Pinewood Derby!

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

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

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?

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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!!!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!!