T minus one week

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The temple

I got to go tot the temple this morning with a couple of my friends. I haven't been in a while and I have missed it. I love sitting in the clean white rooms and feeling the peaceful spirit that surrounds me. I need to go more. I need to try and have that spirit in my home more! I am so grateful for the temple and the work that goes on there.

Happiness is..

~two little boys napping and a older boy still at school

aka a quiet house!

~taking time to read a book.

~finding the right material to finish Halloween costumes.

~not having to work again until Monday.

~a good report from a 3rd grade teacher.

~getting to spend a weekend with all my favorite girls.

{yay for the deer hunt}

~sore muscles from a really good work out!

~the scale that shows a smaller number almost everytime I step on it!

COLETON is 4!!!

4 years ago this child was born!

He came into this world on a Friday!

He is so sweet and so funny.

He keeps me laughing all day long.

He is strong willed and determined and has a mind of his own.

He loves to play with his brothers. Especially the older one!

He loves to be outside.

He loves to play the Wii.

He loves to read books.

He loves to play with his toys,

trucks, dinosaurs, ninjas!

Coleton wanted to go out for pizza for dinner so we took him to pizza factory! YUM!! Ryan told them it was Coleton's birthday and they made him his very own pizza in the shape of a 4. They also let him choose a dessert and he chose a sucker. Which is not surprising because this kid will pass up sweets. Crazy I know! I asked him what the best part of his day was and he said it was opening his presents. His favorite he says is his gun and his nano bug! We are having a extended family party for him on Saturday. He is excited for that too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLETON!!

Blog give away!

My friend Gillian is such a creative person! She is doing a give away on her blog and I entered to win and so can you! All you have to do is visit!
http://kevinandgillian.blogspot.com/2010/10/giveaway.html
Enjoy!

My name is just Steve

I love Coleton.
He cracks me up!
This morning we got in the car to run to the store and I commented on how our neighbor Brother Brandon had gotten some of his Halloween decorations out. Coleton asked me why baby Brandon decorated for Halloween (baby Brandon is a baby in our neighborhood). I then tried to explain to Coleton that it wasn't baby Brandon but that Brandon is his friend Carter's last name. Just like his last name is Rasmussen. He then tells me.
"my name is just Steve."
OK then. What a silly boy!

Weight loss update.

If you read my other blog this will be a repeat and I'm sorry!
Just a little shout out to me I have now lost 19.6 pounds!! I am feeling good but still have 40 more to go to where I want to be. So I'm still on a journey but excited that I made my initial goal. Now I should reward myself but I am not sure what. Any ideas??

I am in trouble when I have a house full of teenage boys!!

For breakfast this morning Gage, who is 2, ate 2 eggs and a about a cup of sliced strawberries. He also drank 2 cups of chocolate milk, which by the way is his most favorite thing in the world! What am I going to do when I have a house full of hungry teenage boys? They already eat like they are never going to eat again. I guess I will be working at Maceys forever to be able to afford a grocery bill!

Feeling Better

After my post yesterday about all the selfishness in this world {sorry about my rant} I am feeling a little bit better. Remington was running late for school {mostly my fault}. I told him I would drive him. As I was dropping him off there was a mom in the loading zone that was unloading some big boxes and carrying them in the school. I almost told Remington to go hold the door for her but he was out of the car so quick I didn't get a chance. The next thing I know he is running over and holding the door open for her. Maybe I have taught him consideration for other people!

Its all about ME right??

I seem to be surrounded by this attitude of ME ME ME!! Is selfishness a fine line? Am I being selfish because I hate this "me first I'm the most important attitude"?
I can see how there is so much road rage and anger and hate in the world because of this way of thinking. Every time I get in the car to drive anywhere there is always some one who has to be 1 more car ahead or run the red light because heaven forbid that you have to wait for a few minutes or drive just a little bit slower.
Perhaps if we all took into consideration other peoples feelings and didn't think about ME all the time things would be different.
Even in my own home there is a selfish attitude and it seems to be contagious.
Things like "I don't want to share" or "I am going to do what I want and it doesn't matter what you say" or "He got it so I need it"
How can I change this and get my own little family myself included to think of others and how they feel? I must say that sometimes it is easier to consider the feelings of strangers. Why is that?
Shouldn't we care more about those that we live.
Care more abouut how they feel and what they think?
Maybe I need to look closer at myself and the example that I am setting toward those that share a house with me.
My family needs a example of..
CONSIDERATION and CHRIST LIKE LOVE!!
Maybe I need to change myself before I can change others!
I need to be this example!!

my news!

Saturday I went and spent the day at my mom's house. I love going there and spending time with her and I don't get to do it enough!

I really do have the greatest mom in the world!

So what were we doing all day??
here is a hint...


What is this you wonder. We have been talking about taking a trip after Sarah gets home from her mission. About 4 years ago all us girls went to New York on a vacation and we wanted to go on a girls only trip every other year. Well we haven't been on one since.
Saturday my mom and I did some number crunching and we set a date, booked flight and hotels for our 2nd Girls trip! Although this time it isn't all girls because my brother Ammon is coming! Its good though because I don't get to see him enough! Where is it that you are going you ask??

HAWAII!!!

I'm very excited! We are going to Oahu in March after Sarah gets home from her mission. I'm very sad that my sister in law Laura won't be coming. It just won't be the same. Next time right Laura!!!
Remington has been begging me to go but I keep telling him NO! I would like to take him but its not in the any one's budget. Its going to be so fun to go again with my mom and sisters!! I LOVE THEM!!

The power of FOOD!!

I have been a mom long enough that I should know the signs of hungry little monsters when I see or hear them. Here is what to look for...

Crying for NO reason
Whining for EVERY reason
Fighting over ridiculous things
When asked any question the answer is NO!
Fit throwing

I should know these signs well an yet I either ignore the signs or lose it because of them.
It is amazing how once these little mouths get some food in their bellies they become, well pleasant. All the signs don't disappear but become significantly more easily managed. Thank you food for your miraculous miracle and calming of the fits!!

My other blog

If you haven't recently visited my other not so exciting blog you should go see my latest post! I want to shout my news from the roof tops!! Read and tell me what you think!
http://amysthinjourney.blogspot.com/

Hurry I'm waiting!

Rolls

IS YOUR MOUTH WATERING YET??

Oh how I LOVE rolls!

I could eat them all the time! Especially homemade rolls.

The smell in the house as they cook is divine!

Warm out of the oven smeared in melting butter.

Oh do I have your mouth watering yet?

Today is my father in law's birthday. We are having a BBQ for him this afternoon and I was asked to make rolls. My mom gave me this yummy recepie for oatmeal bread that you can either make bread or rolls. I made rolls this time and oh my goodness I am throwing my diet out the window today. They turned out awesome if I do say so myself!

Pre-school

Well Remington is back in school now and I have pre-school on the brain.
Pre-school with Remington was easy I just had him and for 2 years I did a neighbor hood preschool but I will be honest and say it is NOT for me. I dreaded it I don't know why. The other mom's were great and Remington loved it. The year before Remington started kindergarten I put him in a "real" pre-school. I will do that next year for Coleton and the year after for Gage. I figure one year of "real" pre-school is good and I have my sights set on a couple of different ones.
So this year I will do pre-school at home. Today I spent the afternoon getting my lessons together. Here is the fun thing about this that I am stoked about!!
The lessons I am using are the same lessons that my mom used when she taught me and my brother at home. The book is so old school!! Printed in 1980!! I can still remember doing pre-school at home with my brother. I remember my favorite stories and activities. See mom it wasn't a waist of your time and I am so glad you kept all this stuff!!
I hope my 2 youngest find joy in it like I did!
We are going to do it 2 days a week Tuesday and Thursday. Then have little field trips once a month. I am going to do the field trips on Wednesdays when Ryan is home and can go with us. I am a little excited for this "school year" wish me luck!

First day of school!!

Its official I have a 3rd grader.

3rd grade just means he is half way through grade school.

SCARY!!!

that means junior high is just around the corner.

I'm not going to think about it.

At least not until next year

when I am reminded that he is one year older.

When did he grow up??

I LOVE YOU REMINGTON!!

Have a great year!

Cookies

I made Cookies today to take to Remington's pack meeting tonight. I thought I was doing good. I made a kind that I don't particularly enjoy so that I wouldn't eat them all. Then the next thing I know Gage is up on the counter spraying the cookies with cleaner. So much for that batch now I have to make another batch. GRRRR!!

Clean Carpets

Oh how dirty my carpets are... sigh
I got ambitious and thought I will clean them.
That how ever takes a lot of work.
Moving furniture and vacuuming missed corners.
However my front room is done!!
It is beautiful!
The upstairs needs it desperately.
Gage needs a nap even more.
I guess the upstairs carpets will have to wait.
I will go enjoy the beauty of the clean smell in the front room.
AHH clean carpets I have missed you!

random conversation

Coleton got my phone the other day and if he sent you a blank message I apologise! He also randomly texted a person that I don't. The "conversation" that we had was so funny that I thought I would share it with you!
"who is this and why did you send me a blank msg?"
"sorry my kids got the phone"
"Why is my number in your phone? Cause its hard to believe that they dialed 801 then my number Ha ha whats your name"
"Amy is my name & really your number is not in my phone :)"
"ha ha crazy how old are you?"
"I'm 33 yeah I'm old :) lol"
"ha ha where do you live"
"In Spanish fork. You?"
"Orem. Are you married"
"Yes"
"cool cool"
"Yeah again I'm sorry my 3 yr old is a genius lol"
"ha ha well my name is Angie and I'm 35"
"nice to meet you :)"
"You too. I'm also married but its an open marriage."

I'm thinking WHAT???? How do I respond to this without sounding like I'm open to the idea. Ryan says tell her yes WHAT???? so I come up with...

"cool"
"sorry not trying to weird you out"

Yep totally weired out how do I end this conversation?

"no worries"
"are you and your husband into that kinda stuff?"

I knew it was coming and now she has my phone number great! I got be strong and let her know there is no openings here!!!

"NO"
"that's cool"
"yeah"
"Ha ha I'm sorry i am messing with you it's not everyday some random person texts you I couldn't pass it up. Ha ha I'm a 23 year old guy Ha ha"
"ha ha ha you are funny"
"Lol sorry"
"seriously I'm laughing"
"Ha ha are you lds"
"yeah are you?"
"Ha ha ya i am lol"

Oh relief. Ryan and I had a good laugh and I thought you might too! Moral of the story..
DON'T LET YOUR 3 YR OLD PLAY WITH YOUR PHONE!

Diapers

I'm beginning to think that Gage will be potty trained before Coleton. Reasons being. Coleton could care less. Gage will take his diaper off any chance he gets. The only way I can keep it on is to put a onsie on him and even then he tugs and pulls at it. I wish Coleton was more that way. However Ryan's family is planning a trip to Newport beach next summer including Sea world and Disneyland. I really think it would be fantastic of Gage was all potty trained by then so I wouldn't have to worry about diapers. It would be even better if Coleton was potty trained by then :)
We are working on it. He knows how to do it he just doesn't want to miss anything. Someday it will all click and we will be done! Until then I fight to keep a diaper on Gage and a diaper off Coleton. Maybe I am going about this backwards...

new blog

I am starting a new blog to help me reach some new fitness goals. I figure if I put it out in cyber space where people can read it then it might be easier to reach some goals and have some accountability! I'm doing a different blog so that my family one won't be overwhelmed and if you are not interested in my weight loss than you don't have to read it. It really is just a way of journaling I guess! here is the link if you want to keep track of my progress. and comments are always welcome! It keeps me going!!
http://amysthinjourney.blogspot.com/

I'm no criminal!!

I had a close call over the week end. I may be a bit of a drama queen but really I don't like being in trouble or the thought of being in trouble. I never have, so here is my tale!

I am not very faithful in checking the mail. (You need to know that because it pertains to this story.) We have a community box at the end of the street where everyone gets their mail. {If it was in front of my house I am sure I would get it everyday, but its not so I don't}

It had been about a week since I had checked the mail.

Thursday July 23rd. Ryan is working late and it is Spanish Fork Fiesta Days! I decide to take the kids down hit the carnival. We rode a few rides and walked around looking at all the white trash that carnivals bring. Seriously I don't understand it but we'll save that for another time. I stopped to buy diapers and wipes then headed home and decided to check the mail on my way! We got home kinda late and so I got the kids in bed and forgot about the mail until Friday morning.

Well Friday morning I start going through the mail and find a letter from the court. I open it and see that I was supposed to report for jury selection on

Wednesday July 21st

well It certainly was after that. I started to panic. I remember what they said about people who missed it the last time I was selected for jury duty. They can go to jail!!!

I prayed that the jurors were dismissed like is possible. I called Friday and NO ONE answered the phones I was so frustrated until Ryan mentions that the court is probably closed for the 24th of July. Stupid Utah holiday {really I love it}

I had to wait clear until MONDAY! So first thing this morning I call and find out that the lady with the information wont be in until 1 pm. GREAT!

So right at 1 I called and talked to Cathy and found out that the jurors were dismissed that day and I panicked all weekend for nothing. However it is good to know that I am NOT I repeat NOT in trouble! woo close call!

I also learned a valuable lesson that only checking the mail once a week is a BAD IDEA!! I am still on call for jury duty through September and am very willing to go serve if needed!

Summer Fun

The 2 youngest boys were out enjoying popsicles.

Remington was off with his friends so he is not in any pictures.

Funny that is becoming the norm. I guess I need to keep him home more.

we fight but still we are good friends when we want to be!

Oh Yeah that is SOOO good

one of my favorites of him!

Oh its cold but I can't get enough!

Even with the hat on we are enjoying these yummy treats!

He about cried!

My little Gage is a MOMMA"S BOY!! (I am sure you all knew that!)
So it was a shock when Ryan said he was going to go to the Red box and rent a movie and Gage said.. "I want to come with you"
Ryan said is a surprised voice "What?"
then Gage says " I want to go with you" and heads down the stairs and WILLINGLY leaves with his dad.
Ryan was so surprised! Gage NEVER wants to go with him anywhere. Ryan said he thought he might cry since Gage actually wanted to be with him.
Its a small step but a giant one at the same time!!

I LOVE MY KIDS!!

This morning there was a knock on the door and Remington answered it. It was a little neighborhood boy wanting to play. Remington asked me if he could play. I have been trying to be better about making him do some chores before he goes out. So I told him that he needed to clean his bedroom before he went out. He was disgusted and said...
"What's the point? Its just going to get dirty again anyway."
I laughed so hard. I love that kid!!!

Chicken

Well as most of you may know Maceys is having an event called CHICKEN PALOOZA. Each store had to come up with different ideas to promote gold n plump chicken. It is a contest and each store is competing. Ryan was in charge at his store. He decided it would be fun to have live chickens. We have a family friend who farms and so Ryan called to see if he had any chickens.Sure enough he had 6 roosters he was willing to get rid of. So they came to stay with us.

Fortunately I have heard no COCK~A~DOODLE~DOO~ing.

The little roosters were trying to fly away so for their own good Ryan clipped their wings. He took them to work and that is when the trouble started.

There are some people in Provo that are to say it nicely, concerned over the roosters and their welfare/treatment. Apparently the corporate office received and few e-mails and there was a few complaints at the store level. Here are a few things that they had to say...

*Its unkind to clip their wings.

(OK we'll let them fly away and get loose and run out to the highway and get hit by a car. Why not let them fly away and land in the irrigation ditch and drown? or better yet we'll let a cat or dog get a hold of one)

*Its unkind to keep them corralled.

(OK where else should they be? running free all over the store? Pretty sure that is against the health code)

*Its unkind to have them on display they say.

(I just have to roll my eyes on this one. Have you ever been to a zoo?)

REALLY???

Seriously get over it.

Find a hobby and quite complaining.

People eat Chickens all the time.

{Its one of my favorite foods. Yummy BBQ'd dutch oven chicken.}

They are animals and were put on this planet to feed us humans. I shouldn't have to defend the treatment of the chickens since they have been living at my house, but so you are aware, they have been feed, watered, sheltered, even protected from the dog.

Oh Provo what is wrong with you??

If you could be a part of any historic event past or present what would you choose?

Really what a interesting question. I found this on Face book and I think I would have to give it some thought but off hand...

The signing of the declaration on independence.
The First official meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
When Jesus Christ was born.
When Jesus Christ was resurrected.

These are just on the top of my head. Where would you like to be?

Track

Remington was on the Spanish Fork track club this summer. We just finished up and He did AWESOME!!

here he is with his friend John waiting for a race to start.

at the starting line

(It hard to tell but Remington is the middle boy in the front with the white shirt on.)
And they're off. He came in 1st or 2nd in all of the 50 meter and 100 meter races that he participated in. We are so proud of him and the hard work that he did.

Our next adventure is FLAG FOOTBALL!

Mom is ALWAYS right!!

The following conversation took place this morning around 10:30am

me: Coleton will you please go get dressed
Coleton: Ok mom

a few minutes later he emerges from his room wearing sweat pants and a t shirt

me: Thank you for getting dressed. Do you really want to wear those hot pants today?
Coleton: Yes
me: I think you will be to hot and sweaty, why don't you go put on some shorts
Coleton: but I like these
me: I know you like them but you are going to be hot wearing those pants. Why don't you go change
Coleton: NO I'm fine.
me: whatever.

He proceeds to go outside to play and about 15 minutes later...

Coleton: Mom I'm hot
me: lets go get some shorts on and get you a drink.

Why don't they listen? I am AWLAYS right.

Deer Sighting.

One nice thing about living so close to the mountains is the wildlife. Sometimes it is a little scary. Like last year when a mountain lion was caught in a nearby garage. Sometimes though it is awesome!!
Yesterday I was outside while the kids were playing. One of my neighbor girls came out of her house and told the other kids that there was a deer in her back yard. They all started to run in the back but then headed inside. I decided to go inside too since I can see their back yard from my kitchen window. Sure enough there happily eating the fruit trees was a deer. It was there for a few minutes. I should have ran and found Coleton and Gage since another neighbor girl was playing with them but I didn't. :(
The deer then headed around the house and to the front. I went out side and it ran around the cul de sac. It looked a little scared and we were all watching it. It headed toward my house like it was going to go through my yard and then a little boy on a scooter came and it ran down a few houses and back out toward the field. I hope it stayed away from the highway and finds its way back to his family! My poor kids were sad they missed it but it all happened so fast. I wish I had thought to grab my camera and take pictures. Sometimes my brain is just not all there. I blame the boys I gave then all my good brain cells after all!

news

I just have to say I am happy and relieved to say that I have payed off a doctor bill, a dentist bill and one small credit card!!
Ryan and I have been working hard to try and get out of debt. We have been sticking to a tight budget. Not eating out and getting rid of unnecessary things like cable. Yes I miss it but my kids are now watching far less TV!! It is not easy but man the relief of getting a few things payed off is well worth it!!

Gage is 2!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAGERS!!!!

I always tend to think back on the day my kids were born and what happened on that day.

2 years ago (it was a Wednesday) I went and got my hair cut and then went to a Dr's appointment. Where he sent me to the hospital to get induced almost 2 weeks early! I got hooked up to the IV and got the pitossin going. 5 hours later Gage came all by himself. The doctor wasn't even there and the nurses almost missed it. It was 5:00 pm and he weighed 8 pounds and was 21 inches long.

Gage has always been a happy, sweet, mellow little guy.

He is a little on the quiet side around people he doesn't know. Sometimes even the ones that he does know.

He is definitely a mama's boy although he is warming up to a few others!

He loves his brothers and he loves to play with them.

He loves to be outside and will beg to go out all day long.

He hates coming in after playing outside.

He loves to play with balls, ride bikes, he also loves pushing the stroller around.

There is a little baby girl at kick boxing. Her mom puts her in a stroller while we are working out and Gage will push her around the gym the whole time.

He is VERY attached to his binkie.

He is a treat lover. You want to get on his good side? TREATS!!

He loves to play with the dog and the hamster.

We are very blessed to have this happy lovable boy in our home!!

I really should add more pictures to my blog make it a little more interesting.
Stay tuned I think there will be some coming in the next day or so!
As a side note to myself. I really should use my brain more!
I decided to get some exsercise in on wedneday while Remington was at track so I ran/walked up and down the bleacher stairs at the high school. I probably did it 7-8 times. I can barely walk today my calves are KILLING me! I was thinking of trying and doing it again tomorrow but I think I'll change my game plan and try something else!

My new motto

"NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS"

I was having a conversation with my sister in law. We have been trying to change ourselves. So we decided that we would try to change one bad habit or incorporate one good habit every week. It has been difficult. At first it was to exercise 3 times a week. Then it was to only drink 1 soda a day. Then we added eating more fruits and veggies. This week it is we are not snacking after 8 pm. This one has been especially difficult for me. I snack a lot in the evenings after the boys are in bed. I am never really hungry. It is also a really bad habit. Slowly but surely we will reach our goal of becoming healthier and skinnier.

My sister in law is so awesome and really inspires me! She stopped drinking soda completely and has been soda free for over a week and a half! WAY TO GO GIRL! As for me I have been soda free for 3 days. Its a start.

WOW time flies!!

I was reminded today that 15 years ago

today I graduated from high school.

Really has it been that long?

I don't feel like it has.

I feel like that just happened.

However at the same time that also feels like another lifetime.

I guess I have grown up.

I had a lot of great friends and a lot of great experiences in high school.

I LOVED it! i would do it again, but at the same time I am glad it is over!

So to all my DC friends!!

Happy 15 years!!

I believe in Miracles!

A miracle has happened at our house tonight!

REMINGTON FINISHED HIS DINNER BEFORE ANYONE ELSE!!

I am ready to shout it from the roof tops!

This is such a rare occurrence at our house.

Normally we are all waiting for him to finish his dinner.

He is to busy talking to eat.

So can I say SHOCKER!!

Way to go Remington.

Do you think every night could be like this?

Probably not.

Only in summer when friends are knocking on the door waiting to play!

Its alright. I'll take it!

Why nothing gets done.

NOTHING gets done around my house.

I HATE IT!!!!

But here is why...

a 8year old

a 3 year old

a almost 2 year

a puppy

a hamster

The 3 year old I love dearly he make me laugh. He makes me sigh. He makes me scream.
The 2 (almost) year old is a mommas boy!! He does not like to be far away. He does not like to be left with anyone & he does not like to leave the hamster alone. I Love him dearly!
The puppy likes to play & chew. Toys. Newly folded laundry. Brand new shoes that have never been worn. The list goes on but that is for another time.

Now here is how the day goes.

We get up.

While I am making breakfast the boys let the dog out to go potty.

They come back in and "play" with the dog.

who never gets put back in the kennel

which in turn causes tears over the loss of toys due to chewing.

8 year old leaves for school

which is usually not on time because he is not ready.

Now the rest of the day becomes a blur!

Between trying to pick up the house, do laundry, make beds

you know the boring stuff

I am trying to potty train a 3 year old

while trying to convince the almost 2 year old to leave his diaper on.

Then in between

the independent 3 year old has opened the front door

which leads to the dog getting loose

chasing birds down the street

the almost 2 year old getting loose

who has let the hamster loose

NO ONE wants to come back inside

sometimes I leave the dog tied to a tree in the back yard

because of the barking he is doing it the house

Then the 3 year old sneaks out

lets the dog off the leash

the almost 2 year old cries to go out

It begins again...

Chasing down the dog who is chasing the birds.

Chasing a 3 year old who like to run

Chasing a almost 2 year old who is starting to not want to take naps

THEN.. when I do get them all in the house

and the almost 2 year old down for a nap

the 8 year old is home from school

SLAMMING doors and crying over whatever his brothers have gotten into

while I was chasing the dog or the hamster.

Who has gotten loose again.

I always plan on getting the "stuff" done after they are asleep

but I am too tired!

So there you have it. SOMEDAY I might get something done!

Today however NOTHING gets done!

You know you need to go on a diet when...

A very cute 3 year old neighbor girl asks...

"Why are you fat?"

My answer "I like to eat."
She is such a cute girl and I am sure if her mom knew she had asked such a question she would be mortified! However my feelings are not hurt.
It is the truth.
I am fat.
I am trying (although I could defiantly try harder) to get it off and maybe this is the motivation I need. Right after I eat all the YUMMY peanut butter bars from Maceys. They are on sale for only $2.98 and today is Friday which means a facebook deal and that happens to be $2.00 off peanut butter bars.
I am going to enjoy the high calorie, high fat deliciousness that cost me only .98 and then when they are gone I'll hit the weight loss with a vengeance!

Sheri Dew

On Saturday night my area had a tri-stake relief society fireside and Sheri Dew was the speaker. I invited my mom and sister Rachel to go with me. I was so glad that they were able to attend it with me.
Sister Dew is a wonderful speaker. She was a great sense of humor and is such a personable lady. I learned quite a bit and got some insight into some things that I need to be working on. A few things from her talk that struck me.
One she encouraged us to do was to not speak ill of other women. No gossiping. Things that we all know we shouldn't do. I don't think I have a issue with this (but maybe since it struck a cord with me I do). Not to say that I never participate in gossip I do occasionally. Now I will try harder to refrain from that.
Second she encouraged us to find out the real meaning of the atonement and how it can be used in our lives. Truthfully I don't think I have ever done this.n So here is to my search! I hope this search can help me become a better woman, a better wife, a better mom. I can use all the help I can get.
I really wish that I had sister Dew's talk recorded so that I could go back and listen to it again. I did copy a few notes that my mom took and hopefully that will jog my memory. I really am grateful for the spirit that was there. That little spiritual boost that I needed. Something I need to try and have with me more. So thank you to the 3 stakes that worked so hard to put this together and thank you to Sister Dew for the time she took to come and speak to all of us. It was a wonderful evening!

Sarah

Here is the update on Sarah...
Last Thursday (April 15 th) the surgeon released her to return to her mission. She was hoping that she wouldn't leave until after Saturday (the 16 th) since that is when my other sister was taking out her endowments. She got her wish she was still here.
She was happy about that and then was ready to go. So she spent the rest of the week waiting for news of when her plane would leave. She came and spent the day with me on Tuesday. Then on Thursday she still didn't know when she was leaving so after spending a few hours with my mom at work she came to my house again. We watched Anne of Green Gables!!!! So fun I love that movie!! Finally Thursday night she got word that she was on the 10 am flight Friday morning. so a week after she was released to go back she was able to go.
We will all miss having her around but can wait for another 8 months to see her again We have done it already!
Good Luck Sarah we will Pray for you and those that you are teaching!!

Surprise!

Not sure which one of my boys got a hold of my camera,

but I love the surprise pictures.
Remington says it was Gage! There were about 10 of my fridge/stove!

I'm pretty sure one of these was a self portrait of Remington.

its a bird, its a plane, its...

SUPER CRAZY BABY

For your information none of these were poosed. He put the swim goggles on all by himself!

Oh Gage what would my life be like without you?

Fishing trip.

Ryan took Coleton fishing the other day.

He took him up to the reservoir that is up by our house.

It is stocked with lots of trout and they are pretty easy to catch.

I mean really easy!!

We were up there for about 45 minutes and caught 2 fish.

Coleton had a blast!

When he caught his fish we asked him if he wanted to let it go he said

"NOPE I want to eat it its YUMMY"

here are the fisherman with the catch of the day!

Binkie Boy!

Oh yes this baby LOVES his binkies!!

I think that if he could fit more in his mouth he probably would!

Funny Kids

Remington had a friend over today and i had asked Remington to do a few things. He was distracted of course if you know Remington you know that is not a big surprise. Anyway Remington and the other boys were in their room and I was in my room putting clothes away when Remington says "Mother, I found my pen Mother." I say "Congratulations" then I hear Remington's friend say "That is what moms' say when they are stressed" I smiled and relaxed a little. I'm grateful for the little smile today!

Update on Sarah

Well the test results are back and they determined that Sarah's gallbladder is NOT functioning. This means she has to have it removed. However here is the good news.
SHE IS COMING HOME TO HAVE IT DONE!!!
She could be here as early as today!! I am so excited to see her! I am not so excited that she has to have surgery but at least she gets to be home to have it done!
I wonder if her gallbladder not functioning has anything to do with her missing spleen?

For those unaware some of my family have a heredity genetic blood disorder called Spherocytosis. Their red blood cells are shaped differently so their body kills off the healthy cells. The best prevention is to have the spleen removed. My 2 brothers and 1 sister all have this so did my Dad and he had to have his gallbladder removed also.

So there it is. We are waiting for the paper work and then she'll be heading home. She is not being released so she will have to have a companion while she is home so hopefully I'll get to help out!

Prayers for Sarah!!

I learned today that my little sister Sarah who is serving in the Colorado Springs Co. mission has been having some pain under her right rib cage. She has also felt nauseous and weak. She went to the Dr and they think it is her gallbladder. They did a ultrasound but it didn't show anything. So they gave her some acid reflux medicine but it didn't help so she had another test that tracks the body. Anyway it will take a couple of days to find out if she will need to have it taken out.
So if you all would keep her in your prayers that would be great.
Also Pray that my mom will be OK this is her youngest baby and not being able to be there would be hard!
THANKS!!

new dish!

I tried a new dish for dinner tonight it was super tasty! We will definitely make it again with a few minor tweaks. Less cayenne and I will double the sauce. I also only used 2 chicken breasts instead of the 4 like it calls for and I think other veggies would be good in it.
here is the link try it!!
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Thai-Peanut-Chicken/Detail.aspx?src=etaf

Remington's baptism

Well he finally did it!

REMINGTON GOT BAPTISED!!!

Hip hip hurray!

Remington went to the church with Ryan a little early.

We had lots of family there to support him.

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

We love you all and are so grateful that you come to support us is everything.

I however almost missed it.

No matter how hard I try I ALWAYS tend to run a little late.

This time however was really not my fault. I was dressed.

Coleton was dressed and Gage was sleeping.

I went in to get Gage up and dressed to find that he had puked and it was

everywhere!

From head to toe and all over his bed and wall.

NO!!!

I screamed in my head.

I quickly undressed him and was grateful that I had just put him down in a onsie, and NOT his nice church clothes. So into the tub he went for a quick scrub down.

Then quickly dressed and thrown into the car.

We got to the church as one of our neighbors was headed out to try and find me.

Ryan thought something had happened to us on the way over.

We hurried in as Caleb was just finishing his talk on baptism.

I was a little sad that I was unable to take any pictures of Remington and Scott in their white clothes. I had just enough to time to breathe when we moved to the baptismal font.

Coleton, who is normally bouncing off the walls, was quietly sitting by his cousin Denali.

{That little boy LOVES her!!}
I had a brief chance to look around and see who was there. So many friends and family. Remington is one lucky kid!

Remington went first and then his good friend John.

Remington looked so small and yet so grown up at the same time.

{SIGH}

When did he grow up?

When did he get old enough for school and clubs??

When did he get old enough to be baptised and join scouts???

I must have blinked and missed it.

After the baptisms we moved back into the primary room for the confirmations.

Scott {Ryan's dad} did both the baptism and confirmation.

He gave a beautiful blessing and said something that hit me.

"In 4 short years you will receive the Aaronic priesthood"

4 short years,

1/2 the amount of time that we have

"waited"

for him to be baptised.

After the baptism and confirmation we headed up to

Highland for a celebration party!

Scott and Cheryl graciously allowed us to host at their home.

Ours home just seems to not quite be big enough anymore.

However on the way home to pick up the food Gage threw up again.

{unfortunately it wasn't just something that he ate.}

So I stayed home with him and Ryan went up to his parents.

After the boys got home I gave Remington a journal so he could record his thoughts about his day. In there he wrote..

"when I got in the water I felt full of sins,

but when I got out I felt like I was all empty

and my sins were gone."

I love Remington so much!

He is such a helpful boy and so excited about everything.

He is so caring and loving and has the biggest heart!

Congratulations Remington I am so proud of you!!!!

unfair?

Well I am going to go on a tangent for a moment so feel free to just skip this if you don't want to read my ravings...
A friend of mine at work recently had a baby. She is a full time employee so that her family has health insurance. She would much rather be at home but until her husband can get insurance where he is working she is stuck with the burden. So she works an average of 32 hours a week. She is also a nursing mom. Here is where my rant starts.
My friend needs to make bottles while at work. There is really no place for her to do it except in a storage closet. She puts up a do not disturb sign and goes about her bottle making business. This in and of its self is a little sad. I understand that not all work places can have mother lounges and she does take one of the cozy chairs from the back office to sit in. Still it is not what I would call ideal circumstances.
As the front end staff we get 2 breaks 1 twenty minute and 1 ten. My friend was eating on her twenty minute break and then going to the closet to pump.
Recently there was a debate on wether or not she should be getting an "extra" break to do this. No one was clear on what the rule is. Appartently there should be one. I was on her side and feel like it isn't that big a deal. Others who are not on her side has differnent views. One argument was that it makes breaks fall behind. Well here is a solution schedule her as the last break or even schedule the next break a little later. One argument was that maybe she should be clocking out to take care of "personal business" HELLO does anyone clock out to use the restroom or take or make a phone call? Why are blowing such a stupid issue up? Her baby needs to eat. If she can provide for him she should be allowed. So the argument was taken up with the front end manager and my friend was told that she could no longer have a "extra" break to pump. This makes me mad. It isn't like she takes an hour to pump only about 20 minutes. So now she is expected to eat and pump on her break in the closet.
This seems to be a little degrading and hardly fair. She is not the only mom that works there. There are others that will shortly be in her situation. I am waiting to see if they enforce the same ridiculous rule that my friend has. She after all doesn't seem to be one of the favorites. {Yes they play favorites at our favorite grocery store.}
It is one of those things that I can rant on forever and nothing will ever change. So to my friend I say I am sorry and I tried to stick up for you & you know it. Someday the world will be fair.

Pinewood Derby!

Last night was the pinewood derby. Remington and Ryan worked so hard on the car. It was a little version of the bat mobile. The boys were all so excited for this pack night.

Remington car raced really well. He took 2nd in almost every race. However at the end of the night as they were handing out awards we had a little melt down. He did not place in the top 3 and he was upset about that. However as we were talking about it we figured he probably came in about 5-6 th place. Out of 20 boys that isn't bad I don't think. he did win

"the most futuristic"

we are very proud of him. He was were he was supposed to be doing what he was supposed to be doing and they never had to call his name twice. We had a good time and would like to thank our families for coming and supporting him. Our next adventure...BAPTISM!!!

I want a..

For the most part I know what Coleton says. I understand him 97 % of the time.
Earlier he was asking me for something. I could NOT understand what he was asking for.
He said "you know those things you bought."
What things? He tried saying it s..l..o..w.. I still didn't get it. He tried to get me to say it after him. syllable by syllable. I still didn't get it.
To me it sounded like bear I tried guessing a bagel nope not it. I tried burrito nope not it again. Finally he says he will show me. Into the kitchen we go. "One of those" he says pointing to the counter OH it dawns on me a PEAR! Yep that was it!

Duck, Duck, Duck

I really wish I had a video camera to record this because I don't know if I can write it as well or that you will all find it as funny as I do without actually seeing it.
Last night Gage was walking around in circles saying duck duck duck duck over and over. Then he would start breathing really hard almost like he was running and then he would start again. His brothers sat on the floor and he started walking around them saying duck duck duck and touching them on the heads. He just kept doing it over and over again. I was laughing so hard. I kept trying to get him to say goose and run. He would run if the older boys ran and sit down by them when they sat. Then he would jump up again and start duck duck all over again.
The only way I can think that he knows this game is from watching Coleton and his friends playing it at a birthday party a few weeks ago. He is such a fun little boy to have around.

Chore Days.

I have been trying really hard to get myself more organized. It is sometimes hard to juggle working part time and running a household full of HIGH energy boys.
So to make my life a little easier I have decided that instead of cleaning everything in one day I will assign chores to different days and see if this helps. My mom did this when I was growing up and I still remember Mondays a Fridays were laundry day & Saturday we all helped clean the house. So in effort to make myself a better house keeper because it is NOT something that I am very good at I am going to give this try.

Mondays: Sheets & bathrooms
Tuesdays: Bedrooms & Towels
Wednesdays: Kitchen (clean out fridge)
Thursdays: LAUNDRY day
Fridays: dusting
Saturdays: Anything else

I hope that this will help me stay more focused and organized with my house hold chores. Do any of you have suggestions to help?

Baptism day

February 6 th was the day scheduled to baptise Remington. Everything was ready to go. All arrangements had been made. UNTIL...

imagine 4am...

"mom my tummy hurts. It feels like knife is stabbing into me"

Well my first thought is to have him try and use the bathroom. I felt his head and it didn't feel like he had a fever. So he used the bathroom and back to bed he went. 1/2 hour later he is back groaning that his belly still hurt. so he climbed in bed with us. After tossing a few times I took him back to his bed and laid by him. Not long after he ran to the bathroom. After losing his "cookies" on coleton's bed. Which in turn woke coleton who proceeds to tell me that Remington threw up on his bed. So much for sleep. However it was almost 7 so the boys headed downstairs to watch a movie. Remington kept complaining that his belly hurt most of the day and has been fortunate enough to make it to the toilet when needed. He did take a nap which is a sure sign for him that he is not feeling well. He NEVER takes naps. So we all took naps.

Poor Remington was very disappointed that he didn't get baptised today. He has been looking forward to it. So I guess we will wait for March although my cousin is getting married the same weekend as the baptism. Somehow it will work out.

So here is to wishful thinking that it is just a 24 hour bug and it only stays with Remington.
I do have to say that he was feeling better this afternoon and we played monopoly and he even played a few wii games. Sickness is so much easier when they are older. I really really really hope that the younger 2 don't get it.

Small world.

Recently 2 different friends of mine have shared links to blogs of their friends. Both have shared tragic stories about events in their lives involving their children. I have been reading each of these women's blogs and they tug at my heart. Maybe because both of these women are mothers to boys. Both have roots in Utah. I don't know either one of these women but as I was reading the first blog she mentioned the other one. It is amazing to me what a small world we live in. The technology that we have that we are able to comfort and share with each other even if we don't know one another. I will continue to pray for each of these women as they struggle to find peace and answers to prayers. Here are the 2 blogs if you are interested in their stories and the journey that they are taking.

http://www.natalienortonphoto.com
http://stakerzxposed.blogspot.com

Good bye January Hello February

Well January is gone how did I do on my goals for the month? LOUSY!!
Let me remind you of the goals.
1- potty train coleton
2- No more binkie
3- No more ba-ba's
4- work out 4 times a week
Out of the 4 goals I had I got 1 accomplished which is better than none I guess.

So... {drum roll please} ...

We seem to be ba-ba free. I told them no more and they haven't even asked. I went and bought a few more sippy cups and that seemed to do the trick. So far so good we are on day 3!

As for the other goals well I have attempted a few times at the potty with Coleton I think I just need to take a week off of work and have nothing else planned do that I can focus on that. We'll see maybe by the end of February. The binkie well I take them away when I can. However he hides them and then goes and gets them from heaven knows where. We are a work in progress. The working out I have no excuses. I have been going to kickboxing twice a week and I just need to work harder at making time at home. I really want to do a 5K this summer so I am thinking when it gets a little warmer out side I will get the double stroller out and head outside.

BIG BOY

This morning as I was playing with & dressing the youngest 2 boys. I was thinking about how big they are getting. Life is flying by and they keep getting bigger.
I was telling them both to stop growing and that I just wanted them to stay babies FOREVER! Coleton told me no he is a big boy. We have been talking a lot about how being a big boy means not drinking out of ba-ba's & not wearing diapers. So when I am telling Coleton that I want him to not grow up & stay a baby forever he proceeds to tell me...
"Sorry mom but you told me I am a big boy"
The kid listens & uses the things I say against me. {sigh}
The kid is smart!!!

Coleton & the ba ba

I have been trying {unsuccessfully} to get the bottle away.

Coleton is 3 & far to old for a ba-ba.

Today he was asking for his ba ba and I told him that only babies drink out of ba ba's. He told me he wasn't a baby but wanted his "big boy ba ba".

"No big boys drink out of cups only babies drink ba ba's and wear diapers. You are a baby."

"No I am not". he says

"yes you are. Gage is a baby and he still waers diapers and drinks a bottle"

Coleton is silent for a few minutes and then says...

"Alright I am a baby. "

AHHHH I am just going to throw away them all. Gage won't care and then at least I will have one of my goals accomplished for January.

little bunny foo foo

Coleton's version of little bunny foo foo goes..

"Little bunny foo foo hopping through the forest

scooping up the field mice and bopping then on the head,

Down came the tooth fairy and she said...

Little bunny foo foo I don't want to see you

scooping up the field mice and bopping them on the head."

{repeat}

good morning... or is it?

you know how first thing in the morning before you are really full awake you sometimes see things or don't see things but think that you see things especially out of the corner of your eye?
That was me this morning. I sat up in bed trying to wake up and I thought I saw something running across the carpet in front of my bedroom door. My heart jumped for a minute it is winter and fury little mice like to find warm places to stay inside. I haven't seen any mice in the house for a while though. So I thought I am just seeing things however because I haven't seen any I thought maybe my luck had run out.
I got up and moving to get Remington to school because we were running a little bit behind schedule. I heard Gage and went in to his room and then took him to help me wake up Remington. Remington did not want to get up. He had a late night because he had his first pack night and was very excited about that.
I started to walk out of his room to go and get him some breakfast when all of the sudden I see a fur ball come out of the bathroom. Startled I look and said...
"Remington your hamster is loose."
He jumped right out of bed and said Where?
Yes I am not totally losing my mind I did see something running down the hall. I am grateful that it was just the hamster and not anything else. We were able to catch her and get her back in her cage. Ryan forgot to put her water bottle back in and so there was a hole that she was able to get out of the sneaky little thing.
However the drama of the morning does not end there.
Last night before pack meeting as I was getting the boys ready to go Gage was at midgy's cage. He was putting loose bits of things in her cage. Things like food that had spilled out & piece of her bedding anyway she bit him on his little finger. Nothing to bad just a little blood and a few tears. However this is NOT the first time she has bitten one of the boys She got Coleton too. So needless to say when I called Ryan and told him he said that was the end of her. So last night when he got home He took midgy out back and took care of her. If you know Ryan I am sure that you know the method of disposal. I didn't ask about the details and I don't really want to know.
Anyway this morning Remington discovered that Midgy was gone and he lost it. He was crying and very upset. He feels that she was part of out family and that Dad was unfair. Why couldn't we have taken her to a pet store? Ryan told him that he didn't want to go sell Midgy to a pet store and then have another family take her and the have Midgy bit another kid.
Both times Midgy bit the boys weren't doing anything to bug her. We finally got Remington to calm down and Hopefully he has a good day at school.
Once again we are back to just 1 hamster who seem to be a escape artist. I may have to keep a closer eye on her.

elbow update.

I went to the doctor today to have my elbow looked at. He prodded and poked and I had some x-rays taken and he said it looked like I may have a teeny tiny fracture at the bottom of my elbow. Nothing to worry about and it will heal in a few weeks. So take it easy and not push it to hard. Its my right arm so we'll see how that goes. I guess no more pushing myself at kickboxing.

breakfast

I made french toast for breakfast this morning. As I was gathering ingredients Coleton looked at me and said... "I don't want my bread cooked"
So instead of yummy french toast with homemade cinnamon syrup he ate a plain piece of bread. WEIRDO!!!

on a side note my elbow is still hurting from my fall on the ice on new years eve and it seems to be getting worse. I made an appointment with the doctor on Monday I hope its nothing to major!

New Year Goals.

I have heard that it is easier to keep those goals if you write them down and then be accountable for them. I think I am going to try little monthly goals to be able to meet my BIG goals. So here are a few things that I would like to accomplish in January.

1- Get Coleton potty trained
2- Break Gage from the binky this may take longer than January he is VERY attached.
3- No more "ba-ba's" for either Coleton or Gage this may taking some talking and convincing Ryan to help. He seems to be my main problem :)
4- work out at least 4 times every week

I have lots more that I want to accomplish but I think that I will focus on these so I don't overwhelm myself. I hope you all have a very happy new year!