NEW feature!

So my friend from work was reading my blog and said it needed some music. So I chose a few of my favorites for your listening pleasure! I hope it doesn't distract from the reading of the oh so intense things that I write! Anyway happy reading and happy listening!

UPDATE!

Well most of you are aware of our job offer in Huntington. We have been waiting on health insurance. big fat GRRRRRR!!!! Does that give you a clue to how things are going?

We have applied with 2 different insurance agents. The first took almost 3 weeks to get an answer. When we finally got it it was not what we wanted to hear. Amy and the boys are covered
Ryan was denied. The second is the same story.
So here we are hanging in the balance unsure of what we are doing.

Should we go? Should we stay?

As of now we are still here. I guess it is a good thing that the Adams didn't want to buy our house. Maybe the Lord knows something that I don't. Maybe it is an answer to a prayer.
So now we are debating...
*Does Amy quit her job?
*Does Ryan go and work in Huntington when he can?
*Do we just scrap it altogether?

Who knows certainly not me. I will keep you posted.

my day

Well it has just been one thing after another today. I don't know if my day was crazy because I worked last night or what. I'll hit the highlights and not bore you with all the details.

Ryan had a late shift and for some reason when he is home I don't get nearly as much done as I would like. So this afternoon he went up stairs and I went to start a load of laundry. Remington got home from school and Coleton came to tell me that "Dad wants the washer off" oh turns out he was in the shower not watching TV oops. I turned off the machine which was full of water and went upstairs to help Remington get started on his homework. A few minutes later Coleton comes up the stairs DRENCHED!!!! Turns out he decided to climb in the washer. I'm glad he climbed in feet first and not head first and that the washer wasn't running. I got him into some dry clothes and went about my business.

Later I took the boys to Maceys to get some candy for Remington to take to school tomorrow. They are making gingerbread houses and asked each student to bring some candy to share. So we headed to the bulk candy. MISTAKE they were picking candy out of the bins and eating it. They were picking candy off the floor and eating it. OK really it was more Coleton than the others but I can't keep up with him. Next we headed to the baking aisle so I could get some powdered sugar to make icing for the ginger bread houses. Remington started licking off the sugar that had spilled out of the bags and onto the shelves. Of course Coleton preceded to do the same. I was at whits end and ready to put them to bed. I am so glad that Gage is mellow and watches it all happen. I'm sure it wont last long though.

We happened to see one of Remington's friends from school and Coleton tackled him to the ground in a giant bear hug. We got to the check out and then Remington is begging for a treat (I just bought bags of treats) and the next thing I know Coleton is climbing up the cart and jumping onto the belt saying "buy me mommy" "no thanks I'll let some one else buy you".
I'm sure that the whole store was glad when we left.

It is becoming clear to me that I can't ever leave my house. however the madness is just as bad here as it is in public & I'm out numbered. Today is a day that I have to say to myself... I wanted kids, I wanted kids, I wanted kids!

I really do LOVE my boys they crack me up and melt my heart! I would be incomplete withput them!

Ready or not here it comes!

SNOW

well it is a sure sign that Christmas is coming! Am I ready for the snow NO NO NO!!! I wouldn't mind it so much if it would just stay off of the sidewalks and roads. How ever someone forgot to tell the weather to not blow snow all over the shoveled driveway. What is the point of shoveling?

I am trying to stay positive one reason I like snow is because then I have a valid reason for drinking hot chocolate ALL DAY LONG!!

My kids like it and ready or not it is here!!! How many more months until spring? TOO MANY!

day 27

I am grateful for a husband who helps me clean and organize! He really is the BEST bathroom cleaner EVER! He may not do the dishes the right way but he does them and for that I am grateful!!!!

DAY 26

I am grateful for music and the influence that it has. It always amazes me the way that a song can bring back memories or feelings. I love that songs can me make me want to get up and dance or sit and cry! I am grateful for MUSIC!

Day 25

I am SOOOO thankful for the holidays and the chance to spend time with family and enjoy each others company!

DAY 24

I am thankful for answers to prayers! Whether they are the answers I want or not I am grateful to know that there is someone looking out for me and the best interests of my family!

day 23

I am grateful for the visiting teaching program!

Day 22

Today I am grateful to belong to the LDS church! I love going to church on Sunday and getting my soul refreshed and reinvigorated! I am so thankful that the Lord looks out for me and guides me in my life and helps me every single day!

NEW MOON

I had a a VERY fun filled & much needed girls night out. I hardly ever get girls nights so I treasure them when they happen. I went with 4 of the funnest and nicest ladies to see the midnight showing of "New Moon". We had bought the V.I.P. tickets and so it was an all night event!
We left at around 6pm and then went and got a bite to eat. Then we headed to the theater. We were a little early so we went to do some shopping. When we got back to the theater we got a gift bag with a red drink, a bag of red candies, & a book mark. We were seated and watched Twilight. When Twilight was over we got a slice of pizza, a cupcake, a large drink, & large popcorn. We then were able to get our choice of seats before everyone else for "New Moon".
There was a band playing in the lobby and TONS of women and a few men. All of this was included in our ticket. It was well worth it and so so so much fun! I really enjoyed the movie and thought it was much better than Twilight. Now to count down to "ECLIPSE" only 7 months to go!

Day 21

I am thankful for the technology that surrounds us. The easy access to information and the ease of being able to communicate with friends and family!

DAY 20

I am thankful for warm flannel sheets, a soft comfortable bed and fluffy pillows that I can crawl into and snuggle up with. Close my weary eyeballs and sleep! Especially when it is cold outside!

Day 19

Today I am grateful for FRIENDS! What would the world be like with out them? They are there when you need a shoulder to cry on or a ear to vent to. They are there for Slurpee runs, trips to Target, road trips (although not so much now that I am married with kids), poker nights and so much more. Friends are fabulous!

day 18

Wow so many things to be grateful for! I thought I might have to stretch my imagination to come up with things to be grateful for but I have so many I am afraid I will run out of days. So many more to come.

Today I am grateful for a sense of humor! Laughter is a wonderful thing!

Day 17

I am thankful that I have a dishwasher and that I don't have to wash dishes by hand. I am also thankful for my washer and dryer so I don't have to go to the laundromat!

Thankful day 16

I am very thankful that I can read and that there are LOTS of good books to enjoy!

Day 15

I am a little late getting this posted as the day is almost over. However it is still the 15th so I am good right?
We had a little Thanksgiving dinner tonight at our house with my side of the family. My mom and sister are headed to Florida for Thanksgiving to spend some time with my brother Ammon and sis-in-law Karla. I decided it would be nice to have a Thanksgiving dinner with them before they go. It was nice everyone pitched in and we had a delicious dinner and had a nice time with each other.
So to day I am thankful for FAMILY (mine and Ryan's)!!!!!
I am grateful for the support and love that they give to us! I truly believe that there is NOTHING better than family!
I LOVE YOU GUYS! Thanks for loving me!

Day 14 of Thankful

Today as it is snowing and cold outside. I was thinking about what I was grateful for. So here it is for today. I AM INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR INDOOR PLUMBING! I can't tell you how grateful I am that I can use the bathroom inside! I don't know how people did with out this fabulous little marvel!

Thankful day 13

Children's laughter! What could be better than that? That is what I am most thankful for today! I can always tell that my kids are feeling better when they start to laugh again. This morning Gage was giggling at Coleton. Coleton wasn't even doing anything but Gage was giggling! HURRAY!

Thankful day 12

My little Gage has been sick. We are going on a week. He had the H1N1 testing done and it came back negative. THANK GOODNESS!!! So today I am grateful that there are doctors who study and learn and are able to treat illness! Gage is borderline pneumonia and is now on drugs. I am grateful that there are drugs to treat and make my little guy feel better!

Thankful day 11

Since it is Veterans day today I think it only fitting that my gratitude be geared toward those who have fought for my freedom! I truly appreciate those brave men and women who gave up their lives and sacrificed time with their families to serve our country. THANK YOU!!!

Thankful day 10

I had a really nice chat with one of my neighbors yesterday. It was one of those talks that you both need. so today I am REALLY thankful for my neighbors! I love them all. They are great people and I am so thankful that I have such wonderful people to raise my kids around!

Thankful day 9

today I am thankful for...

The seasons. I love each season although I have to put spring and fall on the top 2. I am grateful that I live somewhere where I can enjoy the change that each one brings.

Thankful for # 8

Todays attitude of gratitude is...

The mountains. I love living by the mountains and seeing them change with each season. They are awesome to look at!

Thankful for...

Today my attitude of gratitude is...

#7 I am thankful that I have a chance to raise 3 boys!

Month of Thanksgiving

November is the month we focus on being thankful. I am going to try everyday to think of something I am thankful for. Since today is the 6th day I will post 6 things and then try to do a post everyday for the rest of the month.

#1 I am thankful for the air that I breathe.

#2 I am thankful that my mom taught me how to cook.

#3 I am thankful for my job.

#4 I am thankful for the house that I live in.

#5 I am thankful for the food that I eat (especially chocolate).

#6 I am thankful that I married someone who is a hard worker and does everything he can to provide for our family and the things that we need.

Look for more gratitude's tomorrow!

Halloween

Here are my little & big Monsters! They had so much fun and ryan was a good sport to go out and take them trick or treating!

A close up of my fisherman and punk zombie

My little lion such a cutie!

The Zombie leader! He only frightened a few little kids :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!

I hope you all have a very safe and very fun Halloween. We have big plans. A family party tonight and then trick or treating tomorrow. Remington had a school party yesterday so we going to have 3 days of Halloween. I will try to get some pictures of our family dressed up. That's right our ENTIRE family Ryan too! So what are your plans? Anything fun?

Happy Birthay Coleton!

COLETON IS 3

To celebrate Coleton's birthday we went to McDonald's for lunch. We are having a family party for him next week so I got him a cupcake he blew out the candles. He got an action figure and the movie Monsters vs Aliens. I think he had a pretty good day. Any time someone would tell him happy birthday he would tell them happy birthday back.

This kid cracks me up! I just love him to death! He says the funniest things and just has a way of melting my heart. I now hope to break him of the ba-ba {aka bottle}. He has been attached for far to long. I have been telling him that once he is 3 he is a big boy and big boys don't use ba-ba's. So tonight as I was getting him to bed he says...

"mom i a baby not a big boy"

"No you are a big boy"

"No me a baby me want my ba-ba"

So needless to say he got a ba-ba.

Coleton woke up with a croupy cough last night. So I took him into the instacare this evening. There were lots of sick people with masks on. Coleton keep looking at them. I told him it was because they were sick and had bad coughs. He looked at me and said...

"I a little sick."

Then faked a cough. He just wanted a mask to play with. I should have given him one since we waited for over an hour in the waiting room. Heck I should have put one on to keep the germs away.

He is such a handful but I would be lost without him!

I LOVE YOU BUG! I hope you had a good birthday!

Cabin

We had lots of fun helping Grandma LaRae close up the cabin. The cabin is up Ogden canyon. It is so pretty up there. These are a few pictures that Remington took. He is a funny boy. coleton caught a couple of fish. We are sad that it is closed for the winter but are looking forward to the spring when we can go again.

Gardner Village

I love this time of year! The fall colors are beautiful! I love the reds, oranges, yellows, they make me happy. The air smells different in the fall. The pumpkins everywhere! Kids getting excited for Halloween. The last 3 months of the year are my favorite! So as we start with Halloween I have to say that I am not into the gory, scary decorations. I like the cute stuff. That is one reason I love Gardner Village. This little shopping spot has such a fun atmosphere! Here are a few pictures from our visit to Gardner Village. The boys and I went with my mom and sister Rachel. We go every year and I love to do it. I didn't take nearly enough pictures.

Remington asked me if this was a real witches brew. Of course I told him. Yeah right he responded.

This witch is coming in for a landing. There is another witch guiding traffic. You can see it and more on my facebook page.

You can't tell from the picture but the shutters open and close and the witch pops her head out.

Coleton really didn't want anything to do with this witch. We got Gage & Remington to sit but this is as close as he would get and refused to get out of the stroller.


Thanks Mom and Rachel for going and helping me to control my wild bunch. Although wouldn't you say it is easier outside than in?

15 month stats!

I am a little late getting this posted seeing how my baby is almost 16 months but as of 9/21/09

GAGERS is...

Age: 15 months

Weight: 25 lbs 8 oz (63%)

Height: 32 in (74%)

He is growing like a weed! He loves music and bops around when we have it on! He loves to play with his brothers and play outside. He loves balloons and balls. He is a happy little guy and we sure do love having this mama's boy in our home!

Money Tree

Oh how I wish I could grow a money tree. Just one little one that didn't produce much. Just one to help get us on our toes and not have the stress of living from paycheck to paycheck. (I HATE HATE HATE that feeling.) Oh the dreams we have. However a money tree is not a reality and so I will keep plugging along and do what I need to do.
I am greatful for the home we have to live in and that Ryan and I both have jobs. I am greatful that my boys are healthy and happy. I am greatful that we have heat and that we have each other!
So I will still dream of a money tree and maybe someday it won't be paycheck to paycheck.

Decisions

Oh the things we have to do in life. The decisions we have to make. The consequences of those choices.
Ryan has been offered a job opportunity that has many good possibilities. It would require our family to move. Not that this is a bad thing and it isn't a far move but far enough that commuting isn't possible. I think that it would be good for our little family. I think that it will help us get back to depending on each other more and appreciating each other more. However the idea of selling our house and buying a new one is not one that I am looking forward to. Especially since our neighbors have been trying to sell for a year with NO prospects. However I do have faith in the Lord and if this is the right thing then I am sure that whatever is supposed to happen will happen on the Lord's time NOT mine.
So this Job as some of you are wondering is in Huntington, UT. They are the nicest most down to earth people. They called Ryan and want him to come and do what he has been doing at Maceys. He will also have a chance to help expand the store to become a chain. They have offered us a home that they rent out for us to use until we can get settled into a home of our own. It is a tiny town and I have always said that I DO NOT want to live in a tiny town. That might be one of my misgivings. However we drove there today and had a BBQ with the family that owns a grocery store. I really liked them and Huntington isn't so bad. So now we are weighing the pros and cons. Although the pros seem to be outweighing the cons. I am sure over the next few weeks we will make a few more scouting trips and be making a possible LIFE CHANGING decision.

Coleton + Target = TROUBLE!!!!

So I went shopping at Target yesterday to get a birthday present for a party that Remington is going to today and to get a few other things. I love shopping at Target but don't go often becasue it is kind of far. However I had Target coupons for all the things that I needed so that is where I decided to go.
We started off at the toys Coleton and Remington like all kids LOVE looking. I dread it because I know I will be asked a million times for toys and when I say NO I get whines and crying and fit throwing. They were actually pretty good. Anyway Remington chose a toy for his friend and then we went to gather the few other things that I needed.
While in the baby aisle Coleton started running and he just runs faster if I chase him. Well I tried to follow but... he is FAST!!
So I couldn't find him. Target is a BIG store and I went to look back by the toys he wasn't there. After searching for a few minutes I headed up to the front hoping to gather reinforcements to help me look for him. While walking I was thinking

"What did he wear today?"

I know I should probably take his picture before walking into a store. Well to my relief he was at customer service sitting on the counter playing with a Halloween toy and talking to the security officer and 1 employee. HAPPY AS CAN BE!!! When he saw me he had a big smile on his face and said

"HI Mom I WAS LOST!"

I thanked them for hanging on to him. Fortunately another mom had found him. That child is going to be the death of me.

Jam Recipe

OK here it is super easy and very versatile!

JELLO JAM

8 cups prepared fruit
8 cups sugar
2 small boxes jello - flavors that compliment the fruit

Prepare fruit as needed to chop.

Chop as fine as you like.

Stir together fruit and sugar in a large pot. Boil for 15 minutes or longer, stirring often enough to prevent sticking on the bottom.
Take off the heat and add the jello.
Put in hot jars and seal. Process in a water bath for 20 minutes.

*Be creative with your choices.
*Jam does not have to be processed, but turns out thicker and has a better seal if you do.
*Recipe makes 5-6 pints of jam.
*Recipe can be doubled or tripled just make sure you use a big enough pot to prevent boiling over.

I am excited to try more flavors and see what my creative side can come up with!

Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!

Remington told me today it was the best jam he has ever had!

JAM!

I DID IT!! I made jam!
Peach raspberry jam actually! It tastes really good if I do say so myself! Thanks a ton to my friend Holly for sharing her jello jam recipe in an enrichment meeting. Making it was super easy even with crying boys hanging on my legs. Also a big THANKS to my neighbors the Heyns for supplying the peaches and my Mom for the raspberries. I am going to go pick more raspberries and make another batch of jam this weekend. I wanted to post a picture but my camera has gone missing and is on the verge of death anyhow.
I am really liking canning this year and funny thing, Ryan and I bicker over who is going to do it :) I know so funny. He only wants to do salsa and I want to do some cans that are tomatoes only. So far he has won that battle. I guess I will be buying cans of tomatoes when caselot rolls aroung next week!

First day of School!

the cute triplet girls from next door come and pick Remington up. Here he is running across the street SO excited to go to school.


Coleton had to get in on the picture!


Well it is official school has started. Remington was VERY excited to start school 2 nd grade this year! I had to work the night before school started but Ryan was really good to make sure he got clothes set out and backpack ready and the little homework assignment all done and ready to go. The homework wasn't bad he just needed to collect a few things that showed who he is. He took a picture of him and his dad fishing, a transformer toy, a sticker that looks like his hamster & a package of Yogos.
Let me just say that I have refused to buy new clothes for the start of school. He is going to need clothes for the coming cold weather and so I will buy new clothes then (I should be grateful that he is a boy and doesn't care about new clothes.), however the clothes he chose on the other hand {BIG SIGH} were a old pair of cut off jeans and a t-shirt. The shirt was not so bad but the shorts well I tried to talk him out of them but couldn't so I settled for at least cutting off all the strings dangling from the legs. He is a very independent boy!

Oh where Oh where has my little son gone?

You know the song...

"OH where Oh where has my little son gone Oh where oh where can he be? He's in none of church rooms or on the church grounds OH where oh where can he be?"

OK so I wasn't quite singing this earlier today when I couldn't find Coleton. I know you are all surprised that He was missing. He is after all VERY stubborn and willful and mischievous and one track minded.
I have to sigh big and remember that these attributes are a good thing. Or will be someday.
So now I am sure you are all saying TELL THE STORY!!!!! well here it is....
I go to kickboxing every Tuesday and Thursday at the church. I love it!!! It is a good work out and my boys love to play with the other kids especially Coleton.
Remington goes to a reading group at the school every Tuesday and Thursday they happen to be at the same time. The school is close enough that Remington walks. Today was no different. Except that Coleton followed him and I didn't know.
So there I am at kickboxing I send Remington when it is time for him to go. A few minutes later I wonder
"Where is Coleton?"
I start to look and don't see him.
I look in every room and don't see him.
I start to panic because I don't see him.
I ask around to the other kids NO ONE has seen him.
I start to cry.
Then I pack Gage up.
Some sweet ladies offer to watch him while I look.THANK YOU!!!!!!!
I decide to head for the school hopeing and praying that he went with Remington after all he could be anywhere. I got to the school and every flipping door I tried was locked.
"He better be here or I am going to kill him when I find him" I am thinking to myself.
I finally get in to the school and head to the room where reading is held and Low and behold there he is HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF!!
I picked him up squeezed him asked him what on earth he was doing. Turns out he was entertaining the group.
Remington says we knew you'd figure it out. Coleton told me you knew he was coming with me.
AHHHHHHHHHH at least he is alive.

COLETON!

Poor Coleton didn't get a nap today. Too much excitement getting a hamster. so while I was making dinner he asked to listen to "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley. He loves this song. Well I looked over and said Coleton but the poor little guy was fast asleep with the speaker to his ear. I had to take a picture and smile!

welcome PooPoo Nibbles

We have a new pet. A hamster who Coleton named poopoo and Remington named Nibbles. We call "IT" Nibbles. We are not sure if it is a boy or girl but there is only 1 so we should be fine. I have been saying NO to a pet and was ambushed this morning by my boys telling me that dad promised them a hamster. I guess it will be good to help teach Remington some responsibility. Hopefully it doesn't get loose

Its just not going away. GrRrRrRr

So most of you know my drama with the CRAZY STALKER LADY! Here is the short version. I met her through her son who was in Remington's 1st grade class. She called and asked if Remington would like to play with her son Joshua (I should have said NO!!!! )
I don't particularly like how Remington is when he is with Joshua and there were some other things that happened and some things were said that were disturbing involving blood and death. We told her that Remington couldn't play with Joshua for 1 month. She started calling for play dates after 1 week.
If I don't answer the phone when she calls she shows up at my house asking why I didn't answer the phone. She comes to Maceys to find me when I am working and 1 time when I just shopping.
She called yesterday and said that Joshua was in tears because Remington wasn't able to play. NOT MY PROBLEM!
{Although it is turning into my problem.}
She also demanded that before Remington runs off with other friends that he and Joshua play together. I don't really do well with being demanded to do things and I tend to want to rebel.

So how do I end things?

My brother in law suggested violence. hahahaha!!! Very funny Dave!

Ryan says its my problem because he already ended things however she is still around. So obviously he didn't. I have been hoping it will just all go away but that is not happening. So this is what I have come up with. After much thought and prayer.

I am going to tell her that Joshua is a good kid but, Remington cannot play with him anymore because the two of them are just not a good combination.

So that is where I am at. I am done with feeling like I have to hide or being relived when they go on vacation. I am done with the drama and the attitude. I am praying that they are in separate classes next year (maybe they will find a new family to terrorize). If not Mr Liddard and I will be having a chat :)

Wish me luck and hope that she doesn't go anymore crazy physco on me!

Is Santa real?

So I thought that maybe I could get another year in before the question of Santa Clause's authenticity came about, however I got it TODAY.

I was folding clothes today when Remington came in and said
"Mom I don't know if I believe in Santa or the Easter Bunny"
"Why is that?"
"I don't know I just don't think that they are real"
"Oh really?"

At this point I try to change the subject. I remember when I found out that Santa wasn't real and that it was my mom and dad and I was heart broken. However much to my dismay I got asked...

"Mom did you and Dad buy the WII?"

Yes Santa did bring a WII for Christmas 7 months ago! In my head I am thinking I can't lie to him He is going to find out sooner or later and I would rather him find out from me than from friends at school.

"Yes" I sigh
"I knew it!!!"
"OK now you have to keep it a secret"
"WHY?"
"Because your brothers don't know and it is fun to believe"
"Why can't I tell Coleton"
"Remington they need to believe like you did and it will be fun to see their reactions when we visit Santa at the North Pole on the Polar Express"

We have made this a tradition I guess. There is a train called the Heber Creeper that at Christmas time is called the polar express and you go for a train ride and the ELVES read the polar express and serve hot chocolate and cookies. You see Santa out the window when you get to the North Pole and then he gets on the train visits all the cars and gives every child a bell. Mrs clause also comes and visits the cars and hands out her cookie recipe. It really is a lot of fun and magical.

Remington was looking confused at a little weary I told him
"DO NOT TELL YOUR BROTHERS"
I am not sure how he will do in the secret keeping department so....
I will have to revisit this subject as Christmas gets closer. Who would have thought I would have this conversation with my son in the middle of July.

OVERLOOKED

Well I have been thinking lately that I don't have a PASSION for really anything. I think I need a change. So I have been thinking what would I like to do, what would I like to study, what "do I want to be when i grow up".
Well I am stil pondering these questions and haven't come up with much EXCEPT....
I have been reading a friends blog and she is doing a weekly photo challenge. Last week the theme was BLUE and she posted the results of the pictures that were taken and it was really fun to see all the creative things that they all came up with.
So this week her theme is OVERLOOKED and so I am thinking that I will look at things around me and see what I can come up with and join this little group.
It may turn to a passion it may not, but it is at least something to get my brain going and my intrests flowing.
I will post what I come up with.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!!

here is a list (in no particular order) of the reasons that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year.

1- BBQ's
2- DUTCH OVEN COOKING (yummy)
3- swimming
4- parades
5- hot air balloon festival in Provo
6- Red, White, & Blue what a great combination!
7- Family
8- fireworks
9- late nights
10- warm days and almost cool nights
11- FREEDOM!!!
12- blankets scattering on lawns
13- happy people young and old
14- Flags waving
15- watermelon
16- firetrucks
17- sparklers
18- fun
19- corn on the cob
20- pops, fizzes & screeches!!

We were able to do lots of things on my list and maybe when my little monsters are older we will do more.
We went swimming & had a BBQ at Ryan's parents house and fearless Coleton and little fish Remington didn't want to get out of the water.
We also went to my mom's for a dutch oven dinner and fireworks!
We had a great day and the boys were exhausted by the end. Poor little Coleton didn't make it through the fireworks he feel asleep and all the loud bangs didn't even faze him. Gage did great although he seemed bored by the end of the fireworks.

Adventures in Swimming.

Well today I got a call from my sister in law Erin inviting me to go to the Payson pool and go swimming. I thought how fun yeah I am game. OK so I was a little nervous about taking my wild bunch by myself but I thought at least Erin and Lindsay (my other sister in law) will be there. So when Gage woke up from his nap I fed him, gathered our stuff and we headed to the pool. The boys were so excited. We got there and found our group and the kids hit the water.

The Payson pool is so fun there is a lazy river and splash pads and a very fun water attraction that dumps water when the bucket is full. There is slides for little kids and big kids. Lots of ways to stay cool and enjoy the summer. I had just bought Remington and Coleton these water skateboards the day before and so they brought theirs along. We hadn't been there very long when some kid came up and asked Remington if he could borrow it then took it and ran. Remington didn't seem to mind so I let it go although I was bugged. Remington wanted to go in the lazy river so I went over with him. we went around a few times and saw the kid with Remington's "skateboard". He and another friend were taking turns and when Remington tried to get it they weren't really letting him have it. However Remington decided he wanted to go on the big water slide. So he went up and I watched him come down he did awesome! I went back to check on Coleton and mentioned to Erin and Lindsay about the kid who had taken the "skateboard" and they are awesome and went and got it back(I would have done it myself eventually). They are so much more assertive than I am and I love them for it. I wish I was more like that sometimes. i think that I am getting more assertive being a parent that whole "mother bear thing".

I think Coleton started to get tired of playing in the little kid area or maybe it was that Remington and his cousins left him but he was restless and wandering. I was watching him and saw him start to go a little to far for comfort so I asked Erin to keep and eye on Gage and I followed Coleton. I caught up to him as He was heading toward a deeper end of the pool and right before I could grab him he ran and JUMPED into the water. There was a lifeguard who immediately jumped in after him and pulled him out. I said thank you and started to leave but was informed that we needed to go fill out a report. FABULOUS!! That would be my little dare devil. It wasn't bad they got his name, our address, phone number and I had to sign it.

So when it was time to leave (yeah there is more) we gathered the kids and Remington started throwing a HUGE fit. Out of no where WOW I don't know where it came from except that he said he was hungry. Needless to say he won't be playing the Wii or watching cartoons for the next week.

At least the boys are worn out and should sleep good tonight. Erin will probably think twice before calling me to swim again, but Gage was good and no trouble except that he cried every time I left him.

AHHHHH So much drama for a little trip to the pool. Not that it surprises me.

YELLOWSTONE!

We had a fun family vacation to Yellowstone. When I say family I mean family. My mom, & 2 sisters Rachel and Sarah. Along with Ryan's Parents, brother Chase and his sister Erin her hubby and their 2 kids, Ryan's brother David came up from Idaho Falls with his girlfriend Carrie. We had quite a big group. We cooked a dinner consisting of steaks, baked potatoes, and stir fried veggies. We laughed and visited and enjoyed each others company.
We had rented a cabin in Island Park and it was perfect. It fit everyone nicely, was comfortable and close to the gate at West Yellowstone. We spent 2 days in the park and I wish it was longer. It was cold and rainy but very beautiful. It was a great way to enjoy the beauty of the earth and what God created for us. We visited Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, Fire hole falls. We saw some wild life. Mostly Bison but unfortunetly NO bears or Moose. I was a little disappointed with that but what can you do? We were close to seeing a bear. There was a traffic jam and a couple of rangers cars. When we got close we asked what was going on and they said a bear was down but had wandered up into the trees. So close yet so far.
Coleton LOVED the bison and talked about them all the time. He kept saying he wated to see more buffalo. Remington just wanted to play in the hot tube at the cabin and Gage just wanted to be in his own bed at home. He was a great little alarm clock and woke everyone up at 5:45 am. Its a good thing he is so cute and little so everyone forgave him quickly.
We had a great time and it was nice to get away. Especially with Sarah and Chase as they are both leaving on missions for the LDS church. Sarah will be gone for a year and a half and Chase will be gone for two years. It was a great way to spend a little time with them and create a few memories. My boys are really going to miss both of them VERY much.
On the way home we stopped by Mesa Falls. It was beautiful and amazing. I felt bad that we were driving on Fathers Day, not so fun for Ryan. The boys were troopers and for the most part pretty good concidering all the time we spent in the car. I loved getting away but it is always nice to come home.

FIRST BIRTHDAY!!

Well I am a little late but its official my baby is 1!! Sigh its hard to believe that he is 1 already. The year has flown by. He was born June 11th, 2008 he was born at 5:05 pm and weighed 8 lbs. He now weighs 23 lbs and is a happy little mommas boy! We had a little party for him at home on his birthday. Ryan worked and brought home a little cake which he loved! He ate the frosting first and then the cake. We had a family party on June 13th and had a BBQ and of course cake and ice cream. He was really not into the presents but loves the toys that he got. We got him a little water table to play with outside that I think his brothers enjoy more.
He isn't walking yet but is so close. He could do it if he wanted but why when he knows he can fuss and someone will pick him up and hand him to mom. Someday he will decide that walking is more fun.

last day of school & summer plans

Today was the last day of school. To top it off it was only a 1/2 day. I really don't understand why they do that but it's fun for the kids to play I guess. Remington came home covered with autographs on his arms. I guess they had free reign because he had his kindergarten teacher, a 2nd grader, and a girl who wrote her name and phone number on his arm. I think that he is a little young for girls numbers but he tells me that she wrote it not him. Really lets be honest nothing really academic got done the last week of school. The kids had a beach day where they played water games and then the sprinklers gpt turned on. They had a garage sale. The had earned "mustang bucks" which is fake money and then took unwanted items and sold them and bought other things also. We sent junk and he came home with more junk. the had a luau and bubble day and also a game day. WOW so much fun I wish I was a first grader again. However there was no celebrating for us since the 2 younger boys are sick again and Remington had to go to the doctor with me. We did go to Target after and I bought the 2 oldest light sabers. Coleton insisted on sleeping with his.
So now begins our summer. I am afraid that it is going to go by WAY to fast. Remington is taking tennis lessons, swimming lessons, & is in a reading club at school. I guess it will be worse when I have more than 1 child in lessons.
We are going to Yellowstone for a vacation and are sending off 2 missionaries. Gage is turning 1 in a couple of weeks and I am a little sad. Why do my babies have to grow up? Oh life is flying by. It will be christmas again before I know it. I was going to save up this year and not try to skimp on my budget. I better get going on that I still have a little bit of time.

strawberries

My little Gage LOVES his food. The other day I was feeding him strawberries and the kid couldn't get enough of them. He would scream at me if I didn't give them to him fast enough. It was hilarious. He was having a hard time picking them up and so being the very smart baby that he is he put his mouth on the table to pick them up that way. I was laughing so hard. here are a few pictures. enjoy!

Happy Mothers Day!

Yesterday was a very nice day if you ask me! My sweet husband got up with the kids and I got to sleep in. That does not happen very often. I even got breakfast in bed and a chance to relax in the tub uninterupted. My boys weren't fighting and I got to see my favorite mom's and mom's to be. I went for a walk with Remington and enjoyed the beautiful weather. I love this time of year and the chance to remember why it is good to be a mom and have a wonderful mother. I want to try and be more like my mom. She is an amazing woman and I love her!

Mushy Brain

So I really do have the funniest conversations with my kids. The other day I picked up Remington from a friends house. When I got there he said do I have to go we just started playing. They happened to have just started a video game. I said yes it was time to go. So we got in the car and he tells me that he really wanted to play that game because it is one that we don't have. I told him I was sorry and that playing to many video games and watching to much T.V. will rot your brain. What does rot your brain mean he asks me. I tell him it means that your brain will turn to mush and you won't be smart which is why I am telling you to go play outside. Then he proceeds to tell me that his brain gets mushy when he watches T.V. but it gets mushed back up when he goes outside to play. I just had to laugh!

On another note I am VERY excited for my sister Sarah She recieved her mission call and is going to serve in the Colorado Springs, Colorado mission. She Leaves on June 24, 2009 and will be gone for 18 months. She will miss Remington's baptism and birth of Caleb and Laura's baby. I know that it will be a great experience for her and I am excited for her. I am also kind of envious. I never served a mission. It never felt right maybe when I am older.

Dinner Conversations

Tonight at dinner I had a very funny conversation with Remington. He started by asking me if I had ever seen the "REAL" easter bunny.
"Yes I have"
"When mom?"
"When I was a kid and my family was living in Idaho. My mom called out 'I see the Easter bunny outside', We all ran and looked out the window and there jumping across our yard the Easter bunny".
"Was he big or little?"
"He was the size of a regular rabbit"
"Well then he wasn't the Easter bunny"
"Why?"
"Because mom the Easter bunny is big like you. Don't you remember watching the 'Santa Clause'?"
"Maybe he was in disguise"
"No mom. No one has ever seen the REAL Easter bunny"
"OK then". I guess I was wrong about that bunny as a kid.

Coleton was also on a role tonight too, like he is everyday! I was feeding Gage and I looked and he was on the table I asked him what he was doing and he said "I shake my body" and then started dancing. I told him to stop being a table dancer and get off. "NO" he says
"Coleton please get off the table."
"No mom"
"Coleton you are going to get hurt please get off"
"no you silly little beast" I just started to laugh. He got the silly little beast from a book we read. Oh the kid is smart. I love him.

my first day!

well Sarah this is for you! I did it and lets see if I can keep it up. I am typing one handed holding Gage because he is sick again, poor little guy. He has another ear infection and bronchitis. Coleton is sick too. I am really looking forward to spring and some warm weather.