Mindy's Mayhem

The house that built me

2011-08-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is the house that I say "I grew up in". After this house we lived in 2 others but this is "the one". I have great memories in this house. The garage was where we parked the big blue maxi van that we had. It is also where I remember Eric always running away to.
The front room has the same red carpet that my parents put in. This was the formal living room that we could go in when we were in our Sunday clothes. I also remember doing puzzles with my Grandpa Van in that den area (with the hard wood floor).
This is the MASSIVE staircase that we used to slide down in sleeping bags. Why is it not as big as I remember it back then...I think it shrunk. The swinging doors went to the kitchen. We loved running through those. This is the basement where we had the laundry room. I know it is hard to see but you can kind of make out the cubbies that my Dad installed to sort our laundry into. Each cubby had a different color. Maybe mine was purple...maybe it was someone else and I secretly longed for the purple one. Anyone remember?
This tree had a big tire swing in it. We would have worn out that playset had we had it. Dana, Amy and I had rooms up in the attic. They had huge closests. This was also the infamous "window Nathan crawled out of".
I loved this house and loved growing up with all of my brothers and sisters here. After we moved to Idaho we were teenagers and friends became more of our focus.

It was great to just be together!

Life was simpler back then...at least for us kids.

State Tennis

2011-06-28T16:01:00.001-07:00

One of Mason's goals for his senior year was to make it to State in tennis. He played mixed doubles & boy's doubles. It seems like every time he played a game he would play with a new partner the next time. In April he was practicing with the team when he felt something pop in his hip, after that he couldn't walk. After an MRI we found out he had a tear in his hip flexor. The Dr. said he was out for the season. We went for a 2nd opinion (my dad) and he said that as long as he could stand the pain he could play. He took it easy for a week and then was right back at it. He was thrilled that his goal could still be in his view. By the time districts came along he was back to his playing self. The only problem was the 2 players he was used to playing with Eli Somers & Kelsea Lay were paired together because he had been out due to injury. Mason then was given a partner named Tressa who is a freshman. She was about 5'3 and she plays very well. They made it to state and were thrilled. The 3rd game of State was what we were hoping would not happen. Capital vs Capital and not just playing against his teammates but he had played doubles with both of them as partners during this last season.

Mason & Tressa won the game and made it to the 2nd day of state and then lost. It was a great way to finish out his Senior year. The only down side was that state Tennis fell on his very last day of high school. Yep, he missed his last day. Way to go, Mason!

Class of 2011

2011-06-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Mason joined the graduating class of 2011!

My parents came up to join us in the celebration! This is the first of their 43 grandchildren to graduate from high school. That is alot of graduations to sit through.

We made sure that the gameboys were charged before we headed off.

He is ready to take on the world, but are we ready to let go?

We took a leap...

2011-04-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

We had a "last dinner" at our Christine house. We had hibachi. That is where we put the griddle on the table and veggies & raw meat (hot dog's included) and we all cook it ourselves. We like it because it is the one time that the kids sit around and talk instead of just eating and leaving. It is also the one time no one complains about what is for dinner. Just in case you need some ideas...here is what we have: sweet onions (this is a must!), pineapple, chicken, steak, ham, Br. Poulson's secret blend of spices and of course hot dogs. Served on rice.We have lived in this house for 11 years. It is the only house Kassidy & Kelsie have ever known. We have really enjoyed it but the time has come to move. We needed more space and the right oppurtunity came along...and we took a giant leap. We went from this...

to this.

Welcome to our new kitchen. We can all stand in it and not be squished.

My parents came up on Conference weekend and helped me decorate. My mom has such a good eye. I love it.

This is the family room that opens into the kitchen. This is the "teenage mecca."

My mom picked out the fabric for the quilt and Ally & I helped her sew it together. Isn't it perfect for the media room?

We are excited to make new memories here. You are all welcome to come watch a movie, play someone in pool or just visit. Don't be strangers, visitors are always welcome.

March is for Jordan

2011-04-09T19:19:00.001-07:00

Jordan started out March looking like this:Then he had a birthday! He turned Sweet 16 and had never been kissed. Why is that important? Because it earned him $200. For his birthday cake he wanted his favorite dessert...cherry cobbler in the dutch oven. It was really good. For next year, will someone remind me to not use the small candles in a hot dutch oven? Jordan ended the month like this. It was a great month for him.

Happy Birthday dear Jordan. We love you!

(yes, these pictures were taken on different days but this sweatshirt is all we ever see. I know he has other clothes...I see them in the laundry.)

February 2011

2011-04-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

These pictures should have their own post but I'm behind (shocker...I know) so here you have it for posterity. Doug went snowmobiling with a friend from work. He loved every minute of it and made it home safely, which I liked.

Colten and Dad went on an overnight campout with the scouts. They went up to McCall for the great Klonkide race. The scouts built a sled and raced it in the snow. They had a lot of fun together. This last little boy of ours finally became a teenager. He was finally able to get his own facebook account. Now he has 71 friends and we have 3 teenage boys in the house. Would you like to donate to our grocery fund?

Our first little boy turned 18. How did that happen? He graduates from high school next month and CAN'T wait. He also got some mail that he had been waiting for.

Now you all have the oppurtunity to help pay his out of state tuition. It was a good month at our house. Up next...we take a big leap!

By Kelsie, About Kelsie, With Kelsie's help

2011-04-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

This is the first picture taken of all of our kids. They were so young.

7 years has really changed them all. Little miss Kels loved her pigtails. She continues to be a little doll.

She picked this picture from her birthday. She is now 7. One more year till she goes to Disneyland on an airplane with Grandma and Grandpa, also till she gets the chance to get baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is very excited about both! Kels got a pillow pet Unicorn and some barbie dolls. Kassidy gave her a bottle of chocolate milk, wrapped up. Happy Birthday little girl. Don't grow up so fast.

Christmas 2010

2011-02-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

I know I'm late with this, but Santa did find us. He even brought us new couches! It was great to have everyone home and a break from school. We loved it.

Perspective

2011-02-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

My first reaction..."Wow, someone cleaned the bathroom."

After further review "Honey, we are going to need the plunger."

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T19:37:00.001-07:00

This year for Halloween we had a beautiful angel and a black haired Vet. (see the animal sticking out of her pocket?) I think she just wanted to wear the wig. :)

This is the first year that I have dressed up in a really long time. The school's theme was "Toy Story" Kim & I were Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head with interchangeable parts. These pictures are with my Angry eyes. Can you tell? It was really fun! We had a "Trunk or Treat" on Saturday night and Colten was Mr. Potato. All in all, we had lots of candy and a great weekend of dressing up.

The big 1-1

2010-10-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

We went from having our first little girl to having a house full of them. Our first princess turned 11 and invited some of her friends over for a late night party. My ears are still ringing from the squealing. Wow. I wasn't sure I was going to make it. They ate pizza, had root beer floats, danced on the wii and had a blast.

On her birthday she got girly things. She also wanted a dresser so Jordan gave her his. He is kind to her. She had a good week and is very excited to turn 12 and be a beehive. Am I ready for that? She says I am. :) Kass has been a joy to have. We were so anxious to have her. I really didn't believe the dr. when he told us we were going to have a girl. The dr. made me promise to buy something pink that very day. She was my easiest delivery. Does that mean that she will be my hardest teenager? I love watching her grow into a beautiful young women. Have a great year Kassidy!

School year 2010

2010-10-03T16:38:00.001-07:00

The school year started and I took the mandatory "first day of school" pictures. This is our last year of everyone going to a "free" school. I think the high school fees are so high to get the parents used to spending more and more. They were all excited and ready to go. The girls go to school with me or I go to school with them. Who knows which.

This has become Mason's favorite mode of transportation. (he says "the girls like it") Jordan also likes it because then he doesn't have to ride his bike either. Mason just doesn't like it when it is supposed to rain because then Dad can't ride the motorcycle. It does get waxed a little bit more frequently now that it is the dating mobile. Colten gets to ride his bike this year. Isn't he handsome?

August 2010 (so far)

2010-08-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

August took us to Wyoming. My sister, Dana watched the girls while I was Doug's VP of equipment. It was quite an adventure with too many pictures to share here. You can find them by clicking here and here. (for those of your already on Facebook...you've seen them)

August also brings us to my favorite time of year!!! I love school supply season. I love to get 10 cent notebooks and brand new crayons for a quarter. My husband says I'm an addict. My kids tease me too. I don't care. I LOVE IT!!! This is what Back to School 2010 looks like. (I do like to stock up for those notes coming home in Dec/Jan saying they need new stuff ... and I refuse to pay $3.00 for the same 24 count crayons)

School starts on Wednesday. Backpacks are packed. New clothes are bought.

New teachers, new friends, new adventures!

July 2010

2010-08-21T15:48:00.001-07:00

July started off with a bang. July also brought the Wyne Family Reunion. We went over to the other side of the state and went to Camp Taylor. It was very fun. The cousins all played, the adults ate, read, napped. It doesn't get better.
One of the Wyne traditions is to exchange homemade Christmas presents. We decided that the best time to do it was at the reunion. It sure makes Christmas time less hectic. This year we hit the jackpot. We drew names and my parents had Doug & I. My mom made us this fabulous quilt. I absolutely love it. It matches everything in our room and it reminds me everyday that I'm loved. My dad made this for Doug. It was made on a scroll saw and represents everything that he loves: wildlife, singing, motorcycles, dogs, Boise State and of course the Savior. It is just beautiful.

As soon as the reunion was over we dived right into preparations for "Trek". I was in charge of designing and making 200 of these. No, not the kids but the over the shoulder, oh so lovely, highly fashionable "possible bags". There were many who helped in this adventure. I'm very glad for their service.

Alaska Cont.

2010-08-21T15:31:00.001-07:00

This is the cabin they slept in.

They would get up early and fish, then take a nap, then fish, then nap, then fish, then nap. So much that they all came home and said "I don't know if I can go a whole work day without napping". They also read whatever books they could find. Doug read more books in Alaska then I've seen him read in a long time.
Their luxury accommodations. 4 stars don't you think?

When they first got to Alaska the fishing limit was 2 a day. A few days later it was changed to 1 fish, that's it, no more, make it good. Here's the one Doug brought home. This is how I saw it. It was packaged and frozen. My favorite way to eat things that my wild hunter brings home.

He is very glad that he went. He's not anxious to go again. There are other places he would like to see, plus we missed him. He came home sporting this...

June 2010

2010-08-21T14:42:00.001-07:00

The weekend that school got out Doug & I took off for a wild ride. Doug loves to ride Harley's so every couple of years we rent one and go for a night. This was our cool machine this year. Bart & Dana met us in Twin Falls and we were hard core riders. This picture was supposed to be our "tough look" picture. Dana & I just kept laughing. We are such the biker babes! It makes me laugh every time I see it. People don't make eye contact with you when you wear a do-rag. The rest of June was taken up with Summer school. No cool pictures of that adventure. But because of that we will hopefully have some cool pictures of Mason come May.

June also brought to life a dream of Doug's. One of his "Bucket List" items was to go fishing in Alaska. Doug & 2 other guys left Boise and flew to Alaska. They saw some interesting signs.

They rode in little airplanes and lived to tell the tale. They did a LOT of this...and this.

It's never too late, right?

2010-07-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day weekend we were invited to the Moss/Brumfield house of ultimate pampering. The boys went fishing where Hayden caught the dinner for that night. We read books. We played games.

The kids loved being outside and trying to flip each other over the cliff in the hammock. The fire pit was also a huge draw.

Oh, and the boys shot guns. Big guns. Loud guns. (can you tell)
We loved the time to just hang out and visit. They have invited us lots of times and we were sure glad that we took them up on their offer. Thanks guys!

Father's day of years past

2010-06-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

I didn't take any pictures this Father's day. I don't know why, I just forgot. I did clean my room today and found a classic. It is one of my favorites. Here's the outside. Kelsie is the artist.
This is the inside. It doesn't show up very good but her eyes are all red. The poor girl had a hard time with Nursery. We have thankfully moved past that. I also love it when her daddy comes home and gives me a great big kiss.

On this Father's day Doug was doing his monthly speaking assignment for the High Council. He did a fabulous job (as always) and I wanted to share it. It is long so I put it right under the picture of the 2 of us. It's entitled Prayer & Promptings. I love to hear him speak and bear his testimony of the Savior. He is so strong. Oh, how I love him.

Channelling my inner Lisa

2010-06-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

You might have noticed that I added a new blog on the side bar. It is called "Adopt a do". I found it by doing a google search on easy hair styles for girls. Her name just happens to be Mindy and she has lots of videos and easy instructions to follow. I love it. Here are my model girls with their "Waterfall" french braids. Go try something and let me know how it turns out. Lisa would be so impressed!

Channelling my inner Dana

2010-06-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday night our house was filled with people. I just loved it. We picked up Keegan from BSU's football camp to spend the night with us. The older boys were thrilled. We had Avery & Chelsea with us. They have all gotten along so well. It has been fun.

Andy & Ally and their girls came down from Nampa and my parents came up from Utah on their way to the Burnett reunion in Oregon. It was full of laughter and fun.

Here is where I was channelling my inner Dana. I made cookie ice cream bowls. They were super easy and good. I got the idea from here. I think Dana would have been proud. http://partnersincrafts.blogspot.com/2010/06/irresistable-chocolate-chip-cookie.html

Have I convinced anyone to come and visit us? We'll leave the light on for you.

Working backwards

2010-06-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

I'm so far behind that I've decided to work from the most current backwards. Hopefully before summer is over I can get caught up. :) There is a park here that is as awesome as a water park without the high price. Monday was a beautiful day here. We got some treats and left the laundry. We have 2 of the Browns kids with us for a little while so each of the girls had a buddy. They had a fabulous time. We call them Chassidy and Kavery. Kavery are always found outside on the tramp.

The only sunburn to be had is on my left arm. I had it draped over the back of the chair while I read a book and didn't notice that it was left to bake in the sun. It is very redneck!

I see stars!

2010-06-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Last week our school had a fundraiser dance. The theme was Hollywood stars. You could dress up if you wanted. We didn't want to. Mason & Jordan decided to pass on this event. Here's Colten (orange shirt) dancing away.

Kassidy (pink shirt) even got into it.

Kelsie was very excited to go but once she got there this is what we had. She did not want to smile or leave her dad. At the dance they have a hula hoop contest which she had told us about before we left. She said "I think I can win." I thought for sure she would not go out there. I was wrong. The contest is broken down by grade level. They called for the Kindergartners. She ran out there. (13 seconds)

After all the contests were over she got a "Oscar". She was very happy. Kassidy & Colten did well but couldn't outlast their grade level kids. After it was all over Kelsie looked up at me and said "At least one of us got a trophy". That girl continues to surprise us.

In Review

2010-05-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of crazy weeks here. Here's some of or happenings. Doug went to Chicago and took his dad's hat. He went to see the Cubby's but didn't get into Oprah. Maybe next year. Colten was in a play. It was the 6th grade musical. He was the old Pinocchio. He loved his wig that Doug found in his old chest. Does he look like he is ready for Junior High?
Jordan finished up tennis taking 6th place in Mixed Doubles. Mason finished tennis. They both had end of year concerts. Jordan made Jazz Band next year. Mason will be his section leader. Pray for us!
I have been reminded lately of how fragile life is. I love my family here at home and those who don't live under our roof. Really!

Prickly Pear

2010-05-21T21:24:00.001-07:00

Do you know that email that circulated around with all the misspellings in it but you could still read it? I aced it. I've noticed recently that I'm not very good at reading every single word. I have a class that I do their read aloud. I have to really concentrate to read every word. I guess I'm used to skipping words. It's doesn't work well for librarians. :)

Case in point: Last weekend Aunt Vicki came up for a rodeo. We all met her on Saturday morning for breakfast. I looked over Kelsie's menu and told her her choices. Without really looking at it I said she could get a Prickly Pear, then it became a Prickly Bear and when the waiter brought it out he said it was actually a Perky Bear. I guess I need to work on my reading skills. But just maybe they need to work on there presentation. Here is what it was supposed to look like. (Doesn't it look prickly?)This is what came.

Thanks for breakfast Aunt Vicki. Even if I didn't read the menu right. Come again!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today has been a fabulous day. It started with breakfast in bed. Opened some presents, went to church, came home for a fabulous dinner made by my awesome husband, opened more presents and then looked through baby books at the things we remembered. It as been almost perfect except for when the kids fought over who sits where at the kitchen table, what kind of icing I want for the cake Kassidy is making and why can't I get off the computer so they can just check their facebook? I will forget those things, right???

Kelsie gave me a few things, a sunflower plant, some stationary that she loves to color on now, a coaster that she painted and a handprint with the poem:

Handprints

Sometimes you get discouraged

Because I am so small

And always leave my handprints

On furniture and walls.

But everyday I'm growing up

And soon I'll be so tall

That all those little handprints

Will be hard to recall.

So here's a special handprint

Just so you can say

This is what it looks like

As I place it here today.

Yes, it made me cry. I have one from each of the kids. They grow so fast.

Kassidy made me a special pin at school. She took 10 pieces of paper and glued them together. Once dry she sanded the edges so you could see the rings. She had planned my clothes today so I could match the pin she made. It is beautiful.

Colten wrote me a poem: My Mother

I have a mother
who takes care of me

She is like none other

She fills me with glee

I have a mother

She is the best

If there were another

She would get to rest

I have a mother

To you I wanted to say

You're not like any other

And Happy Mother's day.

I loved it too!

Mason gave me a funny card with these coupons.

"These ten coupons are 10 free hugs any time, anywhere. All hugs are only good for 5 sec. Copyright laws are active and will be enforced. " I heard once "hug your kids until they let go" I tried it with my boys. They complained I was smothering them. So my advice for you mom's with boys...get as many hugs as you can when they are little. My boys grew out of it way before I did.

Doug gave me a beautiful color bowl for our front door. It has beautiful yellow flowers and I love it but more then that he helped me create 5 beautiful children. I love them and I'm honored to be their mom.

Today, I also think about the 2 moms that have made my life the way it is. My mom and Doug's. Doug is a compassionate, loving & wonderful husband. I owe part of that to his mom. She left us way to soon. A few weeks ago I went to Women's conference and made this. It is a bassinet that turns into a purse. I couldn't have done it without my mom sitting right by my side. I decided right then that I could do anything with my mom right by my side. I love her and I'm very grateful for all the things that she has taught me. I love and look forward to our weekly phone calls. She is one of my closest friends. I hope to carry on the tradition.

Happy Mother's day to all the mom's who have helped me be who I am. Thank you!

Ojos

2010-05-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

The other day (actually a few weeks ago but I'm behind) we were all watching tv. A Victoria Secret commercial came on. Usually we quickly change the channel when that happens, this time we didn't. My 15 year old is taking Spanish this year and when he saw that he said "Cover los ojos, cover los ojos". We just started to laugh. I wasn't sure whether he was talking to the commercial or to us. It turns out that ojos is Spanish for eyes. So our new family joke is "cover los ojos, cover los ojos". It's amazing how many times that comes up in conversations. Kids say the darndest things even when they are older.

Boys & Girls Nite Out

2010-04-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the first Priesthood session of General Conference that all the boys went to. After, the boys went to Delsa's Ice cream parlor for milkshakes. It was full of white shirts and ties. Very cool. The girls and I went to Costa Vida for dinner and then went to Bath & Body works (another obsession of mine) and got lip gloss. I have promised them that the first time that all the boys are gone on a camp out we will go and get pedicures. We are looking forward to that day.

I love my girls!

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is the first year that I've actually looked forward and counted down the days to spring break. After the laundry was done we got out of town. We decided to go and play with Grandma & Grandpa and the Browns in Utah. The drive down was uneventful. The next morning we woke up to this.The picture above was taken at a restaurant called "The Pie". We toured the University of Utah while we were in Utah. Two of my brothers went there. They texted Uncle Nate in CA to get the inside track of U of U. He told us we had to go to this place. It was in the basement of this building. People have signed the walls everywhere. The pizza was delicious. Aunt Dana said it was the best she had ever had. It was fabulous and now there is another "pro" in U of U column. Does Mason look good in red? Side note, I told Jordan to get ready to go and he texted back and said "if I go tour U of U can I get another BYU tshirt?"
April Fools Day: One of my childhood memories was coming home from school to a cake. Then we cut it to find a box. None of my other siblings have memories of this. Side note, my brother says that we did it to him. Nope. It was always dad playing the trick on us. This year Chelsea & Kassidy made the cake for Grandpa. This is him stabbing the cake. They licked the icing and it took just as long to make it as it did to destroy it. Perfect! Love ya, Dad!

Aunt Dana & I got on Family Fun and enjoyed playing with the kids. Doug says we are diabolical. We had cupcakes for dinner (meatloaf with colored mashed potatoes), sushi for dessert and juice (jello with a straw). The other fun thing was letting each kid pick a number. Uncle Eric had picked 16 different utensils and whatever number they had they had to use that utensil. (thus the ice cream scoop) One of the funniest was Max who got a mallet. He then mutilated the cupcake with a big smile on his face.

This is the day before we left. UCK! I'm done with winter!

The ride home was gross. It rained then snowed then rained then snowed (rinse, repeat) for the last 4 hours. But now it is General Conference Weekend and we have 2 days to recover from our Spring Break. It was very fun to be with my sisters and stay up too late.

Thanks Mom & Dad for letting us invade your space. We love coming home!

Spring Break

2010-03-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

Can you guess what we did on the first day of Spring Break? No, this is not the DI pile or the garbage. It is all of our laundry. Our poor new washer has broken. I guess we have overworked it and it wanted a Spring break also. So off we went to the Laundromat. The girls like to help. 22 loads later and around $60. (some for the washers & dryers and lots more for the video games that they have there) we finished. It only took around 2 hours. Not bad for a weeks worth of dirty clothes. Hopefully the rest of the week will be uneventful!

Finished

2010-03-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

I needed to put a picture of Mason up because we never see him anymore. Even Kelsie noticed. He made the Varsity Tennis team. He is very busy. I finally finished Mason's birthday present. Isn't he cute?

The girls love to play with the pins. Each color had a different face. Very Cute!

FHE fun and joy

2010-03-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Last night we had family home evening. Oh what fun that is. We have really slacked on our lessons. Last week Doug made a fun Jeopardy game. This week I read an article in the New Era to prepare. It was an article about how the Old Testament can relate to our day. You can find the article here. Each child had a scripture they were to read and then figure out how it could relate to us today. Mason said that according to his scripture (part of it read: for they wist not what it was) that it means things are not as they appear. He totally missed it and then we had to spend 10 minutes debating the issue. I was pretty frustrated. I said I was trying to come up with good lessons and it was all going over your heads. Jordan said, without skipping a beat, "then you should dumb it down for us". Oh the joys of Family Home Evening. Doug leaned over and said "don't worry, we will sing Love at Home for the closing song" The only family fight that begins and ends with prayer. (10 bonus points to whoever can figure out the scripture Mason had and the real meaning I was trying to get to.)

Our March Baby

2010-03-15T19:55:00.001-07:00

We had our last birthday for this quarter. Our Jordan. He turned 15 last week. Our second son. At the time that I was pregnant the OB did an ultrasound at 8-10 weeks and that was it. I was sure that all three of my boys were girls. 0 for 3. At the time Jordan came into our lives we were living in Rexburg and managing apartments for then "Ricks". I was induced because my family had planned a big trip to go to Illinois 10 days later. The dr. broke my water at 7:45am and you were born at 11:17am. When he was born Doug told me what we had. "It's another little boy!" YEA! He is a joy to our family.

This year we have learned some things about our second son.

*We can suggest things but when a girl does you are more likely to do it.

*You like the color green. (for a long time it was black, I'm glad that you've switched to a lighter color)

*You have your own sense of humor just like your dad.

*You are a very polite texter.

*You LOVE to text.

*You HATE long pants. You wear shorts every day. The only time we see you in pants is when a girl suggests you go to the SND (Saturday Night Youth Dance) (see the first bullet point)

*You love to wear your blue BSU sweatshirt. According to the laundry you wear different tshirts but we never see them.

This year one of his "friends" decorated his bedroom for his birthday. He was thrilled. The only problem is that he is going to be cleaning up confetti for a really long time. (Mason must have helped) Happy15th Son!

Something to tide you over

2010-03-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Nothing exciting is happening here. You just get a youtube video. Can you name the show that matches?

Things are falling out all over

2010-02-20T18:18:00.000-08:00

This little girl has had a loose tooth forever. It was her top tooth. She was waiting to loose it at school so that she could get a plastic tooth to put it in. It was hanging on. Then she woke up one morning and it was gone. We left the tooth fairy a note. She delivered. Then the next day she came up to me with a tooth. I was amazed that she had found it. Then she explained that it was a new one that had just fallen out. I read somewhere that you really need to talk to your kids when their teeth fall out because it can be very scary for them. Not this little girl, she loves it!

One Sexy seamstress

2010-02-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

My man has multiple talents. Today he installed a brand new sink for me. He also went to JoAnn's fabric and bought fabric and is now sewing flags. He is doing it all by himself. I love the tape measure around the neck. He quickly learned to not step on the end of that while it is around your neck. He is fabulously talented. He did have to go to Home Depot after the craft store just to get his testosterone level back up. Our youth are going on a Faith Quest in August. They will be divided into families and each family will have their own flag. My cutie that continues to amaze me with his talents.

Another February Birthday

2010-02-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

Today Colten turned 12. He had a crazy great day. It started with a basketball team breakfast at school. Then he passed out cupcakes to his class. Then had cookies to pass out after his basketball game. He came home to cake and presents. It doesn't get much better then that. He got a Wii game and rollerblades. Hopefully my next blog entry won't be pictures of the broken bones to go with the skates. Colten is a joy to have in our home. He always hugs me goodnight. He gave a talk in Primary last Sunday. (his farewell address) He spoke on the love that our Savior has for each of us. He said "if you are feeling like no one loves you then remember the atonement. The Savior is always there." I'm so thankful for all the primary teachers who helped teach him. I realized last Sunday that we are more then halfway through with Primary. Now we will have a Deacon, Teacher & Priest. I'm grateful for the Priesthood in my life

(Sorry I'm slow Daisy...does 3 posts in one day make up for it?)

February 15, 2010

2010-02-18T20:30:00.000-08:00

17 years ago I looked like this. This is two days before I delivered my first little boy. I don't know what I was thinking with those pants...and with that couch to model on, it just doesn't get better then that. Now this is what we have. He is taller then both Doug & I and can't wear Doug's shoes anymore. My little boy that I love to hold in my arms is growing up too fast! We love you, Mason. (he got clothes, bsu pj's and a trombone tuner...nothing with 4 wheels and a motor. Bummer)

Valentines Day

2010-02-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

My husband loves me!

Week in Review

2010-02-06T21:46:00.000-08:00

Some highlights of our week. Doug took Wednesday off to go snowshoeing with Colten's class. They both had fun away from the regular day. Colten walked a little funny that night but recovered quickly. We had a combined concert with the high school and junior high. Gave us a little glimpse of what next year will be like. Lots of fun. Doug took the 3 younger ones out Geo-caching. They were very successful and found all that they were looking for. Colten is also in Basketball. He practices every day after school that they don't have a game. They have 2 of them a week. Luckily the season is short. His team gave him a nickname of Shack! He loves it.
The food picture is my "crack". Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday. I don't even know who is playing. I just know it isn't my Bronco's. I know, they are college but I can dream can't I? I love this dip. Every time I want to make it I have a hard time finding the recipe. Today it came to me "put it on your blog and then you will always know where to find it" So if it looks gross then that means more for me. Here is the recipe just in case you might want to try it. I got it from my sister, Lisa.
5-6 diced avocados
Cilantro
Lime juice
Shoe peg corn (1 can)
Diced tomato (1 can)
Black eyed peas (1 can)
Italian seasoning mix (2 pkgs)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Serve with Frito's scoops chips.
Happy Super Bowl everyone! Enjoy your families. That is what it is all about!

A new addition to the family

2010-01-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

We have a new addition to our family. We picked up this little money sucker, I mean hot tub on Freecycle. (it is a website where people list things that they are wanting or offering. The only hitch is that it has to be free. You can not charge for it.) Someone had this in their backyard for a few years and wanted to get rid of it. My handy husband fixed the leak and now it holds water. It was jury-rigged a little in the electrical department. It is set up to plug into a regular outlet. We thought that would be awesome because we don't happen to have a 220 outlet currently. The kids were all excited to try it out. In this picture the water was a balmy 85 degrees. Nope, not warm enough for me yet. We waited a few more days and it was up to 94 degrees. We got in. It was still not warm enough for me. It was like a luke warm bathtub. I like really hot! We have since called electricians to see if we could get it hotter with different wiring. We probably can but it is going to cost a pretty little penny. Now we have to decide if this "free" hot tub is worth it. The good news is that if we decide that it isn't we can just put it back on freecycle. But then my husband won't have a project. :)

Kelsie's big day

2010-01-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

6 years ago we were admiring this new little girl that had joined our family. Her labor was just as bad as Mason's. I remember very clearly grabbing Doug's shirt, pulling him in close and yelling at him "I AM GOING TO DIE!!!" It was bad. She was born within 5 minutes of that. Our lives have been greatly enhanced by this little girl. She is a complete joy!

She has waited and waited for this day. It started with a spider web hair style.

She got to celebrate with one of her favorite friends in school, River. They share the same birthday.

She wanted a star cake with gumballs. I made the cake and icing and she and Kassidy decorated it. It ended up being "How many gumballs can I stick on my cake?"

She got clothes, a lite bright and a new blanket. She has a blanket that has been well loved. Her Grandma took Kassidy to the fabric store when I was in the hospital having her. They picked out fabric. Instead of being tied Grandma put bows all over it. Kelsie calls them "loops". She carrys it by the loops. When she sleeps she puts her fingers through the loops. I have repaired it many times. Some of the bows are gone now. It is dingy and needs a bath but I am afraid it would not make it through. I asked her what she would want in a new blanket...loops was her only request and butterflies. (the dark pink has white butterflies) I hope she will love it and know that I love her.

New Clothes

2010-01-13T14:57:00.000-08:00

I remember when we were growing up, we always got a new outfit for Christmas. I loved getting dressed Christmas day. It just so fun to wear something new. Yesterday I found something new that I'm very excited to wear. It speaks for itself!

Wahoo!!!

FHE treat

2010-01-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight Colten was Family Home Evening treat. He picked our favorite family activity. We go to the local grocery store with a bulk food section. Tonight Colten picked the magic number of $1.11 (for Jan 11th) The goal is to be the closest to the target price without going over. The rule is that you can pick whatever you want in this section you just have to get as close to the target amount without going over. (if you go over you pay double what it costs) This rule was started because the kids quickly figured out that they could just get lots of candy and oops they went over. They are sneaky! You also can't use calculators. They have to do the math in their head.Mason has said that some night he is going to get tea bags. (they are .09 a piece) Then he could guarantee his win but the down side of that is he would have nothing to eat. He has not done it yet.

Tonight our winner was Kassidy with $1.09. I need to come up with some kind of roaming trophy that the winner gets. Any ideas?

Wahoo!!! Victory!!! Undefeated!!! Awesome Game

2010-01-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

The Saunders came back to our house to watch the game. As you can see they got some BSU attire. They were welcomed in to share our Blue & Orange Jello. (it's the only blue food I could come up with...any other ideas?)

It was a fun game to watch. Not as fun as the first Fiesta Bowl but still awesome. My only struggle now is that the team flies home tomorrow. They are saying they will be downtown around 2:45. Jordan has a basketball game and the kids are in school. It would be weird for me to go by myself. Before, I could always blame my enthusiasm on "doing it for the kids". Does anyone want to go with me? BOISE.....STATE! Doug's secret Santa at work gave him this for Christmas. It was on all night. Fun night and great end to a great season.

2010-01-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

It's almost time! The party starts at 6pm tonight on Fox!!!

2 days and counting

2010-01-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

We only have 2 more days until the Fiesta Bowl thus the blue and orange blog. Wahoo!!!

Snow

2009-12-31T16:26:00.000-08:00

Mason told me last Sunday that he was going to build a snowman and use the dog hair from the vacuum to make him have a beard. At the time we didn't have snow. Yesterday we woke up to 3 inches on the ground. Mason & his friend Ben build this. At first I was a little taken back by the "nipples" then if you look closer underneath them you see the other details. Pretty funny!

Baby's got back!

The taking of a Christmas Card family picture

2009-12-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Guess who found us?

2009-12-25T19:30:00.001-08:00

It appears that Santa really likes white chocolate oreos, because he left our kids lots of good stuff.

These are the stockings that it took 5 years to finish. Back when I had 2 kids Doug's sisters and I got together and made stockings. I made 4. They were/are beautiful. Our family has grown by a few more kids. Every year I was going to make new stockings for the whole family. This year I actually did it. We know have 7 stockings. Wahoo!

My parents came and spent Christmas with us. Andy & Ally and girls came and had Christmas Eve dinner with us. It's always fun when they come. Grandma & Grandpa played games, stayed up late and shopped together. It was great to have them here. We wish we could do it every year.

This year 2 missionaries from our ward came home on December 23rd. After 2 years their families were all together again for Christmas. I cried when missionaries left or came home starting when Mason was 2. I still do. We bought Mason & Jordan a suit for the funeral. They were walking in Costco right after when a little boy said "Look mom, the missionaries." This has been on my mind a lot. I love having all of my family together. On Tuesday we all went to the dentist. (except Doug...he wants his calming dentist visit) After we all had sparkly clean teeth we went to lunch together. I loved having all the kids together. With 2 teenagers in our home, they are going here and there. Family time is fleeting but still there. I love those times. I know there are only a couple of Christmases left before they start leaving. Scary! I love this stage of life. I love my family and I'm trying to enjoy every moment. I hope you do also!

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Spirit

2009-12-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Spirit

something to tide you over

2009-12-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

http://charliephillips.net/videos/theater-7/silent-monks-singing-halleluia.html

A little of everyone

2009-12-17T14:54:00.001-08:00

As we all know, life goes on. Here are some of the things that happened before the funeral and some after. One of Doug's friends gave him 4 tickets to the BSU vs. New Mexico St. The boys all had fun. It was a little cold but they survived and at least it got Mason & Jordan to wear pants instead of shorts. This is a bad picture of Jordan playing basketball. He is number 34 but not in black in yellow. This is a very good picture of the back of his head. We have had lots of band concerts. Here is Mason's. I took the camera to Jordan's concert but it had a fatal flaw and wouldn't take pictures. Now it has to go back. Dumb camera!

Kass & Kelsie went to Mason's concert with us. Here is the conversation Kelsie & I had in the middle.

Her: I'm glad that you are here, Mom.

Me: I love you too, why are you glad that I'm here.

Her: Because I feel like I'm going to throw up.

Oh the joy of motherhood. Just in case you were wondering we did NOT have to quickly run out of the concert.
Here are Colten & Kassidy singing with the Valley View singers. Colten is in the white shirt on the back row and Kassidy is on the 3rd row in the white sweater. I think she is tall enough to be on the back row but on the first day of choir practice she past out and fell off the bleachers. Never a dull moment here.

Christmas is coming fast. We are almost ready. How about you?

18 Years

2009-12-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

This last weekend Doug & I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. (Doug says that we are now adults) It was 18 years ago that we went to the Idaho Falls Temple as 2 single people and came out a married couple and we have never looked back. We've had our moments where we thought it was going to be a long eternity but luckily those moments don't last. I'm so grateful for that cold December day. It was the best decision that we've ever made. I love this man! On Monday morning our world was turned upside down. Doug got a phone call at work that his dad had passed away. Doug had tried to call Grandpa Leo on Sunday night but he didn't answer the phone. A neighbor found him. He was in his chair by his tv. We are hoping that he fell asleep and just didn't wake up. We are sad but also glad. Because of the gospel we know that Leo & Helen are finally together again, never to be separated. (Helen died in 2000) We know that they are both whole and pain free. We are sad because we will miss them here. The kids were pretty upset last night. We talked about death and the resurrection. We talked about Grandpa's spirit leaving his body, Grandma coming to get Grandpa, how they are together and happy again. We talked about how their spirits will come back and join their bodies and they will be perfect. Kelsie laughed that maybe Grandpa would come back as a little boy and that would be funny to see. The peace that comes with the gospel teachings are indescribable.
I love this picture of these 2 great men. My husband is a great man because of this one. He raised a man that I am grateful for every single day! Thank you, Leo.

The First ONE!

2009-12-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the day I volunteer at the school. I put Kels on the bus and then go right to the school. I have enough time to give each of the 3 teachers one hour. That is how it is supposed to work. I think it has worked that way once or twice this school year. Yesterday was no different. I started off in Kassidy's classroom. She came in from lunch almost hysterical. "Kels has blood on her neck" I asked her where Kels was and she was with the nurse. I gave Kassidy a quick hug and then went to the nurses office where there were a lot of people trying to figure out what had happened. The nurse looked at her and said that she would recommend going to the dr. because it might need to be stitched up. I looked at it once and decided that I would take her word for it. (yuck!) I took her to or physician and the first nurse said "I don't think it will need stitches but let me get a second opinion." The second nurse came in and said "Yep, I think he will want to put some in." UGH! I almost called Doug. I wasn't sure if I could handle it. You see, Kels is brave but me, not so much. They numbed her up (didn't like that) and then let us sit until the dr. came back from lunch. Kels then fell asleep on the table. Can a person get stitches while they were asleep? I was hoping, but no. The dr. walked in and her eyes popped right open. He was very good with her. He put one stitch in and was about to put another in when she just started crying. He decided that one was enough. The nurse then steri-stripped the rest.

Kels wanted to go show Doug how brave she was. Especially in light of this last weekend when Doug sliced his finger open. He didn't want to get stitches so he just put really tight band-aids on it but it probably should have been sewn. I couldn't take Kels to his office with the clothes that she had on because it is not even close to Halloween so we bought her a new outfit. She doesn't want me to take a picture of her stitch but she would let me take a picture of her new outfit. She said she isn't smiling not because it hurts but because she is "bored".

Luckily the day ended on a high note. Kels has a blanket that her grandma made for her that she sleeps with every night. She accidentally left it at Aunt Dana's this last weekend. We have found a replacement (Grandma crocheted a blanket for Mason that I thought would work.) but Aunt Dana's box came yesterday. She was able to finally sleep with her "bows" (her blanket has bows on each square and she puts her fingers through the loops when she goes to sleep) It ended on a good note!

Funny

2009-12-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Do you read the comics? I swear that the comic strip "Zits" is taken right from our house. Here is yesterday's. http://www.arcamax.com/zits/s-654964-533348 and here is today's. http://www.arcamax.com/zits/s-655613-997223 So true! It's a favorite of ours.

Finally a new post

2009-12-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

I know that I've been slow to update. That is how it goes in my journal too. New Years Day gets an update and the next update is ... next year if I'm lucky. At least this is better then that right?

Thanksgiving!!!
We went to Blackfoot first and stayed with Doug's sister and then had breakfast with Doug's dad, Leo. Doug's sister, Janet and her family came up and ate with us. Then we stopped and saw Jerry's family and Wayne's. We got to see everyone on Doug's side except Sue. It was yummy and the company was excellent. After visiting we piled back into our small mini van and traveled to Sandy. It was loud and great. The kids all had a ball. This is the kids eating and then the adults ate. Crazyfun!!! 39 total. The oldest is 16 and the youngest was 19 months old. (there are 2 more coming, one in December & one in February) Everyone was there except Nate & Gwendolyn & Sinjin. They didn't make the trip from CA. We missed them!

Are you wondering how you put that many people to bed? This is the only time my kids get sleep overs. This is my parents toy room. (finished just before everyone came. Great job!) This is the 10 and under crowd. We usually come and make beds for them around 9-10ish. Then they talk/giggle/play until they finally fall asleep around 11pm. Then they are up at 7. That way everyone sleeps in the car on the way home. It's always a very quiet ride home.

This year one of my mom's neighbors let some of us crash at their house while they were gone. It was very nice. Only big kids were allowed over at the "Guest house". They bought a new game called "Killer Bunnies". They liked it.

The big boys slept in the "Guest house" family room. It looks a lot like the toy room only with bigger bodies. They would play xbox until we finally tell them to shut it off. I'm grateful they have cousins that are also their friends.

This is what used to be the "big boys". Not because of their size but because we were a house of mainly girls until we started to get married. Most of the them play bridge. Even Bart can be talked into it, on a good day. They stay up until 2-3 playing. The girls usually talk for awhile but we don't have the same stamina.

One of our family traditions is going around the table and telling what we are thankful for. This year I'm very grateful for the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful that he doesn't give up even when we don't listen. If we have a desire to be closer to our Heavenly Father he will direct our path. He will take our worries and make our load lighter. The gospel is a great thing! I'm also very grateful for family, mine and Doug's. It's great to have friends on both sides. I love spending time with them all. Happy Thanksgiving, a little late!

Do you bleed blue?

2009-11-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

Saturday's game was a big rival game. Bronco's vs. Vandals. Blue & Orange vs. Black & Yellow. We had bought 3 tickets because Doug's sister was supposed to come up. Lots of things happened and she couldn't make it. We missed her! But C was excited to get to go. We tailgated with Nan (a co-worker of Doug's who is a HUGE BSU fan. Season tickets, tailgating, even travels to some of the away games...my idol) They were all very welcoming. Tailgating is huge here. See all the blue & orange tents. People bring their huge TVs and satellite dishes to watch the pre-game &/or the real game.
This month Horizon unveiled their BSU colored plane. It did a fly over. There was a little thing over the Vandal coach not getting on his assigned flight because it was this plane.

The seats were awesome. We sat closer then we do for the HS football games. There were 2 Vandal fans right in front of us for the first part of the game. They were not impressed with all the blue and cheering. They were asked to watch their mouth. They left not long after that. We would have been nice.
There was a lady who sat right in front of us who took this picture for us. She would give us all high fives every time we scored, which was frequently. Lots of spirit.

It was very cold. Thus the brown coat. I told Doug that next time I'm getting one of those Blue & Orange winter coats that my sister's would just cringe at. (so not what to wear) (see the guy in a white baseball cap in the above picture...oh yea!)

It was great fun and in the end we came out with a big W.

The theme for the day was "Remember, it's up to you to stop 'Vandal'ism."

We missed you, Blackfoot Bullocks!

Zeitgeist Half Marathon

2009-11-09T09:53:00.001-08:00

This is the real reason everyone came our way. Maybe I should search for more races for them to run! We went to the finish line and cheered them on. They were all incredible!

Ally came in first. She has run a half marathon every month for awhile now. Craziness!

Next in was Lisa. She is like 5 times faster then I would be. Way to Go!

Next in was Amy & Troy. They were wishing they had trained more on hills. (everyone was) Amy shouldn't be smiling this much after 13.1 miles.

Emily and Nate came in together also. Emily is in the long sleeve purple shirt and Nate is in the white shirt with black hat. Emily is a trooper. She has been battling the swine flu for the last 3 weeks and is still. She is on steroids and cough medicine and still wanted to run. They both did great!

Weekend craziness but great fun!

2009-11-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

This weekend was full of family fun. It started with Brown's coming up on Thursday night. Bart & Doug went fishing and Dana and I took the kids to Nampa to play with Ally & Emily. Brown's really wanted to see the old State Penitentiary. It was interesting. I didn't know that they spook it up for Halloween. It wouldn't take much to scare people there. It's kind of creepy already.

This is a lot of us in solitary confinement. Here's another one. I don't understand how people can go crazy in here by themselves. (said very sarcastically)

Interesting part of Idaho's history.

Saturday morning we went downtown for the Veteran's Day Parade. M & J both marched in it. Fairmont gets the bonus points for playing while they walked by us. Capital played up until they saw us and then played again once they passed us. I'm sure it was on purpose. M tried to hold a straight face as we yelled for him but lost it at the end. Silly boy, we are to loud to ignore!

I am very grateful to the families of those who have served and continue to serve to protect our freedoms. A parade doesn't do it justice. Thank you!

To my weird running family

2009-11-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

I have a family of runners. Most have run marathons. They always try and convince us non-runners to run. "It will be so fun to finish together..." Do they really want to run 15 minute miles? That is the pace I love. I like to talk while I run/walk. If I can't do that then where is the fun. According to that pace it would take me just over 3 hours to do a half marathon. A full marathon would take me longer then 6.5 hours because I'm sure that I would have to puke a few times during that time. My thoughts have been more a long the lines of "if you have to pack food to keep going then you are exercising for way to long".

One of my blog friends posted this video. My hat is off to this man. Very impressive. And to my family who are coming to our neck of the woods this weekend to run a wickedly hilly half marathon...here is a new goal for you.

Last Halloween Post, I promise

2009-11-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

I know what you are thinking..."not another Halloween post, get on with it". Halloween is for the kids, right? Here are the ones who actually got to go Trick Or Treating this year. It's Colten's last one. They all made out like bandits. Colten was good old Scooby Doo. Kelsie was a cheerleader but couldn't carry her pompoms because then how would she hold her candy? Kassidy wanted to be a Kid Lawyer. Doug helped her with some business cards. They said

Kid Lawyer

at your service

123 Juris

Prudence Ave

SueTown, ID

$83,704

Don't make me go all Habeas Corpus on you!!!

An added bonus was that Doug made her look up the words in the dictionary so that she would know what they mean. She went to school with a pocket full of business cards. Whenever the teacher was not happy with a kid then she got up quietly and gave the kid a business card. Her teacher this year is a great sport and thought it was hilarious. Kassidy's teacher ended up with a card by the end of the day. They all had fun!

Eagle Project Fundrasier

2009-10-31T14:36:00.001-07:00

We have 2 boys who have Eagle projects. They both have a plan and now just need funding. We decided to try something new and a little different. We had a "Fear Factor" party for M & J's friends. The friends were charged $10 to attend. We had 14 kids there. Not as many as we were hoping but enough to have a fun party. We started with "Lickin' and Stickin" .

Then we moved onto one of my personal favorites. The marshmallow toss. You take a shower cap and shaving cream and marshmallows. It makes for a fun mess.

We had a "pop chug" where a few of the participants ended up on the floor. They don't drink pop much and it didn't sit well with them. They all survived and no one had thrown up at this point.

One of Doug's favorite challenges is "Eat up, it's good for you" It involves the two of us going to the store and buying whatever sounds the grossest. This year was exceptional. There was pickled green beans, wasabi, anchovies, sardines in mustard sauce, cocktail onions, goat's milk (brings back memories of growing up) and of course the pickled pigs feet. Most tried it, some couldn't make it go down (notice the garbage cans very close) but everyone learned something new. One boy actually liked the anchovies. The pigs feet were touched by everyone but no one had the guts to eat it. I really can't blame them.

Our last challenge before the camera batteries died was a cupcake relay. They had to eat a cupcake without hands. It doesn't sound too hard but they were individually wrapped first.

The final came down to 2 people. M & Tyler. They got to fish 50 gummy worms out of cooked spaghetti and prune juice. Tyler came out ahead. He got big money and "100 grand". I think, a good time was had by all.

Frightfully Fun

2009-10-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

Halloween is a fun holiday around here. The school and work celebrated on Friday. Doug's job always goes over the top. Here is what happened this year. Can you tell which one is Doug?

Not that one and the rats are a nice touch. They all had a good time except for little Miss Katy. My sister-in-law Ally and her kids went with us to see them. Katy (2 years old) didn't like it AT ALL.
Happy Halloween All!

weekend

2009-10-26T17:53:00.001-07:00

Our last weekend had everything to do with music. Jordan had a concert on Friday night. Here is a little taste. He is sandwiched in between 2 of his good friends or otherwise known as his competition next year for Jazz Band. (Nick & Ben)

Mason had his District III Marching Band competition on Saturday. They have worked really hard and I think it looked "Incredible". Now Mason swears he has more time to devote to actually doing his eagle project not just planning it. ( I couldn't get the video to load, sorry. I'll try again later)

Both the boys are marching in the Veteren's day Parade on November 7th. Anybody want to come this way?

This week

2009-10-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for the lack of posts. We have been a little under the weather. Everyone had a fever and aches except for Jordan and Doug. It has been a loooong week. I think we are on the upswing, finally. Tonight was a football game. Kelsie & Colten went with us. I don't know why people complain about doing stairs. Kelsie could do them all night. She loves it!

I finally got a picture of Mason all dressed up.

Colten waited all game to dive into the end zone. He waited until the game was over and once my camera was ready I told him to go for it. Kelsie went for moral support.

Capital won easily and Colten & Kelsie fell asleep on the drive home. It doesn't get better then that. The last marching band competition is this Saturday. Good luck Mason!

Halloween

2009-10-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween. It's just a fun time. This year my sister Lisa gave me the idea of how do decorate the outside of my house. I think it turned out ok. Thanks Lisa! The black bags are supposed to glow in the dark. They don't look as impressive as they did on the package. Oh well. If we can figure out a day to do it we are going to have a teenager fear factor party. That should bring some good pictures! Happy Halloween!

Homecoming

2009-10-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Homecoming was last weekend. It was also Mason's first date. This is the picture that I made him take as he was walking out the door. See the enthusiasm? But I didn't care what we made him do, he was taking the truck. The nicely washed, vacuumed and shined truck. He said the van wasn't cool enough. I understand but I would love to have it cleaned too!

He went with a girl named Briana. They started the day at 12:30 and had a photo scavenger hunt. He said it was super fun. Here are some random pictures from that. The guy on the end (brown jacket) had a date but couldn't go till that night. After playing around they dropped the girls off to prep and came home to get ready. He loved driving by himself and he said it was the best time. He went to pick her up and then the whole group met at a park downtown to have the parents take pictures. Here's some of them. As you can see he went with a big group.

After the photo shoot they went to Grange's for dinner and then to the dance. They stayed for about 20 minutes and then they came to our house to play "Werewolves of Miller's Hollow". He had a great time and his first date was a huge success!

Guess who?

2009-10-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday My Love!

Guess what happened today?

2009-10-06T14:18:00.001-07:00

Here is clue number 1:

Here is the give away.

Yes, I was the mother who took pictures of him during all of this excitement but that is why the first one is so far away. He didn't even know that I took them. I'm sly like that. The big dance/date is Saturday so he is excited that his Dad won't have to drive him. I was kind of looking forward to hearing the stories but oh well. At least this way the truck will get washed/waxed/vacuumed. :)

He did very well on his driving test. He knew 15 minutes ahead of taking it. He said it was better that way, he didn't have all night to worry about it. He missed 5 points. He forgot to put on the parking brake. (who does that anyway???) He was a little worried about the written test. It has been awhile since he took driver's ed. He read through the book & took practice tests online. He sat down at the computer and missed the first 3 questions. That got his heart racing. You can only miss 7 and then you fail. He got all of them right after that. He didn't even have to look at the last 3 questions because it didn't matter.

At the DMV there was a little boy running around while his mom was waiting to get her license. It got me thinking. It wasn't that long ago that that was Mason. The first time I had to get my license renewed after I had had Mason I brought him with me. He was crying so I put him in my lap while they took the picture. They had to adjust it so it wouldn't show his head. The time has gone fast. This was such a milestone in my life that I'm very excited for him. The one problem that we are having now is that he thinks he can now drive the van to school instead of riding his bike. He forgot that I might need a vehicle. Peddle on young grasshopper!

Pajama Sunday aka General Conference Weekend

2009-10-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend was General Conference. I love General Conference weekend. Usually we decide to paint a room on that Saturday. Not this year! We just watched conference. It was nice. I'm afraid that our major project (master bathroom) might have killed us for future home improvement projects. Our Sunday tradition has been to have biscuits and sausage. We have also added Grandma Helen's gravy. Some of us are still tried and true "biscuit & Jam" people but some have crossed over into the gavy boat.

All in all we love conference weekend. It is a great time to be together and have the prophet in our home. (although if he was really in our home I would have cleaned more and put makeup on)

One funny note: Elder Bednar spoke on Saturday about teaching your children. He spoke of how spouses need to tell each other of their love; parents need to tell their children; kids need to be nice to each other. After family prayer Doug said to Colten "I love you man" and Colten said "I love you with all my heart & Mom, I love you with all my heart and more." He is the one that will take really good care of me when I am old. :) Elder Bednar spoke about how their family scripture study would go something like this "he's touching me, he's reading from my book, he's breathing my air. etc." My kids thought that was pretty funny and continued to say that the rest of the night. Doug came up with a good comeback. "Then go outside. There is more air there."

I love conference weekend.

10 years old

2009-09-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

My first baby girl is 10 today. A whole decade. She went to bed at 7pm last night because she was so excited about today. She is in the process of planning her birthday party. She is going to poll her friends today and see what they want to do. (the other day she came home and said "Most of my friends have never been to the Cheesecake Factory so how about you take us all there and then to Wahooz" Um, how about birthday parties that I don't have to take out a loan for)

I love this little girl. You were so determined to get here. I remember being on the delivery table right after I had delivered Colten and the thought came to me "It won't be long before you are here again." 19 short months later you were in my arms. I remember the day that we found out we were having you, a girl. I didn't believe the doctor. He was "Positive" we were having a girl. I told him that I would believe it when I actually saw you. He made me promise that I was going to buy something pink that day. I went home and painted your dresser pink.

You were my easiest labor. The epidural worked beautifully. The dr. came in at lunch and said that I was ready to push and I said "but I'm fine". He said "fine, I'll come back after I see all my other patients". Needless to say, he stayed, I pushed and now 10 years later we still have a beautiful daughter. You are growing up fast. This year you have started doing your own hair, you read for enjoyment, you love to sing to your own music and you are wearing my shoes. I took cookies to your class today. You came home to streamers and wanted to make your own cake. You made it and I helped you decorate it. I hope you had a great day and know how very much we love you. You are a joy in our family!

Thursday Football

2009-09-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday night was a high school football game. Jordan & I went to help the band get on the field and I like to watch Mason play. Doug had another commitment so that left the 3 youngest to go with me or stay at home. Kelsie was adamant that she go to the game. I reluctantly took her. She loved it. Who can complain when you get to be this close to this field.

The only time I worried about what would happen was when I had to help the band. The parents are asked to bring in the pit stuff (big drums, bells, music stands, mela something etc.) 5 minutes before halftime the parents gather and are told what to take out and where to put it. I didn't want Kelsie to get hurt by the instruments so my instructions to her was as soon as I said go she was to go sit on the blue bench (where the football players sit) and save me a seat. We left our seats in the stand and as I was getting my instructions I couldn't find Kelsie. I asked Jordan where she was and he pointed her out to me. She was sitting right where I had asked her to go she was just a little earlier then I had thought.

She had the best seat in the house. She couldn't have cared less about the football game behind her but she had the perfect view of the cheerleaders. She was in heaven. After our band responsibilities were over she ran up and down the bleachers. She slept really well that night. I took video of Mason playing and I'll post it if I can figure out how. :) Just in case you were wondering, we won the game with a score of 54-0.

BIG NEWS!!!

2009-09-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Homecoming is almost here and guess who is going? He asked a girl last week. He stuck a note in her favorite kind of candy bar. She was smiling. He found out today that she said yes. Here is how she did it.

It had candy bars taped to it and she hung it on his band cubby. The candy bars were 1. Starburst with the star crossed out 2. Almond Joy with Almond crossed out 3. Whatchamacallit 4. Sweethearts (for those of you who don't want to figure it out...I would burst with joy to go to whatchamacallit...Homecoming! with a sweetheart like you.)

He is excited and so am I!!!

Jordan's Trick

2009-09-22T20:01:00.001-07:00

We have some friends who taught there dog a similar trick. Jordan took it upon himself to teach Shadow. Here is the result. (I don't know how to fix the video so you don't have to tilt your head. Sorry!

Funky dog

2009-09-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

We have a very strange dog. As soon as the dishwasher opens he is there to help. He is our first pre-wash. (it makes me want to run the dishes through twice) He has even been know to take stuff out of the dishwasher to get a better angle. The person doing the dishes loves that part.

Another of Shadow's loves is flies. We don't need a fly swatter around here. We just have to help him see the fly/moth/bee and he does the rest. Sometimes I feel bad for the bug because he will put them in his mouth and then let them go just to catch them again. Tonight he ate a moth. Mason & Jordan help by pointing out the intruder. We thought we had kids to keep us entertained. Who knew the dog could too!

Remembering

2009-09-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

I'm reflective today. 8 years ago our world changed. We all wanted to help each other. We prayed for people we didn't know. We wanted to reach out and make this world a better place. I've heard Glenn Beck say "be the September 12th people". I want to be like that. I want to help others. I want my kids to want that. In truth, it is being more like the Savior everyday. I have hope.

Game Day!

2009-09-04T18:14:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a game day. That is big news at our house. We wear a lot of hunter orange. (not exactly "What not to wear") This year Kassidy made a sign for the game out of a broken hanger. Kelsie didn't want to get in PJ's because she had just put her shirt on. It was fun to watch and have an excuse for a party. I Love Game Days!!! Some of Mason's friends & parents of friends came over to watch the game with us. They aren't allowed again unless they get the proper attire. (Mason gave me these for my last birthday! I love them, the only down side is that the dog does too. UGH!)

Weird sleeper #2

2009-09-02T20:20:00.001-07:00

It looks like Kassidy is not the only one to sleep in weird places. Kelsie came home from Kindergarten, made herself a bed with the pillows from the couch and out she went. Oh, to be 5!

New Arrival

2009-08-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

Guess what came to our house this morning?

My kids love school. I'm pretty sure it is not all about the learning for them but it wasn't for me either. They love being with their friends. Kassidy tried to go to sleep yesterday at 7:30 just so today would come faster. I remember those days too. Last night my hubby gave all the kids a father's blessing to start the new year. It should be a great year. I'm grateful for the Priesthood that he holds and that my sons now hold also. He is a great example to them and to me. After each blessing the child would give Doug a hug and then me. With teenage boys that just doesn't happen in our house very often. Recently I heard someone say hug your children until they let go. I tried that with my oldest once and he said "Ok, mom enough." I try and give them their space but I want them to know I love them too.

Last night we talked about shower times and wake up times. I shouldn't have worried about it a lot...they all got up plenty early. Jordan had to leave first. He has early moring seminary this year so he is gone around 6:20. Mason leaves next around 6:40. He tried out and was asked to be in the Jazz Band at the high school. They meet for zero hour.

Colten and Kassidy leave around 8am. They are the ones that actually get to ride the bus. Doug & I are the bus for the older two. Colten was awake at 6 this morning so he had a long time to do this...I think he was showered and ready by 6:15. When I came home from exercising Kassidy was bouncy and ready. The bus could not come soon enough for her.

The time finally came and they were off.

Kelsie had to wait until 12:15 to go to school. She bounced out of bed at 8:15 and laid on the couch and this is the conversation that we had.

Her: I'm still tired mom.

Me: Then go back to bed, you still have 3 hours till you have to get ready

Her: But I'm so excited I can't sleep!

She was thrilled to go. Other parents were starting to tear up so I left so that she would continue to stay brave. This is how I left her. She is in the black & white polka dots with the pink bow in the front. (She picked it out all by herself) It's going to be a great year for her!

So this is what's left at the house. Just waiting at the top of the stairs until the "fun ones" come home. It is a good day!

Sleeping

2009-08-28T18:44:00.001-07:00

For years we didn't have nice kids beds. A few years ago we broke down and bought some twin beds that were not bunk beds. They were very excited. Now my girls don't seem to want to sleep in their beds. They have made beds in the closet and just recently I went to check on them and this is what I found. Kass says it is "way more comfortable" to sleep in the crack then on the mattress. Go figure! We should have saved that money.

New Toys

2009-08-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

The playground right by our house underwent a reconstruction. It was fun to watch the change during swimming lessons. We came back from our vacation and it was DONE! We were all very excited and had to go and check it out. Most of my kids loved it. It wasn't the same for my 16 year old as it was for the 5 year old. Oh, how the time flies. We took Shadow so at least he had something to do.
We call this the "spin and try to hold down your lunch". You can lay or stand or whatever while the circle spins around. It becomes more of a challenge the more kids on it. I was reading a book right by this and was dizzy just sitting. This is the skateboard practice area. It is NOT as easy as it looks. Trust me. You can ride this U shape thingy while you hold on. The kids loved it.
You can walk up this to get to a ropes course thing. They liked it too.

All in all it was a fun night at the park.