pictures in. For anyone who would like to take a look here you go. (ps I fixed my website so you can see your password so it should all work... takes a few minutes to load the slideshow but well worth the time... hee hee)

go to www.barefootlifephotography.com click on client log-in
password is butlerfam1008


Saturday, November 22, 2008

What is he doing now

I can't tell you how often we say this in a 24 hour period and here is just a few of our findings...

Ty Favorites

Here's just a few favorites of Ty's lately....



He loves the mop and mop bucket, anything to do with cleaning
He LOVES bellybuttons
He loves olives, hotdogs, chicken fingers, frosting, cheetos, grapes, french fries
He loves running, hiding, swinging, hanging on bars, going on runs
He loves his puppies, and kit-cat (our cat)
He LOVES Home- Depot and tools
He loves music dancing and spinning
LOVES ICE CREAM 
Electronics... phones, computers, plugs, fans

Happy Birthday Brian

It's been one of those years kiddo hasn't it. I think though that it has brought us so much closer. I'm so glad to have you in my life... for eternity. 
29- you make me laugh
28- you have superman strength
27- kind heart
26- strong testimony
25- knows everything about anything
24- can fix anything
23- super height to reach things on the top shelf
22- helps me keep my goals
21- loves doggies/ puppies
20- will watch chick flicks with me
19- supports my popcorn habit
18- loves ice cream on waffles
17- takes care of us
16- understands shmily
15- knows my BFS
14- plays with Ty to no end (plays a mean game of dinos & cars)
13- loves his monster unconditionally
12- watches Grey's with me
11- lets me cry on his shoulder and wipe my eyes with his ties/ shirts/ sleeves
10- loves me unconditionally
9- build anything
8- wild imagination
7- sings while driving and plays the drums on the wheel
6- helps with my photography
5- encourages all
4- loves to read and learn new things
3- own private chef
2- loves crazy even if it means he has to clean the house before leaving
1-You are amazing

WE love you!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Greg & Carinna's Wedding

Between lots of family, pictures, open house in Sacramento, reception in Arroyo Grande we had a busy week but are so glad to have Carrina in our family. Here's just a few. If anyone is interested in seeing their wedding pictures you can go to 
www.barefootlifephotography.com go to 
client log-in password is gregcarinna1008 

 

it's raining it's pouring

As it often is for me, it's either been raining or snowing for Halloween depending on where we've lived. This year it was raining... We had lots of fun getting soaked. Ty loved splashing his mom. He and Dad would gang up on her it really wasn't all that fair I do have to say....

Happy Halloween



Brian's and Mine pumpkins from the great pumpkin patch :) Ty loved carrying his around with his name on it!

Pumpkin Patch

Now my mom might be a more accurate person to ask but as far as i remember I've never been to a real pumpkin patch. This year I had it in my head that we needed to go to one... something about having a little one makes you feel the need to do some of these things. So I dragged the family out to Apple Hill, which if any of you come out this way it's lots of fun. Farmer's markets, apple groves, pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms- it's this girls dream area. Anyways we went and found one well ok like 10 (1 for everyone) that we liked. it took a little more searching as it was 4 days before Halloween. It was so much fun watching Ty's eyes light up looking at all the pumpkins and picking out the best ones. I love PUMPKINS, Fall leaves, and this time of year!

Getting ready for Greg & Carrina's Wedding

ok so really I do have some wonderful excuses this month for being such a slacker on my blogging.. this is pathetic I'm starting to sound like my every 6 months journal writing. Oh well I'm trying to catch up- so back to my excuses. Oct was really busy with work in UT and then Greg and Carrina getting married. With Mom B still not up to 100% I volunteered my services in wedding open house planning services. We had alot of fun and hopefully the happy couple liked it to. I decided to make little cakes so as to not take away from their wedding cake at their reception. I know I'm a bit biased but I do have to say they turned out pretty good along with the center pieces. If I thought I could actually make some money doing this I might enjoy it but for now it was lots of work and lots of fun. Ty loved helping as you can see. By the time we were done with all the cakes and frostings he thinks he's a pro and NEEDS to HELP mom and dad all the time when the kitchenaid is involved. 


Happy Birthday to me

So I made it the big 2-9 wow I never really thought that I would get to be this old... and really how is it that I can call 29 as old, but you know us youngins' and our mentality. So the bishopric thought that a talk would be the best b'day present ever and so ask me to give one.  It's amazing how much you learn with a great topic like pick your favorite General Conference talk and so for those who've missed my ramblings enjoy :)

With everything that has been going on in ours and I’m sure many of your lives I felt a great comfort from Pres. Monson’s Sunday morning address during conference. In it he said: “one of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth, is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.”
Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly….

Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.”
He went on to say that one of the greatest lessons we are to learn is to “distinguish between what is important and what is not.” That we not let the “most important things pass [us] by. Instead, to find joy in the journey—now.
So, how is it that we can find joy in our journeys in time of adversity? Elder Wirthin in GC said “If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.” I’m not sure about ya’ll but his promise of greatest happiness definitely peaked my interest. He then gave 4 suggestions to help us find this joy.
1. Learn to laugh- The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.
• China shots- laughy taffy jokes (Why does a milk stool only have 3 legs)
• Find your stress laugh- keep doing it until you feel so silly you’re laughing
• Keep a family story close to you so when things get tough you can laugh/ or even a picture that makes you laugh.
• Make memories so that we might have “June roses in the Decembers of our lives”

2. Seek for the eternal- We may often feel like the only one when adversity enters your life. But eventually at one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt.
One of my favorite quotes that helps me keep my perspective is from the Teachings of President Gordon B. Hinkley is one he got from Jenkins Lloyd Jones ,
“Anyone who imagines that bliss [in marriage] is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.
“[The fact is] most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. …
“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.
“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”
• D&C 121: “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; “And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”

With that eternal perspective, we can take comfort from these words just as the Prophet Joseph Smith did in Liberty Jail.

3. Understand the principle of compensation- The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. “While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.”
D&C 58: 2-5 “For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that akeepeth my commandments, whether in life or in bdeath; and he that is cfaithful in dtribulation, the ereward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural aeyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the bglory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much atribulation come the bblessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be ccrowned with much dglory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.”

A couple of days ago my husband received his motorcycle license which in turn meant that I received my motorcycle ride. I’ll be honest I was scared to death. My grandpa used to call them murder- cycles and I’d seen one to many accidents but I knew it was something that he wanted me to try. So I hopped on the back said a little prayer and held on tight. At first my body wanted to do the opposite of what it was supposed to- I wanted to correct the lean of the motorcycle instead of going with it. I wanted to go as slow as possible like 25 MPH, but the other cars around us didn’t seem to think that was a good idea in a 50 MPH zone. So I closed my eyes and let go of my insecurities. I found that when I closed my eyes I was able to enjoy the ride (at least around the turns) In closing my eyes I gave my trust over to Brian, I was able to lean into the turns and let the speed go. In a way I learned what it was like to give Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ my full trust, giving him the control.
4. Put our trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. 2 Ne. 22: 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.
Since my sophmore year of college I’ve had a motto that “I can do hard things.” After listening to Sis Dalton’s talk I’m starting to wonder if I got it from a fireside or talk, but I too would agree with her that it should be “In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things.”

As Matthew said repeating the Savior “Take my ayoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am cmeek and dlowly in eheart: and ye shall find frest unto your souls. For my yoke is aeasy, and my burden is light.
I know we can do hard things as we let go of our control and hand our trust over to our Savior and that with an eternal perspective and a little laughter we can know that the blessing to come will be greater than we can imagine and enjoy our own personal journeys.
Echoing the words of President Monson and Elder Wirthlin, it is my prayer that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey. And as Elder Wirthlin’ mother said, “Come what may and love it!”

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Be still my Soul

Well as many of you know it's just been one of those years... and luckily it's almost October. I was sitting in RS (I know somewhat of a shocker with my wild child these days...) and started singing the opening hymn with everyone else. All of the sudden the words of the hymn spoke to me and I knew it was an answer for the things I have been fasting and praying for:

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.Leave to thy God to order and provide; In ev’ry change he faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav’nly Friend Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake To guide the future as he has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

I've often had hymn touch me more than most others, but today, today it was my little miracle.

PS I also got called to be a nursey leader and the 8 year old cub scout assistant today.... any good ideas out there...

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Bellingham Washington

Once upon a time (earlier this month) a sister we'll call Amanda (cuz that's her name..) moved far far away (to Alaska). Because of her boss (and we all know how wells fargo boss's are...) wasn't able to leave with enough time to drive the Jetta up to AK to start her new adventure. So one day not too long ago (last thursday) Brian being the super hero that he is saved his sister from the evil rental car companies. We went for our morning jog (it's very important that I add this in because I need to everyone to clap their hand and say yeah for the retard I mean exercise.. and if you will please imagine me with my big fake smile... here on known as BFS) anyways super Brian and his wonderful sidekick got changed packed the car, made a few reservations grabed 16 diaper, 3 swim diapers, and 2 overnight diapers and a bag of cheetos. ****Please do not forget the cheetos on a road trip with your 16 month old could lead to disaster*** Anyways so the adventure began- we drove about 9 hours to Portland, missed the hotels right before Portland and had to keep going to Vancouver WA. We only had about 4 more hours of driving so we lounged around went swimming with T, ate breakfast and then hit the road again. PS If I forget to mention it later on Washington- BEAUTIFUL! I could live there for sure. We made it to Bellingham in good time and was able to get to our room and get a rental car before dropping the Jetta off on the Ferry to AK. (Also FYI you can't physically drive to Alaska- never knew that...) anyways Super Brian, Little T and Sidekick KT made it, had lots of fun, and lots of laughs. We flew back to CA the next day and felt like we'd been gone along time. Here's some fun pix of TY driving. He made friends everywhere we went, he was such a sport and we lived Happily Ever After. The end.

Oh yes those are cheetos in his toes... he refused to eat them any other way for about an hour or so.. don't ask me maybe he thought he was a monkey???

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Sacramento Zoo



Laurel, Jeremy and Hunter were out here in Sacramento last week. Unfortunatly Jeremy had to work most of the time, but fortunatly we got to play with Laurel and Hunter. We had so much fun at the zoo. Last time we went to the zoo it was the middle of the day and all the animals were inside and sleeping, so we went first thing in the morning. We got to see just about all the animals they had as it was perfect out and they were ready to play. The monkeys and the fish were TY's favorite, but the tigers and lions were pretty close too. Ty just loved playing and pushing Hunter in the stroller. It was a great day!

(Ty giving the wooden Chimp "knuckles", KT and Ty goofing off, Ty ridin the animals)

6 Reason to Smile...


1. Ty loves to drive (especially Uncle Greg's Chevelle.. we just don't tell him)


2. Loves to help daddy... and this is sometimes what we find when helping dad. All of the sudden Ty is up the ladder and up where dad is- don't worry haven't had a heartattack yet... yet and he likes to play in the dog crate. Please don't call child protective services- he does this to himself and throws a fit when we take him out.


3. Meal times are always an adventure- sometimes he is so clean and other times well we have to use the sink


4. Ty loves to help cook. He doesn't care if it's eggs or cake, he is there and ready to help even if you are not.


5.The places he finally falls asleep in. On the small of dad's back, in his crib with his face smashed against the crib and burried in his blankets, on Tanks ribs... anywhere that doesn't look comfortable to most normal people.


6. Ty loves his music. He is a jumpin, dancin, singin little guy. He loves to sing along in the car, turn the radio on first thing in the morning, and let you know when it's time for the music to be on!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Yosemite



So this is what happens when you ask someone else to take your picture... even when you have it all set up :) oh well at least you can see a fairly good picture of Half dome. We decided to take a 9 hour side trip to Yosemite after Dinkey Creek camping. It was really beautiful just lots of windy roads! I do have to say that I was kinda sad about how commercial this beautiful park had become. There were thousands of people there. I told Brian it was like Disneyland for adult nature enthusiasts. Wonder what it was like when Ansel Adams first came and starting to capture it.... probably something like this.

Friday, August 29, 2008

So it's only been a month...

I know and I'm sorry. I know to many of you our daily ins and outs are just so exciting but I've been slacking... After getting back from my work in Utah we've been going non stop. Mom Butler has become seriously anemic and so much of the day to day has become Brian's and my day to day. I now know why parents are always so tired, why they are "boring" (yes for everyone who knows me well, I have officially been called boring... fun suckers) and why patience is lost quickly. But we have also had lots of happy moments most of them revolve around our little man who makes us laugh. Here's just a few of those moments that made me laugh. For fans of barefootbutlers please keep reading down... especially watch the fountain video. I know I've added alot today, but it's really funny! AND if you've had your pix taken by me at any time my website (http://www.barefootlifephotography.com/) not officially launched, but you can see the different slide shows and probably see your smiling face.

Camping at Dinkey Creek

Brian and I love camping and now Ty does also. It's just a wonderful time that we can relax eat GOOD food, and let the stress go. We asked the rest of the Butler clan to join us at Dinkey Creek. It was a favorite place of Brian's from his scout days. We had lots of fun going down the rock slides into the pools of water. Ty even decided that he liked the slide.... we couldn't get him to leave. We had to pick him him up and carry him kicking and screaming. He loved the dirt, water, bugs, fire, hotdogs (ate 3 one night) and zipping and unzipping the tent. (Brutus affectionately known as "Tus" now even let Ty "walk" him... well actually it was more of a tug of war between where Ty wanted to go and Brutus wanted to go)


Brian's tile job

A family in our ward here in El Dorado needed some tile work done and asked Brian if wanted a side tile job... of course still being un-employeed he jumped on the opportunity. This was the final product of his and his wonderful amazing super hard working assistant Katie... (can you tell who is writing this..)


Hiking





Dad decided that he wanted to go hiking at least once a week with Mom, me and the puppies. I had lots of fun with my own camelback. Every once in a while I would get some cold water in my mouth and spit it on dad's back. Mom thought that was great.. good thing it was hot and it felt good. I also loved walking my puppies. Tank was a bit much for me but Harley let me drag him around!

Fountains




We were in Sacramento for some errands and decided to take Ty to see these fountains. He had so much fun running through the water. They were pretty fun to watch and then Ty just made them hilarious! (Sorry it's a bit shakey...)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Play Time





I really love to swim and now some of our neighbors have a pool that i can go to any time i want. I have also recently learned to give high-5 as you can see me practice with my new friend Eliza, I'm just using her for her pool but don't tell her that :)