Silly Daddy

January 7th, 2010 by mariahbuck

Today Shaun had a conversation with Tyler about his birthday dinner. Our kids get to choose where they want to go to dinner on their birthdays. There is a buffet here in Idaho called Chuck-o-rama. It just sounds nasty and we have never eaten there. Shaun was trying to get Tyler to say that he wanted to eat there as a joke to Mama. Here is how the conversation went:

Daddy: Tyler for your birthday tell Mommy that you want to go to a restaurant called Chuck-o-rama.
Tyler: Daddy, nooooo.
Daddy: Yes, they have pizza and mac n cheese and soda.
Tyler: No way, I wanna go to Chuck E Cheese, you fool!!!

After we stopped laughing hysterically, we had to correct him and tell him that you don’t call mommy or daddy a fool. But Man was it funny! Silly Daddy, that’s what you get for trying to play a trick on Mommy!

Posted in Birthday, Funny things kids say, Growing up, Life in Idaho, My Hubby, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || 1 Comment

Shaun’s 30

May 30th, 2009 by Mariah

Today is the day! My husband is officially old - or as he would call it, distinguished. It’s funny how you remember back to being a kid and 30 was THE age when you thought of people being old. Now, here we are approaching thirty. I have had a lot of fun teasing Shaun about this birthday. But in all reality, it really isn’t old. (Unless you ask Brandon.)

Shaun got to do anything he wanted all day. So that pretty much meant that we stayed home and he hung out in his pj’s. He played a computer game and a board game with Brandon. I made him dinner He made dinner for the family.. I would have cooked for him, but he had to try something he saw on Diners, Drive Inn’s and Dives. We had really yummy prime rib sandwiches.

He and I went on the day after his b-day to see Terminator. I will have to say that I was skeptical. I have never seen any of the terminator movies and I didn’t have any intentions of seeing any. But - the things you do for love Actually, I liked it. Shaun loved it. And it was a date with just he and I. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Well my love, I hope that your birthday has been a blessed celebration. I love you and I am so thankful to share in your birthday with you. You are a wonderful husband and a super wonderful daddy to our boys. Happy 30th Birthday!!!

xoxo, Me

Posted in Life in Idaho, My Hubby, Thoughts by Mariah || 1 Comment

Giving Thanks

November 28th, 2008 by Mariah

As I sit here this Thanksgiving morning, I am humbled at all I have to be thankful for. It has really been a tough year. But through God’s grace and mercy I believe that each member of our family has grown in our faith and that we have grown closer as a family.

As I look back to January’s posts on this blog. We were overjoyed to know that we were expecting a baby. I was consumed with all the details. Should I give birth in a hospital or birth center? How will Tyler do with another sibling? Brandon? What will my baby look like? I imagined everyday what it would be like to hold my baby, snuggle him or her.. And we had Tyler’s birthday. My “baby” turned two. He was just starting to talk to the point you could understand. I was loving being a mom. Brandon and Tyler were getting along well. Shaun and I were happy. All the world was right.

As if it couldn’t get any better, in February, the Hussey family moved to Idaho. I don’t know who was more excited, the kids or the adults. The Husseys were at our house or we were at their house at least once a week. Most of the time, it was 2 or 3 times per week. The cousins were together, and the “Bucksseys” were born.

Then in March we lost baby Riley. God chose to take our baby to be with Him. What devastation! I could never have imagined a hurt like that! But, in hindsight, I could have never imagined the grace that would be so evident. The Hussey’s had been here for 1 month. Before that, we had no one. No family. Nothing. We had a friend or two, but when a tragedy happens to you, you want your family. God supplied family for us just when we would need it the most! There was also grace knowing our Lord and Savior through all of this. I don’t know how anyone could survive something like this without Christ. While it still hurts, I am so thankful that our baby’s days were clearly “written in His book.” God, in his sovereignty, had a plan for our precious baby. His plan was for our baby to be conceived and for me to have the pleasure of carrying him or her for only a short time. God’s plan had always been for Riley to go from my womb straight to Heaven. Never having to endure the trials, pain and hardships of this world. I am thankful for that.

I am also thankful for healing. This year I had a D&C, I broke my foot and I broke my thumb. I am thankful that God designed our bodies the way that He did. I am so thankful for healing!

I am also thankful for the right to home school Brandon here in Idaho. Brandon has been a blessing this past year. (he is every year, but especially this past year!) I am sad that we didn’t get to talk to him today. We called but couldn’t reach him. :( I hope that he knows how much he is loved. We miss him and can’t wait for him to come home! I am thankful that Brandon knows the Lord and that he was baptized last month. I am thankful that he loves his dad and that they have a great relationship. I am thankful that he got to spend Thanksgiving with his mom, brothers and step dad. I pray a fun and great time for memories!

I am thankful for my relationship with my husband. He and I have always been close, but I believe that through the trials this year; we have become even closer. He is my best friend in the whole world. There is not another whom I love more. I am thankful for how hard he works for our family. I am thankful for the fun we have together. I am thankful that we are content to watch tv together at home or to go to the movies.. Whatever. We just have fun. I am thankful for the man that God is creating in my husband. And I am thankful for his sillieness. he makes me smile and I love that.

I am thankful for Tyler. He is a wild and crazy boy who challenges my patience every day, but makes me laugh and smile 2x more. Tyler is all grown up - if you ask him. He can go potty by himself (for the most part) and I am thankful for that! He loves his mommy, daddy and big brother so much. I am thankful that we have started preschool and Tyler loves it. He is a smart boy who craves knowledge. I pray that that never ends. I pray that my boy grows to know our Savior. I am thankful for our family.

I am also thankful for our newest baby. I am due somewhere around July 19th. I am loving carrying this baby. Although I can not really feel any of the positive aspects of pregnancy yet, I am simply thankful for the privledg to be expecting another gift from God. I love this baby so much. I can not wait to meet him or her. I pray that God’s plan includes us meeting our baby and that he or she will grow up to know Him.

I am so thankful this year. I am thankful for my God. Without Him, there would be nothing for which to give thanks. I feel so blessed. My prayer is that my family and I remember all the blessings that God gives us each day. That we are thankful and we do not take them for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted in Brandon, Life in Idaho, My Hubby, Pregnancy, The boys, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler, cousins, homeschool || No Comments

More pics from our cabin

September 16th, 2008 by Mariah

This one I just had to post. It is almost as if Tyler is trying to say.. “You wanna take my picture again Mom? Go right ahead!”

Posted in Brandon, Life in Idaho, My Hubby, The boys, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || No Comments

Monster Trucks

August 4th, 2008 by Mariah

Yesterday Shaun and I got to take Tyler for a really fun BOY experience. Lately Tyler has been watching a cartoon we found called Bigfoot Presents, Meteor and the Monster Trucks. It is a really cute cartoon about monster trucks. Tyler loves it so much!

Anyway, I heard on the radio that Bigfoot was going to be in town for some car smashing at the local tire repair shop. Shaun and I decided to take Tyler. It was only later that I realized it was the “same” Bigfoot from the cartoon!

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Tyler loved seeing Bigfoot! The truck was so huge! It was really loud when he did the car smashing. Tyler was both scared of the loud noise and fascinated at the same time. Bigfoot Smashed 3 poor little cars. He ran over them again and again.

After it was over, the driver of Bigfoot came out for autographs. We got Tyler 2 autographed pictures for his Cars bedroom. On the way home, I sat reflecting on the Monster Truck experience.. As a girl, there is NOTHING interesting about monster trucks! But as a mom of a little boy - there couldn’t have been anything cooler than me and my baby boy cheering on Bigfoot as he demolished 3 cars. What an experience! I love having Boys!

Posted in Life in Idaho, My Hubby, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || 1 Comment

My Husband Rocks

July 15th, 2008 by Mariah

Shaun was so sweet today! He took Tyler for the morning so that I could work with James to train him on office work. It was so helpful so we could work uninterrupted. To top it all off, they came home with the most beautiful roses! I love my husband!

Posted in Life in Idaho, My Hubby, Thoughts by Mariah || No Comments

Trip To California Part 4 - Home at last

July 13th, 2008 by Mariah

The next morning we went to visit a dear friend of mine Elce. I have missed her greatly since our move and since then, she and her husband Casey, have added a precious baby girl (Ashely) to their family. I was so excited to meet her. Elce and I met through our church in Vacaville CA. She and I had kids about the same age - Tyler and Amanda are a little over one month apart. I was so surprised to see how much Amanda has grown.

It was just like old times for Elce and I when we headed off to the mall. That was one of our favorite past times together in California. Elce and Casey even treated Tyler and I to Indonesian food for the 1st time. (Elce is Indonesian) We both loved it! We had a great but short visit.

The next morning we were off again.. This time to spend out last night away. We headed back to Vacaville. Tyler and I stayed at my Aunt Pam’s house. My Grandma Ralls came from Paradise to visit too. It was so fun! We all went to Murillo’s. That was my favorite Mexican place in Vacaville. After lunch we went back to My aunt’s house for a swim! Tyler had a ball! If it were up to him, he would probably be a fish! He loves the water. By the end of the afternoon, he was swimming by himself - with is life jacket. I think his favorite part was riding the blow up whale and ducky.

We all shared a pizza dinner and caught up. I think my favorite part was seeing Charlie! She has grown and changed so much since I last saw her. I have missed her so much. She and I had so much fun laughing and play fighting in the pool together. Love you Sweet Pea!

The next morning we were headed home. The funny thing is.. even though we had such a great time everywhere we went, I couldn’t wait to get home. I REALLY missed my husband! In fact, I had a hard time sleeping the night before we left because I was excited to go home to see him. Nerdy I know! But I love him so much!

Carly drove back with us to come and visit Idaho. We haven’t spoken much since we moved so it was nice to be trapped for 10 hours with her. j/k Carly - I really enjoyed our conversations and getting to know you again. It was a lot of fun! We are all praying that you move out here soon! REALLY soon!

My handsome hubby was waiting for Tyler and I when we got home. I was greeted with a clean house, a bouquet of flowers and a big hug and kiss. It was the best! We missed each other a lot! It was good to be home!

Tyler was also very happy to see Tiger! Here he is in his new Lighting McQueen pit crew costume Nana sent him.

Posted in Life in Idaho, My Hubby, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || No Comments

Salt Lake

May 19th, 2008 by Mariah

Things around the Buck household have been a bit stressful lately. We have had struggles w/ health, our business, and when it rains it pours! Anyway, we decided it was time to get out of here for a couple of days. Shaun, Brandon, Tyler and I had a layover in Salt Lake City, Utah last year during our trip to Disney World. It looked so beautiful from the airport that we have wanted to go and visit ever since. So, that is where we decided to go. It is about a 5 hour drive from Meridian. We left Wednesday morning about 10:00am and came home late Friday afternoon.

We had a great time. We visited the Hoggle Zoo. It is by far the best zoo we’ve been to so far! We even saw a rare white alligator. There are only 10 in the world.

We also visited the Mormon temple and temple square. It was so beautiful! There are a ton of pictures. I thought it appropriate to share the lot of them. Temple Square is the location of the Salt Lake City Temple and all of the visitors centers, museums of church history and art centers. The area is about 3 blocks by 4 blocks. Maybe even 5 blocks! It was huge. The temple itself was one of the more magnificent sights I have seen. After touring I was left with a aching sadness for all of the lost souls that temple square represented. It was unbelievable the blaspheme that was on display. Yet, little to no substance in regards to Mormonism. There were many statues and small posters emphasizing the importance of family. You were reminded every few minutes that you could be with your family forever.

This is a picture of where a Mormon is baptised. I find it interesting that they are surrounded by a herd of golden calf’s!

I even had the pleasure/disgust of overhearing a young woman leading a private tour. This young woman was leading an older woman on a tour of Temple Square. The older woman asked the simple question, “Why Mormonism?” The young woman did her best to describe through her heavy accent that she has left behind all of her family in France to become a missionary. Apparently, working as a tour guide at the temple fulfills some of the works required to earn your way to heaven. Anyway, this young girl told the older woman that this was the only thing that made sence. No other religion made any sence. And that it why she was compelled to leave everyone she loves to come to Salt Lake City, Utah and share her faith.

(Above are pictures of “God” looking down on his creation after creating the heavens and the earth.)

That was it. Nothing more, nothing less. I understand that there is not much to say about this fractured and broken systems of beliefs - called LDS or Mormonism. But I felt so saddened about this response. I, personally, am not the most eloquent in speech. But if someone asked my why I was a Christian; I couldn’t possibly sum it up in 30 seconds. I would be compelled to share Gods love, Christ’s amazing sacrifice, forgiveness… salvation! I would HAVE to share in detail each of these life giving truths! As much as a person would listen. I could not be content with an answer of - it just makes sense.

Hang on a sec while I climb down from my soap box…

Ok, I am back. Well, as I have said, I completely enjoyed the beauty of Temple Square. And at the same time it left me so saddened.

On our way home to Idaho, we happened upon an air force base. They had a free, super cool, air museum. It was outdoors. They had jets, planes and even old missiles. The guys really liked it!

We enjoyed the family time together. I, personally, was not quite ready to return to reality.. but here we are. The mini-vacation was short and sweet. I would say that is was too short but very sweet! I love my family and I enjoy it so much when we have long stretches of quality family time!

Posted in Brandon, Life in Idaho, My Hubby, The boys, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || 1 Comment

Zoo Trip

April 27th, 2008 by Mariah

Today we had our first family trip to the zoo. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for the season passes Boyers!

The tigers were awesome! The glass viewing area allows the tigers to come right up close. Tyler loved it and wasn’t scared at all. I thought it was a bit creepy to be so close though!

The snake was soo gross! It was shedding it’s skin and the cage was full! ewww.

The weather was great and we all had a good time. Shaun and I even managed to have a picture together. That rarely happens!

Posted in Brandon, Life in Idaho, My Hubby, The boys, Thoughts by Mariah, Tyler || No Comments

Christmas Insanity

January 10th, 2008 by Mariah

Ok. So let me tell you about an annoying little habit that BOTH Shaun and Brandon have. They have to move, shake, tap or bang on something AT ALL TIMES. I used to think that it was just to annoy me, but I have resigned myself to believe that they just can’t function w/o annoying noise as the soundtrack of their lives.

So, in the “spirit of Christmas” I saw this squishy ball at the store. I knew that I would regret it if I bought it. So what did I do? I bought two. YES that’s one for Brandon and one for Shaun (for those of you keeping count) All I can say is

??????????WHAT WAS I thinking?????????

The answer is – I wasn’t. And I have regretted it ever since. For the last 15 days, (yes it has only been 15 days since Christmas) they have tortured me with these things! Thankfully one of them finally broke. Woo Hoo! Hurray! Yah Baby!!!!! Oh, I mean, “darn it!! (Yah right!)

Did a broken squishy ball stop Shaun? NO. He continued to play with the remnants of this plastic toy. He pulled the tassels until they snapped and made annoying sounds. He shook it until it made annoying sounds. And when he was done with that, he

Well, just look at the pictures below to see what he did with it.