4 kids and crazy

2011-09-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a very long time, but I had some strong feelings this morning and I needed to share.
Our Boy Scouts put flags out on all the Patriotic holidays for a fundraiser. It is wonderful to see them waving in the breeze and feel the patriotism it brings out in each person that sees them.

As a general rule, we don't work for gain on Sunday, the Sabbath day. This year our Bishop asked the boys to put the flags out today, 9/11. At first I was a little shocked by this request, but the more I thought about it the more I felt honored to be able to help. My son's scout master said he considered it more of a service than a fundraiser and I agreed.

As we went out on this beautiful morning my mind was full of images from 9/11 and all the horror, and bravery that encompassed that day. With tears in my eyes "God Bless America" came on the radio as I helped my son post each flag. I was overwhelmed with love for my country, those that lost loved ones that day, and all those who valiantly serve our country each and every day. I am so grateful for their sacrifice on my behalf.

At almost the last house at which we posted a flag, a gentleman stuck his head out the window and thanked us for coming. He said he wasn't sure we were going to do them today, and was glad we did. He paused for a moment and then said, "I knew one of the firemen killed that day. I went to high school with him." At that moment I knew we were exactly where we should have been doing exactly what we should have been doing. All though this service was infinitely smaller than many perform daily, for one person at least, it meant a whole lot.

An Incredible Day

2010-04-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was one of the best nights of my life. I had almost my entire family and many close friends at the church to witness two special events.

Mr. T was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. And Jman was ordained to the office of a Deacon. I don't talk about my religion much on this blog, but it is a very important part of my life. I am very grateful for the gospel and that I have a worthy husband who can perform these important ordinances for my children. Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer and I try to live my life worthy to return to live with him. My heart is full of love and gratitude for everyone who had a part in making this a night I will remember for the rest of my life.

The Big Day

2010-04-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

My Boys

2010-04-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Pictures I love

2010-04-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

My kids

2010-04-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

2010-04-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

After much stress I'm really happy about how the pictures turned out. Here are some of them.

Getting ready for pictures

2010-03-19T16:08:00.001-07:00

My kids got their pictures taken yesterday and today. It took me all week! Literally all week! Trying to decide what to have them wear was a joke! I looked and looked and finally decided that navy blue and white would be the best option. So I bought clothes for everyone, only to get them home and found that half of them didn't fit and that now that we have new carpet and some redecorating, blue and white no longer work in my living room.

So on Tuesday I started over. Taking clothes back and finding a whole new color scheme. This time I picked tan/brown and white. Thought I had everyone's outfits done, and again, one didn't fit and Boo just flat refused to wear hers. Back again to the stores...

Anyway, you get the idea. It has been a long week. Thursday finally came and we headed to Target. I'm happy with yesterday's pictures and when I'm not so tired I'll post some, but I'm too exhausted to figure out how to do it today.

Then back to Target today for the second photo shoot. Jman desperately wanted his hair long in his pictures, but I wanted it short for his "Ordination" pictures. The compromise, was long hair the first day, short hair the next. Today was Mr. T and Jman in their suits and ties. Very cute, again I'll post pictures soon.

Am I the only one that has this many problems? It shouldn't take an entire week to get your kids pictures taken should it?

Feeling Grateful

2010-03-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

I ran (well slowly jogged) outside yesterday. It was the first time this year and if felt SOOOOOO good. There is just something about jogging in the open air that just makes me happy.

As I was jogging along I just couldn't help but think about how truly blessed I am. I have a wonderful husband that I love dearly. I used to just grimace when I'd hear people talk about how they love their husbands more now than they did when they got married, but I'm starting to understand, because I really do. He is such a good man and tries so hard to make me happy and our lives better.

Jman is so full of life! He has the lead in the school play. He is Tom in "School House Rock Jr." He has been playing basketball and had a lot of fun, his team won almost all their games this year. Soccer started again last weekend which means more hours than I care to count spent at practice, training and games. He brings me a lot of stress, but he also brings so much laughter and fun into all of our lives.

Mr. T is such a smart and sensitive soul. He gets everything you teach him the first time and when I was in his class the other day he was telling his teacher an easier way to do the math problem she was doing and he was right. (I'm not sure how much the teacher liked it.) He is also in the school play and loving it. He just played his last basketball game and scored 4 times! He touches my heart by the kind things he says and does all the time.

Boo is still so full of life I can't believe it. I've already told of her antics, but she is such a great big sister. She plays with Roo all the time and always wants to sit by her. She is in preschool and loves every minute of it. I asked her yesterday if she just wanted to stay home with me for a day and she just smiled and said she wanted to go to school.

Roo just turned two and has all the tantrums that come with the age. She was almost completely potty trained before she turned 2, but for some reason she has had a set back the last few days. She is such a sweet little thing and wants to snuggle with me every night until she falls asleep. Having her run to the stairs and yell "Mommy" when I've been gone is a truly wonderful feeling.

Everyone is healthy, and doing well. Who knows what the future will bring but, for today, life is good.

Boo and gymnastics

2010-02-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, after reading that last post, I thought I'd better tell some fun things that Boo has done. Note to reader, there will be much bragging in this post so feel free to stop reading at any time.

Boo is really talented when it comes to tumbling. (Mom talking of course.) She took tumbling classes through our city rec. department for a couple of months. She started in the 3 and 4 year old class. I realized this might be a problem when several kids in the class couldn't do a forward role, and one was crying because she had to take her socks off. Boo had just about mastered her cartwheels.

I wanted to move her up to the 5-7 year class and the teacher said okay, but thought she'd still be the best in her class. I think it really frustrated the other kids in the class when Boo would win every contest the teacher had.

In January I decided maybe it was time to try gymnastics. I dreaded moving from paying $30.00 a month to the $45.00 they charged, but decided it was worth it.

After the first week Boo was right on track with what all the other kids were doing, even though they'd been going since September. After the second week of classes her coach pulled me aside and said she wanted to put Boo on her pre-competition team. This would involve practices two nights a week from 4:00 until 6:00p.m and would cost $85.00 per month. Wow!

I was floored! I'd always thought she was good, but I'd also thought I was just a proud mother. Having the head of a big gymnastics club tell you that was very flattering. In the back of my head I'm thinking $85.00 a month for my FOUR year old!?! I really want to encourage her and I'd love to see how far she can go, but I was really stressing over it.

Finally I went to Boo and said, "Boo, which do you like better preschool or gymnastics?"
"Preschool!"
"Which do you like better, gymnastics or swimming lessons?"
"Swimming lessons!"
"Which do you like better, dance class or gymnastics?"
"Dance class!"

Well we decided that she can stay in the class she's in for now, and we will see how it goes. It's still fun to know that she really is as good as I thought she was.

Boo...need I say more?

2010-02-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

When I first started this blog one of the reasons I did was to share all of the crazy antics of my Darling Boo. Well, just a week or so ago I thought to myself, "Boo has finally started out growing all of her...what shall I call it creativity?" Wrong thing to think, SERIOUSLY, wrong thing to think.

Let me see if I can describe just a few of the wonders of the last few days. First I walked into the bathroom to find both girls on the floor having a wonderful time. Surrounding them on the floor were all of their bows, headbands clips, brushes, combs etc., and all of MY picks, clips, rubber bands, combs, etc. Now this might not be too crazy but add to that two brand new boxes of tampons and a full bag of pads. All mixed together covering the entire bathroom floor. (She had to clean it up, and when I came to check on her she was going through each tampon and carefully pushing them out of their holders.)

The next day I realized she had been quiet much too long and went to see what she was up to. Let's just say green magic marker. EVERYWHERE!!! On her new kitchen, her drawers, her books, her brand new book, Roo, herself, and as I walked in she slammed shut her library book that she had colored the first half of with that marker. I about died!!! She is four and a half!!!

So she got to get her allowance and we headed to the library so she could pay for her destroyed book. I thought this would really teach her a lesson, she couldn't buy the new barbie she wanted because she had to pay for a ruined book. Well, that was my thought. The cute lady at the counter saw how old the book was, noted that it had been checked over 150 times and charged her a dollar. ONE LOUSY DOLLAR! Not only that but Boo paid her with a five dollar bill so she got four ones back. She thought she came out ahead!

We are getting new carpet this week so I've spent obviously too much time cleaning and packing things and Boo has found this a fabulous time to just make one mess after another. Her room hasn't stayed clean for more than 2 minutes at a time. Her most recent project involved a whole lot of water and a flooded bathroom. While I was packing boxes she was in the bathroom doing who knows what. I just know there was water everywhere. It leaked into the drawers, the cupboard under the counter all over the floor and even into the hall. I was so angry I finally just lost it. Everything from the last few days came screaming back and I totally lost it.

When I was putting the girls to bed last night I was talking to Boo about trying not to make any more messes. Poor little Roo was sitting there by us and said, "No more water!" while shaking her head back and forth very adamantly . I guess I might have over reacted just a little bit.

Anyway, if any friends or relatives would like to take her for the next few days, weeks, years... she's up for grabs.

What do you do in your sleep?

2010-01-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

For years I was plagued with nightmares. I'd dream that there was something in my bed (snakes, spiders, you name it.) My poor husband would get so frustrated because I'd be so upset and promise him that THIS time there really was something in our bed. So he'd throw down the covers show me that there was nothing there and then try to go back to sleep. This was usually with me standing at the door ready to make a break for it.

Luckily they've pretty much stopped. So imagine my surprise when I was reading really late a night or two ago and out of the blue Nate sat up and started pounding the middle of the bed as hard as he could. I asked him what was wrong, but he just looked at me and said "Hello," and laid back down and went to sleep.

I asked him the next day if he remembered his dream and I just had to laugh when he told me there were spiders in our bed.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to wish everyone the very merriest of Christmases. One of the girls in my Young Women's class told us the best idea. Her home teacher had told her and she told us that every time we heard someone saying "Merry Christmas" this year, we are to try and think about Jesus Christ. I thought it was a wonderful idea. So to all of you I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Surprise!

2009-12-07T06:11:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a week where you literally just run from one place to another all day long? That would have been my week. I think on Friday and Saturday I was home for probably a total of 2/3 hours both days combined except for when I was asleep.

While I was gone, my children were home alone for a good chunk of this time so imagine the state of my house. Oh, and add into that the fact that I have Christmas decorations boxes out (I decorated my tree at 6:30 Sunday morning,) the kids slept in the living room the night before, and we had orange rolls (Rhodes dough) for breakfast. We had stake conference at 10:00 a.m. and my wonderful husband was at the church for meetings most of the morning so absolutely none of this was cleaned up before we left for church.

My sister and family were coming for dinner that night so I new I had a big job ahead of me. After conference I started pulling out leftovers for lunch and gearing up for the cleaning.

Why, you might ask am I sharing all this terribly exciting information with you? Imagine my surprise when as I'm pulling out the leftovers my lovely, always with a perfectly clean house, mother-in-law shows up for Sunday dinner. I about died right there on the spot!

I guess Nate invited her on Monday and then promptly forgot all about it and never mentioned a word of it to me. If the earth could have opened up and swallowed me right then and there I would have been a happy camper.

I spent the next half hour desperately trying to pick things up while I'm scanning my brain for anything I can fix instantly for lunch that will not look like leftovers and trying to entertain Marilyn at the same time. She was very gracious and just laughed and said not to worry as I begged her to understand why I was in such a state of chaos.

We ended up having grilled chicken salad with a yummy loaf of whole grain rye bread that I had bought on a whim. My sister said she'd bring a salad for dinner, so luckily I had all the things I needed for a salad on hand. We had fresh baked cookies for dessert. THANK YOU Krissi for the idea to share cookie dough at our last book club. Over all, the meal turned out okay, not what you'd expect for a Sunday dinner, but I did the best I could.

Nate always tells me that we should always have the house cleaned in case someone stops by. I guess he was right.

Good news and Bad news...

2009-12-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

The good news is that my 21 month baby is ALMOST potty trained!!! I'm pretty excited about it. Never have any of my other kids been remotely interested at this age, and she is doing amazingly well.

The bad news is that my 21 month old baby is ALMOST potty trained!!! Which means that she thinks she can do it all by herself. Went to get in the shower the other day and picked up a cute little snowman off the floor and found it covered in poo. Some how she managed to go to the bathroom, wipe herself and leave a little treat on the floor. I never even knew she had gone. As one adventure ends another one is always around the corner.

Pie thief

2009-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

Today I had to make a pie for our Mutual activity. We made Thanksgiving dinner for the singles in our ward. I debated about making one or two pies. I decided my family would appreciate a pie so I made two. One looked beautiful, the other had some funny bubbles on it, so you know which one was for my family. Anyway, as I was talking on the phone as it was time to walk out of the house imagine my surprise to find my beautiful pie full of lovely little finger swirls through the entire thing! The lady on the phone heard my gasp and wondered what could possibly be wrong. I told her and she really felt sorry for me.

I guess it was a blessing for my children that I was on the phone when I saw it because I couldn't completely lose it, but I was so mad! Oh well, what are a few bubbles among friends right?

I wanted to take a picture, but I was all ready running late because of the phone call and I didn't have time. Just imagine beautiful spirals from the crust to the very center.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-17T09:00:00.001-08:00

I know it has been months since I last posted. Not sure why, just found other silly things to fill my time like facebook. I've decided to try and break that addiction and move back to blogging a little more.

So today I'm sharing my stress about Thanksgiving. As you all know, I lost my mom many years ago and with that loss brought a million other losses. Having Thanksgiving dinner at her house is one of them.

So now Thanksgiving dinner is at my house. While I'm excited for the challenge and excitement of having family at my house, it stresses me right out! Two years ago we had it here, but my chef of a brother was there to help me prepare the whole event. This year he will be here, but only in time for dinner. (He has to work a graveyard shift the day before and the day after.) So the main event falls mostly on my shoulders.

I have so many things to be grateful for; my family, home, the gospel, good friends, plenty to eat, chocolate, etc..., I really don't have anything to complain about. I just miss those awesome trips of my youth to Idaho for an incredible Thanksgiving weekend. The fact that I wasn't responsible for anything and just got to enjoy it all I'm just starting to fully appreciate. It makes me incredibly grateful to everything so many people did to make it wonderful for the rest of us.

So, just wanted to start my Thanksgiving preparations by saying thank you to everyone who has helped make my life wonderful, either in the past, the present, or the future.

What do YOU do with the toothpaste you get from the dentist?

2009-07-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Boo has been looking forward to going to the dentist since we left the last time. I get asked several times a month when we are going to the dentist next. She loves it! She asks so often that I've often threatened that she won't be able to go next time if she doesn't quit asking. I've decided they just do their jobs too well. They have to start being mean or something.

Anyway, when we got home from the dentist with their fun little bag of goodies I was changing laundry and picking up when Boo came to me with bright blue hands. I just rolled my eyes and asked what it was this time. Imagine my joy when I found toothpaste all over her...
all over the counter and sink, (you can't see all of it from this picture)

all over the floor,all over Roo,
(side bar, nice scar to the fore head huh? She fell down a stair at the church and landed on her head.)on the wall, and later I found it all over my sheets as well. I love my daughter, I love my daughter.

Another fun day in July!

2009-07-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

If you are ever looking for a great way to spend a couple of hours, and you can go for free or have discounted tickets (love my Tracy Aviary pass!) I strongly recommend the Natural History Museum. There are lots of fun things to do. Like seeing the affects of flood water,
digging for dinosaur bones,
more bone digging,
checking out the great frog exhibit,
posing for fun photos, checking out the live bugs, doing puzzles, looking at dinosaurs, or a variety of other fun things. We go every summer and everyone from youngest to oldest have fun.
When we came out of the museum imagine our surprise when we found it pouring rain! It was blue skies and sunshine when we went in. Our plans to go to the zoo were quickly changed and we went to the Cole's house to watch a movie instead. We couldn't go home because we had plans to go to my brother's house in Salt Lake for the evening.
Jman's soccer coach has encouraged the boys to watch professional soccer games. Since we don't have cable Uncle Cliff recorded the championship game between U.S.A. and Brazil. We had peanuts, pizza, and soda and watched it at their house. Thanks guys! We had a great time!

Cliff and Ray decided they needed something for the girls to do when they came to their house. I think they hit the jackpot! Boo had a blast!

Willard Bay

2009-07-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Our cousins invited us to come and play with them at Willard Bay. They just got wave runners and they are a ton of fun. The day started out with a few rough patches, but thanks to the kindness of an old friend we still had two wave runners and lots of fun. My kids can't wait to go again.

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Summer Fun.

2009-07-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fun things we have done this summer.

Our very nice friend, Michelle, let us come in her back yard and pick cherries. We had a great time picking them. Roo liked watching for a while, but she got a little bored with the whole event.
Jman had to count every cherry he picked. I think he had over 350 cherries.
Mr. T wanted to be as big as his brother, so with a little help from Mom he had almost as many cherries as Jman.

Eating otter pops at Uncle Richard's house

Nate's work party is a high light of our summer. The kids love playing bingo, the bouncy toys, eating dinner and having fun.

Too cool or what?

Father's Day

2009-07-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

We had a nice Father's day this year and one of my favorite parts was all the kids wrestling with their dad.

The boys had so much fun making this candy bar poster for their dad. We spent all week looking for candy that would make great sayings on the poster. Their favorite line was the one that said "Mom thinks you are one 'Hot Tamale"

My bowling prodigy

2009-06-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday I took my three oldest kids bowling while Nate stayed home with Roo. It was nice to be inside during all the rain, and we had a lot of fun.

Why, you may ask, is this worthy of a post on my blog? Because Boo, my THREE year old bowled a 103!!! I couldn't believe it. We did use the bumpers but not the little ball roller. She had two spares and a strike! Yes, I said a strike, and she didn't even use the bumpers to get it.

We were all amazed at how well she did. She beat both her brothers soundly (I won't embarrass them by telling you how much) but it was more than 10 points. Maybe I have a future bowler on my hands, or maybe she just got incredibly lucky. Only time will tell...

Boo's First Swimming Lessons!

2009-06-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

Boo just finished her first swimming lessons. I was a little nervous about putting her in them. She is so hot and cold when it comes to the water. One day she loves it and the next she won't put her face in the water or even think about swimming at all. She LOVED it! I've never seen a child smile much while she was in the water. It was fun to watch. She passed and will start level 2 in a couple of weeks.

Some of these aren't the best pictures, but moving child in the water, lots of glare, what can you do. Maybe I should have Brock come and take some pictures for me.

Swimming lessons

2009-06-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Mr. T. did so well in his first session of swimming lessons this year. His teacher told him he had the best breast stroke in his class! He passed to go into level five for his next class. It was fun to see him do so well. There was no complaining about swimming lessons which was nice coming from him.

I love to watch him swim he just floats in the pool. I don't think he could ever drown, because he always just bobs back up to the top. His teacher tried to teach him how to touch the bottom and he said, "Mom I really tried, but I just kept floating back to the top." That's our Mr. T.

Machine Pitch Baseball

2009-06-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

Tman has been playing Machine Pitch Baseball this year. For the most part, he has loved it! But, he hates getting ready and swears he doesn't want to play, and he hates it, and why do I have to make him go; you get the idea. Once he gets there he loves it and we all have fun hanging out with neighbors and friends and visiting.

He had a hard time hitting at first, but Nate really worked with him, and the last game he had three hits! I was so proud of him.
Some of the fans watching the game.

2009-06-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, 3rd post in one day, but when it rains it pours right?!

I was playing a game on the floor with Boo, when my neighbor came over and asked if I could help her jump start her car I said sure and headed over. (Side bar, what ever happened to opening your hood and just connecting the cables to the battery GEESH!!!) Ten minutes later we called another neighbor to come show us HOW to put on the cables and we got the car started. When I got home this is what my living room looked like...

Then I told the kids to clean this mess up before they all died while I ran to the bank and to Walmart. I wasn't gone more than an hour and instead of a clean living room I came home to Boo's room looking like this...

I was excited for summer vacation why?????

This is the Place...

2009-06-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

We recently went to This is the Place Memorial Park. It was my first time there and I was really impressed with all the things to do and see. It was baby animal days. Cute cute!

Things I learned yesterday...

2009-06-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

1. When you know ahead of time you will be late for something, at least 5 things will happen to make you even later.

2. Being in a hurry always makes me forget things. (5 additional trips into the house to gather forgotten items.)

3. Hydroplaning does happen (luckily not to us.)

4. Hydroplaning causes major accidents on the freeway (5 car pile up, one upside down.)

5. Lots of emergency vehicles have to pass to get to major accidents on the freeway.

6. If your child has recently eaten an orange, his puke doesn't smell quite as bad as normal puke.

7. Nothing is on sale when you have to emergency shop for clothes on Sunday at Shopko for a child covered with puke.

8. It is better to shop for clothing not on sale than to have to clean up puke all over the van.

9. Putting the wrong address into your phone will not get you to your desired destination if you follow the directions it gives you.

10. Tempers may get a little heated after too many things go wrong on your way to anything.

11. Spending a good time with family can make up for a lot of things that have gone wrong.

PTA Convention (CELEBRATE CHILDREN)

2009-05-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

In case you don't know me very well, I'm heavily involved in our grade school PTA. I've been on the board for several years now and don't see an end any time soon. Lots and lots and lots of hours spent at the school in many different areas, but I secretly love it.

One of the funnest parts of being on the board is PTA convention. Two days one night, no kids, friends, fun, food, motivational speakers, lots of free stuff (this year there was even a $20.00 gift card to Applebees,) and if you are lucky you might even learn something about your new job for next year. I'll be the treasurer. If you know me please don't laugh too loud; my accountant husband has promised to help. (I'll just write the checks.) Anyway, back to the real subject; Convention. If you have never been, I strongly recommend getting involved in PTA just so you can go. It is the BEST!!!

My personal discovery

2009-05-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Don't you love it when you discover something by accident? I was using Lime Away on my soap holder in the bathtub last night, trying to get rid of some build up. I put it on and planned on letting it sit for a few minutes and fell asleep on the couch.

The next morning when I remembered it was there, the little ring where the water goes out was coated in it, and I thought I'd ruined it. Imagine my surprise when I wiped it off and it was perfectly clean! For years I've hated my bath tub because the faucet and ring were so stained and I couldn't get them clean. I coated the faucet and left it for a long time (had to do it a couple of times) but it is now clean!!! I couldn't believe it! I've used Lime Away my whole life, and never knew it could do that.

Dumb I know, but it was a great find for me.

Wet pants

2009-05-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a little frustrated right now. My darling 7 year old who I love dearly has now wet his pants three times in the past WEEK!!! This time at school and he told me he couldn't go to the bathroom because his friend D. told him it was haunted. I'm trying to find out if there are underlying problems here, but it is hard not to just be FURIOUS!!!

Willy Wonka Jr.

2009-05-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

Life at our house has revolved around Willy Wonka Jr. It has been so much fun listening to the music, helping with costumes, watching the kids practice, and getting ready for the big production.

Well last Thursday was the 1st big night! They did a great job! Mr. T was an Oompa Loompa and a squirrel (so cute!). Jman was Augustus Gloop. I tried to get Jman to let me stuff his whole body, but he drew the line at his shirt.

Jman did a great job on his song and so did all the other cute kids. Veruka did such a good job she blew the speakers with her scream!

One performance down, and Friday night is the final performance. It will be nice when it is over, but I think we will all miss it.

Free food

2009-04-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those nights out where few things go right, yet you have a great time anyway? That was our dinner Friday night. Nate and I had a very rare date night and went to Texas Roadhouse. We had a Restaurant.com coupon and I was so looking forward to a night out.

When we got the restaurant there was a 60 to 70 minute wait, which we had been expecting. We went shopping and just talked while we waited. Finally we got to our table and they made a big deal about it being my first time. The manager came to welcome me and gave us a coupon for a free appetizer on our next visit.

We ordered our food, got our drinks and I just didn't like mine. There was nothing wrong with it I just didn't care for the flavor. So I asked our server if I could trade it for something else. No big deal. Well, a 1/2 hour goes by and no food, 40 minutes, no food. Finally our server comes by and asks us again what we ordered. We tell him and a minute later he comes back and tells us our order has been lost. The manager comes over apologizes profusely and gives us another $25.00 gift certificate for our next visit. Wow! I'll take it, since we were really enjoying having a chance to just sit and talk anyway.

Our dinner finally came and I cut into my steak that I'd ordered medium... WELL DONE! I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to say anything because they had already been so nice to us. Half the steak was fine so I ate that and enjoyed the rest of my meal. When our poor server came and asked how the meal was, I didn't say anything, but he could tell by the look on my face that something wasn't right. I showed him my steak and he was appalled! He apologized again and the next thing I know he came with our bill $0.00. I told him that definitely wasn't necessary, but he insisted as did the manager who came to our table yet again.

It was a series of misfortunate events, but they were so great about it. I definitely would recommended Texas Roadhouse and we will be going back again!

Sick baby

2009-04-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

Just for journaling purposes Roo has been sick again. It started about 5 days ago. Low fever, runny nose, raspy voice. She is on antibiotics and allergy medicine. Hope to find an answer soon...

Why?

2009-04-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Why do we get so wrapped up in the frustration of the moment? When if we just sat back and looked at the whole picture we would find it really isn't such a big deal after all?

I make such a HUGE deal about things that really just don't matter and I try to make my problems the center of the universe when they are really just grains of sand on a vast sea shore like everybody else's problems and no where near the center of anything.

Let's just say t-shirt orders are trying to get the best of me. When really it is a small problem in the grand scheme of the entire school play. Live and learn, live and learn.

Good times

2009-04-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

I'm in charge of the t-shirts for the school play. This wouldn't be that big of a deal if people would just turn in their order forms when they were asked to turn them in, but alas, life can't be that easy.

So instead I get to make daily or 2 or 3 time daily trips to the school to gather forms and get them turned in. On Tuesday it was a big deadline and I had to get the orders in that morning. So I'm at the school with Boo, Roo, and the 15 month old I babysit running around trying to get things done. We headed out into the pouring rain and I hustled to get all three kids in their car seats and tried to stay dry. I hopped in the van and took off. We got some lunch, went to Walmart (it's Jman's birthday and he wanted donuts) and headed back to the school to do the stage crew's orders for shirts.

When I opened the trunk to get out the stroller, no stroller to be found! "Someone stole my stroller!" was my first thought. Then I looked around the parking lot to where I had parked earlier and imagine my surprise to find it sitting in the rain full of water!!!

This means I got to take 3 little ones into the school with nothing to keep them confined. NIGHTMARE! I had to make copies and deliver them to the individual classrooms while trying to heard two babies and a 3 year old along with me. I'm sure we made quite a sight and I felt like I had a truly good work out by the time I was done.

I WANT MY MIND BACK!!! If anyone knows where I left it please let me know. I think it is divided between all my children.

Sick baby

2009-04-02T12:05:00.001-07:00

Okay, this post is for me because I use this as kind of a journal. I decided to track exactly how often Roo gets sick. Her fever today is 102 degrees runny nose and all around crankiness. Everyone sigh on my behalf (just kiddin.)

New background

2009-03-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

I just found out one of my good friends is secretly doing blog backgrounds! Isn't it cute? She just came out of the closet and posted it on her blog! I love them Ashley! If you are interested in checking out her cute designs here is the link http://dottydotdotdesign1.blogspot.com/ Cute, cute cute!

Need a pick me up?

2009-03-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

So on those rough mornings when you can't get your kids out of bed, things just aren't getting done, and you are really FRUSTRATED... post cute pictures of your family on your blog and then look back at all the awesome comments from other people.

Thanks everyone! It was just what I needed this morning.

I got the pictures taken at Target. I think they do a great job at a reasonable price, if you can decide what you need without buying what you don't need. (I didn't do well on that part this time.)

Anyway, thanks again for the nice comments and if you post cute pictures of your family on your blogs... I promise to leave great comments for you too!

Roo is sick...again.

2009-03-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling pretty good about things though, it has been almost 2 weeks since her last illness. (Note the sarcasm in my writing.) She has had a fever for the last few days so she has had quite a few baths to help bring her temperature down. This doesn't help with the dry skin, but what can you do... This morning she was so funny she just kept sticking her head right under the water.

I love the water droplets in this picture.

I

Craft Weekend

2009-03-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our first semi annual ladies craft weekend with all the ladies in my hubby's family. We all had to bring a craft to share. I have to admit I was a little nervous about the whole affair, but my craft turned out Okay, and we had a great time. Here are some of the crafts we did...

This one was mine. The colors are really brighter, but they didn't come across in the picture. I think they are all fun. We did a few others; we made cute little earrings and stars for the 4th of July that aren't quite done yet.

Anyway, it was a great way to spend the weekend and a great big THANK YOU to my wonderful husband for helping cut all the wood for me and being such a good sport about me leaving him with the kids all weekend.

More photos... just skip them if your bored

2009-03-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Mr. T
Jman
Boo
Roo

The Girls

2009-03-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

I know, I know more pictures, but I have to save them some how so just skim through them for me.

All my men...

2009-03-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Aren't they a handsome bunch. Man I love them!

Kid's pictures

2009-03-17T18:42:00.001-07:00

Those of you who know me know that I try to be as frugal as possible. That means when I get my kids pictures taken, I only get the cheap pictures, but I loved these so much I got the Smile Station so that I can put them on my blog and remember them that way. Hope you enjoy them almost as much as I do. The boys pictures will come in a few days.

Thank you blogging world

2009-03-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

Today I'm grateful for the wonderful world of blogging. The reason is...it saved my daughter's life. I was on the phone, not a crazy long phone call, like 5 minutes. As soon as I answered the phone she took her graham cracker and started scraping it into the glider. I'm irritated, but I remove the graham cracker and send her on her way. I minute later I heard the water running in the bathroom and knew that it might be a problem but kept talking. "BIG mistake HUGE!" Anyway, a minute later I went into the bathroom to see what she was doing and found Walmart brand Eucerene cream EVERYWHERE! All over her hands, the sink her clothes, the basket that holds the bows, her sister, and she had completely coated her sock. Why you might ask? I'm still asking that same question. As I tried to figure the best way to clean this huge mess and thinking of all the ways I can torture my daughter, the thought entered my head. "You need to take a picture and blog this." So my daughter is now in her room and still alive and I'm destressing by typing this so I can put it on my blog. Thank you blogging world you saved my daughter from death or a fate worse than it.

Daylight Savings time.

2009-03-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

I love it when it starts to stay lighter and lighter in the evening. It makes me happy and easier to go places at night. (Did you see the moon last night? HUGE!)

On the other hand, I HATE day light savings time in the morning. It is SOOOO hard to get my kids out of bed. So yesterday I rebelled and I just didn't. My kids slept in until 8:30 and I slept until 8:00. (I'd been up a few times, but fell back asleep.) We then got up and had blueberry pancakes and scrambled eggs, then the kids got ready for school. I got them to school at 10:00. They loved it and it was fun for me too. I told them this was a ONE time deal though. Jman thought it should happen on b-days too. Hmmm we'll have to see...

Give away today

2009-03-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I just found a great new blog called "giveawaytoday" it gives away free stuff every day. All you have to do is enter your name and you are entered. If you do extra stuff like post it on your blog you get extra entries. Anyway, I thought it was fun. Here is the link...
http://www.giveawaytoday.blogspot.com/

Brain Freeze

2009-03-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you had the dreaded BRAIN FREEZE? For me it was a couple of hours ago.
I was sitting in Fazoli's with my cute girls having a lovely time eating pasta and bread sticks. I got a strawberry lemon ice to drink. Yummy yummy, when WHAM it hit and it hit hard. My poor girls were panicking Boo kept saying "What's wrong Mom, what's wrong," Roo started crying just staring at me, and I'm just sitting there holding my head trying not to cry. Why? Why do we have them and does any one know of a way to get them to go away faster? Please share the answer to the dreaded brain freeze...

A good poop story...

2009-02-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves a good poop story right? Well yesterday I was getting ready to take a shower with my baby, yes it was almost noon, but at least I was getting one in for the day.

Well, cute little Roo started making those tell tell faces that let you know what she is up to. I decided to wait a few minutes so I could change her before we started. This worked and I cleaned her up and set her naked little self on the floor while I got ready to shower. I looked down and there was a nice pile on the floor. LOVELY! I moved her to the other side of the bathroom, cleaned up the mess , and looked over at her only to find another pile! By this time I started laughing picked her up set her in the tub and just hosed her off in there. Turned around and started cleaning up the other pile when I heared her giggling behind me... There she was sitting in another pile just slapping it around with her hands! At least it was in the tub and we just scrubbed everything down the including her and me. The joys of motherhood!

Good one Boo...

2009-02-17T18:10:00.001-08:00

So we are sitting at the dinner table Nate has just taken Jman to cub scouts.
Boo asks, "Are we going somewhere? No where or yes where?"
Good one Boo!

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Have I ever told anyone I love holidays? I do. Any reason to celebrate, have a party, decorate my house, buy presents, I'm there! Right in the middle of it. We had a very nice Valentines day. We started with our traditional heart waffles for breakfast. Spent much of the day cleaning and getting ready for Roo's b-day party.

That night we went to the ward Valentines Party and had a great time! Angie and Brent... you guys are serious competitors! You leave me in the dust! Line dancing was fun and Paul, I'll have memories of you forever! Fun day! Glad I got to share it with my family and friends!

Thank Heavens for the Police!

2009-02-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

Constant battle with oldest son..."Put your bike away, put your bike away, it's going to get stolen, put your bike away, I won't buy you another bike if it does, put your bike away..." You get the idea.

Well, when we got home after being gone most of the day yesterday...no bike! He had left it sitting in the carport where it had been for several days and it was no longer there. I felt so bad for Jman. I didn't have to say a word, he knew it was his fault for leaving it out. We searched the neighborhood for it. Then Nate took him to the park and school and looked for it in the pouring rain.

While they were gone I called the police. Not that I thought they would find it, but so it would be on file that it had been stolen.

Anyway, long story short, the fabulous police officer came over asked about the bike, asked if we had serial numbers, (of course we don't have serial numbers I'm not that organized!), got lecture on always keeping serial numbers, talked to someone and said we have it. You just need to come to the police station and identify it!!! I couldn't believe it! He probably said a dozen times, This never happens! This NEVER happens!

I hope Jman learned his lesson, probably not, he says he has, but for today the police are our heroes!!!

Disclaimer on last post...

2009-02-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

It took Jacob's teacher an hour to figure out the problems I didn't understand. I feel much better about my math abilities now!

Fifth Grade Math kicked my...

2009-02-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow! Last night I was going over Jman's math homework and realized he didn't understand how to do a big part of his assignment so he had to start over. I sat with him during the entire assignment and it took us an hour and a half! When on earth did 5th grade math get so time consuming! There were so many steps involved in each problem and trying to make a TIRED 10 year old's mind think was a challenge. (The fact that I didn't know exactly what they were looking for on a few questions didn't help.) But after report cards came home I've found that this will now get to be my nightly ritual. Lucky me!

I want my 5th grade math where we learned what a hexagon was and how to do times tables really fast. Good grief!

Cheerios, cheerios everywhere!

2009-02-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

So, today I'm making lunch a really long drawn out event (frozen burritos) so you know I wasn't distracted for very long. When I went to get the girls imagine my surprise to find cheerios covering the floor of my entire front room! Lunch was ready so we ate first and then I made Boo clean them up by hand. I figured she made the mess she could clean it up. Yes I know vacuuming would have been easier, but where is the lesson in that? When we were done cleaning up I found that the surprise didn't end there... the cheerios went down the stairs, covered the landing, down the other stairs and into the family room! Come on! When do they get to be old enough to know better?

SUPER BOWL!

2009-02-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

Gotta just love the super bowl! Just when you thought there wasn't going to be a game the Cardinals came back and gave us some excitement! Then there were some GREAT commercials and some not so great commercials... what a wicked world we live in :( But I try to focus on the good when I can, maybe a little justification thrown in because I love a good Super Bowl party. Lots of good eats included.

I have to admit, I am feeling a little guilty now. We invited my brother and his family to come watch the game with us and I thought they would get there before we were out of church. Sooo I pulled my whole family out of church 15 minutes early so we'd be there when they showed up. (Heavens no! It wasn't so we wouldn't miss any of the Super Bowl. I can't believe you'd even think that ;) Anyway, they didn't get there until almost 5:30! So now it REALLY looks like we left just to watch the Super Bowl. But really, it was for family togetherness! I promise!

Lazer Tag anyone...

2009-02-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

Last night a group of us went to play lazer tag. I have to admit, I was a little bit concerned. The last time I played was over 10 years ago, and I didn't have a great experience then. You had to wear these big helmets and I didn't know what I was doing, and I just kept pretending I was having a good time.

But you know me, I love to play, so I was up for giving it another shot.

Well, seven of us went and we all got to be on the same team. Luckily we signed up to play two games. The first game was fun, but I had no clue what I was doing and ended up I think 12th out of 13 players. I think I fired 43 times and was shot almost that many times.

When we came out we all discussed how we did and set up some very helpful strategies for the next round. IT WAS A BLAST! Everyone of us did much better and it was a ton of fun. I moved up to 5th place I even beat my husband!!! (Well the only reason I beat him is because I fired about 192 times and he fired almost 500 times.)

Anyway, it was so much fun, and we are now planning a time to take our kids and rent the whole place. Lazer tag anyone...

Boo Cut My HAIR!!!

2009-01-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, you did read that correctly BOO CUT MY HAIR!

With scissors almost like these. Her favorite thing to play with lately is my hair. So I will sit and read a book or watch TV and let her play with my hair. I've had some lovely dues let me tell you. Anyway, last night I'm watching a bad movie on TV while I'm being beautified by my daughter. Then it happens, I hear that, oh so terrifying sound...sniiiip!

Needless to say, I freaked! It was only a little bit of hair, but I traumatized my poor daughter. I don't think she will ever do that again to say the least. And I'm now I'll be much more careful with what she brings to do my hair.

I'm back!

2009-01-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

I did try to post something a week or two ago, but when I pulled up my blog it was still all Christmas, and "The Cutest Blog on the Block" was down, and heaven forbid I should try and do anything more complicated than that, so I just shut it all down.

Life is busy crazy and fun!

Jman is way too busy, and he loves it. He just finished his first science fair project and he did really well, he didn't move on, but he learned a lot about iron. He also on the swim team, playing basketball, in the school play, and in cub scouts.

Mr. T is my sweetheart! He is also in the school play "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and he had his first basketball game on Thursday. He was so excited he got ready for the game right after school even though the game wasn't until 7:30.

Boo is still into everything! She loves her dance class and loves to go to her friend's house to play while I volunteer at the school. She also loves dress ups, makeup, and being a princess.

Roo still amazes me with how fast she learns things! She took her first steps this past week and FINALLY SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! Not that I'm excited about that at all... She also figured out how to open my brand new mascara and painted her lips with it. Oh the joys of motherhood.

Life just keeps on going! gotta love it!

Christmas traditions

2008-12-22T20:56:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is going to the Christmas display in downtown Ogden. There are lots of little buildings all decked out in holiday splendor. My kids love running to each one to see what wonders it stores, and of course, the high light of the night is a visit to Santa Claus. This year I forgot my camera!!! Roo's first visit to Santa and no picture! Nate took some with his phone, but it just isn't the same.

Other traditions I love are making Christmas candy. My sister Trisha came and we spent hours making all the yummy treats my Grandma Ruth used to make... golf balls, English toffee, peanut clusters, peppermint balls, Chex mix, and I could go on and on. It reminds me so much of my grandma and the hours I spent at her house making treats. I'm amazed at her patience, because I have a very hard time letting my kids help. I want it done just a certain way. Mr. T loves to help and so does Boo. I can't wait until they are old enough to really help.

Every year we go to my dear friend Carolyn's house for a lasagna dinner and gift giving. We look forward to it all year long, and so nice to visit with her, Allison and James.

I also love putting up the decorations and shopping for the perfect tree. Putting the lights on the tree, not so much, but I do love decorating the tree. Especially since we inherited an artificial tree for the downstairs that the kids can decorate any way they want.

Christmas Eve is just magical! I love our traditional soup dinner in bread bowls followed by the Nativity scene done by all the grandkids. After that we have a talent show where EVERYONE from the babies on up to Grandpa all participate. It is full of laughter and tears, singing, stories, jokes, and piano.

Then there is the magic of Christmas morning. I have to admit, I'm the last one to bed and the first one up. I have to wait and wait for the kids to wake up. I've even been guilty of waking them when they didn't get up soon enough. This is usually around 6 or 6:30a.m.

Of course there are lots of tears and lots of yelling this time of year. The excitement is crazy and I get stressed right out, but through it all I love it! This year I'm especially loving the "If you don't be good I'm going to call Santa..." It is working like a charm for Mr. T and Boo. I'll be very sad when I can't use that one any more.

I didn't send Christmas cards this year, so to everyone who reads this have a very merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!!!

I love Christmas

2008-12-18T07:58:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas! Which would explain why I have fallen off the blogging world for a while. There are just too many fun things to do like shopping, shopping, shopping!!! I've spent way too much but had a great time doing it. I've also discovered the joys of shopping online. Then you get the shopping high twice. Once when you order the present and the next time when it arrives.

There are many things I love about the season, and if I can slow down for 2 minutes, I'll share more, but for now I've got to run!

Day before Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

I know this not a the typical way to spend the day before Thanksgiving, but I found this great deal on green beans yesterday. So The kids and I spent several hours yesterday trimming beans and then I blanched them and got them ready to freeze today. I got 14 bags of beans and have enough for my entire family for Thanksgiving and two additional meals of fresh beans. All for $10.00!!! I was pretty excited.

When you spend that much time working with beans, sooner or later Roo will find one or two or twenty...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I bigger now!

2008-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Boo just called me Heather.
I said, "Why did you call me Heather"
"Because I bigger now"

Not big enough to call me Heather!!!

Eye rolling

2008-11-19T12:34:00.000-08:00

Jman has discovered the unique talent of rolling your eyes. Never realized quite how irritating that one could be. It is even doubly nice when you know you are being irrational and probably deserve it! I'm so excited to be able to experience this for the next 20 plus years ;)

When do you take you baby to the doctor?

2008-11-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

As many of you know we have horrible insurance so I won't get into that here. So I struggle taking my kids to the doctor unless it is really serious. Roo has been sick for several days now. No fever, just runny nose, not eating much, and fussy. Just when I think she is better, she gets worse. When do you decide your kids need to go in? (And pretend it will cost you at least $75.00 when you go.)

Milk on Roo's head...

2008-11-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the nice comments about my bad day. A few of you asked how I poured milk on Roo's head. Well... my nice friend had given us a plate of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (one of my favs! Okay so the day wasn't a total bust) and, of course, you have to have milk with those right? So Boo wanted some milk. She held the glass while I poured. When she had enough milk she took her glass away. I kept pouring. Poor Roo!
By the way, she wasn't crying until a second before I snapped this picture.

Does anyone want 3 maybe 4 kids???

2008-11-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

Yes it has been one of those days.

Jman lied about doing his homework the DAY after he promised me and his teacher he would do it. He then spent 3 hours sitting at the kitchen counter in which time he managed to complete about 10 problems. (They each take no more than 30 sec. tops!)

Mr. T was supposed to clean his room (How can it go from being completely clean to a tornado hit in less than a day?) Anyway, after a while he asked me to come check it. He had picked up ONE pair of pants (that were clean) and put them in the dirty clothes. That was it.

Boo was asked to pick up the videos and DVDs she and Roo had taken out of the shelfs. Two hours later, not done, but beautifully rearranged several times around the room.

Roo can't decide what she wants. She must not feel very good, because she cries over everything. Beside the fact that she fell down the stairs by pushing the gate over and the minor fact that I poured milk on her head. Hmmm, I wonder why she is having a bad day???

I'm not sure which of the three I'm giving away, and which one I'd keep at this point, maybe they are all up for grabs. Any takers?

I have a primary meeting to go to tonight. I wasn't really looking forward to it. I feel like I have a pretty good handle on my calling. But now I'm counting the minutes until I can escape the madness!

Bad mother of the day award goes to....

2008-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

Today while I was reading blogs, and surfing the net. Just having finished my life support system of my daily Diet Coke; Roo was getting fussy so I gave her my Diet Coke can to play with. (Can you see where this is going?) So being a eight month old she plays with it and has a lot of fun until she sticks her finger in the top and cuts it. Good thinking Mom!!! Someone give me a gold star for the day please?

FRUSTRATED!!!

2008-11-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

How many times have you had the missionaries over for dinner and they have ended the meal with a message about finding people for them to teach? Always, right? Well, I finally did it. I invited our great neighbor Kerry over for dinner last night with the missionaries. I even talked to the missionaries a week before so they knew what I was doing and asked them to schedule some extra time after dinner so we could talk.

Well I stressed about it all week and was really kind of excited about it too. The night finally came and dinner went really pretty well. (I burned the rolls, but, oh well, not much I can do about that.) The missionaries didn't bring up anything religious during dinner, which was fine too, because I knew we had extra time after for that. As dinner was getting over Nate asked what time they had to leave and it was right then. I was shocked, but didn't want to say anything in front of Kerry. I asked them for a spiritual thought even a 30 second thought before they left and they wouldn't even do that! I was lucky to get a prayer before they left!!!

After they left my plan B was to watch the "Testaments" DVD so we had something religious to talk about. Well, I guess we watched it on Nate's laptop at some point and he accidentally took it to work. So we couldn't even do that.

Talk about frustrating!!! I had really worked hard to set this opportunity up, and it is not something that comes easily for me at all. Now, I'm back to square one and have to come up with another opportunity to talk about the gospel.

Kerry, if you ever chance to read this, please know we really enjoyed your company and are very glad you came.

Oh so sweet...

2008-11-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

On Halloween night I was sitting next to Mr. T while he was eating his candy.
He said, "Mom, do you like Twix"
I said, "Yes."
He said, "You can have this one."
I said, "Thanks Mr. T."
He said, "Having lots of candy is nice, but sharing it is even better."

Does that just melt your heart or what???

Thanks Bonnie

2008-11-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

My great friend Bonnie came over today to help me with several things on my blog that I couldn't figure out. Notice the fun changes? THANKS BONNIE!!!

2008-11-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

Check out these great costumes on my friend's blog.

The election.

2008-11-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

I voted!!! I have to admit I really truly struggled with who to vote for this year. I went back and forth several times, and although I am a registered Republican, Obama got my vote. I like him. Plain and simple. I like him. And for the most part I like what he stands for and what he wants to do. I'm in disagreement with my husband who now thinks this is the beginning of the end, I some how think we will survive, and hopefully be better for it. Now before all my staunch McCain friends and relatives fall off their chairs and disown me. Remember I live in Utah so my vote didn't count (most red state in the nation), and my husband and I cancelled each other's vote anyway. I'm just so amazingly grateful that we live in a country that allows us the opportunity to vote and be a part of this great event.

On a side note... it has also given me hope that ANYONE can become president. I'd gotten to the point that I believed only the mega rich could run and be elected. It's nice to see a Hockey mom and someone from more humble roots be on the ticket!

2008-11-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween! I know there are a ton of blogs today, but I've been too busy having fun to blog them as I've gone along. There are pumpkin walks, ward parties, city carnivals, picking pumpkins, carving pumpkins, family parties, school parades, school parties, and don't forget the all important trick or treating!!! This year we gave out hot chocolate packets and they were a huge hit! Anyway, we've had a fun week hope you all did too.

Jman's Halloween

2008-11-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Fun at the Boonanza.

Cute cousins in costumes.

Donuts on a string.

Counting the loot.

Mr. T's Halloween

2008-11-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Awesome Star Wars guys at the Boonanza!

Mr. T's class before the school parade.

Donuts on a string at our cousin party

Commander Rex at your service!

Boo's Halloween

2008-11-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Fish pond at the ward party.

Boo was so tired she fell asleep and we couldn't wake her up. We put her up to the table for dinner, and she fell fast asleep.

Isn't she a darling witch?

Candy anyone?

Roo's First Halloween!

2008-11-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Cute little black cat!

Crawling kitty.

Roo loves the swings

Roo spent a good deal of her first Halloween snoozing away! I'm jealous.

Pumpkin Walk

2008-11-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

We went to the pumpkin walk with a thousand other people. The jack-o-lanterns were cool, but so was the night and everyone was ready to be done when it was not even half over. Oh well, we had a good time, it was free, and the kids got to wear their costumes; and in my world the more use of the costumes the better. Here are some of our favorites. (I excluded the BYU ones sorry Petersen cousins ;)

Wow! What an outfit!

2008-10-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Boo decided to get dressed while I was cleaning out all her summer clothes. Doesn't she look lovely?

I love you because...

2008-10-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

Mr. T and I played a little game last night. He'd just gotten yelled at because he was trying to be too helpful while dad was making a cake. So we played "I love you because..." At first he said he could only think of one reason he loved me, but as we kept going his smile got bigger and bigger and I felt better and better too. Okay, so it was kind of a gimmick, but it worked and everyone was happy.:)

Homesickness

2008-10-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Do any of your children suffer from homesickness? It is truly a miserable thing. Last week my kids got to go to their cousin's house for a fun, fun, day. They played video games, watched movies, went miniature golfing, drove go carts, and had pizza; in other words the perfect kid day. Until it was time to go to sleep. Mr. T and Boo went to sleep no problem, Jman, on the other hand, did not. I had to talk to him on the phone for an hour and a half before he could fall asleep and by then it was 11:30.

Not only that, he struggles everywhere!!! Even in his own bed. Last night he waited until I fell asleep and then slipped upstairs and slept in Boo's bed. (She was asleep with me on the couch because she was sick.) I need help! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I know he comes by this naturally, I got terribly homesick as a kid, but I still need some advice.

SLEEP FINALLY!!!

2008-10-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

I got almost six hours of almost completely uninterrupted sleep last night!!! (Boo climbed in bed with us and I felt that and I was awake for less than 30 seconds.) But other than that I went to sleep at 11:00p.m. and woke up this morning at 4:45! It was truly heavenly. Small things bring me joy can you tell?

What were you doing at 3:30 this morning???

2008-10-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, the saga continues... I got up with her a couple of times last night and she went right back to sleep YEAH! But then at 3:15 she was AWAKE! At least last night she wasn't screaming, she just wasn't going to sleep either. Roo stayed in her crib for a while, but she really just wanted to be held and not sleep. Finally after about an hour of this we went and watched Sense and Sensibility and that finally put her to sleep. She slept for about an hour and then decided it was breakfast time and time to play. I put the gate up let her play, and I slept. She is now sleeping peacefully while I try to survive another day with too little sleep.

What a good kid!

2008-10-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was in the school parking lot when a teacher, not Mr. T's normal teacher, but one that he goes to often, came up to me. She just wanted to let me know what a good student Mr. T was. She said he was such a good example to the other kids in his class. It made my whole day! Isn't that what every parent wants to hear. (And in my case almost never do.) Anyway it's amazing how such a small thing can make your day.

Who needs sleep anyway???

2008-10-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

This beautiful child is making me crazy!!! Why do you need to sleep if you can just nurse every hour all night long. She is no longer allowed to do this, and she doesn't care for it one little bit. So she screams loudly and fights as hard as she can until she finally gives up and goes to sleep for another hour and then we repeat the process. Any good advice out there? If your reading I'd love to hear from you, just click on the comment link and let me know what to do. Or just say hi!

Congrats Jman

2008-10-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Jman really wanted to be on the student council. He kept saying things like,
"When I'm on the student council I'll have to do this."
I kept trying to help him not get too excited because several kids wanted to do it and I didn't want him to be disappointed.

To be picked he had to answer several questions about why he would be a good rep for his class. Then all the 5th grade teachers voted on who's answers they thought were the best. Jman was chosen for the first half of the year. I'm so proud of him! I know he will do a great job. His first meeting is tomorrow morning at 7:45 and he is soooo excited!

Dance Class

2008-10-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite times of the week is Tuesday mornings. That is when I get to take Boo to her dance class. A bunch of preschoolers dancing around thinking they are princesses, what could be more fun. Roo loves to watch. She crys until I move her car seat so she can see then she just smiles and laughs the whole time.

Conference Craft

2008-10-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love conference weekend! We always go to my sister's house and have a great time together. This year I decided to do a craft during the morning session. My kids all helped paint the boxes and then I finished them. I'm really pleased with how they turned out. I seem to listen better when I have something to do with my hands.

Disneyland for free...

2008-09-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

Disneyland is giving away free passes on your birthday!!! You have to go on your b-day, but if you buy a parkhopper pass they will give you other cool things instead! I wish my husbands insurance hadn't wiped out our extra play money. Oh well, maybe we will win the lottery and then we can go.

The website is... http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=FreeOnYourBirthdayPage

Saturday is a special day...

2008-09-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

"Saturday is a special day it's the day we get ready for Sunday." Right? Not in our world . Saturday is the day we spend going to soccer games. Mr. T's team plays well, they win every game (but we aren't keeping score are we?) Mr. T is very happy to play defense, because it means less running for him. And of course there is a treat at the end of the game.

Jman's team has struggled this year, until yesterday! They won!!! And Jman scored two goals. He also got to shoot a penalty shot...he decided to psyke sp? the goalie out so he used his bad leg to kick the ball. I tried not to laugh as I explained that on a penalty shot you just give it your best kick. The totally ironic part of that is that he is left footed so he would have psyked the goalie out if he had just kicked normally. Oh well, we are just happy they won.

Saturday night I got to go out to dinner and to the Women's Conference with my sisters and friend Carrie. We had a great time even though Roo got a little spooked with the lights out, so we spent most of the conference sitting in the foyer. Dinner was great and any time I can spend being with my family is high point of my life

I did them all, Mom!

2008-09-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading my friend Krissi's AWESOME grateful blog and was feeling so good about the day. I decided to make Nate's favorite muffins for breakfast. Good idea right? Well, Boo wanted to help, of course, and so we got started. We had just gotten the eggs out when nature called and I had to take a short break. When I was washing my hands my little angel said through the door,
"I did them all, Mom."
"What?" was my reply.
"I did them all, Mom."
Followed soon there after with her standard reply...
"Sorry, Mom."

Yes that is seven eggs in the bowl. The recipe called for two.

Oh the joys...

2008-09-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I was pleasantly sitting at my computer when I heard, "Jman, you've got to come see this!" Not a good sign. I went to the voice and found my entire bathroom flooded with water, running down the hall and more coming out of the toilet by the second. I wanted to just turn around and hide. Why do I have to be the grown up?

Jman fessed up that he had probably used more t-paper than he should have, and thankfully was willing to help clean up the mess. Gross, gross, gross!!!

"Big The Musical"

2008-09-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

Our anniversary has always been something that comes and goes and we always say we'll do something, but then we never do. (Sound familiar to anyone?) Anyway, This year we actually did something! We bought season tickets to Hale Center Theater. It has been awesome we actually go out on a date every 2 to 3 months! Nate likes it so much that every time we go he says we have to do this again next year.

Well, this month it was "Big The Musical" To say the least I was a little disappointed. It just wasn't up to the level we have come to expect there. Oh well, we went out to dinner with Trisha and her husband Jacob and had a nice evening and, I have to say getting out is always a treat for me.

My cute kids.

2008-09-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

I now see how this could become completely addicting, I mean just look at these cute kids. ;) I guess I should have put the pictures in when I told about them, but give me time, I'll try and get better at this.

Boo

2008-09-19T13:59:00.001-07:00

My curly little angel.

Roo at 6 months

2008-09-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

2008-09-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Mr. T on the first day of 1st grade