Thinking Out Loud

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-10-27T19:02:00.000-06:00

I had a really good day, which is surprising considering I had school today. We got out of class 1 1/2 hours early! Who doesn't love that!? My friends all sang to me and brought me treats and presented me with Jefery. Jake and the kids gave me birthday loves and homemade cards and my wonderful mother took me shopping for some much needed new threads. My Facebook page was filled with happy birthday wishes and I received several phone calls and text messages! I feel so LOVED! I have the BEST family and friends EVER!

This semester is going well and flying by. Sometimes I think I'm too school for cool :)

Today was the first real snow of the season...ugh. I think it was Karma wishing me a happy birthday. Karma can be such a beoch! We are ever at odds.

I think I will end the night with a bowl full of super-buttery popcorn and some chocolate covered cinnamon bears (my new favorite indulgence!) Happy Happy Birthday to Me!

Update :)

2010-08-24T12:32:00.000-06:00

We spent the 4th of July with my parents playing games and eating LOTS of yummy food, then Me, Jake and the kids headed over to the Sandy City firework show! We were a little disappointed at the fireworks this year...might be time for a change of venue? We'll see. That being said, we still had a blast just being together and acting silly! We absolutely love the 4th of July! It is the very essence of summer :)

Me and Caden saying "Cheese!"

Jake and Cass being dorks!

Coleton is mad that I am taking his picture and Caden is doing his "intense smile!"

We spent a lot of time at Springhollow this summer! We love it up there! It is always so hard to come home after spending time there. We made some wonderful memories this summer and had a lot of laughs together. I love having a cabin and watching my kids grow up with a passion for the mountains, wildlife, and spending time together as family and friends.

We had our back-to-school dentist appointments and Cade scored this fantastic prize for being a good patient! Awesome!

Um, I think you have something on your lip...

Speaking of back-to-school...Cassandra was excited to see all her friends again and be social. Caden was seriously annoyed that he had to go back to school to, "be bossed around all day by teachers who just talk and talk and talk."

August 17, 2010
Cass and Cade on the first day of school

And last but not least...The Family! Yup, Coleton is 2 inches taller than me :)

August 14, 2010
At the Reberg Family Reunion
Coleton (15) Cassandra (12) Caden (9)

The unjoyousness of fall...or something like that. Plus some gibberish.

2010-08-04T17:42:00.000-06:00

Summer is almost over and then the crazy will begin again. Cass and Cade start school on the 17th and me and Coleton start on the 25th. Yay. Or not yay. Anywho, Coleton will be in 10th, Cass in 7th, Cade in 3rd and I am seriously always in college! One more year for me and then I am really done. For reals. Seriously this time :)

The cats are doing great, thanks for asking. Meow is a lover who has a fetish for knees. They are her favorite places to perch upon and dig her claws into oh so lovingly. Gab is fat and still has pica; tape is her personal favorite treat.

Tilly is a flying fool and loves to live cage free. We only lock him up at night and he hisses at us when we do. I think that's probably how he cusses us out. Glad I don't speak cockatiel.

This picture was taken in June. Wtf right!? Erg, snow.

I love summer. I never want it to end. Winter bites. Fall and spring are groovey but summer is where it's at. I hate snow, ice and cold. Oh, and there is school too. School bites as well. Living in Utah with all it's 1.5 seasons is like being constantly nibbled on. And not in a good way!

Speaking of nibbling; I still LOVE movie theatre popcorn with lots of butter and salt...Mmmm!

I love love love junior mints, hot tamales and nachos. Respectively of course. And my new favorite eat is roasted broccoli! I also like Pina coladas and getting lost in the rain :)

Oh, I almost forgot the Jake update. He is still married to me so he gets kudos for that! He is ever the softball player and enjoys not just spring ball, but fall ball as well! He works hard to support us and we love him dearly. Plus he's HOT so I am doubly lucky ;0

The cabin is awesome and I wish we lived there. So perfectly beautiful and peaceful. In fact, we are headed there tomorrow, sans Jake, to spend the week and weekend. I can't wait! I got some new books, a fully charged Ipod and a weeks worth of junior mints and hot tamales! Niiiiice.

My new favorite word is fidiot. It just sums so many people up and can be said in public; so it is on the very top of my favorite words list.

I'm still running. Have gone down a shirt size and feel really good about myself. My hair is getting longer and I have avoided the ever present temptation to chop it off. So far.

And that's all I have to say today.

Still Trying

2010-07-18T13:17:00.000-06:00

I'm down to a 20 minute mile. That's 4 minutes better than when I started :) I am still reserving judgement on wether or not I love to run, but it is getting easier...and less of a chore. I kind of look forward to my run now instead of dreading it. I am still only running on the treadmill as I am way too self concious to run out in public. I think Jake is just as excited as I am at the possibility of us having a common interest. He has been running for a long time and has always wanted me to join him...So, ok, I'll try. But, he is so much better than I am it is a bit of a pride thing. I don't want to run with him outside until I can clear at least a mile before needing to walk. I don't want to look like a pansy dancer and slow him down. My goal is for us to do a 5k sometime next year and to run the thing side-by-side the whole time. If only. That is the plan...we'll see :) Ugh. Why didn't I start running when I was like 12?

On a brighter note...My kitchen faucet died! Yay! Why yay? I'm glad you asked! Yay, because now I can justify getting a new one! Jake installed my new faucet yesterday and I love it. He taught us all some very interesting new four letter words while he was playing plumber, so it was educational as well as exciting. Caden loves the faucet and told me we should decorate the house to match it. I think that is how 9 year old little boys tell you, "It's time for an update, this house is showing it's age!" I must say I agree. Getting something new in your home is very inspirational and makes you want to improve everything else. If only we had a money tree ready to harvest. Oh well, one thing at a time eh?

Week One

2010-07-04T15:07:00.003-06:00

I think I like it? Maybe, just maybe, I could grow to love running. I started the week at a lousy 24 minute mile. I have shaved two minutes off my time and five pounds off my body so far! Not bad :) I initially struggled to jog an eighth of a mile but can now relatively easily jog a quarter mile before I need to walk again. My feet, calves, thighs, butt, and back hurt...but in a good way. I am excited for the aches to go away and for my stamina to increase. Slowly but surely I shall get there! I have faith! In the mean time, I will take lots of Ibuprofen and continue to be proud of my little milestones...and hopefully, another five pounds off my curvy sections! I will try to do weekly or bi-weekly updates. Cause I know all my fans are cheering for me and desperate to know how I'm improving! Hahaha!

A Stunner of a Runner!

2010-06-28T16:08:00.002-06:00

I have decided to become a runner. Yup. I'm gonna beat feet and hit the pavement (or treadmill) and find out for myself what all the hype is about. They say running is gloriously addictive and will change your life...I'll reserve judgement. My journey begins today; good bye fat practice, hello running shoes! Wish me luck and send motivation!

Say what? Oh my how far we've come!

2010-04-17T15:29:00.003-06:00

Ha! I love this! Seriously, did they really think like this?! Thank my lucky little stars I was born when I was cuz, um, Homey don't play dat way!

Home Sweet Home

2010-03-15T16:58:00.003-06:00

Man I miss being home. I cannot remember the last time I was home with nothing to do. No homework, no kids, no shopping, no housework. Nothing. Today was wonderful! I took the kids to school (in my pjs), came home and had mac-n-cheese for breakfast and watched a total chick flick I picked up from a redbox. Then I took a 45 minute shower, made some lunch and caught up on a bunch of brainless television shows that have been patiently waiting for me on my dvr. I love being home. I cannot wait to be done with school so I can have a day home now and then. Hopefully, if everything goes according to plan, I will find part time work and catch up on everything I've let slide over the last year or two. Only two more semesters! I can do it! "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."

My oh My

2010-03-14T16:16:00.002-06:00

Remember me? It's been awhile. I am back in school and life is busier than ever. I am just finishing up my first year in the occupational therapy assistant program. I am also the president of the students of occupational therapy club. I am a master of the school-family-work juggling act!

The kids are doing great and Jake is awesome. I am loving my new career choice and can't wait to be done with school and out in the workforce applying my new know-how :) Life is good and we are enjoying the moments as they seem to fly by in a hurry to get somewhere else. I swear time goes by faster and faster the older I get! Coleton is 15 and is getting his driving learners permit this week, Cassie is 12 going on about 25, and Caden is 8 and adorable. We still have two moody cats with too much personality, a bird who thinks he's a porn star, and four fish, Bob, Spot, Rainbow and Cracker. Coleton is king of the XBox, Cassie is queen of drama and all that is girl, Caden is keeper and wearer of The Gear (belts, guns, swords, handcuffs anything he can wrap, strap or hook onto his person to look cool.) My kids are amazing people and they keep me constantly entertained.

I'm going to try to be better on updating but I can't promise you anything :)
Chat at ya later - Peace out

A Spoonful of Cookie Dough

2009-06-15T19:27:00.004-06:00

I woke up at 5:30 this morning, showered and got dressed then headed to work. I got home around 4:00 and was greeted by a messy house and starving children. I immediately started in on cleaning the kitchen, throwing a load of laundry in the washer, and rummaging through the pantry and freezer for dinner ideas. I got dinner in the oven and then tackled the cub scout paperwork for Caden which has to be turned in tonight...He is starting scouts this month!...I had to fill out 4 pages of info, call the pediatricians office to fax me his immunization records because I can't find my medical records folder (I'm sure I put it somewhere where it wouldn't get lost!...Sheesh!) and then feed all the kids and clean up after dinner...all the while I'm still doing load after load of laundry and dumping the clean ones on the sofa for some exciting late night clothes folding action! I sat down at the computer to do some online banking and a minute or two of blogging when Cassie says, "Mom, you look like you could use a spoonful of cookie dough." I couldn't have agreed more! She made me some chocolate chip cookie dough and it was just what I needed! Sometimes, at the end of a very long, very hectic day, you just need a spoonful of cookie dough.

Summer Cometh!

2009-05-28T12:45:00.001-06:00

One more day of school! We are so looking forward to summer break!

For Trista

2009-04-26T13:05:00.007-06:00

I have been properly scolded. I apologize for not spending enough time on my blog and too much time on Facebook. I realize this is completely unfair to the many fans of my wonderful blog!

So, without any further ado...

I will recap the last 6 months

Thanksgiving was great

Christmas was awesome

Coleton turned 14

New years was a blast

Cassie turned 11

We went on a mini vacation to Idaho

St. Patricks Day was enjoyable

Easter was fun

And today it is raining

Now some parenting advice

Parents of teens are to neither be seen nor heard

Parents of a preteen girl are to immediately begin construction of the tower to lock their precious daughter in before she is discovered by boys

Parents of an adorable seven year old should bask in the glory of still being respected, intelligent, capable adults who are the center of their child's world

I am the Mother

2009-02-23T14:36:00.005-07:00

It's true. I am the Mother.

I have all of the power and none of the power.

I sing out loud to the overhead music in stores.

I share my opinion freely, even in front of strangers.

I wear my pajamas and bedhead-hair while driving morning carpool.

I like to hold hands with my children in public.

I like to be seen with my children in public.

I think I'm a goddess when I get a particularly nasty stain out of a piece of clothing.

I say, "take your vitamins" as if their lives depended on it.

I laugh at newly-weds and new parents...they are so naive.

I yell, "I love you" out the window as I drop a child off and think it's funny when they cringe.

I like to clean the house and think it's a perfect way to spend a weekend.

I play my favorite songs really loud...in front of their friends...and I sing and dance to them.

I sing in the car...no matter who is in it with me.

I say things like, "You'll thank me when you're older" and "Because I said so" and "Well, I'm not so-and-so's Mom that's why."

I think Dads are Hot.

I'm not embarrassed to use coupons.

I realize there is no such thing as, "it will be easier when they are older."

Yes, I am the Mother. sigh.

This was sent to me in an email awhile ago and I laughed so hard I had to share it with you all!

2008-11-12T14:11:00.008-07:00

Redneck Harley

Redneck Bass Boat

Redneck Grill

Redneck Horseshoes

Redneck Lawnmower

Redneck Weather Station

Redneck Pet Carrier

Redneck Gingerbread House

Redneck Wedding Reception
Redneck CAT

Redneck Guest Bedrooms
Redneck Palm Pilot

Redneck Powerball Winner

The above Powerball Winner on Vacation

The Redneck Yacht

You Might be a redneck if...

A little rain doesn't spoil the fishing...

You need fashion tips from your husband...

You wear a shirt like this for your engagement picture...

And your wedding cake looked like this...

Your mailbox looks like this...

Your doghouse looks like this...

Your pickup looks like this...

You have a deer's butt for a door bell...

You don't need a lake to do a little skiing...

Or if your wife is quoted in the local paper saying...

Happy Birthday To Me!

2008-10-27T15:42:00.002-06:00

Well, I'm 28 AGAIN! Can you believe it?!? I swear I don't seem to be aging at all! :)
Jake and the kids got me an awesome voice recorder so that I can record my lectures! I've wanted one for a while now so I am really excited! Cassie made me brownies (I don't like cake) and Jake is making me dinner...I haven't told him that yet but I'm sure he'll be glad to! I met up with my parents, siblings, husband, cousin, and aunt for lunch today at Chili's. We were way too loud and stayed way too long but it was really fun! Yes, we were "That" table.

Friday we went to a friends house for a Halloween party and had a good time. They go completely overboard and decorate like crazy! They even had a pretty scary spook alley in their garage. The kids loved it (except for Caden...he doesn't do scary). They also have a gazillion dollar electric/digital grand piano that we played on for over an hour. That was Cadens favorite part of the whole night!

Saturday morning I did homework -yuck- and Jake cracked the parent whip and forced our children into cleaning the house...I know, he is so mean ;)
Then we headed up to the cabin and worked on the deck for a few hours. After that we ditched the kids and headed off to another Halloween party! This one was no-kids-allowed so was much much funner! They had hired a fortune teller and a bar tender (open bar!) and we played some pretty hilarious games! Much fun was had by all! Oh, and according to the psychic, Jake is going to have a big career opportunity in Feb. and I am supposed to meet an Amy who will help me in my pursuit of education/career. I'll keep you posted. We also got to hear from some of our dearly departed who were, apparently, standing right behind us! oohhh...spooky! ;)

Sunday morning Jake and I went out to breakfast and then once again headed up to the cabin. We worked on the deck and wished we had designed it not quite so HUGE! (really we will love it when it's finished, but for now it makes us want to swear). We picked our kids up that night and headed home to get ready for another week. We got the kids ready for bed and then we took off to Walmart for a hot and sweaty grocery shopping date...we've been married way too long! ha ha! We take what we can get!

Okay, so I'm a blog slacker...

2008-10-23T18:15:00.007-06:00

We are loving the kids new school! It was a smart move and for sure the right thing to do. Cass and Cade are excelling beyond my expectations! We are so glad we made the switch.

Coleton is done with soccer! Extra curricular activities have mellowed out for a bit (sanity returneth!) and we just have piano and scouts. Much more managable then all the juggling we did during the spring and summer!

The cabin is going well and we are cramming in all the work we can before the snow hits and we can't get up there as much. The deck is being built and the water and gas lines are in. Windows and sheetrock were delivered today and we are still waiting on the electric work (hopefully soon). The stairs connecting the 1st and 2nd floors are in and look so beautiful! They turned out awesome!

One Month Down...

2008-09-17T13:59:00.008-06:00

Oh my, what a month! Coleton is doing great in 8th grade and was sooo excited to realize how much he had grown over the summer! He is now level with most everyone and definitely taller than the 7th graders. He blushingly admits that he is super happy to be taller than most of the girls in his grade, "you know, for dances and stuff." So a big Hoorah for growth spurts! He is enjoying soccer, scouts, and helping to build the cabin. Coleton is getting very good at piano and is in the Symphonic band (clarinet) at school. He basicaly rocks as far as 13 year olds go.

Cassie and Caden are enrolled in a fantastic charter school now! This is their first week there and we are already loving it! More has been done to help them with their specific needs in two days then in the entire time they attended the "normal" school. Both kids are being taught math and reading on the skill level that they tested into and are no longer being herded through lessons with the masses. Hallelujah! Cassie actually likes sceince now! I'm hoping for a great year for the two of them and that it continues to be a good fit. They are both taking gymnastics and piano and are loving life! Good times!

Jake is the same-o-same-o. Work, Golf, Cabin...

He has started running and is hoping to do some form of marathon next year! He is so inspirational! I might even consider joining him! -NOT! :) Kudos to him and his sneakers...as for me and mine? Well, we like to walk and smell the roses.

I am up to my eyebrows in school. I love to learn but I hate to study. My classes are going well though and I'm glad I went back. We have a pretty tight schedule these days and I swear my life is run by the clock and the freeway. My poor Mom Mobile is puting on the miles! And gas prices are breaking the bank. Do you realize that I have to fill up completely every 4-5 days?! And if we go up to the cabin (as we do most every weekend) then that is an additional half a tank?! Geesh! I'm gonna need a second job to pay for fuel! -K, vent over- I feel better now that I got that out of my system. I sort of feel like I live half in and half out of the car. But, I do secretly love my minivan...shhhh...don't tell...but, seriously it rocks. Openly though I will continue to make fun of it because I swore I would never have one. (For those who don't know, this is my third mini. so it's kind of funny)

Anyway, I just wanted to update all my avid fans on what's been happening this last month. Here is a pic of the cabin so you can see the progress and be green with jealousy because it is so wicked cool! (Updated October 1, 2008) This pic was taken from the road looking down onto the west and south sides of the cabin. It looks so awesome now! We are very excited about it! As you can see the roof is about to be finished! The hvac guys and plumbers are working to get their stuff done too. Lots happening...Yay!

First Day of School

2008-08-18T08:44:00.007-06:00

It's official, school is back in session! I can't believe how fast the summer zipped by! We had a lot of fun spending almost every weekend up at the cabin. We also got to go to Lagoon twice this summer! We went last month and then just this last Saturday. The kids had a blast and so did Jake and I. We had many many late nights with friends and a few sleepovers. Lots of game nights and dinner parties. We roasted hot dogs and made s'mores galore with our backyard fire pit. It was fun to have the Day Family come and stay with us, and we can't wait until we can go and visit them at their house. I do have to say that we absolutely loved going swimming almost every week at Grandma and Grandpas pool! It is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. The kids loved having Grandpa tend them every Tuesday while I went to work. He spoiled them completely and they will miss their "Grandpa" day.

The house and neighborhood is eerily quiet. There are no kids laughing and yelling. My doorbell hasn't been rung once by some little friend wanting to play with one of the kids. There isn't the sound of cartoons or arguing or someone rustling through the fridge or pantry...hmmm. I think I could like this!

Alone. Quiet. Sanity Returneth.

All my kids are in school all day long this year. Coleton is in 8th, Cassie 5th, and Caden 1st.

My college classes start on Wednesday and I'm looking forward to going back. I actually enjoy going to school. I get a kick out of stretching my brain.

So here's to another fabulous school year, and a few hours of alone time! Good luck everyone and Best Wishes!

Cabin Progress

2008-07-30T10:20:00.004-06:00

These pictures were taken last weekend. The deck (as soon as we build it) will wrap 3/4 of the way around the cabin!
The first floor is completely framed-in. The stairs from the basement/garage are in as well.
The second floor has started going up and then it's just the roof and deck that will need to be done.
The family room has a ton of windows and a wood burning fireplace. It is going to be awesome!
I will post more pictures as soon as I can. It is so fun to see things progress and take shape!

Cute Mountain Kids! We took these pics at our cabin property...They have so much fun there!

2008-07-29T20:57:00.007-06:00

Nate and Noah by "The Fort" Jake is giving Caden some driving lessons! He loved it!
We call these guys "The Three Musketeers"
Nick, Coleton, and Matt on the "Fort Ridge Trail" they spent all day making!
Noah, Nate, Cade, Cass, and Zach
Cassie loves to "bake" in the Mud Pie Bakery!

It's amazing how such a pretty little girl can get so fabulously dirty! Cassie and Coleton having a light lunch of pine needle soup and wild flower salad
created by Chef Cassie
Caden and his cookie crumb smile! He only looks innocent!
What a handsome devil Coleton is!
Noah, Nate, and Cade being wild boys in the hammock!

Please Pass the Catch-up!

2008-07-24T14:48:00.008-06:00

I know I know...I have neglected my blog. Life sort of took over for a bit and there wasn't much time for computering. I will catch you all up to speed and put your desperately curious minds at ease so that you too can move on with your lives.

I'll start with the 4th of July. It is Jakes favorite holiday and one of my top three as well. We met up with the Becksteads and spent the day in Sandy enjoying all the activities and concerts and later that night the "big" fireworks. It wasn't as great as it has been in the past. The musicality was off and there were long pauses between some of the explosions. Maybe because of the wind? I don't know, but it was disappointing. Still fun and the kids didn't notice anything amiss so I guess alls well that ends well. -I'm just always a critic-

The cabin is really taking shape now, literally. The basement flooring is all poured and the deck footings are in and poured as well. (That was quite the project!)

Last week the framers got the basement/garage all framed in and they will be working again today, tomorrow, and Saturday. They also got the rock retaining wall in place. I will post more pics next week. We will go up Sunday to see the progress and to plan the next work party.

Very exciting stuff! I can't wait for it to be done!

Cassie worked her little self to exhaustion doing chores for people to earn money for an American Girl Doll this month. She was awesome and earned every penny she needed and got to order "Julie". We, um, SHE got her (our) doll on Monday and couldn't be happier! I love those dolls...I'm glad she is loving them too...I have waited forever for her to take an interest. Now I can justify getting me, um, HER all of the fabulous treasures out of the catalogue. And possibly more dolls? Santa? I'm feeling pretty positive that it will be an American Girl Christmas this year!!! She (I) will be so excited! ;)

We are up to our necks in soccer! Coleton has 3-4 practices a week now! Yikes! Just crown me the Soccer Mom! No, really, I want the crown. I deserve the crown...Just Give Me The Freakin Crown!

Moving on...

Jake is done with softball -for the summer- and is playing soccer now. I wonder if I ought to invest in an oxygen tank and a defibrillator just in case? These men think they are still 20-something! At least they have fun. But, oh how they pay for it the next couple of days!!! Sore this-ouch that! Ha! Too funny!

Caden is hilarious. We went out to eat last night and he got up from our table and walked over to another table and started tap dancing for that family! They were cute and urged him on and gave him some applause. He then dazzled them with some magic coin tricks! I'll bet they didn't know they were going to get dinner AND entertainment that night! He just isn't very shy and loves to show off and perform! Did I mention he was tap dancing in flip flops?! He is so darn cute!

Happy Birthday Caden!

2008-06-29T08:30:00.004-06:00

What a clown! Caden is the big 7 today! He asked for and received a "real" football and some Heelys for his birthday. We are spending the weekend at our cabin property so we get to celebrate his birthday at our favorite place in the mountains! He opened his gifts at home on Friday and then Saturday afternoon we headed up to Spring Hollow to stay until Monday. But, not before we picked up his delicious chocolate birthday cake from Costco! Mmmmm!

We just love having him in our family and he is always making us laugh! He has the sweetest sense of humor and is quite the charmer. He definitely has our hearts and it's fun to watch him grow and develop into such a wonderful person. So a very Happy Birthday to our little Tato Bug! We love you! Hugs and Kisses and a birthday bum pinch!

What's Up Wednesday

2008-06-26T11:05:00.002-06:00

Last Weekend was really fun and very summer-licious! Friday the kids played outside with their friends all day and into the night (They love to play night games!) Saturday morning our neighbors set up their monster blow-up water slide -it's huge!- and the kids had a blast sliding and splashing! We went to see Kung Fu Panda that afternoon and loved it! We laughed all the way through the movie...very cool. We cleaned house for a bit and then went back outside for the rest of the day and again into the night. Sunday we pulled down our garden fence, cleaned out the garden area and put in a fire pit! We had game night in the backyard complete with roasted hot dogs and smore's. It was so great and everyone had an awesome time! It was so nice to hang out on the patio and the weather was perfect once the shade hit us.

Monday we bought fireplace inserts for the cabin! One wood burning and one gas. We arranged for delivery and installation and got a smokin' deal! I am so excited! The sub-plumbing is done and we are going up this weekend to dig holes for the deck posts with a mini excavator.

Coleton left for scout camp early this morning. He will be gone until Saturday afternoon. I'm not as stressed out about it this year as I was last year. But, I'm still a Mom and so I worry and fret until I can't stand it and have to find something to take my mind off it. Busy is best! At least I didn't cry myself to sleep like I did last year! I'm sure he is having a ton of fun and earning lots of cool merit badges!

Wednesday I worked with Julie (always a blast!) and afterwards we went to lunch with the girls and then she and I went to look at exterior doors for the cabin but the sales guy was a twit so we didn't buy any. We will go back when it's the "cool guy" the Chet knows who is working. Ugh, I just really don't like stupid people.

What's Up Wednesday

2008-06-18T09:29:00.003-06:00

You get two weeks for the price of one this time! Aren't you the bargain hunter! Or maybe I'm just a slacker ;) ahem...anyway, here goes-

On the 7th we had some friends over for game night and had a great time. The kids were really good and played happily until midnight (we were really into our game and kept saying just one more round...we'll maybe just one more...ok one more and that's it!...etc.) Time does tend to get away from you! It was fun even though the boys won.

Sunday was our anniversary

Monday Jake had two softball games...they lost the first and won the second. He is my Homerun King!
Coleton started his soccer conditioning camp. He goes every day this week for 2.5 hours. Yikes! He's not quite sure how he feels about this, but I feel very strongly that after all the money I paid he is going to LOVE it! He doesn't think I'm funny.

Tues-Thurs was life as usual. Coleton was doing great at soccer camp and even enjoying it as it got easier. I worked Tues and Thurs. Dad watched the kids for me on Tues and took Coleton to his practice, bought them all lunch at McDonalds, and then took them swimming at his house. What an awesome Grandpa!

Fri-Sun the kids spent the weekend at Jakes Moms house so that we could have some alone time to celebrate our anniversary. Friday night was Betos and videos. Saturday morning we woke up and had german pancakes and then went to see a movie. After that it was Cafe Rio and then we headed to Gateway. We took the train and met an "interesting" guy who reminded us of a mix between John Locke from Lost and Creed from The Office...He seriously could have been their love child! Anyway, we had so much fun at Gateway! We ate some dinner and walked around...shopped a little and mostly just held hands and talked. It was fabulous!

This week I'm not working so I get to catch up on everything I neglected all last week. We are going to go swimming over at Julies house today and the kids are excited. Monday was fun because Spencer came over and right after he left Julie came over! Well, I guess Julie comes over every Monday but I still love it when she's here. Spencer was a treat though...he hardly ever shows up at my house! Alright, that's about it in a nut shell...exciting huh? I know, you're jealous, but try to love me anyway. Not everyones life can be as exciting, but it's ok if you want to live vicariously through mine. I'll understand :)

Happy Fathers Day

2008-06-16T11:41:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to say a quick Happy Happy to all the Fathers in my life.

To my Dad, who even now is still My Superman...The Man of Steel! I love you! You are the best! And apparently I take after you more than I thought...Jake is almost to the point of banning me from public places where "stupid people" might be lurking because I just can't refrain from pointing out their flaws! (Don't even get me started on Walmart)

Jake- What can I say...He totally Rocks! He is such a great father and husband and he totally gets me. The kids worship him and have a great relationship with him. Even Coleton (the Teen!) still loves to "hang" with Dad. They have this whole morning ritual that I just recently discovered! I think Jake is most beautiful when he is playing with the kids...It makes my heart pitter-patter and I fall in love with him all over again! "Sexy" takes on a whole new image once you have kids! But, he is still my hunk-a-hunk of burning love *wink,wink*

My brother and brother-in-law- They are great Dads and their kids absolutely love them! I love having so many great men in my family! My kids always talk about their uncles with pride and enthusiasm. I trust them with my kids and that is the highest praise I can give! They are the best guys in the world!

14 Years!

2008-06-08T10:41:00.004-06:00

Today is our wedding anniversary! We have officially been married for 14 years...Wow! It doesn't seem like it's been that long and yet it seems like we've been together forever. We dated for three years before we got married so that means we've been together for almost 17 years...oh my! I've been having flashbacks about my pre-wedding thoughts and my wedding day memories all week. It's been a fun jog down memory lane. I wish I had some pics of my wedding to post but I was married before the digi camera was born! I will have to see if I can find the box I packed them in and scan some of them onto the computer. You would laugh at how young we both look and at my poofy dress! I think Jake weighed about a buck fifty and had a 29 in waist! We were so young and naive! What I wouldn't give to go back in time and give myself some advice and direction! It's been an adventure and the highs and lows have been worth it because we are still in love with each other and life is good if not perfect. Jake is still my best friend and the one who makes my heart beat fast. He is awesome and I couldn't have chosen a better partner.

Simply Smile

2008-06-02T09:25:00.003-06:00

A frog goes into a bank and approaches the teller. He can see from her nameplate that her name is Patricia Whack.

'Miss Whack, I'd like to get a $30,000 loan to take a holiday.' Patty looks at the frog in disbelief and asks his name.

The frog says his name is Kermit Jagger, his dad is Mick Jagger, and that it's okay, he knows the bank manager.

Patty explains that he will need to secure the loan with some collateral.

The frog says, 'Sure. I have this,' and produces a tiny porcelain elephant, about an inch tall, bright pink and perfectly formed.

Very confused, Patty explains that she'll have to consult with the bank manager and disappears into a back office. She finds the manager and says, 'There's a frog called Kermit Jagger out there who claims to know you and wants to borrow $30,000, and he wants to use this as collateral.' She holds up the tiny pink elephant. 'I mean, what in the world is this?'

(you're gonna love this)

The bank manager looks back at her and says... 'It's a knickknack, Patty Whack. Give the frog a loan, His old man's a Rolling Stone.'

(You're singing it, aren't you? Yeah, I know you are........)

Never take life too seriously!

Come on now, you grinned, I know you did!!!

Have a lovely day

What's Up Wednesday

2008-05-28T21:13:00.003-06:00

Thursday- It rained and rained! Caden's t-ball game was cancelled and so were the team photos. He was really bummed and a little ticked off. He still wore his uniform and cleats and that made him feel a little bit better. *He is so darn cute!*
-I had to work all day -I do love my job though, it totally rocks
-Cassie had her last day of dance

Friday- Let's just say that I was DONE! I was on the verge of a major freak-out and it was either beat the children senseless or ditch em at their cousins! I know you Moms can relate...sometimes you're just DONE! I love my children and I love being a Mom but sometimes I just need a time out. Coleton went to my parents and Cass and Cade went to my brothers. Jake had to work late which was fine with me. I wanted to be ALONE! I had the absolute best time! I saw two movies all by myself, I took a steaming hot bubble bath with scented candles burning, I read a raunchy romance novel in a QUIET house and loved every minute of it! The best part was the bath...no one was screaming, or banging on the bathroom door. No one was begging to "just put their feet in the water", or asking, "Can I just see if this Lego ship can float?" I didn't have half the kids in the neighborhood running in and out of my house and driving me crazy...it was an awesome day!

Saturday- Jake and I woke up to a blissfully quiet house and had a peaceful breakfast then went to a matinee movie. We picked up the kids and had a great day of yard work, playing, and house cleaning. Really, it was a great day. I was a new woman!

Sunday- My whole family met at my parents for breakfast and a tour through our families history and then we headed off to the cemeteries. It was fun and I learned some new stories and recalled some neat memories. When we were done with my side of the family we drove to Ogden to visit with Jake's grandma and to see his dad's and grandparents graves. It's always hard for Jake to go to his Dads and I don't know if it will ever get any easier. We did have a nice time with his grandma though and she loved seeing the kids.

Monday- Jake went golfing in the morning and afterwards we went to my parents (again) and had a barbecue. We tend to spend a awful lot of time with our extended family! It rained like crazy but fun was had by all and it was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

Tuesday- I worked all morning.
-Cassie had a field trip to Timpanogos Cave with her fourth grade class. She had a blast and is still talking about how neat the cave was. She is really sore from the hike though and is complaining about her muscles hurting. She said that almost everyone in her class could hardly move today! Too funny!
-Coleton had a field trip too with his science class. They went on a geo-caching type hunt...they had to find hidden objects using several different technologies/techniques. His group set new time records and he is feeling very hot-to-trot about it! Yea Coleton!

Wednesday (today)-I worked all morning again.
-Cade went to daycare for the very last time EVER! He is way excited and so is my checkbook!
-Tomorrow is the last full day of school this year!

Crazy Weather

2008-05-22T09:28:00.004-06:00

This has been the craziest spring season ever! Record highs, record lows, sun, snow, wind, rain...sometimes all in the same day! Do I wear my flip-flops or snow boots!? Tank-tops or sweaters!? One day we are working and playing out in the yard getting sunburned and the next day we are sipping hot chocolate snuggled in blankets on the sofa! I'm so confused!

It is just so mean to tease us with the sun and dangle summer right in front of us, but always just out of reach. It seems as if Spring is having a super dramatic temper tantrum! Well, I say let's just skip right over Spring and her nasty little attitude and jump into Summer! I mean, I'm not shaving my legs and getting pedicures for nothing! I want to wear shorts and sandals! Come on Mother Nature...Get it under control and bring on the warm weather!

Our Vacation!

2008-04-25T20:39:00.006-06:00

We had sooo much fun in California! We spent 8 days in the sun and had a blast! It was an action packed adventure and we loved every minute of it! We started out in Disneyland for two days and then did one day in California Adventure. It was Caden's first time and he was beyond exited! The whole time we were driving to California (10 hrs) he would ask about every hour or so if we could see Disneyland yet...So cute. One of our favorite rides was the Tower of Terror!!! -Caden excluded, he opted out of that one- It was the best, and so scary! Coleton and Cassie are fearless and absolutely loved all the roller coasters and "intense" rides...They are definitely taking after their parents! We also had a character dinner at Goofy's Kitchen one night. I would definitely recommend it! We loved it and had a riotous good time!

We went to Universal Studios next and it was totally awesome! All the kids loved everything! The mummy roller coaster was so weird, but way fun! (Cade is still leery and a bit short so he bypassed all rides that went fast, got you wet, or looked scary) Don't worry, we'll work on it and next time he'll be begging to ride! We saw a couple of shows/performances and they totally rocked! We loved the Waterworld show!

After Universal we headed down to San Diego and hit the Wild Animal Park before checking into our hotel. The park was o.k. and we had fun but it wasn't spectacular. The tram tour was cool though and we loved seeing the cheetahs and lions...very cool. After we checked into our hotel we headed for the beach since it was still fairly early and played in the sand and waves for a bit. The kids and Jake love the beach and ocean and could stay forever. I on the other hand have a different idea of fun. The beach is only fabulous if I'm laying in a lounge chair, shaded by an umbrella, while alternately snoozing and sipping on a drink, being left completely alone and having nothing to worry about except my drink being empty. So I was a good sport and sat on a towel and took videos and pictures and pretended to love it. I did love seeing my family so happy so the sacrifice was worth it!

The next day was Seaworld and it was fantastically fun! The shows were awesome and our favorite was the sea lion and otter show...too funny! I fell in love with flamingos that day. They are so ugishly beautifully weird! I love them! Caden liked Shamu and the sharks and he thought the dolphins were really cool. Coleton loved everything and was really disappointed when he sat in the "soak zone" at the Shamu show and didn't get wet...not even a drop! Poor kid. Cassie was in Cassie Heaven at Seaworld. She just loves animals and had a blast. We couldn't get her away from the tide pool exhibit where she could touch and hold everything. She even fed dead fish to the sea lions -ewww!- blah! But, to each their own right!? Afterwards we headed for the beach again...yea. This beach was much nicer and everyone had a good time. Some of our neighbors were enjoying a Disney vacation just like us and we were on pretty much the same schedule so we meet up with them throughout the trip and hung out in most of the parks and at the beach. Coleton and their oldest boy are best friends and Cassie and their middle boy are sweet on each other and "going out" so it was very exciting to vacation with them! It made it really fun for the kids to share some of the excitement with their friends.

We drove to St. George the following day and stayed in a nice hotel over night to break the drive up a bit. We all swam in the pool and soaked in the hot tub and talked about our fun trip! Everyone agreed it was the absolute best! It was sad to go home the next day, but reality does have a way of finding you. All-in-all we made some great memories and had some excellent quality family time.

New Job for Jake! (and slacker catch-up stuff)

2008-03-29T15:36:00.005-06:00

Jake has officially accepted a job offer! He will start the week after we get back from California.(He has this entire month off!) We are both excited and nervous! I love change but Jake is more of a "comfort zone" kind of guy...so he is a little anxious. I think it will be a good move with a lot of great potential. Cross your fingers that it all works out! It is a local job(sort of)so we won't be moving far...but we will be moving. Lot's of change!

Last week and the week before were not so fun! Julie's in-laws had a family emergency and her and Chet took off for the Philippines leaving me to care for their boys for a week. (This was all arranged within a 24hr period!!!)The night they left, their kids came down with the actual Flu, Influenza! So of course I caught it and then so did the rest of my family! Not Fun! We were so miserable and pathetic! It was the worst! Anyway, I think I deserve the "Best Aunt/Sister of the Year" award!
She could only call us once the whole time they were gone and it was like a two minute conversation. I didn't even tell Julie that we were all sick...she would have just worried and there was nothing she could have done about it...so I spared her the agony. Everyone is fine now and the dust is starting to settle on the in-laws family ordeal. It was a whirlwind event and my heart goes out to my sister and her family. I love you!

Spring soccer has begun! It is condensed into one month so my head is spinning! Coleton has soccer three times a week until the end of April! It might not be so bad if it were a little warmer...Brrrrr... It's a lot of fun though and his team has improved a lot since last season. (I am such a soccer Mom) :)

Irish Girl Calls Demolition Company...Too Funny, and Very Well Done! I don't know how she stayed so serious!

2008-03-14T23:11:00.002-06:00

The New New Do!

2008-03-14T22:24:00.002-06:00

First, I have to apologize to Melanie...I have completely fallen off the wagon. I will understand if you want a different support person...I have failed you. I'm Sorry.

But, I love my short hair! There, I said it, it's true! I cannot deny that short hair rocks! It is so much more ME! I missed my short sassy locks so much. Everyday is a good hair day now and I feel so much more put together! Short hair completes me. ;)

Confession:
I have had this hair cut for about two weeks now. I was putting off blogging it because of Melanie. hehehe *evil laugh*

I will post pics soon.

Some Interesting Facts about Easter This Year...

2008-03-04T20:23:00.001-07:00

· This year Easter is on March 23, 2008 for Western Christianity, only one day later than the earliest it can ever be in Western churches (March 22).

· The last time Easter fell on March 23 in Western Christianity was the year 1913, 95 years ago. Therefore, only a few of us were actually alive then to celebrate Easter.

· The next time Easter will fall on March 23 in Western Christianity is 2160, 152 years from now. It's doubtful any Western Christians will still be around to celebrate Easter again on March 23.

· Even more remarkable, no one alive today has ever, or ever will celebrate Easter earlier than March 23. The last time Easter fell on March 22 was in 1818, and the next time will be in 2285.

In Western Christianity, Easter Sunday can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

In Western Christianity, Easter is always celebrated on the Sunday immediately following the Paschal Full Moon date of the year.

In the year 325 AD astronomers approximated the dates of all the full moons in the year for the Western Christian churches. These were called the Ecclesiastical Full Moon dates, and they have been used ever since 326 AD to determine the date of Easter. So, the Paschal Full Moon is always the first Ecclesiastical Full Moon date after March 20 (which happened to be the vernal equinox date in 325 AD).

The Paschal Full Moon can vary as much as two days from the date of the actual full moon, with dates ranging from March 21 to April 18. As a result, Easter dates can range from March 22 through April 25 in Western Christianity.

Western churches use the Gregorian Calendar to calculate the date of Easter and Eastern Orthodox churches use the Julian Calendar. This is partly why the dates are rarely the same.
Easter and its related holidays do not fall on a fixed date in either the Gregorian or Julian calendars, making them moveable holidays. The dates, instead, are based on a lunar calendar very similar to the Hebrew Calendar.

What's Up Wednesday

2008-02-27T16:22:00.002-07:00

Thursday- Jake was seriously ill -very unlike him. He missed almost three days of work. I think it was just a really nasty cold virus. He had a fever and chills, aches and pains, and a horribly runny/stuffy/throbbing head. He was needless to say miserable.

The Weekend- Jake was a new man! We went out on Saturday to a fantastic Italian restaraunt and afterwards went to see Fools Gold. It was a pretty good movie -didn't love it, but did like it.

Monday thru Wednesday- Boring. I worked yesterday and today and we (the girls) went out to lunch afterwards. It was "normal" food so I wasn't being adventurous. However, Kim found us a new restaraunt to try. It has something to do with Madrid...spanish food or something, I can't remember. I'll give you the update after I've tried it.

We are going to Disneyland! I have been wanting to go for a while now and finally just booked it! We are going in April. The kids are sooo excited -Disneyland, Universal Studios, Seaworld, and Wild Animal Kingdom!

What's Up Wednesday

2008-02-20T10:01:00.002-07:00

Thursday
-Some friends from work and I went out to eat at a mediterranean restaurant. I tried so many different foods, and couldn't pronounce half of them! I didn't even know how to eat some of the items! I did like most of the food but it was very different. Some of the gals have taken it upon themselves to broaden my knowledge of edible delights. They are determined to have me try everything!

The Weekend
-We filed our taxes. Getting a refund! Yea!
-Jake and I got our fannies kicked on card night.
-We rented some movies; Stardust, Chuck and Larry, Live Free or Die Hard

Monday
-Nate had his birthday party at Jungle Jims. The kids had a blast and I had a headache. I so don't do chaos!
-After the party Me, the Kids, and my Parents had Jake meet us for dinner at a buffet restaurant (Coleton loves all-you-can-eat!) and we had a great time and of course ate way too much. Cassie spilled mac and cheese all over her suede and fur coat -this coat gets spilled on every time we go out to eat!

Tuesday
-The Food Journey continues. We went to an Asian restaurant after work and had sushi. I only tried the mildly fishy tasting ones (I'm not a seafood lover) and actually liked them. I got pretty good with the chopsticks and learned that you put the whole sushi roll into your mouth instead of trying to bite it! I made a mess before anyone decided to enlighten me...I am becoming so educated!

The new "DO"

2008-02-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

New Do and Deep Thoughts

2008-01-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I have a new do! I had a couple of bad hair days in a row, which is always a dangerous thing. Well, I finally had enough of the 30 minutes (at least) a day that it took to do my hair and had it cut on Saturday! I didn't go as short as I have in the past, but it is short. Sort of an a-line type cut. Very cute and easy to style! I think I will like it, but it is so wierd to not have long hair anymore! Everytime I put a shirt or a jacket on I go to atomatically pull my hair out of it, but there is nothing there! Strange! I must look like an idot flapping my arms behind my head pulling all that air out of the back of my collar. Anyway, I will take a picture and post it soon. I love change, it is so refreshingly satisfying, don't you think?

Yea for a Creator who knew to give women options on thier appearance...What if we had been made with hair that didn't grow, or wouldn't hold an artificial colour! What if we couldn't curl or flat iron?! I must say that in His infinite wisdom he saved me for the latter days -I would have been one ugly frizzy washed out features scary looking pioneer!- Praise electricity! So I say a very heartfelt prayer of thanks to My Father above who knew just what I needed. And I encourage you to style, style, style! For the way has been prepared for you...cut, comb, gel, spike, crimp, curl, and style!

Dinner Favorites

2008-01-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm stuck in a rut and in need of yummy, simple, "normal", recipes. We are becoming very predictable on what is for dinner and I thought it would be fun to try some new variations on some old favorites. We're not picky eaters...but we do like things that are very -traditional- (my kids won't eat the fancy stuff as well as they will eat...oh, say meatloaf, shepards pie, etc.)So, any recipes that you have that are family favorites please share them with me! We love pastas, soups, veggies , meats, casseroles, etc. I'm hoping for a couple of really good crockpot recipes too. I love to just throw something in the pot and forget about it! I know some of you are good cooks so please help! My family will thank you! It's always refreshing to have something else for dinner other than the norm.

What's Up Wednesday (on Friday)

2008-01-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

-Happy Birthday Cassie! She is an honest to goodness tween! 10 years old! Gone with the single digits and on to the world of two numbers! We love you Cassie!

-Coleton started concert band along with a few other kids choosen to move up...a big deal to those who know the band system! He made the honor roll again and we are so proud of him and all his hard work. He has also mastered the rubiks cube! Very cool!

-Lots and lots of snow this week along with very low temps makes for a lot of indoor playing. So needless to say, I am ready for spring!!! My house is constantly in a state of chaos! Toys, games, papers/projects/books, backpacks, snow clothes, and puddles of melted dirty snow are everywhere! I'm out of hot cocoa today and unless I get some more by the time school gets out I may have a riot on my hands.

-Jake is still on the hunt for that million dollar job. We've had some offers but nothing to clinch the deal. We are still hopeful that the right one will come along and it will be worth the effort it takes to switch gears.

-American Idol started this week! I'm not big on the auditions so I'm anxious for the actual performances to start.

-No "The Office" episodes yet...So sad. We haven't given up though, We are true fans. We are pacifying ourselves with watching the dvds of the third season while we wait for new episodes...Come on writers

What's Up Wednesday

2008-01-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

"The Gingerbread House"

"Diva Deb and her Cute Kids"

"Coleton and his Best Friends"

"The Most Wonderful Kids in their Most Wonderful Christmas Eve Jammies"

Lots to catch up on...
-Christmas was great this year! We had so many fun parties and activities that we are very nearly partied out! The kids got tons of super cool gifts and everyone was happy with their haul this year.

-I got all of the Christmas decor put away the weekend after Christmas, but I am still finding little floaters here and there. Luckily I have learned over the years and I keep a box for just such items that are reluctant to be packed away for another year. Then, in a month or so, I put the "Christmas Floaters" box away with the rest of the holiday stuff.

-Coleton had his birthday on the 28th and he is now officialy a teenager! Wow! He and some friends spent a day at Hollywood Connection with unlimited passes for his birthday party and had a blast! Coleton totally rocks, he is such a great kid.

-New Years was fun, we went to one of our friends house and watched the Jazz game, then spent the rest of the night playing on thier new wii. The kids had a fantastic time and Jake and I did too, except that my arms were so sore the next day from stupid bowling and tennis! We have got to get that play system...it is so fun!

Tagged

2007-12-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, Jodi tagged me so here goes...

1. I am a morning person. I love to get up early and start my day before the sun comes up. I sometimes have a hard time getting out of bed, but once I do I love it! Usually I can jump right up as soon as the alarm goes off (opposite of Jake who has to set his clock 30 minutes fast and then still hit snooze 500 times before he rolls out of bed). There is just something so soothing about the calm quiet of the morning. Before everything gets crazy and there are people everywhere doing everything...I hate chaos.

2. I hate chaos. I cannot stand it when there is no order or civility. I don't mind busy, I just don't like hectic. Chuck-E-Cheese drives me batty and Walmart/Costco on a Saturday makes me want to scream! I cringe at the thought of kids birthday parties, The Energy Solutions Arena after a Jazz game, school fieldtrips, pretty much anything that involves lots of people being noisy and moving around. I'm not afraid of these events or people; It's just that nothing is being productive or efficient and there has got to be an easier, quieter way. I just go a little crazy because I can't hear myself think, can't get a complete thought in my head, and basically I want to yell at everybody to chill the heck out and to calm down. Whew! I'm getting anxious just thinking about it!

3. I play with my hair. Yes, I am that annoying person who wraps their hair around and around their finger...over and over again. Sometimes (most times) if I can get it to form just the absolute perfect knot I will break it. It has the most satisfying "snap" to it! I have done this since I was a little girl and have tons of little broken fly-away hairs to prove it! I mostly play with my hair when I am thinking or watching tv, or just plain bored. It drives Jake crazy! At least I don't suck my thumb anymore! (I stopped in kindergarten)

4. I like things with their labels forward. My pantry is obnoxious. Every can has to be biggest in back, smallest in front, with all labels forward. Boxes are sideways with the name or type of flavor forward...I prefer the front of the box to face left, but it doesn't always work that way because then you get the nutritional value on the side of the box facing forward instead of the name or contents of the box, so I have to be flexible :)
My bathroom counters, medicine box, cleaning cabinet, shampoo bottles...everything has to be, "labels forward." If Jake ever wants to tick me off he will turn a can around and count to see how long I can stand it before giving in and "fixing" it!

5. If you haven't figured it out by now, I am obsessive compulsive in many areas. I have a habit of counting my steps, especially stairs. I always read license plates and repeat them over and over in my head until something else grabs my attention. I like things to be even and/or symmetrical. I can't even have the volume turned up to an odd number, I don't know why. Some things can be an odd number, like groupings of pictures, etc., just not volume on a tv or stereo. There has to be finality to things, no abstract art in my house! And Picasso? Forget about it! I love clean clear lines and definite shape. I like things to be perfect in my eyes (I realize perfection is very subjective) I am happier when life is even.

6. And finally, because I know you all think I am a freak by now, I love the smell of clean laundry. I have to smell every dryer sheet before I put it in the dryer. I love to sniff the clothes as I fold them. It is such a wonderful smell! Ah thank goodness for Tide and Bounce! I also love love love to give sniff-kisses to my kids after they have bathed or showered. They smell so clean and fresh and innocent. I can just bury my face in their sweet little necks and squishy little faces and their soft fine hair and sniff and kiss forever! I love the smell of new books, new shoes, new plastic shower liners, mornings after a rain storm, fresh mountain air, campfires, baby magic lotion, new cars, yummy food cooking in the kitchen, my husbands cologne, and so many other delicious scents! The world is full of them!

So there you have six new facts about me. Those who know me well won't be shocked to have their suspicions confirmed that I am slightly crazy. But hopefully you will love me anyway! It's the little things that make us unique!

What Beautiful Pies! So Flakey and Delicious!

2007-12-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I've been a major blog slacker. It's practically my only flaw so I don't feel too bad. ;)

Thanksgiving was great and the movie was so cute! Everyone had a good time and it is always fun to get together. I made a couple of pies this year to help my mom out with the overwhelming demand for "More Pie". She's big on having the perfect homemade pie crusts with beautifully tweaked edges. I just don't have the patience or the knack for that when Walmart's freezer section has a variety of preassembled ones for the taking! Nobody even knew that my pie crusts were store bought frozen ones! My mother would go berserk if she thought I hadn't made them from scratch, because store bought can't even come close to being as delicious as homemade! I embellished them a little and re-tweaked the edges of course. Diva Devious Deb Reigns Supreme! I got lots of compliments on how yummy my pies were and that the crusts were so flakey...They voted I make pies every year! I am still laughing! They were good though!

As for ping pong, I kicked some serious pong! Only Jake was able to beat me. He always wins at everything though so it doesn't count. I am the champ!

We got our tree up and everything is very Christmas around here! There are even a few presents under the tree already. Coleton said I put them there so early to torture them. They will have to stare at the packages for a month before they get to open them! I am sooo mean!

Well the snow has finally come and my kids are in a little snow heaven! They are out sledding at the "park with the big hill" right now. Jake is being a good dad and sledding with them. I volunteered to stay home and heat up the hot cocoa...aka blog in silence!

Playing catch-up

2007-11-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yikes, I haven't posted for a week or so. Lots has been going on so I am justifying myself in taking some time off the blog. But, to fill you all in...Jake has graduated!!! He is now officially smart! We are so proud of him! We celebrated all weekend with family and friends. Way to go Jake! Now the job hunt begins...Like Melanie said on her blog, not very likely that we will stay in Utah. Although, we really don't want to leave and will try very hard not to.
For Thanksgiving we are going to my parents for dinner and an all out ping pong war! We are going to see the movie Enchanted beforehand with the whole family...it's tradition to see a movie on Turkey Day. Then it's time to sit back stuff our faces and watch football! (After I whomp some booty at ping pong! Yeah I think I'm that good) We will put up our Christmas decorations this weekend. We already have lights up on the house. And as far as snow goes...Let it NOT snow! I love this weather!

Caden's sense of humor

2007-11-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

I just had to post the cute things Cade has said to me lately.

He aked me if he could drive the car the other day and I said, "You're not old enough to drive." He said, "Yahuh, I'm six. And six year olds can drive because they're big and they go to school." I then said, "Well, do you even know how to drive?" He replied while rolling his eyes, "Keys, pedal, music, then you drive!"
I guess he does know how! :)

This morning he came into my room and in a sing-song voice says, "Rise and Shine Sleeping Beauty! It's time to wake up!"
He is just so cute!

Jake brought Cade home a Denver Broncos football from his trip. When he gave it to Cade you would have thought it was Christmas morning! Caden grabs it and yells "Oh man, I love it!" It was late at night so he had to go to bed but we told him he could play with it tomorrow. So the next morning he comes down stairs clutching his football and smiling. He says to me, "Look at this Mom! Isn't it sweet! This is a real football" He got dressed and went outside to practice his moves. I got out the video camera and he started showing off. He was saying things like, "This throw is called The Freeze! And this one is The Rocket! Check out this dive!" (he throws the ball and then runs and dives to catch it)Too funny! I'll be sad when he is big and doesn't do that anymore.

Just now Caden walked up to me with his guitar and while strumming wildly and making crazy scary faces he said, "Rock and Roll Mom, Rock and Roll!" I don't even know what to say to this kid! He just cracks me up! What a cutie!

What's Up Wednesday

2007-11-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

-We had an awesome Halloween! A house by my parents had turned their yard into a really scary haunted house (seriously, it was way scary). Cassie and Coleton went through several times and absolutely loved it! I went through it once with Caden. At the end of the haunted house there was a chainsaw guy and he scared the crap out of Caden! I had just set him down to walk because we were at the end(he told me about five steps into the house that I had to carry him)and the guy with the chainsaw revs it up and starts coming towards us! Caden took off and ran all the way down the driveway. He stopped at the street, turned around and yelled "What the hell was that!" I -and everyone else- just started laughing! Too funny! He was pretty shook up and mad, I couldn't even get mad at him for swearing because the guy had scared me too! It was just really funny. I did feel bad for Cade but he is over it now and bragging that he went through "that so scary house with the chainsaw and bloody sheets."
-Jake had his birthday on Saturday and we took him out to dinner and a movie. It was fun and we had a good time. We saw The Bee Movie. Loved it!
-I'm a single mom this week. Jake is in Denver for business again. The kids and I have had a busy week so it hasn't been too hard. Jake is applying for a new position on Friday so keep your fingers crossed! It would mean more money but more travel. Also there could be some relocation involved...He really wants it so I hope things go well and he gets an interview. I'll keep you posted.

What's Up Wednesday

2007-10-31T09:15:00.000-06:00

-Obviously my bday was last Saturday! We went to a movie and played outside and just kind of hung out together. It was nice.
-We got the yard all ready for winter and put all of the outside toys away.
-Jake cleaned the garage out so that we could fit all of the stuff that is normally strewn all over the backyard in it. I have never seen our sand box so empty! We did a super good job at cleaning the yard up because we are thinking of listing the house in the next month or three...again. We always kick it around but maybe for real this time? ;)
-The boys won a round and the girls won a round on card night last week so now it's tie breaker time! Game on.
-I took the kids to Julie's neighboorhood halloween party and trunk or treat. The kids had fun together and they loaded up on candy! We are going to my parent's tonight to trick or treat because Jake won't be home. I figured I would be out with Cass and Cade and the house would be dark and empty anyway, so we might as well just hang out with Grandma and Grandpa. They are so excited to have the kids over it's funny! This is the first year I haven't bought any candy...weird.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-10-27T12:05:00.000-06:00

What's Up Wednesday

2007-10-24T09:34:00.000-06:00

-Thursday we (Mom, Brett, Lori, Julie, and I) took my dad out to lunch for his birthday. It was fun to hang out together and take a break in the middle of the day. We are "that" group of people that laughs too loud and stays too long...You know who I'm talking about...we've all given them dirty looks :) But it was fun so oh well...Sorry.
-I had three of my nephews for a few days this week while Brett & Lori went to California...So fun for them...so crazy for me! The kids loved it and had a blast playing together. I doubled the number of kids I am use to having so I really was a super mom this last week -yes, I just gave myself kudos.
-Saturday we went to a party and had a really good time. Mmmm prime rib, good wine, and stuffed mushrooms! On the way home we passed a car that was stopped on the side of the road in the pouring rain. The people were waving a flashlight at us so we stopped, but then they waved us on. So we started to go but then they waved us back. So we backed up and I rolled down my window to ask if they needed help. Then their car door opened and a Cheech and Chong smoke cloud came billowing out of the car along with the sweet scent of marijuana! It was a car full of strung out teenagers! They were playing with the flashlights making pretty designs in the air and being totally stupid! We laughed and drove away hoping they wouldn't kill themselves or anyone else! (We were secretly jealous of the "teen years" they were experiencing and all of the joys and illusions of freedom that go with it)
-Sunday was card night with the Becksteads...Girls completely stomped the boys! Girl Power!!! We are having a re-match on Friday for my b-day. (Oct. 27th I will be 28 yet again!)
-Last night was our church Halloween party. The kids looked so cute in their costumes! Coleton and the scouts did balloon animals for their fun booth. They made some really cool things, I was impressed! They were all supposed to dress up like clowns but Coleton was a little too "cool" to be a stupid clown so he reluctantly settled on being a sad motorcycle clown...seriously he was sad. I forced him to dress up and it was almost WW III! He was positive no one else would dress up -heaven forbid he be "different". Hello!!! Halloween Party! Costumes NOT Optional! Besides he waited until 20 minutes before the party to tell me he needed a clown costume!!! Can you say Super Mom yet again! I totally come to the rescue with eye liner and black lipstick and he freaks out! I should have video taped the process. You would have given me a standing ovation and a gold star for not abandoning ship. He was a turd the whole time. But, as you will see from the photos, he looked really cool and all ended well. Everyone else dressed up and even though I didn't get an "I'm sorry" or a "thank you Mom you rock" I know he was thinking it ;)

leaves, leaves, the musical fruit, the more you eat the less you have to rake

2007-10-19T09:50:00.000-06:00

What's Up Wednesday

2007-10-19T08:51:00.000-06:00

Ok, so it's not Wednesday...but here you go anyway.

-The kids were out of school for fall break.
-We went and saw The Simpsons Movie...hated it, almost had to walk out.
-Went to the Discovery Park with Julie and all of our kids...Loved it, so fun to sit back and chat while the kids played.
-It snowed up at Springhollow, so glad that we brought the trailer down when we did!
-Saturday we went with Chet and Julie to see Spencer's "production" which meant that we spent the night clubbing. Spencer is a budding record producer/manager/publicist, mostly to underground hip hop. He books shows at local bars and has a music studio in his house. It had been a while since we'd closed down a bar! "Last Call!" It was fun to hang out and play pool, and we did have a good time.

Mother Nature

2007-10-16T18:36:00.000-06:00

I have know idea where or when or who took this picture, but I absolutely love it! Isn't nature amazing? This is how legends are created...think of all the incredible stories you could invent about this tree! Too fun!

My Slide Show!

2007-10-12T19:24:00.001-06:00

What's Up Wednesday

2007-10-10T15:41:00.000-06:00

So I had a new idea...I am going to try to post a weekly review of my week every Wednesday. We'll see how it goes.

-No more soccer games! Soccer season is over except for one final game next week! Indoor soccer starts soon so my break is going to be short lived.
-Gene, Andrea, and Levi came to stay with us for a few days. So much fun!
-We went to the Dinosaur museum on Friday -Loved it and had a blast.
-Had dinner at the Mayan after seeing Transformers on the IMAX at Jordan Commons on Saturday.
-Bought a 50 inch plasma for our viewing pleasure!!! We love it!
-All of my favorite shows are back on now!!! Awesome to watch on our new favorite addiction...aka huge tv!
-Got the kids thier halloween costumes and finished putting up decorations outside.
-Transformed my golden locks into fabulous red curls! So sassy!
-First week I didn't work at the hospital. Tuesday was wierd, I worked at the surgery center all day and then spent the night at home with the fam. 6 pm rolled on by and I couldn't help but feel anxious and well just wierd that I was still home.
-Made beef stew for dinner tonight. The first of the winter favorites! I love cooking in the fall and winter...such hearty meals ;)
-I finally painted Cassie's nightstand -she is still in shock

Goodbye Vagville

2007-10-02T13:06:00.000-06:00

First, let me dry my eyes. I cannot believe how incredibly difficult it was to make it through my last day without going to pieces. I was surprised at the emotions I felt. I have spent the last two and a half years with the most incredible people doing amazing things. We have laughed, cried, screamed, and been silent. So many fun, scary, happy, exciting, heartbreaking moments. I will never forget my experiences in Labor and Delivery. How many times in your life do you get the chance to sit with four of your best friends for 12-13 hours and do nothing but chat, gossip, and get to know each other?! Night after night! We are more family than friends sometimes. I will miss the laughter, the inside jokes, the ranting and raving. I will miss ducking into the med room to whisper some bit of gossip or to dish out on whoever was being stupid or a turd. I'll miss the clean utility room discussions when we wanted a private conversation. I will miss the eye contact that could say so much back in the OR when things were getting rediculous...lots of eye rolling! Mostly, I will miss my interaction with all of you. The comroddery and the trusting friendships. Knowing that everyone is willing to help and the sense of teamwork. That is a rare thing...to trust that others will come running just because you call out to them. Even more rare is knowing each other so well that often times words are not needed. A look, a motion, or nothing at all and they are doing exactly what you needed them to do. Again, teamwork. (I told you I was emotional)

Ok, moving on...

Things I won't miss:

The placenta fridge, room five and all that goes with it, full moon nights, calls from the ER, certain Dr's and thier many moods, prolapsed cords, heart tones in the 60's, abruptions, princess patients, too many family members looking out for thier loved ones, pushing the stupid door button, nights-weekends-and-holidays, 5:50 am c-sections, bagging babies, birth plans, specimens in zip loc baggies for our viewing pleasure, witnessing all the unfit parents walking out with thier new babies and hoping for the best but being completely unable to do anything about it. Etc. etc. etc.

I am excited for my "new" life and I hope I made the right choice. It's for the greater good right? I will keep my blog updated and will be checking all of your blogs often. I don't want to fall too far out of the loop so don't lose contact. I miss everyone already and I will never forget you. Take care and keep being Incredible People!

More Photos of the Kids! They turned out really great!

2007-09-27T11:42:00.000-06:00

Pictures of kids 2007. We took pics of all the kids a few weeks ago. It was a very long couple of hours as you can tell from some of the shots!

2007-09-27T11:19:00.001-06:00

Outlaws and Saloon Girls

2007-09-27T10:36:00.001-06:00

We had these pictures taken at Pioneer Village in Lagoon this summer. The kids had a blast and it was fun to dress up. We hadn't done one of these pictures since before Caden was born!

Got this from Trista's blog (I stole it really) but it was fun so I added it to my page. Feel free to copy/paste it to your own. It could be fun!

2007-09-22T12:46:00.000-06:00

MY MAN:
1. Who is your man? Jacob White (JW)
2. How long have you been together? 16 years on October 25 (that's the day of our first date)
3. Dating/Engaged/Married? Married for 13 years!
4. How old is your man? 32

You or your man?
1. Who eats more? Probably a tie, depends on the meal.
2. Who said “I love you” first? Jake
3. Who weighs more? Jake, he better always weigh more than I do!
4. Who sings better? Well, of course I do! Actually niether one of us is great, but at least I know the words, and I'm not afraid to be heard!
5. Who’s Older? Jake forever and ever (I will never be older than 28, remember?) :)
6. Who’s smarter? I think I am, and he thinks he is...So, who knows? I'm sure it depends on the topic. (but really, I'm sure I'm the smarter one)
7. Who’s temper is worse? Is this a trick question? LOL!...Totally me! I am a case to be sure!
8. Who does the laundry? We both do, it's always half done though because it's a never ending job!
9. Who does the dishes? Again, we both do. We run on different schedules a lot so whoever gets to it first.
10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Hmm, if you're standing at the foot of the bed I guess technicaly I do...but more towards the middle and a little to the left. Jake sort of hangs off the edge! ;)
11. Whose feet are bigger? Jake's
12. Whose hair is longer? Definitely mine! Yea! I've been growing it out and it is just passed my shoulders now!
13. Who’s better with the computer? I am, and that is pathetic because I'm not even that good
14. Who mows the lawn? Jake and/or Coleton.
15. Who pays the bills? I do, and it always makes me cranky...but I like the power so I continue to claim the chore as mine. Jake is not allowed to help because I do have a method to my madness and he's not supposed to mess with or criticize it!
16. Who cooks dinner? Seriously? Me! I guess if we didn't mind having...um...nothing everyday we could let Jake cook! I think I can count the meals he can cook on one hand!
17. Who drives when you are together? Usually Jake. It frees my hands for talking and swatting at the kids in the back seat!
18. Who pays when you go out to dinner? Jake. He still treats me like he is courting me...what a Man!
19. Who’s the most stubborn? Not me, not me, not me! I am not stubborn! (Answer your question?)
20. Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong? We're equal on this one. I have really worked on this over the years. It's hard for me to admit...but it does happen. Rarely though because I'm hardly ever wrong...refer to question #6.
21. Whose parents do you see more? Abosolutely mine.
22. Who kissed who first? He kissed me, and I was asking for it! He was hot, had a camero, and was an older man! Need I say more!
23. Who asked who out? That's a hard one. We just sort of "were". We count Oct. 25 as our first date, but it was my 15th b-day party so it's wasn't really a "date". Once we found each other we were just always together!
24. What did you do? We went to a haunted house (quite the story, ask me about it one day!)
25. Who’s more sensitive? Me, and on sooo many levels...I can be a little dramatic!
26. Who’s taller? Jake by 4 inches
27. Who has more friends? That would be me.
28. Who is more active? I go to the gym more, but Jake plays more...So, I don't know.
29. Who has more siblings? Jake is an only child and I have two brothers and a sister
30. Who wears the pants in the relationship? I do, but I let him think he does...sometimes.

Ok, now it is your turn. You know what to do!

Here are my favorite pictures of Cassie. I know I'm completely biased but she is the most beautiful girl in the universe!

2007-09-21T10:08:00.000-06:00

Coleton doing homework, cleaning, and being really cool in his soccer uniform -What a cutie!

2007-09-21T09:41:00.001-06:00

So I noticed I didn't have many pictures of Coleton on here so here are a few fun ones. He is giving us a glimpse of what life will be like in the next couple of years...with Teenagers! He really is a good kid, but it's a whole new ball game now! He hates to: clean, do homework, be wrong about something, have any knid of affection shown (how embarrasing), and he does NOT like to be told what to do, how to do it, and/or when to do it!!! It's fun to watch him progress in life and to mature into a young man. He will always be my little Cokey Pokey though! -He would die if he knew I just typed that!- (I'm so mean) ;) I love to be the Mom that gets to bug her kids because there is nothing they can do about it, ha ha! He know's I love him!

Cassie's fav dance outfit...she is such a girl! She takes ballroom dance and absolutely loves it!

2007-09-14T12:39:00.000-06:00

I Moose Say!

2007-08-30T20:11:00.001-06:00

We saw this huge bull moose on Sunday about 5 ft from our trailer!!! Cassie walked around the back corner of the trailer and all but stepped on him! She screamed and we all came running, but this big guy just got up and moved about 20 ft away and layed back down! He was enormous! We managed to get a little too close and got these great shots. He let Chet get within about 5-10 ft before he jumped up (really really fast!) and scared the *@#%! out of him...Chet can run pretty fast when he wants to! So funny, but kinda scary! Good times!

A Firm Foundation!

2007-08-30T20:02:00.000-06:00

Yea! We finaly poured the foundation! It is so good to see an actual structure instead of just a hole in the ground! We went up for the weekend Sat-Sun. It is so beautiful up there, I love it!

The End of Summer and School's Beginning

2007-08-29T12:47:00.000-06:00

Wow, another summer done, I can't believe it. I hate to see it go. I honestly think that years are going by faster then they used to. I swear school just got out, and here it is starting back up again! Where's the pause button! I understand that life will go on no matter what...But you would think with Tivo and Dvr we could maybe just record it and then play it back when we're ready. A little prep time ya know? Some room to adjust, fast forward, rewind, PAUSE, and the ability to save it forever. I want a remote, I want the power (we call the remote "The Power" at our house). I just want life to be a little slower I think. I'm such a whiner cry baby...I love having older kids but do they have to get "older" so fast?! Blah, enough, I'm sick of hearing me whine so I bet you are to...Moving on...
So, this was a big school year! Coleton started junior high 7th grade. He was a little nervous but is doing great! I was so scared for him! I remember my first week in jr high and it was so nerve racking. He has friends in most of his classes and for the most part he likes all but one of his teachers.
Cassie or "Cassandra" as she told her teachers she prefers to be called...(What??? Since when?) I could have fallen over when she said that at back to school night! Anyway, Cassandra, is in 4th grade this year and is at the height of her game. She has the school thing down without all of the pressure to be big. She can still play dress-up, barbies, dolls, princess, whatever she wants without ridicule. She is loving life. And mornings are sooo much better now because Coleton is leaving for school around the time that Cass is getting up. And Cade doesn't go until 12:40, so Cassie has the morning rituals all to herself. Now there is harmony in our home on school mornings ...HALLELUJAH!
Caden started kindergarten on Tuesday. He is in the afternoon session (half day) and couldn't be happier! He wasn't sad, nervous, nothing! I am so happy for him! It was a bitter-sweet moment walking away from the school the first day he went...I have no more kids at home. Everyone is in school. Sad, happy? Both? I was o.k. until today when I took Caden to school for his second day and he refused to let me walk him in. He told me he didn't want me to and that he could go all by himself. Oh and "Mom, don't call it kindergarten anymore. Just call it school, because it's getting really anoying!" Whatever! He actually tried to get out of the car without a moocher kiss! I had to draw the line...He might get to walk to his class without me but I'll be danged if he's getting away with out some lovin! The little turd. I had to sit there and watch all the other little kindergartners (I am still going to say that word -Ha!) "kindergartners", walking in with their Moms and Dads, holding hands, feeling insecure...I get a "Bye" yelled over his shoulder without even a backwards glance as he jumped out of the car and went running up to the school doors! So what do I say? Yea that he is so secure and independant? Yea that I've raised him to be self sufficient? Or do I cry my eyes out because I am no longer a security blanket but more of a "firm foundation"?! Ugh, this parenting thing is tricky!

Lost Camera and Other Tragedies

2007-07-16T16:57:00.000-06:00

Well, I lost my camera. I had it on the 4th of July and took some really fun pictures, but now I can't find it anywhere. I'm thinking that I must have left it at the park where we saw fireworks. We packed up after the show in the dark and must have missed it. I am sad, but I guess I can justify getting a new one now...Thankfully I had just uploaded pics a couple of days before so we didn't lose too many. Mostly just the kids playing and pics of the 4th.

Also, my computer died. Completely crashed! It has been acting naughty lately and finally just went boom. I am so mad I could scream. I called geek support and they said to bring it in (it's under warranty) and they would look at it but based on what I told them, they don't have much hope. So for the time being I have commandeered the lap top.

Tragedy 3, my little five year old neighbor just knocked on my door and handed me a handful of my mail that he had so generously been collecting from my mailbox for the past couple of days. I had wondered at my good fortune of no bills lately. He only took the letters and left the fliers and junk mail! Apparently his Mom found his stash and made him bring them right over! Now I'm wondering if I got it all or if he lost some of it...Frustrating! I'm waiting for Caden's placement letter for kindergarten, all of the other kids have gotten theirs. I wonder if I could get a search warrant for this kids house and property? Stealing mail is after all a federal offense right? But I guess this same kids mom did buy some rocks and lemonade from Cassie the other day when she turned entrepreneur and went door to door sales all over the block. So, fair is fair and I will just move on.

And for the final tragedy, Caden is standing next to me crying because Cassie took a drink of his soda and got girl germs all over it! The nerve! Now he can't possibly drink it because it's completely contaminated! Cassie is just laughing and offering to drink the rest for him if he doesn't want it anymore. So life goes on and I am going to finish up my typing, go upstairs and take some Tylenol for this pounding headache I am rapidly acquiring, and get poor little Cade a new drink, and tell Cassie to stop pestering her little brother, and yell at Coleton to turn off his video games and be the big mean mom who forces her children to clean house and maybe I'll make some dinner (I worked last night so I'm dead on my feet right now) and then perhaps, just maybe, I know I'm pushing it, but maybe we can get through the rest of the night without sibling rivalry, arguments or cooties.

2007-07-10T17:33:00.000-06:00

Happy 4th of July! I cannot even believe it is July already! This summer is going way too fast. We spent the fourth with Chet and the boys (Julie had to work). We went to Thanksgiving Point and played games and watched the firework show. It was really fun and they had some bigger than life fireworks...seriously, I jumped a few times they were so big and loud. Caden loved them this year, which we were really excited about. In the past he has always hated them.

Coleton's soccer season has officialy started and we are doing three, two hour practices a week! He is also doing scouts and piano every week. He is a happy, busy kid! It's great that he is so busy being constructive that he really has no time to get into trouble...I plan on keeping him in sports and/or music until he is out of highschool! The same with the other kids. It's fun and great exercise, plus they build confidence, skills, and social interaction. Too much free time and not enough structure and supervision makes for some naughty bored kids.

Caden's t-ball season is over and soccer starts in a few weeks. He is really looking forward to it. Nate will be playing on the same team so it should be really fun!

Cassie is doing great on the piano and is starting to improve rapidly. She has come a long way although I don't think she realizes just how far. She gets frustrated and upset, but it pays off in the end when she can play that song she has been working on all month! Cassie also goes to Activity Days every week. She enjoys it and has a lot of fun, but she gets jealous because the boy scouts get to do "funner stuff."

We went up to Spring Hollow on Sunday to play and see the progress. The french drain that we had to put in because of ground water is almost finished. It needs about another foot of gravel. We are almost a month behind schedule now so it's getting scary that we might not get the cabin dried in before winter. Wish us luck.

Caden's Birthday

2007-06-29T23:07:00.000-06:00

My baby is 6! Can you believe it?! Where has the time gone? I spent this whole last week thinking that we have truly entered the next phase of life. No more babies, no more toddlers, no more preschoolers. All my kids will be in school and then what?! What does a mom do with all that time? Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about it all, I just don't know where to even begin! I have so much I want to do for ME; things that have been on hold for a while, it is a little overwhelming! I think this year will be the test run...next year when Cade is in school all day?...That will be the real deal! But for almost three hours every morning Monday through Friday, I will be all alone! Wow! I'm both excited and nervous...
Anyway, back to Cade's b-day. We went and saw Ratatouille today (very cute) and ate at sonic for lunch. We had his favorite dinner -roasted chicken- and then set up his new "big daddy" basketball hoop! He informed us that he had outgrown the little plastic "kid" ones and that he wanted a big basketball hoop AND a basketball for his birthday. He is actually a pretty good shot! Cassie was making most of her shots too! Caden's party is tomorrow morning and he is really, really excited! It's his first friend party!
Coleton gets home from scout camp tomorrow as well and I am counting down the minutes! I have missed him sooo much! I havn't sleep since he left...I guess I'll always worry about my kids. It's what moms do right?!
Oh side note: The other day Cassie was talking about starting cheer lessons and said she couldn't wait for them to begin so that she could start having "attitude"! You should see her demonstrate what she means by attitude! She has the hands on hips, valley girl voice, and the head bobin' around...Awesome!!! I need to get it on video!

Southpark- Mormons

2007-06-26T20:25:00.001-06:00

Life in Girlyville

2007-06-26T17:48:00.000-06:00

What a weekend! Poor Jaclyn had the worst patients (I'm sure she will agree!) I have decided that too many annoying people are having children. Who do they think they are? What do they think they are doing? I mean, stupid people getting pregnant and having babies is sad and tragic...but they are stupid so what do you expect? Aside from mandatory sterilization it's a moot point. But people who are just annoying, whiny, weird, have-done-their-research, or are seriously misdirected -I'm talking about mostly "birth plan" carrying primips here or hypno birthing Yadas...;) are a major strain on the patience of those trying to care for them and to give them the "experience" they want...or think that they want. And what is the deal with having the entire extended family camp out in the waiting room or worse, the pts room! for HOURS and HOURS! Yes, I understand that it is a momentous occasion, but honestly, go home and wait or go out somewhere and do whatever, or most importantly -just go. Come when the baby is actually delivering, or right after, or preferably when Mom is recovered and resting comfortably on MB.

Not all pts are bad and for the most part they are very nice normal people. It's just sad that there are so many screening processes, and background checks, and home evaluations, and credit checks, and psychological exams, and tests, and age limits, and so many other barriers for things in life...but not one dang thing to stop the unfit from creating and raising a new little person! Ok, rant over for now. Comment away, I'm sure you're dying to!

You don't say...

2007-06-06T19:00:00.000-06:00

It has come to my attention that I talk about my kids...A LOT! Well, if I do, and I'm certainly not denying that I do, it's only because they are hilarious! I am amazed at the things they say. I laugh so hard I cry sometimes. I've decided to keep a sort of journal on the things that they and I say or do so that I don't forget, because that would be the greatest tragedy of all. Feel free to comment or add your own funny moment. I will continue to update on the doings of my family because that will help you all to understand us and our dynamics a little better.

Coleton and I were having the classic "Trust me Coleton, I know a little more than you do" argument in the car the other day. He sighs and huffs and rolls his eyes at me then coolly comments, "Mom, you might know more about life, but I know more about stuff!" And so it begins, my downward spiral from being the all knowing Mom to the life lecturing know it all that apparently knows nothing Mom.

Caden was being his cute little self at the store the other day when a woman leans down to him and says "Oh you are so cute, what's your name?" and Caden, without missing a beat looks up at her and says, "My name is Forest, Forest Gump." I thought I was gonna fall over I was laughing so hard!

You know you've spent too much time in the mountains when you look out the kitchen window and see your five year old drop trouser and pee on a tree in the backyard! When I questioned him on why he didn't come inside and use the toilet he simply said, "Why, there's a tree right here." Duh. So I told him he wasn't allowed to pee on our trees. Two days later I catch him peeing through the fence on the neighbors tree! I guess I should have been more specific!

Summer 2007!

2007-06-06T16:01:00.000-06:00

Ahhh, summer!!! I love this time of year! The kids are out of school and life is sweet! We are still busy but in a less "educational" way. Piano, band, scouts, activity days, softball, baseball, soccer, soccer, and more soccer, cheerleading, dance, swimming, and lots and lots of Spring Hollow!

The cabin is finally under construction, and we are blessed and stressed with all the goings on. We have already spent two weekends in the Great Pumpkin (aka the trailer) and will probably go up again this weekend. The kids love being dirty and wild and I love being removed from the responsibility of home, work and all that goes with it! Not that I don't enjoy my "real life" it's just nice to have a break.

Coleton (12) made his AA soccer try-outs and we are looking forward to starting a new season! Congrats to Coleton! He totally Rocks!

Cassie (9) has decided to become a cheerleader...We're super excited and she'll have lots of opportunities to practice her routines at all of the boys games! Lessons start in September.

Caden (5) is playing t-ball and soccer and is anxious for football...Jake is overjoyed! Caden has found his calling in life...Sports!

Jake is, as always, playing softball. He is also doing a lot of golfing much to his absolute delight and is playing in a tournament in Wyoming fathers day weekend!