One Moment In Time

DEW TOUR

2010-12-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

We hit up the 2010 Dew Tour this year in Salt lake city. There is just something about dirt bikes and skate boards that I love.... everyone else seemed to love it too! They block off a whole street and do fun booths for the kids. And I think Scott enjoyed the Mt. Dew taste testing station.

The riders were incredibly talented and really young. I was impressed with all the tricks, flips and jumps they pulled off. Really fun to watch.

We met up with my brother Cory and his Sweet wife Brit. They are big Dew Tour fans too. It was a fun day besides the ridiculously long lines and extreme heat! But who remembers that part, right??

Top of Utah Half

2010-12-15T12:02:00.000-08:00

I ran and finished my first half marathon this year! Go Me! My good friend Emerald who has done this race a few times and gave me lots of good tips and trained with me a little before hand. She rocked it!

My legs were Jello by the end but I was so happy with what I had accomplished. I came in just barely under 2 hours. Which exceeded all my expectations! I felt really good about it.

Thank you for water stations! and the one hour massage we booked for afterwards!(that was a definent must) Hope this was my first of many... races, that is! I'll be ok to include massages as well.

First Day of School

2010-12-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

I think they are really excited about their first day! You wouldn't know it by the looks on their faces... but it's oozing out of them... I can feel it! "SCHOOL, SCHOOL, SCHOOL!!! WE LOVE SCHOOL!" ok, maybe not.... Mr. K on the other hand was very excited to be starting Kindergarton this year. He has loved school and coming home and doing his little homework pages. It has been so fun to see him starting to read and enjoy learning. We hope it stays that way....

hair today, gone tomorrow

2010-12-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

This boy loves his shaggy long locks... Not sure if it's becuase the neighbor loves it as well and has made up songs about his beautiful long hair. Or the fact that it keeps the cold out in the winter almost like earmuffs (but better) But his momma can't handle it when he wakes up every morning and it looks like he stuck his finger in a light socket! (this is not an exaggeration) So as much as we love the long hair.... We told it good bye. (I'm sure in a few months it will be right back to this)

Halloween Part 2

2010-12-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

We have Mr. K as a Zombie Killer and Mr. B as the Devil.... Mr. B had earned some money working for his grandpa and used it all to buy the skeleton guy next to him! Oh well... to each his own. Love the way they pose! Be afraid, very Afraid!

halloween

2010-12-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

I don't think I was too "wicked" but i was more of a FUN witch! This Kid was all about the Scary.

THinking of sending this family photo out on our Christmas Cards (if i ever got around to sending them out...hmmm... maybe next year!)

Gingerbread house

2010-12-14T13:48:00.000-08:00

It was a Friday night and definetly not quit as a mouse as the boys were busy making a gingerbread house! Mr. B used some frosting to make a santa mustache and beard!

Mr. K enjoys sharing "PEACE" with everyone :)

They worked really hard and we spent lots of time with an M&M roof and sugar cookie tree in the backyard.

It was so much fun to create this with them and see their smiling faces... Interesting though that every day I find a little more of the house missing... First it was a few frosting icicles and then a few M&M Christmas lights here and there... maybe I should take an after picture and see what's remaining by Christmas day!

baby on board

2010-12-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to Blog.... In fact I've looked at my blog many a times the past few months and thought to myself "I really need to update this..." but I just haven't felt up to it. wHY, one might ask??? Well... I think the words "morning SickNess" do not justify the past 7 weeks for me!

The good news, WE ARE HAVIN A BABY! bad News, I'm not an easy prego lady :( Puking my guts outs, dyhdration, sleeping 16 hours, no energy, a small amount of depression and 2 medications later.... I believe we are gonna make it through! A little light is gleaming at the end of this lllloooonnnnnnggggggg 7 week tunnel I've been in and lookin forward to brighter days ahead! HAd my first doctor appointment today. We got to see our sweet baby and everything looked good. Loved this little profile pic and love how clear you can see all it's little parts. February will be the big reveal so perhaps we should start putting money in the pot right now for Girl v's Boy! Thought I would show off my little baby bump as well and a little smile for posterity that all is well with the pregnant mamma! I've survived the first trimester... shouting HALLELulIah feels appropriate :)

We will commense the blogging :)

Cardboard boat

2010-08-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ahhh.....the imagination and creativity of children, my children in particular! What better to do with a big cardboard box than throw it away?? Why not turn it into a boat! These boys spent days working on this creation. They put a lot of thought into the detail, including skateboard seats, some nice tape work, a little Elmer's glue, some paint and a sturdy stick with a flipper hooked to the end for a paddle! There could have been no better way to spend our last day of summer. We packed up the boat and took it up to first dam to see if and how long this thing would float! Smooth sailing so far! I was impressed that it was 1-actually floating, 2-floating holding all 3 of them and 3-they actually seemed to know what they were doing and could paddle them selves around the lake.

Mr. B didn't want to stay in for long but the other 2 kept right on going! Notice the water level is getting slightly higher! No worries for them.

It took almost an hour for the boat to finally decide to sink! They worked hard to bail out as much water as they could with Mr. E's tennis shoes! But when it went down, it went down quick, and they were in need of a rescue operation! (even though the water was knee deep ;)

Scott used to be a life guard, so his skilz came in handy. Not sure what Mr. E is doing here, something between showing off his 6pack ab's and wanting to take a swim!

Good times, better memories! Till next year....

Lovely Garden

2010-08-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

This was our first year to plant a garden. Scott spent so many hours creating the perfect garden space. I told him what I wanted and it turned out way better than I ever could have imagined! I bought a package of wild flowers from the dollar store and sprinkled them around the garden for a border. They grew amazingly well! I love them. They are so fun and so different.

There is nothing quit as sweet as picking your own vegetables and being able to savor every bite and think to one's self "I made this!" Having a garden pretty much rocks. I don't think we did to bad for our first time!

IcE BloCkinG

2010-08-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

This summer included a To-Do list. All the fun things we wanted to fit in before summers end. Riding down a grassy hill on a block of hard cold ICE was up near the top! It took about 3 stops before we could actually find BLOCKS of ice. Apparently crushed is more popular...Who knew?! Even Scott took a turn! I think he secretly loved it and would have done it all day if work didn't require him to sleep during the day :/

This boy was BrAve! He had a blast and the only part I think he didn't like was carrying his block of ice back up the hill. But who really likes that??

I love the intense look on Mr.E's face. He was extremely hot and thirsty and felt it was his duty to eat all of the Popsicles and then wait for a slow drip off the ice block to wet his tongue and quench his extreme thirst! He has such a creative mind, I love to see him think!

This boy is just laid back and down for a good time! Loved the wind rushin through his hair as he flew down the hill! No complaints, just happy to be there! It was such a fun afternoon. We are checkin it off the list! Good times in the SummEr!

R.I.P.

2010-08-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Mr. B and Mr. K were given some hamsters for their B-day. I thought they were getting 1, but it ended up being 4... (that's a whole other story) These little critters kept sneaking out of their cages and into my house! (creepy, I know!) so I had the boys move their cage outside. The boys must have mistaken Chloe for a cat instead of a hamster because they let her climb a tree, which she did ok climbing up, but not so good coming down..... :( Dear chlobo (the nickname the boys gave her) lived only a few short hours after the fall. Their was a small graveside service for her and this beautiful headstone was erected in her honor! May we never forget our dear friend and pet... Chlobo. Rest in Peace girl.

Demolition Derby!

2010-07-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Scott caught this awesome shirt that they were throwing out into the crowd. Fits Mr. K perfectly! Nice close up, I know... Whose glasses are bigger??

Loved the DERBY! So much fun. All the smashing, hitting, crashing! Found myself enjoying it way more than I expected!

This was my favorite car, 1- because it was pink! and 2 - it had a girl driver (girls rock!) 3- this girl rocked the derby and won! I was surprised at the number of girls that were out there gettin smashed. They did a great job... who knows, maybe I'll pick up a side job. Looked pretty fun!

These cute kids had their faces glued to the fence watching every move those cars made! Lucky for me they pulled away for 1 quick second so I could snap a pic of their adorable faces! Thanks boyz!

Play Ball!

2010-07-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

Mr. B and Mr. K decided to play baseball and T-ball this year. I'd have to say it wasn't the most competitive season. More of just lets give everyone a turn to bat and run the bases. They both had a lot of fun though and especially loved the treats at the end of the game. Kinda thinkin that is what's gonna pull them into next season! This kid is determined! Ready for that ball to come his way!

This kid I adore! I love him smiling through the catchers mask. So cute! I was sitting on the sidelines and he would run over to me (in the middle of the game) and say "hey mom, I'm playin catcher!" I know buddy!

Nothin like a little victory dance after you have made it safely on base!

Swing Batta! This boy has an arm and can hit and throw! So proud of him. Can't wait to see what the future has in store for this guy!

RAGNAR 2010

2010-07-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

This is the team! "The Finishers"...and we did just that. (even a little faster that we thought!)

RAGNAR.... one word that says soooo much. 188 Miles. 12 incredible people. Alot of running. Not alot of sleep. An oppurtunity to do something hard and feel that sense of accomplishment... kinda like "if i can do this, I can do anything!" You know the feeling? Leg 33. The Official "RAGNAR" leg. 4 miles straight up a mountain. This is Jesus passing of to me... I was so determined. So ready to run it. So ready to pass anyone that got in my way. Felt a little bit like an animal! I had this killer instinct... I was going to take this mountain down! Worked pretty good :) definetly felt like it was a mind game and it felt so good when I finished.

Gettin ready for my night run. Was hoping people would be able to see me with my bright purple pants (which I love love love!) my reflective vest and my awesome headlamp (which by the way kept flickering on and off the last couple miles of my run...but whatever. I'm hardcore. Who needs a light?!) Loved this run so much. 7.8 miles headed up a dark canyon. Only seeing about 5 other people. It ended up being very spiritual and extremely rewarding.

My sweet friends Megan and her Step-dad Jesus. What amazing wonderful people! So glad I got to spend time with them, run with them, sweat with them and share with them this incredible experience!

BeAr SpRaY

2010-07-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

How Sad is this Picture... It makes me cringe and I think "OucH!" Every time I see this little guy. While I was cleaning the guest room yesterday Mr. B came in and started messing around with some hiking stuff that was on the floor. He picked up a can thinking it was a weird water bottle of some sort(Not quit) Some how he flipped the lid and this Incredibly Powerful and Awful spray came out! He started screaming instantly, holding his eyes and coughing. In the 2 seconds it took me to grab his arm and get him to drop the bottle my eyes were on fire and I could barely breath! I blindly dragged him to the bathroom, while yelling for Mr. E to go get Scott. We spent the next 45 min gagging, choking, flushing, washing, puking that stuff out of our system! Not fun... Scott called the emergency number and they said it wasn't going to kill us (thank goodness) but to just keep washing it out. Poor Mr. B was in so much pain. Not a fun thing for a mother to hear her boy crying in pain and not be able to make it go away. This is Mr. B the day after. The burns look pretty bad but he says he isn't in any pain. Hoping it will just keep healing but keeping a close watch on him. We definitely know that it will keep bears away! We are trying to decide if that is the upside to the story.... I told him it will probably seem funny in a couple of weeks, and a good tale to tell, but maybe we need some time to forget how bad the pain was. My sister did some research and called me to say that police officers are not even allowed to use the Bear Spray on Criminals because it is to strong and it would be considered assault! Crazy, Crazy... Apparently the spray creates a mist that goes out about 30 ft. so that IF a bear were coming you wouldn't have to get close to it. You could just spray and run! So think of that in a house! Scott was gagging in the garbage(I know that is a pleasant picture to think of!) while trying to get the windows open and fans going. He was a lifesaver. He totally helped Mr. B wash off while I was busy puking (I know, I know... I am creating a lovely picture!) Just thankful he was there to help. Yikes!What a day. This is one moment I would like to never re-create....

The perfectly Chocolate cake

2010-07-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

For Mr. B's birthday we threw him a surprise party! It went perfectly (how often does that happen?!) I had asked him the week before if I made him a cake what kind he would want... His response was sweet, and perfect. "Mom, you know that chocolate cake we made a while ago, just me and you. That was the best cake ever. I want that cake!"

Yes, these are the chocolate curls. I want to lick the page right now!

SO I made this cake a day before the party and since it was a "SurPrise" I couldn't leave it out in the open. So it sat in my room (tourture!!!) for a full 24 hours. Every time I opened the door, there it was... starring at me from across the way.. filling my room with a rich, decadent chocolate aroma! Pretty sure that was the hardest 24 hours I have had in a while. Luckily I survived, and so did the cake!

I love these!

2010-07-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

I love me a muffin...

Even a mini muffin.... or 2, or 3... ok, maybe even 4!

kickin it!

2010-07-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

Mr. E and Mr. B chose to play soccer this spring. Wow... Brought back some good memories! Everyone that knows me (k, most of you...) Knows that Soccer was my Sport! For years.... the smell of grass on my not so clean uniform. Duct tape on my cleats so that they felt just right. The rush of dribbling the ball down the field and passing it off or shooting for a goal! The adrenaline of being state champs my Junior year. And the bond created between father and daughter because of a coach/player relationship. It was awesome!

These boys weren't too Shabby! It was so fun to watch them play. To see their skilz and watch them be part of a team. ( Mr. E was makin a fashion statement with his double shorts!)

What a great game! I don't know if they will play again next year. Mr. E's team never won a game which was a little disappointing for him, but he really did his best. Hopefully he learned that greater lesson... "winning isn't everything"

Breck scored a couple of goals this season and really took to the sport. He is a talented athlete. He really enjoyed playing defender and did really well there. These boys don't hold still and let time pass them by. They are growing so fast. Every time I turn around they amaze me! Lucky me...

TiMbeR!

2010-07-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon... My sweet Husband and I were watching a movie on the couch when all of a sudden we here this HUGE "CRASH" we both jumped from the couch and ran outside! To our shock and great surprise a huge limb from the tree in our neighbors back yard had broken off! And when I say HUGE, I mean HUGE!!! The thing could have been it's own tree! Luckily no one was injured (including small pets!) It did had a nice leaning effect to the neighbors shed. Broke up a dog run and did a slight bit of damage to the roof... Ouch!

It took 3 chainsaws and close to 12 hours to clean up the mess. We did get some good stumps for our fire pit and enough firewood to last us a whole summer. Kinda crazy... No wind... no stormy weather. Just Crack, Crash, BOOM!

I was later informed that this kind of thing happens alot here in Logan. May be investing in a hard hat!

"Aarrrghh" I love me a slip-n-slide!"

2010-07-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

Mr. K celebrated his 5th birthday this year! What a fun and exciting age. He seems to want to exert his independence every chance he gets! He planned his entire party. Every detail from the "Pirate theme" to the cake and games he wanted his friends to play (which included rides on the slip-n-slide) Mind you this party was in May... and here in Logan I am guessing we were in the mid 60's, so definitely not a super hot day! They were all brave and very good sports and I think they actually really enjoyed every minute of it! Mr. K felt like it was a huge success and has now planned out his next 2 birthday parties, which will include a cowboy party, and a kung-fu party! He kept asking the day after his birthday how long until his next birthday! It's always good to plan ahead,right?!

Oh what Do you Do in the Summertime?

2010-07-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

"Oh what do you do in the summertime when all the world is Green? Do you drink lemonade, or swim in the pool...or gaze at the nighttime sky?" Is that what you do? So do I... I mean, wait! Not really... we like to build a huge bed in the living room out of pillow cushions, blankets and other random soft objects and see if our mom will let us sleep in it every night! Yeah... that's what we like to do :)

Moab

2010-06-12T18:15:00.001-07:00

We recently took a little family vaca to Moab with My sister's family. Besides the 103 degree weather, the nats, and the whinning of tired kids, I think we all had a blast!

The kids had so much fun with their cousins! Ky was ready to move in, and so sad/throwing a huge tantrum to be seperated from his "good buddy Austin"

The Scenery is breathtaking... I think as I get older I am learning to really appreciate God's magnificent creations that surround us.

Love to see them smiling...

Baptism

2010-06-12T18:07:00.001-07:00

What a Perfect day! Mr. B was baptized today. His Grandma Wasuita was able to give the talk on Baptism and he asked me to give the Holy Ghost talk. His Grandpa Dodge gave the opening prayer and Uncle Cory gave the closing. His cousins sang a special musical number and his aunts Jennifer and Kristy did the music for us. but my favorite part was seeing him be Baptized and Confirmed a member of the church by Scott.... It was so special for me to see them in that setting and hopefully for them. I really felt the spirit and was filled with a joy for family and the unity that was there. It was a very peaceful day filled with love, happiness and wonderful memories... Breck, someday you will read this and I want you to know how much your parents and family love you. Your Heavenly Father loves you.... and Heaven was smiling down upon you today....

The Beehive State

2010-05-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

So this year as a 4th grader, Mr. E got to participate in a school project. The object was to create a piece of artwork that displays our Utah State symbol which is "The Beehive" and show why that was chosen as a representation for out state. Mr. E and his creative mind came up with this salt dough sculpture.

I was really proud of him for the work he put into it! He had to assemble it 3 different times because he couldn't get the dough to form how he wanted, but he didn't give up. He painted it himself and also came up with the reasons why beehives represent our state.

This kid makes me smile. He is so creative and knowledgeable. He is definitely going places!

My Lost Boy!

2010-05-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

My little guy was so excited to go to the dollar store and find a "treasure." He came home with a Bow and Arrow set that he and played and played and played with! If you look close you can see that the bow is stuck down the back of his shirt, for quick access when hunting! And his arrows and plastic knife are in his little back pocket, right with in reach. He was running around shooting things and yells to me "Mom, I'm an Engine!" I said "you mean an "Indian?" yeah... one of those, like on "Peter Pan"(his fav movie!) My response was, "oh, like a lost boy?" "Yep, I'm a lost boy!" It was pretty cute. Next thing I know, my little "Lost Boy" had climbed on the couch and fallen fast asleep! It's pretty tough country out here... wore him right out :)

St. George Vaca Part 2

2010-04-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

So the second half of our weekend getaway was spent in Beautiful Zions!(What an extremely perfect name for the place) I fell in love. Head over heels, fast and hard.... This place melted my heart.... The "Emerald Pools" hike was my favorite. The algie that grows there turns the water this magnificent green color. It was breathtaking.

The cliffs and sheer size of the mountains were very awe inspiring... Let me know that our creator was so mindful of detail and took great pride his work.

The men: all reading a different map! Which way should we go??!!

Those boyz..... they melt my heart too :)

Going in the Spring is a must! All of the run off is there and it creates these amazing waterfalls. But I heard the fall is pretty spectacular as well. Perhaps I will have to go visit again to see for myself!

Nothin like hangin with your cousins, climbin rocks and gettin dirty!

Nothin wrong with a Bandanna. (this kid is adorable!)

This place is on my list! If you need a great place to go as a family(or as a couple, hint hint... husband if you are reading this!) Totally worth it, if you are into gorgeous scenery, fresh air, breathtaking views and that sort of thing.... otherwise there's always the outlet malls! (Zions beat the outlet mall hands down!)

St. George Vaca Part 1

2010-04-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

We took a weekend trip down to St.George a couple of weeks ago and it was Heavenly! We were able to do some really fun, exciting things, that for me created priceless memories.

We visited Snow Canyon which was like a big sandbox for the kids! They enjoyed burying them selves in the sand. It was fun to watch. The warmth of the sun and the sand on our toes was like therapy for my soul! I am so longing for summer, the carefree days with no homework, no place to be, just relaxing and being together.

2010-04-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Easter this year was celebrated the weekend before actual Easter! The boys were going to be in Salt Lake at their Dad's house so I wanted to make sure we got in all our Easter Traditions too! I love Traditions and the way they make a family go round, the way they bond us together and even more so, the memories they leave behind for us to carry on with. I think every Easter deserves a good egg hunt! We were able to enjoy 2 of them. One at the Sports Academy where I work. They did it by age group which is fun in the fact that the little ones get a chance to actually pick up the eggs, on the other hand.... having 3 kids in 3 different age groups made for a long.... long....long.... Easter egg hunt!

My sister and her sweet family came down and visited and we did our own little egg hunt with the cousins! We had the Men hide the eggs while the kiddos patiently waited! It was fun to see them with their cousins and looking and looking for those hidden eggs!

Nothing like using an Easter Basket to double as a hat! What else is it good for if it's empty, right?

My Favorite Easter tradition thus far is one we started about 3 years ago. I love, love, love it! We wake up early Easter Morning before the sun comes up, wrap the kids in their blankets, still wearing our PJ's. We all pile in the car, chocolate milk in one hand, doughnuts in the other! (If you are thinking you want to add this tradition to your family, this is a Must do part! Do not skip on the doughnuts and Milk!!) We drive somewhere... anywhere.... that we will be able to watch the sunrise. We park, and usually mom(that's me!) has some songs loaded on the IPOD that I play t0 help set the mood. We read the Easter Story from the Scriptures and this year we all took turns bearing our testimonies. It's really a beautiful thing... we talk about the symbolism of Christ and the sun rising. And then we wait, and wait, and wait. Till the sun finally peaks up and over the mountains and shines with all it's brightness and glory(it can be a bit blinding at times and overwhelming... or maybe that's the spirit, letting me know that with out a doubt, the son of God died for me and was resurrected.) I love this tradition and look forward to it more and more each year. And even though my kids are still little, they still get it... maybe that's the moment I like the most....

2010-04-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Mr. K got a Baseball hat for Easter. I have frequently found him in the bathroom starring in the Mirror.... just looking at his cool self (if i were him, I'd probably be doing the same thing!) He tells me that with his hat on side ways he is a "cool dude!" He has this killer smile and a way with the girls. I picked him up from Kidz Klub at the gym the other day and he leans over and whispers to me that he told his friends how to talk to girls. (from that first line, I knew this was gonna be good!) ME: Oh really, and what do you say to girls? Ky: "Sha-la-la" Me: (hiding my giggles not so well...) hmmm.... and what does it mean if you tell a girl "Sha-la-la" Ky: (in his super cool dude tone) "It means they will kiss you!" Me:totally crackin up at this point....HA! Ladies now you know the secret!! Use it wisely!

So April Fools has not exactly been a highly celebrated holiday around our house. But this year the boys really wanted to play tricks and Mr. B kept begging (seriously, it was like every 5 minutes!) for me to play a trick on him! No pressure here.... how do you trick someone that wants to be tricked??? Think, think, think.. it needs to be unexpected, it needs to be subtle, it needs to be creative, it needs to be with food! (only because I love it so dearly...ahhh) So my plan of action was to play dumb like I didn't know what Mr. B was talking about and that I didn't have any ideas of what I could do for a trick, all the while plotting away.... I came up with the idea to substitute the yummy filling in OREOS for the nastiness of CRISCO!

They looked believable enough.... Right???

ok, some were a little thicker than others. And the funny thing is, they thought they were double stuffed! Those boys were fighting over who got the biggest one! (hehehe)

I attempted to film this little trick and to my dismay I played a trick on myself and didn't have it on record :( April fools to me.... There were quit a few "BLLLaaahhhhs,, yuck, what is this??? ugghhh... Gross! I NEED TO SPIT!!!" Pretty entertaining if I do say so!

Boyz2Men!

2010-04-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know there are only 3, we still aren't sure where #4 is???

Jess having a "Pirate Moment" AAARRRRRrrr Matey!

Jess lookin like a fly girl! Loved this headband she wore! kinda want to steal it ;)

This year was a big one on the birthday scale for me and many of my dear friends. We have come of age and I feel like an official adult! 30 is here! So to celebrate, my sweet darling adorable friend Jessica and I hit up Wendover(I had never been) and the Boyz 2 Men concert. Ladies.... it was AWESOME! The boyz can still sing! We had so much fun. From sneaking up the aisle to some pretty sweet seats, to dancing with the gals next to us, to singing along at the top of our lungs "I'll make love to you! Like you want me too!" ahhhh.... it was so much more than I had expected and I was so fun to be sharing the good times with Jess. We ended up scoring some backstage passes and having the opportunity to meet the "Men" in person. It reminded me of Santa Claus at the mall,waiting in a really long line and then seeing him for about 2 minutes! Not quit the after party I was hoping for but still, up close and personal was well worth it! Afterwards Jess took me to the black Jack table to give me my first lesson in how to play my cards right. The deal was that I had $20 bucks and when it was gone, I was done :) My $20 turned into a $100. I was feelin good, I had my hotel room, concert ticket, dinner paid for and a little extra! I was feeling a bit overwhelmed about turning 30 and what that all meant... my small piece of advice, don't over think it! Just enjoy. 30 turned out to be not so shabby for Shelley ;) Can't wait for 31!

Derbies, puppies,V-day dinner and more!

2010-04-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

It's time to play a little catch up.... So here we go. Mr. E had his pine wood derby a while back. He spent some quality time workin on his car to make it just right! I never knew the effort and skilz that boys (and their dads...and step-dads!) put into these cars. So many little tricks and secrets to make the thing run just a little bit smoother and just a little bit faster! My boy did good though. He came in 4th place so all that hard work paid off!

Our neighbor Evan has been fostering some puppies for the Human Society and he brought them over a few times for the boys to see. Ahhhh.... those kids loved them! They wanted to cuddle them, and kiss them and never ever let them go! (they were pretty delicious I do admit!) They kept asking how much they cost and when Evan told them $150 they were putting their little brains together to see how they could come up with the money. Mind you we already own 2 dogs! They were very cute but I was definitely glad to see them go. I don't think this momma is cut out for more dogs :)

Yes I do realize the ca lander says April and I will be posting pics from Valentines day.... there is no excuse, but that's what is happening so just enjoy it! For Valentines day this year since it was on a Sunday we decided the option for a hot spicy date was just kinda out of the question (don't worry folks, we got the date in earlier!) We chose to have a little etiquette dinner for the boys at "Le Dawson" restaurant. This little whole in the wall was open for one night only with yours truly and the man of the house as the hostess and server. They boys made the decorations and we set the table with our fine china and some awesome goblets we scored at DI! They enjoyed a nice 4 course meal including appetizers, salad a main dish and dessert. We talked about manners and being polite and what to do if the food on your plate looks yucky! (not that any of them thought that...ok, maybe they did) They wore collared shirts and were perfect gentlemen! It was a fun night and something I hope we do again!

So in being the owner of 2 dogs there is quit a bit of work that goes into caring for them. They need to be fed, watered, taken out to the bathroom, played with, bathed and walked. It is a lot so every one gets to chip in! That's just how it works :) so I asked the boys to please take the dogs out for a walk and them with their creative little minds hooked the dogs up to the sled and had them pull them all around the back yard. We have a Yorkie poo and and English bulldog, so not exactly sled dogs.... but them seemed to work. Mr. E came in asking for dog treats to hook on a wire to dangle in front of the dogs so that they would chase it and run faster.(my kid is smart!)

I don't think I am quit all caught up, but some things deserve a post of their own so the pics may be old but the memories are too special to combine! I will BLOG better... I promise... cross my heart... pinky swear!!!

HAIR CUT

2010-03-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Having Boys is a Journey all in it's own! I love em, I'm confused by them frequently, I think they are funny and adorable! They know how to mess up a clean house in 2minutes flat ! I love when I see them being kind to each other and playing like the best friends I hope they will grow to be for each other. But being a girl myself every thing they do is new for me and I learn so much about this secret world of boys! Over the past few months the older 2 boys have wanted to grow their hair out. Long, shaggy, hanging in their eyes, muffed over their ears and they loved every strand of it! Apparently there is logic behind the long do, in the winter months this long hair keeps their little heads much warmer and traps the heat into their brains.... at least that is what I have been told ;) but with Spring right around the bend Mr. E has decided enough with the long hair and was ready to take it short! How exciting for me! I am no professional barber, far from it, but if there is a need there is a way..... (and my personal theory is, if it's really bad ,give it 3 days and it will grow out!) So there we were in the bathroom, me with the clippers, my boy stripped down to his underwear and a black hair cutting cape! That first BUZZZZ was a little scary and seeing his long locks drop to the floor was a little shocking(just surprised at the sheer amount of hair that had been hiding on that head of his!) We clipped, and buzzed, snipped and combed. He tilted his head forward, back to the side and back again! My favorite was the part where we were half way done and he wanted to look in the mirror. The boy had a full on Mullet! I told him we should keep it that way, even if it was only for a few days.... weird, he said "no way!!" hmmm.... I think it would have been really fun/funny but what do I know! So after all was said and done I turned my boy to the mirror and almost started crying... My little boy was no longer there. In his place was this little man with this extremely handsome face and looking all grown up.... He ran off to play excited the "torture" was over, but me.... I cleaned up all the hair on that bathroom floor and had a "moment" where I realized my boy is growing up.... and one day he will move out and live on his own... and he won't need his mom to cut his hair....in fact he probably won't "need" me at all... and after a few deep breaths I was ok with it, why?... because he needs me now :) and I can enjoy it while it lasts, all the haircuts, late night back rubs to help him fall asleep, sitting by him at the table to do his homework, taking him to a friends house, and making sure that hair of his is combed! That gets to be my job for now and someday I'll get to let him go and until then..... I'll just enjoy this moment.

Something New

2010-02-24T20:15:00.000-08:00

My dear Husband turned 29 this past week. I am exactly 354 days older than him. (He likes Older Women ;) We get to share the same age for a good 11 days! I wanted to take him to do something fun and new for his birthday. Something we had never done before and something that seemed adventurous. After all, his birthday only comes once a year and I wanted it to be memorable. We decided to strap on our snowshoes (which we borrowed from our ever so wonderful family member's and neighbors) and take a hike in one of the canyons. The drive up the canyon was beautiful. The weather cooperated nicely, even though we had been hearing rumors of snow fall the previous days. I was surprised at how easy the snow shoes were to move in. I was worried I was going to need some extra coordination skilz that my legs really don't possesses, but it worked out fine. (K- I may have fallen once into a bush while trying to cross a small creek, but it was only once and I was completely fine after that!) It was breathtaking to see the mountains and the canyon up close in the winter time. Everything seemed so crisp, so clean, so calm. I noticed that I would get distracted watching my snowshoes and concentrating on the ground so much to see where I was going that I would at times forget to look up and see the beautiful journey I was on. It was like a life lesson in bold right there for me! I had a small "lightbulb" moment on that hike. How many times in my life am I looking down, so focused on putting my one foot in front of the other, making sure the ground is still there so that I don't trip that I forget to look up and see the beauty all around me. This journey of life that God has set before me is filled with miracles and awe inspiring settings just like the mountains and canyons he so graciously has blessed me with to enjoy, and here I am looking down!!! I would stop every now and again just to look up, to take it in, to breath... and mostly to enjoy the companionship of my dear husband who walked beside me, sometimes behind me, sometimes in front of me.... but always close enough that I felt I was with him. It was definitely a special, memorable day for me. I am hoping it was the same for him. I vowed that day to look up more. To enjoy more. To appreciate more. To breath deep more..... and to make sure I spend plenty of time with that man that God placed on my path. Here's to being 29! at least for a few more days.....

Haittian Love

2010-02-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

With all that has happened the past little while in Haiti, it is hard to not take a look at one's own life and realize how blessed we truly are. Or at least that was the case for me. My heart was and is breaking for all of those people that are suffering from a physical and emotional loss.... So much heartbreak and devestation. And at the same time it makes me proud of Humanity in general, for all the out reaching and support that the world... (well the good people that are in the world) have shown for this small country. It has been inspiring to me. It makes me want to be a better person and be a part of the sea of humanity that can bring relief and comfort to others in a time of need. To be of service and show gratitude for all that I have by giving to someone else. So even though we are small in number, our little family made 2 blankets to send to Haiti. We did it for a Family Home Evening the other night and the boys were awesome! We read them newspaper articles and showed them the pictures of little kids just like them who were suffering, and as little as they are... they completly understood. They were excited to help and be a part of something bigger than themselves. I hope it is something that sticks with them through out their lives. It has become a standard part of Mr. K's prayers "please bless the Haitties." It is so precious to me. As a mother I feel responsible in teaching this next generation how to give, how to not expect or have that sense of entitlement but to be greatful and appreciate all that is before them. What an honor! I love this calling in life called motherhood! As difficult as it sometimes is... And to all those mothers and children in Haiti, may you know that our hearts and prayers are with you.

HARDWARE RANCH

2010-01-31T21:22:00.000-08:00

We took a little family adventure a couple of weeks ago(really into those!) We all piled into the car and took a little drive up the canyon... mind you, Scott and I had been feeding the boys full of hints and clues about the amazing time we were going to have on this surprise outing for the few days before! They did their best to guess but to no avail, they just couldn't figure it out. We even told them the name "Hardware Ranch" they really thought it had something to do with tools! (I might have thought that too, had I not seen the website) It is this Elk refuge where they put out food during the winter months so that the animals can come down from the mountains and eat. There is a small visitors center where they explain their purpose and their mission in helping the animals, but the most exciting part is the wagon/sleigh rides!(they say sleigh, but pretty sure there were wheels on the bottom) We climbed onto these huge horse drawn wagons/sleighs and they take you for a ride through all these elk. They said the number changes every day but some days they get up to 500 head of Elk. It was quite the site. Something I had never seen before! Everyone loved it! If you are in the area, definetly something you should add to your "To Do, next time I'm in Logan" List! (p.s.-everyone should have one of those ;)

DOODLE's

2010-01-17T19:04:00.000-08:00

Mr. K : "Mom, can I have a Doodle?"

Me: (confused look on my face) "Um.... What's a doodle?"

Mr. K:(looking at me slightly annoyed) "yeah know that thing you eat!"

Me:(really confused now...not sure what to say??)

Scott:(Interperter for the 4 year old) "He wants a toaster Strudel."

Mr.K: (very happy that someone understands!) "Yeah!! A doodle!"

Me:(laughing inside... happy I'm married to a Genius!) "Sure hon, you can have a Doodle."

CHANGE

2010-01-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

I read a quote the other day that said "If you don't like something in your LIFE, then CHANGE it, if you can't CHANGE it, then CHANGE how you feel about it!" LoVe, LoVe, LoVe that.... How many times in life do things happen that we have NO control over??? (I would say quite a few :) but the magical, beautiful part of it is that.... we always have control of how we feel! No one can MaKe us feel a certain way... we CHOOSE it, by our own free will! It is empowering to ponder. No one can upset us, make us annoyed, make us FEEL special or loved, hurt us so deeply that we want to cry and scream "NO FAIR!" or make us feel comforted and secure and so happy and blissful that we want to scream "PLEASE DON"T STOP!!!" unless WE let them..... The POWER is in us!

Practical Joke

2010-01-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

So Mr. E is our entertainer. He likes to tell jokes and be the funny man! He loves gettin a laugh out of people. His target for the day was the little brother! Mr. B came downstairs hopping on one foot one leg in his pants and the other leg of the pants hanging to the side with a knot in it! He said The big brother had tied one leg of all his pants into knots.... I wasn't sure I believed this story but low and behold upon futher investigation..... all of Mr. B's pants(including PJ's) had one leg tied in a knot! Thanks for the laugh Mr. E! (Kids- you should totally try this at home, if you get in trouble, tell em the "BLOG" made you do it! ;)

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

It would seem That I am about to embark on the adventure of Blogging! I have been blog Stalking many of you for some time now and felt it was Time to venture out into the Blogging world all on my very own!(Wish Me luck!) I have heard some great Feed back on "Blurps" and people making a blog book/Family Journal...That is something I am very interested in. Let's see, what is today?? January 3rd- Starting a blog was one of my New Years Resolutions. Not to Shabby for Shelley! Guess I will be checking this off of my list of things to get accomplished in 2010 and move on to the other bazillion things I want to do in LiFe!! Kidding ;) I plan on posting the many updates, photos, crazy, Personal, Heartbreaking, funny, Zany (that word really doesn't get used enough) Emotional, Learning, and Inspiring Moments of My life. (some of you may also get included in these posts as well... you know who you are!) So Stay tuned.... The adventure has Just Begun... YiPPiE!!!