Playing catch-up

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

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

-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

-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!

What's Up Wednesday

-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

What's Up Wednesday

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

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!

What's Up Wednesday

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

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!