Merry Christmas....

Merry Christmas for our house to yours.....

Love,
Brad, Sage, Morgyn and Ryker
(didn't get the Christmas cards sent out SORRY!)

And Just for kicks and giggles....

more pictures of my SUPER cute kids

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL!!! We love our
Morgyn Sara Hanks!

And then.... there is our sweet Ryker..... who ALWAYS makes us SMILE


Took the kids to meet the "real" Santa the other day. He is my FAVORITE. My kids will see him EVERY year from here on out! He is truly the NICEST, SWEETEST, and AMAZING Santa in the world. No fake beard and no stinky fake costume. He is an original!

Christmas Came Early in our family...

Christmas came early for the Campbell family.... well atleast for me it did..... Last night my twin sister Sara had her sweet baby boy!

Kendrix Campbell Egan
Born at 7:46 pm
6 lbs. 8 oz.
19 in long.

This sweet little boy has had some trouble breathing so is currently in the NICU. They weren't sure at 1st but now think is could be a little pneumonia. He has been on antibiotics. Sara said awhile ago that the chest x-ray came back clear and they are hoping to take him home Sat. It all depends on him and wanting to eat.

Currently under the hood... which he is now NOT under. Hooray. He as been taken off oxygen and just being monitored. He is the CUTEST little boy. Looks like an EGAN. I am so excited and happy for my sister and her family. She has been such a trooper with this pregnancy. Went into pre-term labor at 26 or 28 weeks (can't remember). And has had many other complications. I love her dearly and thank my heavenly father everyday for her. She is my hero and has endured a lot to have children. We pray that everything continues to get better and that they will be able to be home together soon. This makes 5 boys for our family and 1 little girl. It's so FUN. I love my nephews. Besides my own kids they are the HIGHLIGHT of my life.

P.S. I am also super excited.... we get Krew man for the next couple of days! YIPPEE!!! That is if he decides he wants to see his Aunt Sage or if Devin is more important!

It's the Martha Stewart in me....

This year I boycotted the "annual" trip to the mountains to cut down our Christmas tree. (well ok maybe I was just a little burn out from the many happenings of the Hanks family) This year I wanted something "different." I have a very crafty mother and father. Maybe it's in my blood. I work for this certain Doctor who is OBSESSED with Christmas. Every year for Christmas we get something to decorate for Christmas..... And if anyone has ever been to his house... you'll know why I say OBSESSED. It's amazing! Actually there are no words to describe it. Last year I went to the annual Christmas tour and saw that he had some SUPER cute trees in almost every room. They were in sets of 3. Not your normal tree sets. These ones were tall. I wanted them OH SO BAD. I asked where he got them. His reply.... oh from a magazine many years ago. Thanks for the help. I searched and searched the Internet. Found some that I liked.... but didn't want to pay the money to buy them and THEN have them shipped. Would they really be here in time to enjoy them before Christmas... I wasn't counting on it. So then I had a bright idea.... I would make my own. Couldn't be that hard.... right.... so then I dragged my every so happy and willing hubby to Lowes one night to find the "right" tree trunks. No such luck. I was ticked. The sales people at Lowes had some dumb ideas for me to do instead. Yah thanks but I want the real thing. (My mom had made these trees before too....) I knew I needed to go to the mountains. The problem was... it was dark when we got off work and Brad was extremely busy helping the whole town of Twin Falls. I called my super awesome Dad... and he didn't have anything either. So completely bummed and depressed I went to work the next day. One of my coworkers suggested a saw mill. The light bulb flickered. I worked my magic and got the cell phone number of the owner. I called him one night.... explained what I wanted to do and what I needed. He laughed at me and told me to meet him out at his place the next day and he was SURE that he would find EXACTLY what I needed. And that he did. He was the nicest guy ever! Measured the length I wanted to exact and then cut it for me. He only charged me $5 for 3 tree poles. I gave him $10 because in my eyes he was MY HERO! The day I went to get my wood my friend called from Craft Warehouse in Meridian to tell me that they had my trees 50% off. Which was an awesome deal, but since i received so much crap from everyone I was DETERMINED to do this. Everyone .. even my spouse just told me to buy them. I told my new friend Doug that i would be calling him throughout the year to get some more wood to make some more trees! One night after mutual I stayed up late by myself making my trees. The next morning at work everyone wanted to know If I really did it... and then I had the pictures to prove it. (YAH) Throughout the next couple of days I made the rest. They turned out just the way I wanted. Not to brag but REALLY I am very proud of myself. My neighbor came over after I had them all decorated and made. She said oh looks like you found the trees you wanted.... I said yah I made them..... WHAT!?! Wow... I am shocked. I think the reason I am sooooo proud is cause I proved Dr. Astin and my husband wrong. So here is my super cute Christmas trees!!

Tallest... the parents
Middle which is pink and purple.... Morgyn's
Littlest... blue and green.. Ryker's!
I informed my spouse that next year.... I was makin a taller one.... AND I CAN'T WAIT!

And then my friend Laurie showed me a awesome idea for a homemade "advent" calendar. It's a muffin tin... so you can use you own yummy treats. They are magnetic so you can use them every year. It was fun to make. Brad came home..... saw the table covered in crap... and said Another project...? I said yep!

And last but not least.... Ryk and Morg's daycare every year have someone come in and take pictures..... so i thought what the heck... I'll try it and maybe even one will turn out with the both of them...


And it did. They are my favorite! I love to smother them every stinkin minute with hugs and kisses. So glad they are MY super adorable kids and I get to be there mom!

Our Life in REWIND.....

Holy crap. I still can't believe it is December. We have been crazy busy and are just now trying to slow things down. So here ya go for the Hanks family rewind! :)

November...... Morgyn turned 3! I still can't believe it. The day of her birthday was my grandpa's viewing. We went to my aunt's house in Emmett after the viewing and had dinner and cake. It was also my super awesome Uncle Gary's birthday the next day. So we sang to the both of them. (i am a bad mom and didn't have the camera to take pictures. I know my cousins did...) Then we came home and had a little party (just cake and ice cream) with Grandpa Dean and Grandma Sherri! Twas very fun. We love them. They are awesome neighbors and Grandparents. Morg got spoiled by her parents and her Grandpa Timmy and Grandma Poopsieloo.. (don't ask!) She got an Ariel barbie with a horse.. ariel blanket and the original Little Mermaid on dvd. My parents got her a Tinkerbell doll and the new Tinkerbell movie. (See a trend.... oh happy thoughts) My mom also got her a BHS cheer sweater and shirt to match hers. Now she and Grandpa Dean fight over if she is a "Burley girl" or a "Twin Falls girl." He really does know how to get this mom going!

The adopted Grandparents

The sprinkle cake that she has wanted for WEEKS!

One afternoon there was a phone call......it was Landon and Brandy wishing Morgyn a HAPPY BIRTHDAY.... then the door bell rang and It was Chelsea (Brandy's one day hopefully sister in law.) She had a bucket and a present. Well what do ya know it was from the Gillette family. And it was Morgyn's very OWN betta fish. (Cause Morg thought Landon's fish was cool. For some reason I don't remember that..... ahah) It's a purple-ish color. And his name is Boise. Morg named him.

My AWESOME and TALENTED (the list could go on..... and on.. and on...) friend Jo made this for Morgyn for her birthday. A hat, coat and scarf. We love Tia Jo. One day she is going to have to STOP spoiling my kids. (sorry for the small pictures.. the are from my phone.)

And now what Morgyn LOVES to do all the time... Roll her brother onto her belly and giggle. Cause then he bounces from her giggles and giggles back. A lot of the time she is covered in slobber. She doesn't mind.... and yes she doesn't mind (her mom that is) cause I am constantly telling her to NOT do this. He is too heavy for her. But she tells me that she LOVES him and he likes it.

We started this little chubbs on some food recently.... and as you can see LOVES IT!
(Isn't he ADORABLE!?)

Thanksgiving.... was spent in Boise with Granny Stubs. It was fun to spend some time with her and play games. It was sad to see her miss my Grandpa. I love her more and more everyday. She is the best! She loves all her Grandkids... so it was fun to let her snuggle my kids.

And Granny Stubs is naughty.... she is feeding Ryker whip cream. Then tried to hide it when I asked what she was doing. Ryk loves her..... she SPOILS him.

My baby boy got a haircut....thanks to my momma. He is very blond now. She cut quite a bit off. Still curly and still cute as EVER..

She likes to rock. And so does he.

(Ryk LOVES his Aunt Keec and his face lights up when he sees her and his left foot begins to kick and wiggle.)
Aunt Keecy spent a few days with us..... well not us....

Him. (hahaha jk.) This is Devin.... he is the neighbor. His parents are who my children call Grandpa Dean and Grandma Sherri. Guess now we will be related. We are EXCITED.

and the last but not least... the beautiful flowers the graced my table for the last couple of weeks. They were from Grandpa's funeral. Tradition was that when we were little we would wear his t-shirts to bed. That was the last one i saw him in. And his boise state colored Ferguson hat. Brad gave this to him.... and he wore it every time I saw him. Love him.

My Mom and Dad...

These last couple of weeks have been hard and challenging for our family. It has definitely been a true test of faith. I am grateful for my parents! They have been our "ROCK!" They have been back and forth to Boise every weekend this last month. I am grateful that they have been caregivers to my grandparents. Last Sunday on there way home from Boise they stopped by to see my kids. (they are more important than me :) ) This was the weekend that my grandpa passed away. A much needed change of scenery. When they got to our house we were jammin' out to music. So my mom joined in on the fun and danced with Morgyn......

Yes that really is Lady Gaga's "Poker face." It is one of Morgyn's favorite songs.
Then it was my Dad's turn. I can NOT watch this video without laughing so hard. Not sure where my Dad learned some of those moves. He cracks me up. Thank goodness for camera phones and being able to secretly record them. We showed them later. Too bad the music was so LOUD or else you could hear my mom and I laughing hysterically. We have the famous uncontrollable Stubstad giggle!



Thanks Mom and Dad for coming and dancing with Morgyn. Thanks for the support the last couple of weeks and your encouragement. I am so thankful for the both of you. We LOVE YOU!
Also thanks to EVERYONE for your prayers on behalf of our family! Your thoughts and love have truly been felt!

My Grandpa....

My Sweet Grandpa passed away on Saturday. It has been a rough couple of days. For journaling purposes I wanted to post his obituary. He is my HERO! He wrote his own obituary. And to read this makes me feel as if he is reading it to me. I love him with all my heart. I can't wait to see him again! I will strive everyday to be more like him. I miss him more and more everyday but I am grateful for the knowledge of Eternal Families! I am at peace knowing he is in a happier place but it's the reality of not having him here in person to hug or talk to. His promise to us was that he would watch over our family and my kids and I know I have already felt his presence. I Love you Grandpa!

Theodore Karsten Stubstad

Theodore Karsten (TK) Stubstad, 82, of Boise, passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at his home. Son of Theodor and Elise Stubstad. Early life and education was in Rapid City, South Dakota. The family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in October of 1941, where TK continued his education and graduated from East High School in the spring of 1945. World War 11 was current and TK enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Tour of Duty was basic training in San Diego, California, communication school in Oahu Hawaii and Signalman abroad the USS Delta, a hull repair ship in the Pacific Area. He anchored four months in Shanghi China before returning to the United States. Returning to civilian status, TK attended the University of Utah under the G.I. Bill. He met his bride and life's companion, Audrey Gardner, in 1947. They were married June 25, 1948 in a civil ceremony, and sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 12, 1968. To this union four daughters were born, Sherry Ann (Garth) Anderson, Susan Kay (Gary) Thomas, Kristen Stubstad and Heidi (Tim) Campbell. Adding to this union are 16 grandchildren and 32 great grand children. TK enjoyed working with his friends, neighbors and the people in his career in sales. He worked fourteen years with Wasatch Chemical Company in Salt Lake City, Utah and then moving on in 1961 as Area Sales Representative for the Bayer Corporation in their Northwest Region promoting animal health and agriculture chemical products. After three years based in S.L.C., TK accepted a transfer to Boise, Idaho. In 1971 the animal health program was made a separate entity from agriculture chemicals. TK continued as the Agriculture Chemical Area Sales Rep retiring in 1991 after 29 years of dedicated service. Hobbies and sports in early life were putting together and flying model airplanes, archery, basketball and swimming. Later in life were skiing, boating, golf, woodworking, fly fishing and RVing. At 69 years of age TK met the challenge of Caricature woodcarving of fisherman and western figures. Always with an interest in art, TK expanded his hobby by trying graphite portraits art at age 78 completing drawings of daughters, and their husbands with plans of drawing his extended family. In his last year he used this talent to make birthday cards for all great grandchildren. TK served in many callings as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was membership secretary, youth Sunday School instructor, Elders and High Priests Quorum presidencies, counselor in Sunday School Presidency, Stake Missionary, Cub Scout Assistant Webelos Leader and Cub Scout Committee Chairman. Preceding TK's death were parents and siblings, an older sister Lenora and a younger brother Marvin. Surviving TK are his wife, Audrey, four daughters, 16 grandchildren and 32 great-grand children. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 19th at the South Maple Grove Chapel, 3700 S. Maple Grove Road in Boise. Visitation will be held at the Church one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at Cloverdale. Services are under the direction of the Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett.

Oh Holy Pictures.....

Sorry for the overload of pictures... we have been so busy! Our family got hit with the NASTY flu bug. It was horrible. 1st Brad.... then Morgyn..... and then little Ryker. The kids got sick on 2 different weekends. Brad and I both missed a couple days of work but thankfully they are on the mend. I hope it stays that way. The weekend after Morgyn was sick we had been confined to our house. I was was so in need of a break. One night Uncle Blake called and asked if him and Shannon could take Morgyn to the pumpkin patch at CSI. I was so relieved. I was worried that with everything going on in our lives that I wouldn't be able to take Morgyn to the pumpkin patch. He came and picked her up and I was able to take some time and take care of my sick little boy. She came home with LOTS of pumpkins. He even surprised her with a bug juice. Doesn't take much to please this little girl. The pumpkins are lined up on our front porch. She got one for every member of our family including Lucy (our dog). She is always asking me everyday to open the front door so she can see her pumkins! Thanks Blake and Shannon for loving this little girl!

Morg and Shannon with Lucy's pumpkin.

Pickin' her pumpkin

Morg and Uncle Blake!

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Now on to our visit with my Gramps and Granny Stubstad. I was able to take my kids to Boise last Thursday night and spend some much needed time with them. It was so fun to get to see them. My grandma LOVES babies and hasn't seen Ryker since he was about 2 months old. She couldn't put that little boy down. He would talk to her and giggle. It was so fun to see her excitement when she played with him. That little boy has her wrapped around his finger as he does with his Grandma Heidi and Grandma Sherri!

I love her to pieces!

A priceless picture..... I was back in the bathroom getting ready and came out to the dining room and found this. Morgyn was chattering away and My sweet grandpa was helping her color. He was teaching her how to color in the lines. :) I couldn't help it. When she saw me she said, "Mom wook my grampa Subsaid is coloring wis me!" It means so much to me that my grandparents have such a great relationship with my kids. Morgyn loves to play with him and she was so excited to be able to do this with him. I know he didn't feel good but he is truly an amazing man. He is SUCH an inspiration to me.

My grandpa is very weak. And at one point during the day he asked me if I would help him hold Ryker. It was so sweet. Morg saw him holding him and asked if he would hold her too. Aww I just LOVE this MAN. As a child my grandpa used to rock my sister and I to sleep. And he would sing us old western songs. I was able to sit next to him in his chair and have him rock me. He just held and told me he loved me. Words can not express the spirit I felt that day. I shared some pretty intimate moments with my grandpa. Things that i will never forget. I am so grateful for his sacrifice.

My grandparents have a tradition. They ALWAYS stand in the driveway and wave good-bye till you hit the end of the circle and you can no longer see their house. Rain, snow, wind and COLD... they ALWAYS do it. It was pretty hard to say good-bye. As I was pulling away they stood there for a long time. I felt prompted to take a picture. I love these two so much. They are amazing grandparents and have such a special relationship with ALL their grandkids. They have always been there for us. I know my grandpa will be in a better place soon. He will be with his family again. I am so grateful that we are an eternal family and that I have the knowledge that one day we will be reunited.

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Now on to Halloween. I am so bummed my camera died and I didn't have the opportunity to take a picture of my cute little kids in their Halloween costumes. They fell fast asleep when we got home. I will dress them up this week when they are wide eyed and HAPPY and get a picture. But I did manage to get a picture of me in my super sweet costume the night before. Thanks to my AMAZING friend Jo who loaned me this costume.

Meet......... Mary Doolittle's cousin....

Who at some time in her life lost her cute little puppy "Lucky."

Oops found him!

Some of the girls in our ward!

And last but not least..... so sorry but I had to! My mom is going to kill me.
Sadly being dressed up like this my husband wouldn't come near me. And to make it worse Morgyn was scared of me for a good hour. It was pretty funny to see everyone's faces. When we got home Morgyn told me to take those ugly clothes off MOM! It was a much needed laugh and excitement for a crazy last couple of weeks!

The Reality......

I know that I have posted this picture before but to me this is a very special picture. This is my grandpa. He is my best friend and someone I truly look up to. He is very sick. We know his time here on earth is short and in a matter of time will leave this life and be reunited with our Father in Heaven. The reality of it all is so hard to grasp. I know that I am selfish wishing that he could stay forever, but I know that he will be happy and healthy again. Last night was the 1st time that I have truly acknowledged that it IS only a matter of time. I was standing in the kitchen overcome with emotion, when Morgyn walked and asked what she always asks when she sees that I am upset. "Mom are you mad?" I said, "No sissy, I am sad." She then preceeded to ask why... and I told her that Grandpa Stubstad is sick. And in a sweet and innocent voice said... "It's ok Mom, I will get him some medicine and he will be better!" It was all over after that. The veil is still so thin. She will never know how much that meant to me. What an amazing experience it was for me last night. I am thankful for my little girl who can build me up and make everything worth it despite the trials we face right now. I know that I will see my grandpa again and I know that he will be in better hands soon. What a comfort it is to know we are an eternal family!

Remembering.......

Today I took Ryker to his 4 month Dr's appointment and I couldn't help remembering last year almost to the day. It was a Thursday. My husband was ditching me for the rest of the week to go hunting. My birthday was the next day and I was so bummed that he wouldn't be home. Me being the good wife told him to go and have a fun time. I watched as he drove away... i quickly ran inside. I had been waiting for a few days to do this...... take a pregnancy test. All i remember was a faint line..... and then the tears came. I was so happy. I quickly threw the test away and that was it. The week before Brad kept asking me.... what I wanted for my birthday and I would always say "Surprise me!" I can't even think of a better birthday present. And now in a few days i get to celebrate my birthday again only this time it's even better.....

I have these sweet and adorable kids to spend it with! I am soooooooo extremely lucky to be their mom. Seriously how many kids have this much hair and it's curly when they are born. Ryk has been such a blessing to our family. Morgyn (as you can tell from the picture) loves him so much.... and surprisingly he loves her too. I love to watch her roll on the floor with him or make him giggle. He truly is the best baby and always smiles. I always say I have the best of both worlds and really I do. I Love my kids so much and couldn't imagine my life without them. Call me nerdy but i am OBSESSED with my kids!

A Date with Blakey!

Yesterday afternoon Morgyn got to go ride horses with her Uncle Blakey. Now all she wants for her birthday is a horse... and a cow. She got to see a couple goats, chickens and cows too! It was so much fun to see her face. She loved making all the sounds that those animals made. While riding the horse she asked Blake if she could have his horse. He was so sweet and told her that he would share "nugget" with her. She was on cloud nine!

Morgyn, Uncle Blake and Shannon

Riding with Blake

Ryker just chillin'

Practicing her Rodeo Queen Wave! She is sooooo CUTE!

Nuggett running!

Morgyn and her Daddy!

Thanks Blake and Shannon for an fun time!

A Sad Day

Our bestest friends in the whole world moved yesterday.... to Portland, Oregon. We are sooooooo very happy for them and this new adventure, but we are sooooooo very sad that they are gone. Morgyn and Landon were the best of buds. She still doesn't understand it yet. We got to go and say good bye the other night. I asked Landon for a hug and he said "Why sure, you bet you can!" I Love that kid. Can't wait to go visit them... hopefully soon. Stan and Brandy GOOD LUCK!! WE MISS YOU TONS AND LOVE YOU EVEN MORE!!!

We Wuv Aunt Keesy!

This last weekend we stayed with my little sister at her apartment In Poky before heading to go camping at Lava hot Springs. On Sat morning I went and put my kids in bed with her. A little while later I heard some giggling and cooing from both children. This is what I found.......

My kids both love there Aunt Keesy. She is the greatest! She is the best AUNT ever and loves all the nephews and niece to death. Morg can't say her "L's" and they sound like "W's" hence the WE WUV AUNT KEESY! I am so proud of my little sister. I am so grateful for her. She is one of my best friends. I think my mom and dad messed up..... we should have all been triplets.

To Aunt Keesy.... jvjjjjjjjjjjjjudfhgjksfh hh,,ml;;;;( Wuv you!) Morgyn

2 Cute Kids!

I swear I have the cutest kids! I just love them! Our little Ryker is getting so big and I can't believe it. 3 months already. Thought I would share my 2 favorite pictures right now.

Does he look scared...... it's Morgyn's doll stroller. Daddy did this to him while I was gone one night. Poor little boy. Morg has an evil look on her face......

Playin at the football game with grandma. Look at those BLUE eyes. I love it. They are soooo stinkin' cute. So maybe I am just a little vain. I love my kids. I am so grateful that I have them. They are our pride and joy!

Summer Days......

Wow it's been awhile... we have really been busy... and having fun at the same time. We blessed Ryker the 1st of August. What an awesome day. I am so glad that all my family was able to come. My dad brought his big parachute tent and we had a nice brunch in our backyard.

Our sweet baby in his blessing outfit!

My family!

One Sunday evening we took Morgyn to the waterfall behind Costco. She loved it!

Morg and Daddy

Standing close to the water and letting it get us wet. We also let her walk across the Perrine bridge. She liked that too.

Ryk safe and in the grass while Morg was at the waterfall.

Exciting News at our house............ Morg decided 2 weeks ago that she didn't want to wear diapers anymore..... we are NOW potty trained. I LOVE IT! The 1st couple of days were rough.... she didn't want to go #2. Once we got that mastered she has done great. We've only had a couple accidents and they weren't her fault... it was her parents and there lack of communication. She has learned how to hold it allllll night. I am so proud of her. My sister Sara promised her a baby once she went #2 on the potty. Once she did I was so excited I screamed and she said MOM.... Aunt Sawa get me a baby now. My dad promised her a bug juice.... the same day my parents came to our house and Morg got to go on a special trip to the store to get her bug juice with grandpa. We are so stinkin proud of her. She is so proud to show everyone her new panties.

Morg and her new baby Jazum Heidi (really it's Jasmine Heidi.. we love it)
Thanks Aunt Sawa

Our Dad ditched us this weekend to go camping with his work. We weren't invited cause we have kids..... so I decided to stay home with my kids and play with them. So i decided to take Morg shopping. :) This is what she got....

We have so much fun playing it!

My little boy has had trush for over a week. The doctor gave me some medicine and it didn't work. We have been passing it back and forth. SUCKS... so i resorted to the best method..... the purple stuff!

And last but not least...... I LOVE THIS LITTLE BOY!!!! He is changing so much. He loves to smile and chatter to us. Today I got him to giggle. I am loving this!