Primary Program

Well, this was the last Primary program for Danny.  It makes me sad that he is growing up so fast.  On the plus side, he is growing up to be a great young man.  He and Natalie Bloomfield accompanied the Primary on their cellos.  We were so proud of him.  Since it is not appropriate to video tape in the chapel we decided to do the song for Family Night.  I am playing the piano, Danny the cello, and Ryan is singing.

FHE/Procrastination

Last night for FHE, Brad gave a lesson on Procrastination. It was something that we all needed to hear.  He found this little video on YouTube that was so dang funny - but uncomfortable because I recognized that I am like that too often. Click on the title and you can watch it.

Relief Society

Saturday evening was the RS General Conference.  I loved hearing what our leaders had to say.  I especially loved President Uchtdorf's talk.  It was such a powerful message and I love when I feel like they are speaking directly to me.  It really gave me a lot to think about.

There is a lot of unrest and upheaval in the world right now.  The country's financial system is collapsing and affecting the market's all over the world.  The hugely important presidential election is only a few weeks away.  The marriage (Prop. 102) is on the ballot and everything seems so scary and uncertain right now.  They say that we are on the verge of another "Great Depression".  I don't think I have ever been so anxious for General Conference as I am right now.  I want so much to hear what our Prophet and our other leaders have to say.  I feel like I really need their guidance and direction.  Only a few more days to go.

Soccer Dogs

Soccer season has officially started for the McBrides.  It really started last weekend, but we were on our ward camp-out.  I love that they are the same number.

Highland Homecoming

Taylor and some of his friends got together at our house to take pictures before the dance.  The girl he took is Jessie Rowley.  I love how they all match each other.

Homecoming Hunks

Look at these goofy boys!  Taylor and Brad's painted on beards were inspired by watching the "Office".  Taylor and Alex were actually on TV on "Good Morning Arizona".  It was really hilarious!  I am trying to get the video from someone who taped it - so I will post it when I get it.

Goodbye to an Old Friend

We got this great trampoline for Christmas when we lived in our first house (on Douglas).  Emily, Taylor, Alex and I are trying it out.  I am 7 months preggers with Danny

I know it's pretty dumb to write about an old trampoline - but you've got to understand that this trampoline is older than Danny . . . and he's 11 1/2!  The other day one of Taylor's friends was jumping and it just ripped.  We are all a little sad because it has been a loyal friend to our family.  We got it 12 years ago at Christmas and I was pregnant with Danny.  We were living in our first house then.  It went on 2 more moves with us.  The kids had so dang much fun on that thing.  I loved the way it made their hair poke up from all the static electricity.  I loved how they would all go out and play "crack the egg".  And I loved how they would play on it in the rain.  It will be missed.

Our Toothless Wonder!

Poor Danny!  He didn't lose any teeth for a few years, and now all of a sudden, he's lost like 4 or 5 in just a few months!  He was playing around and said, "Hey look Mom - I can slide a pencil through with my mouth closed!  It was pretty funny.

Well . . .

I finally got an updated hairstyle.  It seems like I have had my last hairstyle forever - give or take a few inches. Anyway, I went to get a trim and I just decided to go for it.  It's pretty drastic.  I think I like it but I'm not totally sure yet.  Ryan got home from school and told me he liked my hair.  Then . . . he said, "I liked it better the other way.  Can you change it back?"  Totally cracked me up!

Fall 2008 School Pictures

Alex is 15, and is a Sophomore at Highland High School.  He is anxious to get his permit.  He made the Concert Choir this year and I am glad that he and Taylor get to be in it together for Taylor's last year.

Danny is in Mr. Spomer's 6th grade class and he is really  happy that he has a ton of friends in his class.  The last 2 years he hasn't been so lucky.  He got his picture taken without his glasses because we are planning on getting contacts soon.  Isn't he handsome?

Ryan is a big 1st grader this year.  His teacher is Mrs. Nolan and he adores her!  The first few weeks of school he was so happy and kept telling funny things that she did.  He has Kyle Kempton and Jack Raymond in his class, so he's happy about that.  He is also happy that Lauren Scillo is in his class.  The older boys tease him that he has a girlfriend.  Isn't he cute?

Ward Campout

We had a our first 3rd ward campout at Canyon Creek.  It was a huge success!  There were almost 20 people there.  We had a great time and everyone else seemed to also except for Collin Ward.  He broke his arm pretty badly.  This picture is taken at the fish hatchery.  It would be great if Emily were in it:(

Carl Bloomfield put up a zip line.  I couldn't believe Ryan wanted to do it.  These aren't very good pictures, but it is showing Ryan and Danny on the zip line.

Taylor and Alex wouldn't get up for breakfast and so Mike Ward made the tent fall down around them.  They still didn't get up.

Daredevils!

Campout Continued

We had a great time walking to the creek and just messing around together

Water Fun

Taylor is a Man. . .Boy!

Yesterday, September 18 was Taylor Bradley McBride's 18th birthday!  In this picture, we were still in the hospital and Emily was holding him for the first time.  I ADORE this picture!  It brings back so many memories.  Soon after this was taken, Taylor started to cry.  Emily was very concerned and said in her high little 2 year old voice - "What's the matter baby"!  It was so cute!

I can't believe that I am now the mother of a grown man and that I have 2 grown children.  Am I really that old?  Taylor, I want you to know that you are awesome.  I am so proud of the man that you have become.  You are funny, sweet, a friend to everyone, and always quick to obey.  Dad and I appreciate that so much.  I hope you had a great day.  I can't believe you had 7 girls come to the house and bring you stuff!

Nana made this beautiful blanket that

Taylor was blessed in.

We took Emily and Taylor fishing once at Fred's Lake in Pinetop.  I don't think it's even there anymore. Taylor was about 1 & 1/2 or 2 and this is one of my favorite pictures ever.

Taylor was around 4 when this was taken also.  We were at the playground at Coronado 

School in St. Johns.  Isn't he so cute!

This is Emily and Taylor at Disneyland - posing with Alvin the Chipmunk.  Taylor likes to point out that he always had cool hats when he was little like this POWER RANGERS one!

4 years old

7 years old

7th Grade - Isn't he handsome . . . check out the braces 

and the necklace!  He is ADORABLE!

Freshman in High School

Junior in High School

Emily Would Be Proud!

Emily has been after me forever because I haven't had a wedding picture of Brad and me up in the house (except for my room). Well, I took her advice and gave Brad a framed picture of us for his birthday. Now it is in its rightful place next to the ones of our parents!

A Day in the Life of a Fisherman

Danny had to get up at 4:30 on Saturday morning to go on a fishing trip with the 11 year old scouts.  Did I say 4:30 - crazy huh!  Anyway, he had a great time at Saguaro Lake and caught around 8 fish.  They were all sweet boys though and threw the fish back!  Now on to explain this picture.  Later in the day I sent him in to clean his room.  After realizing that he was in there a long time I went to check on him.  I found him asleep on the floor and when I took this picture I woke up him up.  Poor guy - he was totally exhausted!

Happy Birthday Brad!

Yesterday, September 13th was Brad's 47th BIRTHDAY!  I know that he is feeling pretty old right now, but he doesn't seem old to me!  Besides, I'm trailing right behind him :(  It won't be so easy for me to joke about it in February (ha ha).  I am so thankful for my wonderful hubby. I have been with him for 22 birthdays now and I can't imagine living without him.  He is my rock and my favorite person in the whole world.  I love you Brad.

Lake Roosevelt

On Saturday - Brad, Taylor and Danny were invited to go to Lake Roosevelt with Andy & Suzette's family.  Alex, Ryan and I were not able to go because of strep throat:(  Anyway, the guys had a great time!  Brad said the water was beautiful and there was hardly anyone there.  Here are some fun pictures.