Tsosie and Peterson Bunch

Monday Night Football

2011-09-27T04:55:00.001-07:00

Bre had a couple friends over to watch the Redskins play the Cowboys last night.

What an awful miserable ending to a fairly good game.

Top 5 things I learned at my company golf tournament

2011-08-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

My company had their annual golf tournament last weekend out at Thanksgiving Point. I'm not a golfer so I didn't actually golf - but they did let me go sit at hole #7. If you got a hole in one on this hole - you got $500 and they needed someone to witness it. So I sat there with coolers of drinks and tons of treats for everyone and watched everyone golf. It was the best of all worlds. I got to spend the day outside and see everyone in the tournament as they came by - but I didn't have to golf. So here are the top 5 things I learned as I sat there.

The mosquitoes at the golf course are vicious an unrelenting. And it hurts when thy bite you. I had so many in the first couple hours I thought I might need a blood transfusion.

Never kayak on a river that runs through a golf course. Especially if hole #7 has to go right over the river - you are likely to be hit by a golf ball.

Golf makes people swear. Even people who don't swear do it when they are playing golf. And it's funny.

If you have to buy golf pants at the course pro shop - you are likely going to look REALLY bad and be mocked all day long.

The girl with the drinks and treats is the MOST popular girl around.

Back to School by the numbers

2011-08-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Clothes bought:

Pairs of shoes - 5 (plus one pair of VANS - thanks Dad)

Pairs of pants - 19

tops - 31

gym shorts - 2

socks - enough for everyone

Supplies bought:

Pencils - 50 (they were dirt cheap - I bought plenty to last the year)

glue sticks - 4

Elmer's glue - 2

duct tape - 1 roll

masking tape - 1 roll

hand sanitizer - 4

tissues - 2

scissors - 1

gallon ziplock bags - 1 box

folders - 12

binders - 6

white board markers - 8

crayons - 4

markers - 1

colored pencils - 1

pens - 8

composition notebooks - 1

college ruled paper - 3

graph paper - 1

pairs of pants hemmed - 6

pairs of pants pinned up but not hemmed yet - 3 ***UPDATE - I hemmed those three and found 2 more:(

registrations days - 4 (oops - registered Connor at the JR High one day before he got into the Charter)

back to school meetings -3

first days of school - 2

number of times we got to bed on time the first week - 0

Number of kids who had a good first day of school - 2.5 (Connor's was just okay. It's hard to transition to lockers and changing classes) ****UPDATE: Connor's second day was great:)

Hillary - 1st grade

Connor - 7th grade

Breanna - 11th grade
I for one am glad the preparation is over and they are all back in school but I'm also sad the summer is over - I think it went by way too fast this year.

She's definately the ROCK STAR of our family

2011-07-12T05:46:00.001-07:00

We got a new car with a sun roof. The kids have refrained from doing this (in front of Mom at least) until last weekend. So while I pumped gas - she was a rock star.

Girls Scout night with the Orem Owls

2011-07-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

We went to an Orem Owls baseball game on Saturday. It was Girl Scout night so Hillary got to do lots of fun stuff like the flag ceremony and singing during the 7th inning stretch. We all had a fabulous time.

From left to right it's Deanna, Gracie & Hillary. Then an older troop because they said 5 year olds weren't old enough to actually carry the flag.

Hillary dancing to the music while they waited to start.

During the National Anthem.

Back at our seats. We were right on the 3rd base line.

This is Harley from the Harley Davidson dealership. This is about 2 seconds after he almost ran me over on that bike.

The girls with Holly - one of the mascots.

Our three scouts waiting to go on the field to sing.

Singing "Take me out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch. I was pretty proud that Hillary knew all the words to the song and actually sang them.

Still singing.

It was a good game too - the Owls won 12-1. There were a ton of home runs and several base hits. We will definitely be going to more Owls games this summer.

Hillary's skills

2011-07-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hillary got hold of my camera when we were at the park for concerts and fireworks. Here is a small sampling of what I found when she was done.

This one may have been taken by McKinnely.

This is a boy I've never seen before. Hillary is developing some fine stalking skills.

Another person I don't know.

This little girl sat behind us.

This is who she was stalking when I realized she had the camera. I have a TON of pictures of this family. They thought she was weird taking their picture and the boy was trying to hide from her.

This is the coveted Justin Bieber shirt.

There are a lot of pictures of random boys. I may be in trouble....

We're getting back to normal around here...

2011-06-30T09:17:00.001-07:00

I started posting about Art City Days about 2 weeks ago - and then my life got interrupted and I never finished. So I'm working on finishing this week - even though it's already Thursday.

So we ended the week by going to the concert and fireworks. They were as awesome as I'd hoped they'd be. They had Due West come. If you've never heard them and you like country - give them a try. In fact you've probably heard them and just don't realize it.

One thing I've learned over the years is if I let the kids bring a friend - they are much happier. They play together and let me enjoy the evening and relax. So they brought friends. I saw one of my co-workers that night and he was asking me the next week how many kids I had. He thought maybe they were all mine. I told him three is plenty for me thank you very much.

Bre just hanging out.

Hillary and McKinnley. This is how they always pose together.

Playing Frisbee.

Connor and Sam for the one minute they sat with me. Then they were off to walk around and act like teenagers. They didn't come back until fireworks time.

The girls again.

Due West

McKinnley knows how to rock - even if it's country.

I love the way the carnival lights up at night.

My girlies.

Waiting for the fireworks.

It was a fabulously fun week. Perfect weather all week long - I couldn't have asked for more. I hope even after my kids leave home they come back for it each year.

Another Fab lunch

2011-06-17T05:49:00.001-07:00

Bre is beginning to out do herself:)

Feel free to invite yourself over for a campfire and sandwich sometime - she'd be thrilled to fix one for you!

Bre's a rockin sister

2011-06-16T05:39:00.000-07:00

Breanna has been a rockin big sister and really stepped up her game this summer. This is what she served for lunch the other day.

The Parade

2011-06-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

After the balloons and breakfast - we head home to get ready for the parade. I only took a couple pictures this year. The parade was short and had surprisingly few entries. I love that each city has it's own celebration - but that makes for some serious competition for floats and such. But it was fun just the same. The kids brought some friends and we collected a lot of candy and had a great time.

We had our family pictures done a week or so ago and the poor lady who took them may never work with us again...everytime she told Connor to smile this is what he did. I'm sure she got some good ones - but man he is a pain when asked to smile!

The hot air ballons

2011-06-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Early on Saturday morning Hillary and I went out to see the balloons fill up and launch. No one else wanted to get up that early - even with the promise of breakfast afterwards at the fire station. We haven't been able to do this for a couple years due to the rain - but this year was perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better more beautiful day. I think the balloonists would have liked even a hint of a breeze - but for those of us on the ground it was perfect.

Most of these pictures were taken by Hillary. She has quite the eye for photography sometimes. Later this week I'll show you some more of her work.

I love that in some of them you can see the snow covered mountains in the background. I saw on the news that one of the ski resorts is open for skiing in June. Crazy times.

I wore just a jacket - but Hillary refused to put on a shirt with sleeves -so she needed her blanket.
The pink pig is always Hillary's favorite.

Hillary loves this balloon with the giant leaves on it. She took this one.

And obviously she took this one of me and the balloon.

I just love these shots - all sky and balloons.

As promised...

2011-06-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of many posts to come this week - all about Art City Days which ended spectacularly last Saturday.

We started of on the 4th participating in the Nestle 5K. I only have one picture - all of us before the run. We all finished - and we all finished in under an hour. That's way better than last year and we were all proud.

That evening we went to the rodeo. It was a typical small town rodeo - not near as fancy or big as the ones in the surrounding towns - but fun still the same.

This is the cash calf competition. Basically they take a poor little cow - tape a bunch of money to it and let the kids chase it. Whatever you can get you can keep. Connor and his friend Sam did it.

See the guy in the black t-shirt sitting on the gate? Right in front of him is a tall kid in a purple shirt - that's Sam. The hair next to him is Connor:)

Here they are at the very end - empty handed:( But determined to try again next year.

I didn't get any pictures of the mutton busting - but Hillary is extremely interested in doing it next year. For those who don't know - it's pretty much little kids riding sheep around as long as they can hold on - which varies from about 1 second to 15-20 seconds. She has already informed me what exactly I will need to buy her in the way of clothing. A sparkly red shirt, white pants, blue sparkly chaps, pink cowgirl boots and a pink cowgirl hat with a tiara that fits on it. Plus after the parade - she added a horse to the list. At least she dreams big.

The Children's Parade

2011-06-10T11:16:00.001-07:00

This week is Art City Days. Possibly the most fun week in Springville all year long. We did the Nestle 5K last weekend and it was super fun. We also went to the rodeo - that's a whole post in itself - hopefully as soon as I remember to download the pictures of the camera:) I love doing things as a family and supporting our community at the same time.

Today was the Children's Parade and Bre was kind enough to take Hillary and her friend McKinnley over because I had to work.

These two girls have become best friends since McKinnley moved in across the street a little bit ago. Hillary has a lot of friends - but none in walking distance of our house until now. And she is certainly enjoying it - they spend every moment they are home and awake together it seems.

I love it when you catch a photo that shows just how happy they are.
Hopefully there will be more posts and pictures as we gear up to attend two concerts, a magic show, the hot air balloon festival, the fireman's breakfast, the parade, the craft fair and anything else we can squeeze in in the next 36 hours. Should be good times:)

A week of milestones - big and small

2011-05-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

So the last week or so has been kind of traumatic for me as mother. Sure I've been proud. But it's hard to watch your babies grow up and it's weeks like this that remind you it's happening faster than you'd like. So we'll start at the bottom of the stack.

Hillary graduated from Kindergarten.

It seems every grade has a "graduation" these days. It's really just a chance to sing for the parents and give certificates out. They sang animal songs and she was great. I was able to sneak away from work and be there - but I got there just as they were starting so I had a crappy seat in the back. Luckily the little boy on her left was pretty naughty so he was always leaning over or something so I could see her most of the time:)

He in her little hat.

Connor graduated from 6th grade.
This was their official sixth grade program and they did all disney songs. It's was great and for the first time - Connor actually sung most of the songs (not the girl ones - yuck!).

Unfortuanately he's short and they foolishly put him in the back so I couldn't see him most of the time - except his little head when everyone was lined up right. But he did a good job.

This was after he got his certificate and sat down between two girls who kept poking him in the stomach so he would laugh.

Cute graduation pictures huh? They didn't do that when Bre was there.

This is Connor and his friend Christopher.

Breanna finished out the school year strong with pretty good grades. But her biggest accomplishment is that she graduated from a lerners permit to an Official Driver's License yesterday. She only got docked one point on her test and you are allowed to lose 21 so she did really well. The best part....I no longer have to make my own diet Coke runs - she does it for me:) And it will make the summer so great - she can take the kids out to do stuff while I work - sad for me - great for them.

And for those of you keeping tabs - my clot is almost all gone. They will do another CT scan next month and hopefully it will be all gone and they can move forward with taking my gall bladder out. My favorite GI doctor - Dr. Beisinger - is participating in a Race Across America next month. They are biking from CA to MD. Insane - I know. So if you get a chance to cheer them on anywhere - please do so. He is part of Team Donate Life - Liverators.

Not one of mine - but cute just the same

2011-05-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Since I have failed to take any pictures of my kids lately and have been wanting to post - you get my nephew Tasman. He plays t-ball. He seems very serious about it - but I think he is serious about most things in life. It's just how he is. It makes him even cuter.

His mom says he did awesome at his game - getting hits of the T and off the pitcher. So Go Tasman!! I so wish we were close enough to come to your games.

PS - If I suddenly received pictures of my other nephews or nieces in my inbox - I'd be super excited and probably post about them too:)

2011-04-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

I am writing this post from my hospital bed. Yes I realize it says something that I have to be hospitalized to have time to post - but it is what it is. Anyway - I was just reading a blog I'm fairly new to and came across a post I felt it was important to link to. So Head over to Telling Dad and read this post. Continue to go back if you're so inclined as most days he's pretty funny. But even if you don't go back, take time to read this particular post. Then take time for your kids. It's quite possibly the most important thing you'll ever do. I know my kids are the very most important thing in my life. They are the reason I get up every day and do what I do. And I hope they know that. I have three rugrats ranging from 5 to 16 years old, and most day's I'm not sure they even like me - but I hope they realize I will always love them no matter what. And that every time I get knocked down they are the reason I get back up. I love you guys. --Mom

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2011-03-17T11:06:00.001-07:00

I hope you wore green to avoid getting pinched!

Ready for Grandma to visit

2011-02-21T05:15:00.000-08:00

Saturday Hillary was in the kitchen making a lot of noise so I called out and asked what she was doing. She told me she was cleaning out the cupboard. I didn't think too much of it since there wasn't much damage she could do and she seemed to have a mission. When she was done she made me come look at her progress.

When I asked why she crammed all the stuff from the bottom shelf onto the upper two shelves (and actually some of it had to go in the fridge because it was too tall to fit) - she told me Grandma needed somewhere to put her stuff when she comes. The stuff she likes. So, Grandma, we are officially ready for your visit and your shelf is waiting.....

Happy Birthday Kristina

2011-01-17T11:45:00.001-08:00

Today is my most Fabulous Sister-In-Law's birthday. She is married to my twit of a brother Ralph. They have the cutest little kids, Benjamin and Sophie. I've yet to meet Sophie - but hope to later this year. From the pictures I've seen she is the cutest little thing.

As with my brother-in-laws - I feel like I know so little about Kristina. They live in North Carolina so I don't see her often. But here's what I know - she puts up with my brother. And she let her in-laws move in with her for several months. And that takes quite a woman - in anyone's book.

This is when they went camping with my other sister and her family last summer. I heard it was super fun.

This picture cracks me up and says so much about my brother.So have a Happy Birthday Kristina!! We're really glad you're part of our family!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

Just a few tidbits before Christmas.

One more visit with Santa for Hillary.

One more creepy old man that makes Bre sit on his lap.

And one more annoyance in general to Connor.

This is what I saw last week when I came out of the house to go pick up Bre.

After some frantic screaming by me for Hillary to get her coat and boots on and get outside pronto - we got a picture with Santa, his Elf, and his llama.

Three things to note. 1) Yes I know my daughter is in a tank top. She refuses to acknowledge it's freezing outside. 2) This Santa was visiting the homebound gentleman that lives next door to us. 3) That red van in the picture - that's what they arrived in. Llama and all. Who knew?

I made new matching socks for us all this year. These are the kids. Cute aren't they? They're elf socks.

I hope eveyone has a wonderful Christmas - or whatever you celebrate.

And if I don't see you next week - have a great New Year's too.

Santa

2010-12-17T06:21:00.000-08:00

It's the perfect year in our house. Hillary is old enough to know Santa and understand his function - but young enough to still seriously believe. And she does. She keeps telling me the things she didn't do in order to stay off the naughty list. It's pretty cute. We went to visit Santa last weekend because Hillary had "business" to discuss with him. We went first to visit my favorite Santa in Orem only to find out they don't let you take pictures anymore and wanted to charge me $20 for one little copy. So we just talked to that Santa and then I dragged them to another Santa. I then spent the 15 minutes in line trying to explain to Hillary about "Santa's Helpers."

Anyway - while Hillary is a true believer - my other kids are not, haven't been for years now:( But they were both pretty good sports and understand how important "keeping up the act" is for Hillary. But Connor didn't want to talk to Santa and Bre was creeped out by sitting on the old mans lap. Hence this lovely picture.

Hillary was of course willing to smile and sit on his lap. She assured him that Connor was just scared of Santa's and it was okay. She even offered to hold Connor's hand if it would help. She only asked for two things and the same two things to each Santa which is good. My other kids always managed to ask for some strange and obscure thing when they saw Santa.

Hillary's story

2010-12-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

At our school when you are in kindergarten one of the official skills you learn is how to stand up and tell a story to the class. For most kids this is a breeze - they choose a story they already kind of know and just get up and tell it. Hillary has a problem speaking in front of a group though. It doesn't matter how well she knows her story or part - she has trouble doing it. She has yet to give her line or scripture in the sacrament program. Even if someone stands there to tell her what to say - she is just too shy I guess - or too scared. Anyway - she had her story down pat. She chose 5 little monkeys. You know - the ones who get eaten by the alligator. We made the monkeys and alligator and everything. She practiced for a couple weeks every day and could do it without any trouble. We even went out and bought a brand new outfit so she'd be super cute.

When Pat and I arrived to watch she was already in tears. Her teacher said she had gotten poked with a pin (Hillary says stabbed with a needle...) and was inconsolable. She was doing that hiccupy crying thing they do when they're super upset. I finally got her calmed down enough to stop crying and get the microphone on. But then she stood behind me and wouldn't come out. So we took a little break and her teacher read a story and we tried again. She got through it with the promise of McDonalds for lunch - and only almost cried again once. Poor thing, you can tell she's not thrilled to be up there.

But she was super cute in her new clothes. And she let Daddy do her hair instead of leaving it straight down.

She did a great job despite her fears. And we were so proud. Sadly, like me, she'll probably battle this fear her whole life.

She got an extra special treat from her teacher that no one else did - a candy cane. She had to hide it from the kids. But her teacher saw how hard it had been for her and was proud too.

Cute friend gifts - 2010

2010-12-15T10:39:00.000-08:00

This year Bre did these cute gifts for her friends. She didn't really have any boys on her list so it was good. We also realized that her gifts are always food based - but never acutally food. But we were super happy with these cupcakes made from chapstick and washcloths.

Officially Christmas - in my office anyway

2010-12-15T05:53:00.000-08:00

It snowed again last night. After a week of drizzly rain - it finally got cold enough to snow at about 2am this morning. While I hate snow - I was tired of the rain too. I know - I'm never happy.

Any-hoo....Yesterday I was doing the last of my shopping in the CD section of Wally world and came across Kenny & Dolly Once Upon a Christmas for only $5!!!! So that's what I'm listening to in my office today. Yay for me. I'll let you borrow it if you ask:)

Thanksgiving wrap up and sledding

2010-12-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

We had Thanksgiving at our house just our little family. No pressure, no rush. I like it that way. Plus the two girls were sick and didn't eat anyway. But Pat ventured into the world of fried turkey's this year. We will continue to do it this way as it was way yummy. And quicker than in the oven.

Nice and golden - not burnt:)

Thanksgiving weekend was the last time we had snow in Springville. We snuck in a little sledding.

It was a fabulous 4 day weekend all around.

22 days of Thanks - Day 22

2010-11-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day - although I have had fun putting in writing the things I'm thankful for. But I've save the things I'm most thankful for for last. My family.

My husband Pat is my second best friend(you'll have to keep reading to find out who my best friend is...). He's sweet, kind and generous. He's great with all the kids but most especially his little baby girl Hillary. The other night I looked over and he was on the couch with Bre curled up on one side and Hillary on the other. Nothing makes a mother's heart feel better than that.

Bre is my very best friend. We haven't always been that way - but even if you ask her she'll tell you we're best friends. We have fun together. She shows me everyday what a strong person she is. She has been through a lot in her short 15 years - and I think come out better for it. She's by no means a perfect child - she is a teenager after all - but I'm proud of who she is and what she does.

Connor is my only son. He has amazing talent. We have had to lay a rule down that he can't shower after Hillary goes to bed because he will stand in there for an hour singing so loud it wakes her up. He is a great artist too. He has made amazing accomplishments in school in the last couple years. He too has been through a lot in the last couple years - but he has been strong and he makes me proud.

Hillary is my baby. And will always be my baby. When I come home from work she comes running at me as fast as she can and gives me the biggest hug. I have to be prepared or she knocks me down. But she knows it makes me happy so she does it. Even if I-Carly is on. And that says something. She always cares when I am sad - even if I'm just crying over a TV show. She is kind and generous. And she's pretty cute. She's the perfect mix of me and Pat.

I couldn't ask for a better husband or kids. I love them so much my heart hurts. When I think that in 3 short years Bre could leave home - I think I might die. But I know they will grow to be happy adults outside my home. I hope they always come home for holidays though. I wish I could go home to spend them with my parents.

I hope you have someone or something to be thankful for - and that you tell them. Happy Thanksgiving.

22 days of Thanks - Day 21

2010-11-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful that we got less than an inch of snow in the great Blizzard of 2010 for which they shut down schools. Reminds me of when i was young....

22 days of Thanks - Day 20

2010-11-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Today is my Mom's day.

I am thankful for my great grandkids. They are so cute, smart, nice and I love them to pieces. I am thankful that my newest one, less than a day old is with us and is doing great.
I am thankful for my kids. They have always thought me a lot and been such an important part of my life but now we are very good friends and I love being part of their lives. I am thankful for my kids by marriage too. You are all a great part of this family.
I am thankful for my husband. He was been my best friend for over 40 years now and I have always know that he was the smartest, best looking, and generous man ever but for the last 2 years he have gone above and beyond the call of being a husband and has taken care of me.
I am thankful for the challenges of the last 2 years and the fact that we have been given this chance to prove all that we can do and be.
I am thankful for great friends like the owls (a group of lady's that I stitch with in Virginia). They are always there when I need help, a pick me up or a good stitching afternoon.
I am thankful for my beliefs and faith and a church to belong to that always give me hope for many blessing still to come.
Thank you Heather for this chance to have a reason to count my blessing and all the many things (not all mentioned here) to be thankful for all year.
Tinka

22 days of Thanks - Day 19

2010-11-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my parents.

It wasn't too long ago we almost lost mom when she got hit by a car. I am so thankful she survived. And not only that - she has managed to teach us all about learning to deal with what you have and be grateful for it. And to live in the here and now and not waste time with your loved ones. She taught me more than I have room to list and I am grateful every day for that.

The other day when I posted about my garbage disposal my mom commented that I had my Dad to be thankful for for the ability to fix things myself. He raised very independent girls who can take care of themselves. For that I am grateful. He has been such an example of love and service since my mom's accident. He has given selflessly and tirelessly to my mother. He is also the best Grandpa ever. My kids know that if they ever have a question about anything they can call Grandpa and he will know the answer. They think he is the smartest person ever - and I tend to agree.

I love you Mom and Dad.

22 days of Thanks - Day 18

2010-11-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

Today (actually yesterday - but I never got it up) is Pat's day.

Hello family and friends-

Today is my day to give thanks.
I am thankful for my wife and kids. They bring me so much joy.
Now that our 5 year old is in kindergarten I get to learn the things I missed.
I am thankful that my children have wonderful grandparents.
I'm thankful for a loving mother.
I'm thankful that our kids help each other with their homework and that they are all best friends.

Pat

Giveaway

2010-11-22T05:22:00.000-08:00

Go check out Tatertots & Jello for a great giveaway. That's what I'm doing:) You could enter and if you win you could give it to me for Christmas or my birthday:)

22 days of Thanks - Day 17

2010-11-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my siblings and their spouses. I am the oldest of 4. We don't always get along - who does? - but we are all always there for each other when we need it. I know I say this a lot but I wish I lived closer to them. The other three are all within hours of each other now and get together often. I sadly, am on the other side of the country and just get to be jealous of them. If I ever win the lottery - the first thing I'd do would be move closer to them.

So, Wendie, Alicia and Ralph I am thankful you are my brother and sisters. And Kristina and John - I'm so glad you married into our family. I love you all.

22 days of Thanks - Day 16

2010-11-19T06:53:00.001-08:00

Today I am thankful that I am smart enough to replace my own garbage disposal. I finally wore the old one out and we had to get a new one. I was able to replace it with only one additional trip to the Home Depot (we had to get a cord kit so we could plug it in - who knew?). Now I am the proud owner of a Badger 5 - 2 tier disposal system. That means it chops it up once then sends it on to be chopped up again before going down the pipes. According to the brochure I can now send whole carrots, half artichokes, apple cores and potatoe peels down it. Don't panic - I won't actually do any of that - but I like to know I could if my life depended on it:)

22 days of Thanks - Day 14 & 15

2010-11-18T06:19:00.000-08:00

I skipped yesterday because I wanted that cute little Amelia at the top of my blog all day for her birthday. So today you get two.

Yesterday I was grateful for a husband who tolerates all my craft crap all over the house. I always have multiple projects going - I get it from my mother. Hopefully the current disaster will leave my house soon though - watch for it nephews/neice - it's going to be fun!!!

Today I am grateful for a biology teacher who is willing to work with Breanna to bring her grades up. This has been a rough class for her. A new to teaching teacher who treats them like college students - lecturing with power points and stuff. She's not a good note taker and has been struggling with the vocabulary. But we have a plan in place and she is re-taking some tests and hopefully it will get better.

Happy Birthday Amelia

2010-11-17T05:55:00.001-08:00

Today is Amelia's 1st birthday. And the last birthday in our family for the year - if you don't count the new niece coming next week. The only thing you really need to know about Amelia is that she is my very most favoritest niece that I have. At least for a few more days:) Enjoy looking at the cute pictures of her. I do regularly.

Amelia and her brother Tasman

Making pretzels.

A super cute hand-me-down from Hillary - picked out and paid for by Grandma Tinka.

Helping mom clean.

Sucking in one of her lips. The bottom one is cute too, but I couldn't find a picture of it.

Happy Birthday little girl - you are the cutest!!!

22 days of Thanks - Day 13

2010-11-16T06:50:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my nieces. I actually only have one now - but in about another week I'll have two:) Yay!

Amelia is the cutest little bug you ever saw. She has these cheeks that you just want to pinch they're so pudgy. And she does this thing with her lip - she sucks in the bottom one. It's just the cutest thing. I can't wait until she's old enough to talk to me on the phone. Then I can trade things with her for pictures too.

Ralph and Kristina haven't yet revealed the name of their little girl but she'll be here in about a week. I can't wait to see her - I'm hoping she has the same red hair as Benjamin. I'm so excited to have another neice- they are so much more fun to shop for:)

22 days of Thanks - Day 12

2010-11-15T06:37:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my nephews. Dylan, Tasman & Benjamin.

I don't get to see or talk to Dylan hardly ever - but we had fun in August when I was out there.

Yesterday I got to talk to Tasman on the phone. We made a deal that if he drew me three pictures I would send him 3 bags of Cheetos. Pretty sweet deal I know. Don't be jealous. I'm sure he'd make the same deal with you if you asked. I couldn't talk him into trying meatloaf though.

Benjamin is so cute - but he doesn't really like me much (mostly because I only see him every couple of years). I could listen to him say "get out of the car" over and over though - it's pretty cute. He's only 2 1/2 so I'm thinking in another year he'll not be so hard to win over and we'll be great friends.

I'm trying to convince my nephews that I'm the best Auntie ever - I send them little treats in the mail and am always willing to trade Cheetos for pictures. I love them all and wish they were closer so we could play together all the time.

22 days of Thanks - Day 11

2010-11-15T04:22:00.000-08:00

Ooops. I missed yesterday. So here it is.

Today I am thankful for kids who can be bribed to help me with my chores. I'd be even more thankful if I didn't have to bribe them - but I'll take what I can get.

22 Days of Thanks - day 10

2010-11-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

I decided to let some other people guest post on my 22 Days of Thanks. So today is Breanna's day.

Today I am thankful for DC socks. My DC socks are squishy and I like squishy things. I'm also thankful for my best friend Cody he is crazy and i love him lots. I'm also thankful for Wayne. te he. also different colored pens. :] also chap stick but only the good flavors the gross flavors aren't worth any thing.

--Breanna

22 days of Thanks - Day 9

2010-11-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for Mary. She is my sweet friend who lives 2 houses away. She is really crafty and uber-talented in the sewing department. She is helping me make the homecoming dress for Breanna (more like re-assuring me that I'm doing it right every step along the way). And last night when my poor machine started puckering all my really pricey fabric she offered to let me come down and use her machine. So I gathered my stuff and trudged down to her house at 10:15pm and sewed like a mad woman until after 2am. And no I didn't keep her up - due to her husband working the graveyard shift from home - she is a night owl already. But I am eternally grateful that she is assisting me in this endeavor. Thanks Mary - I love ya!!!

22 days of Thanks - Day 8

2010-11-11T11:10:00.001-08:00

Today I am thankful that when I was young my mom taught me how to cook, clean and sew. All skills I use almost daily now. If I ever have a question she's still the first one I call. And I'm always a little shocked when she doesn't have the answer ( like what to do with persimmons). I think I just have it in my head that she must know everything about everything. I have not been so good to my kids - I need to get on the ball and live up to my mother's example. Thanks mom. I love you.

October part 2 - Halloween

2010-11-11T06:32:00.001-08:00

This is Hillary and Bre going out in the brief lull in the hail/wind/rain storm we had on Halloween. They went when it was just a slow drizzle.

The trunk-or-treat the night before - perfect weather thankfully. Hillary and Daddy.
Cute ballerina huh?

I'm not sure what she was here - a witch if she had had all the parts on (hat etc). But just enough costume to get candy without actually "being" anything I guess.

Connor just wanted a mask this year. The really scary one was out of his budget so he settled for this. I had to forbid him from scaring the little kids though. Boys.

Hillary during her kindergarten program. They sang wonderfully. Note the Wendy's french fries behind her. It was a pretty good costume.

Hillary singing.

They paraded into the gym before the program. I'm glad we ditched the Astrid idea early on as there were a couple others in her class. She was the only ballerina I saw this year.

Despite the crappy weather everyone had a great Halloween. Even Pat had a good time standing outside with his mask on to scare the older kids.

22 days of Thanks - Day 7

2010-11-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for dark chocolate. It makes me feel better when the post office rejects my mailing because the "e" in "schedule" did not stay in the appropriate box - but instead bled into the next box. Sheesh! No wonder they are losing millions of dollars each year to e-mail.

22 days of Thanks - Day 6

2010-11-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for jackets. It's getting cold here. Sad.

October stuff - part 1 -- finally

2010-11-09T04:45:00.000-08:00

Hillary's kindergarten class went to the pumpkin patch in October. Pat got to go help chaperone. They all had a great time. He was in charge of Hillary and two other kids, Kai and Ana Marie (I think). They all had a fabulous time.

22 days of Thanks - Day 5

2010-11-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my crock pot. It allows me to make stew for dinner with very little effort. And I have a very full day ahead so I am glad for that.

22 days of Thanks - Day 4

2010-11-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for friends in my ward. They have blessed us generously this last few weeks with food and treats for my family. I didn't even have to ask. Stuff just shows up at our house when I seem to need it the most.

22 days of Thanks - Day 3

2010-11-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for health insurance. We have had a doozie of a couple months at our house and the insurance company is losing money on us this month. I'm glad I don't have to worry about cost when deciding if I should take my family to the doctor.

22 days of Thanks - Day 2

2010-11-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for pumpkins. I got a ton of free ones this year and have been roasting and baking with them. They are yummy. Plus they are orange. And I love orange.

22 days of Thanks - Day 1

2010-11-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

I'm a few days later than I'd like - so it's 22 days instead of 25. But I wanted to do this anyway. I did it a couple years ago at Christmas and it was fun so I'm doing it again. Maybe I'll squeeze the other posts I've been procrastinating in also. Who knows.

Today I am especially thankful for Indian Summers. The weather has been so wonderful this week - after snowing last week and hailing and raining on Halloween - it's been back up in the 80's for several days. Yay for warm weather.

Witches, witches, witches

2010-10-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we took the girls up to Gardner village to have breakfast with the Witches. It's super fun and I'd definately recommend it for any little girl. But buy your tickets early next year as they sell out fast. And we definately were not the most dressed up - although both girls had matching witch hats.

They also have the best witches all around the shops. You can get a list and look like a scavenger hunt for them all. They're funny and cute.

Pat shareing witchy secrets.

You can't see it but this witch has cats running around under her skirt - like the sugarplum fairy in the Nutcracker.

Junk food witch.

Bre was a little creeped out. Hillary wouldn't get any closer to the witch though.

One of the great witches at breakfast. You get autograph sheets with all their pictures on it to go around and get signed.

They carry around these plates and share a worm with the kids.

The giant pumpkin cake.

Another witch. She was by far the "witchyest" one we saw.

The last of the random pictures from my phone....

2010-10-18T06:12:00.001-07:00

Around our house we have tons of snails. I actually think they're everywhere in this area - but some days I feel like they must ALL be at our house there's so many. But anyway - Hillary decided to have some as pets one day. So she collected and lined them up. I thought it was gross and made her go wash her hands.

My sister made me take her picture in August when I was out East. Yes this was what she meant it to look like - it was supposed to be the caller ID on my cell phone.
I can't really remember when or why we took this picture.

This is from when we went to Wendover for Connor's Birthday/Father's Day.

These are the GIANT chairs they had at Sam's Club. They were $80. I wouldn't buy one. Then they went on clearance for $20 and I still wouldn't buy one much to my kids dismay.

At least I made it in this week....

2010-10-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

I know I said I'd be better - but sickness trumps blogging every time. Sorry.

So today is about Connor.

This is Connor and Hillary down at Arches Visitor's Center. I'm not sure what wrong with him. No one is....

This is up at the Mayan in Salt Lake. We were meeting up with my parents for dinner - but ate somewhere else. He begged me to take his picture before we left though.
He thought this barbie was the most hilarious thing he'd ever seen. He was laughing so hard he couldn't tell me what was so funny. So he made me take a picture of it.

This was last week when he had a longboard mishap. He actually took a chip out of his elbow - but a week in a splint did the trick - yay for no cast. (Ignore the disaster in the corner of my Living Room. We had emptied out Hillary's entire room to de-junk it and hadn't gotten through the massive pile of stuff yet. It's all gone now - thank heavens - but it took several evenings to sort through it all. That child is too spoiled by everyone.)

When I went to SEP's these were the poems they had hanging in the hallway. I really liked Connor's so I took a picture. I'm not sure why he's not Hillary's brother too. Or who he's giving food to. But I can attest to the fact that he likes mints:)

Maybe next week will be better - but I'm not making any promises this time:)

It took me long enough....

2010-10-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'm changing over to a Halloween background today. There are several I want to try so I may change it once a week - or not. We'll see. But today you get random pictures - not enough of each to make their own post - but I wanted to include them in something so here goes.

Today is all about Hillary.

At least Hillary knows how to spell her name....even if it is on the walls. Yes she scrubbed it off and had a time-out.

Hillary's rendition of her and Daddy.
Another pony ride.

Hillary and her babies.

This was from the first week of school. While her Grandpa was here he taught her a couple of important phrases - one of which was "my tiara makes me taller". This is her being taller with her school tiara.

Stay tuned for more - I'll be better next week....maybe.

My Fall wreath

2010-09-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

I had to share - I'm so proud of myself.

I was inspired to make my Fall wreath by this blog over here - Write it Down. She created this Halloween wreath. Feel free to go check it out. But here's a picture of hers anyway - in case you don't want to leave:)

So gathering inspiration from hers - here's what I came up with for fall.

I am in love. I've already made my Halloween wreath and it will go up in October - but I'm thinking this one may make an re-appearace in November.

Go here....

2010-09-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

I visit a blog a lot that is all about sewing called Grosgrain Fabulous. She has a wonderful feature called Technique Tuesdays that I just love. But the reason I'm blogging about it today is because she's giving away some CUTE CUTE CUTE little girl patterns. So go check it out and enter to win. If you don't want the patterns, enter to win anyway and give them to me if you do:)

First day of school - 2010

2010-09-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hillary Tinka - Kindergarten

Connor - 6th grade

Breanna - 10th grade
I'm back to being a mom whose kids are all school age. Sigh.

Our annual trek to the zoo

2010-09-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

It kind of makes me sad that we live an hour away from the closest zoo and that it costs so much to get in. We only manage to get up there once a year. We went while my parents were in town.
Looking at these pictures I realize I take the same ones each year. Someday maybe I'll put them all together. I think the progresssion of kids age in the same picture would be pretty cool. But that's for another day I guess. Today is just this years pictures.

These first ones are especially for Tasman and Benjamin. Look at the alligator eating Breanna!!!

Connor as a gopher.

Gopher as a Connor.

The kids on the giant elephant. This elephant makes noise and blows air out it's trunk. This is the first year Hillary would come within 20 feet of the thing.

Yes, he's weird.

Baby Zuri. She's one year old now. Still cute though.

Zuri and Mommy.

We had a blast. I'm not sure how I managed to not get one picture of either of my parents. I need to be better.

Hillary turned 5 in August....

2010-09-08T04:22:00.000-07:00

I did a birthday post for her - but here are some pictures from the actual day.

We waited for Grandma Tinka and Grandpa Ralph to get here to have her party. I'm glad we did as they were able to be in charge of the cupcakes. Plus my mom came up with the idea for the cutest invitations and favor bags. We went to Jumpin Jacks. It's basically a building full of bounce houses and slides. The kids had a BLAST!.
Sierra, Sydney & Kyrsten

Kowen and Nando

The castle party room.

The great cupcakes made by Grandma and Grandpa. The girls got a Fairy and the boys got Buzz or Woody.

All the kids ready for pizza.

Hillary blowing out the candles.

Opening presents.

Kowen with cupcake all over his face.

More presents.

Mega slide.

Sydney being crazy.

Crazy Nando.

All three girls.

Nando on the slide. He was fearless and would jump and bounce down that slide that was as tall as the building.

The kids on the little rides.

Hillary had a great time. I'm glad we chose to do it at Jumpin Jacks. Five is the perfect age for it and they're totally reasonably priced.

Brrrrr!

2010-09-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

I was so cold on the way to work this morning I had to turn on the heat in my car. Sad I know. It's time to get my jacket out again I guess. I also saw the bright colors of fall peeking through on the mountain yesterday too. So I changed my blog layout to match the fall leaves. Pretty huh? Anyway - today's post is all about what happens when you leave your kids in the van with a camera.

I have hundreds of these kinds of pictures from over the years. Sometimes it's just nice to see that they can get along so well when I'm not there.

Is it already September?

2010-09-03T08:27:00.001-07:00

I feel like I've been super busy this last month and a half. Too busy to post apparently. So I have a ton of catching up to do. So I think I'll just start at the beginning and work my way to the present.

The last week of July was rough. My Brother-in-Law Bill lost his battle with cancer and passed away. I rushed off to be with my sister on the other side of the country for a week. It was a sad trip - but I had fun seeing my nephews and neice I rarely get to see.

This picture is at the luncheon after the funeral.

There was time for a quick trip to my sister Alicia's house in Pinehurst. We got the pool out for Mom, Tasman and Ben to play in. The rest of us mostly watched. I filled water balloons.

This is a little toad in my brothers driveway the day I left. He gets them a lot I think. They drive the dogs nuts. But I thought he was cute.

Stay tuned for the first day of school, Hillary's birthday and party and lot of pictures from my parent's visit.

Happy Birthday John

2010-08-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

Today is my brother-in-law John's birthday. He is married to my sister Alicia and they have two of the cutest kids ever - Tasman and Amelia. They currently reside in North Carolina where John teaches college. Sadly I've never lived close enough to visit them very much. I suddenly feel like I don't know John very well at all. So my list of things to know about John will be short. Sorry John. It doesn't mean I don't love you:)

Things to know about John:

John loves the outdoors and hiking.
John loves all things slimey or scaled. And turtles. They lived in Australia for a couple years while John studied turtles. You can see that in all the pictures I have he is outdoors - and most of them include some kind of critter.
John is a fabulous Dad. He loves to wrestle with the kids and they love it too.

John has a pretty fabulous Lego collection from when he was a kid. He has passed it on to Tasman and they have family building contests.

John plays the banjo. I'm always impressed when I watch this video.

So Happy Birthday John. We hope you have a great day.

My baby is growing up too fast:(

2010-08-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Hillary's birthday. Her 5th birthday. Breanna spent the day insisting that Hillary not turn 5. Hillary agreed not to do it. Liar. She turned 5 with a gusto.

Apparently when I wasn't looking she opened the gift of attitude. I'd like to return that if I could figure out where she got it from. Anyway here she is on her big day - officially joining the ranks of "kids who put their headphones on to ignore their parents"

Things you may not know about Hillary:

She is named after 3 grandmas: Hill - Her great Grandma Hilda, -ary - Her Grandma Mary Lou, and Tinka - Her Grandma Tinka. She answers to Hillary, Hillary Tinka and Tinka.

Sometimes she is really nice when we are playing games and lets me win. It's funny to watch her pretend to move her piece so she doesn't win before I can catch up.

She is a Daddy's girl through and through.

She still likes to snuggle.

She is the girliest girl of my two. Her favorite color is Pink followed closely by purple. She will always choose a dress/skirt over pants. And she loves dolls - much to her Grandma Tinka's delight.

As recent as 2 days before her birthday she announced she was turning 5 soon and then she would have her horse. Luckily she must have forgotten as there was no horse on Saturday and she didn't ask about it.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!!

Happy Birthday Ralph

2010-08-06T07:05:00.001-07:00

Today is my Brother's birthday. He is the baby of our family and the only boy. He was and is the most spoiled child out of all of us. I was lucky enough to get to spend a couple days at his house last week when I trekked out east for a funeral. He has found a wonderful wife who puts up with him(Kristina) and they have one little boy(Ben) and a girl(?) on the way.

Things you may not know about Ralph:

Despite being a runt - he was exceptional at all sports in high school. He wrestled, played soccer, baseball, football (only 1 season though) and did gymnastics. He bowled and golfed too - but I don't really count those as sports.

His favorite color is orange.

Yes, that is Chumley...

He is an Eagle scout and the current leader in the family Merit Badge contest. Watch out though because Connor is determined to hold that title.

He is addicted to Woot.

He loves South of the Border. It's strange I know. But he does. I've never personally been there - but I think it's somewhere in the Carolinas. He went there for his birthday last year.
He can scratch the back of his throat with his tongue. This annoys most of us though - but it's something not everyone can do.
He's a super Dad. He gets right down there and plays with Ben all the time.
He has red hair. So does one of my sisters - but he's the only one with kids with red hair too.
He used to drive a jeep - but they got rid of it. He's always wanted a truck - so if you're looking for a last minute birthday gift.....

Happy Birthday Ralph. We love you.

Too Hillarious - and some days you just need that.

2010-07-21T04:35:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this from a blog I read regularly. She says it's a Canadian ad - but I don't really care where it's from cause it's just about the funniest thing I've seen all week. So watch and enjoy.

The one about The Far Side

2010-07-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

I'd like to direct your attention to the Cake Wrecks site today. Jen has done a truly fabulous tribute of sorts to Gary Larson and The Far Side. It's worth checking out. Either click on one of the links above or head over to my sidebar and click from there. Either way you're sure to be glad you did.

Ring Wreath

2010-07-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

In one of my blog wandering episodes - I came across a wreath made of rings from canning jars. I spent a couple hours trying to find it again today and Finally did. The original wreath was from Funky Junk Interiors and was made with antique rings and looked really cool. The next generation one - from Lemon Tree Creations - had been spray-painted into the bloggers favorite colors. I decided to do mine like hers only for July.

I used a dollar store foam wreath and just cut it to slip the rings on. I covered the wreath in ribbon to hide the ugly green color. Then I found the wooden stars I had made years ago as part of a really ugly door decoration. So I cut them off and glue-gunned them onto this one where I didn't have enough rings to go all the way around. I am very pleased with the result.

It's a Girl!

2010-07-01T05:49:00.000-07:00

My brother and his wife found out yesterday that they are having a girl. She's already cute. This will even out the Grandkids for my parents to 4 girls and 4 boys.

I have no doubt that Ralph will be great with a daughter. He's had plenty of practice dressing up and dancing around in tutu's.

Congratulations Ralph and Kristina.

Art City Days 2010

2010-06-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

It was another fabulous year at Art City Days. The weather again tried to scare us away but we are tuffer than the rain and wind so we enjoyed everything they didn't cancel.

All 5 of us completed the 5k this year. Even Hillary and I. It was super fun.

The Childrens parade.

This was Friday night at the block party thing. It was drizzling the whole time.

I couldn't believe how fast the clouds moved in. This picture was taken about 3 minutes after the last one. Note the clouds. This was the one night they cancelled all the concerts:(
It rained all night long - but cleared up for the Fireman's Breakfast.

And it was perfect weather for the parade. Not raining - but not hot. And I think the rain scared a lot of people off - so Hillary didn't have any competition for the goodies that were thrown out.

It then proceeded to pour all day long until about a half hour before we were supposed to leave for the concert/fireworks. We had already given up going it was raining so hard. But the clouds parted and the sun actually made a very brief appearance so we headed out.

Another brief appearance by the sun.

Enjoying Orleans in concert.

Yes my son has moved into the stage of not wanted his picture taken.

You can't really tell - but that's Orleans.

A pretty night view of the band. The rain held off long enough for the fireworks.

All in all a great Art City Days. I love that we do it all as a family every year. I'm sad that I only have a few more years before Breanna will be old enough I won't be able to force her to go with us anymore. Hopefully she'll still want to go anyway.

Happy Birthday Connor - a couple days late I know...

2010-06-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

So my little boy turned 11 on Sunday - yes on Father's Day. He was actually born on Father's Day - so every once in a while he has to share his day with all the Dads in the world. Anyway - I think he had a great day. We actually went to Wendover for the night. We swam in the pool and stayed in a hotel and that was tons of fun.

This is Connor and Colton - I felt the need to make sure Colton was in this post as Connor spends 80% of his life at Colton's house. I think he'd move in there if I'd let him.

Connor is a great scout. He just finished with Cub Scouts though. He earned all the important awards including his Religious Knot and his Arrow of Light.
Connor is one of the craziest and goofiest kids I know. He is always making me laugh.

When he feels like it - he is a great big Brother. Here he is helping Hillary learn to ride her bike without training wheels.

Connor has the ability to make friends easily. He made several friends while we were in Arizona last month.

Connor is crafty and artistic. Here is a hat he made for himself. He loves to draw and create. A few years he was obsessed with creating things with paper and tape. He also does this thing where he makes little men out of pencil top erasers.

Connor is also an outdoors kind of kid. He loves to fish and hike and camp.

So Happy 11th birthday buddy. We love you tons.

Friday - The hummingbird

2010-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

We have humming bird feeder just in front of our picture window in the living room. We've always had great success in attracting the hummingbirds. Last summer they started fighting. I don't know why - they probably learned it from my kids. Anyway - I bought a second feeder in hopes that they would stop. Now they just fight over that one too. Last year we had to cut down our tree because it had been struck by lightning and was 90% dead. But the boys didn't get the trunk out and it's started growing back this year and there's one long stick that sticks out the top and one of the hummingbirds is constantly sitting on it. It's pretty cute actually. But anyway - to make a long story short - here it is sitting on the twig. Not fighting.

Edited: Hey Dad - I was just checking over my post to make sure it posted - and I realized this would be the perfect project for you when your here - get the trunk out of my front yard. Thanks in advance.

Thursday - Hillary's photos

2010-06-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

One day last week Hillary got up early and decided to take pictures. So she got out my camera and shot away. Luckily no damage was done as Connor appeared to be up also and perhaps turned it on for her. Who knows. But heres a small sampling of the result. I now have more pictures of balls, dolls and dogs than I could ever want - like 30 or so of each!

I only got one picture of the zhu-zhu butt.

She even ventured outside to photograph the roses. Which she has been hand watering one by one each day for me. I can't convince her about roots.

Doll in the hall - I got LOTS of this pose. She did get some close-ups too.

Meet spot the dog and bear in a scarf - plus her go-go's.

Another shot sans go-go's.

One of about a hundred of Penny. Most she's still sleeping but a few she's looking at the camera.

Balls.

One of what Hillary calls her "family pictures". Note the appearance of Baby Amelia on the right.

So perhaps I have a budding photographer.

Tomorrow - the hummingbird.

Wednesday- the day I embarrass

2010-06-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

When we stopped at the giant hill outside of Moab - Breanna refused to get out of the van. So I told her I would just take her picture in the van instead and here's what I got.

I must preface this by stating that Bre requested I take this picture. I had a less blurry one - and one of Connor - but they got lost last week when I had to do a master re-set of my phone:(

Tomorrow: Hillary's photo session.

Tuesday's randomness

2010-06-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

The trash burning bins in Arizona. They burn all their trash. I think they're mostly going constantly and they just take the trash over whenever they have some. Not sure why I took this picture - but maybe for the background.

For those of you who don't not ever see us - Hillary got her hair cut for the summer. Short. As short as Pat and I could stand anyway. She loves it and I was pleasantly surprised at how cute it is. This is the picture we took to send to Grandma Tinka to show her. We were waiting in line at the Deli at Walmart. In case you cared.

Random Photo Week

2010-06-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

I've recently cleaned all the old photo's off my phone so it will quit yelling at me to do it. It's like a nagging mother sometimes:) Not that I have one of those. Don't get upset Mom - you don't nag. But since it's summer I feel like one all the time with my kids. Anyway - I digress. So I'm devoting the entire week to strange and obscure photos from my phone - or Pat's phone - or the camera for that matter. Every once in a while Hillary will get a wild hair and get the camera out without permission. Then I find strange photos when I download.

This was the saddest dog we ever saw. We were in Orem one Saturday. Hillary still awe's at the poor doggie whenever she sees this picture.

Hillary decorating Pat while he sleeps. She does this a lot.

Breanna's un-matching socks. Her fabulous Grandma Tinka found these socks for here. There were like 10 socks in the package and no two alike. She loves them. She asked for more for her birthday - and wears them exclusively now.

Check back tomorrow for more weirdness.

The rest of us

2010-06-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

While none of the rest of us desire to own a horse - most of us got on one in Arizona.

I told Pat to look Native. This is what I got.

Connor was great and was able to ride by himself.

And not to be out done by my kids - but mostly because no one thought I could and I wanted to prove them wrong....

Breanna made a hasty retreat as soon as she figured out I might ask her to get on the horse for a picture.

Hillary's new love of horses

2010-06-11T03:51:00.000-07:00

After the pony rides at the wool festival a couple weeks ago - Hillary started asking to ride a horse everytime she saw one. There were a couple opportunities on our trip and she was too too excited.

This was at the first stop we made in Arizona. I should have known we were in big trouble then.

This is Hillary on a horse with Rick at sunflower rock.
This is when she finally talked Victor into saddling up Checkers.

They rode off and were gone quite a while.

Finally back.

Hillary convinceing Victor she wasn't ready to be done.

He let her ride Checkers back to the corrall after he took the saddle off.

She is now convinced that we are going to buy her a horse for her 5th birthday. Anyone know where I can buy a horse for $25 that doesn't eat or get sick? You'd make a little girl really happy.

Other pictures from our Trip to Arizona

2010-06-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

Connor atop a hill.

Lots of lizards. Connor caught a few - luckily we didn't bring any home with us. But it wasn't becasue he didn't try to convince us to let him.

The hill outside of Moab. Connor did it before - but this was Hillary's first time.

And Pat's done - after only about 10 seconds. He thought Hillary would need help - but she left him in the dust.

Hillary higher than Connor. She actually only went up that far because rolling down was way more interesting than making it to the top. Her clothes were so full of sand we ended up stripping her down all the way to get it out. It hurt me just to think about where that sand was.

Connor having fun.

Memorial Day trip to Arizona

2010-06-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

Pat's dad is buried on the reservation in Arizona. He's been gone about 8 years now. Up until a couple years ago Pat thought that his Dad's other family had put a marker on his grave. When he found out they hadn't - he decided he wanted to. So that's what we did for memorial day this year. We drove down to Arizona and placed a headstone on his grave. I tried to chronicle the process in pictures for him.

Hauling cement to create the base for the headstone.

Mixing cement.

This is the headstone in the wet cement. It reminded me of a cassarole all coverd with foil. That was to protect it from getting cement on it.

We went out on Sunday to clean the cemetery. This picture shows about half of it. It's not very big.

Pat and his sister Priscilla cleaning their Dad's grave.

I just liked this picture.

This is Victor - Pat's cousin. That is his brothers grave they are working on. He helped Pat build the box and set the headstone. He was also really great with Connor and Hillary the whole time we were there. Thanks Victor - we appreciate you more than you know.

Pat and Paul.

View #1 from the cemetery.

View #2 from the cemetery. Pretty scenery - but in the middle of the rez.

Setting the headstone on Monday morning.

You can't see her -but Pat's cousin Mona is saying some words. Pat was grateful for that as he was too emotional to say much. But he really figured everything he needed to say was on the headstone already.

They sprinkle water on the graves. I was told they were giving them a drink. Tradition I think.

Close-up of the headstone.
Final picture of the grave. Pat was happy with it and that's all that matters.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TASMAN!

2010-06-08T04:30:00.000-07:00

Today is my nephew Tasman's birthday. He is the cutest little guy ever. I heard he got a bike for his birthday - And I can't wait to get pictures of him on it(Hint Hint Hint).

This is him mailing himself to his Grandma's house.

Some things we love about Tasman

He loves tractors. And I mean LOVES them. With an undying passion.
He also loves trains.
He is the voice on the answering machine at their house. We love to call just to listen to him talk. Sometimes we'll call several times in a row so we can all hear it. Hillary will then do impressions of Tasman for hours. It's too too cute.

Tasman loves salamanders, snakes, lizards, toads and such.

He is the best big brother ever.

This is one of the CUTE videos his mom just sent me. I may start doing a "Tasman of the week video". Anyway- it's Tasman explaining how he helps his sister not to fall while she's sitting. Watch and enjoy.

We hope you have a great day Tasman. We love and miss you TONS! Happy Birthday.

What's coming this week...

2010-06-07T12:37:00.001-07:00

I'd planned an extremely busy blogging week and then blogger was down ALL morning. So the blog frenzy will just have to start tomorrow.

Topics cued up for this week are:

Tasman's Birthday

Trip to Arizona

The first 5K of the summer

Hillary and her love of horses

Miscellaneous pictures off my phone

So stay tuned - it will be fun.

Feeding the ducks

2010-06-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Last week before our trip we went over to feed the ducks all our extra bread that would go bad while we were gone.

We took Seth with us.
Strange smile.

Baby geese.

Baby geese following mommy.
A not so flattering shot.

Cute Hillary.

We had fun - although these ducks are way too spoiled. We had to practically force them to eat our bread.

Happy Birthday Wendie

2010-06-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

It's my sister Wendie's birthday today. But I don't think she reads my blog - sad for her. I don't see her any more often than I see my other siblings - sad for me. And apparently she's like me and always behind the camera and never in front of it. I have tons of pictures of her husband and son - and I can't find one of her. And she doesn't have facebook I can steal one off of. So you'll just have to take my word that she exists.

Anyway - Happy Birthday Wendie - have a great day.

Breanna's BBQ

2010-05-27T04:40:00.000-07:00

One thing I've learned - teenagers don't want their picture taken for my blog. Too bad for them I'm quick on the trigger:) Breanna had her end of school BBQ last weekend. Sadly it was totally crappy weather so they just hung out inside. We didn't even get to do smores. I promised they could come back in a couple weeks for smores one night. But they did eat and hang out downstairs playing and just "chillin". So I'm counting it as a success.

Seth and Breanna

Courtney and Sara

Monty trying to hide from the camera.

A couple more showed up later - but I'd already put the camera away so they escaped from the pictures - Joe and Leah.

Lamb and Wool festival

2010-05-26T04:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the Lamb and Wool festival up at Thanksgiving Point. We hadn't ever gone - but my mom and sister go to wool festivals all the time and love them - so we thought we'd try it out. I was not impressed - but we had fun anyway. We could only convince Hillary to go with us:( For our admission price we each got a ticket good for either a pony ride or a wagon ride. Hillary of course wanted to use hers to ride the ponys.

She didn't get her first choice of pony but she got her second choice.

As you can see she still had a grand old time.

Pat was generous enough to let me and Hillary use the last two tickets to take a wagon ride while he waited for us. That's Rocky and Rio - the ten year old horses that pulled the wagon. At one point they got up to a trot which thrilled Hillary to death. She thought we were going "SOOOO fast."

There was nothing to hold on to and I couldn't get her to scoot any further away from me for a picture. So we got a close up.
Rocky and Rio again - after the ride.

Petting the sheep. We actually saw one get sheared - but I didn't take a picture.

Petting the Llama.

The other fun thing I didn't get pictures of was the sheep dogs herding the ducks. Pretty impressive dogs. They had some hands on stuff you could do - making a hacky sack from some wool . We tried - but they just had room temperature water and I don't think the the girls instructing us really understood. They just had Hillary roll her wet wool into a ball and after about 10 seconds told her it was done and just needed to dry. For anyone who knows felting - it didn't work. She just ended up with a wad of wool. So I was not impressed. We did see an expert spinner make some yarn from wool and I was impressed with that. Overall - I'm glad I didn't pay much to get in and the pony and wagon rides made it worth it.

Car Show

2010-05-24T04:40:00.000-07:00

We go up to Thanksgiving point every year for a car show. It's a pretty big one with classic cars and such. It's mostly a heaven for the boys - but we all like to go. I buy them whatever they want for lunch and they love it.

Hillary sitting in the UVU rock crawler

Connor sitting in the UVU rock crawler
Hillary's favorite. The pink panther car.

One of Pat's favorite.

Hillary saw this car from three rows over and dragged me over to it because it had cool things on the top. I'm not sure what you'd call them - they're not windows or doors - but she called them wings. Maybe that's what they are.

Connor thinks he needs this off-road golf cart. I don't.

The younger kids BBQ

2010-05-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

We offered to have Breanna's friends over for an end of school year barbeque. Then the younger two wanted their friends over and Breanna was horrified that I would let them come to her party. So we had two separate BBQ parties. The younger two invited a bunch of kids - but only one friend for each of them showed up. Which turned out perfect - no one was upset and I only had to watch 4 sets of hands around the fire.

Pat manning the fire.

Breanna trying to toast marshmellows- she just burned them though.
Hillary and her friend Sydney. You can't really tell - but they have pink marshmellows on their smores.

Sydney and Hillary

Connor and Colton

Colton

Bre Connor and Colton asssemling smores.

More Sydney and Hillary. I couldn't believe how still they sat.

Trying not to look at the camera...

Pink marshmallows.

They all had a blast. Hopefully the older kids will have a good time this weekend too. I'll post those pictures next week.

My craftyness

2010-05-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I don't post more of my projects on here. Maybe I'll start. But today you get to see what we made my mom for Mother's Day. It's a felted pincushion with a corset thingy around it. The kids made the pin heads out of shrinky-dinks. They had a blast. This is also a little for my mom so she knows who made what pin and what they are exactly.

This is a view of the pins. I'll go from left to right.

Blue flower without stem (Me)

Blue flower with stem (B)

Hillary (Me)

Connor (Me)

Bre (Me)

Pink flower (C)

Green soda can (C)

That black spider looking thing is a bumble bee (B)

A Donut with sprinkles (C)

Green Chili pepper (C)

Red heart (B)

Turtle (Me)

Pink and black thing (H)

Pink squiggles (H)

Black blob (C - I think)

Colored dots - (C)

We had a lot of fun making the pins. I got the idea from one of the blogs I read. I orignally couldn't find the link - but then I just came across it again so I have it for you. It's actually a triple link. I read a cute blog called Creative Itch Boutique. She does some link partys where you can link your crafts up to share with other people. So I followed a link from her blog to At Second Street a creative blog. Then I followed a link from her blog to the tutorial about how to do them on Wee Wonderfuls. Feel free to visit any of those blogs - they're all great.

A new widget

2010-05-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

I've added a bookshelf over there on the side of my blog. I've put my favorite all time books on it. You will think I'm weird. Don't judge me. I read strictly for pleasure usually. I can't go to sleep without reading - so there's always something on my nightstand. I love nothing better than a good love story or a great housewife/old lady sleuth. I'll probably change it up pretty often so feel free to check it out. Or don't. If you are looking for something to read may I recommend The Wednesday Letters. It has a message. I cried a lot while I read it. But it was good. I happened to see that one of my friends on Facebook became a fan of it so I checked it out on a whim. I'm glad I did.

It's gonna be a busy blogging week.....

2010-05-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

So be sure and check back often. I'm promising at least 3 posts this week - maybe more. Or maybe I'll spread the love to next week. We'll see.

The first up this week is The ever talented Connor and his photography skills. He is currently really into these little things called Go-Go's. Like the boots - only not. Every once in a while he'll ask to borrow my camera and I'll let him. Then I'll forget until I go to download other pictures and this is what I find.

Oh yea - he's into his own feet too apparently. I have a lot of these shots too.

Happy Birthday Alicia

2010-05-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's my sister Alicia's birthday today.

Things you may not know about Alicia

When she was young she couldn't stand to get dirty. Reading the paper was too much because it would leave black marks on her hands. Now she's an outdoors/camping/hiking fool.

She has two of the cutest kids ever, Tasman and Amelia.

She's a vegetarian even though when we were young she was not.
She (like me and any other sane person) is disgusted by soggy bread in any form.

She used to hate spinach. I haven't asked lately though, so maybe she likes it now.

She rocks a pretty good garden. And bottles a lot of it in different forms.

She spent several years living in Australia after she got married. Her husband was doing research there. I think she loved living there - but missed her family.

Happy Birthday Sister. I love you tons and wish we lived closer. Have a fabulous day!

Because I think this is HILARIOUS!

2010-05-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Zoom down and turn off my other music. Go ahead. I'll wait.

Now you can enjoy this video. Despite the words - the tune really gets stuck in my head and I like it. Plus it's pretty funny. And with all the rain and crap weather we're having here in Utah - I needed a pick me up.

Happy Thursday!

Happy Mother's day Mom

2010-05-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Things we love about our Mom

She is the best seamstress I know. All kids all have countless outfits made by her.

She creates the best halloween costumes with the help of my dad. My kids are always the hit at halloween parties.

She never gives up.

She taught us how to cook when we were young. And then expected us to do it so we could learn more.

She spoils her grandchildren.
She doesn't complain. Even when life really sucks.

We love how willing she is to help us out and forever doing for others.

She is such a great grandma, never tiring of reading books, playing the same thing over and over, and just about anything else requested of her by a grandchild.

She has been an inspiration, especially these past 1 1/2 years, with her spirit of determination and positive outlook.

She is a great mother, and mother in law, and grandmother to all of us.

We love you Mom/Grandma. Have a great Mothers Day!

Prom 2010

2010-05-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have survived my first prom with Breanna. It was a little rough on me - but I think we did okay. We only had a few days to find a dress - that was the hardest part. Trying to find something modest in a little bit larger size (not huge but not a zero either) in the picked over stores was hard. But we found one she and I were both happy with. Not super fancy - but just the right price and she can wear it for church and school even which is a bonus in my book. She had a date (Monty) for ticket and flower purposes - but they mostly went as a group. A fun filled day of lazer tagging - pizza making and after the dance - a bonfire up the canyon with smores. She had a blast.

The whole group

Just the boys. Monty is the in the middle front row.
Just the girls.

Cute girls.

Bre and Monty.

It's snowing again....

2010-04-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was totally going to put a snowflake background up just to show my dislike of Utah weather. But when I went over to LeeLou blogs to find one - I found she had totally cute new spring stuff up so I gave in and put a new spring one up. But it is snowing here in Utah. And yes it's April 28th. And yes it was warm enough to sleep with the windows last night. Go figure.

Here fishy fishy fishy.....

2010-04-27T11:54:00.001-07:00

We took the younger kids up for the first fishing afternoon of the year a couple weekends ago. They had a blast. And yes Breanna was invited - she didn't want to come. And yes I also notice that my finger is in both pictures - dang phone camera.

Breanna's 15th Birthday Party

2010-04-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Breanna pretty much planned her own party this year. I was just the facilitator. She wanted to have a cookie party. We made these great invitations that were giant chocolate chip cookies - I'm working on getting a picture as the one I took got deleted. So she invited a bunch of kids over and they broke into groups and made 3 different kinds of cookies. Then while I moved cookie trays in and out of the oven - they sat at the table and decorated sugar cookies we had already made. Several of the kids said how much fun they'd had and a couple suggested they do this once a month. So I think they were surprised at how much fun it was.

Seth

Whitney and Tonya

Bre and Seth

Hillary and Megan

Seth (pretending to work. He realized all the pictures I was taking were of him just sitting there drinking soda)

Like this.

That is Jayden with his back to the camera. He came late and didn't help make the cookies.

Decorating cookies.

More decorating - more of Seth drinking soda.

Seth actually did decorate some cookies. These are his. And Tonyas are on the right.

Whitney showing us one of hers. And a front view of Jayden.

Finished white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies.

Finished peanut butter cookies. I didn't get a picture of the chocolate chip ones. Sorry.

Hillary decorating cookies after the big kids were gone.

I didn't get a picture of their boxes full of cookies. Everyone took home all the sugar cookies they decorated/wanted and some of each kind of cookie that we made. It was a huge success.

I Won!!

2010-04-19T08:49:00.001-07:00

I won a contest over at The Handy Hausfrau. What did I win you ask? A great bag with oilcloth lining. No I won't give it to you so don't ask. But feel free to head over to her site and check it out. She does awesome crafts and tutorials. Her link is also on my sidebar. I'll even try to remember to post a picture when I recieve it. Thanks again Sara!

Just a quick post

2010-04-19T06:05:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a couple of awesome posts covering Connor's 5th grade program and Breanna's 15th birthday party. But for today - Here is Breanna's first time behind the wheel after getting her permit last week. She has since driven quite a few times. Yes it's scary.

2010-04-15T03:39:00.000-07:00

We went over and flew kites on Sunday. Hillary was the only one I could convince to go though. Sadly the wind was not as cooperative as I would have liked - but we got a kite up for a little while. And Hillary had a grand time so it was worth it.