March and April are busy times for us. This March is no exception. We have three that are five on March 5th. Amazing how time flies!

 

Breagan is ready for a party! 

Ayden showing his age...

Breagan

Carmen

 

Uncle Ryan's influence...  That is their "New and Clean" underwear on their heads.  It made for a good laugh.

 

 

 

 

A birthday party for these three would not be complete without these flowers.  We are so thankful for a wonderful florist that does such a special job.  She knows how special this boot is to us and who/what it represents.

 

The kids are about to complete "Pre-School."  They will start Kindergarten this Fall.  Melissa and I are not sure if we are ready, but, ready or not...  Here they go!

 

Friday November 16, 2012

Trust me, I have faithful co-workers that have enjoyed giving me a bad time about it being a year since the last post.  However, over this past year our family has enjoyed birthday parties, hunting trips, swim lessons, and spending time with family...  both immediate and extended family.  We have been truly blessed with family!

Taylor is excited to start her Third Grade year.  Ayden, Breagan, and Carmen are excited to start their school career with Pre-School.  Melissa is already making plans for her two hours of serenity while admiring a clean home for a fraction of a moment until everyone returns home each day.

As you can see, our children have changed quite a bit this last year.  They really are growing up way too fast.

Thursday August 11, 2011

The Draper family is making up for lost time... three years without a traveling vacation have been greatly missed. Melissa and I used to travel all over and were grounded somewhat when Taylor joined our family. Melissa and I picked and started a short while after with some shorter trips. Then once the other three joined our family we felt the solid grounding and no traveling vacations. We had a couple short get aways but nothing too far away.

This summer we started with a complete surprise for the kids. Melissa and I took the kids to church and once they were dropped off in Nursery Melissa and I headed for the house to pack the Tahoe. Melissa returned to Church to pick up the kids while I finished packing. We told the kids that we were going on a trip and that they would see some interesting sites. With Grandma Rose, Grandma Kathy, and Grandpa Rod we started out for Cedar City Utah for a Sunday night stay. On Monday we traveled onto Anahiem.

Tuesday morning we woke up, got breakfast, and told the kids finally that we were going to spend the next two days at Disneyland. We had a blast as well as the kids and the Grandparents. Thursday was quite the day as we visited the ocean at Venice Beach. Those of you that have been to Venice Beach completely know the show that we saw and experienced. We had fun in the sand and water. After a short play time at the beach we then headed for Las Vegas.

Because of traffic and trying to get out of the San Bernidino Valley we did not make it to Vegas until around Midnight Thursday night. Friday morning we went to the top of the Stratosphere and then continued onto Salt Lake City thus ending our trip on Saturday afternoon. All in all, total mileage for our California trip = 1700 miles.

This past weekend we ventured out once again for an even faster trip. We left Thursday night for Colorado Springs to witness Dallin's baptism by his father Dave. What a great trip. We arrived in the Springs Friday night, baptism on Saturday, back to Salt Lake on Sunday, Hogle Zoo on Monday, and after a quick trip to Temple Square we arrived home Tuesday afternoon. Colorado trip = 1550 miles.

Overall summer driving mileage as a family = 3250 miles. How is that for busting out and teaching the kids about the great nation that we have been blessed to live in.

Seeing as how I missed the Fourth of July Holiday I need to express our gratitude, from the Draper Family, the love we have for those that have chosen to serve our great nation. Many have sacrificed, both near and far, for our benefit to be free. The Draper Family believes in a mighty God that has blessed our great nation for the establishment of a life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Thank you to our many family and friends for your continued support and understanding as we continue along the straight and narrow path. It is because of the light you share that we are able to walk steadfastly, holding tight to the iron rod.

Sunday May 8, 2011

April has come and gone, but not with out another party at the Draper household. As fast as time flies we once again remember a blessing that came into our lives seven years ago.

Melissa and I were living quite the life. Each of us had our own careers and enjoyed the spontaneous ability to pick up and go wherever, whenever. Then this little blessing came to our home about 12:40 on the 21st of April, 2004. Taylor changed our lives forever and helped us to learn that there is more to life than careers. Melissa and I's little family of two increased to three. Amazing how things have changed but all too much known now, it was for the better.

Taylor's birthday came and went. She was blessed with three days of celebration. Wednesday, the 20th, was spent with grandma's and grandpa, Ernie, and our family. Melissa made Taylor's cake to order as requested. Thursday, the 21st, was spent with just our family having Taylor's favorite meal, Spaghetti, and watching her birthday present, Tangled. Then on Friday, the 22nd, Taylor had a couple of friends together for a bowling party. All in all it was a good time and Taylor loved the attention.


We have been blessed with great children. They keep us busy and continually keep us laughing. Breagan requested a white shirt and tie so that he could be just like Daddy on Sunday. In keeping with a tradition started by Melissa's Grandmother, the girls received new Easter Dresses and the boys new white shirts and ties to wear to church on Easter Sunday.


Today is a glorious day. A day to remember those special Ladies in our lives that make everything possible. I know that without the love, guidance, support, and encouragement from all the special ladies in my life I could not be who I am today. My heart felt appreciation and love to my mother, wife, grandmothers, and mother-in-law. May the good Lord bless all mothers out there with a special blessing. Your load has been heavy but you have all given unconditionally to those you love with little reward.

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers." -- Rudyard Kipling

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." -- Abraham Lincoln

In closing, mothers are everywhere and everything. May your day be bright and as glorious as you. Happy Mothers Day!

Sunday March 13, 2011

There are constant reminders of events in life that tend to bring us back to a sense of normality, if you can define "normal." As much as we need these continual reminders it remains a mystery as to why they surprise us at the most in-opportune times. This past week was one of these reminders of the circle of life, the celebration of families, and the ever lasting knowledge that there is a greater power at work to help us get through this GREAT trial called "life."

The Draper family is honored to say that we believe that Families can be together forever! On Saturday March 5, 2011 Ayden, Breagan, and Carmen celebrated their third birthday. The miracles acknowledged at this time is the long road that the three have traveled to get to this point, the fact that their mother allowed them to see birthday number three, and the fact that the three still consider one another a very good friend.

As you can imagine, a single child going through the "terrible two's" is a trial in itself. To add to this particular difficult time is also the fact of them, or us, being potty trained and surviving the learning process. Since we have moved the kids out of their cribs into "regular" beds they have proven to be quite independent at bed time. The excuses are endless, the weeping and wailing continual, and the comfort of having their mother sit outside their bedroom door until they have finally drifted off into slumber. Melissa has found this time valuable in itself to catch up on reading, whether it be a novel or her scriptures. I guess this just solidifies her "Saint-hood" in my eyes, always looking for the positive in every situation.

Saturday was a very good day. There were Aunts and Uncles, Grandma's and Grandpa's, cousins and friends that attended the birthday party. Fun was had by all, three "Happy Birthday" songs were sung, and wrapping paper strewn everywhere. All though it has only been three years, the time has flown. The kid's health appears to be right on track and the boys are growing. Carmen is still a force to be reckoned with as she does not take any guff from her brothers. She is beginning to show the quality of explosiveness in a small package. Each of the kids show their own individuality whether it be by shifty eyes, smiles, or laughter. We truly love each one of them for who they are.




As we journey through life, we are given the opportunity to meet great people. These people cross our paths when our Heavenly Father offers each of us blessings to grow, mature, and learn valuable lessons. My parents and I had the great opportunity to celebrate the life of such an individual on Friday. Grandma Davis is an individual that was placed along our path so that we could learn the importance of always seeing the good in life. Our most heartfelt prayers, love, and gratitude go towards Aunt Eileen and family as they strive to continue along the "straight and narrow" path towards the "Tree of Life." Because we believe in Eternal Families and the belief of a much greater power than ourselves, our burdens are lightened. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your celebration of Grandma Davis' life.

Wednesday December 8, 2010

'Tis the season to be jolly!

I was reminded a couple of weeks ago while doing the Caring and Sharing Festival of Trees why exactly this is the season to be jolly. We have so much to be thankful for this time of year. People are going without, people are missing their loved ones, and people in general, just want to be loved. Why is it that some people are selfish enough to make others feel down trodden, belittled, just so that they can make themselves happier? Such the contradiction, and it reflects just who truly needs to be loved and cared for as they spotlight themselves with the ever infamous "Hey! Look at me!"

Melissa and I have been truly blessed over the years. All though difficult to see then, but magnified now, we were able to spend seven glorious years together, just her and I. We were wanting a family but the cards just were not in our favor at the time. Little did we realize then that the peace and quiet would never be again. However, the noise now experienced in our home is still quite nice. Taylor practices her reading continually and is getting very good at reading "chapter" books. She is very talented and has caught the reading fever from her mother.

Ayden can usually be heard playing with toys, making car sounds as boys do, or harassing another sibling. It is when Ayden CAN NOT be heard that someone needs to be worried. He will then be found somewhere in the house getting into something that he sound not be into. However, a much more pleasant sound is the singing from Ayden's crib as he attempts to drift off into blissful slumber each and every night.

Breagan is usually heard and found playing with toys. He often sits and looks over a toy trying to figure out just how it does what it does. Breagan is quite the opposite of Ayden. It is when Breagan gets loud that someone had better be checking on things. For the most part he is very easy going, lovable, and content. Every now and then you can see a glint in the corner of his eye and you will know that he is about to do something not so nice. Usually this is towards Ayden and truth be known, more of a payback for something that Ayden did to Breagan earlier.

Carmen loves to dress up as Tinkerbell. We are continually telling her to get something on as she is usually caught around the house in the middle of a change of outfit. She usually hums her own little tune and does her own thing. If you find her and look at her, your glance will usually be returned with a smile and a hug.

Melissa is a true Saint! Potty training one child was something. Taylor spooled us by actually being basically trained in a weekend before she was two. Breagan and Carmen are basically there but still wear a diaper at night. Ayden is a completely different story and definitely has his own agenda whether Melissa and I, or even Ayden, knows what that agenda might be. He is really making the whole process a challenge. So, back to my original comment at the beginning of this paragraph, Melissa is a TRUE Saint!

How about these family pictures?

November 2, 2010

October has been a good month and I am quite sad to see it go. This year has gone by so fast and it is the time of Thanksgiving once again.

Melissa, the kids, and my mom were able to join my dad and I while we hunted this year. This is pretty momentous because it has been a while since someone else has joined us on our little excursion. The mountains of Smiley Creek welcomed us but the game was not as courteous. With the obvious new neighbors of Wolves we were not privy to find the Buck that we were looking for. However, for those of you that know my dad and I and the way we hunt we were not all too disappointed as it is always the thrill of the chase more than the excitement of the kill. Plus, there is always next year.


The question around the house last week was, shall we paint or carve? Either way, both methods proved to be quite excitable.

August 31, 2010

If I hurry here I can actually make it look like I posted at least once a month instead of there being a two month absence. It is the little justifications that eventually get us...

This past weekend our family actually got away from everything. We were able to enjoy a quiet weekend away from cell phones, pagers, and two-way radios which seem to be my usual staples for communicating with the outside world. Thank heavens for family, resources, and the right to enjoy the fabulous outdoors.

Smiley Creek, located in the heart of Idaho, was just beautiful. The country side is still green from moisture and has not yet started to resemble the beginnings of the Fall colors. Ayden was not sure about riding the four wheeler again but quickly remembered how much fun he had Memorial Day weekend riding. With two four wheelers Melissa and I are able to carry all four kids. We enjoyed a 38 mile ride Saturday that took us to an elevation of 9200 feet. We had not quite hit the end of that trail but instead gives us something to look forward to another time.

The absence of wild game reminded us once again of the time of year. The early archery hunts have begun allowing us to see a lone Antelope the entire weekend.

This time away allowed us the time as a family to grow with each other as Monday Taylor started First Grade. Thank heavens for a job as I went to work Monday morning while Melissa had the great opportunity to take Taylor to her classroom. I know I would have cried like a baby and embarrassed Taylor enough to haunt her to her Senior year. Melissa is a lot stronger than I when it comes to the emotional times. Funny thing is that I was not this way until we found out we were expecting Taylor. What other experiences will kids expose me to? I am sure they are too many to mention and those of you with much more experience than I are just sitting there shaking your head. It's o.k., they come and go without saying.

In closing, I could not finish without paying tribute to the One that matters most. Without His influence, Plan, and guidance, we could not enjoy the ties of family, friends, and one of His greatest creations, the earth and freedoms that we all enjoy.

Enjoy the pictures.

July 5, 2010

The Fourth of July is one of the Draper Families favorite holidays. We are reminded of the sacrifices of so many great men and woman, past, present, and future. There are the sacrifices of life for the pursuit of happiness, the sacrifices of the many spouses and children of those that serve, and the remnants of memories for those that return from serving. We love those that have served, sacrificed, and fought for our families freedoms!

This too shall pass as we look forward to the US coming through tough times. The Great Lord has blessed this nation above all others for the establishment of Zion in the last days. Our Great country was founded on the beliefs of an Almighty Presence that needs to never be forgotten. To forget the origins of this country would be a slap in the face of the Creator that created all men.

We were allowed to spend our Holiday weekend enjoying each other. Saturday we attended the parade in Rupert which is a tradition for us. Sunday evening Melissa spoiled all of us with her great salads, drinks, and desserts. No one walked away from the table hungry...

Cobe dazzled us with fireworks while Taylor, Jessica, and Melissa played with sparklers. What a great way to celebrate OUR Independence and the birth of such a great nation!

Here is the parade crew... Just waiting for the start...
Ayden thought that he was going to get Grandma's seat to himself.
The A-10 fly over... So impressive as always.
My favorite part of the parade... Respect by all for the Red, White, and Blue!
PMT's float, Home Town Heroes... Good job!

Sunday June 6, 2010

Time gets away so fast anymore. Life in general seems to be speeding up. We have been so blessed in our lives and we try to give the many thanks where they are due. We as a family are so thankful for the sacrifice of the many men and women that allow us our freedoms and pursuit of happiness.

This past Memorial Day weekend we were blessed to be able to continue a tradition that was started several years ago. We had the great opportunity of heading to the cabin with Melissa's sisters to enjoy a weekend of good food, good company, and the great outdoors.

On our way to Smiley Creek Thursday night we were just north of Ketchum when nine Cow Elk ran across the road in front of us. The kids were just enthralled with the majestic beauty of these animals. What a great teaching opportunity for Melissa and I.

We were blessed with snow, rain, and some sunshine. Our riding was held somewhat to a minimum as the snow line was fairly low and we got stuck a couple of times. Thank heavens for healthy, strong brother-in-laws that were able to help each other get out of the snow drifts we bombarded into.

Sunday morning we were able to get 20 people on seven four-wheelers for an all out family ride. The kids loved the ride, sights, sounds, and the clean mountain air.

We have been truly blessed to be able to enjoy such freedoms. Thank you to all that have given the ultimate sacrifice, for serving, and for your accomplishments that the rest of us get to enjoy.

Melissa will enjoy this picture being posted... It was cold and we were bundled for the ride.

Here is a picture of the group that was able to make the short ride. This picture is actually taken on the hill side above Lake Alturas opposite from where the road is.

Monday March 8, 2010

Tough to believe, but year number two has passed since the birth of our very own three ring circus. We have been dealing with a little sickness here and there but are surviving. This past week everyone except Taylor has seen a Doctor and is on Antibiotics. Thank Heavens for modern medicine. Amazingly enough though, Taylor has not brought any illness home as we had originally thought she might.

This past Friday, March 5th, was the second birthday for Ayden, Breagan, and Carmen. We had tons of fun, ate lots of cake and ice cream, and enjoyed the closeness of family, friends, and the well wishing from many unable to attend. Thank you everyone for everything! Melissa and I know that it is a lot of work but that there are also lots of assistance from those around us. WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Please enjoy the pictures from the party.




It was truly a good time, however, I could not call it good without giving due credits. Melissa and I have always been taught by loving parents that families will always be together forever. Even though not all of the family was together in person Friday night, they were truly there in Spirit.

The day that the babies were born, Melissa's father, being the good man that he is, went to the gift shop in the hospital and got his lovely daughter a bouquet of flowers. In true country fashion and being a Rancher this vase is nothing short of what we would expect from Jim. The past couple of years the vase has disappeared a couple of days before the kid's birthday and with the help of a dear friend, the vase is displayed for all to see that Grandpa Jim is with us always.