Baptism

By now you should know I am a week or so behind my life . . . so here are a few pics of the baptism. I thought it went well and I was so excited to have #1 go through such a great experience. Uncle Jordan Leak (Mattie has 2 Uncle Jordan's) spoke on Baptism and Uncle Wade spoke on the Holy Ghost. They both did such a great job and the spirit was so strong. We are so thankful for such great family and the support they gave Mattie.

Brit, Mattie, and Rylee. These three cousins all turn 8 this year.

They sang "When I Am Baptized" for the program.

Gma and Gpa Platt

Gma and Gpa Leak

Thanks everyone for making this day so special for Mattie!!

Short Story

This is me.
This is my firetruck.
This is me and the stairs.

This is me after riding my firetruck down the stairs.

THE END

Trey-ler almost ready for chores. He is the best chore helper!!

I am getting pumped!!

We had our first captains meeting last night for the Relay for Life! I didn't actually make it to any of them last year but they are very informative - that will come in handy:) So they are recruiting more teams this year. They had around 70 last year and hope to have many more this year. So if you are interested in joining "Team Leak" or if you want to start your own team please let me know so I can get you more info. This year marks the Relay's 25 years so they are actually going to walk for 25 hours. I am thinking about doing a walking schedule this year for my team so Courtney, Dan, Merr, Sonnie, Mitch, and Gma Leak aren't doing all the walking in the early morning hours:) Thanks for all your help last year we had a good experience and were in the top for money raised. The weather stunk last year so this year it is July 10 and 11th and they are having it at the University @ the Quad. Yeah!! With the economy the way it is I am concerned about how much money we will be able to raise but if each of us pass the word along to friends and family I think there will be enough support to make this year a success too!!

Get your walking shoes on!!!

just so ya know . . .

. . . I like really big fonts and I seem to be writing novels when I post.

Also - Kael gave himself his meds the other night so I had to document it. It hasn't happed since so we just enjoy every night it isn't an actual knock-down, drag-out!!

We love you buddy:)

SANTONIO

Our trip to San Antonio was great! Thanks to everyone who made it possible - mostly anyone who watched children for me - Shauna, Merr, Nat, and Joni!!

The whole reason for the trip was the Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet (the reason he won the 4-wheeler). They have four contestants in each room and are given a topic to discuss, usually one pertinent to farming and the future. Each contestant has to give a 30 second opening statement and then they all discuss for 25 min and then each one gives a 60 second closing statement. He did great and represented the state of Utah well. He advanced to the sweet sixteen and had his best round but was beat out by a guy from Idaho who ended up winning the whole thing (a new Dodge truck). Great Job MATT!!

Prep work for the sweet 16 included a phone call. Imagine that!!

After a very intense day and a sleepless night (they didn't announce the final 4 until the next morning so we had all night to wonder where he ended up) we finally had a little time to enjoy our trip. The Riverwalk was AWESOME!! I think every town/city should have one:) This is us on one of the many bridges along the Riverwalk.

Here is handsome Kace showing his appreciation for some fresh air and a little space to roam after two rounds of discussion!



Just a small portion of the Riverwalk. We took an evening tour in one of the boats you see here in the pic. Our tour guy called it "Santonio" so I guess I can, but actually I think I prefer San Tone???? Great food is located all along the Walk and neither Matt or I went hungry the whole time. In fact I almost needed one of those seat belt extensions when I got back on the plane!

Aren't friends GREAT!! This was one reason I was excited to go. So here is a history lesson: Growing up we spent a lot, a lot of time with the Christensen Family. I worked for them at their Hydroponic (yes I have to say that, it sounds so official) Tomato Greenhouses. I worked side by side with most of them for about 4 years until I left for school. Anyway, Ryan and Melanie (Christensen) won the Utah Achievement Award for the Young Farmer and Ranchers so they were able to come on the trip and they brought along Steve and Deb (Ryan's parents) and Mel's parents. It has been almost 11 years since I lived at home but I still hold a special place for them in my heart. We had a BLAST!! After the first day of discussion meet we got back to our room and Matt said "I am worn out but not from the meet. You and Melanie are exhausting. How can you two possibly talk that much?" I thought he had lived with me long enough to know the real me!! Mel and I had 11 years of catching up to do in three days - that's nearly impossible people:)
So back to the pic. Here we all are in the lobby of our hotel: Ryan and Mel, Steve and Deb, Deverl and Raylene, and us. I still just laugh. I wish you all could meet Mel!!

The Morgan's (Mel's family) are really in to ping-pong. The morning they left we went to breakfast and then played a little around-the-world-ping-pong. Here I am playing Mel's dad. I think I actually beat him this game. I might have to check in to getting a table . . . but where would I put it??

Remember the Alamo??? I don't. I have to say I pictured it to be a lot different. I was amazed that is sits right in the middle of the city. It was good to receive a history lesson while we were there and learn about those that fought for our freedom.

Tower of the America's - built for the World's Fair in '63 (?? I think). I had a lot of fun here. They showed us a 4D movie just before we went to the top. My first 4D experience and I screamed like a sissy! The movie clip was about Texas and everything there is to experience there. Well . . . I experienced it. If you know me, you know my distaste for any sort of reptile. So they showed a pic of a snake and then blew air in your face at the same time it rattles and hisses. Yes I screamed like a girl on her first date trying to get a little closer to her new man!! Then they showed 'gator's and it happened again. I squirm just thinking about it. At least Matt enjoyed watching the action.

We found the local quilt shop to purchase my souvenir and now I am pumped to get some sewing done. It will take an act of congress to actually complete a project but it sure is fun trying:)

Hope you all are doing great!! Just a shout out to some of our Cancer pals that have hit major milestones in their treatments:

GREAT JOB CHLOE (1-year BMT) and MASON (cancer free for 1-year)!!

What have you been up to?

My sister had this on her blog. Quite fun:)
Copy and paste the list. Bold the things you have done.


1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14.Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22.hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a 1/2 Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31.hit a home run. 32.been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language (does baby language count?) 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone. 78.Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee 100.Made amends with someone who offended you 101. Flew in a small Cessna plane with just you and the pilot 102. Ran out of gas 103. Eaten fried okra 104. Swam in the Caribbean Sea 105. Peed in a swimming pool (last week, ha ha just kidding)106. Stayed in a beach house 107. Hosted an exchange student 108. Been a Secret Santa to a family in need 109. Worked on a political campaign 110. Coached a sports team 111. Baked bread from scratch 112. Driven from coast to coast 113. Paid off all of your debt 114. Roast marshmallows over a campfire.115 Cut up a credit card 116. Drove a car through a flood 117. Been on t.v 118. Had braces 119. Been to the top of the twin towers in NY. 120. Have played in both the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans 121. Been to ground zero 122. Bite my fingernails 123. Likes to scrapbook 124. Hates pie 125. Visited Mexico 126. Seen a Tornado in person 127. Have ever been lost at sea! 128. kisses a frog. 129. Gave birth to twins. 130. Received 2 moving violation tickets in 1 day. 131.Been Life Flighted. 132. swore

Make sure to add a new question once your done.
That was comical!!

Pee Wee Herman (Edited)

For those who have read this post already, I have added more info and pics. For those who haven't read it already, you don't know what you were missing anyway!!

We went to our annual Costume (New Years) Party and my hot husband dressed up as Pee Wee Herman. Doesn't he look fine? He is a great sport!

Here is Pee Wee dancing as I watch on. I went as

Mary Mathews-Jensen from Something about Mary. There were a lot of great costumes, each year it get's harder and harder. This years theme was Movie Characters. We both came home with the best costume prize!! I'm beginning to think that this isn't neccessarily a good thing. We go to great lengths embarassing ourselves to get 'Best Costume' title.

Other happening's: I was telling someone the other day how Kayson never plays in my drawers like my other kids and I've even showed him were they were. Well after his Christmas sickness (that lasted 1 1/2 weeks) he thinks he is 3 and can do anything and everything.

His favorite place to play


Fresh Haircut! Doesn't this pose remind you of grade school when they had two of you in one pose?? Or did they only have those at Beryl Tech?

I just thought I would throw this pic in - this is Christmas Eve and he is trying to open up his Christmas jammie's. This is only 1/2 way through his sickness. He was a pretty sick little guy but I am glad he is over it. It is so nice to see him happy and playing again:)

New Years Day Sledding

Playing in the snow on Big Hill

Mattie K on the "snow-mo-bile"

Cheese. Kael-Bell!!
'T' had the best time. He layed in the sled the whole time
and made everyone drag him to the top so he could go again.


Hayden got to stay and play with us for another day.

He was a good sport and showed us all a few tricks:)

Cute Ryanne enjoying her time in the snow!

two thousand nine

We were lucky this year to have Crystal (my sis) and her family join us for New Years. We ate and ate and jammed out to Rock Band. GIRLS RULE!! Hope you all enjoyed your New Year!!

Trey, Mattie, and Hayden 'blowing' in the New Year!

Aunt Crystal has some serious guitar skills!

We were having a 'rock-off' boys vs. girls and the girls were winning by double the points so Matt had this great idea that he was going to sing and play guitar to increase their score. I have to admit it was very impressive but also very comical. He had to put the mic on the edge of the couch so he was on his knees trying to read the guitar notes but sing the notes across the top of the tv screen. I guess you had to bee here!!



Jed and Crystal. (I couldn't get a pic with both eyes open!)

Happy twenty-o-nine!!!

Snow much fun!!!

Rik - here's some pics of our storm on Christmas Day. It was awesome!! Wish we could share some of it with you in Mississippi:) We love you all!

Looking west out our front door.

Looking South.


It only measured 16 inches on the yardstick but if you ask Matt it was a bunch more. He was so sick of pushing snow.

You can see the depth better in this pic. (Complete with Bart the milk-truck-driver!)

Christmas Vacation . . .

. . . so I think I succeeded in ruining the Leak Family Vacation this year!! As always we spend the weekend before Christmas with Matt's family in West Yellowstone/Jackson Hole. We have had many great and memorable year's together and this year will be no exception:) Trey got sick two nights before our scheduled departure so I offered to stay home with him and Kace and let the older two and Matt enjoy their vacation with everyone else. Matt was not to hip on the idea and the next day Trey felt great so we went along with our original plans. We arrived in W. Yellowstone Thursday night and was just winding down for the night when Kace hurled all over me. He was up most of the night testing out his stomach muscles but by morning I thought we were through the worst of it. Not so. The guys, Court, Sonnie, and the kids enjoyed Friday on the sleds while Grandma-Great, Grandma Shauna, and I kept it real at the hotel. (I am not looking for sympathy, I did get to ride the snowmobile the length of the airport and back (1/2 mile, maybe) without any gear on and froze my head, literaly. Gary and Matt tease me about already retiring from riding but it just so happens that something always comes up. However, I do remind them of the year that Jordan and Barbara and Matt and I become lost on Two Top. I was pregnant with Kael and was sure they would find us all froze. ) Anyway, back to this years story . . . Saturday was spent relaxing and cleaning up more puke but amazingly no one else seemed to be getting the dreaded bug. Good. I was sure we would pass it on but it looks like all is well. Sunday morning comes and we find half the family in their respective bathrooms. Sorry people!!! Catching Sacrament Meeting is now out of the question:) Matt and I had to leave before everyone to get home for the afternoon milking and chores - no big deal. We left W. Yellowstone about 10:00 and again at 10:12. By 10:30 we were about 8 miles out of town and the rest of the family had caught up with us. 11:30 brings us just out of Island Park (20 minutes from W. Yellowstone) and by 2:30 we made it to St. Anthony, ID (about 60 miles from W. Yellowstone). Apparently our truck doesn't care to much for weather in the negatives!! We did what we could to get it going but there must be an underlying issue so we left it in St. Anthony. We grabbed essentials and piled in with Court and Dan and made it to Idaho Falls where Matt's other truck was parked. Keep in mind the majority of the family is not feeling well. They were all great sports!! Sorry for the aweful day we drug you through and all the sickness and pain you are still experiencing! We love you and honestly had a great time!! Here's to the MEMORIES!!

P.S. The only thing that would have topped the day off would have been getting pulled over for not having 2 adults and 3 children in carseats!! The Lord was watching out for us!!

In all the fun and confusion I did not snap any pics. I really want to kick myself!

Vitamin N

Herald Journal article written by Sally Wright - just thought I would share:)

I overheard a startling conversation the other day. I was lurking in the toy aisle of a large, discount store when I saw a family, also browsing.
A mother and three of her children were apparently Christmas shopping for another sibling who was not with them.
"I know he'd just love those fun night-vision goggles," the mom said. "But I can't afford them."
This comment shouldn't startle anyone. The lagging economy is making many families come to their senses and opt for a more modest selection of prizes under the tree. What surprised me is what the children said next.
The pre-teen boy said, and I quote with the accuracy of a journalist, "Oh."
Then he said, "Well, how about one of these other things? This science kit is less than half what those goggles cost, and he'd probably like it just as much."
The other children started pointing out various toys in the lower price range their absent brother was sure to love - often with thoughtful insight.
"This box has hardly any instructions to read. He'd love that!" said a younger brother.
I was amazed. Not only were the children cooperating to benefit their brother, but there was absolutely no disappointment or complaining about the family's budget constraints. Mom said "no," and the kids got over it, just like that.
It was a dose of what a former bishop of mine called "Vitamin N."
Nobody like to give it, and receiving a "no" can be a bummer. But regular small doses of "Vitamin N" seem to be character-building in the most positive ways.
Consider another holiday conversation I witnessed last week in my ward's Primary.
The teacher asked the children to tell the group something they wanted for Christmas. Even in my economically diverse ward, it was as if she had pushed the Children's invisible Greed Buttons. There was mention of iPods, video games and piles of brand-name, heavily-marketed toys. Several children had to be cut off to allow the next child an opportunity to respond, or they'd probably still be listing their holiday desires.
But the tone was decidedly different with two little sisters, ages 4 and 6.
The first one said she wanted either a toy elephant, or maybe a toy kitty, she couldn't decide which.
The older one had a hard time thinking of something she wanted.
"Ummmmm," she said. "Ummmm . . . I think I want . . a glitter pen."
That's right - her grandest, greediest holiday with is a ball-point pen that sparkles a bit.
These girls' Christmas wishes humbled me. Clearly, there is plenty of Vitamin N served up at their house - maybe more that they need. Parents say "no," because there is no other answer. Gifts are small, but the children are hardly suffering. They have a more realistic concept of what a nice threat is than most folks, and they had lots to say when the class spoke of family Christmas traditions.
Most of us could learn something from these families about what's really important at Christmas time and the rest of the year. I know I tend to fuss and whine when the answer to a prayer is "no."
"Pleeeeease?" I whine to the Almighty. But the answer often stays "no," for my own good, which I usually cannot see until much later. When I'm feeling spiritually mature, a dose of Vitamin N allows me to appreciate the many blessings I already have. Opportunities to share with others makes perceived deprivation sting less, until it melts away.
If given too much, Vitamin N can cause bitterness and resentment, but in the right amount, Vitamin N promotes the growth of humility and gratitude. It's OK to say no sometimes with good reason, and it's OK to hear it and still be happy.
Christmas, after all, is an opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Light of the World. So my kids and I don't really need nightvision goggles, after all.

Other Happenings . . .

So Matt and I participated in State Farm Bureau Discussion Meet held the week before Thanksgiving. I know you all think I should have won because of my unbelievable ability to talk and talk and talk but that is not what we were judged on, therefore, I didn't win. But good news, we were able to keep it in the family!!


Matt won a new Polaris 4-wheeler, $500, and a trip for two to San Antonio, TX. He did an awesome job and I did an even better job being nervous for him. (I don't know what my problem was but I made myself sick over it all!) They are suppose to deliver it this week so we will post more pics later (Thanks Holly for this one:) Nationals are in San Antonio in January and the winner there recieves a new Dodge Truck. Let's just say he is on a strict study regimine!!

Yesterday morning Matt had a cow calving and wanted Trey to come watch because he loves to keep track of the calves. So we bundled him up . . .

. . . and let him watch. He didn't have a whole lot to say but was concerned about getting the calf to the calf barn. It was entertaining to watch him!

Matt and Michael ended up pulling the calf and of course it was a HUGE bull!!
I snapped a bunch of pics but they are for educational purposes only - I don't think the majority of you would appreciate it!!

All I can say about the whole thing is - it is GREAT birth control!!

Where oh where has this whole year gone????

My BABY is ONE!!!

Last Christmas was special to us for a lot of reasons but one of my favorite was a brand new baby. It helped me put the whole season into perspective. I am so thankful for Kayson and the light he brings to our lives. He is begining to act a lot like Trey but with his own "I am Kace and I can get away with it" spin. Truth is . . . he can and does get away with it. His favorite things to do are say 'da da da' (and Matt has to rub it in) and shake his head no. He loves cows and makes a grunt noise whenever he sees them. What a kid! We Love you BUD!

Enjoying his cake!!

Mom loves her little man!!

Tis' the Season

So we spent the Thanksgiving Holiday in NewCastle and it was awesome!!! I am really grateful for all my family!

I still couldn't find it in myself to get up early and go shopping but we went to St. George later in the afternoon and did a little. We also had the opportunity to spend some time with my dad @ work. He drives truck for Wal-Mart and every so often they spotlight kids with disabilities, cancer, ect. They arranged for Kael and Kaylee (my cousin's little girl that had a brain tumor when she was three) to come spend the afternoon and take a ride in the semi. (My Uncle Terrill also works there and he is Kaylee's grandpa so it was extra special for our whole family!!)

Kaylee and Kael - looking a bit nervous about what to expect!

New duds!! They got these new shirts, hats, and a huge blanket . . .

and that was just the beginning.


Kael was a little nervous to go in the truck by himself so Trey hopped right in. My dad got to drive him around while he honked the horn.

At the end Santa showed up and gave all of the kids gifts. Here is Kael enjoying his lap time. He got so many things I don't even remember them all but I will give it a shot: cowboy hat, huge stuffed bear, multiple dinasours, books, remote control 4-wheeler, activity box . . .

THANKS WALMART!!!