Kidder Chronicles

Variety Show 2010

2010-02-25T12:16:00.001-07:00

February brings the tradition of Variety show,which always proves to be a night of fun entertainment. The choir students at Borah have to audition for the show as part of semester finales even though Aaron's solo performance didn't make the cut but his Tactus group did a group number that was funny, and the women choir and Tactus did a combined number. This is such a popular concert they perform it two nights. Brianna and I went one night and Michael and I went the second night.

They sang "dude looks like a lady". They wore the women choir outfits and put make up on, they totally "rocked it " Aaron was the lead guitar player and they body surfed him to the front of the stage.....I laughed so hard and I'm sure the people next to me were laughing as well. So we had another year of traditionally a fun entertaining evening thanks Aaron for participating in Borah Choir. I enjoyed the Variety Show, again!

Unfortunately the camera was giving me a hard time and I wasn't able to get a video of their number so I just have these pictures and it's doesn't do their performance justice but it is what I have. This will help me with the memory. Until next year's variety show.

President's Day

2010-02-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

We had a long weekend for President's day and thought we would go walk around the capital building. Since the remodeling and re-dedication ceremony were complete it would be a good time to go and "see" all that they had done. It was amazing the detail they had put into the stone and all the rooms that they finished.

I didn't have my camera Brianna had taken the camera with her to tour the town with her friends who were visiting. So you can't see a lot of the detail with these pictures from my cell phone, but still cool to see what they have done. Taking a leisure tour of the building was nice way to spend a cold February afternoon and President's Day. I am blessed to live in a country where we elect our president's and I have the freedoms that many do not. I am blessed !!
We finished it off with some good lunch. I love living in the capitol city.

Day for love

2010-02-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Valentines is a Hallmark holiday for many but for me it is a time to be grateful for all the things I love, my beautiful children, my husband and good friends.
I was able to go out Friday night with Cindi, we went to see the movie "valentines day" it was a good chick flick with a message that you should recognize the love you have in your life and not take it for granted. We then went and had some good Mexican food and conversation. They had to kick us out of the restaurant. We didn't realize that they actually closed at 10. I love spending time with my friends thanks Cindi for spending an evening with me!
Saturday morning I got up and made those I love a delicious pancake breakfast.

I also wrote then a "valentine" tell them all the things I love about them.

Brianna had friends visiting for the long weekend and I sure they could feel the "Love" at our house.
I love my children I had sent a care package up north to Jenica and Emorie so they two would know how much I love them. And most of all my husband, who I love the most. I recognize that with out him I wouldn't have these great children. This year we will also celebrate our anniversary on Feb. 17. I love you Michael!!

Family Night

2010-02-07T19:23:00.002-07:00

Family Night at our house means eating out. We have had fun trying new places for dinner. I enjoy going "out" when some else cooks me dinner.
Having read a review of this restaurant in the Boise weekly and seeing it on "Diner's, drive-ins and dives". We had to give it a try. So we were off to Donnie Mac's Trailer Park Cuisine . It was a different atmosphere. They had live music playing as we dined on benches that were once the back seat of you car, or you could eat in the "car" the booth was separated by a shower curtain, hope your getting the picture. As for the food they had trailer park cuisine you could have mac n cheese,nachos or burgers and even deep fried twinkies for dessert.

We enjoyed our dinner and will be back in the summer when we can dine outside on that patio.

YOU GO SISTER --- Denise Nursing graduation

2010-01-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Denise has been working hard with school,Apollo college nursing program. She graduates with a certificate LPN. It won't be long before she goes on the finish and be the RN. Denise I am proud of you. Braden got to "PIN" his mom,what a moment he and she won't forget. Afterward we went to spoon me for some frozen yogurt. GOOD JOB DENISE!!

"Dyno"mite birthday

2010-01-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

January 15 my baby boy is 16. Brianna's gift to Aaron was a HOT breakfast before he left for school. She giving of her time to get up and make him breakfast before he left at 6:30. What a treat. I'm sure that started his day right.

You had a birthday shout "hoo-ray" YOU turn 16 today!!!!!
Aaron I remember so much about the day you were born and came to our family. We were watching football at the hospital waiting for you to come and when you did it was late and dad had to go home before getting to hold you those were the rules at that hospital. When they finally brought you into my room I spent those next quiet moments thanking my Heavenly Father for sending me a son, one who had so much hair, long eye lashes, was healthy and strong. Our family was truly blessed that day. Your taller than me now but you still have all that dark brown hair and long eye lashes, you'll always be my baby boy. Now as your turning sixteen and getting ready to do all those exciting things drive, date, have a job, earn you eagle and become a priest, I am even more proud to be your mom and thank my Heavenly Father for YOU as my son. I will never forget January 15, 1994. I LOVE YOU

Happy New Year

2010-01-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

January brought a lot of activities. Our family has many birthday's in January this year was a BIG one for Danny. We planned to celebrate on a Saturday so his boys would be able to be here to enjoy his special day. They had fun helping me make the cake!!

I hope Denise didn't mind making a wish on 30 :)

Rededication Celebration

2010-01-09T18:24:00.001-07:00

We also able to be a part of the re-dedication of the capitol building.

Aaron's choir at Borah was asked along with other schools from school districts across the state to sing at the ceremony. They practiced during normal school hours then got together early on January 9th before the ceremony to finalize the performance together as one large group on the steps of the capitol .

What an honor!!!! Aaron's name will be on the formal announcement placed in the capitol building and he will remember this cold day for along time. It was televised on local TV so the rest of our family could see him as well. We had fun watching and listening to the celebration even in the cold. The Governor Butch Otter spoke and they performed two musical numbers "Under Eternal Sky" and "Here We Have Idaho ". Emorie was still at home for holiday break so it was a fun, cold, family memory we will all remember for awhile. I even learned the words to the state song since we sang it over and over. I'm glad to have been a part of Idaho history and WOW the capitol remodel is very nice.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T13:35:00.001-07:00

I have always known that Christmas wasn't about Santa and all the gifts. The real meaning of Christmas is focusing on Christ and the gift he has given us.This was a hard lesson to teach the kids when they were little and had their wish list's and I being a parent that wanted to give them those "gifts". I have now come to see that I first have to focus on Christ if I want them too. A few years ago we started a tradition of sharing our testimonies in addition to reading the scriptural account of Christ birth. This year was another great holiday with continued traditions and time just spent with family. As the girls have all gone off to school and now come for the holiday I know these are the gifts that are important. We did some of our traditions-- Christmas eve we went to grandma's house for dinner followed by returning home to opening "one"gift (pajamas).
Christmas morning stockings are first and even Scout enjoyed his stocking!!!Emorie gave her brother and sister's her favorite book perfectly selected for each of them.Jenica hand made cards and shared a memory with each of them...what a great priceless gift. She also arranged for having a picture taken of the kids. So from the surprise another Christmas morning I got to cry WOW the best gift to ME is my children. We have another tradition we started a few years ago, that is choosing a movie to go after our holiday breakfast, this year we went to "Invictous " it was a good meaningful movie.
Jenica left on Christmas afternoon to head back to Moscow for her trip to Hiatti. Here she is with her pack ready to go for an adventure. Have fun Jenica.
It was a short time with her, but What a great day!
I was great full for a holiday centered around family and traditions knowing the real meaning of CHRISTmas.

Brianna's Christmas Concert

2009-12-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

What a treat to have Brianna in the Boise Institute choir "unison". We have been to their Christmas concert in the past but this year for Brianna to be part of an amazing concert with music that is both your traditional Christmas music and some other fun music. We have enjoyed a whole season of music with all the kids. I am so blessed to have such talented children.

Ward Christmas party

2009-12-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

Our ward has an amazing activities committee this year their theme for the party was the polar express.
They sent us home with a golden ticket to the party which got the boys excited to go. They actually thought we were going on a train to see Santa. As it got closer to the party, Dreger was nervous about getting on the train. We reassured him that really it was at the church and we would have to "imagine" it is a train to the North Pole.The committee did a great job decorating to help us imagine we "were"on a train.
We got our golden ticket punched and got on the train for a cup of hot coco, just like the movie the young men danced, way to go Aaron.

We had dinner and then some more entertainment. Michael and I sang with the choir. Aaron did a song with the YM/YW and pipe bells. Then Santa stopped by with a token for each of the kids to get a treat.

What a fun evening. Thanks activities committee.

Now what?

2009-12-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

After we had finished cutting snowflakes, the question was "Now what?". I forget how challenging it is to entertain little ones when you don't want them sitting in front of the TV or the Xbox when it's cold outside. So why not have some pizza and play a game......well that is just what we did. Dreger likes to play games this time the game was LIFE you might say not a game for young children well Dreger has it down. He was buying up stock, choosing the right career card and putting us grown-ups back to questioning if we knew how to play. It was a fun night playing LIFE . Yes Dreger won AND was ready to play again.

Let it snow

2009-12-12T19:17:00.001-07:00

Well I'm not the biggest fan of snow. I love to look at it in the foot hills but with snow you get cold unless of course your talking about hand cut SNOWFLAKES.
One weekend while Danny had the boys we took time to cut paper and create snowflakes. Dreger with a Santa hat even and Dalton who may have needed some help but still had fun trying to cut a snowflake.

After we had created them we hung them on the windows for decorations. What a fun way to spend a cold December evening.

Borah Christmas Concert

2009-12-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

It Christmas time.....we had Jenica's Christmas concert now it's Aaron turn with the traditional Borah concert. The auditorium is decorated with a BIG tree ready for the occasion. Aaron participated with two groups....the men's group Tactus all decked out in Santa hats and sophomore choir which he had a duet. He did a awesome job even she started laughing -he stayed focus....well done buddy.

Borah has another tradition, the final number they ask any one has sung with Borah choir to join them so of course Brianna on her way. It was another year of great Christmas tradition at Borah. I am so blessed to have talented children who enjoy singing and performing. Thanks Aaron.

Jenica's Christmas Concert

2009-12-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

Jenica had auditioned for a elite vandal concert choir, funny story Emorie auditioned as well not knowing it was an upper class man choir...anyway next year Emorie. Jenica had two concerts. We were not able to go up for her fall concert. So we couldn't miss the chance to make the trip to see the Christmas concert I took time off work thinking Michael would have business to do and we would stay over night but when that didn't happen it became just a day trip. Jenica had a solo in a treble ensemble I was excited to hear her perform it had been a few years since choir at Borah and now as Vandaleer she was amazing!!!!!!
We got up early to make the trip it made for along day, but it was time well spent. Listening to the concert and getting to spend time with the girls. The concert was in a beautiful concert hall
on campus with beautiful stained glass windows the picture doesn't do them justice.

Jenica I am so proud of you. YOU looked gorgeous in your choir dress,so glad we were able to make the trip up to see you.

It was along day and I will remember it forever. The drive home was a long, dark, COLD trip but we made it.....Oh I almost forgot the bonus I got a McRib sandwich while in Moscow, they don't have those at home .What a DAY.

Happy Birthday

2009-12-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

Look who's one. We went to dad's to celebrate Alina's first birthday. WOW how that year passed by. She enjoyed eating cake and opening presents.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T17:48:00.001-07:00

This time of year when the temperature and leaves are changing we get to reflect on all there is in life that we are thankful for and celebrate on a day with a lot of food. This year I honestly was not looking forward to this day because all of my family wasn't going to be home . Jenica had to stay in Moscow and work. I didn't want to cook, I was being selfish. I didn't want to think about all the other blessings I had. As we started to make plans with the rest of the family for this holiday I came to realize there is more to cooking a turkey and eating. It is taking time to count you blessings.
In Boise there is a great tradition the Hymns of Thanksgiving it is usually the Sunday before the holiday. We have been the last few years as a family. This year even though it was just Aaron, Brianna, Michael and I that went it was a great time to reflect with music on the many things I do have .......... I have 4 amazing children,I have a husband who loves me and provides for his family. I live in a beautiful country where I am free to do so many things. I am healthy. I have a job I enjoy. I have parents who love me and brothers and sister whom I love. So I am grateful for the opportunity to spend this time with my family and focus on what I do have. When it came time for turkey day we had dinner at dad's house.He and Jackie prepared a great dinner and as tradition has it we went and saw a good movie "The Blind Side" which had a good message for our Thanksgiving.

Mom's Birthday

2009-11-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

Nov.5 is my mom's birthday.Chloe also has a birthday in November but they were sick and unable to join us for birthday cake. So it was just a small gathering to recognize MOM.
I love my mom for so many reasons she has taught me so much of who I am. I learned to cook, sew, knit, and manage a family from my mom. She works had and doesn't give up. I have seen her have hard challenges and not give up....she is AMAZING. I know that I too can do hard things. Thanks to the example of my mom. I love you!!!!! Happy birthday

October Concerts

2009-10-30T15:03:00.000-06:00

The days are getting shorter and it's getting cold out.... it must be fall in Idaho. We had a couple concert's in October.
The first of many concerts for the year was quite a honor. The men's chorus from Borah, Tactus was honored to sing with the WHIFFENPOOFS from Yale. One of the "poofs" was Sam Hafer, who graduated with Jenica. As they made their way across the country one of many stops was here in Boise. The concert was at the Egyptian theater downtown, so we all got dressed up and went to see the BOYS sing. WOW!!!! What a great evening full of talent. Way to go Aaron.

Next is the Halloween tour. Aaron went with his choir to elementary schools to sing...the costume......... purple robe, curlers and the Josh Gorban t-shirt....I bet the elementary kids got a kick out of that :0

Brianna auditioned for the Boise Institute choir which is at BSU. She made it and they practice once a week for 2 1/2 hours. Their first concert was a fun, more informal concert with popular music. It was fun to see Brianna on stage again singing and dancing.There was even some audience participation....GO AARON ROCK IT!!!!! I"m looking forward to the Christmas concert which is always amazing.Good job Brianna.

A month of fun music what a way to enjoy the start of cold dark nights.

Girls weekend.

2009-10-05T15:53:00.000-06:00

It has been a couple years since I have been able to get away and enjoy time at the cabin with Dawn and Garna......way too long. It was nice to relax, craft, hike, watch fun movies, enjoy good food but most importantly spend time with good friends. I was able to get a lot done . I made some cute memo boards for co-workers Christmas gifts and finished some cards and made a few scarves....what a nice productive weekend.
Sunday morning we woke up to SNOW. I knew it was time to go home before we had to winter at the cabin.Thanks Dawn for the invite. Lets do it again soon.

Hyde Park

2009-09-19T16:06:00.000-06:00

Every year the Hyde park street fair is one of the last fun summer outdoor events planned in Boise. It has been a few years since I have been down for this one, so Brianna and I went out for the adventure. We enjoyed watching some belly dancers, looking at lot of different vendors booths, and eating some good pizza. My first experience with Pie hole pizza....YUM. I also got a great purse. We ate our pizza and enjoyed some live music.

Thanks Brianna for suggesting getting out and enjoying another great event in Boise. Looking forward to next year's fair.

School days 2009

2009-09-08T20:26:00.001-06:00

What was once a day of crazy mornings getting all the kids up and off to school is now only waking just Aaron up. I can't believe that my baby boy is starting high school and driver's ed. I knew this day was coming once he started school. I was first nervous as I stood outside his kindergarten room and cried as I left him there with Ms. Laura.Now I'm just as nervous driving him to Borah High School - where all his older sisters have graduated from. I don't have a picture of this first day of school or of Driver's Ed. . I do know that my son is ready for high school whether I am or not. Since some where it's known that every blog needs a picture... here is one of the home of Borah LIONS....go green and gold.

Good luck Aaron. I know you will accomplish great things in the years to come in high school it's said to be the best years of your life.

End of summer

2009-09-08T20:00:00.000-06:00

Labor day is often said to be the end of summer fun....vacation.The mornings are cooler and the days are getting shorter.School has started for Aaron but there are still some beautiful days out side to enjoy. We spent labor day out in the great out doors on one of the many trails the Boise foot hills have to offer.This time as Michael drove off for our adventure Brianna and I asked where are we going.We started off behind Fort Boise which we hadn't been back on these trails before. These trails beheld beautiful greenery some almost arched way over the trail and a view of the valley once we made it to the top.

What a great way to spend a holiday,and a day off from work. Thanks Michael for taking us on a new adventure we all enjoyed it especially scout. Aaron had spent the night with some friends and decided to pass on our early morning hike, we missed you buddy.

After our hike we went off to have a barbecue dinner with Wanda and Wayne. After dinner Wanda spent some time showing Brianna how to crochet, something Brianna as been wanting to learn how to do.Thanks Wanda.

Boise's curb cup

2009-08-30T19:40:00.001-06:00

Our favorite radio station- the River 94.9- was promoting this event as a FIRST for Boise. So of course we had to check it out. They were featuring Boise talent. There was a number of different talents show cased and then the public gave the contestants these chips as they would decide who was the most talented and deserved to have the trophy. We saw everything from a young stand up comic, a bunch of different bands, some dancers, graffiti artists, hula-hoopers, and some that we weren't sure what their talent was. These acts were all featured on the grove, which was packed and there wasn't a lot of room to move around and to just observe, you had to keep moving with the "flood" of people. It was a good afternoon in the sun and maybe next year the second BOISE CURB CUP will be even BETTER.

Saying good bye

2009-08-28T13:13:00.001-06:00

Betty Kennedy and I worked together at IMI. I love her Arkansas accent and her funny sense of humor. Her husband Bob is being relocated so she had a hard decision to make to leave behind her children and grand children. Betty, I'm proud of you for putting your marriage first I know that was a hard decision to make. There was a bunch of us from work (Connie Harvey, Dale Sanger, Gina Bernstrom, Nicole Traudt, Andrew Tate, Vy Nyguen, Alissa Minegar) that got together to have dinner and drinks before she left. IMI we are just an extension of family. Betty we will miss you come visit home soon.

August birthday dinner

2009-08-23T19:21:00.000-06:00

As family tradition is we get together once a month to celebrate birthdays. Happy Birthday Brianna, Dad, and Teresa. We had dinner at our house and some funny and games.

And what is the saying? it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.....well that was our sweet Annabella this time....but an ice pack with mommy and daddy's love and all is better, again.

Date night continues.....

2009-08-23T18:42:00.000-06:00

After the football game we went to the fair to get some good fair food and see a concert.
perform.We enjoyed a BIG coke and some greasy fries and a burger. Then watched the band "Parachute" perform I was told by a co-worker and friend that the lead singer looked like my Aaron. So we had to check it out. We hadn't been to the Idaho state fair in years it was definitely a fun night spent with my "date ".

After the concert we met Brianna, and finished our night with dessert at Merritt's Cafe for a yummy scones and milk shakes. GOOD TIMES.

Date Night......for a BRONCO fan.

2009-08-23T18:03:00.002-06:00

As the kids are growing and leaving the nest Michael and I have a lot more time together. After a busy week of work and activities it is sometimes easy to just put on the comfy pants and stay home. We still have to make time for our marriage, for us. It's just a little easier now we don't have to find a baby sitter or worry about little ones crying at home while we are out. This was an especially fun date night we were able to go and see the BSU bronco's scrimmage game and it was FREE. As we cheered "BOISE STATE" I was cheering for the fun times I have with my husband. I love you Michael.

Brianna's birthday

2009-08-22T13:31:00.004-06:00

This year we got to celebrate Brianna's 20th birthday with her on her birthday. With Emorie and Jenica up north and Aaron off with scouts it was Michael and I .The past two years she has been off to school on her birthday. So this was a special day as parent's getting to spend time with just HER .We have had in birthday history with Brianna power ranger parties, swimming pool parties, and many slumber parties but this year she chose where we would have dinner no surprise she chose Mexican food and then cheese cake factory for dessert. Good food for a birthday treat.
I am so proud of Brianna as she volunteers her time for the refugee family and with church.She has a beautiful voice and many talents, music which she shares in the choir. I know she will go back to school and continue to succeed. I love you Brianna. Happy Birthday!!!!!

Parenting moments

2009-08-22T12:52:00.001-06:00

There comes a time as a parent when there isn't a lot you can do but sit back and watch what you have taught your children. And as you do you have an affirmation of the truth you did all you could. As you go on you know that now you and they will be blessed.
We were ready to take Emorie off to school just as we had taken Jenica and Brianna. I will admit I was not ready to send her off. I was comforted knowing she would be with her older sister who could help her in the adventure she was ready but I was unsure. When we got to Moscow it was well after midnight and Jenica was just getting home for work. We all crashed on the floor of her apartment to get some sleep and be ready for the changes in the morning.
The morning brought just that change.After eating a great breakfast we were to get ready to leave I could NOT do it I wasn't ready. SO we changed our plans.I stayed in Moscow to help the girls clean their apartment and get things ready for a normal school routine that was going to start. By doing this I did get spend some more time with them. We toured Moscow and CLEANED the apartment until it shined and smelled like HOME. Then when Michael had finished his work we went shopping for some needed household supplies and went out to dinner. This is what I needed to do so that I could drive away and KNOW that my girls would be ok.
This is a picture of my girls by the fountain on campus we took on morning when we went out looking for some furniture for the apartment.

Our Moscow adventure

2009-08-22T12:37:00.002-06:00

We had the car packed and ready to go. We had Micheal's work van. He had some work to do in Lewiston and Spokane so it worked out that we could take Emorie and all her stuff up north to be the next vandal in the family. Our plan was get her settled in the apartment with Jenica for her freshman year at the U of I then Michael and I would head to Spokane for some work/play.This is a picture of Emorie and the Dinosaur that is along the highway headed up north. We got a late start out of Boise but got this picture before it got to dark.

Another Birthday

2009-08-22T12:26:00.002-06:00

After last years BIG birthday this year was really nothing except for day with my favorites. We hiked table rock in the morning before it got too hot and then we made a YUMMY breakfast and ate out on the patio.

One the great things about having a birthday in July is I can do all the things I love out in the sun. We went to the pool for a bit then it was time to load the car and take Emorie to Moscow to start her adventure.

Handsome men

2009-07-26T21:59:00.000-06:00

Danny has been wanting to take the boys to church since he has been living with us and as we get up on Sundays and go off to church for hours the boys have wondered about this. So after much thought,preparation and sacrifice we got the boys ready and went to church. It went well I think for two young boys who hadn't been to church meetings. They have been to scout awards, baptisms, and some ward parties but a whole 3 hour block was a big deal. They sat reverently during sacrament meeting with only one "this is boring comment" and even as adult there are times that it is boring. They went to primary and enjoyed learning new songs and meeting kids there age. Danny I am proud of you for taking your boys to church knowing that it might be difficult. You can do hard things and our Heavenly Father will bless you for what you have done with the boys. These pictures were taken at my house before we went to church and you can tell from the pictures there was some uncertainty with them. I know the church is true and the gospel brings us many blessings. Danny your teaching your children to choose the right and that their Heavenly Father lives and loves them. Danny, I love you and know you did the right thing taking them to church.

Wild Summer fun

2009-07-18T21:40:00.001-06:00

What would a hot July weekend be without a trip to Ivy Wild pool. We took Danny and the boys to Ivy wild ,you can't call it a water park now that Roaring Springs is just down the highway,but for the younger ones it is water fun. We packed some snacks, towels and plenty of sunscreen. We met Denise, Braden, and Darrell's family at the park. Aaron was such a good sport coming with me and helped entertain and supervise the younger cousins. Michael had some work to do and prefers the shade. Danny's boys love the water and weren't afraid to go down the big slides, by next summer they will be more confident swimmers and go down the slides alone for now we GOT to go with them. Braden will work on swimming skills as well so he can pass the swim test next year. I love summer and this is a WILD way to beat the heat. We all had a good time and will try to do it again.

Fireworks

2009-07-05T21:22:00.001-06:00

What would the Fourth of July be without fireworks, we'll letting "OFF" fireworks. It was really late when we got back from the park watching the fireworks. We decided to let Aaron do the fireworks Sunday evening even though this meant Michael would be out of town. We still had dessert left from the barbecue so I invited Doug and his family over dessert and a SHOW ..... the fun continues. Even though Aaron had all the "FUN" I enjoyed watching my son take charge and be responsible for what could be some "dangerous activity". He loved it! Thanks Aaron for the great fireworks display and for being such a good example for your younger cousins. I love you.

Celebrate America

2009-07-05T20:36:00.006-06:00

The Fourth of July has to be on of my favorite holiday's. I love everything about it. The parade, the barbecue,the fun and of course the fire works. I have great memories from my childhood with family fun spent together. My family, brothers and dad love the fireworks and I love to watch the fire works but that is only part of the day to me now. We have had the tradition since we have been in Boise to go the parade which is in downtown Boise. In the years past the parade has been in the evening which was kind of hard to get in the other festivities of the day around the parade but this year they changed the parade route and time, this made for a perfect day.We enjoyed the parade and only had to worry about watching in the shade of the morning sun. Thanks to Michael who walked ahead of all the little legs and find us a perfect shady spot.Brianna and Emorie had gone to Sun Valley with our family friends the Katseanes for the holiday weekend, one last trip before Emorie and Chelsea where off to school. We missed them but knew they were having the own celebration.

After the parade we all headed back to our house for a quick lunch and a swim.Nothing better on a hot July day.The pool in our subdivision can sometime be crowded. We have three pools and after lunch Aaron went and rode his bike to find us the pool we could have some fun without a lot of people.Thanks Aaron.

After the pool we were all ready for a some quiet time and maybe a nap for some before he had the barbecue and headed to the park for the firework show. The fire works have been at Ann Morrison park for the last few years . We left after dinner to go to the park and get a good spot to watch the fireworks, then it was just a matter of waiting for it to get dark enough to start the show In Idaho it is well after 10 o'clock. We keep ourselves entertained with some frisbee and cards. Doug and his family joined us which made the whole day even better. I love my country and all the freedom's we have. A another great July 4th.

Father's day

2009-06-21T20:24:00.004-06:00

This year for father's day Jackie organized a barbecue in the park with a softball game to follow.

We made some potato salad and Texas sheet cake you can see from the pictures there was a lot of help in the kitchen. We all headed to Cassia park where it was cold and threatened to rain the whole time but held off until we were ready for dessert. Everyone had fun playing ball. I think before we called the game for rain everyone had a turn at bat. It was a good time.
Thanks Jackie for organizing the fun and bringing everything. Tyler for cooking up the burgers and especially to the" father's."

My dad for being such a great example to me with your hard work and your many talents. I love you. My husband, Michael for being such a wonderful father to our children and a hard worker to provide for our family, and my best friend. I love you.

Emorie's new ride

2009-06-20T21:38:00.002-06:00

We bought Emorie a bicycle for her graduation gift thought it was a practical gift since she will be going off to school. It's one sweet ride. Looking good girl.

Spring sports

2009-06-17T20:50:00.004-06:00

Emorie played La Cross this year for Borah. It has been a couple years since she played and this year they had a different coach. It was a big commitment especially with all the other activities she all ready had going on her senior year.

She would leave choir early some days and even miss some choir rehearsals. I was able to go to a few games and enjoyed watching her play and see that aggressive side of Emorie. Emorie received her varsity letter for all her hard work and Borah went to district play offs and finished fourth. WAY TO GO !!!!!

Little league of our own.

2009-06-11T20:00:00.000-06:00

This was Aaron's last year to play with South Boise little league. Next year we will play for Borah high school. We had spring assessment and there were enough boys to have two team for South, which is a good thing. This year Aaron got "picked" for the A's .The past three years we have been on the Red Sox's with Coach Jim Anderson. This year would be a trial being one of the two oldest boys on the team this means a lot of patience with the coaches and hard work from the other players. I enjoy watching Aaron play and this season was like many others with good Coaches and some talented boys that progressed through the season. Aaron made some new friendships with younger boys that will last a long time and memories that will last forever.

2009-06-11T19:30:00.000-06:00

Being one of the older boys on the team had it's advantage Aaron got to play a lot of different positions. I really enjoy watching him play first base and pitching which he did get to do. He also played some short stop and made some important catches in the out field. He really improved his batting skills which is crucial with a younger team who needs the older, "big" hitters. His coach's did a great job coaching. This is a great picture of Aaron getting "back" just in time!

Trophy time

2009-06-11T18:05:00.001-06:00

We had a great regular season but end of season play off games ended for us after the first round of games. When we finished there was a couple games that were so close and the boys gave their all but couldn't come back. We had one game that ended in a great lighting storm. We traveled to Eagle and to Emmett and then played a another good game against our own South Red Sox's. We finished the season with trophy's that one of the fathers had made. WOW.

Way to go A's !!! Thanks Coach Brian Keith, and Coach Kris Kotter your time and talents are very appreciated. GOOD JOB Aaron thanks for so many memories. I love baseball and Aaron I love you, all your hard work payed off.

Play it again, DAD

2009-06-08T21:19:00.001-06:00

My Dad is playing in a softball league. I have wonderful childhood memories of long summer days watching my dad play softball. I guess that is why I have encouraged my son to play it is a life time sport and now we have had an opportunity to go and watch my dad, their grandpa play. I have enjoyed it all over again. These "older" men are just as entertaining....the yell at each other, shake the port-a- potty just like the teen-age boys on Aaron's baseball team. GOOD TIMES. Thanks dad for wonderful memories.

Emorie's graduation party

2009-06-07T21:02:00.005-06:00

We had a graduation party for those who couldn't make to the ceremony. Borah graduation was on a Wednesday evening so having this party on Sunday we could really celebrate!!! We grilled up some food and had friends and family over. Brianna even made a sign for our decorations. It was nice to spend time with everyone. We love you Emorie and are proud of your accomplishment.

Emorie's graduation

2009-06-03T20:35:00.007-06:00

The day is finally here and all of Emorie's hard word is rewarded with a diploma, the closing of this chapter. We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished. I will miss seeing you perform on the Borah stage or watching you play sports on the grassy field or know your up late in your room working hard on that project for class. But I know that there is some much more out there for you to achieve and tonight is really just the beginning of the rest of your life.
As tradition of Borah high graduation it was held at the Taco bell arena (BSU pavilion) before you could march to receive your diploma you performed with Acapella choir for the last time :(
It was a nice evening with great motivational speakers but not too long before you had your diploma and we could personally congratulate our third Borah graduate. Way to go Emorie!!!!

Memorial day

2009-05-31T20:03:00.009-06:00

Michael and Aaron started the day by raising flags through out the neighborhood. Aaron's scout troop did this as a fund raiser for high adventure this summer. Families would pay 40$ to have the flag displayed in their yard for the holidays through the summer. Each scout is in charge of putting up the flag up at sunrise and taking it down at sunset.After they were finished we had a big breakfast before we went out for our afternoon adventure.

I remember going with my family and my Draney grandparents on Memorial day. We would pick bouquets of flowers like liliacs, iris, snowballs, roses all from grandma and grandpa's garden before heading off to put them on graves. Grandpa and Dad taking their pocket knives out and cut the grass away from the headstones before we could leave the flowers in memory of those who had gone on. I remember walking through the cemetary and reading the head stones of those people who we burried by our families graves.Then we would go back to grandma and grandpa for a barbeque.

We went for a hike in the Boise foot hills on the lower hulls gulch trail. We did this hike last summer when Brianna was back east so it was her first trek and just like last time it was adventure. These pictures are from our first water break when we found some shade it wasn't too hot but we needed a water break and scouty needed some shade.

It wasn't much farther down the path before we found the creek. This time of year with all the snow we had this winter there was some run off, which scout thought was a good way to cool off. Aaron also got his hat wet to cool him off on the rest of the hike down the trail. As we headed down the trail, the next part of the trail is marked a foot trail only which is supposed to be just for that walking. However, some cyclist tried to ride down. This couple and their dog Molly passed us once and then we passed them at the next water spot. After that it wasn't long before Michael and I ended up helping the young lady out of the gulch. She had fallen off her bicycle. She was pinned under it. She had her feet locked in the petals. Her companion and their dog had gone ahead so if we hadn't been there to help her up who knows how she might of gotten out of the gulch. We caught up to Emorie,Aaron, Brianna and scout. They were at the big rocks on the foot trail. This ended up being quiet the 3 hour tour....yes a 3 hour tour but a memorable hike for all. It was a great way to spend the holiday.

We don't really have any graves to do the typical Memorial day festivities but celebrate together as a family our time together which what we have right. We talked about times when we were all home. I miss having all my children home but know that right now Jenica is where she needs to be working and getting an education for which I am grateful.

Senior Prom

2009-05-24T18:06:00.002-06:00

Emorie's senior prom was on a cold raining May day. It was a crazy day for her. She and Brianna had agreed to sing at a baptism before Emorie knew she was going to prom which meant she had to hustle to get ready for this night of memories. She went with Shane. I am only sorry that I was blogging when both Jenica and Brianna went to senior prom. I will have to pull out there pictures to add to this later. I still 20 some years ago remember my senior prom and know that my daughter will always have their memories as well. Emorie you look like a princess, which is what the little girls who live across the street said when they saw her and her date getting into the car.

Emorie's award

2009-05-24T17:47:00.003-06:00

Borah traditions continue with the year ending award night. A night of recognition where students who have acoomplished things through out the year from the newspaper, acedemics, to sports get recognized. A moment for the student to shine and parents to appauld the hard work of their children.
In the past Jenica received the Silver and Gold bee.
Brianna received the Silver and Gold bee,Idaho top scholar, Rotary scholar, William E.Borah scholar, and AP scholar.
Emorie was awarded the AP Enviromental Science Top Scholar. Emorie we are so proud of you and your hard work. I have been so blessed with children who love to learn and it nice to see them get recognized for their hard work and this night was a night for Emorie.

Dance festival

2009-05-24T17:33:00.002-06:00

It has been a few weeks since I have posted a blog so I have to catch up. Aaron has been practicing with our ward YW/YM since January for the dance festival. This event is put on every four years. Brianna and Emorie where able to participate when we lived in the Desert ward and now it's Aaron's turn. The Tuscany ward learned the hustle. It was amazing to see the youth come together practice, and then perform these dances. They also do a service project on the final day of performance. The theme was "be thou and example of the believers and dance to a different beat ". They performed at the taco bell arena. Their performance was followed by a multi stake dance. What a memory this is for us and Aaron.

Emorie's seminary graduation

2009-05-24T17:17:00.002-06:00

Last Sunday we had Emorie's seminary graduation. Emorie was the president this year which was alot of responsibility and work. When we found out that this year they were going to do graduation by stakes we were sad because this meant that Emorie wouldn't have this special night with all her classmates. We live out of Borah district and in a Meridian stake. It was still a night of recognition and award for 4 years of hard work.It meant early mornings, scripture study and memorization. Emorie, I am so proud of you. I have been able to see your testimony grow.I am amazed to see you rise and lead your classmates. What an example you have be to many. Congratulations. My mom and dad where able to attend this evening which was full of song and spiritual inspiration to go and continue to grow in the gospel. I love you Emorie. Now I have 3 daughters of a who have completed seminary. Aaron your next.

Freshman farewell

2009-05-24T17:00:00.004-06:00

Another right of passage is freshman farewell and it Aaron's turn. I have to be ready to face that my baby boy is going to be a sophomore in high school. He is ready and I am not. He has done a good job of managing the school activities, sports, scouts, and church responsibilities. This is a picture of Aaron and his friends at the Boise train depot which only blocks from his junior high. He had an evening signing yearbooks, dancing and food. A night I'm sure he won't forget.He is now ready for all the excitement of high school, Borah here we come.

Ice cream treats

2009-05-03T14:22:00.003-06:00

Boise has a new addition to the downtown scene. Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlor. My children love the historical downtown that Boise has to offer. Jenica,Brianna, and Emorie would spend every weekend there if given the chance. So in lite of this grand opening we thought what a better way to end our night and treat our performers ( Aaron and Emorie music week) than to have a treat. So after the concert we headed to Ben and Jerry's for a ice cream. The shop doesn't offer a lot of room to sit and enjoy your treat inside so we ventured out to the streets of downtown on a Friday night with our treats. Brianna loves chunky monkey, Emorie flavor's of choice was chocolate fudge/cherry garcia, Aaron had to have cake batter. I can see us returning as the summer months approach for ice cream. You scream, I scream, WE all scream for ice cream.

Music week

2009-05-03T14:08:00.003-06:00

Another great tradition for our family is participating in Boise Music Week.
Music week has been a 91 year event that is put on by the music program of Boise schools. It is usually the first weekend in May and always is amazing to see the youth sing, and play instruments. In years past all of the kids have participated Jenica started the tradition singing in the all city honor choir and then they have all had turns in the all city honor band or orchestra. This years theme was "Poetry of the heart" and both Aaron and Emorie sang in the combined choirs and then Emorie's jazz choir CDVE was the selected choir recognized this year in which Emorie had a SOLO "Worthy to be Praised" I will add this performance when I find a copy of the recording. This is a picture of Aron and Emorie outside the Taco Bell Arena on the BSU campus. I am so proud of my children and their musical talents. We have been blessed that our school district has a wonderful music program and value the importance of music in our life.

Bowling with Dad

2009-05-03T13:03:00.004-06:00

My dad has been in a bowling league for the last 6 weeks. Jackie and Dez usually play with him on Wednesday nights. They had to go to Utah to be with Jackie's family for medical procedures. So the second team was needed, I did warn Dad that my skills were lacking. I have never got more than 100 points in my other bowling games which has mostly been cosmic bowling, fortunately Danny and Denise also came to play so we did well and had a lot of fun bowling with Dad. I remember my Dad playing in a league when I was little and watching him play now to add to that the memory of bowling with my Dad. Thanks Dad for inviting me. Love you

Diners, Drive-ins, Dives

2009-04-05T20:22:00.008-06:00

Merrits Cafe would definetely be a dive. The girls have been there many times and have spoken of the good scones, and milk shakes. So for a crazy friday night activity, we all went into "the Dive". I will admit I was very nervous upon entering. I even wanted a straw to drink out of the water glass. I was living dangerously with the juke playing the songs of our selection I enjoyed a powder suger scone and as you can see lived to tell about it. I now know why Merrits 24 hour cafe is a land mark for Boise. I don't know that Guy Fieri will ever visit this hot spot, but I did

South junior high dinner theater

2009-04-05T19:29:00.003-06:00

What used to be the sweetheart dinner in years past now with a new choir teacher Ms.Kay has become dinner theater still to be the biggest fundraiser the choir does. The choir memebers sell tickets, serve the food and then perform a concert the money earned goes to the annual choir trip which is to Salt Lake and Lagoon. This year Michael was out of town for work so Brianna, Emorie and I enjoyed a dinner of pasta, bread and a delious carrot cake for dessert.

Twilight

2009-03-31T19:50:00.000-06:00

So you have all read Michael's review of our night of the release of Twilight. This was a night of much anticipation since reading the series. I read the entire series this summer now mind you I haven't gotten into a book in quiet some time I have been doing good to stay on top of magazine articles and church publications but this series had me hooked. So the long awaited release of the movie and then the dvd was a time to remember. There were alot of people at the wal-mart we went to await the release. We didn't really wait for long, except the long line to check out. To gladly own the dvd which we were able to get the two disk copy. The girls and I will re-read New Moon and await the release of this movie.

What did you do Friday?

2009-03-23T21:18:00.007-06:00

We went and saw 9:30pm of Twilight at the dollar movie (actually it's a $4 movie these days, but you get a drink, and candy or popcorn with the price of your ticket) at Overland 1-2-3 Cinemas.... not too bad to for five of us to go see a movie and spend only $20.

The movie was good, but not really grand. It is apparent that the phenomenon of the books really carries the lack to storyline expressed in the movie. Personally, I was disappointed that Edward was not a "true" vampire himself... so why the conflict? And no sleep, even Dracula needed sleep. Maybe I need to read the books? nah.... Anyways, I am sure there are plenty of comments/critics out there and I will not rant on in this post.

But that's not all boys and girls, we went over to Wal-Mart at midnight and picked up our copy of Twilight and with about 300 hundred other people (mostly woman) in the store. I was stunned to see so many people in line for a copy of this movie. It was like a Christmas frenzy of shopping, only everyone looked tired and creepy. Now had they only released it a week prior on Friday the Thirteenth when the moon was full...

Emorie Kidder - Borah HS Senior

2009-03-15T19:06:00.020-06:00

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Hip Hop

2009-03-15T17:46:00.004-06:00

Cindi and I took a six week hip hop class. I signed up thinking it would be a different work-out once a week.The class was through the Boise community education our teacher had a lot of enthusiasm and when she was talking about the "show" the dance which we were working on for 1 hour once a week it wasn't until week 4 that I understood her that we would really have a "SHOW". The girls laughed at the thought of Mom having a dance recital and I would of laughed if they had got to see it. We have always supported each other in all of our activities but this time they supported me with my fashionable dance costume for the show and will see the video when it's posted. Cindi and I enjoyed our work-out and are ready for another six weeks :) Click here to watch the "SHOW"

Borah tradition

2009-03-15T17:17:00.003-06:00

Another great Borah tradition is the yearly variety show. Emorie auditions for a solo and was chosen. Last year her performance was a piano/vocal solo, this year she and a close friend Laura Kroll preformed "A sight to behold' and they were. We enjoyed the preformance and look forward to Aaron caring on the Borah tradition. Way to go Emorie and Laura.

Aaron in the kitchen

2009-03-08T18:31:00.001-06:00

Aaron volunteered to make cupcakes to sell for the builders club at South Jr. High. He spent Sunday afternoon baking and decorating the cupcakes. Watch out "Ace of Cakes". I'm sure the club benefited from Aaron's service.Thanks buddy.

Emorie's choir jazz night

2009-03-08T17:37:00.010-06:00

Emorie is in the jazz choir this year at Borah. The CVDE choir has a night of jazz in February this is a video of one of the musical numbers that Emorie had a solo in. We enjoyed the whole concert and hope you enjoy this video.

swimming at the YMCA with the cousins

2009-02-19T20:48:00.002-07:00

I took a turn jumping off the high dive. It's great to be a kid :)

Danny and Dreger and Dalton enjoyed the twisty water slide. I think the only ones who didn't enjoy the trip was Brianna and Emorie that is why ther are no pitures of them.

The Sonnefelds came to Idaho do buy some suits for Peyton before he leaves on his mission. When they were finished we all met at the Y for a fun afternoon of WET fun.

Kidder Photos at Albertson Park - Aug 2008

2009-02-19T20:41:00.004-07:00

UPDATE: Click --> here <- to see have all the pictures taken at Albertson Park. It will open in a new window. We took this picture of the kids in August before Jenica,Brianna went back to school, and before Aaron got his braces on. The most important reason for an anniversay, "we are a happy family"

anniversary card

2009-02-19T19:56:00.008-07:00

While Michael and I were out for dinner Brianna,Emorie and Aaron made us a card, nothing better than a hand made card from those you love.So for our "kind of a big deal" anniversary we got a Top 20 Reasons we're glad you're our parents

1. Free Lovin'
2. shelter, clothes, food
3. computer hacking skills-dad
4. we basically won the genetic lottery
5. your combined sense of humor
6. chauffering skills
7. your attendance at our concerts & games
8. you put up with our weird quirks & obsessions (ex:Jonas brothers)
9. you never FORCE us to do anything (ex:feeding)
10. sunday breakfasts
11. the extended family we inherited
12. the kidder name
13. you let us throw "wild" parties
14. you trust us
15. your patience(well sometimes)
16. your good example
17. you brought us to Idaho
18. reading to us, taking many trips to the library
19. listening skills
20. supporting us in whatever crazy thing we think we can do (ex: selling books in Maryland)

to make it even better was the feeling of knowing these wonderful children we have are the many resons we are so happy to be married and still working at the celestial family for the eternities we will be together....

thanks Jenica, Brianna, Emorie and Aaron we love YOU.

our twentieth wedding anniversary

2009-02-19T17:46:00.004-07:00

Michael and I were able to spend a nice evening together we started with dinner at a newer restuarant that we hadn't been to yet Famous Dave's it was a good barbeque and good company this picture is from out dinner out.

Aaron's Patriarchal Blessing

2009-02-17T18:09:00.003-07:00

Aaron was inspired to get a recommend and get his blessing after his 15th birthday. It was an amazing experience. As it turns out the same patriarch that gave Jenica her blessing is now the patriarch in the Meridian South stake. Aaron was then also able to share some of his blessing with the extended family while the Sonnefeld cousin's were in Idaho and we had a family home evening it was a great testimony of the divine inspiration of this blessing from our Heavenly Father and what is promised to us if we live worthily. Aaron I am so proud of you.

soccer award

2009-01-30T20:55:00.002-07:00

IMI had a winter soccer team. We played 6 games over 8 weeks. It was alot of fun playing with the ladies from work. Dad got to come and see a couple of my games and when we got an injuryed list longer than the player list Denise got to play for us too. Tonight we had our team party and we all received awards. WAY TO GO.

In The Beginning

2008-12-27T22:39:00.002-07:00

This is my attempt at getting a blog started to keep our family and friends up to date on our life and activites here in Boise, Idaho.

We will have more information on this site soon. Stay tuned!