The Rasmussen's

Nice words

2012-02-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

I am lucky enough to be on the enrichment board. I LOVE it!! There is a great group of women that I work with and I feel very fortunate to associate with them. We had an activity Thursday night that was awesome. Our bishop feels that the women in our ward do not realize how loved they are. Our ward has been focusing on Elder Uchdorf's talk from the past conference. So we took the 5 points from his talk and each of us read part of it and then shared some feelings and then after we had all the women write down things that related to that section. For Example the part of be happy now, we had them write down things that they had in their lives that they are grateful for. The part that is be patient with yourself we had them write 5 things that they loved about them. The why of the gospel we had them write the ways that they had seen the hand of the Lord in their lives or in the lives of other people. The last part was one of my favorites and I think that it is something that every woman should hear more often. It was the Lord loves you. We had each sister write her name on the top of a paper and then we sent the papers around the room and we all had a chance to write something that we loved about that person. I got tears in my eyes reading some of the things that others wrote about me. Things that I often don't see in myself. Things that I don't realize other people notice about me. I am so grateful that I could participate in this and feel the spirit that was there. I am grateful that I got a little glance into the way that God sees me because really NONE of us give ourselves enough credit for the amazing women that we are.

Coleton's talk

2012-02-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Coleton gave a talk in Primary. I had a few people tell me what a good talk it was and how impressed with Coleton they were. The primary president even used his talk as an example in senior primary, so in light of their praise I thought I would share his talk.

In 2 Nephi 2:27 we read..(start with... And they are free to choose)
Today I am going to talk about Agency.
{hold up the letter A}
A is for ability. God gave us brains and hearts that we use to make choices.
{hold up letter G}
This is a gift. Everyday we make choices, they can be good or bad.
{hold up letter E}
If we make good choices it will lead us to eternal life. Sometimes because of our agency we make bad choices. We have the ability and agency to choose repentance
{hold up letter N}
and we can remember that everyday is a new day.
{hold up letter C}
I hope we all remember to Choose the Right.
{hold up letter Y}
Your choices are your decision because of the gift of Agency that God gave us.

Pixie Dust

2012-02-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday after church I was trying to round up kids to get in the car to head to my brother Caleb's house for the blessing of Adam. I had gone to my ward to sub for my friend's primary class. As I was herding boys toward the car I noticed that Coleton didn't have his shoes on so we sat down in a class room so that we could put them on before heading outside. While we were putting them on we had the following conversation...

C: Mom did you know that my teacher has real pixie dust?
M: She does?
C: Yes.
M: What do you do with it? Did you make a wish?
C: Yes we blow it off our hands and wish.
M: Cool. What did you wish for?
C: I can't tell you... but if Christmas comes everyday don't blame me.

I LOVE that kid he cracks me up!

Roasted Broccoli

2012-02-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

I always cook broccoli the same way. My boys will eat it but not always enthusiastically.

So I decided to try it a different way tonight for dinner. I thought I'd share with you my faithful readers the way I did it in case you would like to try it. By the way all the boys big and little were fighting over it. I obviously did NOT have enough to go around. After some goggling and reading a couple of different websites this is what I came up with...

Turn oven on to 400 degrees

Cut about a pound of broccoli {I think I had less than a pound} into bite sized pieces.

Put in a bowl and add,

about 3 TBSP of olive

chopped garlic {I used the stuff from the jar}

sprinkle with Salt & Pepper

generously sprinkle on Parmesan cheese {I used the powder Kraft kind}

Stir to coat and distribute ingredients

Place on a cookie sheet sprayed with Pam

roast for about 15-20 minutes until edges of broccoli are browned

Ryan told me I found a new way to make broccoli.

The only one who didn't enjoy it was Gage and he is going through a picky eating stage.

I will definitely make this again and next time use a bigger batch of broccoli!

The up hill battle called..

2012-01-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

LAUNDRY!!

This morning Remington comes to me and says,

I don't have any clean socks

Did you check your basket?

Yes I don't have any. Can I wear a pair of yours?

I guess so.

I probably should have taken a hint when I say him wearing a pair of his brothers socks over the weekend and then yesterday when he had a pair of soccer socks on for church. I didn't so today he wore a pair of my socks. I'm sure I just did laundry ~~yesterday~~ last week. As I was sorting laundry having a de-ja-vu feeling I realised. Laundry is like those stair machines. You keep climbing never getting any where sometimes falling behind and climbing like crazy to catch up. Wanting to just give up but you can't because you know what will happen if you do. You keep climbing never getting anywhere. Never an end in sight.

I hope you all have a happy Monday! Me I'll be under a pile of clothes looking for a way out!

Dream

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Someday I would like to be able to send my husband to a NFL game. He has never been to one and I would love to be able to do it. He LOVES the Steelers so that is where I am going to send him. He would also like to go to a NHL game. I could kill 2 birds with one stone because Pittsburgh has a hockey team too. I'm going to have to save a little bit of money to get this done, may be by his 40th birthday. This gives me 4 years to save.

Silly kid stories

2012-01-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

#1

Coleton has had a pretty bad cough so I took him into the Doctor. While there he asked if he was going to have to get a shot. I told not today but before kindergarten starts in the fall we'd have to go back and get his shots for school. He looked at me and I told him I was sorry but everyone who goes to school has to get shots. He was quiet for a minute then looked at me again and said "I don't want to go to Kindergarten"

#2

The boys were watching a movie and I was getting ready for work. They asked if I would make them some popcorn. I went in the kitchen and put a bag in the microwave. (yes I was being lazy) Gage walked into the kitchen and asked what I was doing. I told him I was making popcorn he says...
"oh for your kids?"

#3

A friend of Ryan's at work gave him a box of whoppers that was decorated like a reindeer. There was a cute little poem about reindeer and the surprises that they leave behind. They had cut out a little hole in the back of the box so you could get the whoppers out. We asked the kids if they wanted to try a reindeer poop. Gage got a funny look on his face and when he tried it he smiled big and said "I love reindeer poop!"

A little update on us.

2011-12-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

It has been a bit of a crazy month....
*Ryan's aunt passed away from a LONG fight with cancer. Her funeral was beautiful and we got to see some family that we don't see very often.
*Erin and her kids came for a visit.
*School parties for Remington and Coleton
*Singing programs for Remington and Coleton
*Caleb, Laura and Evelyn all had birthdays and then they had a new baby who had a little stay in the NICU.
To top it off I am at the tail end of a bout with SHINGLES!!
December may not have been a "good" month but it was memorable!
January will be here before long. Which means a little down time after Remington's birthday of course.

3 boys + a visit from Santa =

2011-12-26T15:59:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas!!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Ryan had to work Thanksgiving morning so I spent the morning reading and the boys watched TV. In the afternoon we headed to my mom's and had a fantastic feast! It was great to spend the day with family. We played a couple of games and then gorged ourselves with 5 different kinds of pie. Coconut Cream, Razzleberry, Chocolate, Oreo Cookie Cheesecake, and of course Pumpkin! OH SO GOOD!! I love this time of year and the chance to spend with family. We defiantly missed those who were away and they are in out thoughts often. We pray for them and hope all is going well. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!! We have much to be grateful for.

Happy Halloween!!

2011-11-02T12:35:00.000-06:00

Ryan had a great time going trick or treating with the boys. He even scared a few kids along the way. The best was after they got back. I had the boys in the tub and was scrubbing away the makeup that was in layers on their faces. I was closing the blinds in the boys room and I saw a HUGE group of older teenagers. coming across the lawn. I yelled down to Ryan that they were coming. He put on his mask again and when they knocked on the door he opened it yelled and scared them. It was hillarious to hear all those girls. HA HA HA!! Any way we ended up with a zoombie, a skeleton zoombie and a soccer player zoombie. I'm glad the weather cooperated and the snow stayed away until yesterday. I don't think I am quite ready for snow but ready or not it is here.

Update on Gagers

2011-10-20T08:46:00.000-06:00

Well I took Gage into the ENT yesterday and here is what I learned. His tubes that he got when he was just 9 months old are just now coming out. The one in his right ear is about half way out of his ear drum and his body is reacting to it as a foreign object trying to get in. Thus creating a paulup (sp??) around the tube there for causing the bleeding. According to the Dr. this is perfect normal. She has him on steroid ear drops and wants to see him again in 4 weeks. Hopefully this will take care of it.

FUNNY story!

2011-10-18T10:30:00.000-06:00

My two youngest boys are funny! Today while gathering laundry I hear a bedroom door close. Instantly I know its trouble. I finished what I was doing and went upstairs. Gage's bedroom door is locked I knocked and I hear who is it? (Really who do they think it is?) I told them it was cookie monster and they said cookie monsters are not allowed in the operating room. I knocked again and they said who is it? I say its shooter. The door unlocks and slowly opens a few inches. I push it open the rest of the way and low and behold there is Gage laying butt naked on the floor with his little private area covered in band aids. I started to giggle. Where do they come up with things like this??

Poor Poor little Gage

2011-10-17T20:10:00.000-06:00

Poor little Gage had a rough day which also means that mom had a rough day too. I know he had it rough because Gage LOVES baths and would take one anytime of the day. After dinner tonight while I was finishing up the dinner dishes Gage brought his pull up and pj's in the kitchen. I asked him if he wanted to get in the tub first and he said NO I want to go to bed. He then preceded to get himself dressed. The next thing I know he was in his bed covers pulled up and fast asleep. I had to put drops in his ear so I did it while he was sleeping. Why does he need drops in his ear you ask?? Well...
Today while Coleton was at school I was in the kitchen doing the dishes {I'm constantly doing dishes} Gage was in the kitchen playing. All of the sudden he came and showed me his finger and it was covered in blood. He wasn't crying and so I wondered what he had cut it on. There are usually tears when blood is involved. I picked him up and was rinsing his finger off and trying to see where he had cut it. Surprise no cut. He then tells me his finger wasn't cut but it was from his ear. Low and behold his ear is bleeding. I panic {which is usually what Ryan does}. I called Ryan and he says "its no big deal he probably just scratched it." You can't see the blood I say. "just irrigate it with some peroxide" Alright fine. So irrigate I do. For 15 minutes I irrigate and finally I think its stopped but no a few minutes later his ear is filled with blood again. I took a picture and sent it to Ryan he called and said "Take him in" So after Coleton was done at school {which was only about 20 minutes later} we picked him up and headed to the instacare. THANK GOODNESS the line was short and we didn't have to wait long. The DR came in and looked in his ear and said he couldn't see where it was bleeding from and so he irrigated again. He looked and said it was still pretty bloody but it looked like there was a cut on the ear drum. He told us he wanted us to see a ENT {ear, nose and throat} DR in the next couple of days. So I called one and we have an appointment on Wednesday morning. I can't figure out what he did and lets face it a 3 yr old doesn't hand out a lot of information. So we'll see how bad it is on Wednesday. Yes Gage had a rough day. Visits to the instacare are draining. I'm going to get on my PJ's get the other 2 in bed make a mug of hot chocolate and cuddle up for some Castle.

No leftovers tonight.

2011-10-11T18:52:00.001-06:00

Most nights I have leftovers but tonight the boys devoured dinner. I like to try new things and I will for sure make this again. I found a package of seamless crescent roll dough. I flattened it a little and filled one half of it with layers of ham and cheese. I folded over the other half so it was like a calzone and baked it for about 14 minutes. Then in a sauce pan I added a little olive oil, garlic and some red pepper flakes and sauteed that for a minute then added a can of italian diced tomatoes. I mashed it up a little threw in about a 1/4 tsp of italian seasoning and some parsley then simmered for about 10 minutes for instant marinara. I had dinner done in less than 30 minutes. I think I will try to keep these ingredients on hand for nights when I need a fast dinner. The boys were raving and asking for more. What will I do when they are teenagers?!

CAR TroubleS!!

2011-10-07T10:06:00.000-06:00

I think its been awhile since I have told of my trials in the car area of my life. We have loved our pathfinder. It has been a really good vehicle. It has about 208,000 miles on it. Recently it has decided to not start. There is power in the car but when you turn the key there is nothing. We took it to the mechanic thinking that it would be the starter or the alternator. He couldn't find anything wrong with it. So we kept it but every time it starts then you wonder if you are going to get it started again. I made Ryan drive it because lets face it. I am NOT going to be stuck somewhere with 2 little kids and a car that won't start. Am I being selfish?? Anyway we decided that we would start looking for a new-ish car. We decided we still wanted a SUV and I wanted a little more room. Ryan wanted something that he could take hunting. I researched online and compared multiple vehicles. We had narrowed it down to either a mercury mountaineer or a chevrolet trailblazer. I called my Uncle Garth who is knowledgeable about cars. My budget did not stay where I wanted it but SUV's are not cheap. We finally settled on the trailblazer. After many hours online I found a 2005 and it has 64,000 miles on it. We test drove and made an offer and signed to loan papers. On the way home the check engine light came on. WHAT????? Are you kidding me?? Yes its true so we took it into the dealership to have it looked at. They did a whole diagnostic check and it cost $100. They found that there is a cooling engine thermostat that is bad. They told us it would be $250 to fix it. Other than that everything else is looks great. We called the guy we got it from and told him about it and he said he'd get it fixed. I am hoping we get it back today. I wouldn't being without a car so much if the weather was a little warmer so that I could walk Coleton to preschool rather than finding him a ride. However there is another family in our ward who happens to have a son in the same class as Coleton and they are taking him today. I have no where else to go until I go to work later so I'm home bound once again. Since I don't have our "new" car around to take a picture I found one that looks just like it. I will try to post pictures after I get it back.

I HATE shopping

2011-09-29T09:46:00.000-06:00

Especially car shopping it is exhausting. If you know my husband you know he is NOT very patient and NOT fun to go with. I have been searching online for a new vehicle and I am not having much luck. It seems like I find something and then when I go back to the same site to show Ryan then poof its gone and I can't find it again. I am also NOT a fan of ads that just have e-mail addresses. I have NO other way of contacting them and asking questions. And if you have sold the car then you should put SOLD on your ad or remove it. The good news is that I got us pre-approved for the loan. NOW just have to find the car! Wish me luck I want it now!

Soup

2011-09-17T10:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was more of a soup day than today but I LOVE soup and make it a lot in the fall and winter. I have NEVER made soup with dried beans before! Today I am trying it out! I am making a bean and bacon soup. I hope it works Wish me luck!

Sarah and Blake

2011-09-13T14:29:00.001-06:00

Wow I don't know how I managed to overlook blogging about this but I did. My little sister got married on August 27th. It was a beautiful day! Sarah and Blake got married in the Mt Timpanogos Temple. Then had a reception in my mom's back yard. I feel like I didn't do much to help because my mom had SO much work done in her yard. Thank heavens for kind neighbors and ward members. Blake's family also put in a lot of work on the decorations and everything looked amazing! Here are a few pictures. If you want to see more I put a lot on facebook.
Remington took a lot of these pictures. I think he did a pretty good job. We are so excited to have "Bake" as part of the family!!

These 3 were the best looking groomsmen there!

Not that I am biased toward them or anything!

First assignment

2011-09-11T19:30:00.000-06:00

I finished my first assignment for my class and I got 100% are you proud? Well don't be to proud it was only an introduction of myself. If I hadn't scored 100% then I think we would have serious problems. I'm now on to lesson number 2 and for Tiff I don't think you have to be resident of SF to take any classes check out here! Tell me what you think!

I'm 99.9% positive..

2011-09-11T19:21:00.000-06:00

That we are out of the clear. I think I let my husband talk me into being paranoid. If you know him well you know he is a bit of a {for lack of a better description} drama queen. I love him but he always seems to talk me into overreacting. You'd think I'd catch on after almost 13 years of marriage. It is good to know that we are all healthy!

well rounded!

2011-09-10T15:44:00.000-06:00

I am trying to make myself a more rounded individual. To do this I discovered that the library in Spanish Fork offers on line classes for FREE!! You don't get any college credits for them but hey its ok. I can always use the knowledge. I signed up for a personal fiance class. There are over 500 classes so I think I will see how this one goes and then try another. I finished my first assignment and I am waiting for the instructor to grade it. So far so good.

And now we wait...

2011-09-09T00:41:00.000-06:00

Oh the joys of children and illness. The 2 youngest boys LOVE playing with one of the little neighbor girls. They are always asking if they can go play with her every chance they get. They go back and forth from our house to her house. Her and Coleton are pretty close in age and do a pretty good job to include Gage in their playing. I don't mind it keeps them busy and they get along.
Thursday night while I was at work her parents came over and told Ryan that her preschool teacher had called and that she had been exposed to hand, foot and mouth disease at pre-school. Her DR strongly suggested that anyone who had been around her be notified. So after a little research and talking to the pharmacist at my store it looks like we are going to quarantine ourselves and stay home for the next 3 days. I am praying that we are germ free as is our cute little neighbor girl. Let the countdown begin!

I LOVE the gospel!!

2011-09-04T21:27:00.000-06:00

As I was sitting in Relief Society today I was told by the sister teaching the lesson how much Heavenly Father loves me. I was a little shocked that she singled me out, but I needed to hear it from someone. The gospel is so amazing and I am so blessed to have it in my life. I don't get up and bear my testimony I'm not sure if my family {kids particularly} know how I feel. I have a testimony and I know it is true. I am grateful that I was born in a country that I can worship however I please. That I can make choices for myself. I am grateful for loving parents that taught me the truth and set a wonderful example for me and my siblings. I am grateful for the priesthood and the men in my life that are worthy to use that priesthood. I am so grateful to live in a awesome neighborhood surrounded by amazing people. I am most thankful for the holy ghost and the whisperings he gives. I am thankful for people who follow his promptings. I am thankful for the knowledge that I AM A DAUGHTER OF GOD AND HE LOVES ME!!!! I love going to church each week and getting that spiritual pick me up! I really love the gospel it makes me happy!!

Sunday nap anyone??

2011-09-04T13:01:00.000-06:00

Yes Please!! Everyone is tired at our house. Stayed up too late for some reason they were all fighting the bed routine. It doesn't help that we are now on the 9am church schedule starting today. There is lots of fighting and crying and hitting going on. The deacons came by to collect fast offerings 2 of my boys were in nothing but undies/diaper & wrestling on the stairs, couch, floor and anywhere else. Running and screaming oh BOYS! Can't live with them and can't live without them. I think I'll turn on a quiet movie and see who falls asleep besides me.

Family Pictures!!

2011-09-01T09:01:00.000-06:00

Has anyone else noticed that Gage always has a sucker in his mouth? I swear every picture I take of him he has that cavity stick in his mouth.

THANKS Erin for taking these!!

Remington is getting tall. He is going to pass me one of these days.

Crazy Cousins

2011-09-01T08:54:00.000-06:00

My BIL came out to CA after the rest of us because he was interviewing for a job. He got it {congrats} and they decided it was time to move. It is an amazing opportunity for them and my BIL's dream job! We sure do miss them and look forward to when they get to move back! The boys miss their cousins and I am going to miss Del Taco, Target and Swimming with them. It just won't be the same. So on our last night on vacation we took a few pictures of the gang.

.Good luck guys we can't wait to see you at Christmas!

Bubba Gumps

2011-09-01T08:43:00.000-06:00

I think we started a tradition to eat at here. We went twice the last time we went to CA. This time we only made it there once. My kids are HUGE seafood fans and they loved it. The kids even got Bubba Gump Shrimp hats. Thanks Opa for taking us!!

Gage enjoying his shrimp-ies

Coleton LOVES Whitney {ryan's cousin!}

He wouldn't leave her side the whole day she spent visiting with us.

Denali was hiding from the camera!

These 2 are best buddies!

Meeting Mickey

2011-08-31T21:48:00.000-06:00

Gage loves Mickey Mouse. He has Mickey Mouse PJ's and would wear them every night if I let him. he has almost grown out of them. He has 4 stuffed Mickey Mouse's that he plays with regularly and one of his favorite shows to watch is Mickey Mouse Playhouse. So while we were in Disneyland he got a chance to visit Mickey Mouse's house. He loved it and still talks about what it was like. I didn't go in because I was with the other two boys going on some rides and Gage had been asleep so Ryan stayed with him. When he woke up Ryan said the line was short for Mickey so he took Gage. The other two were a little jealous but oh well.

These pictures just make me smile. Ryan said he couldn't get the camera to snap any faster and he forgot there was a movie mode. I think this was Gage's favorite part of all of Disneyland!!

Disneyland

2011-08-31T00:12:00.000-06:00

I really don't get why people like to take week long vacations at Disneyland. One day was plenty for me! We did have a blast and actually got to go on quite a few rides. Among the favorites Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The longest line we waited on was under an hour and we didn't do any fast passes. We saw lots of characters and had a great day and came away spending less than we had budgeted. Yes I was one of those mom's that dressed my kids in the same color. I wasn't the only one plenty of others did too. Enjoy!!

Gage was so cute with all the characters that we saw. He would give them hugs and stare! He LOVED it. We waited along time to see the Winnie the Pooh guys but he didn't want to get out of line. Woody and Jessie we happened to meet walking down the street.

The stroller rental was well worth it!! Poor little guy was so tired! He slept right threw the parade and it was pretty loud. Below are a few pictures from the parade

We left before the fireworks the kids were exhausted. Poor Coleton fell asleep on the bus back to the car. It was a good thing that the beach house we were staying at was only about 30 minutes away.

Cali part 2

2011-08-30T18:23:00.000-06:00

We spent a lot of our vacation on the beach. I wish it could have been more!! The kids had a blast!! There is NOTHING more relaxing to me than the feel of warm sand between my toes and listening to the waves crash. I LOVE EVERYTHING about it!!

Gage would get close to the waves and then run as fast as he could before the water could get him. He would giggle and then do it again!

Ryan is NOT a fan of the ocean. Crazy? YES!! He was a good sport though and got in the water to help the kids on the boogie board.

Coleton testing out the water. It was cold when you first touched it but once you were in it wasn't bad.

I wonder what plans these two are making??

Most of the fam sitting on the sand watching the kids play!

Ryan helping a child get ready for the wave. The older boys got it figured out pretty quick. Coleton lost interest.

Ryan playing in the waves with Rem and DJ!

Somewhere I have a similar picture to this one above and the one below. Only the kids are about 2-3 instead of 9-10!

Coleton and I had a blast building sand castles!

We dug holes to bury the boys.

Coleton would prefer to get unburied instead of posing for a picture.

Remington begged for his turn

Coleton was not up for being buried again he preferred to sit in between his brothers.

Gage wouldn't look at me because the sun was in his eyes.

Oh we had a great time and made LOTS of fun memories!!

California Vacation

2011-08-30T18:01:00.000-06:00

We were so fortunate to be able to go to New Port Beach California and spend a week with Ryan's side of the family. The kids LOVED spending time with their cousins, playing at the beach and going to Disneyland. I have a ton of pictures so I think I will break them up a little bit so it isn't total overload.

I love that I taught him the sign for I Love You! He will just say hey mom and I turn around and he is signing it to me! He really is a sweet boy!

Here they are on the couch watching a movie while we settle into our rooms. The boys were tired when we got there. Two days of traveling will do that to a person, especially in a little car. Yes we are crazy and took our little red Hyundai. That is a whole different post. .

He was a little grouchy again 6 hours in the car squeezed between a door and a brother will do that to a little guy.

Cheryl and I visiting and of course the camera comes out. I look awful but decided to post anyway.

Yes I am a little sunburned. It looks worse than it actually was. It didn't hardly hurt I promise!

The kids and their DS's. A staple I tell you. Heaven only knows how parents did road trips before these things were invented!

A shot with most of the cousins. the 2 youngest were downstairs.

Must go exploring the place.

One of the best parts of the condo besides being a short walk to the beach was that there was a cool ocean breeze and no need for AC. We had fans on and left windows and doors open. I could never do that at home we'd have flies all over everything!!! The condo was big and spacious and so comfortable. There was a kitchen that was stocked well with cooking utensils. There were 4 bedrooms upstairs and 2 bathrooms. Downstairs there was 2 bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms. We shared the upstairs with Ryan's sister and her family. Ryan's parents and other sister and family were downstairs. Ryan's 2 brothers couldn't make it and that is too bad.

We really missed them. We would all like to go back again. and definitely planning for it!!

1st Day of School

2011-08-23T17:57:00.000-06:00

Its tradition that you get a first day of school shot right?? Well this year Remington is in 4th grade. Holy Cow when did he decide to grow up?? He is at a brand new school this year. Its kind of nice knowing that EVERYTHING is new and hasn't been used before. I am diving head first into helping too. I'm starting to wonder if this is a good idea. I'm on the PTA board and co-chairing a committee. I am also room mom. If I set this precedent this year I guess that means I have to continue all through the other 2 elementary years as well. I keep telling myself it is a good way to stay involved with what is going on in my sons life. So on to the pictures which is really what you all wanted to see anyway right?

ramblings of me...

2011-08-18T12:10:00.000-06:00

I know it is ~~probably~~ horrible to say that one of my son's friends is annoying. He is I don't what it is about him that drives me crazy but he does. He is a nice kid just rubs me the wrong way I guess. I am glad school is starting and he won't be calling at 8 am asking if Rem can play and again in a hour and then again and again and again until I finally say GO. I have been trying this summer to not let the boys go play with friends until after lunch. Somedays it works other days it doesn't. It will be nice to get back on a normal schedule.
On a totally unrelated note. My youngest sister is getting married next weekend. I am so excited for her!

Beef its whats for dinner

2011-08-16T18:38:00.000-06:00

Remember that commercial?? Well every time I use beef that jingle runs through my head so I guess the Beef council got its point across. Tonight I did a version of a recipe that my mom created. It is really quite yummy and pretty easy. I call it a poor man's dish because that is what I am poor.
Especially after school registration {what's with paying for ~~FREE~~ public education?}
then vacation {totally fun and worth it!}
then buying new clothes/shoes for most of us for my little sisters wedding.
I don't mind doing it don't get me wrong but it gets pricey.
So tonight after thinking we'll be living off of top ramen for the next 2 weeks {YUCK} I found a pound of hamburger in the freezer, 1/2 an onion and a few potatoes that I sliced thinly. Sprinkle generously with season salt and pepper. Add in a can of cream of mushroom soup some water let that cook for until the potatoes are tender then throw a handful of frozen peas sprinkle with cheese and walla...

be on the look out for our vacation photos and blog. I hope to get it done soon before I forget what happened.

dreams or reality??

2011-08-16T01:35:00.000-06:00

Sometimes my husband has BIZARRE dreams. I'm never really sure if he is really awake or just dreaming. He has sleep walked most of his life and talks in his sleep. Mostly it makes me giggle.
I got home from work around 11 pm and while catching up on my blog reading my husband calls Amy. I walk into the bedroom he tells me I wouldn't believe what happened. After a lot of questioning and piecing together bits of jumbled words I got this...
a group of 4-5 girls between the ages of 15-18 showed up in our bedroom looking for their friend that had gone missing while they were eating dinner. I asked him how they got there and he said they went poof.
I wonder what he was watching on TV before he went to bed.

I {heart} KSL

2011-07-25T19:07:00.000-06:00

Every once in a while I cruise the classifieds on KSL. Every so often I find a fantastic bargain. I've been trying to look for electronic equipment to keep the kids busy for the 10 hours we'll be in the car heading for CA!! I decided I would try pod's. I found a ipod nano 3rd generation for 40 bucks. I talked to Ryan about it and a couple of days later I looked again and the price had dropped. We contacted the seller and we got it for $35!! The guy selling it said he found it in the car he bought. He has 2 and didn't need another one. Bonus for us. There are about 400 songs on it already. I'm going to sort through them and probably delete a bunch. From what I have looked at I think a girl owned it before, anyway I was stoked about my little bargain find. Its not the latest model but I'm OK with that!

Swim lesson pictures.

2011-07-20T12:09:00.000-06:00

Here are a few little photos from swim lessons. I really should be a better mom and take more pictures. The boys had a lot of fun and LOVED their teachers. Coleton now thinks he can swim all by himself. His teacher did tell me that it is not very often that a 4 year old can float all by them selves like he can. He can float on his back and on his belly. Gage really wanted to do swim lessons but I told him he had to wait until next year.

Swim LIttle Fishes!!

2011-07-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a couple of little videos of my brave "fishies" jumping off the diving board on their last day of swim lessons. I didn't get Remington's flip that he did off the board but I did get his jump. Coleton was brave and jumped right off. They also got to go down the waterslide. Swim lessons was lots of fun. I am very proud of them!

Game night

2011-07-11T11:50:00.000-06:00

Yesterday in Relief Society we had a lesson on families. The importance of and how to strengthen them. I don't think that I always do the best that I can.
Anyway one suggestion was to participate in wholesome activities. One woman told about their family game nights. She bakes cookies and they drink soda and play games they get loud and just have fun together. When I was growing up we played quite a few games. Not every Sunday but often.
Well as they day was going Remington got himself grounded from any TV or video games and so in effort to enforce that rule I pulled out Phase 10. I thought it would be good for a little family fun. The only problem was the 2 younger kids can't quite play it yet but we stuck them on teams and let them hold and draw cards we popped popcorn and had a soda! It really was quite fun.
I hope I can keep this family game night going. It would be good for us to leave to TV off more and spend more time together.

Recipe Kick

2011-06-30T17:57:00.000-06:00

When its hot outside who wants to heat up the house and cook? Not me!! I also don't want to eat sandwiches for dinner every night either. So I have been trying to come up with some easy, fast, little cooking involved recipes. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any that you like. Here is what I have done the last couple of days...

**Salsa Verde pork chops and lemon rice.
I quite enjoyed it. The kids ate it really well and Ryan tolerated it. It was super easy and quick. I used thin cut pork chops and about a cup of bottled green Salsa Verde sauce. I also used instant rice to make the lemon rice. I had it on the table start to finish in about 15 minutes.
**Potato bowls.
I really like KFC potato bowls. So I created my own version. I used instant potatoes made in the microwave. Heated up corn (in the microwave), cooked a packet of brown gravy and added a can of chicken to it. I then shredded some cheese and WaLa dinner is served. Again dinner on the table in about 15 minutes.
**Hot Dogs
Nothing earth shattering there but easy and not a lot of cooking. There is also something about a grilled hot dog in the summer that is comforting.

Well there you have it. I am needing ideas so if you have any feel free to help me out with the ideas.

Splash Pad fun!!

2011-06-27T19:51:00.000-06:00

WARNING LOTS OF PICTURES!!

but then who doesn't like to look at pictures right??

We went to the splash pad down by Maceys last week. We met my friend Tiffany, her hubby Mark and their 5 adorable boys! We brought lunch played in the water and had a great time. We were planning on going again this week but sometimes life happens and so we are going to skip this week and meet up again when they get home from vacation. I happened to have jeans on the day we went so I just sat in the sun melting :)

Next time you better believe that I WILL be wearing comfy-ier clothes that I don't mind getting wet!

Gage turns 3

2011-06-17T19:12:00.000-06:00

I was so excited when I found out Gage was going to be born in June. Thoughts of water games for his birthday and pool party's floated threw my head. I have ALWAYS wanted to have that for my own birthday but October is just NOT a good month for that. Neither of my other 2 have warm birthday months either. So for the last 2 birthdays we have planned BBQ's and both have ended up inside due to cold weather and rain/snow. Yes snow in June. Finally this year the weather cooperated and was nice for a outside BBQ. The day was beautiful! We decided to have a little "wienie roast" We cooked hot dogs on the grill and had a few salads with fruit & chips. Gage was so excited. In fact while we were in my mom's backyard visiting and enjoying each others company Gage sneaked into the house and started opening his presents. The little stinker. Fortunately I discovered him before he did to much damage and we brought him outside to open the rest. It was a frenzy of flying paper and tossing of toys to the side to get to the next. His favorite gifts included Lighting McQueen cars of all shapes, sizes, and noise levels. He also LOVED the cape that my mom made for him. OH and don't forget the package of gum from his aunt and he had been enjoying the pool he got to. Pictures of that later (If I dare take my camera out. The giraffe on it sprays far!)

He kept handing things to Ryan's Grandma to open for him. He knows how the system works.

notice the tongue? He means business!

Lighting the candles on the cake is a little harder when you are outside and there is a slight breeze blowing.

We are so blessed to have such a supportive family that will come and help us celebrate milestones. We really love each and everyone of you!!

A Afternoon With a Brother!

2011-06-17T18:50:00.000-06:00

These 2 can be the best of friends when they want to.

Gage LOVES to do whatever Coleton is doing.

Don't they just give the greatest cheesey grins??

nothing tastes better on a warm summer day than an ice cream bar. Even better is when I find them on sale!

Oh how I love these 2 silly monkeys!

The dictionary of Amy

2011-06-16T20:01:00.000-06:00

Murphy's Law (a.k.a ironic)...
Spending an hour and a half cleaning the kitchen,wiping counters, doing dishes, de-cluttering, cleaning stove, sweeping, moping. THEN 2 hours later coming home in the middle of a wind storm to find that the window that was left open has now been a factor in a plant being blown over and dirt being blown ALL over the kitchen. Then while eating dinner a sticky juice drink gets spilled and is now a huge puddle on said newly mopped floor. Then in a crying fit the 4 year old child goes into a coughing fit and ends up throwing up his dinner on the newly mopped floor.

If only the hard work that goes into cleaning a kitchen could just be enjoyed for at least 24 hours.

I'm exhausted.

2011-05-25T10:01:00.002-06:00

Who knew that going threw all the stuff I own would make me so exhausted? Our neighbor hood is having a HUGE yard sale on saturday. I figured I'd join in and see what I could sell. I don't have a lot of big things and I am not expecting to make any money but we'll see what happens. As I was going through things Ryan kept saying. You're going to sell that? Funny thing is he's the one who is always calling me a pack rat. The only thing I have left to go through is the toys and then price and organize. I'm really wishing I had another table to set things on. Maybe I should move my kitchen one??
My little boys new favorite thing to do? Take a bath in their swim suits. They know how to turn on the water and they get their suites on and splash. I think we need some warm weather so we can get in some pool time.
Remington had a track meet last night. He did pretty good. He ran in a relay that we got there just BARELY in the nick of time. He also ran in the 100 M. He wanted to run the 50 M but apparently he is to old? REALLY? LAME!! I was surprised that he didn't do any more field events because that is what he practices at track practice.
Thursday is the last day of school. WOW this year had flown by. I have a plan to keep the kids busy and boredom free. I'll blog about it later. I have to go I hear GIANT splashes coming from the bathroom.

3rd grade program.

2011-05-18T13:40:00.003-06:00

Well it is the end of another school year WOW! time is just flying by.

Remington has had a good year and has really enjoyed having Mrs M. again!

He had her in 1st grade too.

She is awesome and I wish she would just keep moving up grades so he could keep having her. She is super patient and kind and fun!

We will miss her next year!

Doesn't he look so happy? His hat broke as he was putting it on so he was the only one without a hat. I think he secretly likes these things but is too cool to show it.

Here he is waiting for the program to start. Its always nice when they are short and sweet!

Preschool Graduation

2011-05-18T13:29:00.004-06:00

Coleton was so excited to be able to go to school. He only went for the last half of the year. He went over to the high school and he had a great time.

Here he is with his certificate and a bottle of bubbles the teacher gave him

Gage of course had to get in on the fun!

Here they are together.

My little boys are just growing up!

here he is walking. I had a perfect spot to get a picture of him walking toward me and a lady walked right in front of me as I was taking the picture. SO this is the one I ended up with. Those kids sure walk fast.

They sang a few songs. See the girl in the green and white strips?

Coleton was holding her hand but I couldn't get a better shot.

See him sitting so nice and quiet on the rug? I wish he was more like that at home.

Checking to make sure I was still there watching.

Dear Gage, you gave me a heart attack!

2011-05-12T08:41:00.000-06:00

Yesterday before I left for work. I was trying to get dinner ready, get Remington ready for scouts, get myself ready, finish some laundry. You know typical stuff. I ended up leaving later than I normal do. As I was backing out of the driveway I saw Gage in the backyard playing, Remington was waiting for his ride to scouts and Coleton was at a friend's house playing. I called Ryan to make sure he knew Gage was outside. He said he knew so off I went.

I got to work and was just getting settled. I had been there about 30 minutes. Ryan called and said he couldn't find Gage. I asked him where he had looked he said everywhere. So I went to talk to my manager to see if I could sneak off to help look. I figured he was just at a neighbors house playing on a swing set, sand box, trampoline or petting one of the many cats around. My manager was on the phone so I waited a few minutes when she got off I told her Gage was missing and wondered if it was alright if I left for a little while. "Get out of here." she said. So I gathered my stuff and left. Sure that Ryan had not really looked and I would find him in no time. I am almost home and Ryan calls to tell me he checked all the usual places that I assumed Gage would be and he wasn't there. The neighbors were out helping look for him.

Panic then sets in.

My brain starts thinking what if he wandered out on the street and got hit by a car. What if hes on the street and someone finds him and calls the cops and they take him away. What if he gets kidnapped. You know all the worse possible things that can happen. Well I pull into the neighbor hood and see multiple people out looking. I stopped down by the mailbox to get out and a little neighbor boy says that Gage is at my house. I yell to my other neighbor to let Ryan know and then I jumped in the car and drove home. Sure enough there on the porch with 2 strange, pierced, scroungy, long hair teenage boys is my baby.

RELIEF!!

They told me they saw him wandering by their neighbors house and then he started to walk toward Canyon Rd. They called to him and told him to go home. Then they watched him and wondered where he lived. Somehow they made it our house. They told me "we're just trying to do the right thing". THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

I've always been a little judgemental of kids who look like that. Always thought that they are up to no good. I think I will try to look at them differently now. They probably aren't bad kids and these boys didn't have to stop my little boy from wandering on down the street barefooted with his jacket on upside down that they helped him flip around. They didn't have to try and figure out where he lived and why he was so far from home. They did though and I am grateful!

this is what's for dinner

2011-05-10T19:10:00.003-06:00

Coleton insisted I take his picture.

Are you jealous? I made a new stir fry dish and I really enjoyed it. You can get the recipe from my other blog. All the boys ate really good minus the peppers and onions. and Coleton kept asking for more sauce. Ryan didn't get any but there are leftovers so he can try it tomorrow.

rainy days and mondays always get me down.

2011-05-09T15:07:00.002-06:00

Yes this is the song I sing when it is raining and happens to be a Monday.
I have a hard time being motivated to get anything done. I really just want to curl up under a blanket and sleep or read a book or watch chick flicks!
In fact I was having such a lazy morning that I just about forgot Gage's speech playgroup. We were late but made it. Which is a good thing because he needs more help with the "h" sound and that is what they worked on. Except that he really didn't participate. I think he is coming down with something. He asked to take a nap. Which is SO NOT like him.
Mothers Day was great. Ryan kept the boys home with him while I went to church where I found out that I am being released as Coleton's primary teacher. I am getting a new calling and I am super excited. It will be awesome and a much needed change.
After church we went to the in-laws. We didn't stay long but it was a nice little visit. Then we headed over to my mom's. The plan was to cook in the dutch ovens. However the weather had different plans so the BBQ chicken went in the oven and the potatoes got cooked on the stove and the chocolate cherry cobbler became chocolate cherry cake. It all tasted so good that none of us really cared. It was a nice day and I am glad I got to spend it with the people that I love that most!

A snowy Saturday morning in...

2011-05-04T01:12:00.002-06:00

APRIL!!!!!!

CRAZY UTAH WEATHER!!

Remington helping gage with a glove

Making snow angels

Gage taking a break watching a cat.

Coleton making a snow angel

Remington and his sled.

Yes its true, on Saturday April 30th there was just enough snow to go through the hassel of gathering snow clothes and putting them on. Then getting out the sleds and finding a hill. The boys enjoyed a couple of hours of fun in the snow that morning and by the afternoon I heard lawn mowers. I'm not even kidding. Welcome to spring in Utah. Can you call this spring? It looks more like winter.

Pinewood Derby!

2011-05-04T01:03:00.003-06:00

How is it that I failed to post anything about the pinewood derby? Crazy I know!
Ryan and Remington had a great time building the car and Remington did alot of the work himself. He was a little disapointed that he didn't win but had fun. It is one pack meeting he looks forward to every year! He is already planning his car for next year. I told Ryan that by the time Gage is a cub scout he should be a car building expert!

This is how all boy he is. He decided to have a zoombie car. Its painted green and then there is red splashes that looks like blood. REALLY? I don't want to squash the creativity but I think he could come up with something MORE creative. However his car looked great and he was happy. That is all that matters after all right?

Mother's day gift

2011-05-02T16:10:00.002-06:00

Today Coleton and Gage were fighting. They do this when they are tired or hungry or just have had too much time together. They hit, kick, punch, pinch, yell. Its bad sometimes.
I told them that for Mother's Day all I wanted was for them to get along and not fight. They them asked me what Mother's Day was. I told them that it is a day that we let our mom's know how much we love them by buying presents and letting them sleep in {hint, hint}
After a little thought Coleton asks..
"Mom when its kid day will you buy me a toy?"
HA~HA~HA!!! I love that kid!

Stupidd dog

2011-04-25T12:14:00.002-06:00

Our dog Shooter has a girlfriend. She is a cute little dog that lives at a farm house just a little bit away from us. She will come visit him when he is tied up outside and he will disappear for hours and visit her. I'm not kidding either. He will be gone all day and the only reason he comes home is because I send one of the boys to get him. One night I let him out at about 11 pm. He was whining at the door. I would occasionally open the door and whistle. I did this until 2 am. Finally I got fed up and went to bed. Ryan got up around 3 am when he heard him at the door. I hope one day we do not get puppies left on our doorstep. Stupid dog!

End of the year already?

2011-04-25T12:11:00.001-06:00

Its hard to believe the end of the school year is here. Remington stared testing this week and has a few other end of year activities coming up. I've been trying to get things in order for us to go to CA this summer. Things are just coming too fast. I wish I could slow things down a little bit. I guess we'll take it one day at a time and breathe!

Coleton Counting

2011-04-22T09:40:00.001-06:00

As I was catching up on my blog reading this morning. Gage and Coleton got the big fat marshmallows out. They proceeded to count them.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 22, 64, 13..
HAHA I love those boys!

Rough Day!

2011-04-17T21:18:00.003-06:00

I had a rough day at church.

There was NO feeling of the spirit

and it probably rubbed off on others.

To you I am sorry!!

I am Coleton's primary teacher and today I was about ready to quit!!

He was HORRIBLE!!

screaming, running away, hitting, pouting, moping

WHY does he act like this??

I posted on Facebook...

"Why do I go? Its pointless right?"

I got lots of encouraging comments.

THANKS!

I needed that it made me feel much better.

After church I went for a drive

because I needed some cooling off time.

I wasn't gone very long.

As I was turning into the street I saw 2 friends who flagged me down.

All I can say is that the Lord is watchful and knows my needs!!!

They made me feel better about the situation.

I do know that going,

although sometimes feels pointless

Is NOT!

Its where I need and WANT to be!!

Operation Beautiful

2011-04-14T10:56:00.001-06:00

There is lots of negative attitudes in this world. I came across this blog and thought I would share it with you. It is a awesome idea and I think I will try and spread the message! http://operationbeautiful.com/about-2/ Check it out and tell me what you think.

April Fools... Late

2011-04-07T10:19:00.004-06:00

Yes this a few of the things I saw on Sunday April 3rd.

Mother nature was just a few days late on her little joke.

can you see the poor little flower trying to poke through the snow?

Yes this looks more like January and NOT April!

Poor trampoline! Its just sitting there waiting to be jumped on.

I love a straightened bed!

2011-04-07T10:09:00.002-06:00

I actually made my bed this morning right after I got out of it. I should do this every morning. I love walking into my room when my bed is straightened and neat. Now I am going to pile all the clean laundry on it and start folding.

2 of a kind

2011-04-06T12:20:00.002-06:00

I Found them in my bed watching TV both of them laying the same way.

Neither one was feeling good.

Aren't they just the sweetest things ever?

I LOVE THEM!!

Lovin this kid!

2011-04-06T12:17:00.002-06:00

How can you NOT love this sweet face??

Especially in peaceful slumber!

I took this the day I got home from Hawaii.

I think the week with Dad wore him out completly!

Notice the Wii remote in his hand?

Bon Jovi Concert

2011-04-06T11:56:00.003-06:00

Sarah and I went and had a blast!

I hope you enjoy a little sneak peak.

Not bad for a guy performing for 27 years!!

Sarah and I at the concert!

Some people!!!

2011-04-05T12:32:00.003-06:00

This morning I found out that my sister in law's car had been stolen out of her Grandma's garage!! REALLY?? I can only imagine how mad she is. I would be!! What gives people the right to take things that don't belong to them? I think it takes a whole lot of guts to do something so stupid. When I hear about stuff like this I try and imagine what circumstances they might be in to do something like this. Its not like she had a fancy car. It was fairly new and she takes good care of it. But now because of someone else's poor choice and lack of consideration for other people's feelings she is out a car and a broken window. Not only that but the punks took the time to unload her trunk of work fliers and take her husband's golf clubs. Its sad that things like this happen and we can't feel safe in our own homes. I think the world would be so much happier if people stopped to think about how their choices would affect others. Of course this will NEVER happen at least not until the second coming. Until then I guess I just keep doing my best and try to teach my kids the same thing. I'm so sorry Erin!!

My weight loss blog

2011-04-04T14:40:00.003-06:00

In case you all forgot because it has been a LONG time I am back writting my weight loss blog! I know its not very interesting but oh well! I love the comments that you leave!!! So if you want or have the desire to add one more thing to your already busy day feel free to check it out http://amysthinjourney.blogspot.com/

I forgot what normal was.

2011-03-28T16:07:00.005-06:00

When I left to go to Hawaii I had all the laundry done, all the dishes done, all the bathrooms clean, the boys bedrooms organized. My room needed help but when doesn't it. I had some how I hoped that it would magically be in the same condition as when I left it. That is normal right. Now I know you are all thinking yeah right the boys stayed home. Well Ryan is normally pretty good about keeping up on things and not letting them get to bad. However... While I was gone the boys and Ryan had a stomach bug and there for the laundry piled up. It took me 4 days of doing laundry to get it all caught up. I seriously think that they dirtied every towel and article of clothing that they own while I was gone. Was it pay back for leaving them for a week to go to paradise? Probably. I got a phone call while in Hawaii asking if we had any paper cups anywhere. There were some in the closet when I left I said "we used all of those and there are no clean ones in the house" Right then I pictured the worst and decided to forget about it. The day I was coming home I get a text that says "you know what a small town looks like after a tornado hits it? That is how our house looks." I decided to ignore it and pretend that I didn't know what I was coming home to. Yes it was a disaster and it has taken me 3 weeks to feel like I might finally be caught up. Really though am I ever caught up? Ever really back to normal what is normal? In my head normal ishould be perfect. The kids never fight and things are always clean. The laundry is never piled up. The dishes are always done and the kitchen stays clean for longer than 2 seconds. The beds are always made and toys are put away after being played with. However that is NOT normal because this is what happens in a normal day. I walk in Gage's room and discover the stupid dog has got a hold of a stuffed animal or pillow and ripped it to shreds. While I'm cleaning up that mess the boys manage to destroy another Coleton's room. While cleaning up all Remington's stuff so that he doesn't throw a fit that his brothers touched his stuff there is a drink spilled on the newly mopped floor. Then dishes are discovered hidden in the basement after the dishwasher had been started. Then a potty accident on the carpet and homework to be done and fighting to stop and dinner to be made then more messes to clean up. So really I am back to normal and it was normal while I was gone and I just forgot what normal was.

Hawaii

2011-03-24T09:55:00.005-06:00

BEWARE there are quite a few pictures. I picked out a few that highlighted our trip. I loved going and being able to spend that time with my my mom, sisters and brother and sister in law. The only thing I would have changed is to have the rest of our family that stayed home on the trip with us!
I never know whether to write about the picture on top or on bottom but if you decided to brave this post I will tell you about it on top since you are scrolling down. I hope you enjoy!!

Sarah and I on our last day watching the sunset.

We were just getting ready to go catch our bus to take us to the airport

for the red eye flight to San Fransisco where we had a 3 hour layover.

Mom and me on top of Diamond head. WOW what a hike! LOTS of stairs.

Me at the Dole plantation. Yuck Pineapple!

A close up of the Buddhist temple. It is a replica of a bigger one in Japan.

The grounds at the Buddhist temple. So pretty and LOST was filmed here!

It was pouring rain as you can see in the pond.

Another of the Valley of Temples. GORGEOUS!

This is a look out from Poli Point.

SO breathtakingly beautiful and WINDY!!!!

We were freezing and it was raining!

another shot from Poli Point.

Ammon, mom and me at Pearl Harbour.

My luau dinner at the PCC.

The purple rolls were sooo yummy!

I didn't take a picture but the coconut pudding and coconut cake were tasty!

Mom, Sarah and I at the luau.

this guy is playing a nose flute. AMAZING. I hope he wasn't sick :)

The girls at a beach in Waikiki

Mom, Rachel, Karla, Sarah and me

This is where we went snorkeling. Its called Haunama Bay. It was so fun!

I was really hoping we'd see a sea turtle but no such luck.

Lots of cool fish though.

This is Sarah and I on the day we got there.

Our Hotel gave us this really yummy drink.

I think it had pineapple juice in it and you all know how I feel about that fruit!

So we had a fantastic time. I'm so greatful that I was able to go.

We are already planning our next adventure.

Ryan says I have to wait until the boys are fully potty trained.

He did NOT have a good expierence while I was gone.

Lets just say stomach bug and lots of time spent changing diapers and in the bathroom.

UPDATE!

2011-02-24T15:12:00.002-07:00

This is by far L.O.N.G. overdue! So a update about things going on in my world!

A couple of months back I took Coleton in to get a speech evaluation done. The Speech Therapist asked if I had ever considered getting Gage tested. I hesitantly said no and he said he was going to refer me to a early child intervention program. So long story short I called Kids Who Count and they came to our house and started the process of evaluating Gage. Gage was admitted into their program and has started speech therapy. It isn't bad he has a terrible tongue thrust. So in the mean time Coleton has been doing the same process. Just today I found out about the class he will be starting on March 10 th. Gage has already had 2 speech sessions and will have been to 3 speech play groups. WHY does the school district take so long I wonder??
Hopefully they will get all their kinks worked out by the time they are in kindergarten.

Back in November when I was waiting in line to vote I saw a notice about preschool that was being taught at the high school. I wrote the number down and called later. I left a message and forgot all about it. Well Last week I got a call from the preschool teacher and asked me if I was still interested in preschool. Thinking it was for the fall because I had just registered Coleton for preschool I told her and she said that she had a opening for this semester. The high school students are the teachers and they are taking 4 year old only. So what the hay I said yes. So Coleton is starting preschool on Monday. Here is the kicker it is only costing me $10.00 for the rest of the school year (March-May)! Can you believe it?? Because the students are learning how to be preschool teachers the school and the district pay for the program and the $10.00 is just a donation to help cover the costs of a snack. Now I am wondering if I should just try to keep him in preschool and save me & my mom each $40.00 a month. Although this means I would lose my $40.00 non refundable deposit. I guess we'll try it out for a little bit and make a decision.

My Hawaii trip is almost here March 1st is the date of departure!!! I started packing and Ryan thought I was crazy. I'm trying to be prepared and not leave it until last minute! I also have a CRAZY day on Monday and I'm not sure I will have time to breathe let alone pack. All I have left to do is the everyday stuff that I use. I am so excited to go but a little nervous to leave ALL my boys at home. What is the worst that can happen? I don't even want to think about it. I do have to say that Ryan has had a better attitude about staying with them. Hes even talked about going to a gun museum in Layton. They may all have permanate emotional scars when I get back.

Remington has been playing basketball. He isn't too bad when he pays attention to the game. He has averaged one basket a game. I think the next sport is track again. He did pretty good with that last year.

Well there are a few things in a nutshell. I will try to be better about posting. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods!

A discovery

2011-01-13T12:14:00.003-07:00

I have found that if I leave the TV off in the mornings

my boys get along better.

they pretend

they talk

they giggle

they laugh

they conspire

they play games

Yes it is true and it has taken me this long to figure out.

SAD I know.

But at least I now know!

Remington 9

2011-01-11T09:03:00.003-07:00

Yes I have been slacking in the blogging world as of late. SORRY! I've been busy I guess. Just a quick little picture of my oldest on his birthday! Yes he is now 9 years old. Where has the time gone? He is such a sweet boy and so full of personality. He is a talker!! He is the only person I know that can take a breath in and talk at the same time. He will just talk for hours and asks all kinds of questions. His favorite questions are..

Has "this" ever happened to you? or Have you ever felt "this" way?

He is such a good older brother and LOVES to play with friends and the Wii. He is a caring boy and doesn't want others to be left out. He loves playing outside and is such a joy in our house. His younger brothers want to be just like him. He is growing to be a terrific young man.

Happy Birthday Remington!

T minus one week

2010-11-19T16:40:00.004-07:00

alright friends go here!
or for more info check out this
tell me what you think.

The temple

2010-11-03T10:57:00.003-06:00

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..

2010-10-21T13:59:00.002-06:00

~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!!!

2010-10-14T14:01:00.003-06:00

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!

2010-10-13T10:44:00.001-06:00

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

2010-10-09T09:29:00.002-06:00

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.

2010-10-06T08:18:00.002-06:00

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!!

2010-09-17T08:52:00.002-06:00

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

2010-09-16T08:33:00.003-06:00

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??

2010-09-15T11:25:00.002-06:00

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!

2010-09-14T08:23:00.006-06:00

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!!

2010-09-10T13:09:00.003-06:00

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

2010-09-01T11:51:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-29T14:52:00.003-06:00

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

2010-08-25T17:16:00.002-06:00

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!!

2010-08-24T18:33:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-17T13:43:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-14T13:22:00.003-06:00

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

2010-08-05T15:23:00.003-06:00

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

2010-08-04T10:42:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-03T23:12:00.002-06:00

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!!

2010-07-26T14:11:00.002-06:00

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

2010-07-24T20:16:00.003-06:00

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!

2010-07-19T19:06:00.003-06:00

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!!

2010-07-16T15:04:00.001-06:00

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

2010-07-16T14:37:00.002-06:00

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?

2010-07-02T09:48:00.002-06:00

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

2010-06-25T13:05:00.002-06:00

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!!

2010-06-25T11:49:00.003-06:00

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.