My Beautiful Disaster

Just Because

2010-12-01T09:43:00.001-08:00

Brigg 15

Hayden 13

Micah 10 (soon to be 11)

Blythe 9

Tucker 7

All courtesy of my most talented photographer friend.

Cutest Nephew EVER!!!

2010-05-07T09:45:00.001-07:00

All my nephews out there, PLEASE don't be jealous but come on... I even tell my kids that Jesse is the cutest baby EVER! I can't help but want to just love up this baby. Tim & Brenda came down Spring Break weekend and we got to hang out and I took a few pics of Jesse. Wish they lived closer.

He's very smart, knows sign language. Get's some of his looks from his Dad.

Love those curls!

Sophie was having fun trying to lick him. (Fun with Photoshop)

Love the vintage look to this one.

What a Sweetheart!

2010-04-23T10:59:00.001-07:00

Despite her extreme mood swings...this girl of mine can be such a sweetheart.

She left this very sweet note on our bed last night.

Did I mention how smart she is? Who else could come up with such spellings

of Parents & Daughter? And how about that use of the hyphen?

Funny!

2010-03-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

My friend across the street sent me this email with this video attached. Turn up the volume so you can hear what he says at the end.

"Hayden was playing on the computer the other night babysitting. I don't know if he knew it was recording him or not. Hilarious. Thought you would like to watch.
Viv"

Happy St. Patty's Day

2010-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

This cute girl was so excited about dressing up for St. Patricks Day. I even went the extra Mom effort and made sure she had cute hair today. So cute!

This cute kid (pictured) was such a great Big Brother last night. He helped Tucker build a lepercon trap (not pictured) and then had a special note and suprise in it this morning from the "Lepercon" they tried to catch. He even went so far as to try and burn ~~my house down~~ the edges of the note he left.

Photoshop Attempts

2010-03-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes Being The Only Girl Really Sucks"

Blythe 2009

So I have been playing around with Photoshop and I have to say it has been more frustrating than anything but I thought maybe I could ask some of my fellow bloggers to give me some ideas of good websites, blogs or books to go to learn more about the great things you can do with Photshop.

Poor Blythe has this quote hanging around her neck most of the time (figuratively). Life's hard huh?

Proof I'm Getting Old

2010-03-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

WARNING*********WARNING*********WARNING********WARNING********WARNING

(Can't say I didn't warn you.)

This kid

Is getting behind one of these

Which is NOTHING like being behind one of these.

Playing this

Sidenote/question????

Do you think this appropraite for Sunday viewing or small children... say below the age of 10?

Just wondering?

On Behalf of the 5%

2010-03-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I know who that 5% was trying to keep me from ever blogging again (thank you to the other 95% who still believe in me)...

So as a tribute to one of my most favorite people, the one I have been spending the most time with lately, who I have come to love and respect even more than I ever thought I could...

(Brigg in his signature move of the season the "Figure Four")

In August I started my new job over at the new High School "Westlake" (sounds like a gang school huh?) in Saratoga as a finance secretary. I new it would be a great opportunity to be involved with Brigg and also nice to be earning a little extra money. Tucker started Kindergarten this year so that would have left me at home alone for part of the school day (I know, what was I thinkn'?). For the most part it has been working out pretty good leaving for work about an hour before the kids go to school and getting home from work a few minutes before they get home. (We have a very large killer guard dog at home if any of you predators were wondering.)

I really thought in the back of my mind that maybe Brigg wouldn't think it was so cool having his Mom working at his school, but I'm so glad I was totally wrong. He spends most of his free time eating, sleeping , doing homework, sluffing, and hanging out in MY office. For the most part I love it.

The thing that has been the most fun this year is being involved in the High School Wrestling Team/Booster President. I was able to go to every single one of Brigg's duals/tournaments. I only missed 1 match all season. I grew to love the boys on the team and really enjoyed the hours and hours of time I spent helping out the team. Brigg had a fantastic year, making it to State and placing in the Top 8. I couldn't have been any prouder of him. He ended the year as "Outstanding Wrestler of the Year" from the High School (as a freshman people!) We expect BIG things to come from this kid.

Westlake H.S. Wrestlers 2009-2010

I think Brigg has grown up so much over a period of a couple months. I have gained so much love and respect for him and how he has handled himself. He continues to do all he needs to do to keep up his grades, stay conditioned, and serve in his church duties. He's turning into a real "Man Child". Now if we could just get him to go to a dance...

(Brigg's on the end receiving 1st Place at Regions)

We did however have the opportunity to witness his "first kiss". He was being awarded 1st place at the Region Wrestling Tournament (a qualifier for Sectionals) and the cheerleader awarding him his medal plastered a big wet one on his cheek (and she was cute!)

(This isn't a good picture but it is all the proof I have, look close.)

2010-02-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

HELP!!!

(See Poll Above)

It's Great To Be '8'

2009-11-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

Blythe was baptized Sat. Oct. 31st. It was a great day with so much family there.

Thanks to all those who made the long trip to be there on her special day. She had both sets of Grandparents there from California.

I can't believe you're 8 yrs. old.

I'm proud of you Blythe and feel so lucky to be your Mom.

Michael Jackson R.I.P.

2009-10-29T08:43:00.001-07:00

I Loved It...in a good & creepy way.

K.C. Missouri '09

2009-10-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

A week ago Trent & I took a little trip back to Kansas City, M.O. mostly for me to see where he served his Mission, and to just go somewhere I had never been before. Having Trent's undivided attention for 4 days was just a bonus.

You can only imagine my joy and excitement when we walked into our $40 a night hotel I booked on hotels.com to find this amazing bed. Down comforter, Egyptian Cotton Sheets, Comfy Mattress, Feather Pillows...Saweet! Huge step up from St. George wouldn't you say Morgan Girls?

Look at this cute little car I got to drive all around. I have to admit that was one of my most favorite things about our trip. Trent was afraid he was just going to look like my gay friend riding with me.

Most of the Church History Sites we went to not much of anything but maybe a plaque in the ground or a sign post. This marker was in the middle of a park out in the middle of NO WHERE.

The plaque says "Mill Stone From Hauns Mill"

These cool water towers where EVERYWHERE! I think every town we passed you would see one of these with the towns name on them.

To get to the actual place where Hans Mill took place we had to drive very far and take a narrow muddy dirt road for about 6 miles and follow some very vague directions. The land is owned by the RLDS/Community of Christ church and there was absolutely not a soul within 10 miles of this place. There was a plaque in the ground and this post.

I had never been to an Amish town before and when I heard there was on within driving distance I had to go. It wasn't all that...to say the least. But I did spot several of there horse and buggies.

Jamesport, M.O.

I saw this in one of the Antique stores and I had to take a picture of it because I totally have/had one of these when I was little. I loved this doll, even after one of my brothers ripped little Sandy out of her pocket.

Trent in front of an little General Store in Far West M.O.

Far West, M.O. Future temple site. Nothing here but the cornerstones of the temple and this memorial.

Grave Stone at a Pioneer Cemetary. Interesting hand shake...
Richmond, M.O.

This is part of the only WWI Museum in the nation.

Kansas City, M.O Skyline

We drove out to Adam-ondi-Ahman. Again we were the ONLY people around. It was very quiet and peaceful and I had a lot of fun trying out my new camera. Bear with me as I share some of the pics I took out there.

I love this pic of Trent. He gave me a really hard time about taking his picture, but I think it was worth it.

We visited Liberty Jail which was nothing that I expected. There is an actual Visitors Center built over the top of the actual site Liberty Jail once stood. Inside they have recreated what the jail looked like from the inside and out with manikins inside representing the different men that were imprisoned there. I really liked the little presentation the missionaries showed us there.

This is the inside of the Visitors Center in Independence, Missouri. It was mostly little recreations of what the pioneers went through. There was a really cool log cabin that we went in and got a little idea of what it would have been like to live in a small log cabin with sometimes 5 families in one.

This was the RLDS/Community of Christ temple across the street from the LDS Visitors Center. Talk about Creepy! We did take a self guided tour inside and I got a few interesting pics of different things inside.

Interesting

There Quorum of the 12...yes there are women.

Looking up through the spiral inside the temple.

Scary statue outside the temple.

Sunday we attended the Branch/Ward that Trent served in the Inner-City part of Kansas City, M.O. Talk about a scary part of town. The people were all so nice.

We had a great time and we couldn't have done it without Trent's brother Mike taking care of our kids while we were gone. He was AWESOME!

St. George Marathon...Go Em!

2009-10-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinkin', "Where the crap has she been for the past 4 months? Oh, Now she wants us to look up her blog. Who does she think she is?" That's a whole different post in and of itself.

This past weekend me and my best frousin headed down to St. George to watch my sister Emily run in her very 1st Marathon.

Friday night we stayed in this really saweet motel in Cedar City.

Amy & I enjoying some Chips & Queso Chili's style. Obviously enjoying ourselves.

Luxury beds with mystery stains. Chewed up remote & Chair with more mystery stains.

Plugs pulled out from the wall.

(Don't be jealous. I only show you these pics so you can feel like you were right there with us.)

Sat. morning after a fabulous nights sleep we headed down to St. George to meet up with the rest of the crew that came down to support Emily. Including my G&G Waite, Jenny & Erin (Morgan Cuz's), Amanda & her Fam., My Dad, Teresa & her Fam (Waite Cousin), and Emily's Fam. We had quiet the crowd cheering her on.

It was so fun to be there and watch her accomplish that amazing goal. I was so shocked to see how great she looked afterwards. Later we went to lunch and then back to Em's hotel so she could sit in the hot tub, shower and then went to eat some more.

She lost s few toenails.

Later that night we (Amy, Jenny, Erin &I) checked into another fabulous hotel, went to a movie with our other Bailey cousin Kerra who wasn't too cool to hang out with a bunch of old ladies and Amanda too. Em headed back to her hotel room to crash.

At least this hotel had a gorgeous view. The Lysol was provided by Amy.

Sunday morning we rose from another awesome nights rest had breakfast with almost everyone before heading home.

Just a few of the interesting participants I was able to capture.

"Old Man" This guy was actually about 45 min. ahead of Em and he didn't seem to be struggling a bit. In his 70's I would guess. Wha?

"Emmanuel" Is what I called this guy.

This chickee I believe ran the entire marathon backwards. WEIRDO!

The guy caring the balloons was a pace setter, come to find out.

Great Weekend!!! Way to go Em I couldn't be more proud of you.

12

2009-05-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

OK, so this kid went and turned 12 on me. So in honor of Hayden's Birthday...

"12 Things I Love About Hayden"

1. He has a great laugh & smile.

2. He's subber smart.

3. He can be EVERYONES friend.

4. He's NOT shy.

5. He's a great athlete and knows how to put on a good show.

6. He can be very kind & considerate.

7. He wants to be good.

8. He's a very hard worker (probably my best.)

9. He LOVES life.

10. He knows how to dress, with style.

11. He's NEVER afraid to try new things, a bit of a daredevil.

12. I love that he was my smallest baby, that he's stayed a little on the short side and he embraces it.

Happy Birthday Hayden, I love you.

Quick, Someone Change The Subject

2009-05-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

First let me thank you all for the overwhelming support you rendered in my time of need. It has actually been a lot easier than I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong I will still be watching my shows on the computer or in one of your lovely homes, but it has been nice to see what we as a family can do without any satellite. I will say Trent has taken the whole thing a little personal and feels he has been harshly judged, but I want to make it clear I am not bitter.

Now for a change of subject. I want May to be over with...NOW! In the past I have always dreaded the school year coming to an end, but not this year. May is always out of control but this year particularly is insane. We've got Baseball, Baseball, Baseball 5+ days a week, Scouts, YM, Gymnastics, Piano Lessons, School Choir, Recitals, Performances, Exhibitions, Games, Parties, Conditioning, Preschool Graduation, School Performances, etc., etc., etc., to name a few. I am literally going day to day hoping I can fit it all in. I'm having a hard time sleeping and therefore I am just run down and ready for a break. I decided to take June off from teaching piano & music and will spend the first couple weeks of June digging out of this mess of a house I'm in. I really shouldn't complain because this is pretty much how I like my life but give me a break this is even a little too much for me to handle. I'm actually looking forward to summer for the first time I can ever remember. Thanks for letting rant.

Can Anyone Recommend A Good Therapist?

2009-05-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Trent decided YESTERDAY after reviewing our Dish bill that we were no longer going to have Satellite T.V. anymore. WHAT? Really? Does he not know that every reality T.V. show I have been watching for the past 2 month are all coming to there finale in the next two weeks. (I'm too embarrassed to even tell you how many shows that is...a lot.) He has this crazy reasoning that we can save over $600 a year if we blah blah blah blah.... I'm going to spend that much this year in therapy, extra D.C. intake, entertaining 5 kids this summer, renting movies etc. He asked me if I was mad at him and I said no, 'cause what kinda a jerk would be mad at her husband for trying to save his family some money and "wanting to spend more time as a family doing other things then watching T.V." The other thing that sucks is we live were you can't even get the cheap basic cable stuff or one of those 1960's T.V. antennas to work. So my only solution/resolution...bumb T.V. off of friends. It's going to be long summer.

Oh, and Trent...I'm not mad! Love you.

Hard Work Pays Off

2009-04-26T09:17:00.001-07:00

First let me begin by saying I wanted to title this post "My Boys Can Beat Up Your Boys" but Trent said that was tacky. WHATEVER! This weekend was the Utah State Wrestling Championships Grecco Roman & Freestyle in Springville, UT. Brigg & Hayden both competed in both styles and Tucker just competed in Freestyle.

Friday night Brigg had the match of a lifetime against a kid he had not beaten before. It was such a sweet victory for him and proved that all his "Hard Word" had paid "Off". I couldn't have been more proud of him. (He had a total of 4 matches Friday night winning all of them, taking 1st place.)

Hayden had a rough go of it Friday night losing a few close calls and getting robbed by a couple of refs (bad calls). He did come back to win 2 matches by pin and take 5th place.

Saturday was a whole new start. All three of the boys brackets were stacked. Brigg again ran up against all the kids he had beat the night before and they ALL wanted another shot at him. He ended up winning his first 2 matches and lost his 3rd to the kid he had beat for 1st the night before. He then won 2 more matches before he again was to wrestle off for 1st against the kid who had beat him once that day. It was an amazing match and Brigg ended up winning the match and taking 1st in Freestyle. In my eyes he became a man this weekend. Giving every match everything he had and leaving nothing but blood, sweat and tears on the mat. Congratulations Brigg on a State Tournament of a lifetime.

Hayden had a great showing at the beginning of his Freestyle tournament avenging a loss from the night before and going into the finals winning 3 matches. He started to come down with some kind of stomach flu and ended up losing his next match and forfeiting the last match for a 4th place finish. It was too bad he got sick cause we think he could have placed 2nd or 3rd for sure.

Tucker had an amazing tournament winning 3 matches and losing his last match to the kid who would take 1st. He did a great job and I was so proud of him. He's really excited about starting T-Ball. Wrestling has started to get a little old for him and if you ask him now what he would rather do "Pick up dog poop or go to wrestling?" He'll tell you "Dog Poop!"

This was a picture of Brigg's face after both days of wrestling. The picture doesn't do it justice. He looks like he's been in a huge brawl. (Oh he was.)

Thanks for putting up with all my wrestling posts. I absolutely love this sport for my boys and look forward to High School with Brigg next year. Now we are all on to Football & Baseball for the rest of the year. To be continued...

Spring Break Arizona Style

2009-04-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

So me and the 5 kids (yes I took ALL 5 of my kids on a 12 hr. road trip by myself) set off to Arizona last week to spend Spring Break with my sista Emily and her family. I had never driven to AZ to see her before and my kids were needing some culture and recreation. The weather was just what the Dr. ordered and it sounded like we got out of Utah just in time.

We went to a really fun Desert Museum & took in the sights at Old Tuscon Studios which the kids absolutely loved. Brigg got a camping trip in with Caleb's Scout Troop & the girls had many a drama episodes. We made the visit to the Cactus nursery where we became the proud owners of 10 new cactus. We also managed to see the Shelton Family who came down from Central, AZ. I paid way too much for my kids to see the 3-D Monsters v. Aliens. Hayden won the local Marana dance contest (maybe he will blog about it.) We had strep throat (Hayden), the case of the stomach flu (Brigg), and a very clogged toilet episode (Tucker). We also got to see most of the Matson kids play baseball. I even got to go see BFF's hometown/ghetto. (I understand where you're coming from now Anna.)

I'm so glad we went and really appreciate the Matsons putting up with us. I'll make it up to them this summer when they come to stay with us for a couple of weeks.

Now if I can just get through the next extremely busy 6 weeks I will have a nice break coming up.

I Love Easter

2009-04-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

There are so many reasons I love Easter. For the most part I can track them all back to my childhood (thanks Mom.) Lucky for me my Mom always new how to celebrate holidays, Easter included. As a kid we almost always took a fun family vacay during Spring Break. A lot of the time it included cousins, camping, beach, and tons of fun memories. We spent many spring breaks at Pismo, in fact that is where the above Easter picture was taken:1991. Yes, that would have made me an 18 year old in a white navy blue sailor dress. But guess what? I loved that dress and I loved the fact that my Mom had us all coordinated. I always looked forward to my new Easter dress and all the goodies that came along with it.

This morning my kids woke up to there Easter baskets full of candy and treats and a few of them had new outfits too. We even had a surprise Easter Egg hunt ready for them. I loved sitting in bed this morning listening to how happy they were to find there baskets filled. It just made me remember how much I loved Easter as a kid. Even my 14 year old was having a good time. I'm trying my best to carry on the tradition of wonderful memories of Easter for my kids. Tomorrow we head off to AZ to build some more fun filled memories with the Matson/Oakley cousins. Can't wait.

Finally!

2009-04-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

Finally something to blog about!

Finally this guy was voted off A.I. (Who we have affectionately named "Blind Boy")

I have tried to be so nice but people let's get real...he really can't sing that well and last night was pure torture. Not only is he "legally blind" it should be illegal for him to sing on national T.V. I have to say I have agreed with Simon a lot more this season any other. Simon did have me scared there for a minute when they were trying to decide whether to use there "save." There is an American Idol God.

On an entirely different note, me and the kids are headed to AZ for our Spring Break Vacay next week. Can't wait. I've never taken the kids back to my sister Emily's and they are all looking forward to it.

Bakersfield Weekend

2009-03-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

2 weekends ago I got to go back to Bakersfield for a real quick but eventful weekend. Initially I was going back for the baby blessing of my brother's miracle baby Jesse. But while I was there I got to do so much more.

The blessing was so sweet and Tim did an amazing job. Him and Brenda are the sweetest parents I have ever seen. For those of my friends who don't know there story ask me sometime and I will give you more. This baby has been years in the making.

The first night we were there we had the treat of going to see my little brothers feature film debut, as a producer, editor and much more. I thought his part in the production was amazing. I definitely think he's got what it takes to do big things in the movie making industry. Let's just hope he doesn't forget all the little people (that's us) when he makes it big someday.

We also had my newly converted BIL's priesthood ordination. I was able to see all 7 of my brothers and sisters, my Mom & Dad, my in-laws, both my grandmas and grandpa, cousins and aunts and uncles and a few friends(all in 2 1/2 days time.) It was a great weekend and I owe it all to Trent and my parents for getting me there.

P.S. I got some In-n-Out,Trader Joes, Dewars & Roadhouse Grill (not to be mistaken for Texas Roadhouse) also. Can't get that in Utah. I didn't get the flu like EVERYONE else did. Lucky me!

I'm A Winner!

2009-03-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Memzy I spent the last 12 weeks participating and hosting a Fitness Challenge. It was a team challenge and my BFF/Partner Anna D.& I (also known as "Team Anna")spent 12 weeks exercising 6 days a week for 60 min. +/-, eating 5 servings of fruit & vegetables a day, drinking 42 ounces of water a day, and other various challenges, all for POINTS. After the 12 weeks the team with the most points and the single individual with the most points won a cash prize. And you guessed it "TEAM ANNA" took the team prize. It was one of the hardest things I have done but also one of the most rewarding.

Even though I may look like this:

I feel like this (My good friend Starla).

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I really do feel like more than anything I have gotten stronger and in a good routine of working out. I can't say I'm going to miss all the vegetables & water drinking but I will definitely keep the workout schedule going (back off to maybe 5 days a week.) Thanks Memzy for the idea and push. Thanks to Manic Mandy for getting pregnant (she would have won.) Thanks Anna D. for being the best partner I could have EVER had.

Now I'm off to spend my $100 on something I don't really need but want.

Guess What I Did...Again!

2009-02-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

Since the kids didn't have school yesterday and I have been dying to go skiing again we packed the kids in the car and took off up to Alta for there "Free" skiing. Trent was so great and offered to go up and help me with the kids even though he wasn't going to be skiing. ( He is self-employed after all and any kind of injury would...well you know put us out of an income.) I couldn't have done it without him.

These 2 (Blythe & Hayden) took off with it and ended up having a great day. Hayden wouldn't even wait around for me to give him the few (and I mean very few) pointers I had. He is a natural at everything he does. He even said at the end of the day he was ready to trade his snowboard in for some skis. Blythe had a little rough go of it but she stuck with it and with the help of my "Own Personal Ski Instructor" aka Markie she even went up the chair lift and down 2x's. If it wasn't for Markie putting the fear of "running into a tree" she could have kept going...she says.

These 2 (Micah & Tucker) on the other hand had a pretty rough go of it. Tucker said and I quote "I suck at skiing!" Micah kept trying and trying and trying but finally gave up after about 2 hrs. I was proud of him for sticking with it that long. He did say however he wanted to give it another try someday. Maybe Markie will be willing to come up with us again next month and spend a little time with him. I promise he won't scream at you like Blythe did.

Brigg was our "Party Pooper" and wouldn't come with us. I think his exact words were he "Would rather cut off his pinkie toe than go skiing and be cold." WHATEVER! Next time we are making him go.

Bragging Rights!

2009-02-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

Have I ever mentioned what studs my boys are? Of course I have and I'm sorry for bragging...again, but I just can't resist. This weekend we went up to the Utah State Folkstyle Wrestling Championships with Brigg(14) & Hayden(11). They have been training 4hrs. a day 4+ days a week for this sport. This was Brigg's 9th year of wreslting & Hayden's 6th year. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of these boys. I truly believe wrestling is one of the most physically & emotionally demanding sports. These boys leave their blood, sweat & sometimes tears out on the mat when they wrestle. This sport is not for woosies, and woosies these boys are not. They have both took Local, State, Regional & National medals home. 2 weeks ago Hayden brought home a 1st place medal from a National Tournament and this weekened they both took 3rd in State (Brigg out of 11 Boys, Hayden out of 23 Boys.) They each ONLY lost 1 match, and they were as close as you can get matches. To say I am proud of these boys would be an understatement. Of course they wouldn't be the athlete's they are without the hours of work their Dad puts into their training. This will be Brigg's last year as a "Kid" wrestler. He is now ready for the Big League/High School. Boy is that going to be fun to watch.

Is this kid ripped or what?

Las Vegas Nationals 2004

Hayden's 1st year wrestling 2002

He likes the "Mean" look obviously.
Brigg Reno Nationals 2002

Brigg's 1st Tournament age 5 2000

Look at that chest!

The softer side of wrestling. They actually tried killing eachother on the mat.

Braces!

2009-01-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

Look who got braces for his Birthday! I think he looks cute. There goes my new family room furniture.

My Man Child

2009-01-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

"Man Child" is what I have been calling this kid lately. He no longer can shop in the "Boys" section at Old Navy and he is sporting a real light "Pedro" (you know when they start to grow the beginnings of a mustache.) I can't believe he is 14 and that I am old enough to have a child of his age. I can so vividly remember being 14 myself, it just doesn't seem right. Anyhow Brigg has made it to the ripe old age of 14 and here are 14 things I think you should know about him.

1. Being the oldest of 5 he is a very responsible boy. He may be slow and forgetful but for the most part very responsible.

2. He knows who he is and what he wants to be someday. At a very young age he decided he wanted to be a Paleontologist. Most boys grow out of that right? Not Brigg, he's pretty sure that's what he's going to be.

3. He is an athlete. He has been his entire walking life and he's good! Anyone who knows him knows of the numerous sporting accomplishments he has achieved in his short 14 years of life...and counting.

4. He takes things very serious. Although he has a very good sense of humor and loves to play jokes on everyone, for the most part he is a very serious boy/young man.

5. He is a GREAT student. He always has been and has goals of continuing that through High School. He plans on taking as many Honors/AP classes as he can next year (He'll be a FRESHMAN!)

6. He enjoys his computer time which makes it easy for me when I need to bribe, threaten, or punish him.

7. He can be painfully shy. That is why I have plans of dropping him off at his 1st Stake Dance and telling him he has a Youth meeting he has to go to. He would NEVER ask to go to a dance on his own.

8. Even though he is painfully shy he has a lot of friends and people who look up to him. He would never admit it but I think he is secretly a BMOC. (BigManOnCampus)

9. He takes his church assignments and callings very serious and honors his Priesthood.

10. He loves to sleep in. It has been a struggle the past year to get that boy out of bed. That was when I new he was really turning into a "Man Child".

11. He is 1 merit badge away from becoming an Eagle Scout. That will be the best day of my life. 1 down and 3 to go.

12. He can save money like nobody's business. For the past 3 years he has been saving almost every dime he earns or receives for a gift. I think he is well over $600. He says he is going to buy a car when he turns 16. I think he will.

13. He doesn't like to talk to or about GIRLS, and for now that's OK with me.

14. His Dad and I love him and are so proud of the Young Man he is turning into. Happy Birthday Brigg!

Sweetness!

2009-01-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

Is not this the sweetest Daddy Daughter picture you have ever seen. This Daddy took his girl out on a date tonight. She was so excited about going to McDonald's she could hardly stand it. I truly believe you have to make sure your daughters know how much there Dad's love them, otherwise they are going to go looking for that love somewhere else...right?

Side note: Trent says Blythe's an easier date to please! Go figure.

Guess What I Did?

2009-01-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

When we moved to Utah I really thought there was no way I would ever want to ski. Who cared if Utah had "The Greatest Snow On Earth". I didn't even want that on my licence plate. Growing up in California I was all about the sun and the beach. Who would have known all I had to do was have the right person, the perfect day, the guts to try it and I would be hooked. You Gize, Uncle Markie is so AWESOME! I can't believe how patient and nice he was to me. We spent about an hour on the "Bunny Slope", and I'm not sure why they call it that 'cause it aint' for no Bunnies. Anyway, after that we actually hit the slopes. Up at Alta where we went you can do the Bunny Slope for free and then at 3:00 they open up a chair lift for free so we hit that a couple of times and that's where Markie really earned his Brownie points. He literally had to pull me up like 20 times. I could NOT get up after falling over. I had such a great time and I can't wait to go back. I'm actually not as sore as I thought I would be this morning. Thanks Mark for the great time & thanks to Cherie for sharing him. Cherie actually got all my action shots so hopefully she'll share them with me, cause I'm sure they're hawt! You're the best Markie!

My Fitness Challenge

2009-01-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

So when I was in California for my Grandma's 80th B-Day Bash and my Bro. In-Laws Baptism I heard about this awesome "Fitness Challenge" my SIL/Memzy was participating in. And since I love to copy almost EVERYTHING she does I ripped it off of her and took it home and decided to host one of my own. It entails a 12 week partner fitness/nutrition challenge all based on points. The team at the end of the challenge with the most points wins $$$$. You have to exercise daily, eat fruits & veggies everyday and drink a lot of water with some other challenges and surprises along the way. So I am now 1/2 through the challenge and I think my partner/BFF and I are doing pretty good but I am a little discouraged...to say the least. For example, last week we woke up EVERY morning at 4:30 am drug our tired butts down to the Gym just to get the crap kicked out of them at some class where you feel like you are a live rat in a science experiment to see how much pain you can endure in 1 hour without falling over dead. Then at the end of my week from H*** I don't even lose 1 stinkn' pound. So I guess the reason for this post is to draw some on inspiration from you. I know there are some of you out there who know just what I need to hear and can help me get through the last 6 weeks of this challenge. I would really like to have these kind of results. Wouldn't you?

37

2009-01-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

Every year Trent thinks he is actually turning a year older than he really is. I have to constantly remind him that he actually isn't as old as he thinks he is. I call it "Old Man" Syndrom. My Dad actually has it too. Anyway...
You think I would have learned my lesson about posting pictures of Trent on my blog but I just couldn't help it...again. But look how dang cute he was as a little boy. I see so much of my boys in him. So let me just make this a short and sweet B-Day post. Happy Birthday honey, I love you, even in your old age.

What Do You Feed That Animal?

2008-12-22T19:50:00.000-08:00

tuckerwrestling

::Click on video above::

This weekend we took Tucker to his 1st local wrestling tournament. To say he kicked butt would be an understatement. He pinned all 3 of his opponents taking 1st place. At the end of his championship round captured here the Dad of the kid turned to me and yelled, "What do you feed that animal." All I could do was laugh. I think we have a future wrestling champion on our hands here.

Happy Birthday

2008-12-21T14:52:00.001-08:00

Micah turned 9 years old today. He asked me last night if I was going to do a post about him so here's for you Micah.

9 Things I LOVE About

Micah Sherod Butler

1. He has the best one liners of any of my kids. "She might have a daggah."

2.He is always HAPPY!

3. He's very easy going and my easiest kid to please. Thank goodness he got the December B-Day.

4. He's very smart. A straight A student.

5. He's a good friend.

6. He loves his brothers and sister.

7. He's a little on the mischievous side and

because of that he flies under the radar.

8. He has a very tender heart and never

wants to hurt any ones feelings.

9. He's the best middle child I could have

ever asked for.

Happy Birthday Micah I love you. Mom

HELP!

2008-12-17T13:36:00.001-08:00

I got this back in the mail today. What the ... After all I know I was on her Christmas list (you know that special delivery I got in the mail this week ::wink, wink::)

Can anyone help me? If so email me at albutler2@hotmail.com K, thanks.

Naughty or Nice?

2008-12-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

I told Tucker on the way home from Wrestling tonight that he could call Santa Clause when we got home and tell him what he wanted for Christmas. Here's our conversation.

Me: Tucker what are you going to tell Santa you want for Christmas?

Tucker: Oh, I'm not going to get anything for Christmas 'cause I've been bad.

Me: Well you could start being good now.

Tucker: Ya well, I cry too much.

Me: Ya, you do cry a lot, but you could try and be better.

Tucker: Ya well, I spank girls on the butts and that's bad too.

Me: Well, ya that's not good either. (trying not to laugh hysterically)

Tucker: Do you think Santa will put me on the good list if I'm better.

Me: Ya, Santa's nice like that.

If you have Vonage for your phone service you can call this real nifty phone number and your kid hears a recorded message from Santa and then they can leave him a message. Then Vonage emails you the recording of what your kid said they wanted from Santa. How fun is that. 1-700-CALL-SANTA (Vonage customers only)

If I Were a Free Fallin' Boy (Beyonce vs. Tom Petty) - A DJ Earworm Mashup

2008-12-06T21:02:00.001-08:00

If you haven't heard of DJ Earworm you need to check him out. I'm lovin' this stuff. If you have any other suggestions for me I'm all ears. I am ALWAYS looking for some new stuff.

Kids Say the Darndest Things Edition

2008-12-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

So this kid of mine who thinks he is so picked on and claims we should just give him up for adoption had this conversation with me this morning:

Me/aka"The meanest Mom": Before you leave for the bus stop at a ridiculously early time, I want you to go down to the basement and pick up all YOUR dirty clothes that are strung ALL over the place and bring them up to the laundry room.

Him: (Stomping off mad & throwing his pencil on the floor says) Why don't you just have me sweep the gutters in Africa while your at it.

WHA...?

Is he serious. Can I actually send him to Africa to sweep gutters. Please anyone with any kind of information about this foreign exchange program please contact me ASAP!

November Happenings

2008-11-30T17:05:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast November came and went. It doesn't even really seem like winter yet. Ya know the snow stuff and all? Anyway, I thought I would just briefly list all that came and went in November.

aStarted my new Choir Director position over at the kids Elementary School. Woo Hoo!
aBrigg finished up his football season and his team took 2nd. I pulled off a football party to boot.
aTucker started his 1st year of wrestling and dominated in his first tournament. If only I had my video camera going.
aBrigg started his 9th season of wrestling & Hayden his 7th season. Micah....another blog post.
aBlythe passed off level 1 in Gymnastics and moved on to level 2!
aTrent perfected his Chili recipe at the Ward Chili Cook Off. He got robbed of 1st place.
aTrent's sister Lindy & her family came for a visit from Oklahoma.
aTrent's Mom & Dad came down from California for a 2 week visit.
aWe had family pictures taken.
aI did my civic duty and voted.
aHayden earned his first 3 merit badges at the BYU POW WOW.
aKids had there Primary Program...CUTE
aBlythe & Tucker got a clean bill of health from the Dr. Tucker also got his Kindergarten shots and his warts frozen off. He loved that part a lot.
aSaw my nephew Josh play a fork in Beauty and the Beast. He was the best fork ever.
aMy baby boy turned 5. It's been five years since I have been pregnant. Weird.
aCelebrated my 15th Wedding anniversary. I'm feeling way old.
aAttended my Brother-in-law Scott's convert baptism which was AMAZING and my Grandma Bailey's 80th Birthday party in California.
aHad a great Thanksgiving with 23 of my closest in-laws at my house.
aSaw an early showing of Twilight (Thanks Dana) with some really fun girls. Can't say I loved it but can't say I hated it either. Another post...
aStarted taking classes at the Gym...loving it.
aALL the kids got straight A's
aHad my very first cap put on a tooth. HATED IT!
aOrdered Christmas Cards
aSet up Christmas decor. Has never happened in Nov.

Looking forward to DECEMBER.

Family Pictures

2008-11-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had our family pictures done by one of my good buddies. If you want to see some of the cutest pics EVER you have to go to this site *click on "enter site", *click on "clients" in the bottom right hand corner, enter the secret password "butler" and then start OOOOing & AHAHAHAHing. It's going to be so hard to pick which one to use for our Christmas Pictures. If your looking for a really great photographer in the area Dana's your gal. She took a lot of time with us, was very patient with my rowdy bunch and came out with some fabulous results. Thanks for making this every 4 year event so worth it Dana.

15 Years & Counting...

2008-11-12T12:12:00.001-08:00

I love this man! I can't believe it has been 15 years. I can honestly say it's gotten better every year.

15 Things I LOVE about Trent

1. He is one of the hardest workers I know. He has always done whatever it takes to provide for our family. Even if it means scrubbing carpets.

2. He loves his children and enjoys watching them be successful and is always there to cheer them on.

3. He puts his wife's and children's wants and needs above his own, ALWAYS! He would never have seconds of anything without making sure everyone had enough.

4. He has the best "Trentisms" for example "It is what it is", "Do the math", "I'll give you a reason to cry", "On a scale of 1 to 10"

5. He puts up with a lot of my crap. Especially my clutter disorder & disorganization disability.

6. He has a great sense of humor. Previous post evidence, he didn't kill me.

7. He enjoys working with the kids and has taught them self sufficiency well.

8. He's a "Chatty Cathy" and can out talk any girl I know.

9. He's very smart and most of the time his deep discussions go right over my head.

10. He's fiscally conservative and though I have not always been very supportive I know he knows what's best for us and we will be taken care of.

11. He wants me to be happy and makes a concerted effort to ask me if I'm happy on almost a daily basis.

12. He loves his God, his Country, and his Family.

13. He tells me if he had to choose between saving me or Sunny(our dog) from a steep cliff he would pick me.

14. He has always told me how beautiful I am and has NEVER made me feel ugly.

15. He's a Hottie!

I love you Trent. Happy Anniversary!!!!

Happy 5th B-Day Tucker

2008-11-11T19:52:00.000-08:00

I asked Tucker what kinda treat he wanted to take to PreSchool for his Birthday. He told me he wanted "Red applesauce and Gatorade." I took cookies and Capri Suns. He also informed me that he wanted a "Weapons" birthday party??? His #1 Birthday wish was a "two-wheeled scootah" (scooter). I love this kid. He keeps me laughing and on my toes ALL THE TIME.

Five Things I Love About Tucker

1. He has a great sense of humor and loves to make people happy.

2. He is so outgoing and energetic.

3. He loves me, and tells me everyday.

4. He loves playing outside and being a boy.

5. He's the last of 5 but doesn't play the "baby card".

Tucker is my only kid who has had a BEST friend at this age. Deklin and Tucker would be together 24/7 if we let them. They hardly ever fight and aren't too cool to give each other hugs. I'm so glad he has such a good buddy to hang out with.

I love you Tucker and am so glad that someone smarter than me knew we needed you to bring up the rear of this fast moving train. Happy 5th Birthday.

And the Winner Is...

2008-11-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

This was us last night at Brigg's Championship Football Game. It was so friggen' cold. Yes, it snowed. They played a great game against Lindon, but unfortunately it wasn't enough 41-22 was the final score. Brigg had a great season (thanks to a kid breaking his arm in the 2nd game.) There final winning record was 7-3. This was Brigg's 4th tackle football year going to the Championships and not winning :..( Maybe next year, right?

Hayden's team this year not so good. Winning record 1-7. At least they won 1. (And it was a great win!)

A few things I learned this Football Season:

1. Don't EVER talk to your kid on the side lines. He will ALWAYS think you are the most annoying Mom ever.

2. Carpools are awesome! 3 boys playing football 6 days a week at 3 different fields and 3 games a week at 3 different places...Yay that was MY life.

3. 5 smelly teenage boys+in a car on the way home from football= WINDOWS DOWN!

4. Being Team Mom Rocks!

5. Football equipment needs it's own closet.

6. There is life after Football... it's called Wrestling & Basketball.

Can't wait for next year!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

Tucker "Ninja" Man & His "Ninja" Pose

He already lost his hat at pre-school today...why?
Micah "Vampire/Dracula"
Yes, he wore those much too small/tight pants to school today in his high-top tennis shoes. So funny and so embarrassing for him...if he only knew.

Blythe "Little Red Riding hood"

Adorable costume her most amazing mother made for her...she was thrilled.

Hayden "Cheerleader/Claire Bennet"

He was trying different poses...was going for the naughty cheerleader look.

NOT

PICTURED

Brigg "Too Cool Teenager"

Refuses to do anything that would draw any sort of attention to himself...especially dressing up for Halloween. "Geez Mom"

School Pictures

2008-10-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for school pictures. They don't always turn out and I feel they are overpriced, but I can't resist. I feel like it's an opportunity to have a recorded moment in time. So for sentimental and recording purposes here are 2008 School Pictures.

Hayden 6th Grade

(He did his own hair.)

Blythe 1st Grade Micah 3rd Grade

Happy 7th Birthday Blythe!

2008-10-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

7 things I love about Blythe

1. She's my only girl, therefore she gets to be my FAVORITE girl.

2. She LOVES pink!

3. She loves to play dress-up and pretend.

4. She loves babies and can't wait to be a mommy.

5. She is very loving and affectionate. Hopefully that will wear off before she's 16.

6. She loves her family very much, even her mean stinky brothers who tease
her to no end.

7. She loves to sing, and boy can that
girl belt it out.

Happy Birthday Blythe! I hope you had a wonderful day. I am so glad you are mine. Don't be mad at me for putting that adorable picture of you with your shower cap on. I love you.

Build-a-Bear Birthday Date
Birthday Outfit

Spartan Cheer-Squad

7 Days Later

2008-10-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

So, I know this is just a little late but you know all the catching up you have to do after you have left you 5 kids and self sufficient husband alone for 5 days... So anyway I had a blast at Emily's. Have I mentioned how much I love my sistas'? They are all so different and fun to be around. We had so much fun Massages, Eating, Visiting, Eating, Watching T.V., Eating, Walking, Eating, Shopping, and did I mention Eating? We also had a fabulous talent show were I was chosen to be my nephews partner in a race on the trampoline...FUN!!! We took turns getting up with Baby Tait and giving Emily a brake for the week. That was basically just a reminder to me I'm NOT EVERY HAVING ANOTHER BABY!
I don't know how Emily is going to handle 6 kiddos. WOW that sounds like a lot. Luckily she has a couple of the most amazing helpers. ::Shout out to KenKen(9) & Caleb(13) my totally awesome niece and nephew.:: Anyway, I had a great time and when I got home things seemed to be just fine. Thanks to Trent for supporting me and letting me go GUILT free. He's great!

I Love This Kid

2008-10-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Last night after Family Prayer I reminded

the kids I was leaving on Wed. and wouldn't be back till Monday. I told Brigg he was going to have to be in charge while Dad is gone and take good care of the kids. ::Flash forward to this morning::

Brigg asked me if we had enough Milk in the fridge to last them till I got back, or was he going to have to get Milk. I wasn't sure what he was asking but I assured him we had plenty of Milk in the fridge, 4 Gallons to be exact. ::Flash forward to Brigg missing the bus to school (2nd time this year):: So I drove him to school. As we were driving he asked me "How should I get us to church on Sunday?" I said "Wha?"

Apparently since last night he has thought this entire time that Trent & I were both going out of town and leaving him in charge for 5 days with ALL the kids. After trying to contain myself I explained to him that "No , honey...I'M leaving town. DAD will still be around, just at work during the day." I asked him why he didn't ask me why I was leaving him with ALL the kids ALONE! I asked him if he was a little scared thinking about being in charge like that. In his pubescent way he said "Ya, a little." I should have also asked him if he really thought I was that kind of Mom???? (I probably don't want the answer to that.)

I'm so proud of him that he was actually going to step up to the challenge and do what he thought he had to do and actually try and take all the kids to church on Sunday, REALLY? Man he can be such an awesome kid!

I'm off to Arizona to have some time with ALL of my AMAZING sista's. And don't worry...Trent WILL be home with the kids.

My 101st Post!

2008-10-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

I took this idea from a friends blog (Thanks Jen). In celebration of my 101st Blog Post, here’s a look at our family, by numbers, from 1 to 101:

ONE day a long time ago I met this boy. He went to my High School and I had seen him around at Stake Activities. If anyone had told me at the time I would end up married to him I would have NEVER believed them. TWO months after that boy got home from his mission we were engaged. THREE days after we were married Trent went right to working graveyards. That takes us to were we are now. Our baby boy TuckMan is FOUR years old for another month. I can’t believe how time has just flown by. FIVE years ago we were living in Bakersfield, CA and I was pregnant with out LAST child. I knew after having Tucker there would be no number SIX.
SEVEN years ago this month I was pregnant with our only daughter Blythe. I can still remember how ecstatically happy I was when I found out I would FINALLY have a girl.

I love it when my kids turn EIGHT years old. It is such an exciting and important birthday. Micah will be NINE in December. He is such a joy and I love to be around him. He makes me smile.

Growing up we had TEN people in our family. Being the oldest had its ups and downs.There were ELEVEN in Trent‘s family. I think he would say there were defiantly more downs then ups.

I was so proud of Brigg when he turned TWELVE. I have always really admired how he has honored his priesthood. THIRTEEN has been a definite transition for him. I can see that the teen years are going to be a roller coaster ride for sure.

I was FOURTEEN when I had my first REAL boyfriend. He was too old for me and I don’t think it lasted for more than a month or so.

Trent and I will have been married for FIFTEEN years in November.

When I turned SIXTEEN I got my drivers license the day after my birthday. One of the first cars I ever drove was my Mom’s Camero. I LOVED that car. I think I also went on my first “So Called” date with Trent then. Long story short him and his friend ditched us.

I graduated from High School when I was SEVENTEEN. I don’t remember much about being EIGHTEEN except I had a serious boyfriend I was trying to convince he needed to go on a mission. When I turned NINETEEN he had finally decided he would go and we actually went to Trent’s mission farewell together. When I turned TWENTY I moved out of my parents house for the first time and moved to Provo to go to school.

Hayden was born on the 21st of May, 1997. He was my smallest baby weighing in at 5 lbs. something oz. He is still to this day a little on the small side and he likes it that way.I was TWENTY-TWO when Brigg was born. I still had braces on and I was told I didn’t look much older than 16. Boy do I wish I still got those kinds of compliments.
Trent started working for the Kern County Probation Dept. when he was TWENTY-THREE years old. He worked there for a decade. Working his way up the ranks.

I have TWENTY-FOUR cousins on my Dad’s side of the family. Trent has no cousins on his Mom’s side and he’s not sure how many on his Dad’s side. Sad huh?

If I had TWENTY-FIVE cents for every time I asked my kids not to talk to me while I'm on the phone or in the bathroom I'd be a rich woman.

TWENTY-SIX was a good age.

On the 27th on January Brigg will be 14. Weird!

When I was TWENTY-EIGHT I was teaching High School at my Alma Mater. I always told myself in High School that I would go back and teach at my High School and I did it. It was truly a dream come true.When I turned TWENTY-NINE I became a stay at home Mom with 3 very wild boys. Wondering if Heavenly Father would ever send me a girl.

When Trent and I were THIRTY my Mom and Dad took us on an Alaskan Cruise. It was the best vacation I have ever had with Trent. I hope we can do it again someday.

I only had one last baby in diapers when I was THIRTY-TWO. I had also started my very own Children’s Performing group and was having so much fun with that.

We moved to Utah when Trent and I were THIRTY-THREE. We have lived here for birthdays THIRTY-FOUR, THIRTY-FIVE, & THIRTY-SIX.

My parents have been married THIRTY-SEVEN years. It will be THIRTY-EIGHT in January.

Trent & I used to mange apartments at 3900 El Portreo. Also referred to as the Hood.

When I turn FOURTY I want to do something AMAZING.

Tucker weighs FOURTY-ONE pounds.

FORTY-TWO sounds like the number of shoes we have in this house. It’s a little out of control.

When I’m FOURTY-THREE years old Brigg should be returning home from his mission. That’s only 7 years away.

When I get a soda from the gas station I prefer to get a FOURTY-FOUR ounce Diet Coke.

FORTY-FIVE minutes seems to be the longest amount of time I have been able to run without passing out.

The kids have already gone to almost FORTY-SIX days of school already.

When I’m FOURTY-SEVEN I will be teaching my youngest child how to drive. Which will make me feel more like FOURTY-EIGHT or FOURTY-NINE. But then by the time I’m FIFTY I should be enjoying some grandchildren. I can’t wait to be a Grandma.
By the time Trent and I are FIFTY-ONE we should be empty nesters…right?

FIFTY-TWO is about how many loads of laundry I do a month.
53% of the time the kids DO NOT flush the toilet.
FIFTY-FOUR times a day Hayden asks me a question. NOT KIDDING!

I remember when my Grandma Waite turned FIFTY-FIVE. She called it “Double Nickels”

I believe my Mom is FIFTY-SIX. And she looks good.

I hope by the time Trent and I are FIFTY-SEVEN years old we have our house paid off.

FIFTY-EIGHT is the number of Blogs I check a day. I know it’s a little compulsive. I’ve actually given up a lot of T.V. for this new hobbie.

I think my Dad is FIFTY-NINE which means he will be SIXTY next year. I think we need to through him a party. What do you think?

SIXTY-ONE is the number of minutes I have spent on this blog post so far.

Someday I’m going to try and drink SIXTY-TWO ounces of Diet Coke.
Someday I hope we have cars that get SIXTY-THREE miles to the gallon. Wouldn’t that be cool.

SIXTY-FOUR is probably the number of stuffed animals Blythe has on her bed right now. She wouldn’t dare move a single one before climbing into bed.

I believe Micah weighs SIXTY-FIVE pounds. He’s not very interested in wrestling this year. He would much prefer Basketball. I better get him signed up soon. Let’s wait for football to be over first.

We have approximately SIXTY-SIX DVD’s and I would say the 67% of them are scratched and not able to watch. So why do I hang on to them you ask. Well I keep thinking I will be able to afford one of those DVD scratch fixers someday and fix them all.

I believe in ‘68 my Dad was serving a mission in Central America. My Mom graduated from High School in ‘69. I love the 70’s.

In ‘71 my in-laws were living in Utah. Where Trent was born. In ‘72 Trent was born in Murray, UT & I in Bakersfield, CA.
In ‘73 my brother Tim was born. We were only 15 months apart.

In ‘74 Trent’s family moved to Bakersfield, CA where they still live in the same exact house.

$.75 used to buy you more than just a candy bar or a pack of gum.

‘76 was the year my first sister Emily/BFF was born. I love her so much and wish I would have treated her better as a kid.

My family lived in Wasco, CA AKA the Ghetto in ‘77. In ‘78 we lived in Visalia and then in ‘79 we lived in Mesa, AZ where I was baptized.

My Grandma Bailey will be EIGHTY in November. We are going to have a big surprise birthday party for her in California.

In ‘81 we had moved back to Bakersfield, CA were I was born and lived there up until Trent and I moved to Utah. My Grandpa Bailey also died that year of cancer.

In ‘82 I was in the 4th Grade at Eisleer Elementary. My teachers name was Mrs. Stoddard. She was very nice.

‘83 was the last year the Broadway production of ANNIE was performed. I was obsessed with this play/movie and wanted so bad to be Annie. I had the entire movie memorized. I still love to watch it.

‘84 was the best and worst year of my growing up years. I had the best of friends in 7th grade and I loved school then my parents picked up and moved to the other side of town. Very traumatic for a 12/13 year old.

‘85 the year I started High School. This is also the year Trent & I were at Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico at the same time and didn’t even know it.

‘86 My parents took us on a Bahamas Disney Cruise. That was such a fond childhood memory.

‘87 I had my first serious boyfriend who my parents HATED but I saw him anyway behind there backs and boy did I get in some trouble.‘88 I was the legal dating age and I don’t think I ever stopped dating from that point.
‘89 my brother and I met Mark & Brenda Sanchez. We dated each others sibs and Tim & Brenda eventually ended up getting married.
‘90 Trent & I graduated from Bakersfield High School.
‘91 Trent left for his mission in Independence, Missouri.
‘92 I attempted leaving home and going to school in Utah. To say the least it didn’t work for me and I ended up back home.
‘93 I go to see Trent come off the plane after he has served his mission and I am immediately interested. Late that year we are sealed in the Los Angles Temple.

'94 I graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelors in Music and my minor in Political Science.‘95 Trent was still trying to get through Bakersfield College but making great progress and working full time.
‘96 I got my first teaching job for the Norris School District as there Music Specialist. This was the same district my Grandpa Waite had been superintendent of for many years.
‘97 was the year we bought our first house and the year Hayden was born.
‘98 Trent received his bachelors degree form California State University, Bakersfield in Business Administration. We had already owned about 5 dogs and counting by now too. But that’s an entire post of it’s own.

‘99 we all thought the world was going to come to an end. Remember Y2K?

I’m 100% positive I married the right person in the right place.

Now if I could only come up with something for 101. One thing I know for sure…I don’t want to live that long.

Guess Whose Legs?

2008-10-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Can you guess whose legs these are?

Awhile back my BFF (that's Best Frousin Forever) posted this really sweet post about how AMAZING I am. So this is just my way of paying her back. Love ya Amy!

I love the pic of her and our hot friend in our fort that we made.
I also love the picture of her and her sister Erin. They were like twins you know.

Amy was the best roommate EVER! We had many adventures that summer of 1992. Like the time went fishing and caught ALL those fish. That's my Toyota pick-up in the corner of that picture. Good times in that truck, good times.

Football, Football, Football

2008-10-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Football has been our life for the past 2 months and counting. Brigg & Hayden have been going 4-5 days a week and Micah 2 days a week. Do the math...that's 6 days a week of football in the Butler house. I have 3 carpools going and 3 boys going 3 different places. It has been CRAZY! But anyone who knows me, knows I wouldn't have it any other way. I feed off of 2 things, well maybe 3 anyway it's 1. being over scheduled and 2. my kids sporting activities.

Now to the reason for this particular post. Hayden has always got the raw end of the deal when it comes to coaches. He always gets the really nice guy who doesn't know what their doing. Get the picture? Last years football team won 1 game out of 8. Well guess what this years team record was up until Thursday nights game. Hayden's team hadn't won a single game and I think they had only scored 2 touchdowns in 5 games. Thursday nights game was awesome. They played the rival Lehi team and they WON!! Hayden had the game of his career scoring 2 touchdowns, catching an interception, sacking the quarterback and a couple of awesome tackles. He started both offense and defense and was lighting the field up. They even got to play on the big H.S. turf field all lit up. What a game! I am so happy that they can now walk away saying they at least won a game. (2 more to go.)

Brigg's team is doing great 4-2 and will probably make it to the championships. (Post to follow)

Micah's enjoying flag football and had a great game on Saturday in the RAIN!! What a trooper. He makes a good little Center.

Next month Wrestling!!!!!

Fave Foto Friday

2008-10-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so first of all I had to find

this picture to prove that #1 Emily and I did wear the same formal (and hair-do.) For her it was a Jr. prom for me I think it was the BYU Preference or something like that. (Amy do you recognize the enormous Glenwood thermostat on the wall behind me?) #2 Emily ALWAYS looked better in my clothes.

The next picture is a fave of mine. How many of our frousins can you spot? I know this was in our Sunset Ave. house (the one with the ghosts) and I know by all the BANGS it was in the late 80's, probably 1988'ish and it was probably some holiday of sorts. Anyone else have any info regarding this photo?

And The Veeners Are...

2008-10-01T11:14:00.001-07:00

First of all I would like to thank all those who helped me choose a profile pic and new username. It was a very close call but the winners are...

"Annie"

Now for the winners of my "Happy Birthday to my Blog" PIF drawing. Tucker helped draw the names, it was totally legit.

The Utah Winner is... Christina aka "Utah Mom of 5"

The Out of Town winner is... Landee aka "Tiffany"

Happy Birthday To My Blog

2008-09-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

It's my Blogs 1st Year Birthday and I would like to do something to celebrate. My sis Emily is the one who got me into this compulsive obsession. It all started with my own selfish desire to win a PIF (that's Pay It Forward). So in honor of her and my Blog I would like to have another PIF contest. Now here are MY rules.

1. You must leave a comment about your favorite or memorable post of mine over the past year. Yes, I know that's asking a lot especially if you have just been pretending to read my blog.

2. I will draw 2 names on Wednesday, sometime. 1 blogger from Utah & 1 blogger from elsewhere.

3. What will you win you ask. Well my original PIF was a package of some of "My Favorite Things" so I will probably repeat that theme.

4. If you play & win I would love for you to do your own PIF.

Thank You & Good Luck!

Smart Remarks: The Host

2008-09-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

I'll make this short and sweet. For those of you who have not been introduced to this blogger you will have to check her out. Not only is she an amazing writer she is also my cousin. She's had this Smart Remarks book club going on for awhile and I am finally getting around to participating for the first time. (Due to the fact that I made her fell bad about leaving me out of her last one.)Anyhow here is my insignificant review of Stephanie Meyers THE HOST.

Not being much of an accomplished reader this very long book presented quiet the daunting task for me, 619 pgs to be exact. If any of you loyal readers remember me complaining about how frustrated I was trying to get through this book, then you know what an accomplishment this was for me to finish.

The first 150 pgs were pure torture for me. I have never read any type of sci-fi lit. and this was completely losing me and becoming a complete snoozer. Thanks to the encouragement of a few friends I persisted on and even started to like/tolerate the book as time went on.

I will say I wouldn't have recommend this book to anyone and feel that Steph could have totally made this into a shorter more concise novel. I was happy with the way it ended and enjoyed most the dialogue between Wanda & Mel. I even had a little prediction of my own come true at the end. Unlike the Twilight books I would have much rather seen the movie first.

So there is my pitiful attempt at the Smart Remarks Book Club. Now go read the for mentioned blog for a real book review.

VOTE!

2008-09-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Since the Presidential election is coming up and since I have never had a picture to go with the name ABUTLER and since I would like to be included with fellow blogger framily (that's Family + Friends) I would like your help in voting me a new blogger username and profile pic. Your choices are:

Profile Pics #1 Baby with tongue

#2 Annie & Raggie

#3 Wearing Brothers 70's Outfit

(The later the pictures went not so cute.)

Username Nominations

#1 Annie (Going back to my roots)
#2 Hot Mama (That's what my kids call me)
#3 Anna B ( A play on Abutler)

Of course all suggestions will be taken into consideration. Your participation is much appreciated.

I am...

2008-09-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

I had a friend tag me this really fun tag over a month ago. I finally got around to taking the time to work on it. For me this was very thought provoking and I thought a good journal entry for that. I'm tagging my Fristers (that's friend + sisters) Emily, Amanda & Molly. Don't take as long as I did.

I am a wife and mother and even though I’m not the best at either I try to be, because I love my husband and kids the most.
I miss my family. Having Amanda here in Utah has been the greatest but I still REALLY miss my family.
I think about being organized EVERY single day.
I know I’m a Child of God.
I want to go on an exotic vacation with Trent.
I have a hard time saying NO to anybody. HELP!
I search the Internet almost everyday. I couldn’t function without it.
I wish I was a morning person. (So does Trent) I have never been, but have always tried.
I hate slow drivers. They drive me crazy.
I am scared of walking into a room alone and not knowing anyone. I’ve been a loner most of my life and it has always scared me to even think about going somewhere I don’t know anyone.
I fear the dentist, losing a child or my husband, scary movies, someone knocking on my door when my house is messy, and driving in the snow.
I always have stacks of papers on my kitchen counter. Another reason I think about being organized ALL the time.
I love my family.
I feel sad when I hear about a kid getting picked on at school. Bullies suck!
I hear Viva La Vida for the bazillionth time on the kids computer.
I smell my dog. Yuck!
I don't always wash my face before I go to bed. I’m usually to tired to do anything but fall into bed. Gross huh?
I wonder all the time how my life would have been different if I had been born at different time. Crazy, but I have this fascination with the past.
I care about what people think of me. I know it shouldn’t matter but it does, to me.
I regret not keeping better record of my children’s accomplishments. I have never been a good record keeper. In fact Tucker never got a baby book. How bad is that?
I am not good at keeping my mouth shut. I have gotten a little better, especially with Trent. I just can’t keep ALL my thoughts bottled up in my head, can I?
I believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church. I have never doubted it and I am thankful for that testimony. In the name of…..
I dance in my mind all the time. I used to dance when I was younger but since then not so much. I would love to dance with my husband but he doesn’t like to so much.
I sing all the time. It has been my life for so long I can’t think of a day I haven’t sung. I’ve done it for a living, I’ve done it for fun. I LOVE TO SING!
I write on the computer and that’s about it. I have always HATED my handwriting and therefore avoid ever having to write anything. I would rather type it out and print it.
I win nothing. I just don’t have that kind of luck.
I dream of singing on Broadway one day. I’m a total Musical nerd and love to listen and watch all musicals. If I could choose what kind of music to sing it would have to be Broadway.
I lose my mind when my kids fight with each other. It drives me nuts.
I never make my bed when I get up in the morning. If it does get made it’s later in the day or just before I go to bed. Stupid huh? No just lazy.
I listen to ALL kinds of music. I love it when I hear a new song or when one of my siblings makes me a CD of new songs. I can’t live without my music.
I can usually be found on the computer these days. I need to start limiting my computer time.
I read very little. It’s not that I don’t like to read it’s just that I don’t make the time for reading. But when I do I always enjoy it, especially if it has to do with Vampires & Werewolves. I also really like self help books. I need a lot of help.
I am happy when my husband and children are Happy.

A No Go

2008-09-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

First off, I would like to apologize to any of you who were misled and thought I was saying I was actually going to be on Judge Judy..I wish. All I was saying is that's what I was told it was going to be like. I was actually just going down to the Salt Lake County court house, sorry didn't mean to burst your bubble. At least now you can go and cancel your DVR record setting.

So now for what happened...NOTHING! They never told me that there was a chance that they would not be able to serve the court papers to the defendant. So it wasn't till I got all the way down there and didn't see my name on the docket that I was told this news. Apparently the jig is up and they know they are trying to track them down. It could take awhile to get these jerks served. For the meantime I have another court date of Nov. 13th. At least I have a little more time to track down my star witness and give more thought to that perfect outfit. Thanks for suggestions.

Judge Judy

2008-09-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

"I'm not a lawyer but I play one on T.V." That's what I want to say tonight when I go to small claims court. Yup, for real I'm going to small claims court. Most of you have heard my cry and complain about "FiltaFry" (aka the 'F' word). Well, we had a pretty big account not pay up and so now I have to take them to court. When I went and filed my papers I asked the clerk "What can I expect?" He said "Have you ever watched Judge Judy?" and I said "Have I!" Little did he know that I was raised on the old school Peoples Court, the one with Judge Wapner, and have pretty much watched court T.V. forever. Anyway, he said if I had watched Judge Judy I should know what to expect because it's pretty much just like that. So I have been preparing my case by watching all 263 episodes of Judge Judy and I think I'm ready. I want to make sure I don't look like a total idiot. You know like the ones you see on those shows who don't even bring any evidence with them. I am a little worried that my most important witness is out of the country and I will be winging this on my own. I'm actually hoping the Defendant doesn't show up. That makes me the Plaintiff, right? Wish me luck.

I GET SO EMOTIONAL 2!

2008-09-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

If you want to know what the heck this is all about refer to this, or this, and maybe even this. If not enjoy the awesome pictures my 11 year old took with my really crappy camera.

So here's my story line. My best frousin (that's friend+cousin) planned this really cool "girls trip" to Seattle with an incredible detour to Forks. Yes THE Forks. Anyhow, I unfortunately am not able to go due to a previous engagement (aka going to see my Sis in Tuscan, AZ, also an amazing "girls trip".) BTW didn't something from those Twilight books happen in AZ, hum! After my rather vocal protest and jealous outburst I expressed my feelings of being "left out." Boy did that open a whole can of worms. To make a rather boring story, short... My SIL, the one who ignored my email and is going on the previously mentioned "girls trip" sent me THIS:

Wha ? For ME?

Carefully...

Is it possible?

It is, it is, it really is!!!!!!

You can see why it is affectionately named the "Pooh Loaf".

I Let the kids each have a turn at holding it and playing with it and then it too took its rightful place next to the fine china.

I too would like to thank Jenny, who made this all possible, my spell check who makes me look so smart and never fails to interpret that unrecognizable word, Landee (even though I've never been formally introduced or acknowledged), and most of all my dear SIL who made the sweetest gesture of all. Thank you!

WARNING: YOU MAY BE THE NEXT ONE TO RECEIVE THIS IN THE MAIL!

Kids Say The Darndest Things

2008-09-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Micah has always been our local comedian. He always has very funny and witty things to say and usually at such random times. Most of the time he doesn't even know how funny he is or that he was eve trying to be funny.
Yesterday I was driving the kids and there friends to Brigg's football game and this is the conversation I heard in the backseat between Micah and his friend.

Friend: "Did you know that someone dies like every single minute of everyday?'

Micah: "Really?"

Friend: "Ya, but that's okay because there's a baby born like every minute of every day too."

Micah: "Oh, that's why there's always that new baby smell in the air."

Love you Micah!

"PeeSchool"

2008-09-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

Today was TuckMan's 1st day of "PeeSchool." He was so excited. He had his backpack on and was ready to go an hour before carpool. I was excited for him too. This was his first REAL preschool experience. I have to admit that I actually felt a little tinge of emotion when he left. It was time for him to be gone though. After spending ALL summer with the big kids and not having to be stuck at home with me and running errands all day he was ready to go off and enjoy a little bit of the big kid life. Since school started for the other kids he has not been happy with me. Because of my insane schedule in the afternoon I have to run all my errands in the morning and Tucker has NOT been liking it. He was getting to where when I would say the "E" word he would start listing his demands and threats. Our conversations would go something like this.

Me: "Okay Tuck it's time to get ready and go run some errands."

T: "WHAT? I don't want to go. I'm staying here."

Me: "No, you have to go. I can't just leave you here. Some BAD guy might come and get you."

T: "Okay, fine but you have to buy me some candy."

Me: "No, I'm not going to buy you candy and you better hurry up or you're not going to get to play with Deklin later." (Deklin is his BFF.)

T: " Okay then, I'm gonna get lost."

Me: " Oh ya, well maybe the policeman will find you and put you in jail."

T: "You're the meanest Mom EVER."

Me: "Oh ya."

T: " I think I will just jump out of the car when you're driving."

Me: "Okay you do that, now come on we have to go." (Note to self: CHILD LOCK)

Now I can just go run my errands while he is at preschool and don't have to worry about buying him candy, losing him in the store, or him attempting to jump out of the car. What a little stinker. He does have his moments though.

Speaking of Teeth

2008-09-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Blythe lost both of her front teeth within 24 hrs. Daddy pulled them of course. I don't think I will EVER be able to pull my kids teeth, grosses me out big time. I think she looks so cute and she was so excited. The Tooth Fairy was a little slow to respond, as usual, but made up for it the 2nd night with a $5 spot (inflation, you know.) Trent actually pulled the 2nd one out at Stake Conference on Sunday (if that gives you any idea of how much he was enjoying Stake Conference.) Speaking of braces this ones going to have start the REAL headgear ASAP (at night only, crossing my fingers.)

All she wants for Christmas is her 2 front teeth.

WHAT!!

2008-09-06T21:01:00.001-07:00

So, I took Brigg to the Orthodontist for a "Free" consultation. Why didn't I know that I was going to have to donate a kidney or some other vital organ on the black market to be able to afford braces for just 1 of my kids. Unfortunately, our kids got REALLY bad genes in the oral region. (Trent and I both had braces.) I have this thing about straight teeth so this is going to have to be a must. I'm just SHOCKED at how much it's going to cost. Those of you who KNOW me real well know that there is a certain cosmetic surgery I have wanted forever...Well, if I wasn't putting braces on my kid...Tell me what a good Mom I am for sacrificing my own selfish wants for my kids good looks. WHATEVER!

Oh Ya!

2008-09-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

What's better than going to see Mamma Mia for the first time???? Going to see it for the 2nd time and making it a Sing-Along. Last night I went with Tim & Brenda to see the Sing-Along Version of Mamma Mia. Yes, you heard me right. There is now a Sing-Along Version and believe it or not it's better then the 1st. We were a little disappointed in the turn out. I went armed with my video camera hoping to get some shots of the real entertainment. When Tim & I walked in we couldn't help but start laughing... there were 2 other people in the theater besides us. I don't understand why we were the only ones who decided to go to the movies on a Wednesday night at 9:50 pm? I think we ended up with a total of 9 people in theater. It was still loads of fun and I would recommend it AGAIN!!! Thanks for the night out guys and thanks for staying with us.

Grandpa & Grandma Waite

2008-08-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

Guess who we got to see today? I love these two people so much. They are such amazing and wonderful grandparents. They are awesome examples to me and my family. It was so nice of them to go out of there way today to stop and say Hi! I don't get to see enough of them. They are celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary this year. Thanks for coming to see us G&G Waite. I love you!

Fundraisers

2008-08-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Recognize this picture? Ya, me too and guess what? It goes for my own children too. I hate this time of year so much because it's the time of year EVERY stinkin' kid in the neighborhood, including mine, comes peddlin' the same ole' crap to my door. There are SOOOOO many reasons I HATE fundraisers.

1. Now I have 3 kids bringing the same stuff home.
2. Now I have 3 kids things I have to keep track of, because if I don't guess who's paying for it.
3. Now I have 3 kids who ALL want me to buy there stuff because(refer to reason #4)
4. The school has thrown some big assembly, they have taken our kids out of class for, and pumped them up to sell THEIR stuff, and told them they can win some STUPID prize, which you can buy down at the local Dollartree.
5. Everyone they want to sell to already has a kid who's having the same conversation I am having with my kid. The ones who don't have kids you would rather NOT bother.
6. Haven't we already sent enough money to school for this and that?

When they say "Fundraisers are optional", what they are really saying is "You can let you students teacher know you don't want to participate in the fundraisers, but they are going to come home anyway begging you till they are blue in the face to bring the CRAP home."

Okay, now I feel better.

I'M FINISHED...FINALLY!

2008-08-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Last night at approximately 10:45 pm I finished THE book. I'm such a slow reader and never allow enough time in the day to read. I wanted so desperately to finish in enough time to engage in this persons "Smart Remarks" book club, but oh well (said with a long sulking face.) Now I'm going to go back and read all the "Smart" remarks and reviews everyone left on there blogs. Just so you know:

I LOVED IT!

Friends

2008-08-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to blog about this for awhile, hence the old picture.

Disclaimer: This may sound sappy to many of you, sorry.

Moving from California to Utah was one of the hardest things I have done, in so many ways. It was not a smooth transition for our family. Trent was not able to find a job, it was the first time we had ever not lived close to family, we were in another state which felt like a different planet and most of all I was lonely. I can't believe we have officially lived here 3 years (as of Aug. 24th.)

At the beginning of the year I had made a decision that this was going to be the best year EVER. Despite a huge disappointment in a failed business venture, which we need not go into anymore detail, this has been a great year.

In Feb. a friend/acquaintance of mine had asked me, or I asked her, whatever, if I would start running with her. Despite my lack of energy and enthusiasm one of the best things that has happened to me since we moved to Utah accrued, I made a FRIEND.

Definition:
friend (frend) n. 1. a person whom one knows well and is fond of; close acquaintance 2. ally 3. a supporter or sympathizer 4. reliable 5. to act as a friend to, befriend...ANNA D.

Anna D., yes we have the same name how cool is that, has become one of the dearest friends I have ever had. Is that sappy enough for you? I can't even begin to explain how much this has meant to me over the past few months. It has literally been years since I have felt the kind of kinship I have felt with her. We have so much fun together and I cherish our friendship more than she may ever know. If someone asked me "Who's your BFF, besides your Husband of course, who would it be?" Duh? No pressure Anna D. I know how wildly popular you are and there is no need to reciprocate...But I know who you would rather hang out with...RIGHT!

She has helped me to come out of my cave and has even shared many of her friends with me, because she has so many to share. I truly feel that she cares about me and would do anything she could for me. I think she loves me. Isn't that what a friend is all about?

So the point of this post is this: I have a great friend who I have appreciated her service and kindness towards me. Thank you for reciprocating the love. Thank you for making this a great year. Thank you for being my friend. You're awesome!

Side note: If you end up moving...Yes, I will stalk you.

Bugs & Boys

2008-08-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

What is it with Bugs & Boys? For realsy. Tucker has been OBSESSED with bugs forever. Lately we have had an invasion of Praying Mantis in our area. He catches a new one everyday. He loves bug books and one of his favorite is this guy's book from Animal Planet, Ruud. On the cover of his book is this picture of him with a tarantula on his face. Tucker came to me with this Praying Mantis on his face and wanted his picture taken. What a boy! It actually really creeps me out.

1st Day of School

2008-08-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, I woke up this morning singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". It was a beautiful morning. I have pictures to prove it.

Brigg: I got to embarrass as his bus passed by blowing kisses and waving at him. He reported that school was "OK".

Hayden: Self proclaimed "Ladies Man" woke up with what we thought was an abscessed tooth (BTW I'm such a good Mom I ignored it for 3 days). Reported that his teacher was a little mean but that Savannah M. was "Hot!"

Micah: Had a great day even though he got stood up on the playground by his cousin and friend.

Blythe: Loved being at school ALL day but not so much the last one left on the bus because she never got off on her bus stop, however loved the fact that the bus driver turned around and gave her curbside drop off. Better luck tomorrow.

Final Countdown!!!

2008-08-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

I know many of you may not be on the same page as me but...I CAN"T WAIT FOR SCHOOL TO START!!!! Every summer I tell myself I am going to do my best to enjoy a nice summer with my 5 wonderful children but then...

I actually did really well this summer up until a few weeks ago. I know I have already complained in previous posts but can I just say how HAPPY I am that school is starting Monday. A few weeks ago Blythe asked if I would make her a countdown calender for when school starts and I said "Would I ?!" She was tired of asking me and I was tired of telling her, not that I wasn't fully aware of when school was starting.

Thursday we met the kids teachers and visited there classrooms. The kids seemed excited. Brigg of course had no desire to go to his "Back To School Night". He is so pubescent (a entire of post of it's own.)

So tonight will be school hair cuts, Sunday will be Father's blessings, and Monday will be the best day of the year...Breakfast Anyone???? We are celebrating the first day of school by going to breakfast at IHOP in Lehi at 9:00am. Anyone and everyone is invited. My kids think I'm the meanest Mom for being so excited for them to go back to school. Little do they know I am on the verge of homicide and there lives are being spared.

It will be just Tuck and I for a few weeks and then he will start PreSchool.

Top 10 Things I am Looking Forward To When School Starts

1. My house to stay cleaner longer than 1 hour.

2. Not feeding my kids lunch.

3. 9pm bedtime.

4. FREE TIME!

5. No more in and out, in and out, in and out ALL DAY LONG!!

6. No more snack shacks (No offense Christina T. and Salinas)

7. No more 24/7 snack time.

8. A SCHEDULE!

9. 4 kids in ALL day school.

10. Mom & Tucker time.

Top 10 Things I'm NOT Looking Forward to About School Starting

1. Homework, Homework, Homework

2. Reading Time

3. Morning Rush

4. Kids calling from school because they forgot something.

5. Bedtime Rush

6. 'A' Track early morning schedule

7. School friend DRAMA

8. Scheduling every ones after school activities

9. Keeping track of every ones school stuff & NAGGING!

10. It only lasts till the end of May....just kidding!

At Last!

2008-08-07T13:10:00.001-07:00

After living here for 3 long years without ANY of my family here, it has finally come to pass.

WELCOME TO UTAH AMANDA & FAMILY!!!!

I am so HAPPY. I thought it would never happen. Not only did they move to Utah but they moved 2 miles from us. I couldn't be more pleased. Amanda is so much fun to be around and we are going to have some great times. She is such an amazing sister and friend and I feel so lucky to be able to be around her so much more now. She has moved here from Boise, ID where they have lived for a long time. Her husband is searching for a job at the moment and we are hoping that this will be a smooth transition for the whole family (He's a really smart computer geek so if you know of any jobs out there let us know.) My kids are thrilled to have more cousins close by. Our kids will even be going to the same school.

Thanks Amanda for making Utah the best place to live, NOW. I love you!!!

My Local Hoodlum

2008-08-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

I am so ready for school to start. I have really done well
this summer for the exception of this last week. I
can't take another second of the fighting, the begging,
the disobedience, the hunting down kids, finding
Popsicle sticks everywhere, cleaning up after EVERYONE
ALL DAY LONG, having to fix 3 meals a day, neighborhood
kids (sorry friends I do love you), no bed time, the flies
from the doors being left open, being a cruise director,
the snack shacks, and now this little hoodlum getting
into my garage and tagging the dryer with BLACK
spray paint. Granted that dryer has been in our
garage for almost 3 years, but I was getting ready to list
it on KSL. Now What???? I could have just strangled
him. He's so lucky he didn't tag the new freezer
sitting next to it. Then there might have been
blood shed. I NEED A DIET COKE so bad. It has
been 8 days off the stuff and today is the 1st day

I have really felt like that is the only thing that would make me feel better at this point. Good thing Anna D. has offered to be my 12 step sponsor and has talked me out of it for now. What would I do without her? I am very proud of myself for making it this far.

These days when I punish this little hoodlum he runs into the other room and cries "I'm stupid, I'm a loosah (loser)." It takes all the self control I have to say "You are stupid and a loosah." I love this face he makes.
He will actually go to a real preschool this year and I can't wait. Last year he went to our little Co-op preschool and though it was fun I am looking forward to not having to teach and him actually getting some real school time. Next year he will be off to Kindergarten and I won't know what to do with myself. Until then...I CAN'T WAIT FOR SCHOOL TO START!!!! Can I get some "AMENS" out there.

Look What I Did Today

2008-07-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

There's More Where That Came From

So, for a long time I have given Trent a really hard time about ALL the trees in our yard. (He is boarder-line obsessive about trees.) There are many who refer to him as a "conservative tree-hugger." Anyway, my point is that I try not to complain anymore. Especially since I have been able to make my favorite Apricot Jam.
This is a picture of the largest of Trent's many Apricot trees in our backyard(maybe 3 years old). He is very proud of his orchard and if you're ever over to our house I dare you to try and get out of a "Tree Tour" from Trent. It is very sweet to see him and the kids out picking fruit together. I'm sure many life lessons will be taught while picking fruit through the years.

Sorry honey for giving you such a hard time about your trees. Thanks to you we are going to have our year supply of Apricot Jam this year.

Just For Laughs

2008-07-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine told me about this video clip so I looked it up...SO FUNNY! Usually I'm not the type of person to sit at my computer and just watch funny videos but this is totally worth looking up. There is some really good stuff here. I'm thinking if we could get Andy to be our film crew there are enough of us out there we could totally pull one of these off. Take a peek & tell me what you think. Jenny I know you could come up with a good one.

Pioneer Day/ 5K Run

2008-07-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

In Utah the 24th is a State holiday and therefore we make a big deal out of Pioneer Day! Our Ward sponsored a 5K walk/run this morning as part of our day long celebration. I had asked Hayden if he wanted to run it and he said "Yes" but he was afraid I would beat him and then he would really be "embarrassed." I took that as a complement! Anyway...HE TOTALLY KICKED MY BUTT!!!! I was so proud of him. He ran the entire way and came in 3rd overall, only losing to two older guys who are total runners. Anna D. & I ran a respectable race and came in 1st in the "Mom" category (Whatever that means.) We did get these really cool SOLID SILVER plated plastic medals. You'll have to check out Hayden's post on his Blog about his 1st 5K. I think that kid has a future in long distance running.
So I officially have 2 5K races under my belt which leads me to my next goal I would really like to accomplish. I am hoping by putting this out into the World Wide Blog World I can make this an official declaration. I AM GOING TO TRY AND GET OFF THE LIQUID CRACK I HAVE BEEN ON FOR YEARS AKA: DIET COKE. Can I make that any more bold? This does mean however I would like to replace it with something else. Any suggestions people, and don't give me that whole "Water is so good for you" CRAP. I'm not a big water drinker. So HELP, give me some suggestions, preferably nothing with artificial sweeteners.

Back to our Pioneer Day Celebration:

We had a nice bike parade, potluck at the Bishops house, followed by a miniature golf course throughout the neighborhood where our house was one of the lucky stops...NOT! We got asked the night before at 9:30 pm so our Hole was pretty much GHETTO! It started out looking like a garage sale in our front yard. Oh well, we got a nice plate of goodies from the Activities Committee as a "Thank You"! No, Thank You! Then I believe there was a nice Fireworks display down the street which I chose to pass on...duh! SYTYCD was on T.V. tonight. Anyway, all in all it was a nice day.

Movie Review

2008-07-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

If you grew up on ABBA like me, love musicals, can handle some not so good singing, and are okay with being in a movie theater with ALL women and a few gay men you should TOTALLY go see this movie. I give it 2 thumbs up and would even go see it again, which I NEVER do. Thanks to Anna D. for coming along with me and making it a very memorable evening.

Flash Back Friday 1982 Style

2008-07-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to thank ALL of my Friends who commented on my last post. It really did me make feel sooooo much better to read all your comments and words of encouragement.

I love my brothers and sisters. They are some of my best friends ever!!! We grew up so close together and were always playing with each other. Being the oldest of 8 kids was such a blessing for me. I have so many fond memories growing up in a large family. I found this picture that was probably taken our first day of school 1982. My Mom always had a tradition of taking our picture on the 1st day of school. I started the same tradition with my kids. Hopefully they will be able to pull up those old pictures someday and have fond memories of there childhood too. These are some of the most amazing people I know. I love you guys!!

Pictured:

Me(5th grd.), Tim(4th grd.), Sherod(2nd grd.), Emily (1st grd.), Amanda (Kindergarten)

Amanda, I can't believe how much you look like Beccca in this picture.

Good times!

FRUSTRATION!

2008-07-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know how else to sum up how I have been feeling about life lately then a single word...FRUSTRATION! I really feel like I have had nothing to blog about yet I feel that this may be the perfect outlet for to me just vent all my frustrations out into the WWW. I am hoping that by doing this maybe I can release all that negative energy and turn over a new leaf (ya right that's a whole load of psycho babble crap.) Anyhow, I am going to unload some of my frustrations so here goes. If you don't want to be totally irritated with me, this would be the point you hit your go back button and check some happy person's blog.

I'm going to number them for my own personal benefit. Let's hope I don't have to go past 10.

1. I'm frustrated I can't keep my house clean. It doesn't help I have 5 of the laziest kids to clean up after. Like my Dad use to call us kids growing up "You're all just a bunch of LAZY BOUNDERS." How many more weeks till school starts??????????

2. I'm frustrated I can't get through THE HOST. I've had this book since summer started and no matter what I do every time I sit down to read it I get interrupted, I get lost in the story, or I can't keep my eye's open. I've actually just finished another book I started after THE HOST and had no problem reading it. What is it with this book I can't through it?

3. I'm so frustrated (notice I added "so") that I have been working my butt off running, swimming, lifting weights, and I still have this badonkadonk butt. Oh, I guess that's because I haven't been working my butt off. But it feels like I have. Thanks to my most awesome work out buddy ever we have really been trying to get into shape, yet I'm NOT seeing the results like I think I should. Give me reason to keep going.

4. Being the Ward Choir Director is SOOOOOOOOOO frustrating. I don't even know what more to say about this except for that you are at the mercy of those who are willing to volunteer there time to come. For those of you who have been coming and run across this comment...Thank You!

5. I'm frustrated I can't get organized enough to make a menu, or a shopping list to go to the grocery store at the beginning of the week and have all the meals planned for the week. Why is it that every day around 3 pm I say to myself "What are we going to have for dinner today." Then I proceed to raid the cabinets and freezer before deciding I need to run to the store. UUHHGG!

6. GAS PRICES!!!

7. On a personal note I'm frustrated that I don't feel like I'm being the best Mom or Wife that I can. I read this really good book this week, and though it was very thought provoking it made me realize I need to be working harder each day to be a better person. There's NOTHING I can do about the people around me so what I really need to be doing is working on myself. WOW. That's a little too heavy.

8. I'm frustrated that I can't get all my old customers to pay up and that means if I want to see any of that money that I am going to have to get ugly and take them to court. WHATEVER!

9. I still need to sell my old work van.

10. I can't list a #10. That would really make me look like an ungrateful brat. I will end with say this...I have even more things to be grateful for. I'm just having a moment here. Soon to be followed up by a really good scream, then a deep breath, and then I should be ready to move on and do my best...right?

Movie Review

2008-07-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

Trent took me to see Hancock tonight, and I loved it. I would recommend this movie, and that's a first for the blog. We both agreed it was a good Guy & Girl flick. It was action with a love story side to it. Take my word for it and go see it. Besides, does Will Smith make bad movies? He is the Fresh Prince of Bel Air after all.

*Thanks Babe for the night out, your the best!

Sunny & Cher

2008-06-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

Announcing a new addition to our family...her name is Cher (Chiuaua & Terrier Mix). For those of you who didn't already know we have had Sunny (American Bull Dog & Mastiff mix) for about a year now. She's been a good dog, and I'm NOT a dog lover. Hayden spent an extra week in Bakersfield with my parents, Thanks Mom & Dad.
He brought Cher home to us (he also named her.) For the most part I think she will be a good dog. Puppies are a lot of work.
How cute is this face. Tucker got a hair cut while we were in Cali. Here's a little before and after shot.

This was Tuckers 1st ever short hair cut. What do you think? We like it.

Sister Molly's Wedding

2008-06-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

As you all know I went to California the beginning of June to attend my baby sisters wedding. The wedding was in one of the most beautiful locations in California I have ever been, Big Sur. The actual wedding ceremony took place in this wooded area about 2miles off the coast. It was so green and pretty. As for the ceremony it was performed by my parents Bishop Hawley and he did a very nice job. Blythe was one of the flower girls and she loved every moment of it.
After the wedding we had a fabulous barbecue at the State park in Big Sur. This is where Molly's now husband grew up as a little boy. (His dad is a park ranger.) We had such a good time with my brothers and sisters who stayed in Monterey with us during the wedding. We spent some time at the beach and a really cool park. It was so much fun. I LOVE being with my brothers & sisters.
The reception was the next evening in my parents back yard, and it was "Liz Waite" style. (That's my Mom.) She and her crew of friends and hired help did a beautiful job on a most elaborate wedding reception. By brother Andy put together the most amazing "Love Story" video. Hopefully someday he will share it with me and I can post it on my blog.

I'm very happy for Molly & Scott and wish them both the best of luck. They seem to be a good fit for each other.

*Pictures provided by my most talented and amazing SIL Emily.

I Did It!

2008-06-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

What can I say...I did it! It was everything I expected it to be and more. My brother and sis-in law were so awesome. They had made me a T-Shirt that said "My Very First Race" with my name, date, and place of the race. There shirts said "Team Anna" and "Her Very First Race". It was a hot day out in the Bakersfield bluffs. There were about 75-100 runners. The first 1/2 mile was up and down some foothills and the the next mile was STRAIGHT UP HILL. I really didn't think I was going to be able to do it, although we run hills here a lot, but not for a straight mile. Then the course turned around for the second half. They even had a water station at the top of the hill. How cool is that? I never get water handed to me when I run at home. I have to say it was a little frustrating when I would finally pass a walker and then they would run up and pass me. I'm a little embarrassed to publicly announce my time but I will say I ran the ENTIRE thing and I did finish. My sister Emily was there the whole time cheering me on and Molly & Scott showed up for my run across the finish line. I still have a ways to go but I am proud of my accomplishments and where I have come from. I feel like I am in the best shape of my life. Now if I can just stay motivated. A big thank you to Sherod and Emily for organizing that highlight of my trip to Bakersfield. They made my T-Shirt, paid for the race and then took me out to dinner afterwards. Love ya guys!

Side note: There were insane guys who finished that race in around 13 +/- min.

See Ya In 2 Weeks

2008-05-30T23:08:00.000-07:00

I'm going back to Cali...again! My little Sis' is getting hitched and me and the kids are headed back to B-Town for 2 weeks. Looking forward to some warm weather, family, my race, the wedding & staying up late! I'm sure I will have plenty to blog about when I get back. Till then...enjoy the start of your summer!

My Journey to my 1st 5K

2008-05-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

I am dedicating this post to 3 very special people who I hope
won't hate me for putting there pictures up on my blog.
I'll start with my brother Sherod who started running a few years back and got the dialog started. I kept telling him there was NO way I could ever run. I was convinced that I would never have the stamina. strength, or determination to even run to the mailbox and back. I had NEVER run, even a 1/4 mile, in my life and truly felt that it was just an unattainable goal to set for myself. About a year ago my younger and more beautiful sister Amanda ran her first marathon. I was just so impressed and amazed at what she was able to do. It got me thinking just a little bit about running. It wasn't until I couldn't fit into my clothes and I started to realize what a lazy bum I was when it came to exercising that I really started to consider trying to run...a little. My good friend Anna D. in the ward had talked to me in the past about this Couch to 5K
program she had done. She FINALLY convinced me to give it a try. At the end of February we started. At first I thought there was NO way I was going to be able to do it. It only started out with 60 sec. runs. but I was dying. Each week we bumped it up. When I ran my first mile I was so proud of myself. It was such an amazing accomplishment. 2 weeks ago I ran my very 1st 3 miles without stopping. I can't remember the last time I was so proud of myself. I have to truly thank and give credit to those 3 people Sherod, Amanda, & Anna D. for giving me the encouragement and support I needed to make it. I have the best running partner ever and because of her I love to run. In a week I am going to be running in my very first 5k race in California with my brother and his wife. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. This has been the first time I have ever done something that I truly felt was not possible. Stay tune for my report on the race.

Disclaimer: Anna D.'s picture doesn't do her any justice. She looks so much better now since she has been dieting and running with yours truly.

Happy 11th B-Day Hayden

2008-05-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hayden's 1st B-Day

Today Hayden is 11 years old. I know it's such a cliche, but I can't believe how fast time has gone. Hayden was my smallest baby weighing in at 5lbs. 11oz. and to this day he's just a little guy, but he has a huge heart. He has always been so much fun to be around. From the day he started talking he hasn't stopped. When we were having Micah tested for his speech problems at 2, they told us one of the reasons Micah never talked was because he had an older brother to do all the talking for him, and they were right. Hayden has always had a ton of friends and been the life of the party. He's a great student and amazing athlete, and is one of my best helpers at home. He's outgoing and not afraid to try anything. He is sweet and eager to please. Even though his Dad and I give him a hard time and question his judgement often, he has never given us any reason to be seriously disappointed in him.
We love Hayden so much and am so grateful you are a part of our family. Happy Birthday Hayden. I love you.

Before Hayden cut his own hair.
After Hayden cut his own hair. (None of the other kids have ever done that before.)

Hayden has always excelled in ever sport he participates in Football, Wrestling, or Baseball.

Blythe Ward Talent Show

2008-05-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

This video is from our Ward talent Show a couple of weeks ago. I'm sad this video didn't turn out all the way. I had to skip the first part but at least you will get an idea of how she did. I thought she was so cute and she really worked hard on this. She's a girl after my own heart.

Tag, Tag, Tag...

2008-05-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

Since I have been out of the blogging world for so long I have some tags to get caught up on. Normally I would just ignore them but because they are from such cool people and I feel so honored to have been tagged by them I am going to go for it. This is a combination of 3 tags (Thanks Lyndee, Jen, & Anna D.)

5 Random Facts:

1. I loved Michael Jackson back when he was still black...LOVED!!! I had his records (yes that's whet they where called back then), posters, magazine pages, buttons, and a Michael Jackson Doll, with the silver glove and all. I still have it and am hoping to sell it on ebay someday for a lot of money.

2. I'm not a morning person. But this is the thing...I really wish I was. I know Trent would appreciate if I was. I'm working on it.

3. I named all 5 of our kids. Trent did give Blythe & Tucker their middle names, Colleen & Levi. He had it his way all 4 boys would have been named Teancum. You see where I was coming from now?

4. I love Guns N' Roses. I know not so good huh? I can't help it. I even went to the Guns N' Roses/Metallica concert at the Rose Bowl in 1992. I know now that a lot of their music is inappropriate for my young children but boy does it make good running music on my ipod.

5. I minored in Political Science in college. I love politics and LOVE talk radio. These days it seems to be the only way I feel like I am staying in tune with what's really going on in the world. Boy are we in for some trouble.

10 years ago...

We were living in Bakersfield, CA in our new home. Trent was working up at Camp Ownes in Kernville and I was teaching school for the Norris School District. Brigg was 3 1/2, Hayden was almost 1 yr.

Something on my to do list...

As always CLEAN HOUSE!!!

If I were a billionaire...

I'll let you next week when I become one.

Bad Habit...

PROCRASTINATION!

Places I've Lived...

Bakersfield, CA Wasco, CA Visalia, CA Mesa, AZ Provo, UT

Job's I've Had...

Ice Cream Scooper, Teacher, Substitute Teacher, AutoQual & THE WORST JOB EVER FiltaFry

If you made it to the end by reading this entire post you are a good friend. So to thank you I'm not going to tag you or anyone for that matter.

I'm Back...Best Weekend Ever!

2008-05-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

I have to apologize to ALL my loyal friends and family who have been patiently waiting for me to start blogging again (MEMZY.) I can only imagine how sick you are of seeing our family pic of the Grand Canyon. The past couple of weeks have been CRAZY and I wish to not revisit those days again. I have definitely learned some hard life lessons and can only hope that we will be able to recover from our mistakes. Enough said...now on to my fabulous weekend.

My awesome SIL Cheryl felt bad for me and wanted to cheer me up so she bought us Lakers vs. Jazz playoff tickets for Friday. To top that off THE David Archuleta was singing the Star Spangled Banner. He was awesome. We had so much fun razzing the Jazz fans by rooting for the Lakers (what good that did, they lost.)

Saturday I ran my first 3 miles without stopping. I was so proud of myself. I also went out and bought my Mother's Day gift. I never knew you could spend $130 for running shoes. They better make me run a lot better. In fact, they better run for me. I tried them out today and I think they are going to be great. My goal is to be able to run a 5k in about weeks in Bakersfield when we go back for my Lil' Sis' Wedding.

Later that night Trent took me to a wonderful Italian dinner.

Sunday was the best Mother's Day I have ever had. Hayden made me breakfast in bed (Cookie Crisp Cereal & Toast.) Church was nice. I got a nap. Brigg made cookies. The kids where all great & Trent was very nice. I have so many things to be grateful for, for starters being a Mom and now being able to stay home with my kids.

Part 2 Grand Canyon

2008-04-23T19:54:00.001-07:00

Thursday morning we woke up early and headed out from Zion to Grand Canyon. Driving up on the Grand Canyon was very cool. What a site! The first day we just set up camp and took a shuttle out to one of the points for a sunset view. Friday the Matsons showed up around lunchtime and the PAR-TAY began. Watching the kids with their cousins was so much fun. It was a perfect ending to our most fabulous vacation. On Saturday, Trent, Rob and the 4 older boys took a hike down the Canyon and left Emily and I at camp with 6 kids. You do the math. We did have a couple of nice drives into the near by town 10 min. away (trying to kill some time.) We did have a air mattress malfunction that I fixed on my own, after having 2 very uncomfortable nights. The food the entire week was great. The weather was a little unseasonably cold but still better than it was at home. We brought plenty of dirt home and it took me 2 days to get through all the laundry and unpacking. Thanks again to the Matson's for meeting up with us. I have to rate this vacation a big fat 10. You can't beat camping when it comes to spending quality time with the fam.

*If you look at the first 2 pictures I posted you will notice they are Before & After pictures of Tucker picking his nose and then inspecting it.

Best Vacation Ever

2008-04-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

I'm going to do this post it 2 parts, because it won't let me upload all my pictures.

DAY 1 : We woke up at 3 am Monday morning and headed for Bryce Canyon. Trent wanted to get there early since we were only spending 1 day there. We got very lucky and got an awesome camp site with a really cool hike overlooking the Canyon behind our campsite. We went on a really nice hike, "Navajo Loop" that took us down into the canyon. It was a little muddy in spots and the kids all managed to be covered in red mud when we got back to camp. The kids loved doing the Jr. Ranger program and getting there badges. Trent also started his nightly story telling tradition. We saw lots of beautiful blue birds. The weather was a little chilly but we had a great time. I have to say that Bryce was my favorite of the canyons to look at and explore. I definitely want to go back some day. (Pictures 1-4)

Day 2 & 3: We left for Zion around 8am on Tuesday. It was a really pretty drive up to the Canyon. You go through a really cool tunnel and the view was really nice. We had another nice campsite near the Visitor Center and shuttle bus stop. After setting up camp we took the shuttle for a ride and took a couple of nice hikes. One was the "Weeping Rock/Hanging Garden". It was so cool to see water coming out of this random rock with green plant life hanging around it. Then we went up to the last stop the shuttle makes and took a nice hike up to the river where we met up with crazy squirrels that were very friendly to say the least. There were signs everywhere saying "Do Not Feed The Wildlife Fine $100". That did NOT stop Trent. I had this horrible feeling we were going to get back to the shuttle and there were going to be Park Rangers waiting for Trent with handcuffs. The next day I woke up with a horrible headache. Trent took the 3 older boys up to "Angle's Landing" for a 5 mile 1200ft incline hike. They had a great time and I took the 2 younger ones into the little town for some lunch and sight seeing. The next day week woke up early, packed up and headed for the "Grand Canyon".

Updates

2008-04-13T22:08:00.001-07:00

Just a few updates I know you have all been wondering about.

Blythe got fitted for her NEW thumb sucking appliance this week. (Also referred to as a "Habit Reminder" I've come to learn.) Yes, you heard right. Even with the torture device in she still continues to suck her thumb. The orthodontist we took her to said that the appliance she has in is much more mild then what he is going to put in. Boy are we going to be in for a treat. Blythe is one stubborn child who obviously has a very addictive personality. We shall see. Stay tuned for that melodrama. Pictures and all.

Tucker got his Hermit Crab. Yay for Tucker. Not so good for man handled "Guitar Hero" (that's what he named the poor thing.) And if your wondering...he didn't come with "erections" (refer to previous post) so we shall see how long Mr. Guitar Hero stays around.

The big boys finally rapped up their Wrestling Season, and boy was it a knock-out drag-out. I am very proud of both of them. State was a hard tournament for them and I think all around it was a character building experience. Hayden took 4th and Brigg took 7th (out of 21). Way to go boys!

BLOG ALERT!!!!!

We are off to the Grand Canyon and other such Canyons. Pictures and stories will follow in a week.

Kids Say The Darndest Things

2008-04-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

Warning: May contain sexual content.

True Story. Tucker is obsessed with pets. It could be ants, rolly pollies, fish, or tonight it was hermit crabs. He lost his pet caterpillar today and was asking me tonight if he could get a new pet caterpillar. I was watching my ever important reality T.V. and didn't want to be bothered so I said "Yes". Then he asked "Can I have a hermit crab?" Again, I said "Yes". After much excitement and informing all the kids he was getting a hermit crab he climbed back up on my lap and asked, "Do pets come with erections?" Of course I paused my ever so important reality T.V. at this time, and asked him "What did you say?" He repeated himself again, "Do pets come with erections?" By this time Brigg's ears perked up in the next room. Without bursting out in laughter I asked Tucker "What are erections?" He said, "You know, those papers that come with your pet and tell you what to do." We were worried that when we named him "Tucker" he was going to have problems with his T's. Little did we know it was going to be his D's.

Who Would You Vote For?

2008-04-05T19:05:00.001-07:00

I love this picture Trent's Grandpa sent me because it pretty much sums up how I have been feeling about this years Presidential Candidates. What's your vote...Larry, Moe or Curly?

Believe It Or Not!

2008-04-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

My entire life I have never been able to run. I hated even the thought of having to run for any reason. When I was in school and we had to "Run" the mile for our yearly physical fitness test I would always try and run the first lap and then after failing that I would just walk the rest of the way. I also always thought that I wasn't even physically capable of running. Then I turned 35 and certain parts of my body started heading south. I also couldn't fit in most of my clothes even though I hadn't really gained weight. I had a couple of siblings (you know who you are) who made me feel that if I just gave running a try I could do it and might even enjoy doing it. Then finally I had a friend ( you know who you are) who convinced me I could do it and she would even do it with me. So about 4 weeks ago we started this great training program . I can't say that I love running but I do love the sense of accomplishment I feel after I have ran. I never thought I would be able to run more than 60 sec. and now I am doing much more than that. Thanks to all my inspirations and to my awesome running partner. I am proof that anyone can do it. Sherod you can wet yourself now!

FHV "My Very Own American Idol"

2008-03-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

"Tuckman" is what we call him. He's a natural born B-Boxer. He decided on this particular video shoot to give you a more well rounded view of all his musical talents. Enjoy!

Only In Utah

2008-03-30T18:40:00.001-07:00

This is an actual ad I cut out of our local paper. I couldn't help but laugh out loud and say to myself "Only In Utah." How rude can I be? I'm sure this Mindy Morgan was so happy that somebody found her scriptures, and what about Jean? A kind hearted person who took there time to run this ad in the paper.

On a side note, this is what we woke up to this morning. I so didn't want to go to church today and then this. I bucked it up and went anyway, but boy can I just say for the zillionth time..."I'm so freakin' sick of this weather."

Where On Earth Have I Been?

2008-03-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

I know you have all been thinking I have just dropped off the blog world...right? At least I have felt that way. My life has been so crazy lately. Running kids around to there various activities, running 2 business, actually running with this cool person, running to Idaho to see this sis, and a ton of other things that have been consuming all my time. I am hoping things will start to settle down a little...or not. I actually thrive off of this type of lifestyle, right? I do have some updates that will have to wait. Until later, y'all keep blogging away!

Gratitude

2008-03-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

This week we have had some sad news in our family and it got me thinking again about all the things I should be grateful for. I have been meaning to do this for awhile. It is so easy for me to dwell on all the things that are going wrong in my life instead of all the blessings I have. So hear goes in no particular order...
My wonderful husband who works so hard each and every day to provide for me and our family. I have NEVER had to worry about him not having the motivation to take care of us financially.
My 5 healthy, beautiful, and smart kids. We have never had a kid in the hospital, stitches, or a broken bone.(Knock on wood.)
A beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood.
The truthfulness of the Gospel.
Living in the greatest country in the world and enjoying all of its FREEDOMS!
Brothers and Sisters who I consider my BFF's. I like all their spouses a lot too.
There are countless things I am grateful for. Just having the opportunity to spell them out makes me GRATEFUL.

A 1st & A Last

2008-03-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Last night our great friends & neighbors called us at about 8 pm asking if Trent & I wanted to go get sushi with them. At first this sounded totally spontaneous and something I had never done before. After a REALLY bad week I was totally up to it. We ordered 3 different kinds of sushi : Las Vegas Roll, Mars, & Rainbow. Those 3 names alone should have been my first clue that I wasn't going to like it, but I had to try...and I did. Trent forced me to take a taste of the wusabi which just about blew me away. If you have never tried that stuff...stay away. To say the least I did not enjoy my sushi experience. I don't think I could ever talk myself into trying it again. I do have to say that the company was awesome and I have really been enjoying hanging out with our new best friends.

FYI

2008-03-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

My kids all nagged me to death until I set them up with their own blogs. Now I know what you are thinking...WHY? And I apologize in advance to any of you(mostly relatives) who may get strange comments on your blogs from time to time. A couple of good things may or may not come of this. 1. They will get bored of the whole thing and move on soon. 2. I will get to read the deep thoughts of my 4 older children. Who knows, maybe we will start something. In the meantime I hope this doesn't ruin any ones blogging mojo.